The first to react were the Mechanics, many of whom held deep respect for the Hammer Divine Craftsman.
Seeing their heads forcibly pressed down during the selection of inheritants made them naturally dissatisfied, their collective anger raging.
They signed joint protests on the Star Network, demanding that the Hammer Divine Craftsman’s review strictly adhere to principles of fairness and impartiality.
Figures like Robbin, whose development potential was not low but hadn’t even laid eyes on the Dominion Holy Image, were even more displeased. Not even a chance at basic lottery draws—what kind of situation is this?
They joined the signing campaign, vehemently denouncing the Three Great Civilizations as sheer authoritarianism.
The Mechanic Association even issued a statement demanding an explanation from the Three Great Civilizations.
No one knew whether the two Divine Craftsmen were aware of this matter, but for now, they had to follow the majority views of the Mechanics.
After several days of deadlock, Dominion Holy Image released a video emphasizing the review rules once again.
"For life forms without fifty-level development potential, there’s no need to consider the possibility of becoming an inheritor..."
"...unless you’re like that Li Ming, possessing an extremely high level of mechanical talent. Even in such cases, development potential must not be below forty-five levels."
In the video, Dominion Holy Image spoke lazily: "And anyway, I’m not that easily threatened. I demand that the candidates they provide have development potential levels above fifty."
Although many still speculated that Dominion Holy Image had been kidnapped and pointed to its frequent blinking in the video as evidence,
the clamorous opinions somewhat subsided.
As a result, the previously subdued discussions over the Hammer Divine Craftsman’s inheritance due to the Holy Revolution Army resurfaced into the sight of interstellar life forms.
Not long after, a leaked candidate list thrust the topic into an even higher level of heated debate.
"Abel, seventh son of the Glory Saint Emperor, development potential level fifty-two..."
"Aistelle, secret research project from the Federation Science Academy, development potential level fifty-three."
"Whoa, all fifty-level or above? Never even heard their names before."
Interstellar life forms were naturally brimming with curiosity about such high-ranking secrets.
At the same time, underground gambling houses sprang into action, opening bets on "Who will inherit the Hammer Divine Craftsman’s legacy."
Where gambling is involved, every life form that stakes real money brings unparalleled attention, further spreading this scrutiny among acquaintances.
"But who’s the last candidate? Why hasn’t even the slightest news leaked?" Some began noticing the discrepancy—out of five candidates, only four identities were known.
The missing candidate became an obsession of speculation, raising the question: could they be someone even more distinguished than Abel?
After all the commotion, ten or so days had passed.
"Tsk tsk..." Li Ming, while developing Genetic Seeds, kept tabs on the unfolding events.
The operation was executed seamlessly, deeply rooted in an understanding of interstellar media strategy—initially employing authoritarian intrigue to resonate with weaker groups, then wrapping it up through gambling to achieve viral propagation.
In a short amount of time, the events garnered terrifying levels of attention. In just a few days, Dominion Holy Image’s selection day would arrive, transitioning smoothly.
This kind of unprecedented attention was usually only achieved during major interstellar events, such as an Empire Holy Emperor’s succession or the exchange of a Federation President.
"Under this terrifying focus, if news of the Hammer Divine Craftsman’s death implicating the Star Abyss Empire breaks, the Mechanic Association won’t be able to escape accountability." Li Ming pondered for a while, an involuntary twitch forming at the corner of his mouth.
All other candidates’ information had already spread throughout the galaxy, yet the one recommended by the Creator Divine Craftsman remained shrouded in secrecy.
Clearly, the Pioneer aimed to make a surprising move, but this only piqued greater curiosity—when they finally appeared, it would set off a massive uproar.
The Pioneer’s secrecy only made Li Ming hesitate more, yet as he reconsidered, he thought, "Wait, it doesn’t make sense. I’m not guaranteed to be recognized by Dominion Holy Image. Why would they make such a commotion if they risk losing everything in the end?"
Li Ming mulled over it, but after two or three hours, no clarity emerged. "There must be some hidden reason or assurance that I’ll obtain the inheritance..."
A knock at his door interrupted him, followed by a sound from the visual terminal: "Sir, a delivery for you. I’ve brought it up."
"A delivery?" Li Ming’s heart shifted slightly. Rising, he opened his door to find the receptionist smiling warmly, handing him a black package box.
Li Ming accepted it—it wasn’t heavy. He flicked a purple Crystal Coin casually to her. Her smile widened, posture seductive: "I’ll be leaving for now; if you need anything, just call me."
Realizing the intonation in her voice, Li Ming shook his head. After closing the door, he opened the black package, extracting a metallic box.
Inside were three blocks radiating a purple-black glow, seemingly ordinary yet encased in anti-gravity equipment.
"The packaging sure is simple," Li Ming remarked sarcastically. The three blocks were Ether Crystals, each valued at tens of billions of Star Coins, sent over so plainly.
Since he had them in hand, Li Ming wasted no time criticizing further—after waiting for days, he immediately began absorbing them.
Surging metal energy poured forth, with the numbers on the Control Page swiftly jumping every second.
After three full hours, Li Ming exhaled deeply, silently clenched his fist, his gaze fiery as he stared at the numbers displayed on the Control System: 3.33 billion.
Each crystal had provided him with 1.11 billion units of metal energy, exceeding his original estimates.