Meteor Fall Master in the 'Starry Abyss'
Chapter 648 - 261. Baizhu Autonomous State

Chapter 648: 261. Baizhu Autonomous State

"Baizhu Star 89.6 million once, anyone to increase the price?"

The auctioneer saw no inquiries and finally announced,

"Baizhu Star 89.6 million thrice, sold. Congratulations to bidder 077 for purchasing Baizhu Star!"

Clap!

Andifa fell to his knees, his face contorted with distress.

"How could this happen... It shouldn’t be! He was supposed to invest his funds in Pelis Star!"

Nariya, utterly disregarding her disheartened fiancé, stood up and remarked disdainfully,

"Truly, disappointing."

"But, satisfactory."

Li Aozi exhaled with relief and stood up from his chair.

"Acquiring Baizhu Star for under a hundred million is already a huge profit for me."

Though he said so, in reality, Li Aozi’s initial expected price was around fifty million.

If the Crystal Tower Civilization hadn’t been so greedy, Li Aozi wouldn’t have had to spend so much money.

Luckily, he had enough cash on hand, so he didn’t have to worry about his plan being disrupted.

"But who knows who the real fool was, spending triple the price on Pelis Star." Nikita quipped.

From his outsider perspective, it seemed as though the bait had been too obvious, yet many pursued it, allowing Li Aozi to achieve his ultimate goal.

"After all, Pelis Star appearing as the grand finale was bound to create a climax."

Li Aozi was indifferent. The item was secured, and he quickly settled the payment and received the receipt.

"Next month, I will be running around for procedures... Such a hassle."

Li Aozi put down the receipt and looked expectantly at Nikita,

"Brother Nikita, would you help me..."

"Ah, my old self can’t handle interstellar travel anymore," Nikita stroked his beard, "You’re no longer a child, how hard is it to find a secretary or assistant?"

"It’s just that there’s no suitable candidate," Li Aozi spread his hands. "I did try to find a few before, but they were either underqualified or clueless about government business. I don’t have the time to teach anyone."

"If you find recruitment troublesome, let’s discuss it later. For this month, you’ll have to handle the paperwork yourself."

In fact, Li Aozi had left something unsaid.

The assistant role was originally perfect for Yawen. She had a background in intelligence, knew the government well, and was good with bureaucracy.

Of course, now that it involved societal issues and preparations to immigrate and join the Interstellar Alliance as a Narrative-Level Civilization, Li Aozi couldn’t mention these matters anymore.

"This year’s campus recruitment is nearing, so let’s choose from the fresh graduates."

Li Aozi shook his head, no longer dwelling on this matter.

For the next month, his work focused on taking over Azure Star, which included some qualification examinations and assessments, but nothing too significant as he was well-prepared.

Over the past five years, all the school infrastructure of Trevela had been dismantled, leaving only Baizhu Interstellar University. After merging with other universities on Baizhu Star, it was restructured into Baizhu Comprehensive University.

After five years of operation, the student resources were also extracted, and the graduate academy directly connected to the universities on new educational planets.

Li Aozi was relatively fortunate. Thanks to Dean Nastisha modifying his student records, he completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees within five years, along with his military service.

This was the reason why Li Aozi was able to participate in the auction. To the Crystal Tower, he could be considered one of their own.

However, even with Baizhu Star in such a dire state, the Crystal Tower did not forget to give them one last cruel blow.

On the day of the successful auction, the faculty team of Baizhu Comprehensive University, the last magic school on Baizhu Star, announced their departure.

No matter the attempts to retain them or the salaries offered, these teachers left coldly and indifferently.

Just like when they initially withdrew, leaving nearly ten thousand magic school students without supervision, not yet fully integrated into society, they were already unemployed.

A month later.

On the fifteenth day of the Dew Moon, at 10:30 in the morning,

Baizhu Comprehensive University announced its closure. Thousands of magic students, still in the midst of their education, initiated a "Defend Baizhu University" protest, starting a sit-in hunger strike.

On this very day, Baizhu Star officially changed its name to Li’s Star.

"Breaking News: In the Eye of the Galaxy’s peripheral zone, the former Crystal Tower Civilization’s subordinate administrative planet—Baizhu Star has declared its independence and is now in a state of autonomy."

"Once a hero in the battle against the Mechanical World Society’s Mashigang—Leoz, has announced the takeover of the entire Baizhu Star and established the Baizhu Autonomous State. An application to join the Interstellar Alliance has been submitted."

"Will the Eye of the Galaxy’s peripheral zone receive its first member state? Will the last isolated region of Layer Abyss be opened?"

"Next, we will airdrop to our frontline reporter."

On this day, the once inconspicuous Baizhu Star suddenly made headlines.

"Baizhu Star was once a subsidiary civilization of the Crystal Tower. Although we now choose the path of independence and autonomy, we still maintain friendly relations up to the moment of transfer. We hope the friendship between both parties endures forever."

Li Aozi calmly read the statement.

The number of reporters below the stage was not large, but not insignificant either. Apart from local media, there were also two Narrative-Level Civilization media outlets friendly with Li Aozi.

Debuting politically for the first time, assuming the status of a former subsidiary planet of an isolated civilization, yet earning so much attention, Li Aozi was already very satisfied.

His political capital was quite substantial; the title of a "society defender" hero was enough to attract attention.

"I announce that Baizhu Star officially secedes from the Crystal Tower Civilization’s subordinate status and now participates in interstellar activities as an independent autonomous state."

Li Aozi, dressed in a deep blue floral formal suit, placed one hand on the newly drafted constitution, solemnly swore,

"By Pathway and the Starry Abyss above, I, Leoz Dominet (Realze Dominate, meaning: Leoz Sovereign) am honored to serve as the first leader of this autonomous state. As the fully empowered President, I swear to respect and protect the rights and freedoms of humanity and citizens, obey the constitution, safeguard national sovereignty, independence, security, and territorial integrity, and faithfully serve all the people."

As President of a nation, Li Aozi could not go without a surname, so he simply added the phonetic of "Sovereign" to his name.

This also symbolized his ambition.

"Now, with the authority as President, I will announce the new national name, system, national flag, and national anthem for all citizens."

Li Aozi held up the statement, though he had already memorized it by heart, and faced the media’s flashing lights, aware of the billions of people watching him.

He clearly understood what these people were worried about and looking forward to.

"Our new national name will be: Baizhu Autonomous State, with a system as an independent mercenary city-state, implementing a lifelong presidential responsibility system."

"The national flag will be a black background with a red seven-pointed star, representing our founding based on the Sovereign Pathway."

"The national emblem will be: a white crystal base, olive branches encircling a red seven-pointed star, connected by a golden ribbon. The white symbolizes our past association with the Crystal Tower and a respect for materialist values; the olive branches represent peace and victory; the red seven-pointed star symbolizes sovereignty and dominion; the golden ribbon represents our reverence for law and order."

"We will align with interstellar civilization and establish an interstellar economic system, building on the existing workshop system, incorporating private enterprises, and appropriately increasing the allocation of public resources, i.e., public economy."

Li Aozi was the overt and sole Zeta Rank powerhouse on Baizhu Star; whether in terms of martial force, legality, or actuality, his legitimacy was beyond reproach. His assets alone could sustain numerous positions and employs millions.

In a strict sense, Li Aozi was not just a ruler, but his accumulated wealth over the years made him the industrial oligarch of the entire planet. Therefore, to complement his plans, setting up the entire autonomous state as his unique oligarchic paradise was most fitting.

Li Aozi did not like sharing power; as a Pathway Ascender to Divinity in the Sovereign pathway, his desire for control was beyond ordinary people.

They were not worried that Li Aozi would become a dictator or tyrant. In fact, people were more afraid that he would make enough money and leave.

So, Li Aozi solemnly addressed the innumerable cameras, saying,

"Citizens, I am not good with words, but I speak my mind plainly."

"Baizhu Star once suffered great hardships. Terrorists, idealistic madmen, and society citizens coveted our cherished land for various reasons, unleashing inhumane invasions and destruction."

"I was a witness to those events. I am acutely aware of your feelings: losing loved ones, children, brothers, sisters, and respected elders to foreign invasions. I understand your emotions deeply."

"Because of this, I solemnly pledge to you all, and to every citizen of the Baizhu Autonomous State."

"As long as I breathe, I will protect you from any enemies. I will build an independent military and combat strength to uphold our citizens’ dignity."

"I will ensure that those who call us an interstellar backwater will be left with nothing but barren, scorched earth."

"For those ’thinking that, upon deeply understanding our land, their ideas are worthy of their suffering,’ they will be left with nothing but destroyed hospitals and schools."

"Those ridiculing our arduous path will ultimately see our shining industries and awe-inspiring structures with gritted teeth."

"We will wholeheartedly rely on our own strength, living honorably in this universe. My dear citizens, do not be surprised by past ignorance and shortsightedness. Every era has its mistakes, but those who move forward after committing errors are more honorable than those who have fallen."

Li Aozi took a deep breath and said,

"I will do my utmost to lead you to the pinnacle of the Starry Abyss."

--------------------

[You have legally gained ownership recognition of Baizhu Star.]

[You have acquired a new identity occupation—[President - Oligarch]]

[Identity occupation does not provide main attribute boosts but will increase reputation based on your main attributes.]

[Your territory—’Newbie Village’ has expanded in scale. Your controlled planets and countries have been incorporated into your domain. Would you like to merge it?]

[Successfully merged territory.]

[First successful nation-building, system updated...]