This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 681 - 355: Robbin’s "Backstab"_2

Chapter 681: Chapter 355: Robbin’s "Backstab"_2

"No need." Li Ming shook his head. "This isn’t necessarily a dead-end."

Robbin hesitated, seemingly wanting to say something, but then his expression changed in a flash, suddenly realizing:

"Almost forgot. Even if they find you, they won’t be able to do anything to you. If they truly try to harm you, the Mechanic Association definitely won’t let it slide."

As Robbin said this, his tone was filled with envy. When he first uncovered these matters, he had felt restless, wanting to leave in a hurry.

He unconsciously substituted his earlier days of hiding everywhere, fearing offending people, treading carefully in all matters; Li Ming, on the other hand, had powerful figures backing him, with the mighty Mechanic Association behind those figures.

The Mechanic Association had already issued a statement. Although they didn’t explicitly say they were protecting Li Ming, they did emphasize that no sabotage was allowed during the selection process.

Thinking about this, even Robbin felt somewhat relieved.

Li Ming chuckled and simply shook his head: "Those words may be true, but as luck would have it, one of my teacher’s enemies happens to be the leader of this Joint Review Department."

"Duke Bloodthorn—Nicholas. This man has always suspected my teacher of killing his son."

Robbin froze, the relief he had just felt dissipating entirely: "What do you mean?"

Li Ming gave Robbin a once-over, then unexpectedly said something astounding: "Hey, Rob, have you ever thought about backstabbing me?"

The abrupt change in topic left Robbin momentarily dumbfounded. It wasn’t long before he snapped back, jumping to his feet in agitation, spitting angrily: "Li Ming, what kind of person do you take me for? I, Robbin, am not someone who betrays his friends!"

Li Ming quietly waited for him to finish speaking and then shook his head, saying: "Misunderstanding. I’m not doubting you, otherwise I wouldn’t possibly let you roam around so freely."

Robbin paused briefly, then thought about it and nodded: "Sorry, I’ve been backstabbed before and it left me reactive."

Li Ming didn’t mind. He understood Robbin’s character, though that was just one reason for his trust.

A much more important reason was his overseer—there was no way it would allow Robbin to act that way.

Compared to the issues Li Ming was now facing, his capture might result in temporary imprisonment, but he wasn’t in significant danger.

Even with the conflict with Nicholas, it was something the Azure Dragon had done; what did it have to do with Li Ming?

If he was willing to submit to Nicholas, the Duke Bloodthorn would undoubtedly let bygones be bygones.

However, Robbin’s secret—now that was an entirely different matter.

The riskier one among them being captured would actually be Robbin.

"What I mean to say is that, if you hadn’t previously considered it, now might be a good time to start," Li Ming said, leaving Robbin looking even more confused and increasingly puzzled.

Li Ming finally elaborated: "I want you to reach out to Nicholas and have a good talk with that Duke."

Robbin froze for a moment before reacting, his expression shifting: "What?"

...

The Joint Review Department of the Star Abyss Empire, Eternal Brilliance Federation, and Star Cluster Republic Alliance was established as a coalition effort.

As it was proposed by the Star Abyss Empire, the headquarters was also set up at the Empire’s base.

Nicholas was standing in the command center, facing thousands of surveillance screens that densely covered the room, monitoring the Dominion Holy Image and its surrounding area from all angles.

The staff at their posts worked tirelessly, the low, chaotic noise engulfing the room.

The number of marked personnel on the screens continued to increase, while the reduction rate remained rather slow.

Nicholas glanced at the numbers; the total had already accumulated to over 400,000.

"Duke, the troop deployment request was rejected. The other two factions are unwilling to send additional soldiers to assist in the review work." Someone came to report.

Nicholas shot a glance at the document, where two large red characters—"Rejected"—were clearly stamped, and a cold smile crept across his lips: "Just as expected. When it comes to joint matters, no one truly wants to put in extra effort."

"But this works in our favor. Let’s mobilize 30,000 troops from our side directly to assist in the review work."

Albert stood by, observing. After the messenger had left, he spoke in a low tone: "Do you think Li Ming will really come?"

"He will." Nicholas said with absolute certainty. "This is the Hammer Divine Craftsman we’re talking about—who could ignore that?"

"Unfortunately, the ’Prison Cage’ will need another 30 days to be transferred here. The process is so slow." His expression darkened further as he spoke.

Condensing information states isn’t particularly challenging for a Casting Star Mechanic.

However, condensing doesn’t mean complete disappearance—so long as someone exists within the universe, an information state will inevitably be generated.

The Prison Cage, formally known as the Quantum Information State Prison Matrix, operates on an ultrafine scale to perform massive area searches. They had used this method to locate the Dark Night previously—though the scale this time was much larger.

But transferring this device required multiple processes, and no one was willing to expedite the operations; in fact, the Royal Family was even intentionally creating obstacles.

This thought made Nicholas’ face even more sullen. Creating obstacles for others was satisfying, but it was an entirely different story when the obstacles were aimed at him.

At that moment, Nicholas’ smart terminal buzzed, its screen lighting up to display a brief incoming message from one of his intelligence agents.

"What’s the matter? Something happened in the Main Universe?" Nicholas frowned.

The intelligence officer hurriedly explained, "No, but someone claiming to be the Star Thief just contacted us. He says he has information on Li Ming."

"Star Thief?" Nicholas’ expression shifted slightly at the unique designation. He quickly swiped through to bring up a dossier, revealing a photograph—Robbin’s face.

"It’s him... the guy Li Ming brought into the Dimension World?" Nicholas flipped through the records. He’d reviewed this person’s file before—Black Hole Hall member, interstellar mercenary, explorer, scavenger...

"Patch the call through," Nicholas ordered, his gaze sharp.

"Understood!"

The intelligence officer complied, and within moments, a communication signal was connected. Nicholas glanced at the display and hesitated briefly before answering.

"Duke Bloodthorn?" Robbin’s voice came across with a hint of flippancy.

"It’s me," Nicholas responded coldly, cutting straight to the point: "Robbin, how do you know I’m looking for Li Ming right now?"

"I didn’t know." Robbin’s answer came unexpectedly. "But now I do."

Nicholas frowned, but before he could respond, Robbin explained, "I just figured you’d be interested in him, given how his teacher seems to have done something that irked you."

Nicholas’ expression darkened. "According to the data we’ve gathered, you’re currently with Li Ming, aren’t you? What’s the deal—thinking of betraying him?"

"I’m not his subordinate, so how would it count as betrayal? I’m merely pursuing maximum benefit." Robbin’s tone was natural.

Nicholas remained noncommittal, neither affirming nor denying his trust, before asking, "Where are you now?"

"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa..." Robbin exclaimed dramatically. "You’re Duke Bloodthorn for goodness’ sake—how can you not understand the rules of negotiation?"

"What do you want?" Nicholas remained composed, not angered.

"Originally, I just wanted to exchange the info for some cash. But it seems like you’re far more interested in Li Ming now. This means I’ll have to raise my price a bit." Robbin’s tone was shrewd. "You’re aware of the Terrax Stone, aren’t you?"

Nicholas’ gaze sharpened, flashing with intensity: "What do you need that for?"

"What else? Without Li Ming, I wouldn’t have known about the Terrax Stone having such vast applications," Robbin replied, his words dripping with greed.

That matched the intel. Based on their tracking and study of Li Ming, the Black Hole Hall bounty on the Terrax Stone was likely issued by him.

The beneficiary of the bounty had been Robbin himself.

The Terrax Stone’s versatility was immense—not only could it serve as a collector’s item, but also as material for synthesizing S-level Genetic Seeds, advanced weapon energy conductors, and more.

Within the Empire, it was even said that enough Terrax Stones could pinpoint the location of ancient relics, making it extraordinarily valuable.

"How about giving me ten or so pieces, huh?" Robbin made an outrageous demand.

Nicholas’ expression remained unchanged, shaking his head: "Impossible."