Reviewing the current objectives, the shortage of metal energy is undeniable, and the deficit is at an enormous scale. The Mechanical Court is still in its rapid development phase, making it difficult to provide him with a stable supply. For now, he can only rely on gradual accumulation over time.
Other channels can only warrant attention—with limited options, they might be worth a try.
Although the interstellar domain remains turbulent, with Azure Dragon as a deterrent, the chaos hasn’t yet extended to impact him.
Even potential adversaries like Ryan are unlikely to act against him.
After all, he’s just a student conducting small ventures, hardly reaching the level of gaining deep attention.
The next focus revolves around advancing the development process and striving toward becoming an S-level life form—this, too, demands years of accumulation.
Only upon achieving S-level life form will the true qualitative transformation occur.
Hmm... after contemplating for a while, Li Ming felt invigorated and immediately began developing the Genetic Seed. The enhanced root development potential sprang into noticeable action.
The overall rate nearly doubled, with Elemental Energy wildly surging across his body’s surface.
Meanwhile, in another room within the base, Robbin’s face was grim. He placed Skull on the desk before him and sighed despondently, "Can’t I truly give this up?"
"The identity of the inheritor cannot be relinquished unless you die," the butler’s voice, though still gentle, sounded unrelentingly cold to Robbin.
"While I don’t fear taking risks, I refuse to be cultivated as though I were some sort of parasite." Robbin’s thoughts weren’t sudden; they stemmed from deep reflection during his aimless travels accompanying Li Ming.
On one hand, he had been thoroughly disillusioned with the butler, and on the other, he realized the overwhelming complexity hidden behind the identity of "inheritor."
Another significant reason was Li Ming’s expansive worldview, which had profoundly influenced him. He couldn’t forget Li Ming’s cryptic words during their discussion: "What lies ahead is destined; what lies behind is inevitable."
When another inheritor had shown up, Robbin genuinely thought his chances amounted to one in a trillion.
But it turned out Boss Qinglong had long been aware of his identity. Figures akin to Azure Dragon existed in abundance within the interstellar domain, making Robbin feel as though he were courting death.
Now, though he wishes to renounce it, he finds himself powerless to do so.
"Does that mean I’m doomed to perish on this path?" Robbin sighed again.
"Not necessarily. Perhaps you might emerge as the final victor," the green flames within the butler’s eyes flickered menacingly.
"Maybe..." Robbin sighed despondently yet again, then shook his head. At this moment, he had little faith in himself and murmured helplessly, "Why didn’t you pick Li Ming instead? His development potential is so much higher; isn’t the hope so much greater?"
"I told you long ago," the butler replied, pausing briefly, "development potential has never been our selection criterion..."
The butler suddenly interrupted himself. "Another inheritor detected—hunter program activated. Coordinates will be exchanged between the two parties in three days."
Robbin leapt up from the bed, exclaiming, "Another inheritor?"
"Why are inheritors popping up everywhere? Isn’t this place Li Ming’s main base?"
"Damn it, could it be one of his own people?" Robbin instinctively aligned himself with Li Ming’s faction, his expression tense and troubled: "One of us is definitely going to die?"
"The other inheritor has disappeared; hunter program terminated."
"Terminated?" Robbin’s eyes widened. "The hunter program can be stopped? Didn’t you say once it’s activated, one party must die?"
"Under normal circumstances, yes. However, the other inheritor hasn’t simply moved far away—they have vanished entirely."
"Gone to the Dimension World?" Robbin speculated, astonished.
"No—gone completely," the butler explained, "Our connection surpasses the information state into the hyper-dimensional information state. Theoretically, there is nothing that could sever this link..."
"Tch—" Robbin muttered, restless and unable to fully grasp the implications. He began pacing, fraught with agitation. "If this guy’s disappearance is only temporary, they might show up again—what the hell do I do then?"
Suddenly, he stopped mid-step. "I need to find Li Ming!"
He had a faint suspicion that the other inheritor might be under Azure Dragon’s control, possibly even imprisoned. This would explain such an anomaly.
If he wanted to survive, or even roam freely, his only option was to confront Azure Dragon directly, demonstrate his sincerity, and hope the latter might lend his aid on account of Li Ming.
"Boss Qinglong is a Divine Craftsman. Perhaps he can help me shed this inheritor identity," Robbin remarked, unable to restrain his thoughts.
"Impossible," the butler replied calmly. "Not even a Divine Craftsman can undo it. However, I have another proposition—you could strike an agreement with Azure Dragon. They might help you become a true inheritor, and you would provide commensurate recompense in return."
Robbin scoffed sarcastically, "With my pitiful credentials, what could I possibly offer to negotiate with a Divine Craftsman?"
The butler explained evenly, "You could at least try. The odds of surviving are high, making this option the most advantageous."
Robbin didn’t bother responding, uttered a cold snort, and grabbed Skull before opening the base’s door.
"Lord Robbin..." Vermilion Bird materialized beside him, circling him with swift, elegant motions.
"Is Li Ming free right now? I need to talk to him—let him know I’m coming," Robbin said.
"Understood. Please follow me; the young master likely won’t refuse to meet you," Vermilion Bird directed, leading the way. Robbin couldn’t help but feel envy, marveling silently at her capabilities.
Vermilion Bird could already be considered an intelligent life form with autonomous judgment, no longer reliant solely on programmed actions.
It seemed impressive, yet most Mechanics were disinclined toward such intelligent entities. The presence of independent thought and deviation from programmed responses meant the potential for betrayal.
Such concerns weren’t baseless. Tens of thousands of years ago, a similar intelligent crisis had erupted within the Eternal Brilliance Federation, eventually engulfing the entire interstellar network, paralyzing it for over a century.