Chapter 665: Chapter 379, Senior Central Government Official_2
After arriving at Wuji Star, he took advantage of the time when the Sun Lord’s reputation was still intact and the speculation about his death hadn’t yet spread widely. With a bit of bluffing, he pulled in some connections and successfully reached out to Holy Terra.
In the process, he incidentally helped Gu Hang sort out the ‘Alliance’s’ legal procedures.
Afterwards, having sorted his connections clearly and put some chips on the table, as well as securing some political assurances, he left Wuji Star and the Eastern Cosmos Domain for Holy Terra.
What were the chips he offered?
There were two things:
The first was the political legacy that Suo He Kaim had left behind in Holy Terra and throughout the entire Central Empire.
…
In his lifetime, the Sun Lord could be considered the supreme ruler of the entire Empire. Apart from the most conspicuous forty-six War Apostles, he certainly had other confidantes, scattered throughout various central departments of Holy Terra and governments in the Cosmos Domains and Star Domains of the entire Empire.
Because of his unique duties, Galaraldo knew these people better than anyone else. This list and his understanding of these individuals, with whom he had even cooperated on many occasions… The considerable time Galaraldo spent on Wuji Star was strategizing to win these people over.
He meticulously brought those among them he was familiar with and valued under his command, establishing a tighter connection.
Of course, he couldn’t subdue everyone, and even the supporters he could rally were at most just the tip of the iceberg among the Sun Lord’s supporters. Otherwise, if he could make all these people obey him, he, at the very least, could aim for a seat on the Supreme Council.
Those he couldn’t subdue still shouldn’t be wasted; he would sell the complete list to the Central Government.
Indeed, he sold the list and his understanding of these individuals for a good price.
The second was his colleagues on Solaria.
He understood the other War Apostles very well: precisely what each of them thought, who could be persuaded, who was compelled by circumstances, and who was a true ambitious schemer. Moreover, his relationships with many of them were quite good; after all, during the Sun Expedition, as the one profiting from the campaign, he was naturally welcomed by his peers.
Understanding and even good relations meant his presence offered Holy Terra a means to divide and address the chaotic situation on Solaria after the death of the Sun Lord.
Frankly speaking, he had already convinced one of the War Apostles, a marshal, to return with his troops to the Empire — of course, that was also the marshal’s original intention.
These two assets highlighted Galaraldo’s extraordinary role. Once he clearly showed a willingness to cooperate and leveraged his connections, hugging the right thighs, not only was his life secured, but he also rose rapidly.
At this stage, he even managed to secure for Gu Hang the rank of Imperial Lieutenant General along with the Glorious Medal of Honor as a perk.
“Originally, I wanted to secure for you the rank of General and the Holy Medal, but unfortunately, I couldn’t manage it. Securing the rank of Lieutenant General and the Glorious Medal was the best I could do. The affairs of Dragonhawk Star Domain are simply too far from Holy Terra, and many officials here have never even heard of Rage Owl Star, Korolya, or the Tianma Star Sector,”
“But don’t worry. I’ve been working hard here in Holy Terra to promote your achievements. A Battle Group redeemed under the governance of Mr. Gu; savior of forty billion people; a distinguished and pragmatic politician; a wise ruler… I’ve approached some newspapers and radio stations, spent quite a bit of money to publicize your reputation; they are also adapting some of your acts, like crushing the Cult and saving the world, into new operas to be premiered soon.”
“To be honest, making these happen has not been easy. The people of Terra have heard hero tales from all over the universe, and every hero wants to make a name for themselves here after their deeds. To secure a spot for you in the media and scheduling for the theater, I’ve had to push aside several so-called heroes’ stories.”
“I’ve also asked the most talented playwrights to adapt your deeds with some reasonable dramatization. Please understand, to touch hearts in a place like Terra, we need some twists and turns, incredible stories, and of course, a pinch of romantic elements to act as seasoning and sensory stimulation.”
“Once your fame rises, I can then use these to secure higher military ranks and medals for you, and then we can aim for real benefits. What is it that you want? The head of the Dragonhawk Star Domain? Or maybe the Chairman of the Eastern Cosmos Domain? Or perhaps advancing further in the Star Realm Army to become a marshal? Or making progress within the Psychic Cultivator’s Association? Choose your path, and I will help you strive ahead on that road. I look forward to reuniting with you in Holy Terra in a few decades, and then, we shall advance together!”
…
After ending the communication with Galaraldo, Gu Hang sat stupefied in his own chair.
This guy was indeed very capable.
Not everyone could find a way out on the road of desperation.
Galaraldo’s response was quick, his decision-making firm, and his action powerful. Retracing the outcome to the process, his ability to not just save his own life but also find his opportunity for advancement in such a situation was certainly a display of capability.
And the fact this guy was so friendly towards him was within expectations.
Originally, he had meddled with Galaraldo’s soul. Leveraging the ‘favor of saving his life’ and the suggestions implanted in his soul, he made Galaraldo see him as his closest friend.
But Gu Hang was also aware that doing so was very risky. Galaraldo’s identity meant he would continuously, time and again, undergo relevant spiritual energy checks to ensure his psyche had not been contaminated. For this reason, when manipulating Galaraldo’s thoughts, Gu Hang had been very, very cautious, and his actions very, very slight.
He dared not alter any of his memories, personality, or cognition. All he could do was plant a seed and let it take root and sprout on its own. The seed dissipated after a short while, leaving behind thoughts that could be considered to have grown from Galaraldo’s soul itself.
Even so, upon hearing that Galaraldo had gone to Holy Terra, Gu Hang was still a bit worried. He feared that in the heart of the Central Empire, talented individuals emerged in droves, and now that Galaraldo was in a high position, he would be subjected to continuous autonomous or obligatory checks. It would be quite normal if someone discovered something slightly amiss in Galaraldo’s soul.
The reason Gu Hang made this call was partly to probe and see.
However, as things stood, Galaraldo was still stable. The psychics of Holy Terra had not detected anything unusual.
Galaraldo still considered him a brother in all but blood.
It’s just… a bit too enthusiastic.
Publicizing my deeds in newspapers, on the radio, and even scripting dramas to play out love and hate, they have to ‘creatively’ adapt it to enhance the impact, adding twists and intrigue…
Gu Hang covered his face, deeply concerned about his reputation.
He hadn’t created some bizarre spectacle, had he?
Gu Hang sighed deeply.
Forget it,
after all, far away on Holy Terra, even making a phone call was such a hassle, he could not intervene in anything.
He just hoped that Galaraldo would be reliable.
He quickly reminded himself to stop thinking about such things and to shift his focus to the present.
Representatives from the Star Domain and Cosmos Domain had not yet left, but Rage Owl Star was about to welcome a second wave of guests.
They were not exactly coming from afar; they were a work group from the Star Sector Government departing from Flying Wing Star, tasked with determining the tax assessments for Rage Owl Star, and indeed the entire alliance, for the next ten years.