Chapter 656: 655. Nine Nation Conference
The hellish scene in Cherry Capital was broadcasted to the world by journalists from various countries that very day.
Governments around the world condemned the Yi Dynasty's attack as "extremely inhumane" and "brutal and tyrannical," and announced they would impose even harsher sanctions on the Yi Dynasty.
As for Izumo, Lord Lu Tian, from start to finish, didn't lift a finger; just by sending out his disciple-nephew and pet, he completely turned the tide of the battle.
Any further resistance was pointless, so Prime Minister Ito, along with the Crown Prince and a host of senior cabinet officials, fled by plane to the Menes Federation to set up a government in exile, while callilng for international intervention.
The regions still holding out surrendered at the sight of the wind, and the so-called "resolve to shatter the jade rather than surrender" crumbled in an instant.
Since then, the name "Great Yi Empire" echoed around the world, and everyone knew that a new powerful empire had risen in the Far East.
But at this time, Divine Land was not the center of the world; many people simply considered it a case of barbarians conquering each other from thousands of miles away, merely adding a topic of conversation for their afternoon tea.
Nevertheless, there are always exceptions; there was one person who took a keen interest in Lu Yao.
~~~~~~~~~~
In the Menes Federation, on the other side of the ocean.
Today is July 4th, the Federation's Independence Day.
The nation is jubilant on this day, and households celebrate with grand fireworks displays, proudly showing their patriotic fervor.
However, the current Federal President—Lincoln—had no mind to celebrate.
At this moment, the thin man with a beard on his face gathered military and political leaders at the White House to discuss the situation in the Far East.
Among the participants were humans, Vampires, and even densely furred Werewolves.
That's the charm of the Federation, a nation formed by the blending of various races. Each race has its unique traits, and their long-term coexistence creates a distinctive culture.
As the meeting began, everyone received a dossier on Lu Yao.
It came from the "Izumo Exile Government," and was incredibly detailed, practically covering all aspects of Lu Yao's life trajectory.
Also accompanying it was the wreckage of a Mecha. Despite the Yi Dynasty's invincible march, casualties in combat were inevitable.
"A swiftly rising life, unbelievable capabilities, and this magical killing machine..."
Lincoln wheeled himself over to the Mecha wreckage, tapped it lightly with his hand, and asked, "Johnson, is there a way to decrypt and replicate it?"
This Federal President, and Legendary Vampire Hunter, was, astonishingly, sitting in a wheelchair, having lost the use of his legs!
But the man named "Johnson" did not dare to take this lightly, stood up from his seat, and slightly bowed as he said:
"I apologize, Mr. President. This Knight Armor's metallurgical technology, as well as its crystalline coating, are far beyond our eras."
This man's skin was pale, filled with a noble and sinister charm that touched the soul, obviously a high-ranking Vampire.
He was also the Vice President of the Menes Federation and elegantly added,
"However, the Izumo Exile Government has provided the research materials for the Tactical Ghost, which greatly supplements our deficiencies in the field of bio-weapons."
A Duke-level Vampire, reporting to a disabled human like a subordinate, was a rare sight indeed.
However, the military and political leaders present didn't find anything odd about it, as Lincoln had an axe on his lap!
At this moment, he tapped the blade edge lightly with his fingers, lost in thought.
This axe, no differently sized than a standard firefighter's axe and seemingly unremarkable, was something the President always carried with him, even when bathing or sleeping.
This is indeed the nation-protecting sacred artifact "Cherry Blossom Divine Axe," with which the Federation managed to drive away the old Sect Master Einheit and defeat a Vampire Prince.
The looks people occasionally gave the axe were full of wariness!
Especially Johnson, who had witnessed a kinsman of far superior strength being killed by the Divine Axe, knew its terror... and its eeriness.
At that moment, Lincoln finished pondering and spoke again, "Gentlemen, regarding the Yi Dynasty's occupation of Izumo, are we just going to express verbal condemnation?"
It was Johnson who responded, "A stern sanction bill has been submitted for Senate review, our country will impose various material embargoes on the Yi Dynasty..."
Lincoln frowned and interrupted, "Mere lip service, traders won't give up trading for profit."
The Yi Dynasty is not short of silver, and all countries in the world engage in frequent trade with it; everyone present is no exception.
Johnson tested the waters, "You seem to have an unusual interest in this barbaric leader from the Far East?"
Lincoln's brow was tightly knit as he said solemnly, "He is a demon! Both he himself and the war machines he has built will pose a serious threat to our land and our people!"
This President, with his deep and far-reaching thoughts, saw through what Lu Yao was trying to do with the promulgation of the "Overseas Fiefdom Law."
However, the others felt his words were somewhat exaggerated. Johnson's eyes twitched as he said,
"Although this barbarian powerhouse boasts impressive combat achievements, he is surely no match for you. Moreover, when it comes to major decisions concerning the Far East, we must pay attention to the stance of the Empire of the Eternal Sun."
The others nodded lightly, agreeing, the "Cherry Blossom Divine Axe" was an unsolvable presence!
Moreover, the most crucial point was... the Far East is Einheit's traditional sphere of influence.
Tianzhu, Myanmar, Malay, and even the Australis Continent were garrisoned with formidable colonial troops, and the Far Eastern Fleet showcased the authority of the Empire of the Eternal Sun.
The Federation... didn't have much say. But Lincoln's view was completely opposite!
At this moment, he met the gaze of every federal official present, his eyes firm, and then spoke in a warm yet forceful voice,
"Gentlemen, times are evolving, and we cannot always view problems through the lens of the past.
"Wars have left once glorious nations with nothing but afterglows, never to regain their former glory, while the great Federation is on the path to ascension!
The old world order is on the brink of collapse. And now, it's time for us to lead the world!"
In the war, the Menes Federation took all the advantages, and indeed, now it possessed the leading national power in the world.
Lincoln looked to Johnson and said, "Dear Vice President, you attended the Lido Peace Conference three years ago, and you should know this well."
Johnson replied respectfully, "Your wisdom is admirable. The European nations are greatly weakened, and the so-called 'peace treaty' they signed more resembles a temporary ceasefire agreement. The war will inevitably reignite, and it is indeed a perfect opportunity for our rise!"
At that moment, the atmosphere in the room was completely stirred.
Lincoln stared into everyone's eyes and said slowly,
"Gentlemen, it is time to establish a new international order under the Washington system! The Yi Dynasty's annexation of Izumo presents a good opportunity. Let us convene an international conference, inviting the leaders of nine nations including England, France, and the Yi Dynasty, to force the Yi Dynasty to withdraw from Izumo!"
He paused, then continued, "Johnson, your daughter... she was killed by Lu Yao, wasn't she?"
Johnson pulled out a white handkerchief and gently wiped his eyes, saying sadly, "It is a pain that I will never forget in my life."
His daughter was that female Vampire from the Coalition Forces of the Great Powers who had invaded previously.
"Have the military prepare, if Mr. Lu does not heed advice and persists in his barbaric actions, then we must preemptively eliminate the danger!"
President Lincoln emphasized "us" in every sentence he spoke, indeed a person adept at stirring emotions.