This is really not mechanical ascension

"Ghost, even I can sense something different here. Are we really going to fight? I'm a bit scared."

"...There's a rumor that this matter is related to Azure Dragon..."

"Where the hell is this rumor from? That livestream incident was also said to be connected to Azure Dragon. Why is everything related to him?"

"..."

The Three Great Civilizations have been dominating the interstellar landscape for a long time, practicing hegemony and extended jurisdiction as their routine habit.

Most people have already gotten used to it; suddenly a disruptive force appears, causing a bit of unease, even some panic.

This has triggered a series of tidal reactions. In just three days, the prices of various precious metals have soared, and interstellar travel tickets have more than doubled.

The concepts of various escape pods and refuge ships have become very popular.

For some higher-level powers or civilizations, the situation is clear; in this round of strategic play, the Three Great Civilizations have fallen into a disadvantage.

They also clearly understand that the Three Great Civilizations will definitely retaliate.

However, the number of envoys heading to the Mechanical Court has suddenly multiplied several times.

...

In the Empire Capital, Adam was rubbing his forehead, not looking happy, having just been reprimanded by Malcolm and Gutierrez.

He was scolded for selfishly promoting the establishment of the High-level Life Form Union, which now has grown unwieldy.

"...You need not mind, after all, at the beginning no one knew Azure Dragon was hiding so deeply."

Costate's voice emanated from the virtual screen in front of Adam.

"What I mind is not that," Adam shook his head, even now he would choose to do the same.

The current trouble is addressed collectively by the Three Great Civilizations; if this organization hadn't been pulled out then, the problem would only have been his alone.

Costate remained silent, knowing what Adam was concerned about, and couldn't help but say, "Azure Dragon is clearly deliberately stalling for time; our energy is dispersed, if he manages to delay until he acquires Diglas's Crown, that'll be trouble."

"Correct." Adam sighed.

Not afraid of Azure Dragon's hysterical revenge, but rather his meticulous arrangement step by step.

What does this signify?

It signifies the opponent still has cards to play and goals lined up ahead.

"How long until those selected reach there?" Adam asked.

"A little over a month." Adam replied, "After their arrival, we will immediately conduct another exploration of the Holy Castle to verify if Abel's information is correct."

"If Azure Dragon's true form is not among them, it makes things much easier; we only need to cut off the Holy Castle to extinguish Azure Dragon's hope."

"No matter if we find Azure Dragon or not, it's considered solving a major hidden threat."

"Hmm..." Adam couldn't help but nod and then shake his head again, "That's good news, but also bad news."

"If Azure Dragon isn't in there, then we have to continue searching."

Costate felt helpless and exhausted; they've never faced such a situation before, where whether moving forward or retreating, things are always unsatisfactory.

"But this time Gutierrez is truly scared." Adam mentioned, "Azure Dragon's maneuvers have even shaken the foundation of the Star Alliance organization."

"Azure Dragon...really is..."

Adam didn't know what to say, his foresight was a bit too good, picking out such a tricky character.

Because of his previous recommendation, both Malcolm and Gutierrez believe the Empire still has a lot of hidden information.

Costate tacitly did not reply to this, instead asked, "So who do we target next specifically?"

"It's not who..." Adam shook his head, "It's a region, the Chaotic Star Gap."

Costate's heart was slightly moved, then heard Adam continue, "Chaotic Star Gap harbors many fugitives from various civilizations; it's a justified operation."

"It's also the location of the Mechanical Court; many high-level life forms have intricate connections with Li Qinglong."

"Anduin has a good personal relationship with Azure Dragon, Shepherd is concocting X-Level Genetic Seeds for Azure Dragon, the base being constructed for the Mechanical Court is essentially a small nest for Azure Dragon."

Costate couldn't help but nod; initially, he hadn't considered annihilating the entire Chaotic Star Gap, only targeting a few individuals.

If they broaden their scope, Chaotic Star Gap indeed becomes a perfect target.

"But, attacking so many X-Level life forms at once, on the High-level United Organization's end..."

Speaking at this point, Costate paused, never expecting that there'd be a day where he'd utter such a sentence.

Striking against X-Level life forms now requires consideration for the High-level Life Form Union.

"That's another advantage of Chaotic Star Gap, each life form in there is connected to Azure Dragon; if resistance is intense, we can retreat and focus on a specific life form." Adam perceived clearly,

"For the High-level Life Form Union, forcing us to concede a bit is already enough to satisfy many."

"Don't be fooled by Azure Dragon's current popularity; if things really escalate between us, that group won't act."

The initial target naturally has to be big enough to create a buffer space; if it's just a few individuals, it's actually harder to retreat.

Costate couldn't help but admire.

Indeed, the Three Great Civilizations haven't declined yet; they've just had their faces slapped a few times by Azure Dragon, but their essence remains unscathed.

Their foundation is still intact; those people won't genuinely fight for Azure Dragon.

As long as they break Azure Dragon's momentum, they can gradually suppress this organization in turn.

"I understand, I'll arrange it." Costate nodded, just about to end the communication, but suddenly remembered, reporting in a low voice:

"By the way, that Titan Branch named Morris has agreed to speak."

"However, he has one condition."

Adam looked surprised, "What condition?"

...

Li Ming has been busy lately.

In the half month following the Council Seat challenge, he has attended no fewer than twenty small gatherings.

Naturally, as Azure Dragon, those participating in the gatherings were all X-Level life forms.

The Mechanical Court's slump not only ceased, but became more thriving than ever, orders flooded in like snowflakes.

Even with full production capacity, orders are lined up to six months later.

Ulrich was nearly going mad from the rush, feeling both excited and apprehensive.

But today, Li Ming finally had some leisure, stopping all external activities, half a month of socializing was sufficient.

With the assistance of [the Eternal Silence Star], his development progress has surged to 57%, soon approaching the 60% threshold.

However, he didn't remain relaxed for long, as someone contacted him through a secret channel, it was the Navigator.

Once the communication connected, there was only a single wave line; the other party got straight to the point, "Clarkson has already entered the fray; I reckon within a month he will find the place where Bertrand died."

The Navigator was quite hesitant, very curious about that specific location.

He didn't know the exact coordinates, just following Azure Dragon's instructions, choosing an appropriate person and found a way to influence the voyage.

But after much consideration, he didn't ask.

A glint flickered in Li Ming's eyes, he couldn't help but praise, "Your Excellency's ability to handle affairs is truly impressive, no wonder you've developed the Pioneers to this extent."

The Navigator was silent for a moment, then said, "Lord Azure Dragon is the real hero, slaying the King, Divine Craftsman, Mechanical Sovereign, Crack Giant, now becoming the Hidden Dominator..."

He was naturally aware of all the events that transpired recently, admiring them greatly, had no choice but to concede.

Li Ming's face turned a bit peculiar; all these titles were his.

He didn't initially know, but it was through frequent participation in various gatherings that he gradually figured out; his titles had already become a series.

The Hidden Dominator, naturally refers to the recent manipulation of the Council Seat challenge.

Ordinary people do not know, but among high-level life forms, it's basically common knowledge.

"However..." the Navigator ultimately had had conflicts with him, did not offer too much praise, and changed the topic, saying:

"But now it's best for you not to become complacent; it appears flourishing, but is actually cooking with fire."