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Chapter 188: Canvassing for Votes, Mind Your Own Business
Chapter 188: Canvassing for Votes, Mind Your Own Business (Seeking Subscription)
In any world, strength is the foundation of everything.
If the Star Alliance Assembly couldn't bring Lin Yuan any tangible benefits, then there was no need to waste his energy on it.
"Maybe I should ask around?"
Lin Yuan finished his cultivation for the day and connected his consciousness to the virtual world.
In a personal space, a stout elder with a ruddy nose sat leisurely at a dining table, sipping from a jug of wine in front of him from time to time, a look of sheer enjoyment on his face.
Just then, Lin Yuan's figure appeared.
"Hahaha, Thirteenth Brother, come over here. This wine is a rare delicacy; I can't afford to buy it out there, so I can only drink it in the virtual world." The ruddy-nosed elder immediately called out.
"Brother Shifeng, every time I see you, you're drinking," Lin Yuan said as he walked over and sat down across from the ruddy-nosed elder.
The ruddy-nosed elder, Shifeng, was a friend Lin Yuan had made in the Founders' Circle, and he was also the founder of an evolutionary path.
Since they were both from the 'Annan Star Alliance', Shifeng often invited Lin Yuan to drink with him.
Over time, the two had become quite familiar with each other.
Compared to Lin Yuan, Shifeng was much older, having lived for several hundred thousand years, and he had also attained the sixth level of citizenship.
"Wine is a wonderful thing; that feeling of being slightly drunk but not quite," Shifeng sighed.
With his strength, he could clear his mind with a mere thought, but why bother? Wasn't it better to indulge in the intoxication?
"Good wine," Lin Yuan remarked as he picked up a cup, took a slight sip, and nodded gently.
The fine wines of the virtual world were pure luxuries. Many of the real world's wines had miraculous effects, such as improving the physical body, nurturing the soul, or healing injuries.
However, in the virtual world, wine was reduced to mere taste, and that was why virtual wine was far cheaper than its real-world counterparts.
For example, the wine Lin Yuan had just tasted was called 'Fantasy Wine', and it could purify one's soul. In the real world, a cup of this wine would be worth at least ten billion civilization coins.
But in the virtual world, it was only a mere one hundred million per cup—a hundred times cheaper.
"Now, Thirteenth Brother, what brings you to me?" Shifeng asked after a while.
'Thirteenth' was the name Lin Yuan had given himself in the Founders' World.
"I wanted to ask about the Star Alliance Assembly," Lin Yuan asked directly.
Although Lin Yuan wasn't particularly interested in such assemblies, he wanted to hear Shifeng's thoughts on the matter.
As a fellow sixth-level citizen who had lived for countless years, Shifeng had far more connections and insight than Lin Yuan.
"The Star Alliance Assembly?"
"Oh, it's that time again," Shifeng said, his expression enlightened.
"Brother Shifeng, do you think it's necessary to attend this Star Alliance Assembly?" Lin Yuan voiced his doubt.
"Necessary?" Shifeng's eyes lit up. "Of course, it's an opportunity to get free treasures! Why wouldn't we grab it?"
"Free?" Lin Yuan was slightly confused.
Could it be that the Annan Star Alliance was so wealthy that they gifted precious treasures to every sixth-level citizen who participated in the assembly?
"Yes," Shifeng affirmed.
"Thirteenth Brother, you're still young and have only recently attained the sixth level of citizenship, so you're not familiar with the rules yet." A smile appeared on Shifeng's face.
"The purpose of the Star Alliance Assembly is to resolve conflicts between the numerous star domains within the alliance. But how do they do it?"
"For example, what if a rare resource planet worth a fortune appears at the border of two star domains? Who should it be given to?"
"Or what if the resources allocated by the human civilization are only enough for three star domains? How do we choose which ones get the resources?" Shifeng clicked his tongue.
"Indeed, who should it be given to?" Lin Yuan's interest was piqued. These were tricky issues with no clear boundaries, and even if the three goddesses stepped in, they would inevitably offend one side or the other.
Could they cut the resource planet in half and give each side an equal share?
"That's where we come in," Shifeng smiled. "At the Star Alliance Assembly, the conflicts between star domains are brought to the table, and the final decision is made through our votes."
"The side with more votes wins," he explained.
"I see," Lin Yuan said, understanding now.
Of course, the issues brought up at the Star Alliance Assembly were those where both sides had valid arguments, and it was difficult to make a clear decision. Minor issues that could be easily resolved were usually decided upon by the three goddesses.
"So, the voting rights of us sixth-level citizens are very valuable," Shifeng implied.
"Very valuable?" Lin Yuan looked at Shifeng.
"Because the two star domains involved in the conflict will offer huge incentives to gain our favor and ensure that we vote for them at the assembly," Shifeng elaborated.
"I understand now," Lin Yuan nodded.
In simple terms, when even the three goddesses couldn't make a decision or when the outcome wouldn't significantly impact the human civilization, the matter was left to the higher-level citizens to decide.
"Conflicts between star domains that cannot be resolved are few and far between. There are usually only about a dozen issues brought up at each Star Alliance Assembly. Thirteenth Brother, as long as it doesn't involve the star domain you're in, you can vote however we tell you to, right?"
The ruddy-nosed Shifeng said with a mischievous smile.
"Sounds interesting," Lin Yuan smiled.
In reality, this was also a reflection of the special status of higher-level citizens. Their influence extended to the decision-making powers of hundreds of star domains.
"In addition, after each Star Alliance Assembly, we higher-level citizens take the opportunity to hold a few exchange sessions among ourselves to trade for the resources and treasures we need," Shifeng continued.
Although the Human Civilization Alliance had a dedicated shopping app for various treasures, some rare and coveted items were often in short supply. These exchange sessions were meant to facilitate the trade of such precious and rare treasures.
"That's not bad at all," Lin Yuan thought of the weapons and treasures he had obtained from the alien battlefield, as well as the legacy of the eighth-tier evoluter, Ouyin. Many of these items were of no use to him.
Selling them directly to the Human Civilization would be a huge loss. However, he could dispose of them through these exchange sessions.
"So, are you going to participate now?" Shifeng asked.
"Yes," Lin Yuan nodded.
His initial lack of interest in the Star Alliance Assembly was based on the assumption that it wouldn't benefit him. But now, after hearing Shifeng's description, he realized that for sixth-level citizens like them, attending the assembly could be a lucrative opportunity.
"Hahahaha!" Shifeng burst into laughter.
"By the way, Thirteenth Brother, do you need me to introduce you to the star domains that need your vote?" Shifeng asked.
If Lin Yuan didn't have a preferred star domain to vote for, he could essentially 'sell' his vote to the highest bidder among the star domains in need.
"Thank you, Brother Shifeng. I appreciate your help," Lin Yuan said sincerely.
This kind of networking was something that ordinary evoluters couldn't do; it required a broad and well-connected network.
"Don't mention it. We're friends," Shifeng waved his hand dismissively and then said, "Now, Thirteenth Brother, please wait a moment while I make a quick call."
With that, Shifeng's figure disappeared. He had gone to make the necessary connections.
Lin Yuan sat down and waited patiently.
A moment later, Shifeng reappeared, accompanied by a young man.
"This is Thirteenth Brother. You can discuss the matter of your star domain with him," Shifeng said casually.
"Mr. Thirteenth," the young man bowed slightly, "My name is Nathan, from the Moon Gazing Star Domain."
"This time, the conflict between our Moon Gazing Star Domain and the Golden Dragon Star Domain will be brought up at the Star Alliance Assembly. We hope that Mr. Thirteenth will cast his vote in favor of our Moon Gazing Star Domain."
After speaking, Nathan respectfully placed a piece of white paper on the dining table.
"As long as Mr. Thirteenth agrees, all the treasures and resources listed on this paper will be offered as compensation," Nathan bowed slightly to Shifeng and then exited the personal space.
"Tsk tsk, this Moon Gazing Star Domain is desperate. They are no match for the Golden Dragon Star Domain, so they have to resort to seeking help everywhere," Shifeng sighed.
Some powerful star domains cultivated many sixth-level citizens who would naturally vote for their home star domain during the Star Alliance Assembly.
On the other hand, weaker star domains had fewer sixth-level citizens and had to offer significant incentives to seek support from sixth-level citizens of other star domains.
The three goddesses were aware of this situation but did not intervene. Their purpose was to motivate the major star domains to cultivate more higher-level citizens.
Higher-level citizens were not limited to those who opened evolutionary paths or made great inventions. Those who ventured onto the alien battlefield and fought against the aliens could also gain a large number of merit points.
"Let's see what the Moon Gazing Star Domain is offering," Shifeng glanced at the white paper in front of Lin Yuan.
"Moon Gazing Star Domain?" Lin Yuan thought for a moment. If he remembered correctly, this was the home star domain of the eighth-tier evoluter, Ouyin.
"Let me take a look," Lin Yuan picked up the paper and shared it with Shifeng.
"A seventh-tier soul-defending treasure?" Shifeng's eyes widened in surprise. The first item on the list had already caught his attention.
It was a soul-defending treasure, meant to guard one's soul. Evoluters cultivating any evolutionary path would yearn for such an item.
"Hmm?" Lin Yuan's heart stirred.
Although he possessed an eighth-tier soul-defending treasure, it was damaged. He didn't know how long it would take to repair it.
Lin Yuan wasn't worried about what to do with the seventh-tier soul-defending treasure once his eighth-tier one was repaired. Treasures that guarded one's soul were always in high demand, and he could easily sell it at a premium if he wished.
Lin Yuan's gaze moved from the first line of the white paper to the second.
"A fragment of the Jian Mu tree, containing an abundance of life force that can reshape the physical body of a seventh-tier evoluter once."
Compared to the seventh-tier soul-defending treasure, this second offering from the Moon Gazing Star Domain was slightly less impressive, especially for Lin Yuan, who possessed the 'Blood Rebirth' divine ability. It was rather useless to him.
However, just because Lin Yuan had no use for it didn't mean that other evoluters wouldn't. He could easily sell it or trade it for something else.
Lin Yuan continued to the third line on the white paper.
"Heavenly Blue Water, capable of purifying bodily impurities and consolidating one's bodily origin."
"The Moon Gazing Star Domain is quite sincere," Lin Yuan thought to himself as he nodded slightly.
These three treasures were all highly coveted by seventh-tier evoluters, especially the first one.
"Should I agree to their request?" Lin Yuan asked, turning to the ruddy-nosed Shifeng.
Whether it was the Moon Gazing Star Domain or the Golden Dragon Star Domain, Lin Yuan had no particular affiliation with either, so voting for one over the other wouldn't make much of a difference to him.
"Not so fast," Shifeng interjected. "Let's first see what the Golden Dragon Star Domain has to offer."
With that, Shifeng disappeared once more.
Soon, he reappeared with a tall man in a golden robe standing beside him.
"Jintian Zhao, the Moon Gazing Star Domain has offered Thirteenth Brother quite a generous compensation. You'll have to step up your game," Shifeng said to the newcomer.
It was clear that the man in the golden robe, named Jintian Zhao, was from the Golden Dragon Star Domain.
"Mr. Thirteenth," Jintian Zhao said as he sized Lin Yuan up, "I assume this is your first time attending the Star Alliance Assembly?"
"Indeed, it is," Lin Yuan replied with a nod.
The Star Alliance Assembly only took place once every hundred years, and for a sixth-level citizen, a hundred years wasn't a long time. Even if they weren't well-acquainted, they would likely have heard of each other.
"In that case, Mr. Thirteenth, are you aware of the strength of my Golden Dragon Star Domain?" Jintian Zhao continued.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yuan's expression remained unchanged.
However, Shifeng's eyebrows furrowed in displeasure. "Jintian Zhao, what are you implying? If you want Thirteenth to vote for your Golden Dragon Star Domain, then hurry up and offer compensation. Don't waste our time with your empty words."
"Compensation?" Jintian Zhao shook his head. "I came here only to meet Mr. Thirteenth and have a few words with him."
"Mr. Thirteenth, you've only recently become a sixth-level citizen, and you shouldn't be so quick to side with the Moon Gazing Star Domain..." Jintian Zhao trailed off.
"Get out," Shifeng interrupted, his impatience evident as he kicked Jintian Zhao out of the personal space.
"This Jintian Zhao is too arrogant. Who does he think he is, threatening people like that?" Shifeng's face was flushed with anger. "I thought the Moon Gazing Star Domain would put some pressure on the Golden Dragon Star Domain, but instead, they just come here and make threats?"
"It's fine," Lin Yuan said nonchalantly. "If we can't come to an agreement, then there's no need to continue the discussion."
"I'll go and have a word with that Jintian Zhao. Who does he think he is?" Shifeng's figure disappeared once more as he went to confront Jintian Zhao.
In another personal space, Shifeng glared at the man in the golden robe.
"Jintian Zhao, what do you think you're doing? Thirteenth is my friend. Even if you don't need his vote, there's no need to speak to him like that," Shifeng said, his tone conveying his displeasure.
"Brother Shifeng, you should be aware that with the strength of my Golden Dragon Star Domain, even if the Moon Gazing Star Domain seeks help from others, they still won't be able to win," Jintian Zhao replied calmly.
This was the confidence of someone from a powerful star domain. The Golden Dragon Star Domain had cultivated numerous sixth-level citizens, far outnumbering those from several or even ten other star domains combined.
"Brother Shifeng, how long have you known Thirteenth? Why are you so concerned about him? You always did like making friends with people who are of no consequence," Jintian Zhao shook his head.
"People of no consequence?" Shifeng's expression turned strange.
"Thirteenth may have only recently become a sixth-level citizen, but he's definitely less than a thousand years old. His potential is limitless, which is why I value our friendship..." Shifeng sighed, "You may not give Thirteenth any face, but I hope that thousands or tens of thousands of years from now, when Thirteenth has grown even stronger, you'll still be able to stand here as confidently as you are today."
"Less than a thousand years old and already a sixth-level citizen?" Jintian Zhao's expression shifted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.
"So what?" he said. "How could he possibly become a seventh-level citizen in the future?"
"Even if he does, what could he do to our Golden Dragon Star Domain?"
"It's just a matter of minding our own business," Jintian Zhao said dismissively.
"Minding your own business?" Shifeng shot Jintian Zhao a glance before turning to leave.
Who was the insignificant one, and who was the mighty one?
Only time would tell.
(End of Chapter)
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