Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 1033: Chapter 1032: Clash of Two Factions

Although Shupard had many thoughts when coming here, seeing the Giant Dragon before her still gave her a surreal sensation...

”Ah... mortals.”

Observing the three stunned figures, Fang Zheng, now in his Time Dragon form, chuckled quietly to himself. He lifted his massive dragon head, staring at Shupard, Liana, and Tali. Even those as steadfast as Shupard felt their knees weaken under the dragon’s gaze.

Though in outer space, they had faced threats like the overlord—one who was far larger than the Time Dragon.

But... did the overlord possess Dragon Might?

Though this world is highly technological, it is still bound by science!

As for the magical concept of Dragon Might...

”What brings you to my territory?”

”Hello...”

Born as a soldier, Shupard relied on her strong will to pull herself out of Fang Zheng’s Dragon Might, unlike Liana and Tali who weren’t as fortunate, instantly knocked unconscious by its force. Had Fang Zheng not restrained it, they might have lost their minds.

”I am Shupard, the Ghost of the Citadel Council. We’ve come per the Council’s order to investigate the previous conflict.”

”Ah... those lower reptiles...”

Hearing this, Fang Zheng snorted coldly.

”They dared invade my territory and attack my people, they must pay the price, is there a problem with that?”

”Uh...”

Faced with Fang Zheng’s arrogant response, Shupard struggled for words, gently coughing to steer the conversation back.

”But according to the Citadel...”

”What is the Citadel?”

”The Citadel is the alliance of civilizations in the Milky Way.”

Shupard felt the conversation slipping beyond her control, yet continued with resolve. After all, not everyone could face a massive dragon without flinching. Frankly, she regretted accepting this mission. A Commander and seasoned warrior, not a diplomat or ambassador.

Political diplomacy was something Shupard avoided when possible, and now, she confirmed it to be a new race... making it highly troublesome. A single wrong word could cause issues. If conflict or war arose, and the blame fell upon her, she’d be speechless.

Thinking hard, those Citadel bastards probably sent her to see her fall...

”Alliance?”

Fang Zheng leaned closer to Shupard, under the piercing gaze of golden eyes, even Shupard felt uneasy, hurriedly nodding.

”Yes, regarding this conflict... indeed, it was the Turui who attacked first, but at that time...”

At this point, Shupard suddenly paused, suddenly realizing that this matter was unsuitable no matter what!

From the start, both Turui and the Council, even Anderson and Shupard herself, considered the mysterious force in the Nomadic Galaxy to be human. If they were human, then it was just internal matters, requiring smooth coordination.

But now Shupard confirmed this civilization had nothing to do with humans—humans don’t have dragons!!

That complicates things.

It’s previously stated that Turui held grudges with humans, ceased fire for decades with lingering dislike. That’s why the Turui reacted fiercely upon seeing Fang Zheng, assuming he was human, leading to treaty-breaking betrayal.

Hence, Turui launched an attack.

Now, with current facts, the opponent has nothing to do with humans, it’s a new civilization, so Turui’s attack is senseless hostility—at least from their perspective!

What could she say?

She’s not Turui, it’s unnecessary to cover for them!

”Mortals, I understand your purpose.”

Fang Zheng took control, staring at Shupard, continuing.

”Yet, our Heavenly Dao Palace is no place for random humiliation. Here, all races are my subjects. Any attack on them is a war declaration on me and the Palace! We don’t seek war but don’t fear it. Should those primitive barbaric reptiles invade and harm my citizens, they’ll experience true destruction and death!”

As he spoke, Fang Zheng hummed with satisfaction, unfolding wings and lifting his head. Overwhelming Dragon Might surged, enveloping Shupard and peers.

”......!”

Facing the fearsome pressure head-on, Shupard gritted her teeth and stepped back, whereas Tali was visibly distressed, if not for holding Shupard’s arm, she’d have collapsed.

Until they neared their limits, Fang Zheng withdrew the pressure, coiling back comfortably.

”You’ve come a long way; we’ll prepare food and rooms, assisting with warship repairs. You may leave.”

”.........”

This time, Shupard said nothing, merely nodded, leading the others away.

”Phew...”

After their departure, Fang Zheng resumed human form, yawning casually.

”Quite a hassle...”

”Is this truly fine, Elder Brother?”

Smiling mischievously, Tilia, who had been eavesdropping, approached Fang Zheng, holding his arm.

”Are you certain we shouldn’t engage further with the Citadel?”

”At this time, there’s no need.”

Facing Tilia’s query, Fang Zheng shook his head. He pondered this when Shupard arrived, finally deciding to keep distance from the Citadel, certainly not join it. Despite Shupard’s absence, Fang Zheng knew the Citadel—a galaxy’s United Nations.

Furthermore, it’s led by four main permanent councils, should Fang Zheng join, it might become five.

However... joining the Citadel Council offers no benefit. At least currently, Fang Zheng intends to keep the interstellar force and his Heavenly Dao Palace distinct.

But he has solutions, at least... Shupard’s visit provided Fang Zheng an idea.

In contrast to Fang Zheng’s carefree style, Shupard returned to the Normandy troubled.

She oversimplified things!

Shupard wasn’t stupid, not dull. Disliking political nuances didn’t mean she didn’t understand implications. The dragon mentioned ”all races here, are my subjects” ... Shupard understood this meant they faced not just a single alien group, but an alliance akin to the Citadel!

This explains the dragon’s mocking tone when introduced to the Citadel. Initially, she hoped the Citadel could check the dragon, yet the situation proved even more convoluted!

This alliance is tighter than the Citadel, akin to the UN without hierarchy or leadership. But this alliance evidently has an absolute ruler. It indicates not just the Citadel Council clashing with an alien race, but two factions at odds.

This surpasses her capabilities!

”Joker, is the communication system functional?”

”Sure, Commander, but this is within their warship...”

Joker responded hesitantly, concerned naturally about communication safety here.

But Shupard couldn’t be troubled by this now.

”Connect me to Anderson!”