477: Arrangements for Qi Yu and her brother

After all, the Xili Group's actions this past year were clear for all to see, and they believed Li Yang would not deceive them.

Having experienced the terror of this alien invasion, people understood that with the protection of the Xili Empire, this Galaxy would not face any more reckless civilizations for a while.

"Imperial Citizen... it sounds much better than being trapped on this planet."

Someone gazed at Li Yang's projection in the sky and murmured, still clutching the smart medical bracelet distributed by the Xili Group.

"Besides, which of the Xili Group's actions this past year wasn't for the people's benefit? Free healthcare, clean energy... I trust him."

"Exactly."

The uncle next to him picked up the conversation, pointing to the still-smoking ruins in the distance.

"If it were those aliens from before, we wouldn't even have the chance to say 'no.' Since there really are so many civilizations in the universe, rather than closing ourselves off and waiting to die, it's better to follow a big tree for shade—at least the Xili Empire is human-led, which is better than being sold like livestock by those scaly creatures."

After a brief hesitation, more and more people emerged from their homes, and soon, uniform shouts began to echo through the streets and alleys.

"We are willing to join the Empire!"

"Become Xili Citizens!"

The sound spread from cities to villages, from plains to islands, converging into a torrent that washed away the boundaries of the old era.

In the underground Command Room, the Decision Makers of various countries watched the surging crowds on the screen, finally releasing their last trace of struggle.

The Decision Makers of various countries rubbed their brows, their voices tinged with relief.

"The will of the people, it cannot be stopped. Everyone, prepare yourselves to embrace your new identities."

The others nodded at each other; their long-held sense of civilizational superiority ultimately transformed into a long sigh in the face of interstellar reality.

Li Yang looked at the globally synchronized images and nodded slightly to the two Military Commanders.

The Military Commanders immediately gave orders.

"Pass on my command: prepare to launch the Star Controller, and bring the target planet back to the Empire."

After all, in such a remote Galaxy, the Empire naturally could not leave the planet here.

Before the Star Controller was launched, Li Yang had already used spatial teleportation to bring Qi Yu and her brother to the main starship.

For most people on this planet, joining the Empire meant a more stable life and a broader world.

But for Qi Yu and her brother, Li Yang had already planned a much longer path—he wanted these two children, who had relied on him in times of crisis, to truly step onto the interstellar stage and become indispensable pillars of the Empire.

The changing of civilizations sometimes doesn't require the smoke of war, only a perfectly timed encounter and a choice made facing the stars.

When Qi Yu and her brother were brought onto the starship by Li Yang, their small faces were tense.

Qi Yu subconsciously clutched her brother's clothes, her big eyes quickly scanning the silver-mirror-like corridor, but not daring to look closely at the Soldiers wearing battle armor.

Qi Fang, on the other hand, held his neck stiffly, trying hard to appear calm, but his white-knuckled fingertips still betrayed his nervousness—everything in this place was too unfamiliar; the smooth cabin walls automatically lit up with guiding light strips, a faint, fresh scent like grass after rain hung in the air, and even footsteps were absorbed by some energy field, making them exceptionally soft.

"Relax."

Li Yang slowed his pace, turning his head to look at them.

"From today onwards, you are also official Imperial Citizens of the Xili Empire."

Qi Fang swallowed, his voice still a little shaky.

"Brother Yang... I still feel like I'm dreaming."

Not long ago, they were still worried about being caught in the crossfire of an alien fleet, and today they were standing inside a starship; this change was so fast it was hard to grasp.

Li Yang was amused by his serious expression, reaching out to gently pat his arm.

"Does it hurt?"

"Hiss—it hurts!"

Qi Fang reflexively flinched his arm, then reacted, a slightly embarrassed smile appearing on his face.

"Oh... it's not a dream."

"Of course not."

Li Yang stopped, turning to face them, his tone becoming a little more serious.

"I will naturally keep the promises I made to you before. Now you have two choices; you decide for yourselves."

He held up one finger.

"First, after returning to the Empire, I will arrange for you to become administrators of your planet, living a stable life in a familiar place."

Then he held up a second finger.

"Second, follow me, and I will train you as my own, helping you forge a longer and higher path within the Empire."

The siblings instantly froze, their eyes wide, as if a pause button had been pressed.

Qi Yu and Qi Fang opened their mouths but couldn't utter a single word—they had never imagined they would have such choices.

A year ago, they were just an orphaned brother and sister, relying on each other, their greatest wish being to grow up safely, but now...

Becoming planet administrators, or stepping into alien civilizations, had actually become paths laid out before them.

"No need to rush your answer."

Li Yang looked at their stunned expressions, recalling how they looked when they first met, and couldn't help but raise his hand to pat their shoulders, the warmth of his palm carrying a comforting power.

"Take your time to think; just tell me when you've decided."

Qi Yu and Qi Fang suddenly snapped back to reality, and in the instant their eyes met, they saw the same determination in each other's gaze.

With almost no hesitation, both turned to Li Yang simultaneously, their voices still carrying unspent excitement.

"Brother Yang, we've decided! We'll follow you!"

Qi Fang's voice trembled slightly with excitement, and Qi Yu also nodded vigorously, her fingers tightening—in that brief moment of silence, they had already thought it through.

A stable life was certainly good, but if they could follow Li Yang to see the wider universe, even if it meant facing unknown risks, it was more worthwhile than being confined to their familiar small world.

Li Yang looked at the light flickering in their eyes, and a genuine, relieved smile bloomed on his face, which had been filled with expectation. He raised his hands and patted both their shoulders.

"Good, you haven't disappointed me."

After a year of being together, he still had some affection for the siblings.

He turned to Qi Fang, a knowing smile in his eyes.

"Didn't you tell me before that you hoped to see the vastness of the universe and that you liked starships?"

Qi Fang froze, then scratched his head and chuckled, his cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Brother Yang, you know everything..."

"After we return, I will write you a letter of recommendation and send you to the Imperial Supreme Military Academy."

Li Yang's tone suddenly became serious.

"You will enter as a Student, a cadet officer. Study hard, don't be lazy, and once you graduate successfully, you can officially wear the Imperial military uniform and become a true officer. By then, let alone one starship, becoming the Captain of a fleet won't be a problem."

"Re-really?!"

Qi Fang's eyes instantly lit up as if adorned with starlight, and he excitedly stepped half a pace forward, his voice cracking.

"I can enter that... Imperial Supreme Military Academy? And become an officer?"

Although he wasn't clear about what the Imperial Supreme Military Academy was, its name contained the words "Supreme," so it certainly wasn't simple.