This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 731 - 380: Base Changes - One-Click Sweep_2

Chapter 731: Chapter 380: Base Changes - One-Click Sweep_2

Abel froze for a moment. He couldn’t even muster the courage to deny that he’d considered letting Li Ming kill Diaz.

His resentment toward Ryan had nowhere to go, and he turned that anger upon those around him. This was a problem he couldn’t avoid.

Li Ming consoled him, "Relax. Nobody knows it was you who leaked the information to me, and no one would even suspect you."

Abel’s expression flickered, but he quickly composed himself and said sternly, "Let me tell you—don’t think you can hold something over me. I will never do anything for you."

"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding..." Li Ming said hastily. "Your Highness, why would you think that? We’re friends. I’ve never thought of blackmailing you."

"The interstellar situation is unstable. You and I should be helping each other. Besides, even if I leaked this information, with your exceptional development potential, the Empire wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you."

Li Ming guided him patiently. "It’s only betrayal when it comes from the lower ranks. Between us, it’s just an exchange of interests. Surely, there have been instances in the Empire’s history where deals were made with enemies?"

Abel’s heavy breathing gradually calmed. There was some truth to what Li Ming said—this was an exchange of interests, not betrayal.

He reassured himself, but when he remembered Prince Costat’s hopeful gaze, a wave of guilt surged within him. Then the thought of his father’s path to fortune darkened his expression once more.

"Since it’s an exchange of interests, I hope you can also provide me with something useful," Abel said in a low voice.

"Of course..." Li Ming agreed without hesitation and then added, "But the most urgent task now is finding a reasonable excuse for Diaz’s death."

"You don’t need to worry about that," Abel replied calmly. "Prince Costat has appointed me as the Commander for investigating internal traitors. Although it’s a nominal position, it gives me considerable leeway."

The virtual screen remained quiet for a moment before Li Ming’s voice returned, filled with admiration: "Prince Costat truly has good judgment."

Abel snorted coldly and ended the call on his intelligent terminal.

"Are you kidding me? They actually appointed Abel? Prince Costat must be blind," Li Ming muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

"But this works perfectly for me..." Li Ming grinned. Abel was clearly beginning to accept this arrangement.

Even though he pretended otherwise, Li Ming knew Abel had long harbored this desire for revenge.

As he was reflecting, Robbin knocked on the door and said, "We’ve reached the outpost."

The hatch opened, revealing towering steel buildings whose surfaces gleamed with cold, metallic luster. Between them, transparent energy bridges interconnected, with streams of light coursing through them.

The sky was filled with intersecting flying devices. It looked impressive but was significantly inferior to the Central World—not just in quality but also in scale, comprising less than one percent of it.

However, the Central World was governed by strict rules of order. Fugitives weren’t allowed to enter, the fees for staying were exorbitant, and disguises ran the risk of being uncovered.

Thus, smaller public outposts like these were still bustling with people.

"Damn it! Why has the price of Spark Crystals risen so much? Can’t even afford fuel anymore," someone cursed.

"The recent interstellar turmoil has caused a spike in all energy and precious metal prices."

"Ugh, bad luck. Every trip now costs at least 20% more. Hope I can find some precious metals out there."

"..."

The crowd buzzed with activity, discussing the major events occurring across the interstellar realms. Threads of these events intertwined, impacting every aspect of life.

The universe was vast. What appeared in the news as a mere sentence or two could, for those involved, be a mountain that altered the course of their lives.

Li Ming didn’t linger here long. He and Robbin had a clear goal, heading directly toward the Space Channel leading to the Main Universe.

"This is a pinpoint-targeting channel. The other end is at the Broster Star Ring, which isn’t far from the Chaotic Star Gap," Robbin explained succinctly.

Pinpoint-targeting channels were incredibly expensive—half a million Star Coins per person, and that was after using their spaceship as collateral for a discount.

After paying the fee, they stepped into the Space Channel.

This type of channel felt entirely different from the temporary Space Channels Austin had created. It was far more stable and traversed a shorter distance.

Half an hour later, they returned to the Main Universe. Robbin couldn’t help but take a deep breath and exclaim, "I’m so done with the smell inside the spaceship."

The area teemed with life forms, part of an ultra-large base primarily populated by beings returning from the Dimension World. It also provided spaceship trading services.

They bought a relatively standard ship. Reaching the Meteor Flame Star System through the Star Gate nodes would take about half a month.

"Wow... The Mechanic Association has already elevated Boss Qinglong’s certification to the Divine Craftsman level," exclaimed Robbin with astonishment. "Those guys are fast."

Li Ming’s expression remained calm. Ulrich had long reported this development to him, along with many subtle changes arising in various places.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. Their ship exited the warp channel, revealing a crimson star close at hand.

"Goodness, has it changed this much?" Robbin muttered, swallowing hard as he gazed through the porthole at the planet below, now encased in metallic armor.

The entire planet was covered in sprawling industrial facilities. Numerous satellites and space stations orbited the celestial body.

Over fifty Star Ports had been constructed, scattered across the planet. Countless cargo ships continuously docked and departed, various spacecrafts weaving through the air, trailing long streams of exhaust flames before heading out in all directions.

Further in the distance, a colossal oval-shaped metal structure was under construction. It resembled an enormous gateway, its surface glittering with countless intricate lights—a signal emitted by swarms of working nanorobots.

Numerous mechanical arms worked busily around the gateway. Components and materials flew in from all directions, assembling precisely at their designated spots.

The metallic surface gleamed with icy silver light, etched with complex and mysterious rune engravings.

At the core, whirlpools of energy rotated slowly, emanating powerful gravitational forces that pulled in cosmic dust from the surrounding space.

Nearby ships, buildings, and massive constructs all bore the emblem of an oval-shaped azure vortex.

"The Star Gate Company? What the hell—are they building a Star Gate here?" Robbin was utterly shocked, his face frozen in disbelief.

Li Ming also looked over. This was a gift from Star Gate Master Anduin, with Austin as the primary facilitator.

Once this Star Gate was completed and connected to the Chaotic Star Gap’s Star Gate Network, convenience would be greatly enhanced.

Of course, this wasn’t pure altruism. The Mechanical Court’s expansion ambitions were evident—toll fees alone would generate substantial revenue. Plus, it would curry favor with various factions, so why not?

Li Ming had already sent word asking for his return to be kept low-key. Following standard procedures, he entered the Star Port, silently boarded a flying device, and landed at the base.

"Welcome back," said Ulrich with a respectful demeanor as the cabin door opened. Standing beside him were Monroe and Jesaya.

The three of them were primarily responsible for managing the base.

Even when facing Li Ming, Ulrich maintained a reverent attitude—this was not just out of submission to Azure Dragon’s power.

Every time he thought back to the period when Azure Dragon had worked under him, he felt deep admiration.

Boasting strength and flaunting it meant little. But to endure and bide one’s time under an A-Level life form like himself—that spoke volumes about Azure Dragon’s formidable mindset.

To achieve one’s goals, sparing no means. That was the kind of strength Ulrich aspired to follow.

Monroe was equally reflective, marveling at the unpredictability of fate. When they first encountered Azure Dragon in the Land of Stars, they’d already been confounded by him being a Casting Star Mechanic. Who could have imagined he’d turn out to be a Divine Craftsman?

"Young Master, welcome back." A Vermilion Bird perched on Li Ming’s shoulder, chirping cheerfully.

"Lord Ulrich, have the metal materials arrived?" Li Ming got straight to the point.

"As instructed, the dividends from Trevor have all been converted into Constant Star Crystal Cores. They were delivered five days ago," Ulrich promptly replied.

"Additionally, the warehouse has accumulated one hundred thousand mechanical bodies."

"Alright, I’ll handle it soon." Li Ming couldn’t help but rub his palms together. The feeling of sweeping through problems with a single command was utterly satisfying.