Galaxy Domination Guide

Zhang Shixiong returned to Li'an Prefecture by a larger airliner. Bai Zhongqi had pulled out the C(R)929 from the old era of Earth's C Country, originally not officially marketed for commercial use, and transformed it into a passenger airplane.

Of course, this airliner was not a luxury business jet, but at least Zhang Shixiong and his daughter Zhang Yingxi got to sit in first class. Zhang Yingxi actually wanted to speak more with Bai Zhongqi, but he excused himself, saying that he had to fly the plane and hid in the cockpit. Naturally, he was not really flying; the airplane flew itself.

In the Provincial Governor's Mansion, Zhang Shixiong humbly sat opposite Bai Zhongqi. He didn't even choose the usual Chinese-style parlor for receiving guests but opted for a more Western-style conference hall.

"Mr. Bai," Zhang Shixiong said, "I owe my comeback from the brink of death entirely to your great kindness and help. How can I, Zhang, ever repay your magnanimity?" On the return journey, Zhang Shixiong had already thought it through. The capabilities Bai Zhongqi had demonstrated were beyond imagination. In the current chaotic world, not to mention that the Qikun wished to doom him to death, even the Prime Minister, Dongfang Xun, had troubled him time and again.

Surviving in chaotic times meant that moral integrity was out of the question; one must cling to the right legs steadfastly.

Bai Zhongqi slowly savored the tea of this world, raising his eyes to look at Zhang Shixiong, devoid of any imposing aura, yet seemingly able to see right through a person's thoughts.

"I have no particular demands on you," Bai Zhongqi said, "but I'm not quite satisfied with the current state of the Eastern Land. A nation with a population of a billion that once led the world for a long time has now fallen to a plight where it is bullied at will. Its national strength is not prominent, its national prestige not evident, its people numb and distressed, far behind developed countries. Of course, the most pressing danger is the full-scale invasion prepared by the ambitious Qikun people."

Zhang Shixiong hurriedly joined the conversation, "Mr. Bai truly cares for the country and its people, putting us small-minded souls to shame. I have resolved to guard the nation's gates for Qing State and the Eastern Land populace, to repel foreign aggression, but alas, my abilities are limited, my army but a hundred thousand strong, our weapons blunt, lacking in capable generals, to no benefit of the country, for which I am deeply embarrassed."

"War is a contest of national power, fundamentally a battle of productive forces," Bai Zhongqi explained. "Compared to Qikun, the Eastern Land or Qing State is far behind. If it were truly up to you, you and the hundred thousand Qing State soldiers would at best only be able to die for your country."

At this, Zhang Shixiong's countenance darkened. With a vision naturally unlike that of the common people of this era, he fully understood the vast disparity between the two nations.

Bai Zhongqi clapped his hands with a smile, "But as you have seen, I equipped a division for the Qing State army in Wei County in just one day. I can complete the arming of your hundred thousand Qing State troops within a week. By then, the Qing State forces may not only be the strongest military power in the Eastern Land but perhaps also the most powerful on the entire Azure Planet. However, the military quality of the Qing State army is still insufficient; this needs further improvement. I will provide some guidance on this, and I need your cooperation."

Zhang Shixiong, upon hearing this, was greatly surprised. He said, "With a population of eighty million in Qing State, if we recruit more troops under the banner of resisting the enemy and saving the country, we can certainly do so. The largest expense each year is equipment; if we save on that part, Qing State could support an additional four hundred thousand soldiers."

Yet, he was very anxious that Bai Zhongqi might strip him of his power because of this.

Bai Zhongqi naturally knew what he was thinking and said, "I have no interest whatsoever in the little power you hold. If we succeed in the future, even if you overturn Dongfang Xun to become the Prime Minister or even become the president or Emperor yourself, that is up to you. But let me be clear with you, if you pay lip service to me and betray me behind my back, just as I can save your life, I can also take it away. And on this planet, if I want someone's life, I fear no one can stop me."

By now, Zhang Shixiong no longer doubted this in the slightest and kept nodding in agreement.

Bai Zhongqi then produced a large stack of papers from nowhere and placed them on the table. He said, "With the current situation in Qing State, it clearly lacks the capacity to lead a national salvation movement in the Eastern Land. Here is a general outline for reforms across various fields including politics, economy, military, and education. Many aspects still require refinement, but the goal is clear, and so is the direction. The next step for Qing State is to embrace progressive forces and undergo thorough organizational renewal. Relying on your obsolete warlord administration, corrupt and inefficient, is no longer viable. We need something more effective."

Zhang Shixiong grew increasingly astonished; he had thought that Bai Zhongqi producing a division's worth of weapons and equipment was already unreal and beyond common comprehension. Yet, just in a few hours, he had again produced a stack of documents inches thick to guide Qing State's fervent reforms. And within these documents, there were many visionary and reflective ideas, capable of what others could not, absolutely startling.

For instance, as Bai Zhongqi mentioned in the documents, using internet social networks to disseminate Qing State's progressive national salvation ideology, spreading theoretical knowledge nationwide, turning Qing State into a holy land for national salvation, drawing thousands of progressive youths and people of noble aspirations.

This alone had Zhang Shixiong astounded.

"Perhaps this Bai Zhongqi is really a deity, sent from the heavens to save the Eastern Land?" Even Zhang Shixiong, who had never revered gods or feared spirits, began to waver at that moment.

However, with Bai Zhongqi's approval, his heart was aflame.

"If things truly go as he says, by harnessing the tide of change to defeat the Qikun, reclaim lost territories, and revitalize the Eastern Land, this could be a grand achievement of national rejuvenation, worthy of a special place in the annals of history. Perhaps there's even a chance to become the Emperor." With that thought, Zhang Shixiong could hardly contain himself.

Every warlord has a strong desire for power. Zhang Shixiong, rising from the ranks, was especially covetous of the taste of power and the admiration of others.

Bai Zhongqi then pulled out another piece of paper, a checklist, "This is the task list; we'll proceed according to this plan. There are things for you to do, and things for me as well. In many cases, you and your people might not know how to proceed; I will leave detailed explanations, and we'll make adjustments as we try things out."

The first thing Zhang Shixiong was to do was to issue a national broadcast and make a televised speech, denouncing the Qikun's aggressive crimes, stating that the Eastern Land will never submit, preferring death standing to life kneeling, Qing State military declaring war against Qikun, vowing to protect Qing State and the Eastern Land. Unite all compatriots that can be united, and form the Resistance Alliance to defend the home and the country.

Zhang Shixiong, reading this, was shocked to the core. He had originally thought that there would be a gradual introduction, but Bai Zhongqi had pushed him right to the forefront from the start. Once he took this step, he would either secure lasting fame and success, or it would be his doom.