This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 870 - 450 Control Conditions: 200 billion metal energy

Chapter 870: Chapter 450 Control Conditions: 200 billion metal energy

"This guy, could he be... the Azure Dragon?" Barbaro’s heart felt bitter, with no fighting spirit left.

Based on his original estimate, given the strength the Azure Dragon showed last time, defeating him shouldn’t have been a big problem.

Even if there was hidden strength, even if it was on Anduin’s level, he could still have retreated safely.

But now, without even seeing the person, his arm was gone; how was he supposed to fight like this?

"This is the Azure Dragon’s domain, the Azure Dragon’s base—if it’s not him inside, who else could it be?" Anduin’s expression was complex, and his heart was equally apprehensive.

"Could it be that he discovered us long ago and intentionally gave us a warning?" Barbaro couldn’t help but say.

Anduin glanced at him, having already realized that Barbaro had lost all will to fight; in this state, it was easy to overthink things.

"Unlikely..." Anduin shook his head, "Look at the surrounding ruins. I estimate some device lost control, and to prevent major destruction, they had to confine the energy within this area."

His speculation was reasonable, and Barbaro glanced around, finally sighing in relief.

"However, it’s precisely because of this coincidence that we can glimpse the depth of the Azure Dragon." Anduin looked serious: "This guy is hiding too deeply, always bringing out just enough strength to resolve the current crisis."

"Able to create such a space-time matrix and resist such energy fluctuations, no wonder the Empire invited him."

Though Anduin didn’t express it, he was also curious about the Azure Dragon’s situation, which is why he let Barbaro come to provoke.

The original intent was to play the good guy, and if things went south, jump in to earn the Azure Dragon’s goodwill; however, the situation was beyond his expectations.

...

"Thankfully, I had quite a few backup plans..."

In the core area, Li Ming felt lingering fear as the Tank Guard stood as new as ever, completely encased in a golden glow.

The energy that could easily melt his layered defensive metal shell was now struggling to break through the thin energy shield on its surface.

He looked at something in the control system [Life Power Core--S Level (Severely Damaged)]

Its ability was--[Immortal Source: Upon receiving fatal damage, the controlled object suffers severe trauma, eliminating bodily injuries, restoring all body parameters to peak state, and granting a three-second [Immunity] state.]

[Immunity: Any type of damage cannot cause any harm.]

It was a special item he had upgraded long ago, originally [Mechanical Auxiliary Heart], and in the main battle system, it was a controlled object supplementing stamina buff.

Because of his style and various reasons, this ability had never been triggered—until today.

The three-second [Immunity] is akin to an unbeatable golden body, but three seconds wasn’t long in this continuous terrifying energy burst.

However, the space-time lock in this area also affected the [Life Power Core], allowing the initially three-second [Immunity].

Under the slowed flow of time, it extended to over thirty to forty seconds, helping him withstand the most terrifying burst.

It was like a negative aura turning into a positive one; if the level was too high, it might not be affected by the time lock.

Most surprisingly, the [Immortal Source] even reshaped the Tank Guard.

Possibly due to the possession ability’s influence; he was the Tank Guard, and the Tank Guard was him, forming a synergy that saved a lot of metal energy.

After all, the recent burst completely annihilated the Tank Guard—repair was out of the question; even the remnants weren’t left behind.

"Repairing the [Life Power Core] costs little; even when severely damaged, it’s only ninety million to repair." Li Ming began considering,

"Now I’m dealing with some odd things, and there might be more similar ones."

"I could upgrade the [Life Power Core], strengthening this ability for future needs. If upgraded to the X Level, I wonder if the [Immunity] duration will continue to extend or undergo some new change."

He had time to think about the future now because he noticed the energy intensity around him gradually calming down, weakening quickly.

Unaffected by the time lock, such high-intensity outbursts wouldn’t last long.

He looked at the external black barrier, feeling amazed; this thing was indeed strong. The recent outburst pierced through multiple spatial layers, yet remained firmly confined in this area.

"Huh..." As the surrounding scarlet glow gradually calmed down, he discovered a faint golden light wandering within the black symbol shield enclosing the area.

"What is that?" He was puzzled and intended to investigate, but paused as the golden shield on his body disappeared.

The [Immunity] duration was over, but the remaining energy intensity now posed no threat to him.

"Hmm?" Feeling something amiss, Li Ming turned his head sharply, spotting a red object flickering with faint light in the dark domain nearby.

"There’s more?" Li Ming’s heart trembled slightly. Attempting to rush over, he drifted slowly through space and grasped it within his hand, surprisingly able to control it.

[Oathkeeper Stone—Consumable: Ultimate creation of the Zero Clan.

Control Conditions: Twenty billion metal energy

Control Ability—Trinity: Simultaneously control two other fragments to perform [Trinity].]

How much? Twenty billion metal energy!

Li Ming’s throat moved, realizing this was the real core.

Another [Trinity], yet without control, he couldn’t see the specific details.

But he didn’t need to guess what the other two things were—it must be the Holy Mother and the Prophet.