This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 656 - 343: Faking Reality - The Anomaly of Talos’ Heart

Chapter 656: Chapter 343: Faking Reality - The Anomaly of Talos’ Heart

"Whether it is or not, I don’t want to inadvertently get involved in disasters," Li Ming said coldly, "otherwise, don’t blame me for flipping the table."

He wasn’t sure if this matter was related to the other party, but he still needed to take a tough stance to prevent them from going too far.

Blackbeard’s eyelids twitched as he tried to soothe, "We would never use the safety of our organization’s companions as bait."

Indeed, this matter had nothing to do with them. The Star Abyss Empire was investigating them, and causing such issues now would make them enemies both internally and externally.

Given the increasingly mysterious strength and methods displayed by Azure Dragon, no one dared to underestimate him.

"It’s better that way." Upon hearing this, Li Ming let it go, speaking indifferently, "You haven’t answered my previous question yet, whether the Dominion Holy Image that appeared was real or fake."

"This..." Blackbeard struggled to explain, "I don’t know the specifics. I only know my part, as for the details..." he shook his head.

"You are truly disappointing," Li Ming remarked in a prolonged tone,

"I remember, it seems like you were the one who came to invite me, yet up to now, I’ve never met anyone from the organization besides you, nor do I even know the name of the organization, which is really disheartening."

The organization was very cautious, and Li Ming could understand that, but understanding was one thing, and pushing them was another.

Blackbeard helplessly acknowledged that it was indeed him who had invited Li Ming, but the members of the organization were so cautious, there was nothing he could do.

"Sigh..." Blackbeard sighed, knowing that he eventually had to reveal some information to appease the other: "The Dominion Holy Image that appeared recently was fake, it was just a shell. The Forging Hammer Divine Craftsman has been missing for so many years, his life and death unknown, how could we possibly find him."

As expected, it was fake. Li Ming wasn’t surprised and, confirming his suspicion, then said, "When can I meet other people in the organization, or participate in the deliberations?"

"I can’t always be considered an external participant, right?"

Blackbeard feared Li Ming asking this and stiffly explained, "Members of the organization don’t often meet each other..."

Seeing Azure Dragon’s increasingly dissatisfied expression, he reluctantly disclosed a bit more: "We call ourselves Pioneers."

"Pioneers..." Li Ming speechless, wondering why such secret organizations always choose such righteous-sounding names.

"Actually, I’ve suggested multiple times to fully accept you, but the others have their reservations, please understand," Blackbeard added.

Li Ming feigned dissatisfaction, "What’s there to worry about, suspecting me of being a spy?"

Blackbeard gave a wry smile and shook his head.

Li Ming touched on the point and didn’t delve deeper into this topic, knowing that such matters couldn’t be resolved in just a few words.

Seeing this, Blackbeard also tactfully changed the subject, "It is said that you possess a virus that causes regression in the genes of S-level Life Forms?"

"You are well-informed," Li Ming acknowledged frankly, "Yes, I do."

Blackbeard was momentarily taken aback, having thought Azure Dragon might conceal it, but didn’t expect him to admit it so openly.

While his guess was confirmed, his heart also felt a chill.

"Are you looking for people from the Holy Mother Church?" Blackbeard paused, then asked.

Li Ming did not directly answer, "After the Star Abyss Empire’s crackdown, these people have hidden themselves too deeply, developing many unimportant organization members while the real core figures remain untraceable."

Blackbeard sighed, "But you still managed to fish them out."

"Are there any members from the Holy Mother Church among the Pioneers?" Li Ming stared at Blackbeard.

Blackbeard hesitated, his movements stopping, "I’m not certain, I don’t know the true identity of each member, there might be..."

"Please rest assured, in many matters, we adopt a majority rules decision-making method, even if there are, it won’t harm you," he reassured.

"Majority rules?" Li Ming sharply caught onto this, surprised, "Not a dictatorship by the organizers?"

He had thought the structure of the Pioneers was hierarchical, with organizers responsible for making plans and the rest carrying them out.

He had always thought that the organizers of the Pioneers were at least X-level Life Forms.

Turns out, it was a round-table voting system.

Blackbeard saw Azure Dragon’s confusion and vaguely stated, "There isn’t just one organizer, or rather, now no one knows who the organizer really is."

Such a structure, then what is used to ensure members do not betray?

Li Ming was filled with doubts, and Blackbeard felt he had already revealed enough, finding an excuse to end the communication at the last moment.

He hesitated and then reminded, "It’s better to use that method of yours sparingly, otherwise it might cause unnecessary panic."

"If there’s enough panic, they’ll get used to it," Li Ming responded noncommittally.

Li Ming could yield, but Azure Dragon could not.

Blackbeard had no response, only advising again, "We will handle Reina’s matter, you focus on your own tasks, and absolutely do not act recklessly."

Seeing Azure Dragon nod again, the screen finally went dark.

Li Ming glanced at the Black Hole Network, and sure enough, information about Reina’s death was already starting to circulate on a small scale.

Those in the know were all puzzled, and Azure Dragon was notably listed as the prime suspect.

Shaking his head, Li Ming pondered, "Since the Dominion Holy Image was fake, this trip to the Dimension World has to focus on finding the Terrax Stone and related items."

By mid-afternoon, the items he had ordered were gradually delivered, all of which he put into the Folded Space.

It’s worth mentioning that Robbin also spent a fortune, using the compensation money from the Night Moon Experiment Company, to purchase a space-folding gear.

All his miscellaneous equipment was stored in it, no longer needing to carry metal boxes and bags all day.