Global Era of Star trekking Chapter 1697 - 829: [Torch Empire No. 5] (Part 2)

Previously on Global Era of Star trekking...
Song Chi's mirror image warship is forced into a desperate struggle against the Primordial Emperor Insect, a mythical power capable of shattering the void and manipulating gravity. Despite overloading his engines and employing every tactical maneuver available, the overwhelming strength of the mythical creature leads to the destruction of the mirror image and a failed challenge. Retreating to the Zhu Tian Ruins Market, Song Chi reflects on the battle, identifying critical deficiencies in his warship's armor and energy supply that must be addressed before he can truly face a tenth-rank threat. Meanwhile, across the Torch Civilization, the Dragon Spine Song Family’s call to hunt alien elites has stirred the immortal powers of the Golden Bird Flower Kingdom, as the Sric Family prepares to mobilize for a high-value target.

The Star-Annihilating Ancestors of the Sric Family, who had vanished recently, returned to the scene before other families could even formulate a response.

Unseen by the surrounding factions, these Annihilation Starship Captains did not return alone. They brought back a three-headed feline Alien Race, which the Sric Family promptly delivered to the Dragon Spine Song Family’s newly established branch in the Golden Bird Flower Kingdom.

Incidents of this nature were currently erupting in every corner of the two River System communities under the jurisdiction of the Torch Civilization.

While River System-level geniuses are a rarity, the sheer volume of Torch Ship Captains within the Torch Civilization is staggering. Among them, there are always fortunate individuals who have encountered or glimpsed such beings during their deep-space explorations. Once the Dragon Spine Song Family announced their public bounty, it acted as a catalyst that ignited interest instantly.

...

Song Chi remained oblivious to these external shifts for the moment. Currently residing within the Zhu Tian Ruins Market, he was plagued by indecision regarding the application of the Tenth Rank [Golden Apple] he held.

[Purusa Zen Seal]

[Heavenly Authority Control Ring]

[Blood Holy Grail]

[Black Hole Evolution Layer]

[Chicang’s No. 004 Breeding Secret Realm]

Choosing between these five options proved to be a difficult task.

Following a period of hesitation, his focus finally locked onto the [Blood Holy Grail].

A brilliant flash of light erupted as the [Blood Holy Grail] underwent a successful evolution, ascending from Black Quality to Colorful Lower.

His decision to prioritize the [Blood Holy Grail] was rooted in its vital role for the Heavenly Ruins Cang Qiong’s future advancement to the Tenth Rank. Furthermore, he knew that another Tenth Rank [Golden Apple] would soon be within his grasp.

The remaining components would have their chance to evolve when that time came.

Buzz buzz buzz!

Suddenly, a faint vibration resonated from the Five-Colored Torch Seed nestled deep in Song Chi's consciousness.

After departing the Ruins Market and connecting to the Torch Network, he discovered an unexpected communication from Emperor Jiang.

Rather than a summons to gather at the Shenxia Continent, this message featured a unique link.

While such a message might baffle other Torch Ship Captains, Song Chi, as a bearer of the [Original Torch Seed], understood its nature perfectly. This was a remote connection feature of the [Original Torch Seed], a high-level ability restricted to those with peak authority.

With a simple thought, he activated the link. Song Chi’s vision plunged into darkness for a brief moment before he found himself drifting above a vast, Chaotic Ocean.

Five figures were suspended high above the [Pool of Fortune], which teemed with boundless Torch Fortunes.

These figures were Jiang Yuan, Ying Yi, Song Chi, and the two other individuals holding supreme authority over the [Original Torch Seeds].

The virtual projections of the five Human Emperors manifested over the Pool of Fortune. Their silent exchange of looks created an invisible pressure that caused the surrounding chaotic currents to grow still.

"Time is of the essence, everyone, so I shall be brief."

Emperor Jiang spoke first, his tone carrying the resonance of clashing metal:

"The River System Communities currently held by the Corpse Emperor Clan—it is time we seized them!"

Song Chi observed that each of the five virtual silhouettes hovering above the Chaotic Ocean radiated a unique aura.

Emperor Jiang of the Shenxia Dynasty was particularly striking, enveloped in flames that had fully manifested into reality.

Emperor Ji Heng followed; though he had not yet achieved the status of an Immortal Captain, his flagship had already transitioned into a Mythical Immortal Ship. This achievement naturally created a significant gap between him and the trio led by Song Chi.

"Our most recent intelligence suggests the Corpse Emperor Clan is reaching out to powers in more distant River System Communities."

A cold, distant voice spoke up—it was Holy Emperor Ferdinand of the Holy Hall Federation:

"Should they succeed in summoning allies, we may face complications."

The chaotic gas began to churn violently as a deep, powerful voice echoed:

"In that case, we must initiate the conflict immediately. This prize has been dangling before us for far too long; we cannot permit it to escape!"

The fires surrounding Emperor Ying flared aggressively, scorching the expanse of the sky.

Song Chi cleared his throat and gave a nod of agreement:

"I concur. Human Emperor City may be drawn into a super mythological war in twenty thousand years. Prior to that, we must exert every effort to bolster the foundation and power of our entire civilization."

"There is no faster method to gather a civilization's foundation than the occupation of a new River System Community!"

"Since there is a consensus, the matter is decided. We will launch a total war against the Corpse Emperor Clan’s River System Community in three hundred years!"

With Jiang Yuan’s final decree, the strategy was set. However, this intelligence would be kept secret for over two centuries to prevent the Corpse Emperor Clan from preparing prematurely.

"Very well, this concludes our session..."

"Wait!"

Song Chi spoke up, interrupting Jiang Yuan before he could finish.

As the four other leaders turned their gaze toward him, Song Chi began to present the explanation he had carefully prepared.

"It is like this: early in my journey, I stumbled upon a [Zhu Tian Ruins Market]. Now, not only is my entire family permanently stationed there, but I have also secured a high-ranking position within that market. Recently, I made a formal request to the [Lord of All Heavens Ruins Market]..."

Jiang Yuan and the others fell into a thoughtful silence after hearing the details he provided.

"Are you suggesting that the Lord of All Heavens Ruins Market has consented to build an [All Heavens Transmission Platform] within both the Torch Human Civilization and the Wizard Civilization territories? If this [All Heavens Transmission Platform] is established, will both our civilizations be able to conduct trade and exchange freely at the [Zhu Tian Ruins Market]?"

"Precisely!"

Following Song Chi’s firm confirmation, a glimmer of excitement flickered in the eyes of Jiang Yuan and his peers.

They understood the immense strategic value of a cross-star domain marketplace. If Song Chi's claims were true, the bond with the Wizard Civilization would reach a level never seen before, providing fundamental benefits to both civilizations.