This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 873 - 451: Grouping and Cooperation_2

Chapter 873: Chapter 451: Grouping and Cooperation_2

So it was Lord Azure Dragon in control, Ulrich suddenly realized, striving to restrain his emotional fluctuations, and nodded: "Understood."

"Let’s go, you two." Li Ming said flatly, his tone not even particularly polite.

Ulrich’s mind raced, and with his understanding of the Azure Dragon, such an attitude was likely not dangerous.

At least, in the collision that might have already occurred, he hadn’t fallen behind.

He silently clicked his tongue, yet was not too surprised, after all, this was Lord Azure Dragon.

"It was my oversight, there was no concealment of energy fluctuations when I acted before, causing some panic." Anduin said with a hint of apology.

They had come unannounced, not only were they startled, but they were also caught red-handed.

"Whether considered or not, it has already happened." Li Ming’s tone remained indifferent as he walked straight towards the base.

Anduin and Barbaro exchanged a subtle glance and followed helplessly.

Was Anduin actually being so polite?

Ulrich watched the three leave, filled with disbelief, as a startling thought emerged.

Could it be that in the recent collision, Lord Azure Dragon not only held his own but slightly outstripped?

These are two Overlord-level figures in the Chaotic Star Gap!

Watching the three enter the core of the base, the unease in Ulrich’s heart turned into suppressed excitement.

Buzz--

The base door opened, and Anduin said from behind: "Lord Azure Dragon, actually, there’s another matter I came for this time."

Trying to clear himself of the suspicion of causing trouble.

"Oh." Li Ming responded.

"It’s regarding the High-level Life Form Alliance, you must be able to see that this organization has a broad prospect and will inevitably become an incredibly important force in the interstellar space, and the decisions of the council seat could one day be even more dreadful than the sanctions from the Three Great Civilizations."

As the three of them walked, Anduin explained, "But each member has their interests, and various conflicts are bound to arise in the future."

"Both of us operate in the Chaotic Star Gap; perhaps in the future, we can watch each other’s backs."

Cooperation? Li Ming paused slightly, turned to the side, and said: "Please."

They had reached the reception room, Anduin and Barbaro each took their seats, and the door automatically locked.

Anduin continued to say: "I personally think that within the High-level Alliance Life Form, small groups will inevitably form in the future to exchange interests and vote on decisions."

"Indeed..." Li Ming nodded, fully agreeing with Anduin’s idea, not rejecting cooperation.

"We all operate in the Chaotic Star Gap and should watch each other’s backs."

Anduin felt slightly relieved; although knowing that with Azure Dragon’s wisdom, this choice certainly wouldn’t be refused, there was still concern over being infuriated because of Barbaro.

If it were before today, he wouldn’t have had such a strong intention to draw him in, simply adhering to an attitude of not offending.

But after witnessing the depth of Azure Dragon, the desire to draw him in became very strong.

"Once the member acceptance opens up, Barbaro, Sheffield, can all join..." Anduin added:

"If we are united in the Chaotic Star Gap, we will be undoubtedly significant, but to ensure our interests, it would be best to secure a position as Vice Chairman."

"Vice Chairman?" Li Ming looked at him, surprised: "Who is your target?"

"My target?" Anduin seemed somewhat astonished as well, his expression awkward; Azure Dragon really held grudges and had to mock him a bit.

But Anduin didn’t mind; coming unannounced naturally carried some disdain and deserved a few words from others.

"The individual evolution of Anatoli and Perkins is terrifyingly advanced; they have traveled far down the Ultimate Path." He hesitated: "I’m not confident of victory."

You’re not confident and still say... Li Ming was speechless, then noticed Anduin’s gaze had a subtle, inexplicable meaning.

Only then did he come to understand that this old guy thought I might have the ability?

It seemed that black sphere really frightened them, directly raising me to Anatoli’s level.

High-level life form battles have not occurred for a long time, especially among these top evolved beings, and there is no concrete determination of who is stronger or weaker, though everyone has a vague idea,

He definitely didn’t have the power to challenge them now, but he didn’t show any weakness either, saying indifferently: "The council seat won’t rotate within five years; it’s too early to talk about this now."

"Yes." Anduin nodded, then said: "However, we can engage in deep cooperation; the Mechanical Court branch can be opened at every Star Gate node, and I can directly expel any other competing merchants of the same type."

Anyway, the Mechanic Association is already overwhelmed and cannot call for justice for those mechanics, not to mention handing the market over to the Divine Craftsman.

Li Ming paused slightly; these platform operators surely have confidence, and Anduin’s move saved them at least two or three years of time.

Each Star Gate transfer node serves as a platform trader, being the most crucial distribution point in the Chaotic Star Gap, where large corporations and financial groups all establish branches.

"Pleasure to cooperate."

Li Ming extended his hand, and only then did Anduin reveal a smile, bundling interests together for a longer alliance.

"However, this matter should proceed slowly." Li Ming reminded again.

To be one of the Three Great Masters of the Mechanic Association, even though always elusive, it would be disgraceful to openly snatch business amidst the association’s crisis.

Anduin paused slightly, nodding: "Don’t worry, it won’t damage your reputation, I have my own ways."

The two engaged in pleasant conversation, while Barbaro looked frustrated and couldn’t interject.

After chatting for a while, Li Ming stood up and said, "There are still some loose ends from the earlier experiment that need attending to; I’ll have Li Ming entertain you two later, apologies."

"You take care, we won’t stay for much longer either; we’ll leave once Barbaro’s materials arrive." Anduin replied.

Li Ming nodded and turned to leave. Once the room door closed, Anduin glanced at Barbaro, teasing: "Didn’t expect it, you made backup plans."

Barbaro coldly glanced at him, "Not like you; you’ve made triple plans regardless of fights or outcomes, you have explanations either way."

"Ha..." Anduin chuckled softly, "Alright then, don’t look so gloomy; it’s not like I didn’t warn you; having made preparations, didn’t you consider failure?"

"I did." Barbaro nodded, gruffly adding: "But I didn’t expect to not even lift a hand."

"You can still seek him now..." Anduin gestured, offering, yet Barbaro snorted coldly.

Beep--

The door opened again, both looking with a subtle change in expression.

"You two..." Li Ming emerged, clad in a different vest, as Barbaro’s gaze immediately fell on the Gun of Annihilation.

Dark and profound, devouring all surrounding light; in appearance alone, it’s impeccable, considering the Empire crafted it with utmost effort.

But Anduin’s gaze remained fixed on Li Ming, curiosity in his eyes.

"This is what the teacher asked me to deliver." Li Ming seemed slightly exerted holding the gun.

Barbaro took it, clenching hard as swirling earthy-yellow energy poured in.

The gun body vibrated incessantly, earthy-yellow textures spreading inch by inch, incomparable to when Ryan wielded it, enveloped in blazing blue flames almost instantaneously.

"Sigh..." Barbaro couldn’t help but sigh; this weapon was crafted by the Empire specifically for Ryan, customized in its handling, design, and energy requirements.

Apart from him, anyone else would find using it slightly inferior.

But he anticipated this, as he took it, it jarred him into a few backward steps and he left marks on the floor, "When the materials arrive, I’ll be off."

Bang!

Li Ming caught it, staggering a few steps back, leaving a mark on the floor, and Anduin started to say: "Let’s..."

Just as he opened his mouth the first word, his expression suddenly changed dramatically, pupils narrowed to a needle, and the surface of his skin changed several colors briefly, "...be careful."