This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 876 - 453: An Unprecedented Interstellar Change in Ten Thousand Years

Chapter 876: Chapter 453: An Unprecedented Interstellar Change in Ten Thousand Years

"Waste!"

Heckler’s face looked grim, shutting off the virtual screen before him, his expression dark and uncertain, as he then got up and moved to the window.

It was a spacious and luxurious room, the floor tiles faintly glimmering with gold, and the walls adorned with antique murals, all carved by hand.

A figure stood by the wall, with a hooked nose, a thin face that seemed a bit pale, and a faint sheen of sweat on his forehead.

Yon tightly clenched his fist, anxious, as Heckler’s slightly indifferent voice reached his ears.

"Is this the person you recommended?"

"Your Highness..." Yon’s face changed dramatically, kneeling on one knee, he said in a deep voice, "I am willing to bear the responsibility!"

Heckler’s peripheral gaze glanced over him, slightly easing his gloom, but when he thought about the plan’s progress, his gaze grew colder—

The investigation into the Holy Castle was not going smoothly; the people they screened were spread across the interstellar domain, embedded in various civilizations, including powerful Star Cluster Level Civilizations.

Capturing them wasn’t a matter of just saying it. On the surface, their people had no law enforcement authority in any civilization, and catching people for no reason at all was not feasible.

Involving the Holy Castle, no one could be allowed to provide aid; they could only infiltrate in secret.

However, many civilizations were not behind in local inspections, and sneaking in undetected was quite difficult.

In the past, quite a few civilizations, even if they discovered imperial agents, would turn a blind eye or send someone to liaise, to ascertain their purpose, and as long as it wasn’t excessive, they wouldn’t intervene.

But in the past two years, there have been various unfavorable events for the Empire, particularly after the events involving Ryan. Adam’s decisiveness spared the Empire from subsequent interstellar scorn.

However, on the other hand, even the Empire couldn’t protect a single prince, suggesting it might be struggling.

Various chain reactions ensued, causing their dispatched members to encounter all sorts of inexplicable obstructions.

Nonetheless, with the establishment of the High-level Life Form Union, the Empire’s influence began to recover, but the impact over the past year was already irreversible.

During this time, they captured fewer than three hundred people, yet the death toll reached into the thousands.

Some were counter-killed, but more were quietly eliminated by local civilizations, mostly allies of the Federation, members of the Star Alliance, and a few independent and powerful Star Cluster Level Civilizations.

Among the three hundred captured, none were the chosen ones.

Due to the secrecy of the Holy Castle, he couldn’t be too ostentatious.

A long period of busyness with no results left Heckler increasingly angry, so he refocused his attention on the person beside Azure Dragon.

Yet, Adam openly forbade making a move against Azure Dragon. He didn’t want his own people taking risks, hence he attempted to provoke others to test the waters and learn about Azure Dragon’s situation before making a move.

But Barbaro was a disappointment, not even daring to confront Azure Dragon before he lost his nerve.

But there was no choice, anyone remotely smart wouldn’t take their bait, having no conflicts of interest with Azure Dragon, so they could only find someone like Barbaro.

Heckler’s expression shifted, acknowledging these things couldn’t be blamed on his subordinates, he said indifferently, "Stand up."

"Yes..." Yon carefully got up and murmured, "If Barbaro’s report is true, and Azure Dragon is indeed unfathomable, then our previous caution was correct."

Heckler mused, "This guy’s strength exceeds my expectations. I initially thought he was just a pawn sent out by Adam, but now it seems that assumption was wrong."

"Such powerful X Level Life Forms are excessively rare, none of them match his identity."

He had always suspected something was off with Azure Dragon’s origins, mainly due to the perfect timing of his appearance, which seemed to assist Adam in finishing some plans.

Especially after being inexplicably invited into the High-level Life Form Union, it always felt like he was Adam’s pawn.

This attempt to probe, Heckler also wanted to clarify this, but it only made the situation more confusing.

Such a tier of X Level Life Forms is extremely rare, and none of them match with Azure Dragon.

Yon whispered, "If he’s not the Holy Emperor’s pawn, then we should let the Empire act, even convening the grand council, regarding the Holy Castle, the senators would probably support you."

"It’s not that simple." Heckler shook his head, "This matter can’t be discussed, the Empire is in turmoil internally, the leak of information is a hidden threat, and those people might not even support me."

Yon continued, "Or directly send people to infiltrate the Mechanical Court, didn’t Barbaro say earlier, at first, Azure Dragon didn’t even notice them."

"That was a special situation, Azure Dragon was conducting some sort of experiment." Heckler shook his head, "Such circumstances are rare and can’t be used as a routine assumption."

"Unless there is a way to clearly lure Azure Dragon out."

"What about those in the Upper House?" Yon cautiously said, "They haven’t been doing too well lately, and the source can be traced back to Azure Dragon."

"Foolish!" Heckler reprimanded, an overwhelming pressure came crashing down, and Yon trembled, his face turning pale.

"You underestimate Adam too much, can such petty actions escape his notice?" Heckler’s expression was cold, "After lying low for many years, one move and the Upper House is in such a state, it’s nothing but handing him an excuse."

"Can’t you see? This is a rare grand upheaval in the interstellar realm spanning tens of thousands of years, all forces are eager to act, no one knows what will ultimately happen, and no one can guarantee they will have the last laugh, everything must be handled cautiously."