This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 326 - 177: A small swipe at Red River Starfall - Bodyguard Collector

Chapter 326: Chapter 177: A small swipe at Red River Starfall - Bodyguard Collector

On the Floating Island, Li Ming glanced at the virtual screen that popped up on his bracelet and sent a brief reply.

He mainly contacted Feder to ask about the whereabouts of the United Fleet and was shocked to learn that the fleets from various civilizations had not yet arrived.

"I thought the battle was almost upon us," Li Ming said wordlessly.

According to Feder, although 80% of the civilizations in the Silver Star Cluster had responded, gathering these people together and deploying them also required time.

After leaving the core area, he immediately lost connection with the outside world. Li Ming had carefully studied this Floating Island; the technological methods used were very special.

It doesn’t seem like something that Land of Stars, as it currently is, has the capacity to modify.

As he was contemplating, Li Ming suddenly looked up and saw Cassis arriving, followed by members of the guard.

"These are two Evolution Theories that the Collector sent me to deliver. Keep them to yourself," said Cassis briskly, also informing him of another matter, "In ten days’ time, the Red River Starfall will arrive. Don’t be alarmed then."

"The Red River Starfall..." Li Ming felt a slight movement in his heart. Cassis, fearing that Li Ming would pay it no heed, specifically explained, "The Collector takes each Starfall very seriously; all the Floating Islands under his command will participate, and there might be many lost civilizations’ legacies among them."

Li Ming was also very interested and expressed his understanding. He then mentioned a few needs, which Cassis noted down but couldn’t help saying, "An integrated miniaturization assembly line?"

"What do you need that for?"

Li Ming stayed silent, and Cassis frowned, "I see."

"Two Evolution Theories? That’s quite the generous hand," Li Ming mused to himself looking at the items in his hands after Cassis left.

But he also understood that the value of individual Evolution Theories was not too great; they required the accompanying Secret of Liberation and gene fusion sequence.

Giving him these two Evolution Theories was nothing more than the Collector’s way of placating him.

Each of the [Giant Strength Mantis Evolution Theory] and [Ice Knight Evolution Theory] required 800,000 metal energy, totaling 1.6 million metal energy, belonging to ordinary B-grade gene sequences.

It wasn’t quite enough, but this time Cassis brought the necessary materials for repairs, plus what he had left before, it was just about sufficient.

Li Ming directly took control, adding these two Evolution Theories, and also recycled the original C-grade Genetic Radiation Device, boosting the development speed twelvefold, the overall enhancement reaching thirty-sixfold.

Nearly a month since his arrival at Land of Stars, the development progress had already reached 17%. Now it would accelerate even more.

...

At Trading Island’s spaceport, an unremarkable spaceship docked onto the orbit. Several people sat opposite each other on the ship, with a virtual screen in the center constantly displaying information related to Kay.

"According to our intelligence, the B-grade life form that killed Atom and Duke Bai Ye has come to Land of Stars, calling himself Azure Dragon, and has opened a Mechanical Repair shop," said the leader, a human with a crew cut and deep furrows by his nostrils, sternly:

"He’s followed by two people, one of whom should be Kay."

"A Mechanical Repair shop? Lord Blake, are you sure about the information?" The others exchanged bewildered glances.

"Yes," said Blake with furrowed brows, "And now he has joined the Collector, on an isolated Floating Island."

Upon mentioning the name, the expressions of those present grew significantly graver.

"What do we do then? Kay’s identity is special; we must acquire him."

Black pondered, "Let’s talk to him and see if we can take Kay with us. We’re prepared to pay a reasonable price for it."

"But what if he asks for the moon, or flat out refuses?" the others hesitated.

"Shouldn’t be a big problem," Black said earnestly, "There are many Mechanics under the Collector who are treated as tools, working tirelessly day and night. We are his lifeline."

After paying the fee, the group changed their appearance and set out for their target.

...

"I’m sorry, this Floating Island does not accept external visitors. Please leave promptly," soldiers on the island stopped Blake and his companions as they disembarked from a small flying vehicle.

"We need to see Lord Azure Dragon on urgent business," Blake frowned slightly.

"By the Collector’s orders, this island does not accept outside visitors," said the fully-armed soldier icily.

As Blake’s eyes flickered, about to say something, Ya Ro hurried over. Catching sight of the group, he detected a familiar presence—the scent of the interstellar alliance.

"Lord Azure Dragon allows them to come in," Ya Ro declared gravely.

The soldiers exchanged looks, seemingly reluctant, but Ya Ro pressed further, "Do we need to bother Lord Azure Dragon with such a minor matter and contact the Collector?"

Invoking the name of the Collector proved effective, and the soldiers immediately stepped aside, allowing the group to enter.

"Follow me, Lord Azure Dragon is waiting for you," Ya Ro sighed inwardly.

Uncertain of the outcome of the upcoming meeting, he couldn’t possibly expose his identity and risk even greater trouble.

Blake discreetly observed the surroundings as he followed, until they reached the workshop.

His gaze covertly settled on a figure in the corner, wearing a gene inhibitor.

"How may I address you?" Li Ming’s back turned towards him, seemingly tinkering with something.

"Just call me Blake."

Li Ming nodded, "Are you from the interstellar alliance’s anti-looting department?"

Blake winced, not expecting Li Ming to be so direct, while Kay, who was standing in a corner, tensed up and glanced over.

"Since Lord Azure Dragon has already guessed our origin, I’ll be straightforward," Blake said in a deep voice, "Kay has applied for political asylum, and we need to take him with us."