This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 713 - 371 Dark Curtain and Accusation_2

Chapter 713: Chapter 371 Dark Curtain and Accusation_2

This Dominion Holy Image is TM fake, isn’t it?

What’s the reason for not choosing Li Ming? Afraid he won’t make it out of here?

The Dominion Holy Image itself is an extremely powerful combat force. It’s not like there’s no chance of taking Li Ming away.

Even if that’s really a concern, it’s still better than choosing Abel. If they chose Aistelle, he wouldn’t be so angry.

This is the worst possible outcome for the Pioneers. With the support of the Dominion Holy Image, the Star Abyss Empire has essentially gained the final right of interpretation.

No matter what anyone else says, they cannot shake the Star Abyss Empire anymore.

The "Isolation Plan" is completely bankrupt.

Blackbeard wishes he could tear the Dominion Holy Image limb from limb.

He doesn’t blame Azure Dragon. Li Ming’s excellence has already been fully displayed; it’s purely Dominion Holy Image acting erratically.

He gritted his teeth and cursed for a long time, before reluctantly accepting the reality, letting out a deep sigh.

His gaze then turned towards the Empire Flying Device, and the emotions contained within it were exceedingly complex.

The crowd was fervent, and even on the Interstellar Network, the uproar was no less intense. After Li Ming charged into the interstellar arena like a dark horse, countless people placed their bets on him.

Now that the situation has taken a dramatic turn, naturally, people are furious and spewing curses.

They curse the Star Abyss Empire for being shameless, curse the Dominion Holy Image for betraying the Hammer Divine Craftsman, and some even blame Li Ming for not trying harder.

Of course, there are also those offering rational analysis, suggesting that the Hammer Divine Craftsman, being a Divine Craftsman, would lean more toward mechanical talent.

Besides, the development potential difference between Li Ming and Abel is only about five levels.

But as noble figures naturally attract a lot of enmity, overall, most people still believe this is a rigged decision.

No matter how much commotion rages outside, Abel is presently grinning openly, humbly saying, "Thank you for being generous."

Aistelle remained expressionless, with a darkened expression faintly visible, while Li Ming looked at him indifferently.

Abel knew he was attracting hatred now, but a victor should display the posture of a victor. He attempted to shake hands with each person, but only Li Ming responded.

"Come visit the Empire when you have time. Some misunderstandings can be cleared up with a few words." His blatant hint was paired with a confident and calm smile.

Even if Nicholas might already be dead and beyond salvation, he didn’t care—after all, they weren’t his people.

"There’ll be opportunities." Li Ming withdrew his hand.

"Let’s go." The small white elephant urged, and Abel straightened his clothes, walking with a smile toward the corridor’s end.

When the metal door opened, everyone’s eyes flickered, trying to glimpse inside, but Abel didn’t give them the chance. He quickly entered and shut the door behind him.

"Holy Image, what did the Hammer Divine Craftsman leave behind?" Abel appeared impatient.

"It’s all here." The small white elephant tossed over a palm-sized silver storage disk.

"This is..." Abel looked momentarily stunned.

"All knowledge left by the master is here," said the small white elephant, but it promptly added, "Except for the Infinite Hammer and the Mechanical Holy Spirit Design, which are only in the master’s mind and not recorded."

Abel’s expression grew somber. All the knowledge of a Divine Craftsman sounded impressive, but for the Empire—for him—it was of no practical use.

Not to mention, the most crucial Mechanical Holy Spirit Design was absent.

"Is this all there is?" He forced a smile and asked further, "What about the Infinite Hammer? The Holy Spirit Core?"

"I’ve already said, the Infinite Hammer vanished together with the master, and as for the Holy Spirit Core, it’s the same." The small white elephant responded lethargically, "You seem quite dissatisfied."

"Are you going to relinquish the inheritance?"

Abel’s face turned black. Relinquishing it was impossible. Even without those items, just the title of "Hammer Divine Craftsman’s Inheritor" was incredibly useful.

It would at least allow him to win over the Mechanic Association, but he was still unwilling, asking, "Is there not even a trace or clue left behind?"

"None." Dominion Holy Image replied decisively. Abel’s expression shifted, and he cautiously asked, "Then what about the clue to Eternal Silence Star...?"

"That, there is." Dominion Holy Image nodded, causing Abel’s face to light up.

"The master ventured deep into the Dimension World and did indeed find some clues regarding Eternal Silence Star, which are all stored here." Dominion Holy Image said calmly, "If the master had been given more time, he might truly’ve found it."

He had discussed this thoroughly with Li Ming. For data that could be copied, what needed sharing should indeed be shared.

The Holy Image continued, "There’s also a calculation program for the Terrax Holy Castle. As long as there’s sufficient Terrax Stone, recalculation can proceed."

As Abel let out a sigh of relief, his eyes brightened again, "The trajectory calculation program for the Holy Castle?"

"Correct." Dominion Holy Image nodded. Abel smiled, "The Empire was already repairing this functionality, and with this completed program, it will be perfect."

He calculated the benefits: the Hammer Divine Craftsman’s reputation, the clues to Eternal Silence Star, the calculation program for the Holy Castle’s trajectory, plus Dominion Holy Image’s X-Level combat strength—all of it amounted to significant gains.

His mood improved considerably.

...

"Prince Abel seems to be in quite a good mood." West, standing beside Li Ming, tried to probe.

The other three also watched Abel, who had emerged from the room with a glowing demeanor, guessing what he might’ve obtained.

Having just exchanged contact information among the four of them, there was now a sense of shared indignation.

"Quite the harvest, I imagine. A few thousand years from now, when we meet again, we may well have to respectfully address him as Holy Emperor." Blue-eyed Patrick added.

Abel, as if unfazed by the teasing, responded politely, "You flatter me. If that day does come, I will certainly invite all of you to visit."

"Let me escort you out." The small white elephant said, not giving anyone a chance to speak further. They suddenly felt dizzy, and when they regained their composure, they were already standing beneath the Dominion Holy Image.

As noisy as it was when they entered, their exit was equally met with deafening cheers. Countless interstellar media outlets filmed them from all directions.

Some even shouted interview questions from a few hundred meters away, using directional sonic amplifiers to transmit their voices accurately:

"Lord Abel, rumors are spreading across the interstellar sphere that the Empire and Dominion Holy Image reached some kind of agreement, which led it to abandon Li Ming and choose you. Is this true?"

Nobody knew which bold media outlet posed this question, but Abel’s face darkened immediately upon hearing it.

He expected jubilant cheers upon exiting, but instead faced doubts.

Nevertheless, as the inheritor, Abel naturally wouldn’t miss this golden opportunity to enhance his influence. He actively approached the media, appearing ready to speak.

Disgust flashed across Aistelle’s face, as she turned away, while the other two snorted coldly.

Just then, the colossal Dominion Holy Image suddenly bowed its head, like a fallen meteor, wind roaring as nearby reporters staggered left and right.

"Wait, I have a few words for you." A booming voice trembled the surroundings, forcing onlookers to block their ears.

Abel froze upon hearing this. What could it possibly say at this moment?

Though puzzled, he maintained a humble and gentle smile, "Please, go ahead."

The atmosphere gradually settled as many began speculating.

Could it be the Hammer Divine Craftsman’s final words? Or perhaps Abel orchestrated this moment to address the Mechanic Association, attempting to intervene in the powerful organization.

Dominion Holy Image’s voice was somber and resolute: "The Star Abyss Empire murdered my master. I didn’t want to choose you as the inheritor, but I’m bound by the program my master left behind."

"Yet I will never serve the murderers of my master, nor their civilization. Thus, I will choose self-destruction."

These brief words detonated like a deepwater bomb, unleashing a massive storm of shockwaves.

Abel stared blankly, completely unresponsive.

The previously expressionless Aistelle’s pupils dilated. Mocking Patrick and West twisted their heads in astonishment.

Li Ming’s face also momentarily displayed an incredulous expression.

All the interstellar media reporters present froze in expressions of shock, their blood surging like a tidal wave.

Everyone realized that the headline they’d been waiting for had arrived.

This was an accusation against the Empire, specifically from the Dominion Holy Image. While it wasn’t yet an irrefutable truth, it nearly had become so.