Chapter 681: Chapter 355: Robbin’s “Backstab”_2
“No need.” Li Ming shook his head. “This isn’t necessarily a dead-end.”
Robbin hesitated, seemingly wanting to say sothing, but then his expression changed in a flash, suddenly realizing:
“Almost forgot. Even if they find you, they won’t be able to do anything to you. If they truly try to harm you, the chanic Association definitely won’t let it slide.”
As Robbin said this, his tone was filled with envy. When he first uncovered these matters, he had felt restless, wanting to leave in a hurry.
He unconsciously substituted his earlier days of hiding everywhere, fearing offending people, treading carefully in all matters; Li Ming, on the other hand, had powerful figures backing him, with the mighty chanic Association behind those figures.
The chanic Association had already issued a statent. Although they didn’t explicitly say they were protecting Li Ming, they did emphasize that no sabotage was allowed during the selection process.
Thinking about this, even Robbin felt sowhat relieved.
Li Ming chuckled and simply shook his head: “Those words may be true, but as luck would have it, one of my teacher’s enemies happens to be the leader of this Joint Review Departnt.”
“Duke Bloodthorn—Nicholas. This man has always suspected my teacher of killing his son.”
Robbin froze, the relief he had just felt dissipating entirely: “What do you an?”
Li Ming gave Robbin a once-over, then unexpectedly said sothing astounding: “Hey, Rob, have you ever thought about backstabbing ?”
The abrupt change in topic left Robbin montarily dumbfounded. It wasn’t long before he snapped back, jumping to his feet in agitation, spitting angrily: “Li Ming, what kind of person do you take for? I, Robbin, am not soone who betrays his friends!”
Li Ming quietly waited for him to finish speaking and then shook his head, saying: “Misunderstanding. I’m not doubting you, otherwise I wouldn’t possibly let you roam around so freely.”
Robbin paused briefly, then thought about it and nodded: “Sorry, I’ve been backstabbed before and it left reactive.”
Li Ming didn’t mind. He understood Robbin’s character, though that was just one reason for his trust.
A much more important reason was his overseer—there was no way it would allow Robbin to act that way.
Compared to the issues Li Ming was now facing, his capture might result in temporary imprisonnt, but he wasn’t in significant danger.
Even with the conflict with Nicholas, it was sothing the Azure Dragon had done; what did it have to do with Li Ming?
If he was willing to submit to Nicholas, the Duke Bloodthorn would undoubtedly let bygones be bygones.
However, Robbin’s secret—now that was an entirely different matter.
The riskier one among them being captured would actually be Robbin.
“What I an to say is that, if you hadn’t previously considered it, now might be a good ti to start,” Li Ming said, leaving Robbin looking even more confused and increasingly puzzled.
Li Ming finally elaborated: “I want you to reach out to Nicholas and have a good talk with that Duke.”
Robbin froze for a mont before reacting, his expression shifting: “What?”
…
The Joint Review Departnt of the Star Abyss Empire, Eternal Brilliance Federation, and Star Cluster Republic Alliance was established as a coalition effort.
As it was proposed by the Star Abyss Empire, the headquarters was also set up at the Empire’s base.
Nicholas was standing in the command center, facing thousands of surveillance screens that densely covered the room, monitoring the Dominion Holy Image and its surrounding area from all angles.
The staff at their posts worked tirelessly, the low, chaotic noise engulfing the room.
The number of marked personnel on the screens continued to increase, while the reduction rate remained rather slow.
Nicholas glanced at the numbers; the total had already accumulated to over 400,000.
“Duke, the troop deploynt request was rejected. The other two factions are unwilling to send additional soldiers to assist in the review work.” Soone ca to report.
Nicholas shot a glance at the docunt, where two large red characters—”Rejected”—were clearly stamped, and a cold smile crept across his lips: “Just as expected. When it cos to joint matters, no one truly wants to put in extra effort.”
“But this works in our favor. Let’s mobilize 30,000 troops from our side directly to assist in the review work.”
Albert stood by, observing. After the ssenger had left, he spoke in a low tone: “Do you think Li Ming will really co?”
“He will.” Nicholas said with absolute certainty. “This is the Hamr Divine Craftsman we’re talking about—who could ignore that?”
“Unfortunately, the ‘Prison Cage’ will need another 30 days to be transferred here. The process is so slow.” His expression darkened further as he spoke.
Condensing information states isn’t particularly challenging for a Casting Star chanic.
However, condensing doesn’t an complete disappearance—so long as soone exists within the universe, an information state will inevitably be generated.
The Prison Cage, formally known as the Quantum Information State Prison Matrix, operates on an ultrafine scale to perform massive area searches. They had used this thod to locate the Dark Night previously—though the scale this ti was much larger.
But transferring this device required multiple processes, and no one was willing to expedite the operations; in fact, the Royal Family was even intentionally creating obstacles.
This thought made Nicholas’ face even more sullen. Creating obstacles for others was satisfying, but it was an entirely different story when the obstacles were aid at him.
At that mont, Nicholas’ smart terminal buzzed, its screen lighting up to display a brief incoming ssage from one of his intelligence agents.
“What’s the matter? Sothing happened in the Main Universe?” Nicholas frowned.
The intelligence officer hurriedly explained, “No, but soone claiming to be the Star Thief just contacted us. He says he has information on Li Ming.”
“Star Thief?” Nicholas’ expression shifted slightly at the unique designation. He quickly swiped through to bring up a dossier, revealing a photograph—Robbin’s face.
“It’s him… the guy Li Ming brought into the Dinsion World?” Nicholas flipped through the records. He’d reviewed this person’s file before—Black Hole Hall mber, interstellar rcenary, explorer, scavenger…
“Patch the call through,” Nicholas ordered, his gaze sharp.
“Understood!”
The intelligence officer complied, and within monts, a communication signal was connected. Nicholas glanced at the display and hesitated briefly before answering.
“Duke Bloodthorn?” Robbin’s voice ca across with a hint of flippancy.
“It’s ,” Nicholas responded coldly, cutting straight to the point: “Robbin, how do you know I’m looking for Li Ming right now?”
“I didn’t know.” Robbin’s answer ca unexpectedly. “But now I do.”
Nicholas frowned, but before he could respond, Robbin explained, “I just figured you’d be interested in him, given how his teacher seems to have done sothing that irked you.”
Nicholas’ expression darkened. “According to the data we’ve gathered, you’re currently with Li Ming, aren’t you? What’s the deal—thinking of betraying him?”
“I’m not his subordinate, so how would it count as betrayal? I’m rely pursuing maximum benefit.” Robbin’s tone was natural.
Nicholas remained noncommittal, neither affirming nor denying his trust, before asking, “Where are you now?”
“Whoa, Whoa, Whoa…” Robbin exclaid dramatically. “You’re Duke Bloodthorn for goodness’ sake—how can you not understand the rules of negotiation?”
“What do you want?” Nicholas remained composed, not angered.
“Originally, I just wanted to exchange the info for so cash. But it seems like you’re far more interested in Li Ming now. This ans I’ll have to raise my price a bit.” Robbin’s tone was shrewd. “You’re aware of the Terrax Stone, aren’t you?”
Nicholas’ gaze sharpened, flashing with intensity: “What do you need that for?”
“What else? Without Li Ming, I wouldn’t have known about the Terrax Stone having such vast applications,” Robbin replied, his words dripping with greed.
That matched the intel. Based on their tracking and study of Li Ming, the Black Hole Hall bounty on the Terrax Stone was likely issued by him.
The beneficiary of the bounty had been Robbin himself.
The Terrax Stone’s versatility was imnse—not only could it serve as a collector’s item, but also as material for synthesizing S-level Genetic Seeds, advanced weapon energy conductors, and more.
Within the Empire, it was even said that enough Terrax Stones could pinpoint the location of ancient relics, making it extraordinarily valuable.
“How about giving ten or so pieces, huh?” Robbin made an outrageous demand.
Nicholas’ expression remained unchanged, shaking his head: “Impossible.”
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