Chapter 1756: Chapter 1756

1756: Chapter 1752: Reshuffle 1756: Chapter 1752: Reshuffle Lu Ping’an’s “disappearance” did not stir up much commotion, because far too many advanced combat powers had gone missing, making it impossible to keep count.

However, the Courtyard was still functioning, and the local Trading Land continued regular operations, which was a subtle way of signaling peace…

The Deity’s Holy Domain and Divine Kingdom still existed, so It clearly had not perished.

Everyone knew that Lu Ping’an had already vaguely shown traces of divinity, and some were even surprised as to why he hadn’t yet ascended to the realm of the Quasi-God.

When concerned individuals proactively came to inquire, a simple “currently in advancement” was a rather persuasive response.

In fact, following this victory, most professionals experienced leaps in their progression.

This was one of the perks of triumph—from material rewards to the world’s feedback…

The victory in the Plane War naturally gave back to most participants, especially to Lu Ping’an who had fought in the core of the frontlines; even being directly favored for God-level ascension was within the realm of possibility.

Indeed, some had already advised him to ascend as soon as possible…

Not every senior professional could comprehend the mysteries of the God Above Gods.

Their suggestion, though purely out of goodwill and vaguely hinting at an investment, left Lu Ping’an smiling wryly.

Even among the top-tier clubs of this plane, Lu Ping’an likely went from being “virtually unknown” to “the guy everyone’s heard of.”

Meanwhile, Lu Ping’an’s sporadic disconnection subtly conveyed his stance.

“…Lu Ping’an probably has no intention of returning to hold a public office.”

“I inquired with Rebirth Commerce; their primary interests still lie in inter-plane trade, and they certainly won’t limit themselves to local markets…

This merit should undoubtedly ease their business ventures.”

A young man without excessive ambition would likely garner more trust from our nation…”

A company with proven wartime achievements would naturally find it easier to land on the nation’s whitelist, potentially even being granted certain industry-specific concessions.

As for Lu Ping’an’s own company, “weapons sales” and “Extraordinary training” are, by nature, gray industries.

If he could curry favor with higher-ups, it would significantly benefit the company’s public image.

Especially given the combat power and “loyalty” demonstrated by the Lu Ping’an Group this time, it wouldn’t be difficult for the Eastern Country’s military departments to pass off sensitive private tasks to them.

For example, intelligence and mercenary operations across other continents—a highly lucrative business reserved exclusively for “loyalists.”

Lu Ping’an, however, did not accept espionage or mercenary jobs.

If his reputation were to be tarnished, maintaining neutrality in other worlds would become exceedingly difficult…

Even if everyone knows he’s inclined toward the Eastern Country, as long as he maintains appearances and avoids being caught as a “black glove,” he can still repeatedly emphasize his role as a neutral businessman.

After all, navigating the external realm requires flexible stances and vision.

“…We aren’t interested in mercenary work, but we’re very keen on trade involving Magic Potions, arms, and logistics.”

The most evident business would likely involve acting as a middleman, selling “half-new decommissioned equipment” from certain armies to Foreign Domain forces with allegiances to specific nations.

This was pure profit-making trade that could also help build goodwill.

Ultimately, it depends on whether one possesses the qualifications and ability to take on such deals, and now, Lu Ping’an’s team likely does.

Lu Ping’an’s side not only has official trading channels but also the ability to acquire various supplies through the Courtyard and Trading Land for “laundering” and resale.

Additionally, the Courtyard contains many factories that can rebrand items with negligible costs.

His Courtyard’s factories already cover most of the logistical and military supplies necessary for Extraordinaries; if Lu Ping’an decides to sell openly, his branded semi-new goods might even undercut the cost of official replicas.

Previously, selling such items was considered a major taboo because it could incite local unrest.

But now, despite the end of the Plane War, nations still have to manage issues with New Gods, Dragon-Snakes, Exotic Realm Invaders, among other headaches.

As long as someone is willing to sell them high-quality arms, even if they don’t worship you outright, you would still be considered their life-saving benefactor.

Lu Ping’an, as a “former Vice Admiral” and “merit-retired warrior,” stands out as a special individual running a private company, inherently well-suited for such work.

Moreover, when necessary, his Courtyard’s delivery operations are not only highly secure and confidential but can also transport significant volumes…

Lu Ping’an could even conveniently ferry troops.

That’s your suggestion.

I’ll report back—shouldn’t be an issue.”

At this moment, presenting these ideas subtly showcased Lu Ping’an’s intent to step back.

Rather than becoming a governor of a post-war region or taking a ministerial position in Wanjing, Lu Ping’an preferred “retiring” into civilian life…

This was not overthinking but likely tied to emerging rumors about his potential promotion to Admiral, or even taking on a deputy ministerial role directly.

The timing of such rumors from specific channels was too coincidental; after a brief reflection, Lu Ping’an realized it was essentially a probe.

It stemmed from his overly subtle standing…

He had previously served as a formally ranked Vice Admiral, and if he took the official route this time, the major merit would necessitate promotion.

However, a thirty-something Admiral or Marshal is unlikely to remain idle—roles such as commanding the Long-Arm Tribe Military Region or becoming a key minister in Wanjing were highly probable.

Lu Ping’an had to clarify his desires.

Yet obtaining such positions would mean plunging into a quagmire…

Lu Ping’an had no interest.

Lu Ping’an saw things clearly—he had zero interest in political power but was deeply invested in the necessity of possessing “power.” Spending time on governance and interpersonal matters felt inefficient to him.

At this level, pursuing power and rules naturally required venturing Outside the Domain.

Keeping a nominal association locally was sufficient; holding a substantive role would simply not be worth it.

“…Headache, endless matters.”

Lu Ping’an divided his departments and specifically created two branches: an international freight company and a foreign trade company.

These divisions would handle categorized responsibilities, taking on certain aspects of “international trade,” with a focus on external expansion…

This signified Lu Ping’an consciously relinquishing domestic positions.

This was something he had to finalize, defining the future direction of his own group.

In a sense, it was also keeping pace with the evolution of the era.

Through various channels, Lu Ping’an had learned that, given the current global landscape, the Eastern Country would likely adopt a more proactive stance.

The world’s total population had suffered catastrophic losses—adding up scattered survivors and those who’d gone missing, the figure might amount to less than two billion.

Most nations would remain vastly underpopulated with limited production capacities, while Eastern Country, with its seven to eight hundred million inhabitants, had preserved itself relatively well during the Plane War.

Under such circumstances, even without expansion, establishing overseas forces would inevitably become a priority…

“The borders between many nations in America and Europa are gone?

Are they really planning to form federations to tide over hardships?

Sometimes, the trajectory of fate becomes so bizarre that even imagination feels daring, while the news refrains from reporting…

Severely impacted America indeed underwent a major reshuffling.

However, as they collectively retreated and banded together for survival, it simultaneously implied that they’d relinquish more room for development.

When Lu Ping’an’s “friends” discussed these developments, they were all visibly excited.

But for someone like Lu Ping’an, who had faced a God Above Gods, he understood that worldly wealth, power, and connections were ultimately ephemeral…

When standing before those Divine Monsters, only pure strength and Eternity could secure one’s survival.

And achieving genuine and meaningful strength would naturally require leaving this planet.

Ultimately, Lu Ping’an issued relatively conservative instructions to the “Earth Branch,” emphasizing proper management of the Courtyard and Trading Land without resorting to debt-driven strategies.

Too many trivial matters continued to limit Lu Ping’an’s bandwidth, yet these were crucial and had to be resolved before his eventual “long sleep.”