The name of this Level 5 Civilization was not actually the Pegasus Civilization. In the data from the Predator Civilizations it was referred to by a different star system name. By coincidence, that star system lay in the direction of the Pegasus Constellation on Xiao Yu’s star map, so Xiao Yu simply named it the Pegasus Civilization.

Xiao Yu had obtained a great deal of valuable data from this Predator Civilizations. The Predator Civilizations was a very special form of existence, quite similar to Xiao Yu’s current state. The difference was that they had been drifting through the Milky Way for hundreds of thousands or even over a million years. Innumerable intelligent beings had made ships their homes, spending their entire lives within them, being born, growing old, dying, and then reproducing. Their descendants would continue the journey of their predecessors.

Hundreds of thousands to over a million years were enough to traverse the Milky Way several times and roughly survey it. Exploring the entire Milky Way was a burdensome task requiring massive human and material resources. Even a Level 6 Civilization might not be able to support it. Besides, a Level 6 Civilization had no need to launch such a survey.

In other words, when it came to understanding of the Milky Way, the level of this Predator Civilizations was likely even above that of Level 6 Civilizations.

In the data obtained from this Predator Civilizations, there was a rough strength ranking of Level 5 Civilizations. This ranking included roughly more than twenty Level 5 Civilizations. These more than twenty Level 5 Civilizations were all those that this Predator Civilizations had contacted or heard about during its long journey of hundreds of thousands to over a million years. The Pegasus Civilization ranked first on this list. The Predator Civilizations’ data showed that the total population of the Pegasus Civilization was about two hundred billion, occupying more than fifty life-bearing planets and hundreds of mining and industrial planets.

The strength of such a colossal civilization could be imagined. In the Predator Civilizations’ strength evaluation standards, this civilization was extremely dangerous. Upon encountering the fleet of the Pegasus Civilization, it was preferable to detour rather than contact them.

“How many unique technologies would such a powerful Level 5 Civilization possess? After obtaining those technologies, to what extent would my technological level develop? The thought is truly exciting.”

With such anticipation, Xiao Yu’s fleet embarked on the long journey of seven thousand light years.

Xiao Yu’s current flight speed was thirty-five times the speed of light, which meant he would need about two hundred years to reach his destination. Considering the need for resupply en route, acceleration and deceleration, and some unexpected consumption, Xiao Yu believed it would take about two hundred and fifty to three hundred years to reach the target.

“According to the Predator Civilizations’ data, the Pegasus Civilization’s military strength was at least ten million ships, among which there were at least five Continent-Class ships, and their maximum speed could reach at least twenty-five times the speed of light. This is a formidable enemy and a civilization with great potential to reach Level 6.”

“This civilization has always been very low-key, so it has never attracted the attention of Level 6 Civilizations. But among Level 5 Civilizations, it has a high reputation. From this point of analysis, it can be roughly inferred that they have been engaging in exchanges with other Level 5 Civilizations. Then there is a question. For what reason does this Pegasus Civilization frequently engage with other Level 5 Civilizations? I think it is very likely also for the unique technologies of other civilizations. The Pegasus Civilization is collecting the unique technologies of other Level 5 Civilizations in preparation to advance to a Level 6 Civilization.”

“In fact, a maximum speed of at least twenty-five times the speed of light already indicates this. Relying on the development of a single civilization alone, it is basically impossible to reach such a level.”

In the highest conference room aboard the ship the Asia, Xiao Yu convened Luka Two, Luka Three, Luka Four, and other outstanding scientists to analyze the Pegasus Civilization comprehensively from technological level, social structure, military strength, external intentions, and other aspects.

“The above is what is indicated in the Predator Civilizations’ data. Besides this, there are also some materials on the Pegasus Civilization’s society and people’s livelihood. Everyone may have a look.” Xiao Yu said, sending these materials to the personal computing terminals of the attending scientists.

“I need you to propose a reasonable contact plan, assess the possibility of peaceful contact and mutual exchange of unique technologies, and give me a timetable for contact. At the same time, I need you to formulate response policies for various contingencies. For example, if the other side harbors hostility toward us and launches a sneak attack or an offensive, how should we respond.”

“First let us talk about the possibility of peaceful contact.” Luka Two lightly stroked his chin, frowning as he said, “The data is limited, and no clear conclusion can be reached for the time being. However, judging by the current information, I think the possibility of peaceful contact is still high. At least, in the Pegasus Civilization’s frequent contacts with other civilizations, there has been no instance of any one civilization being wiped out by them.”

“You mean that the Pegasus Civilization has consistently been peacefully trading unique technologies with other civilizations?” Xiao Yu asked.

“Very likely.” Luka Two nodded lightly.

Xiao Yu frowned and said, “But you are overlooking something. You must know that other civilizations, for example this Level 5 Civilization in the direction of Carina, are also, according to the data, engaging in close contact with the Pegasus Civilization. Yet in the Predator Civilizations’ strength ratings, this Carina Civilization is only ordinary, and its overall strength is even somewhat inferior to that of the Predator Civilizations. In other words, the Carina Civilization is much weaker than the Pegasus Civilization. Peaceful trade is a broad concept. If strength serves as the backing, would signing a treaty under duress not also count as peaceful trade?”

“Oh? You are saying that the so-called peaceful trade the Pegasus Civilization conducts with other civilizations is very likely an unequal exchange backed by strength. When they encounter our Divine Ark Civilization, which cannot be cowed into submission by deterrence, the Pegasus Civilization would launch military strikes?” Luka Two said.

“Yes. I think that is also quite possible. Overall, I am unwilling to start a war. Compared with war, I prefer to pay some price to obtain what I want in a peaceful manner.” Xiao Yu said. “However, the decision on whether to start a war is not in our hands. So we will prepare for both. If this Pegasus Civilization wants peace, I will give them peace. If this Pegasus Civilization wants war, then give them war.”

Xiao Yu had absolute confidence in his own strength. He would not speak of Level 6 Civilizations, but among Level 5 Civilizations, Xiao Yu had never feared anyone.

Obtaining what he wanted came first. Xiao Yu wanted results and did not care whether the process was war or peace. This was Xiao Yu’s rationality. At the same time, Xiao Yu’s feelings inclined toward using peaceful means. Precisely because he had absolute assurance, Xiao Yu could indulge his feelings a little and lean toward peaceful means. If Xiao Yu did not possess his current strength, then he would suppress his personal preferences, let rationality lead, and choose means such as surprise attacks and intrigue.

In short, no matter what, obtaining what he wanted was the top priority.

“Next I will analyze the Pegasus Civilization’s strength from the technological level.” Luka Three stood up and said, “Much can be inferred just from the twenty-five times light speed. However, the Predator Civilizations’ description of the Pegasus Civilization says they possess at least a maximum speed of twenty-five times the speed of light, and this data is from more than three thousand years ago. Based on the normal technological development rate of the Pegasus Civilization, I think the most advanced warships of the Pegasus Civilization should now be able to reach thirty times the speed of light. This speed is not too different from ours.”

“The Pegasus Civilization occupies dozens of life-bearing planets and hundreds of industrial and mining planets. This means the Pegasus Civilization has a huge population base and powerful industrial strength. The Predator Civilizations’ data says the Pegasus Civilization possesses ten million warships. I believe this number is only the standing military strength of the Pegasus Civilization. In the event of war, this number would increase by at least seventy percent. At least five Continent-Class ships. This number already exceeds ours. That is the full strength of the Pegasus Civilization.” Luka Three hesitated slightly, then continued, “I think perhaps we do not need to choose such a hard bone as our first target. We could select this civilization in the direction of Carina or this one in the direction of Sextans. By comparison, these two Level 5 Civilizations are much easier to handle. This Sextans civilization does not even have a single Continent-Class ship and is at the same level as the Molian Civilization that we destroyed.”

“If we are to choose, we should choose the strongest to act against. Could a civilization without space weapons and without a Four-Dimensional shield possibly be our opponent?” Xiao Yu said with a smile. “Most importantly, we also have the Sphere of Death at our disposal. If it truly becomes impossible, all of you enter deep cryostasis and use a single Sphere of Death to wipe out this Pegasus Civilization.”

“The most important point is that we are not going to fight positional warfare with the Pegasus Civilization. Without positional warfare, their massive fleet cannot fully exert its power. Besides, our objective is only their technology, not to exterminate them completely. Of course, if exterminating them completely is the only way to obtain what I want, I will not hesitate.”