478: Meeting Commander Cang again

"Of course, it's true."

Li Yang looked at his overjoyed expression, and the curve of his lips deepened.

"However, let me tell you upfront, that place isn't easy to stay in. The training is strict, and the courses are heavy. If you can't handle the hardship, don't blame me for retracting my offer."

"I can endure hardship! I absolutely can!"

Qi Fang nodded vigorously, his chest heaving, wishing he could sprout wings and fly to the academy right now.

"Brother Yang, don't worry, I definitely won't disgrace you!"

Qi Yu, standing nearby, watched her brother's incoherent excitement and couldn't help but smile, though a hint of worry secretly flashed in her eyes.

Although she didn't understand the Imperial military academy, since it was for military service, it must be very strict. But at this moment, seeing a never-before-seen brilliance in her brother's eyes, she swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

Speaking of this, Li Yang's thoughts suddenly drifted, and a nostalgic smile played on his lips.

He suddenly remembered that kid Xiao Ran, who had thumped his chest and promised, "I will complete my studies within a year and never hold anyone back."

Calculating the time, he should have already graduated by now, and might even be eagerly preparing on a starship in some star system.

He collected his thoughts, his gaze falling on Qi Yu, who was standing quietly to the side, his tone gentle but methodical.

"Qi Yu, for your arrangements, I have other plans."

"Me?"

Qi Yu was startled, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes—hadn't they just agreed that she would follow him? Why was he suddenly talking about arrangements?

"I plan to directly incorporate your original planet as a private planet and relocate it to the Solar System."

Li Yang brought up the holographic star map, his fingertip lightly tapping on the coordinates of the "Solar System."

"There are already two of my planets there, with stable ecosystems and mature management systems. You can go there first to serve as a planet administrator, starting with basic civilian allocation and resource planning."

He paused, watching Qi Yu's gradually understanding eyes, and continued.

"After you've gained some experience and become familiar with the Imperial administrative system, I'll transfer you to a higher star system for a position."

As soon as these words were spoken, Qi Yu and Qi Fang instantly understood Li Yang's painstaking efforts.

One sent to the highest military academy to be trained as a general, the other placed in the administrative system to be honed into a capable official. Clearly, he wanted them to be one civil and one military, one in the army and one in politics, so they could support each other in the future and gain a firm foothold in the Empire.

"Brother Yang, this... this is too much trouble for you..."

Qi Yu's voice was a little choked.

Qi Fang also put away his earlier excitement and straightened his body solemnly.

"Brother Yang, don't worry, I will study hard at the academy and will never hold my sister back in the future!"

Li Yang looked at the moved expressions of the siblings, waved his hand, and smiled.

"Why be so polite with me? Since I've chosen to train you as my own people, these arrangements are nothing."

...After settling the Qi Yu siblings, Li Yang turned and walked towards the main starship Command Room.

At this moment, the planet that had just been incorporated into the Imperial territory had been collected by the Star Controller into a fist-sized glass sphere, suspended in the air—within the sphere, blue oceans and brown land were clearly visible, and even the atmosphere had condensed into a faint halo, like an exquisite cosmic ornament.

"Comrade Li Yang."

The Commander of the Third Army was marking the return route on the star map. Seeing him enter, he raised his chin.

"Is there anything else to deal with?"

"Reporting, Chief, everything is arranged."

Li Yang stood at attention and saluted, his gaze sweeping over the "glass sphere" being taken away by a Soldier.

The Commander of the Seventh Army laughed from the side.

"Finding you means our mission this time is successfully completed. The troops still need to rush back to continue their expansion mission, so we can't send you back directly. I've already contacted an acquaintance. I'll send a starship to take you to their fleet, and he will send you back to your original unit."

"Thank you for your trouble, Chief."

Li Yang nodded in agreement, then suddenly remembered something and asked.

"By the way, Chief, regarding that planet—I want to officially buy it. How do I handle the procedures?"

The Commander of the Third Army raised his eyebrows.

"You want to buy it?"

"According to regulations, newly incorporated planets must first be evaluated by the Imperial Bureau of Territory. If it's marked as a 'Strategic Resource Star' or 'Ecological Protection Star,' private transactions are not allowed. However..."

He changed his tone and said into the communicator.

"Send a message to the Imperial Bureau of Territory, saying that Li Yang, Division Commander of the 19th Division of the Imperial Homeland Security Force, is applying to purchase the target planet. Ask them to prioritize the evaluation and mark it with 'Individual Application Channel.'"

"Yes!"

The subordinate immediately responded and recorded it.

Li Yang's eyes lit up, and he quickly saluted.

"That's truly too much, thank you, Chief!"

"It's no big deal."

The Commander of the Third Army waved his hand and continued.

"Once the Imperial Bureau of Territory approves it, you can directly access the Imperial Bureau of Territory transaction center via your smart brain and bid for it using your account."

Li Yang nodded repeatedly, keeping this matter in mind, and informed his smart brain to notify him once the planet's review was approved...All matters settled, the troops began to assemble in an orderly fashion.

Space rifts opened one after another in the starry sky, glowing with a faint blue pattern, like ribbons connecting two places.

The fleet was arrayed, ready to embark on its return journey.

When the jump light dissipated, everyone had arrived at a Space Station on the Empire's border.

From afar, a fleet could be seen suspended in the port, the Imperial emblem on its hull shining brightly under the starlight, clearly having been waiting for a long time.

Li Yang felt a flash of light and shadow before his eyes, and the next second he was standing in the Command Room of a Main force starship.

His gaze swept across the cabin, and when he clearly saw the figure in the main seat, he was stunned, then quickly stepped forward and raised his hand in a standard military salute.

"Army Commander Cang?!"

Cang Xi in the main seat turned around, the eight golden stars on his epaulets particularly striking under the lights.

Compared to the Five-Star General he was when they last met, his current rank had been promoted to Eight-Star General.

He laughed heartily, his voice full of relief.

"What, don't you recognize me?"

"No, no!"

Li Yang quickly waved his hand, his tone filled with surprise.

"I just didn't expect... the person the two Chiefs mentioned for the rendezvous was you."

"You are a member of my Imperial Homeland Security Force. After being lost for so long, how could I, the Army Commander, not come to pick you up?"

Cang Xi stood up and patted Li Yang's shoulder, his grip steady yet warm.

Li Yang also noticed the military rank insignia on Cang Xi's shoulder, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"Army Commander Cang, you've been promoted? Congratulations!"

"Thanks to you, I've also gone from being a deputy to a full-fledged one."