In the True King Hall, while Lord Ron was deducing Shi Ming’s fate, Shi Ming had finished infinitely upgrading the Silent Crystal. The dark crystal now looked brand new. If he were to put it up for sale in the Trading Tower again, the price would surely increase by more than tenfold!
Such was the wonder of the Infinite Brain.
’This crystal can bypass the united seal of the false gods near the Tomb Star System, establish a connection with it, and allow for a direct return to the "Homeland"?’
The intelligence was simple, but its wording hinted at a great deal of additional information.
First, the united seal of the false gods.
Second, the Homeland.
Both terms concealed more intelligence that could be carefully considered and expanded upon.
Shi Ming stroked the crystal in his hand.
The crystal’s surface was sharply faceted.
Its appearance had changed as well. Unlike before, when it was shrouded in an aura of death, now the energies of life and death coexisted within, interdependent and in constant flux. Flickering between light and dark, it was somewhat like the "Taiji" from traditional Dragon Country culture, forming a dynamic equilibrium within its small space.
’The intelligence systems of the Advanced Civilization Star Realm can’t find any information or coordinates for the Tomb Star System. All information about it has been placed under strict control.’
’Now, everything is in place.’
’I have the Divine Rune, and I have the crystal to bypass the blockade.’
’All that’s missing are the coordinates.’
’If I can find the coordinates to the Tomb Star Realm, I can use this crystal to bypass the other powerhouses’ blockade and enter directly. Then, with the "Heir of the Gods" authority from the Divine Rune, I’ll be able to do as I please in the Tomb Star Realm. Heh, I’m actually looking forward to it.’
’It’s just...’
’...how to obtain the coordinates is a major problem.’
After the First Civilization Cosmic Country became the Realm of Death, its coordinates were concealed and displaced by the false gods. Even when he used the Eye of Destiny to peer into the Silent Crystal, all he got was more detailed intelligence about the crystal itself, with no other related information.
If they couldn’t have it, no one could.
Since the false gods couldn’t obtain the inheritance within, sealing it off was a logical move. That way, anyone who obtained the Divine Rune in the future would still be unable to enter that domain without going through them.
Shi Ming put the crystal away.
Sometimes, opportunities arise when you aren’t actively seeking them. The best way to ensure you can seize them when they come—instead of missing them or failing at the last moment—is to constantly grow stronger and always be prepared.
’Treasure Star... This unique advanced civilization certainly has a style all its own.’
’It’s time to leave. And while I’m at it, I can search for the enemies who wiped out the Star Spirit Race...’
’Hm?’
A sudden premonition struck Shi Ming.
His eyes flickered.
The Eye of Destiny was delivering a prophecy from the future!
This was a skill that had evolved from the Great Prophecy Technique, allowing him to occasionally glimpse future events. He had used it back on Earth to learn in advance of Rui Liang of the Dark Star Race’s return.
Shi Ming pushed aside all distractions, focusing his Spiritual Power on the prophetic vision.
It was a dynamic vision:
[Time: Undetectable]
[Location: The edge of Treasure Star’s Docking Star Realm.]
[Scene: A terrifying pressure descends from the heavens. A Six-armed Giant manifests within the River of Destiny. The murderous intent in its eyes causes the bodies of countless beings to disintegrate! The entire Docking Star Realm is thrown into chaos, and every ship that attempts to flee is reduced to dust!]
It was the Sovereign of the Thirty-Seventh Cosmic Country!
The nephew the Angler had spoken of! A true Pillar Stone!
’He’s tracked me down?’
A Pillar Stone, and a Sovereign to boot. A Nirvana Powerhouse who commanded the resources of an entire Cosmic Country, possessing countless ultimate treasures and trump cards. He was undoubtedly number one on the power rankings of the Thirty-Seventh Cosmic Country.
The purpose of his arrival was beyond doubt.
But... this was way too fast!
Shi Ming raised an eyebrow.
’I can’t go out!’
The Dayun, which had been preparing to leave the Docking Star Realm, powered down and remained in place.
Ah Jian, who was acting as the pilot, was puzzled.
"Master, are we not preparing to leave?"
"Let’s wait. I need to mentally prepare myself."
Ah Jian folded her wings in confusion.
’What kind of mental preparation does one need to set sail?’
’Could it be that after visiting Treasure Star a few times, Master has grown so fond of the culture in this core region of an advanced civilization that he can’t bear to leave...? That would be understandable—the bugs here are delicious. But what’s the special plan if we’re just staying inside the ship?’
...
...
...
Shi Ming remained in the cabin, taking stock of the resources at his disposal.
The many skills that came with the Eye of the Divine,
his coded Nirvana skill, "Bore,"
three ultimate treasures,
and various wondrous items...
With these, he could go toe-to-toe with the third-ranked "Angler," and even gain a steady upper hand. Victory would only be a matter of time.
But directly confronting a Sovereign who stood at the apex of the strong was a significant challenge.
’Should I use a warp ability to escape?’
He had never had the opportunity to fight a Pillar Stone before. He was reluctant to pass it up.
’Whatever...’
’Anyway, the prophecy triggers the moment the Dayun leaves the Treasure Star docking area. If the Dayun just stays put, doesn’t leave, and I make full preparations in this "docking yard" before making a move... wouldn’t that count as exploiting a bug in the prophecy?’
’In that case, couldn’t I turn this passive situation to my advantage?’
’It’s like Schrödinger’s docking yard!’
Having sorted out his thoughts, Shi Ming abandoned the idea of leaving immediately. He used his Spiritual Power to brew a cup of Kunshan White Tea, then lay back in the captain’s room, silently running through various plans and contingencies.
Not until after midnight did Shi Ming’s mind become as clear as a mirror.
He had a plan.
"Ah Jian, Three-Eyes, Cai Zong, enter the Captain’s Space," Shi Ming commanded.
Although Ah Jian and the Three-Eyed Golden Crow were puzzled by their captain’s actions over the last half-day, they obeyed Shi Ming’s command and brought Cai Zong into the Dayun’s Captain’s Space. Afterward, Shi Ming casually sat in the cockpit, just like always, and piloted the Dayun toward the docking port’s exit.
Half a day of preparation was enough.
The enemy’s sword may be sharp,
but my own blade is just as keen!
A hint of excitement glimmered in his eyes.
...
"Esteemed guest, it is a pleasure to serve you!" The enthusiastic voice of the starport’s mechanical attendant reached Shi Ming’s ears.
Shi Ming could only think, ’You’re celebrating a bit too soon...’
"Your ship has overstayed in the docking yard by three time units. An additional fee of three Cosmic Crystals is required."
The attendants responsible for collecting fees were mostly intelligent robots from Treasure Star. Even if they were destroyed in battle, they could be "revived" simply by having their programming reinstalled into a new body.
He paid the three Cosmic Crystals.
"We hope to see you again."
"We’ll see!"
Shi Ming’s Spiritual Power spread out as his consciousness piloted the ship, and he began to fly out of the docking port.
The next moment, just as the prophecy had foretold, a powerful pressure suddenly descended upon the star domain!
It was neither too fast nor too slow, arriving at the perfect moment.
Its punctuality was astonishing.