78: Chapter 78 The name of Chen Fan! Spread throughout more than a dozen surrounding star regions!

The smoke of war at the borders of the Dead Zone had completely dissipated, and the starry sky returned to tranquility.

After several consecutive days of cleaning, repairs, re-equipping, and upgrades, the Dawn Star Sector had taken on a brand-new look.

The Dead Zone, once chaotic, disorderly, and rampant with pirates, was now heavily fortified, filled with warships, dotted with mining planets, and orderly, everywhere exuding the vigorous atmosphere of a rising new power.

Inside the bridge of the Flagship, the lights burned bright.

Emperor Chen Fan stood before the main observation window with his hands behind his back, his deep gaze fixed on the infinite starry sky, as if he were surveying the entire interstellar landscape.

Commander Lei Meng, Commander Ling Ye, Old Hu, Commander Su Qingyue, Aila, and Commander Ling Shuang, the six great commanders, stood on both sides with solemn expressions and steady auras.

The Federation's main force had been completely annihilated, Commander Augustus had been blasted to death by a single shot, seventy-six warships had been captured, massive resources had been acquired, the Federation's highest technology had been reverse-engineered, and the Dawn Legion had achieved a comprehensive leapfrog development... This series of earth-shattering battle results was no longer a secret.

At this moment, what was truly sweeping across the entire interstellar space was not the artillery fire, but—the name of Emperor Chen Fan.

"Commander."

Commander Su Qingyue stepped forward first, her fingertips lightly swiping across the holographic screen, and a giant star map spanning over a dozen star sectors suddenly unfolded.

On the star map, dense yellow light dots were frantically flashing, jumping, and spreading; each light dot represented an information dissemination node.

"According to real-time monitoring by the Research Center's all-domain space radar, as well as summaries from interstellar public communication channels, black market intelligence networks, and neutral city-state telegraph systems," Commander Su Qingyue pushed up her glasses, her voice carrying a trace of undisguisable tremor, "news about you, about the Dawn Legion, and about the decisive battle in the Dead Zone has completely exploded throughout the seventeen surrounding star sectors in the past three days!"

"The speed of information dissemination far exceeds expectations."

Emperor Chen Fan nodded slightly, his tone calm: "Read it."

"Yes."

Commander Su Qingyue's gaze fell on the data stream, and she read clearly:

"The First Star Sector—The Federation Border Star Sector: The remaining Federation garrison has completely blocked the news, but the interior is in chaos. All officers, soldiers, and family members are spreading the word wildly—the main force of the Federation's First Fleet was completely annihilated by a mysterious commander named Emperor Chen Fan, who led an emerging legion. The high command is furious but dares not speak out, and can only urgently mobilize the border's Second Fleet to deploy defenses."

"The Second and Third Star Sectors—Black Shark Star Sector, Shattered Star Sector: Two major veteran pirate groups have publicly announced that they permanently forbid any members from stepping into the Dawn Star Sector, listing you as an 'untouchable interstellar taboo.' All pirate groups have retreated from the border, not daring to get even a fraction closer."

"The Fourth and Fifth Star Sectors—Free City-State Alliance, Neutral Trade Star Sector: All interstellar merchants, mercenary groups, and wandering forces have listed the Dawn Star Sector as a highest-security route, publicly declaring it 'The Land of Dawn, The Land of Order.' Countless merchant fleets are already tentatively applying for passage permits."

"The Sixth to Thirteenth Star Sectors—Eight Exile Star Sectors: The news exploded like thunder. All exiles, defected generals, and grassroots forces who have been oppressed, expelled, and persecuted by the Federation are frantically inquiring about news of the Dawn Legion."

"The Fourteenth to Seventeenth Star Sectors—Four Technology Frontier Star Sectors: A large number of independent scientists, engineers, and technical teams have all turned their attention to the Dawn Star Sector, focusing on our technological breakthroughs."

As Commander Su Qingyue finished speaking, the bridge fell into silence.

In just a few short days, the name of Emperor Chen Fan spread from one planet to another, exploding from one star sector to another, like a prairie fire sweeping across seventeen star sectors!

Commander Lei Meng listened, his blood boiling. His burly body shook as he strode out, his voice booming like a great bell:

"Commander! What a way to strike terror into seventeen star sectors! I, Commander Lei Meng, said that the Main Fleet would deploy in full force to frontally blockade all routes, space stations, and strongholds in the Dead Zone, cutting off the enemy's retreat and implementing comprehensive suppression! Now, we don't even need to act; your name alone has already scared all the surrounding enemies so much that they dare not lift their heads!"

Commander Ling Ye's cold eyes brightened slightly. His ink-colored figure stood quietly to the side, his voice cool but sharp:

"The Shadow Fleet's stealth infiltration, performing decapitation strikes, destroying command, and opening doors to break points has always been our army's trump card. Now that the name of Emperor Chen Fan has spread throughout the interstellar space, any enemy will already have their morale in chaos upon hearing the four words 'Dawn Legion.' When we strike again, it will be like splitting bamboo."

Old Hu slammed his fist heavily into his palm, resonant and powerful, his spirit soaring to the heavens:

"The Ground Legion is responsible for planetary landings, ground clearing, reclaiming mining planets, and permanent occupation—every inch of land is an inch of Dawn! Now, the entire interstellar space knows that the Dawn Star Sector is our territory. Whoever dares to snatch it, ask my, Old Hu's, fists first!"

Aila bowed slightly, the gentle voice unique to the Grey Race steady and reliable:

"The Grey Race is responsible for resource inventory, mineral vein preservation, and logistical support, ensuring that we can win when we fight, and hold what we win. Now that our reputation is established, subsequent resource circulation, talent acquisition, and star sector cooperation will all become natural and easy."

Commander Ling Shuang was clad in silver-white mecha, her posture as straight as a spear, the aura of the Mecha Legion commander restrained yet sharp:

"The Mecha Legion is on standby. The name of Emperor Chen Fan is the might of Dawn. Whoever dares to provoke us, we shall crush them."

The six great commanders were imposing, united as one.

Emperor Chen Fan turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and he spoke faintly:

"Reputation is just a superficial thing."

"But the changes in the landscape brought about by reputation are real."

"The Federation cannot suppress the news, pirates dare not invade, neutral forces are drawing closer, and exiles see hope... This is the true strategic opportunity for Dawn."

He raised a hand and pointed at the star map:

"Commander Su Qingyue, continue to monitor public opinion across the entire star sector. Absolute information superiority on the battlefield is used not only for war but also for controlling the landscape."

"Understood." Commander Su Qingyue responded immediately, "The Research Center has established the 'Dawn Intelligence Network,' monitoring all communications, telegraphs, and intelligence trades across the seventeen star sectors around the clock. Any conspiracies, movements, or troop deployments against us cannot escape our eyes."

...

Meanwhile, the seventeen star sectors of the interstellar space were already completely boiling over.

At the Federation border, at a certain military base, several high-ranking officers gathered around an encrypted screen, their faces pale.

"Is it really... really all over? Commander Augustus, one hundred and twenty main warships... are they all gone?"

"Wiped out in one pot in the Dead Zone by an unknown nobody named Emperor Chen Fan?"

"If this news gets back to the Federation homeland, all of us will be held accountable!"

"Blockade! We must block it completely! But... it can no longer be blocked!"

Some were desperate, some were fearful, and some could not sleep through the night. The ten-thousand-year dignity of the Federation had been broken by Emperor Chen Fan in a single day.

Black Shark Star Sector, the pirates' lair. The Black Shark Pirate King sat on a throne of bones, watching the trembling intelligence officer before him, and slapped the armrest, shattering it:

"Say that again? Who wiped out the Federation's main force?"

"Emperor Chen Fan? The Dawn Legion?"

"A broken place like the Dead Zone can produce such a monster?!"

"Pass the order down! All fleets, stay one hundred thousand kilometers away from the Dawn Star Sector! Whoever dares to get close, throw them directly to feed the interstellar giant beasts!"

The once arrogant and domineering Pirate King, who had rampaged across the star sectors, now felt only dread and fear upon hearing the two words "Emperor Chen Fan."

Free City-State, Central Plaza. A huge electronic billboard was repeatedly scrolling a line of text:

[Breaking News: The emerging power in the Dead Zone, the Dawn Legion, has completely annihilated the Federation's First Main Fleet! Commander Emperor Chen Fan blasted the Federation's commander-in-chief to death with a single shot!]

The plaza was packed with people, and the whole city was shaken.

"Emperor Chen Fan! Someone actually managed to defeat the Federation head-on!"

"The Dead Zone is now called the Dawn Star Sector! I heard the order is excellent, mining planets are everywhere, and warships are as numerous as clouds!"

"That is a place that can truly protect ordinary people! Unlike the Federation, which only knows how to exploit!"

"I want to go to the Dawn Star Sector! I want to defect to the Dawn Legion!"

Countless grassroots people, ordinary citizens, wanderers, miners, and mercenaries saw hope reignite in their eyes. In this interstellar era where the Federation was corrupt, pirates were rampant, and the strong bullied the weak, the rise of Emperor Chen Fan and the Dawn Legion was like a true light of dawn, piercing through the darkness.

Technology Star Sector, a secret laboratory. A group of white-haired scientists trembled all over as they looked at the battlefield data and warship wreckage analysis reports bought from the black market.

"Space technology... has actually merged with Federation technology?"

"This analytical capability, this cross-generational upgrade... it's too terrifying!"

"The mastermind behind Commander Su Qingyue is Emperor Chen Fan?"

"The Federation is rotten to the core and doesn't value us researchers at all. The Dawn Star Sector is the place to truly conduct scientific research!"

"Pack your things, go to Dawn! Defect to Emperor Chen Fan!"

Defected generals, veterans, officers squeezed out by the Federation, soldiers who couldn't survive under pirate oppression... Scientists, engineers, technicians, abandoned research teams... Homeless exiles, refugees who lost their planets, ordinary people craving order and security... In the entire seventeen star sectors, in the hearts of countless people, only one thought remained: Go to the Dawn Star Sector! Defect to Emperor Chen Fan! Join the Dawn Legion!

Dawn Star Sector border, Space Station No. 7. The Dawn Fleet soldiers responsible for guarding it stared at the radar screen, dumbfounded.

Within just one short day, hundreds of small spacecraft, transport ships, exile arks, and private research ships surged in from all directions, densely packing the border routes.

Every spacecraft was broadcasting a unified signal: [Seeking an audience with Dawn Legion Commander Emperor Chen Fan!] [Requesting to join Dawn!] [Requesting asylum!] [Requesting to pledge allegiance!]

The soldiers reported immediately, and the news flew layer by layer back to the bridge of the Flagship.

"Report, Commander! Emergency situation at the border route!" The messenger's voice was urgent, "A large number of foreign ships are swarming in. The number has already exceeded three hundred and is still increasing!"

Commander Lei Meng was stunned, then burst into laughter: "Hahahaha! They must have come for your reputation! Commander's fame is too overwhelming; it can't be stopped!"

Commander Ling Ye said calmly: "Their origins are complex; we need to screen them carefully."

Old Hu patted his chest: "What's there to fear! If they are talent, we take them! If they are enemies, we fight! The Ground Legion can take over the screening at any time!"

Aila said softly: "The Grey Race can be responsible for settlement, registration, and material distribution."

Commander Ling Shuang said: "The Mecha Legion can maintain order and ensure safety."

Commander Su Qingyue immediately pulled up the real-time border footage. As the screen lit up, everyone saw the scene outside—in the starry sky, dense spacecraft stretched on endlessly, with no end in sight.

There were dilapidated exile arks crowded with ragged but resolute-looking refugees; there were small warships with military paint, standing with stern-faced defected generals and veterans wearing old ranks; there were research ships loaded with precision instruments, where the excited faces of white-haired scientists could be seen by the portholes; and there were ordinary citizens, miners, technicians, and mercenaries with their families in tow...

They came from every corner of the seventeen star sectors. They had been oppressed by the Federation, bullied by pirates, abandoned by the era, and swallowed by despair. Until the name of Emperor Chen Fan lit up the starry sky. They carried their last hope, crossed the long starry sky, and came here. Just to defect to one person—Emperor Chen Fan. Just to join one legion—Dawn.

Inside the bridge of the Flagship, there was silence. Everyone looked at that vast, endless torrent of defectors, and their hearts were shocked to the extreme. This was not war, not plunder, not suppression. This was—the will of the people!

Emperor Chen Fan watched the screen quietly, and in his deep eyes, a trace of imperceptible ripple finally emerged.

He spoke softly, his voice calm, but carrying a bearing sufficient to contain the entire starry sky: "I know."

"Commander Lei Meng." "Here!" "The Main Fleet will maintain the blockade of the routes and keep alert, but do not fire, and do not drive them away." "Yes!"

"Commander Ling Ye." "Here." "The Shadow Fleet will conduct stealth monitoring, screen for dangerous individuals, and ensure absolute border security." "Yes!"

"Old Hu." "Here!" "The Ground Legion will prepare to land at the settlement points, clear the ground, delineate areas, and ensure safety. Every inch of land is an inch of Dawn; since they have come, Dawn will give them a place to stand." "Yes!"

"Commander Su Qingyue." "Here." "Open full-band welcome communications, cover the entire region with battlefield scanning, provide information, medical, and navigation support, and stabilize the people's hearts." "Yes!"

"Aila." "Here." "Activate logistical reserves, distribute food, energy, and medical supplies, and register population, identities, and skills. Ensure that those who come can be settled, and those who stay can be stable." "Yes!"

"Commander Ling Shuang." "Here." "The Mecha Legion will patrol the airspace, maintain order, and deter any scoundrels." "Yes!"

The six great commanders all accepted their orders.

Emperor Chen Fan's gaze turned again to that torrent of defectors from the seventeen star sectors, and his voice slowly spread across all channels: "Pass the order to the entire army of the Dawn Star Sector."

"From today on, the Dawn Legion opens its doors."

"Exiles, given asylum."

"Defected generals and veterans, given a battlefield."

"Scientists and technicians, given laboratories."

"Those who are willing to serve Dawn shall all have a place to stand."

As his voice fell, in the starry sky at the border, countless spacecraft erupted in earth-shattering cheers. Countless people were in tears, kneeling deeply toward the direction of the Dawn Star Sector.

"Lord Emperor Chen Fan!" "Dawn Legion!" "We are saved!!"

The sound crossed the starry sky and resounded through the star sectors. The name of Emperor Chen Fan not only spread across the seventeen star sectors but also triggered a wave of defection—sweeping across the entire interstellar space!

Exiles, defected generals, scientists, engineers, veterans, civilians... coming to defect in a frenzy! The Dawn Legion is about to welcome an unprecedented expansion!