This is really not mechanical ascension
Chapter 878 - 454 Negotiation: Azure Dragon’s Intervention

"Lord Azure Dragon, this is officially our first meeting, right?" Diwusi took the initiative to speak. The Federation’s "Goddess" had a gentle voice and a graceful figure.

"Lord Diwusi, I’ve long heard of your reputation." Li Ming nodded, showing great courtesy.

"Since everyone is here, let’s begin." Crow spoke without expression, his attitude was quite blunt, "The Mechanic Association has to be divided. This massive interest group has seriously affected the development and interests of local civilizations."

"In essence, there’s no difference between mechanics and researchers, they’re certainly not an evolution system, the divisions of various civilizations must be controlled within each civilization."

He got straight to the point, and the atmosphere instantly felt tense.

Reynolds couldn’t help but snort, "You only see the result? The Mechanic Association has undertaken the majority of training work, providing substantial assistance, helping a lot of ordinary people in difficult circumstances."

"The organized training and process, along with the large publicly shared knowledge, are all thanks to the Mechanic Association."

"You all misunderstood, this is not a negotiation but a notification." Crow said indifferently, "This negotiation was never meant to have any significance, the Mechanic Association is destined to be unable to resist."

"I know that all of you merely want to grab more benefits, and I’m sorry to say, we have nothing to cooperate with."

Crow’s words were harsh but reasonable, this negotiation seemed more like a segment in the division plan, issuing the final ultimatum.

Their attitude was even tougher than expected, Li Ming pondered, do they think there’s no room for resistance?

Reynolds’ face turned dark, Braun smiled and said, "Of course, the three of you can also state your demands."

Mikhail said solemnly, "Our demand is simple, both sides take a step back, and implement joint governance."

"We are willing to integrate the Mechanic Association into the interstellar alliance, becoming a subsidiary institution, and managed jointly by all major civilizations."

Although a step back is suggested, it is essentially not that simple, the Mechanic Association is akin to cutting meat, not much different from being split, merely becoming an invisible knife.

It even looks like a gesture to maintain dignity, leaving a layer of face-saving for several Divine Craftsmen, so that in the future, they won’t be reviled by mechanics when mentioned.

"Take a step back?" Braun shook his head faintly, "Why should we step back, where is the capital for the three of you to make us step back?"

Reynolds snorted coldly, "Push too hard, don’t blame us for the fish dying and the net breaking."

"Your fish... won’t break the net." Braun shook his head, his tone indifferent: "Those lower-level mechanics are trivial, give them some benefits and they’ll turn coat."

"And I believe that you all certainly won’t declare war on us over this matter."

Unconcealed suppression, the Three Great Civilizations’ coalition, almost nothing they cannot accomplish.

"You..." Reynolds’ face turned ugly, even though he had anticipated the negotiations wouldn’t go smoothly, he didn’t expect the other side to be so disdainful.

"Frankly speaking, since the founding of this association, it was destined to be divided one day." Crow further said, "Hammer Divine Craftsman was indeed a character, but unfortunately, he died without cultivating a competent heir."

"The two of you, after managing for so many years, essentially still relied on the autonomous expansiveness of the Mechanic Association for development. You’re like leeches sucking from this association."

"You should be satisfied after sucking for so many years."

Crow spoke without politeness but ignored Azure Dragon, after all, he appeared too recently, and hadn’t gained much benefit in the Mechanic Association matter.

"I..." Reynolds opened his mouth, his expression shocked and angry, but no sound came out, he was muted.

Throughout the process, there was suppression, Li Ming wasn’t surprised.

Mikhail furrowed his brow slightly, dispassionate about the words, glanced at Azure Dragon, and said solemnly: "Holy Spirit Civilization Ruins, how about this price?"

As the words fell, Crow’s expression was subtle, he exchanged a glance with the other two.

Mikhail seized the moment, continues, "I know you’ve been coveting it for a long time, we can give you the coordinates, and even add new Divine Craftsmen in the association."

Saying this, his expression stern, "Joint governance, that’s our bottom line!"

"Bottom line?" Crow sneered lightly, "Sorry, we don’t need it."

Don’t need it? Mikhail’s face slightly changed, Reynolds’ angry expression froze on his face.

Indeed... They already know, most likely Adam’s handiwork, blocking all retreats, Li Ming still didn’t speak.

Mikhail looked at Azure Dragon with surprise, only then understanding what Azure Dragon’s earlier pessimistic attitude meant.

"Do you truly think only the few of you know the coordinates?" Braun smiled, "We can even slightly remind you all, due to the Red River Catastrophe’s influence, the area where the Holy Spirit Civilization Ruins are located will be open within six months at most."

"What?" Reynolds’ expression was astonished.

Mikhail’s expression uncontrollably changed, confirming that they really knew the location.

In their hands, they actually never had any cards.

"Alright, can we end this now? You all can go back and think about how to issue the related announcements." Braun nodded, simply and casually.

"Wait a minute..."

Just as everyone was about to disconnect the link, Azure Dragon, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up.

The faces of Braun and the other three slightly changed, if it were Reynolds speaking, they might have thought it was leaving a few harsh words.

However, Azure Dragon was not to be underestimated, but the three soon collected their emotions and looked over at him simultaneously.