Chapter 1085: Chapter 557: The Empire’s Deterrent Power (Part 2)
“These are the coordinates where Eternal Silence Star last appeared.”
The voice fell silent again, and everyone quickly began to analyze, including Li Ming.
After completing his analysis, he compared it and, unsurprisingly—
These were the coordinates from the first time-space disturbance, and the Pioneers and the Empire had long stayed away from that area.
Li Ming realized that this guy was holding back, or rather, this place was just a gathering point. If they followed the trail, it wouldn’t actually take long.
“Now that we have the coordinates, although I don’t know who you are, you’re really impressive.” Someone laughed loudly, “So what are we waiting for? Let’s meet at this coordinate point in half a month, how about that?”
A sneer immediately echoed, “Half a month later? Do you believe that as soon as we log off, someone will go right away? Besides, this coordinate point might not be very reliable.”
No one refuted him.
Li Ming observed coldly, hoping for this bunch of foxes to truly work together was no less than becoming the Ultimate Life Form.
Just standing against the Empire under the banner of the High-level Life Form Union, but when it came to acting, they each went their own way.
“Feel free, everyone, but if we ultimately face the Empire’s slaughter, I hope you all can work together.”
“Of course.”
Everyone echoed in agreement, which was also the main purpose of this meeting, to solidify consensus.
The brevity of the entire meeting greatly exceeded Li Ming’s expectations.
In less than ten minutes, they set goals and solidified consensus.
As the virtual projections around them dissipated, he mused, “Removing the mask of hypocrisy improves efficiency, indeed.”
In no time, his old friend Anduin contacted him, excitement barely contained in his eyes, asking when he would depart.
“I’m not sure on my end yet…” Li Ming rubbed his chin. He had the latest coordinates and didn’t need to waste extra time searching.
Meanwhile, Chrono hadn’t decided how to proceed, so he was reluctant to act.
“I see…” Anduin’s excited expression stalled, “The environment of the Deep Dimension World is more hostile, unsuitable for large-scale mechanical body operations…”
He thought Azure Dragon hesitated because of combat capability issues.
Currently, the interstellar community had reached a consensus that Azure Dragon’s formidable strength came from his Mechanical Holy Spirit.
And the mechanical body’s collective combat was heavily environment-restricted; some extremely harsh places would cause mechanical body losses even before combat.
Like the Red River Star Stream, like the Deep Dimension World.
Moreover, bringing so many mechanical bodies made it inconvenient to move, and if they capsized like the Hammer Divine Craftsman in the Deep Dimension World, it wouldn’t be worth it.
Li Ming squinted slightly and didn’t explain.
“I estimate the Empire already knows our plans. I’m curious about how they’ll respond; it’s quite exhilarating.” Anduin was already eager to engage, marking a direct confrontation with the Empire this time.
He naively believed that not everyone who attended the meeting would keep the secret; someone must have leaked the information, possibly more than one.
And this was part of the pressure from the Star Alliance. Every move of the A-Level life forms would be known to the Empire.
But precisely because they knew, it would create urgency for them.
“I’m also curious about how the Empire will respond.” Li Ming was also curious about this point.
He didn’t underestimate Adam, nor did he think the other side would easily surrender.
Anduin sighed, “I hope the Empire holds out longer this time, not yielding so easily to the Star Alliance.”
If the Empire didn’t yield, the Star Alliance wouldn’t make a statement; the three great civilizations were not closely linked, giving them room to maneuver.
Anduin originally wanted to invite Azure Dragon to go with him, but seeing Azure Dragon’s lack of enthusiasm, after a few casual words, he went offline, clearly to prepare.
The extinguished virtual screen reflected Li Ming’s contemplative face.
Adam, how will you break this situation?
……
Deep Dimension World, in the prison ship of the 13th squad of the Wandering Legion.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The dull sound of combat boots colliding with the metal floor echoed in the corridor.
The burly figure walking at the front was larger than the soldiers behind him.
A disheveled figure covered in blood was restrained in the center, dragged forward by soldiers on both sides.
Until they reached a room at the corridor’s end, it seemed someone was already waiting, without wearing combat mecha. Their uniform was immaculate, and they joked, “Joseph, why are you on this task again?”
“I caught this guy; naturally, I want to catch him again.” Joseph pushed open the black metal door, turned around, grabbed the restrained figure with his metal hand, and said in a deep voice:
“Escaping three times in a row shows you have some skills. I’m curious about how exactly you managed to escape.”
Zorro barely raised his head, baring his blood-stained teeth, then spat a mouthful of blood onto the mecha casing before him.
“Alright.” Joseph’s helmet lit up, and with a toss, he threw Zorro into the room.
The metal walls in the room spat out liquid metal, instantly enveloping his limbs and condensing into shackles with barbs. Metal bristles grew on the inner walls, synchronizing with his pulse rhythm.
Once it deviates from the pattern, it will lock immediately.
The purple-black light hanging from the ceiling cast a shadow on the left side of Zorro’s face.
The genetic lock on his neck collar suddenly heated up, and beneath his skin, it was as if countless ants gnawed at him with excruciating pain.
This was the prison’s antidote against his abilities; whenever his cells attempted to break through, it triggered a neural signal.
“…In these three jailbreaks, each time he perfectly avoided patrolling soldiers and escaped monitoring equipment, it’s truly incredible…” The person standing next to Joseph outside remarked in amazement.
“I’ve reported this; those crazies at the Empire Science Academy are very interested in him.”
During their conversation, the detention measures completed their lockdown, and copious amounts of unknown substances were injected. Zorro, already weakened, couldn’t even stand.
“These are containment measures for A-Level Life Forms; you should feel honored.” Joseph’s voice was indifferent as he ordered Zorro to be taken deeper into the prison.
Buzz—
The prison cell door opened, revealing a series of semi-transparent single-person cells, almost each housing an inmate.
Their wrists and ankles were strapped with specially made mechanical rings to limit their abilities.
Those who were sleeping on the metal floor or chatting with neighboring inmates stopped all movements at the noise.
The red-skinned individuals lying down cautiously approached the electrified bars.
They looked towards the entrance, not with fear, but with a mix of uneasy anticipation, trepidation, and excitement on their faces.
“It’s Zorro again, caught back!” The person closest to the cell gate shouted suddenly, and the sound echoed instantly.
After a brief silence, chaotic noises erupted, whether sighs or excitement.
“Haha, I knew he wouldn’t escape. Old Bro, get down and bow.”
“Useless! I believed in you so much!”
“…”
Joseph suddenly stopped, raised his right arm, and tapped a few times casually. Arcs of electricity crackled, and the prison echoed with woeful wails.
He threw Zorro into an empty cell. After he stood, the armor at his left rib opened, and he retrieved a severely broken black communicator, speaking coldly: “This is your last chance. Who are you in contact with?”
“Hehe…” Zorro chuckled, provoking Joseph to speak in a chilling voice: “Scavenger, no one can rescue you, and no one dares challenge the Empire. Abandon your unrealistic fantasies.”
After Joseph left, sounds gradually emerged around him. In the adjacent cell, a short goblin, gritting his teeth, whispered:
“Zorro, Zorro, you bastard! That was my prized old communicator! I told you to hide it well; how did it get caught?”
“Don’t worry… Once I’m out, I’ll repay you tenfold.” Zorro’s voice was low and powerful.
“Get out? You’ve already escaped three times.” The goblin jumped anxiously, “You’ve scrounged all the good stuff we have. Didn’t you say you could call for reinforcements?”
“Of course. He’s my brother through life and death. He’ll definitely come to save me.” Zorro responded unconsciously, his voice barely audible.
“Your brother!?” Everyone around fell silent, their expressions changing, and then they cursed: “Didn’t you say you were a descendant of some great power Controller?”