This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 676 - 353: The Spaceship Sailing in the Eternal Abyss

Chapter 676: Chapter 353: The Spaceship Sailing in the Eternal Abyss

A dimensional life form on the same level as Chrono?

Li Ming was silent, his pupils reflecting the image of the giant tree.

The information he currently had didn’t provide much detail about the origins of the tree, let alone its specific purpose.

There were some uncovering videos claiming the tree was actually jointly created by multiple major factions in the Main Universe, serving a special function.

Now it seems likely it was the result of combined efforts to kill, followed by using the tree to expand a dimensional world anchor point, which explains why this place is occupied by numerous factions.

Currently, only the recorded instances show the Central World has already fused over two hundred dimensional worlds, varying in size. After extensive engineering modifications, it became today’s "Dimensional Central."

The multi-layered dimensional worlds surrounding the Central World are also undergoing engineering modifications, seemingly ready to be fused into the Central World at any time — they witnessed this upon arrival.

The primary area is vast, with over 80% partitioned into stationed territories belonging to the Star Abyss Empire, Eternal Brilliance Federation, and multiple Star Cluster-level civilizations within the Sea of Stars.

The remaining territory is occupied by various large interstellar research institutes, the Interstellar Chamber of Commerce, the Mechanic Association, and similar factions.

The zones available for free exploration are extremely limited; someone once guessed they account for only around 5%.

The rules here are simple: unauthorized intrusion into private territories of other factions is strictly forbidden, and violators may be killed on sight.

Due to the appearance of the Dominion Holy Image, the number of Free Explorers arriving during this period skyrocketed, prompting the allocation of additional zones for accommodation.

As fragmented information crossed his mind, their starship arrived at the payment station guided by the docking system. Behind them, countless shuttle ships densely packed the dock area, almost fully occupying the edges.

Besides the docking fee for their spacecraft, they also had to pay a residence fee.

Each individual has to pay 10,000 Star Coins per day. It’s not prohibitively expensive, but it’s beyond what ordinary life forms can afford.

Thunder and the other mechanical bodies had already been stowed into the Control Space by Li Ming, while Robbin, though curious during the journey, didn’t press for details.

The Black Hole Network is not supported here; once inside, all communication signals are transmitted through the Central Communicator under multi-party supervision, effectively blocking access to the Black Hole Network.

This was also done to minimize potential instability.

Li Ming and Robbin came well-prepared, familiar with the rules here. They had already created fake identities and fake Star Network IDs on the Black Hole Network, claiming to hail from a distant and obscure civilization.

With a wave of his hand, Li Ming paid for 100 days in advance. Robbin, who was not short on money either, did the same.

"These are your identity cards; please take care not to lose them." The pink-skinned Snaru clerk smiled sweetly as she handed them two semi-transparent cards.

These cards were the basis for all activities here.

After receiving their identity cards, they temporarily rented a gray flying device and headed directly toward the Dominion Holy Image without delay.

Even from a great distance, the mountain-like Dominion Holy Image was visible, surrounded by flying devices of all shapes and sizes stacked nearly on top of one another, along with patrol ships. It was also cloaked in some sort of field, making the details indiscernible.

On their visual navigation panel appeared an adorable, chibi-styled white elephant icon.

"Who designed this? Such a chibi aesthetic!" Robbin complained.

After Li Ming selected the target, the little chibi white elephant started dancing. He sighed silently before a prompt popped up:

"Attention: too many flying devices are en route to this location. Currently, 1,325 flightpaths are in congestion, with 2,345,787 individuals ahead in line..."

Li Ming counted, his lips twitching in disbelief. Somehow, the Dominion Holy Image had turned into a tourist hotspot.

"I’ve queued you up; the estimated wait time is one and a half days. You can wait nearby or explore other destinations."

"Pretty smart system." Li Ming shook his head and looked at Robbin. "Do you have anywhere else you’d like to go? Otherwise, we’ll wait here."

Robbin said nothing, but his restless nature had already gotten the better of him. After being cooped up in the spacecraft for over a month, he couldn’t bear idling in the flying device.

"I’ll go walk around. I heard there are flea markets nearby run by Free Explorers, selling strange trinkets they’ve found in dimensional worlds — lots of good stuff, too."

Robbin seemed eager, and Li Ming suddenly remembered the Skull artifact tagging along — practically a portable mentor.

Clearly, Robbin was about to go treasure hunting.

With that thought, Li Ming’s interest was piqued — he could search for treasures too. "Alright, let’s go together."

Robbin raised an eyebrow, looking slightly surprised. "I thought genetic seed development was your only hobby?"

Li Ming shot him a glance, remaining silent.

Robbin awkwardly chuckled, "Not funny, huh."

He sheepishly searched the intelligent terminal for coordinates provided by others; the markets he mentioned weren’t marked on official navigation maps, being unofficial gathering spots.

The flying device sped along seamlessly, managed by the intelligent system to ensure collision avoidance, and two hours later, they arrived at their destination.

The area was an extraordinarily wide street near the Eternal Brilliance Federation’s stationed region, with towering metallic skyscrapers and bustling flying devices plainly visible in the vicinity.

The street swarmed with various life forms, most dressed in combat armor, their presence exuding menace.

Stores on both sides sold everything imaginable — Dimension Boundary Marks, shuttle ships, various exploration markers, bodyguard services, energy crystal blocks, and more...