This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 747 - 388 The Spirit of the Empire Half Year_2

Chapter 747: Chapter 388 The Spirit of the Empire Half Year_2

Li Ming tried to think from a macro perspective, avoiding focusing on just this one matter, and he recalled something Abel had once told him.

To counter the withdrawal of the Interstellar Mechanic Association, the Empire had already drafted the prototype of the Royal Mechanic Association, preparing to directly absorb the resources left behind by the Mechanic Association.

He remembered a saying: A crisis is also an opportunity. If the Empire truly pulls through this... tsk tsk...

Although it might seem overly speculative, when dealing with the Empire, no amount of speculation feels excessive.

Better to leave some room for maneuver; when Li Ming was about to speak, he changed his words again, "I’m used to a carefree life and lack the skills to lead others. How about this—just reserve a position for me."

Costate maintained a calm expression, Li Ming’s reaction was within his expectations.

"However, I’ve been a bit busy recently and might not be able to assist with publicity, so for now, there’s no need to announce my involvement publicly," Li Ming added.

On the one hand, he imagined the Empire’s strength; on the other, he also considered the possibility of the other party bluffing, for instance, having no real members yet.

Costate’s face darkened. This was exactly what they feared—being outsmarted with empty gestures, leaving no openings. Truly cunning.

"You worry too much, Lord Azure Dragon," Costate remarked but did not object to Li Ming’s reasoning.

Both sides felt some mutual disdain after their bout of strategic maneuvering. Costate made a few idle remarks before ending the communication.

Li Ming thought for a while and later reached out to Abel, but it wasn’t until the late afternoon that he received a reply.

From their conversation, Li Ming was stunned to learn that the Empire hadn’t convinced the Federation or the Star Cluster Republic Alliance but was instead planning a fait accompli.

"The Empire plans to unleash the High-level Life Form Alliance, a powerful weapon. Many formidable life forms have long sought to organize this alliance," Abel’s deep voice revealed. "The overlords of the Chaotic Star System are certain to join."

"Aren’t you afraid of things spiraling out of control?" Li Ming was taken aback, finally understanding the Empire’s true intentions.

The Empire needed backing, yet everyone wanted to push them down. Unless they made painful sacrifices, it was impossible to gain support.

Rather than sacrifice themselves, the Empire decided to take a bold step, pulling all civilizations off their pedestals by activating the massive weapon that was the High-level Life Form Organization.

At that point, they would unite multiple X-level life forms and make an interstellar announcement. Even if the Federation and the Star Cluster Alliance were unwilling, they’d already be facing the prototype of the alliance forged by the Empire and the High-level Life Form Organization.

The Empire, already riddled with issues, didn’t mind being trampled a bit more. This bold move would suddenly earn them plenty of allies, and who wouldn’t rejoice in that?

Either they’d be forced to acknowledge it, where the Empire—as the organizer—would undoubtedly hold a proactive advantage and secure substantial support.

After piecing together the scheme, Li Ming couldn’t help but marvel. The one who devised this plan was none other than Glory Saint Emperor—Adam.

Li Ming praised the boldness, recognizing it as monumental.

Unleashing such a weapon with even minor oversight would allow it to grow into a colossal entity beyond the control of the three dominant civilizations, far surpassing the threat of the Mechanic Association.

And he keenly noticed the Empire’s influence gradually consolidating. Since the onset of the crisis, it appeared that Adam had been steering the grand trajectory all along.

After ending the communication, Li Ming kept simulating potential outcomes but eventually had to let it go.

Whether it was the Empire or the Pioneers, he chose to remain neutral. In this impending upheaval of the universe, his priority was to seize sufficient benefits and solidify the stature of Azure Dragon.

Another day passed before the prophet of the Sister’s Heretical Cult contacted Azure Dragon. The prophet’s demeanor had shifted to one of great humility, her tone soft: "Lord Azure Dragon, I have yet to congratulate you on making a name for yourself in the interstellar realm."

"Hardly a good reputation. I wonder how many suspect me of secretly brewing devious schemes," Li Ming replied curtly.

The prophet fell silent, her eyes flickering. Standing behind her was the Holy Mother. The two had deliberated for a long time before deciding to reach out to Azure Dragon.

They were now highly reluctant to interact with him. When they believed Azure Dragon was merely a Casting Star Mechanic, they had no qualms about sparring with him.

But now, they deeply regretted the ease with which they had bitten into the bait offered by this cunning fox.

Before the prophet could speak, Azure Dragon took the initiative: "We’re old friends, so I’ll cut to the chase. I’ve come to discuss a transaction."

"Listen to the transaction, but no matter what he proposes, do not agree," the Holy Mother said coldly, transmitting her words exclusively to the prophet.

It’s not that they feared Azure Dragon; rather, they wished to avoid being entangled by such a figure lurking in the shadows. They understood the value of operating covertly better than anyone, yet now, they faced someone even more enigmatic.

"A transaction?" The prophet’s voice carried a hint of doubt.

"Indeed. I’ve stolen a few things from the Empire, thinking they might be of interest to you," Li Ming said leisurely.

"Oh? What sort of things?" The prophet frowned slightly, while the Holy Mother kept a blank expression. Drawing curiosity before naming a price—this tactic was something they had used repeatedly.

"The Hammer Divine Craftsman’s search for the trajectory of the Eternal Silence Star in the Deep Dimension World, as well as the anchoring protocols for the Terrax Holy Castle."

The prophet froze for a moment, her face changing dramatically as she instinctively turned toward the Holy Mother.

The Holy Mother’s expression turned even grimmer, her teeth clenched: "He should never have been allowed to speak."

The reason their method was so overused was precisely because it worked so well.

She took a deep breath. Such valuable information couldn’t possibly be offered by Azure Dragon for no reason. What traps lay hidden beneath this offer?

Yet could they refuse?

Knowing full well there were risks, they could only close their eyes and take the bait.

The prophet understood the Holy Mother’s intention and felt helpless. "Are you certain of your data?"

"I can provide a partial sample for verification. I trust the Holy Mother Church honors its commitments," Li Ming said openly.

"What do you want in return?" the prophet asked.

"Hmm... ten Terrax Stones," Li Ming demanded brazenly.

"That’s..." The prophet immediately declined and went further: "Lord Azure Dragon, such replicable information—since you’ve contacted us, surely we’re not the only party you intend to sell to. This price is too high."

The Holy Mother Church wasn’t foolish. The real problem, however, was that their competitors already had what they lacked.

"Fine, a flat price—three Ether Crystals. I’ve been running low lately," Li Ming cut to the chase and revised his quote directly.

The prophet fell silent, watching the Holy Mother nod before finally responding, "Agreed. Where shall we deliver them?"

"To the Mechanical Court."

The deal was smoothly finalized, and Li Ming provided them with partial data for verification.

Later, Aistelle also sent word, prompting Li Ming to connect with Diwusi for another round of wrangling. The final price settled at three Terrax Stones—the Federation was slightly more generous.

However, when Li Ming contacted the Black Hole Hall, he was met with unexpected news.

"Sorry, Lord Azure Dragon, we’ve already acquired the relevant information and currently have no need for it," Julius, the Casting Star Mechanic responsible for handling the matter, apologized.

Acting so quickly? Someone’s already reselling?

Li Ming muttered to himself, "That’s odd. I haven’t even released the real data yet."

Was it the Empire?

Li Ming contacted the so-called High-level Life Form Union, speculating that the Empire might be using this as a bargaining chip to recruit powerful X-level life forms.

Some individuals might eagerly gravitate toward the union, while others would care less, requiring alternative incentives.

Li Ming shook his head, murmured a few things, and temporarily halted his sales activities.

With this matter largely settled, Li Ming decided to retreat and focus on secluded cultivation for a while.

Meanwhile, as the ripples from the Central World had yet to subside, the Mechanical Court began external recruitment efforts. The reputation of "Divine Craftsman" attracted a considerable number of seekers, including notable A-level life forms who aimed to align themselves with the craftsman’s banner.

Yet Ulrich graciously declined them all, subsequently rolling out stricter guidelines that only sought administrative talent, emphasizing that this was merely Li Ming’s small venture and had no connection to the Divine Craftsman.

Those who merely came to spectate gradually dispersed, and the recruitment efforts moved toward a steady progression.

Though the Mechanical Court’s scale remained modest, its reputation was considerable, riding on the wave of the Divine Craftsman’s fame and continuing to expand rapidly.

Still, this was but a shadow cast by the aftermath of the Central World. Larger waves, centered on the Empire, finally began to crest. The Empire ramped up its assertive measures, frequently mobilizing troops and meeting with leaders of civilizations and organizations to address various issues.

The external sale of Azure Dragon’s programs significantly accelerated the undercurrent of activity. Visible and invisible forces were all scheming to secure a slice of the pie.

Amid such dramatic and unpredictable upheaval, six months passed in the blink of an eye.