This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 671 - 350 The Origin of the Terrax Stone_2

Chapter 671: Chapter 350 The Origin of the Terrax Stone_2

Albert remained silent. The reason Duke Bloodthorn had come here was to avoid the spotlight.

Plans seldom keep pace with changes. The death of Reina, despite being tied to the outbreak of the Forging Hammer Divine Craftsman’s matter, did not stir the level of public uproar Nicholas had anticipated to force the Star Origin Empire to quickly find the culprit, granting the Empire time for a slow and thorough investigation instead.

Meanwhile, Duke Guya, who had yet to fully recover, was clearly enraged and demanded the Empire investigate the matter thoroughly.

Additionally, he did not believe Azure Dragon was the culprit.

Duke Bloodthorn noticed the undercurrents and the veiled accusations aimed at him. With no choice left, he had to come here under his grandfather, Prince Ryan’s arrangements.

Of course, he wasn’t merely here to hide; officially, he was offering strategic decision-making support.

Li Ming remained the only plausible choice that interested the Dominion Holy Image, and internally within the Empire, the only one with indirect ties to Li Ming was Nicholas.

Albert’s thoughts were racing; he, too, felt the urgency—after all, he was the one who committed the murder.

"Azure Dragon..." Nicholas’s expression shifted. "With such a massive temptation right before his eyes, you think he wouldn’t come?"

The sinking cost had grown colossal, even leading him to kill Reina, making retreat impossible. He must eliminate Azure Dragon.

This time is a perfect opportunity.

......

"...Yes, Lord, it was always Lord Azure Dragon who contacted us; we cannot reach him ourselves," Ulrich nodded faintly, his figure seeming illusory.

"I see," Austin sighed and waved his hand. The figure of Ulrich standing before him dissolved.

As the Forging Hammer Divine Craftsman’s matter escalated, Li Ming’s name gradually became widely recognized.

He did not believe Azure Dragon had genuinely isolated himself from the world; most likely, Azure Dragon had ventured deep into the Dimension World, making him temporarily unreachable.

"How could this happen? Why would the Prophet’s Eye attack Li Ming?" Austin scratched his head, staring at the jar with its dissipating energy, unable to make sense of it.

"And where the hell has Li Ming gone? I hope nothing bad happens to him," Austin said helplessly. His intelligent terminal vibrated slightly. He glanced at it and swiftly shut it off.

Another inquiry about Li Ming—this wasn’t the first time. Even his boss, the Star Gate Master—Anduin, had asked about him.

"Fame surpassing position; this isn’t a good thing." He worried greatly, not because he belittled Li Ming, but due to the vast waves this matter had stirred.

The Dominion Holy Image publicly choosing its inheritor under everyone’s watchful eyes—Li Ming, if he truly appeared, might not even secure the inheritance, and his master wouldn’t be able to withstand the pressure.

Fortunately, the Mechanician Association had begun efforts to cool things down, not allowing rumors to spread unchecked.

The Dominion Holy Image only asked a couple of questions, but within just three days, it had morphed into the narrative that the Image was deeply favoring Li Ming.

If left unchecked, it could even turn into claims that Li Ming had already gained the Forging Hammer Divine Craftsman’s inheritance.

He wasn’t exaggerating—it was just how the interstellar realm worked; there were countless life forms easily deceived by rumors.

......

"Butler, Li Ming won’t run into trouble, will he?" Robbin squatted under a stone, his face full of worry.

The two had agreed to hide together, but after those suspected Holy Mother Church members left, he emerged to search for Li Ming, only to find that the latter had vanished.

The butler said Li Ming had already followed the group into the Dimension World.

"And how the hell are those Holy Mother Church witches here anyway?" He gritted his teeth.

"Highly likely, they’ve come for Li Ming," the butler replied calmly.

"I know they’re after Li Ming, but the real question is, how did they find out where Li Ming was going?" Ross shook his head. "If something hadn’t gone wrong, wouldn’t we have walked directly into their trap?"

Having roamed the interstellar realm for many years, he naturally understood that if the Holy Mother Church had chosen to lay an ambush, they must have a way to deal with Li Ming’s already displayed strength on paper.

There must be S-Class combat power within that Dimension World.

"What should we do?" Robbin couldn’t help but ask.

"I’ve already answered you—we can only wait here," the butler replied. "We don’t have a ship capable of traversing the Dimension World, nor can we possibly confront the Holy Mother Church members."

"The Eternal Brilliance Federation members will return in three days; by then, you can leave with them."

"You’re suggesting I...?" Robbin frowned, but before he could finish, his vision went black. Suddenly alert, he raised his gaze, and then froze in stupefaction, followed by excitement: "Li Ming!?"

"You’re okay?" He exclaimed in astonishment. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the black shuttlecraft parked not far away and was shocked further: "That’s the Holy Mother Church’s ship? You took out those witches?"

"Sort of," Li Ming replied vaguely, showing no intent to elaborate. "Let’s go, together—we’ll explore that world."

Robbin swallowed hard, glancing at Li Ming’s clothes, noticing not a single crease.

With countless questions in mind, he boarded the ship. Crossing the dimensional barrier, the first sight before him was a massive crack spanning almost the entire Dimension World’s land.

Sure enough... he had won by brute force.

"How many did they send?" Robbin couldn’t hold back his curiosity.

"Not many," Li Ming shook his head. Seeing his reluctance to explain, Robbin refrained from asking further, his mind racing with speculations.

Soon, they landed before the gigantic palace.

Just as they stepped out of the cabin, Robbin halted, not even glancing at the majestic palace. Instead, with an expression of disbelief, he reached into his pocket, pulling out his slim intelligent terminal, which was vibrating incessantly.

Confused, he remarked, "It’s actually connected to the external network?"

"The Holy Mother Church left high-end communication equipment here," Li Ming replied casually.

Suddenly understanding, Robbin absentmindedly swiped the device twice. Seeing something on the screen, his face froze momentarily, his gaze darting back up to Li Ming, then stiffened downward again as his voice trembled: "The Forging Hammer Divine Craftsman’s inheritor?"

Li Ming raised an eyebrow and looked over, rendered speechless.

On Robbin’s intelligent terminal, the Star Network had pushed a special news update—a lone headline, brief but astonishing:

"Who is Li Ming? The Forging Hammer Divine Craftsman’s Inheritor!"

"Click it and read," Li Ming said, shaking his head at Robbin’s dazed expression.

Awakening as if from a dream, Robbin quickly tapped the news link, reading every word intently.

"...Holy shit, the Dominion Holy Image really made a move..."

"...Holy shit, these requirements are insane..."

"...Holy shit, wait... you... haven’t even obtained the inheritance yet, right?"

Robbin was utterly floored, finally exhaling in frustration: "Isn’t this putting you right in the firing line?"

Li Ming didn’t respond, and Robbin went back to scrutinizing the details, especially the video concerning Li Ming. He muttered quietly:

"This Dominion Holy Image doesn’t seem too smart. Its attitude is blatantly interested in you, and its attempts to patch up the narrative afterward are laughably fake."

Robbin couldn’t suppress his envy—this was the inheritance of the Forging Hammer Divine Craftsman, something anyone would crave.

Regrettably, his development potential fell far short of the required standards.

"Just a brief window with no internet connection, and such monumental changes have occurred," Robbin sighed, stashing his terminal away. "Honestly, it’d be safer if he found a secure spot and stayed in touch with you secretly."

"He can’t hide anymore," Li Ming replied, shaking his head. Robbin’s brow furrowed momentarily before he let out a sigh.

"Enough about that for now. Take a look at this palace—does it seem familiar to you?"

This line felt familiar, almost like he’d heard it somewhere before. Robbin instinctively raised his head, gazing upon the grand palace before them.

"This is Talax’s Tomb," the butler’s voice suddenly interjected.

Robbin hesitated, his thoughts churning as a realization struck—had Li Ming already deduced something?

If Li Ming had truly figured it out, then with Robbin constantly spilling hidden truths, surely something felt off?

"Don’t overthink; just speak," the butler reassured.

Really? No problem? Robbin finally said, "This seems to be Talax’s Tomb."

"Tomb?" Li Ming paused, his gaze flickering. "Isn’t it a relic?"

"No." Robbin shook his head, "The Talaxians of high status built tombs like these after death, burying them within specific Dimension Worlds."

Li Ming frowned slightly as he led Robbin into the hall.

Robbin grimaced, explaining as they walked: "These empty metallic bases around us were meant for burial offerings. The central pit likely held the coffin for the deceased Talaxian..."

Damn, he was turning into a Talaxian expert; internally grumbling, Robbin felt Li Ming had long figured it out yet kept playing dumb.

"The Talaxian’s body..." Li Ming gazed at the central pit.

Robbin continued, "However, Talaxians practiced cremation; their bodies were always burned after death. The coffin likely only contains..."

"The Terrax Stone," Li Ming interrupted abruptly. The Terrax Stone—they must be the "relics" produced after a Talaxian’s cremation.