Chapter 133: Forming an Alliance!

Chu Xiao felt something was amiss the moment he stepped inside. The room was plastered with "Happy Birthday" signs, and the table was laden with delicious food.

"Lulu, is today your birthday?"

"No!"

Chu Xiao was even more puzzled. If it wasn't Wang Lulu's birthday, why go through all this trouble? Just as he was wondering, Chu Renfang and Qin Lihua suddenly appeared.

"Dad, Mom, why are you back?"

Chu Xiao was surprised. They should have been in Xishan Province; how had they returned without a word?

"You silly boy, have you forgotten it's your birthday? Plus, you just got out of the hospital, so of course we had to come back!"

Hearing Qin Lihua say this, it dawned on Chu Xiao. He had been so consumed by thoughts of weapon development that he had forgotten his own birthday.

"Uncle and Auntie came back specifically to celebrate your birthday, and Auntie even made all your favorite dishes!"

Chu Xiao suddenly felt how wonderful it was to be cared for. In such busy times, for someone to remember his birthday—besides parents and loved ones, surely no one else would.

Not long after, Wang Yan arrived. It turned out she had made a special note of his birthday and had traveled all the way from Yanjing. Accompanying her was Number One.

Gradually, more people arrived, and the once-quiet villa became lively. Chu Xiao no longer felt alone; he had family, a lover, and many good friends.

Chu Xiao invited everyone to take their seats. Although it was just a simple meal, in Chu Xiao's heart, it was a cherished memory.

"Mom, Dad, when are you planning to leave?"

"We have to head back right after we eat. If it weren't for your serious injury and your birthday, your father and I wouldn't have had the time to come back!"

A sour, aching sensation filled Chu Xiao’s heart. He rarely remembered his parents' birthdays, yet they, despite their busy schedules, had never forgotten his. He felt he owed Chu Renfang and Qin Lihua so much; once he defeated the Pluto, he would surely make it up to them and spend more time by their side.

After the meal, Chu Renfang and Qin Lihua left for Xishan Province, while Chu Xiao prepared to head to Yanjing with Number One and Wang Lulu. He wanted to check on the weapon production and bring back a batch in case the Pluto attacked again.

Meanwhile, the United States, Ouqiang, and Qiuji initiated a video conference. They intended to trade food for weaponry from Jiuzhou, but Number One flatly refused. Instead, he offered to give them some equipment, provided that until the Pluto was defeated, all four nations would guarantee that if any member was in danger, the others would send troops to support them.

Qiuji and Ouqiang agreed readily. The United States, having no other choice, reluctantly consented and proposed that Jiuzhou lead the alliance, with the authority to mobilize any party's troops when necessary. The other nations would have to comply unconditionally. Though reluctant, they knew they needed a strong protector, or they would soon be swallowed by the Pluto.

Number One appointed Chu Xiao as the supreme commander of the alliance. No one objected; in their hearts, Chu Xiao was the soul of Jiuzhou, second only to Number One. Without him, Jiuzhou would likely fare no better than the others. Number One also suggested that each nation send a representative to Jiuzhou, ensuring that everyone would be aware of any military action and could mobilize troops immediately. This was also a measure to prevent betrayal.

With the representatives in place, they could act swiftly in times of crisis and discuss strategy together. After confirming there were no objections, Number One ended the call.

As the car arrived in Yanjing, Chu Xiao expressed his hesitation about being commander, but Number One refused to change his mind, noting that without Chu Xiao, no one in Jiuzhou could keep the other three nations in check.

Number One instructed Chu Xiao and Wang Yan to go to the armory and select equipment for the three nations. Upon arrival, they selected a thousand cannons, two thousand laser cannons, and five thousand laser rifles.

"Brother Xiao, why give them such advanced weapons? Wouldn't it be better to give them the ones we don't use?" Wang Yan asked, puzzled.

"There is no 'us' and 'them' now. We are all fighting the Pluto. We cannot give them inferior weapons." Wang Yan began to understand; their common enemy was the Pluto. There were no nations or races anymore—only humanity.

Chu Xiao had long suggested to Number One that they arm the other nations, but a suitable opportunity had never presented itself. After selecting the weapons, he arranged for them to be delivered to the U.S., Qiuji, and Ouqiang. A dozen trucks were loaded and sent out that very afternoon.

The representatives from the other three nations arrived that same day. The U.S. sent Mu Keyan, a cousin of Musike and a formidable woman who controlled a third of the U.S. military. Qiuji sent Del, the most trusted confidant of their leader, a man of great influence. Ouqiang sent Erwin, a member of the royal family.

Seeing that each nation had sent such powerful figures, it was clear they took the alliance seriously. Chu Xiao introduced them to Number One and arranged their accommodations in Yanjing. Though they would need to travel between Yanjing and Mingzhu City, they were prepared to fight when necessary. Each of them had experienced dozens, if not hundreds, of battles.

In their own countries, these individuals were legendary, much like Chu Xiao. Chu Xiao gave them a tour of Yanjing's defenses and the weaponry used by the soldiers. The representatives were astonished, calling Yanjing's defenses and gear world-class, far surpassing their own.

Upon learning that Jiuzhou was still developing new weapons, they expressed an interest in seeing them. Chu Xiao decided to take them to Ren Boyuan's laboratory. When they walked in, Ren Boyuan was puzzled by the strangers accompanying Chu Xiao.

"This is Mu Keyan from the U.S., this is Del from Qiuji, and that is Erwin from Beisha. All three are renowned figures in their respective countries. They are the representatives for our four-nation alliance. And this," Chu Xiao said, gesturing, "is Dr. Ren Boyuan, our top expert in weapon research."