Chapter 1126: Chapter 578: Open and Hidden Strife, Movements on All Sides
"Lord Azure Dragon..." Sheffield immediately greeted him, his attitude much more polite and respectful.
"Lord Sheffield," Li Ming simply responded, getting straight to the point, "How is the Genetic Seed modification progressing?"
Sheffield quickly replied, "Although it’s slow, it is advancing continuously. I’ve found alternatives for many materials. I estimate it will enter the final modification phase in about a year."
So fast... Li Ming was somewhat surprised. It seems he was right to approach Sheffield in the beginning.
"Your Excellency’s skills are indeed outstanding. If there’s any difficulty, you must inform me promptly." Li Ming hinted.
Sheffield was slightly taken aback and hesitated briefly before giving a wry smile, "I did encounter a peculiar matter recently. An old friend from the Empire contacted me, actually asking me to hand over the Star Beast you gave me."
Hand it over?
Li Ming’s heart cooled slightly, but he maintained a calm facade: "Oh? What did you say?"
Sheffield solemnly replied, "I naturally refused sternly. In business dealings, the most important thing is credibility. If I did that, where would my credibility be?"
"And then, did the other party retreat?" Li Ming asked in return, a bit surprised.
"Seeing my firm stance, he merely asked me to cancel the order, but I completely ignored him." Sheffield earnestly stated, "Since I promised Your Excellency, I will do my utmost to fulfill it."
Li Ming’s reaction remained calm, and he also felt relieved.
It seems the priority of this Genetic Seed is indeed not high in the eyes of the Three Civilizations. A simple threat to Sheffield, and there was no follow-up.
Upon hearing Sheffield say that the other party wanted him to hand over the Star Beast, Li Ming thought the Three Civilizations had discovered something, but it seems it was just personal conduct.
The Three Civilizations sound straightforward, but it’s not a mere procedure. An instruction from above comes down, and there’s a lot of room for maneuver at the level of the specific implementer.
Perhaps the Three Civilizations’ purpose was merely to make Sheffield cut ties with him, which was expected.
Handing over the Star Beast was then the executor’s own thought, trying to gain some benefit or something similar.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have easily retreated after being refused by Sheffield.
"Lord Sheffield, prioritize your own interests. If any real issue arises, just notify me. It’s only an X Level Gene Seed; there’s no rush." He appeared casual.
Sheffield wasn’t surprised, just an X Level Gene Seed; if Lord Azure Dragon showed great concern, it would seem unusual.
After thinking it over, he also left himself an option: "Rest assured, if the pressure becomes overwhelming, I will make a decision. But in any case, your interests will not be harmed."
Li Ming nodded indifferently and told him to report progress updates, then ended the communication.
The lights of the projection capturing device in front of him gradually dimmed, and realizing that the Three Civilizations weren’t too serious about this matter, Li Ming temporarily breathed a sigh of relief.
"However... Sheffield’s stance is indeed quite firm..." he pondered, "Is it because of Chrono’s demise?"
"I estimate the impact of this affair is considerable, and the High-level Life Form Union over there must have some reaction."
This issue plays a significant role in his highest strategies.
The looming pressure from the Three Civilizations initially caused many high-level life forms to instinctively avoid it.
Chrono’s death could largely dispel the pressure the Three Civilizations exerted on others.
A low voice echoed in the room, "Gusta and Anatoli shouldn’t be fools, unless they truly want to remain dogs of the Three Civilizations forever..."
......
Meanwhile, a meeting was also convening in the secret channels of the Black Hole Network.
The virtual meeting room was filled with vague silhouettes, with no face visible of any person.
It was a secret gathering of the High-level Life Form Union.
Yet this time, Azure Dragon was not invited.
"...I’ve already received information. The Three Civilizations have joined forces, and many have already been warned to cut ties with Azure Dragon..."
Who knows who was speaking, the tone was calm, and someone immediately responded, "Wasn’t this long anticipated, cutting off the tentacles to demonstrate power..."
"What is the point of holding this meeting, unless someone still intends to support Azure Dragon?"
"And if there is support? The Three Civilizations have been at the top for too long; should we continue to be bullied by them at will?"
"We have no interest in being cannon fodder for others," someone responded indifferently, "nor do we believe Azure Dragon can lead us to victory."
"Perhaps there’s a piece of news some are unaware of," suddenly someone spoke softly, "Chrono is dead."
At those words, someone gasped, and the entire virtual meeting room fell into a dead silence.
After a long time, someone asked tensely, "Was it Azure Dragon?"
"What else?" the person replied, "This information can be easily verified."
"Does Azure Dragon have the ability to confront and kill a Forbidden Life Form?" many were incredulous, "Then is there still fear of the Three Civilizations?"
"There must have been some other means, right?"
"No matter what means were used, the fact remains he died."
In the virtual meeting room, the discussion erupted into a hubbub.
That person quickly spoke up loudly, "The reason I’m sharing this information is mainly to inform everyone that while the Three Civilizations are indeed high and mighty, our Vice Chairman is not simple either."
"Don’t place your bets too soon or too quickly."
"Damn, I’ve already ordered my subordinate company to tear up our contract."
Someone sneered, "You’re really foolish. Now that the High-level Life Form Union is out in the open, there is some power. Doing business with the Mechanical Court doesn’t hinder anything, are you really afraid the Three Civilizations would come for you over this?"