And so, Li Ming’s sudden emergence finally arrived, injecting a much-needed surge of adrenaline into the Mechanics.
Li Ming felt speechless—was he now being regarded as the Mechanics’ last hope?
The cheers for him grew louder and louder, eventually forming a rally effect that even drew in many non-Mechanics.
"...Damn it..." Li Ming was thoroughly exasperated, casting a glance at the "Sakania Elephant Beings." He couldn’t fathom why this species of life form was getting involved in the commotion.
"Brother, show those bastards who’s boss—claim the legacy!"
Amidst the shouting, Li Ming overheard this sentence, his steps halting momentarily, his expression turning increasingly peculiar. Was he now being seen as the symbol of "resistance?"
Honestly, he’d always been from humble roots, and even with his current status, compared to the upper echelon, he still counted as half a grassroots figure.
The narrative of grassroots rising through the ranks was something everyone loved—it felt relatable and down-to-earth, far more than those emotionless faces high above.
The piling on of so many buffs unexpectedly earned Li Ming a multitude of supporters.
"Life truly is... unpredictable," Li Ming thought, shaking his head at the irony. He ultimately disregarded the notion; support meant little in practical terms.
"Li Ming..." The Creator Divine Craftsman slowly spoke, his voice cutting through the chaos until it slowly quieted down. "He is the one I recommended."
"After all, the Hammer Divine Craftsman’s legacy must have someone from the Mechanic Association participating."
As soon as his words fell, the mountain-like cheers erupted again, and the crowd of Mechanics present were deeply gratified.
"Divine Craftsman..." Li Ming nodded slightly in the direction of the voice.
Beside him, the Mechanical Soul Divine Craftsman looked at Li Ming, then suddenly addressed the Creator Divine Craftsman: "Who asked you to recommend him? Azure Dragon?"
"No, an old friend," the Creator Divine Craftsman replied calmly.
"Your old friend? Someone I don’t know?" The Mechanical Soul Divine Craftsman quipped.
"Many," the Creator Divine Craftsman smiled faintly.
The mountain-like Dominion Holy Image also glanced over at Li Ming. He had some understanding of this young man, though the various civilizations had jointly blocked his external communications.
Still, over time, bits and pieces of information had trickled in—ordinary background, extraordinary talent.
This was a trait he shared with the Hammer Divine Craftsman, though his development potential was far higher. And he’d been discovered early by a Casting Star Mechanic and carefully nurtured ever since.
A high-end plus version of the Hammer Divine Craftsman.
Under normal circumstances, the Dominion Holy Image might truly select this young man as the Inheritor.
The custom-made offspring of those civilizations? Bunch of mindless machines.
"A pity..." the Dominion Holy Image sighed regretfully. In the current situation, he no longer had the freedom to choose an Inheritor normally.
This guy showed up at a bad time.
"Since the last one has arrived, let’s prepare to start," Prince Costat said lightly.
Diwusi looked surprised—the Empire wasn’t throwing a fit? Were they wary of the Mechanic Association?
Li Ming and the other four approached the Dominion Holy Image.
A formidable pressure loomed over them, but the five attendees, being veterans of great events, remained calm and composed.
"Dominion Holy Image, you may begin," Prince Costat said in a deep voice.
"Got it..." The Dominion Holy Image lazily responded. A slight movement sent violent gusts ripping through the air as its mechanical giant eyes locked onto the five individuals.
The mountain-like mechanical trunk, vast like a shadow, slammed onto the ground, stirring up turbulent winds that made those around stagger.
The two openings on the trunk were pitch black.
"Enter?" Abel frowned slightly. The five present remained unmoved.
"Where are you trying to take them?" Prince Costat asked coldly, "This isn’t part of our agreement."
"It absolutely is," the Dominion Holy Image replied impatiently. "They need to enter my body now for various tests."
"Inside your body?" Diwusi also frowned, displeased. "Why didn’t you mention this before?"
"Can’t you trust me?" The Dominion Holy Image grumbled with dissatisfaction.
The crowd remained silent. Of course they didn’t trust him. These five represented the treasures and future pillars of their civilizations. What if the Dominion Holy Image killed them inside?
"What are the test procedures?" Prince Costat asked.
"Development potential and mechanical talent..." the Dominion Holy Image explained reluctantly. "The former is measurable directly, but the latter can’t be shown intuitively—it can only be proven over time. The tests might take a while."
This explanation was reasonable, but nonetheless, everyone hesitated. It was beyond their control, yet retreating at this point was unwise.
Seeing them silent, the spectators murmured among themselves, sneering with disdain in their eyes.
"If you all hesitate, I’ll go in first," Li Ming said boldly. He had nothing to fear.
Abel and the others’ expressions shifted slightly—was he pulling an impressions stunt now?
"Wait!" Prince Costat yelled, his tone growing stern. "I have a question: inside, they won’t kill each other, will they?"
"The tests are separate," the Dominion Holy Image explained briefly. "Even in combat assessments, there are mechanical bodies involved. I’m not at that level of depravity."
"Another question." Diwusi seized the chance to ask, "Does the Infinite Hammer form part of the Hammer Divine Craftsman’s legacy?"
Prince Costat shot him a cold look. He too was curious about this query, as the Dominion Holy Image had never given them a clear answer before.
It was surprising that Diwusi asked so directly now.
If Abel didn’t get recognition, and another did, they needed clarity on what exactly the legacy included to plan their next moves.
But under the current watchful eyes of all, this would spark additional ripples.
The surroundings fell silent, with even the observers eagerly awaiting the answer.
"That hammer? It’s not here..." The Dominion Holy Image shook its head, casually stating, "It disappeared long ago with the Hammer Divine Craftsman."
"No Infinite Hammer?" Abel felt somewhat disappointed but had anticipated this outcome.
"Got any more questions?" The Dominion Holy Image now turned to Crow, the Star Cluster Republic Alliance’s guardian.
"None," Crow shook his head.
"Then are you going in or not?" The Dominion Holy Image pressed.
"If someone’s missing when you emerge, you know the consequences." Prince Costat warned coldly, "And the testing process must be fully visible to us, externally shared."
"Understood." The Dominion Holy Image was growing increasingly impatient.
"Is that him—Li Ming?"
Inside the Empire’s flying device, the silhouette of Prince Ryan suddenly materialized, blurred on the edges as he stared at the screen displaying Li Ming.
Jaint’s heart jumped in alarm, and he replied fearfully, "Y-Yes, it is."
Diaz withdrew behind Prince Ryan, remaining silent.
Prince Ryan’s expression was cold. "If that’s him, what’s Costate waiting for? Why hasn’t he captured him yet?"
Jaint’s throat felt dry, and he murmured, "Perhaps... perhaps because he was recommended by the Creator Divine Craftsman. Prince Costat might be wary of the Mechanic Association."
"Is that so? Costate as timid as ever, but does the Empire need to fear anyone?" Prince Ryan narrowed his eyes.
Jaint suddenly felt a chill creep over his body, even though this was a virtual projection. He hurriedly justified:
"Also... there’s the idea of letting Li Ming enter first. If he gets recognition, moving to capture him later would be better timed."
"Using an Empire incursion as the excuse—that would be logical."
"How very well-considered." Prince Ryan smirked, though his gaze was icy and devoid of emotion—a perfect example of smiling cruelly. "But what if I want to act now?"
Jaint’s blood ran cold as he struggled to respond. Yet before he could utter another word, his view blurred—Diaz had abruptly left.
"Diaz!" He instinctively called out, trying to catch up.
"Tsk...tsk...tsk..." Prince Ryan shook his head lightly, stepping in front of Jaint.
Jaint’s scalp prickled with dread. Ryan was merely a projection—he could walk right through—but he froze, unable to move.
"That’s a good boy..." Prince Ryan said with his trademark chilling grin, perfectly capturing the terror-inducing nature of his empty smile.