This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 723 - 376 Impending Chaos, Countermeasures_2

Chapter 723: Chapter 376 Impending Chaos, Countermeasures_2

Costate’s face was grim, understanding the gravity of the situation. The atmosphere of the meeting grew increasingly silent.

Jaint, visibly unsettled, couldn’t help but ask, "Has the Empire truly descended into a state of crises on all sides? Is it just words that have such destructive power?"

Abel let out a bitter laugh and said, "It’s not just words. This is merely the beginning, like the fuse to a bomb."

"Polk’s actions have exposed the Empire’s vulnerabilities. In the interstellar gaming world, there’s a saying: once the health bar is revealed, even gods can be killed."

"Their subsequent responses will surely follow, and the Mechanic Association will undoubtedly act aggressively. We’re virtually defenseless on this matter—it’s the first blow."

"When coupled with other coordinated actions and enemies sowing chaos in the shadows, they’ll drag us into an abyss from which there’s no escape."

Ryan snapped his fingers and said with a hint of admiration, "Your words carry wisdom. You’re absolutely right—the enemy lies in darkness; we stand in the light."

"From now on, we can only remain resolute and unyielding in the face of wave upon wave of both overt and covert offensives. Over time, only then can we prove the Empire’s enduring strength."

"We’re forced into a defensive position because our enemies continually change. They aren’t a single group but a swarm of ravenous predators lurking in the shadows. If we show the slightest sign of weakness, even our most loyal servants will turn on us collectively!"

Ryan scanned the room, his oppressive gaze almost palpable. "Ladies and gentlemen, the war has begun. Are you ready?"

The atmosphere plunged into uneasy silence, enough to make Diaz’s heart race.

Costate broke the silence, his voice resolute: "The war is here, but we will not merely defend. Nor can we let the endless surge of incidents wear down our will."

"We must uncover the hidden enemies lurking beneath the surface. This entire affair follows a coherent chain of events. I’m beginning to suspect that even the Dominion Holy Image has already been convinced and become a part of their plans."

"The more the hidden actors move, the greater the flaws they reveal. Find them, and kill them!"

Ryan interrupted sharply, "Such righteous words—but haven’t you noticed that Azure Dragon is highly suspicious?"

"Azure Dragon?" Abel froze momentarily. "What does this have to do with him?"

Ryan’s eyes turned icy. "He became an enemy of Nicholas due to certain events that occurred at the Northern Crown Star Ring. I’ve uncovered some clues."

"I have strong reasons to suspect Azure Dragon is one of the hidden actors."

"I know." Costate replied, catching Ryan off guard. "You knew and still stopped me?"

"You’re talking about Azure Dragon—how does this connect to Li Ming’s death?" Costate retorted. "If Azure Dragon had been present, I wouldn’t have stopped you."

Ryan furrowed his brows tightly.

Costate continued, "As it stands, he’s nearly our only lead. Do you think I let him go for no reason?"

Ryan hesitated, while the others exchanged puzzled glances, unable to grasp Costate’s intent.

"Sowing discord!?" Ryan suddenly exclaimed, his eyes lit with realization.

"Exactly," Costate said calmly. "I was willing to confront you openly in front of everyone to let him walk free. Now you tell me—wouldn’t that shadowy group harbor even the slightest suspicion toward him."

Abel felt a chill deep within him; he hadn’t considered that angle.

"He’s the only possible entry point, and we must seize it." Costate glanced coldly at Ryan. "What good came from killing Li Ming, other than pushing Azure Dragon firmly away?"

Ryan snorted dismissively. "What if Azure Dragon is the mastermind? Then your sowing discord is utterly pointless."

"I’m wagering he isn’t," Costate replied firmly. Ryan fell silent, his momentum clearly reduced.

Even he knew his own words were a forced argument.

"I’ll try to establish contact with Azure Dragon. I believe his allegiance ultimately boils down to interests." Costate’s sharp gaze revealed his conviction; he had planned this from the outset, which explained his ambiguous stance toward Azure Dragon.

At the time, however, Azure Dragon had only appeared to be a Casting Star Mechanic, and it was unclear if he had access to the inner circle. Moreover, the situation wasn’t as dire then.

Now, things had changed.

Ryan countered again, "What if it’s driven by vengeance?"

Costate remained calm. "If he can help us crush those lurking in the shadows, everyone except the Holy Emperor can be offered to him."

The room’s atmosphere grew oppressive to the point of suffocation. Ryan’s expression wavered.

Buzz—

Diaz’s intelligent terminal chimed. He nervously activated it, his face turning pale as he stammered, "Prince..."

Everyone understood he was addressing Ryan. The prince’s voice was low, "There’s nothing you can’t say now."

"The Ocean Star garrison from the Sea of Stars has been attacked—entirely annihilated. Moreover... two other bases haven’t reported for over ten hours."

Ryan stood abruptly, his pupils glinting with frosty anger. While he’d anticipated risks prior to arriving, he hadn’t expected them to strike so swiftly.

Costate sighed deeply. "So the first blow landed... here."

While they hurried to strategize a response, the interstellar network erupted. Events on the Central World stunned onlookers everywhere.

The Dominion Holy Image had initially chosen Albert as the successor, seemingly ending the incident.

But it turned out to be the beginning. First, the Dominion Holy Image accused the Empire of assassinating the Hammer Divine Craftsman before self-destructing.

Then, another prince stepped forward, targeting Li Ming—or perhaps Azure Dragon.

Azure Dragon revealed his Divine Craftsman-level skills, causing widespread shock.

Next, a Holy Revolution leader made a declaration that left interstellar citizens and civilizations in awe.

Then came the sudden combat. The prince struck but failed to kill Li Ming, with Azure Dragon shielding his student without even appearing.

Instead, countless spectators and reporters perished in the chaos.

Any of these isolated incidents would typically dominate headlines for ages, spawning endless news cycles.

Now, they exploded simultaneously, bringing unimaginable tremors.

Within half a day, interstellar network discussions and trending topics were dominated.

[Polk Declaration!]

[Azure Dragon—Divine Craftsman]

[Who is Polk?]

[Who is Azure Dragon?]

[The Hammer Divine Craftsman’s Death]

[Empire—Decline]

[What is Eternal Silence Star?]

[What is the Terrax Treasure?]

[Is Dominion Holy Image AI or a Life Form?]

[...]

[Holy Emperor’s son publicly assaults an innocent mechanic!]

Interstellar citizens, with little to occupy them, acted like sharks scenting blood, ravenously consuming the previously inaccessible flood of information.

They eagerly delved into the mysteries of the Terrax Civilization, astonished while inevitably developing a twinge of greed for the rumored treasure.

For most Order Civilization citizens, these thoughts were fleeting.

Yet among bloodthirsty Raiders, secret schemers, ambitious figures, armed factions, and civilizations once oppressed by the Empire, restlessness stirred.

Still, none acted immediately—they refused to be the vanguard. This oppressive tension simmered.

By the third day, propelled by overwhelming interstellar mechanics’ discourse, the Mechanic Association issued an official statement, demanding the Empire provide a reasonable explanation for the Dominion Holy Image’s allegations—or face corresponding measures.

Soon after, new revelations emerged: garrisons in the Sea of Stars had faced multi-directional assaults. Numerous videos and photos surfaced, the devastation heart-wrenching.

Two savage blows struck the Empire.

As public opinion fermented, even ordinary life forms in remote civilizations—where interstellar labor laws were yet incomplete and Genetic Seed sales still rampant—found themselves wondering:

Is the Empire truly falling?