607: Alternative Projects

Meanwhile, after Jiang Lu left, He Dong did not delay in the slightest. As soon as the preliminary proposal was drafted, he sent it to Li Yang via an encrypted communication channel.

In this proposal, he did not omit any key information, especially emphasizing the significant effects that the Empire's standard-issue strengthening potions had on those Cultivators. He clearly listed the substantial benefits the potions could bring to them, fearing that Li Yang might overlook this core point.

At this time, Li Yang was handling affairs in his office when his communication terminal suddenly chimed with a notification for an incoming file.

He raised his hand and clicked it open, and He Dong's proposal was presented in its entirety before his eyes.

As his gaze swept over the description of the strengthening potions' effects on the native Cultivators, Li Yang's originally calm expression instantly changed. His brows rose slightly, and his eyes were filled with undisguised surprise.

He stared at that section for a moment, then sighed softly with emotion.

“I really didn't expect that such common strengthening potions would actually be of such great help to those Cultivators.”

One must know that these types of strengthening potions were ubiquitous within the Empire's borders and were the most ordinary of standard resources. He had never anticipated they could exert such startling efficacy on native Cultivators; this point far exceeded his expectations.

Afterward, Li Yang carefully reviewed He Dong's entire proposal word by word, looking at everything from the overall framework to the specific details very seriously.

After finishing it all, he nodded slowly, a clear look of satisfaction appearing on his face.

In Li Yang's view, a direct assault had always been the least desirable method, to be used only as a last resort. Such a method would not only cause massive losses but could also lead to unpredictable consequences.

However, He Dong's plan took a different approach, using the Empire's surplus resources as bait to paint an enticing future for those Cultivators who craved power. This would achieve the goal of slow infiltration and gradual invasion. Such a line of thinking was both ingenious and steady, earning his deep approval.

As for the time required to implement the plan, Li Yang didn't mind at all.

He knew in his heart that wanting to invade a top-tier fifth-level civilization with deep foundations was not something that could be completed overnight. Spending a long time to lay the groundwork and push forward was a perfectly normal situation.

There was no other way; who told him he only had the strength of one division? If he had the strength of a legion as recorded in previous data, who would bother playing games with you? He'd just steamroll them directly!

Furthermore, the current overall situation in the Longlan Star Cluster was stable, with no sudden accidents or unstable factors. There was plenty of time for them to implement this plan step by step without being eager for quick success.

Looking at He Dong's invasion plan that used resources as bait, Li Yang's fingertips unconsciously rubbed the edge of the desk. A thought suddenly popped up without warning, causing a sharp glint to flash in his eyes.

“If I add another layer of subtle guidance, wouldn't the efficiency of the invasion increase by another level?”

He muttered to himself, already having a plan in mind.

He immediately waved his hand, and a light screen unfolded in front of him. The search interface of the AI database instantly popped up.

His fingertips tapped rapidly, entering a series of keywords such as 'brainwashing device,' 'subconscious conditioning equipment,' and 'mental guidance potion.' Dense rows of related items were immediately loaded onto the light screen.

Since these Cultivators craved longevity and power, he would use the Empire's resources to dangle a carrot, using these mental devices and items as support to completely change their spirits and make them submit to the Empire.

And it wouldn't need many; even if only one-tenth of the Cultivators in the entire Immortal Realm submitted, they could fully launch a plan for armed suppression.

As his gaze swept over the data, the first thing that caught his eye was the regulations of Imperial law.

Any devices, drugs, or related technologies involving brainwashing or mental control were strictly prohibited from private use or production against Imperial Citizens.

But a knowing curve hooked at the corner of Li Yang's mouth; he knew where the boundaries of this law lay.

It only applied to Imperial Citizens and had no constraints on extra-dimensional natives.

Moreover, many merchant guilds and the storage warehouses of Imperial troops still had quite a few of these items stockpiled to this day.

It wasn't that they were kept intentionally; it was simply that the practicality of such equipment was too low, and they had long been shelved.

In the Empire's combat logic, physical suppression had always been direct and efficient. For problems that could be solved with force and resources, no one was willing to waste effort maneuvering on a mental level.

After searching for a while, Li Yang's gaze fixed on a piece of information.

In the inventory of the Hope Merchant Guild, there happened to be a batch of subconscious conditioning devices and matching potions.

He no longer hesitated and pressed the button on his communicator, his voice urgent yet steady.

“Pal, come to my office immediately.”

In less than half a minute, the office door slid open silently. Pal, dressed in uniform, walked in quickly and stood tall before the desk, asking respectfully,

“Captain Li Yang, what are your instructions for me?”

Li Yang looked up at him and tapped lightly on the light screen, projecting the relevant information about the Hope Merchant Guild in front of Pal.

“Set out immediately and head to the branch of the Hope Merchant Guild within this Star System.”

He paused and gave a clear command.

“Purchase a batch of subconscious conditioning equipment and matching potions from them. The funds will be reimbursed by a special appropriation from the Division Headquarters.”

Seeing Pal nod to accept the order, Li Yang added,

“This procurement is to assist the troops in executing the invasion mission and falls under the scope of military affairs. You can report it to the Division Headquarters later with the guild's invoice.”

There was no hesitation in Pal's eyes as he bowed again and responded,

“Understood, Captain Li Yang! I'm leaving now.”

...