Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1699: 540: Undercutting the Root (Part 4)

“If it weren’t for the Alien Race, they would have been destroyed long ago.”

…

Su Ming cast a glance toward the furious Zhang Yi and his companions, slipping into deep reflection.

The Federation had now fully clashed face-to-face with Dark Star and Heavenly Revelation.

Naturally, the Federation responded with its own measures, deploying vast armies across the three primary defense lines and imposing full wartime restrictions across all territories.

With a casual wave of his hand, Su Ming projected a massive star map before him.

Studying the star map intently, Su Ming contemplated the situation. With Dark Star Empire and Heavenly Revelation Divine Country mobilizing, the Mechanical Clan and Chilami were bound to get involved soon.

Even though the Federation was digging in defensively, relying solely on defense wouldn't resolve anything.

To shatter this impasse, the strategy demanded targeting the most vulnerable adversary first.

This idea crystallized in Su Ming's mind, fixing his stare on Dark Star Empire and Heavenly Revelation Divine Country.

Of the four major powers, these two stood as the weakest links.

In that instant, a flash of genius hit Su Ming, birthing an excellent scheme.

Dark Star and Heavenly Revelation, having thrown everything into their offensive, left their core territories glaringly exposed.

Right now, convincing the Holy Army and Old Kingdom troops to strike their undefended homelands while they battled the Federation would doom both Dark Star Empire and Heavenly Revelation Divine Country.

Fired up by the plan, Su Ming resolved to implement it at once.

“Timi, where are we now? Is the area secure?”

“We've arrived at the outskirts of Danube Star Sea; no way the Imperial Army can pursue us this far.”

Timi updated Su Ming.

“Excellent. Call Hai Lan and Shu’en here.”

Su Ming directed Timi.

“Yes!”

Timi replied without hesitation.

…

Moments later, Hai Lan, Shu’en, and the rest assembled within the central command chamber.

Su Ming addressed the group.

“Queen Hai Lan, this is where I leave you; your path ahead is clear. Shu’en and his team will safeguard your journey to the Federation. Urgent duties call me elsewhere, so we part ways here.”

“Thank you, Lord Su Ming.”

Queen Hai Lan responded with deep respect.

Su Ming nodded faintly before turning to Shu’en.

“Shu’en, once Queen Hai Lan reaches the Federation safely, proceed to World Eye·Dark Moon Port and link up with Rhein and the others. Await my return there!”

Su Ming commanded Shu’en and his subordinates.

“Understood!”

Shu’en affirmed resolutely.

“Farewell, everyone!”

Su Ming grinned as he waved goodbye.

“Goodbye!”

Queen Hai Lan, Shu’en, and the others spun around and departed.

In short order, Crimson Country's fleet diverged from Thunder Extreme, forging onward to the Federation.

Timi and his crew then fixed their eyes on Su Ming, poised for commands.

Su Ming delivered his instruction to Timi.

“Timi, plot the extended path. Skirt around Dark Star Empire's forces and set course for the Dark Forest!”

“Got it!”

Timi acknowledged gravely.

Star Destroyer·Thunder Extreme immediately altered trajectory, plunging into the remote cosmos.

…..

—————————————–

Lost Land·Lost City

A colossal castle soaring one hundred meters tall, forged from pitch-black crystal rock and splattered with crimson bloodstains, loomed majestically in Lost City's core.

The castle's hall evoked a regal palace, dripping with extravagance and glory. Crimson gems embedded in the soaring dome radiated blinding brilliance, while ebony-gold tiles lined the floor, and a throne crusted with innumerable sparkling gems commanded the hall's front.

Seated cross-legged upon the throne was a wiry elder blanketed in spectral tattoos, his gaze venomous and aura brimming with lethal menace, rhythmically drawing in and expelling breaths.

This elder was none other than Lost Land's overlord, Otaine.

Three chairs lined each side of the throne. The leftmost cradled a savage-faced brute bearing an evil ghost tattoo on his neck, deftly twirling a razor-sharp dagger.

This brute was Otaine's firstborn, Kadonmo.

The rightmost seat held a seductively handsome man with a monstrous eyeball grafted into his left socket. He was Otaine's second son, Hovido.

Otaine's remaining sons filled the other four seats.

Every eye riveted to the hall's central pathway.

Dark Star Empire's envoy, Prince Fergus, stared haughtily at Otaine and declared.

“Lord Otaine, my visit's aim is straightforward: lend your aid to the Dark Star Empire in wiping out the Holy Army, fulfilling our Emperor's command!”

“You believe that's feasible? It violates Lost Land's sacred rules!”

Otaine countered with icy disdain.

“Lord Otaine, face facts. Your Lost Land's long peace stems from our Emperor's mercy, overlooking your existence without interference. Isn't it time to return the favor?”

Prince Fergus pressed forthrightly.

“Spare me the nonsense. Dark Star Empire has reaped ample rewards from Lost Land for years.”

Otaine dismissed with contempt.

“Very well, set that aside. Aid us against the Holy Army, and this V-type Gene Potion is yours—a prime elixir for prolonging life.”

Prince Fergus snapped open a container, displaying a vial of vivid scarlet gene potion.

“Hmph, imagine a single potion swaying me?”

Otaine scoffed derisively.

“Naturally, the potion is merely the start; countless other rewards await.”

“Save your breath; no one bends our ironclad rules.”

“Compromise like this: merely delay the Holy Army, no rules shattered. Reap all these gains besides.”

Prince Fergus proposed, suppressing his growing irritation.

“No.”

Otaine rejected outright.