Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1857 - 570: Response_3
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
The young lady raised her dainty hands, gesturing towards a distant cluster of academic structures.
"Hmm."
Su Ming and Celeste turned their gazes in that direction.
"Alongside Long Xian, I personally handpicked one hundred thousand of the most exceptional and brilliant minds from seven billion individuals across various domains. Subsequently, within this simulated environment, I personally imparted knowledge to them, guiding their learning and fostering intellectual discourse in the open-air auditorium, thereby cultivating a spirit of independent inquiry."
The young lady led Su Ming and the others towards the open-air auditorium, her eyes lingering on the familiar panorama, a wave of emotion washing over her.
"Remarkable."
Celeste regarded the young lady with evident admiration.
"Furthermore, I spared no effort in establishing the experimental zone, the Prophet Tower! Relentlessly nurturing you humans, laying the very foundation of civilization! Later, I ushered you into the Interstellar Era, bestowing abundant resources to ensure your complete ascendance! Yet, how did Long Xian repay my efforts? That deceitful wretch!"
As she concluded, the young lady’s pent-up fury erupted, her voice resonating with profound indignation.
"Senior, what precisely did Lord Long Xian do?"
Su Ming inquired, adopting a resolute stance.
"A pact was forged between us: I would facilitate humanity's rise, and in return, you humans would aid me in vanquishing the Mechanical Clan's Herares Clan Leader and securing the Dimension Stone. However, Long Xian not only reneged on assisting me against Herares but also absconded with the Dimension Stone, refusing to relinquish it! Without my intervention, you would have succumbed to internal strife ages ago or become sustenance for the Chilami Clan; how could you possibly stand here today?"
The young lady stated icily.
"That is sheer audacity! How could the Dragon String Council President commit such a betrayal!"
Upon hearing this revelation, Celeste's sense of righteous anger surged, and she exclaimed vehemently.
Su Ming swiftly nudged Celeste with his arm, hastily addressing the young lady.
"Senior, there appears to be a misunderstanding; we are not privy to the full particulars of the situation."
"If you seek my assistance, surrender the Dimension Stone; otherwise, negotiations are at an end!"
The young lady declared coldly.
"Senior, perhaps we should investigate further? Ascertain the truth of the matter. I believe Lord Long Xian would not have broken his word without just cause,"
Su Ming proposed, a hint of weariness in his voice.
If the mechanical entity's account proved accurate, then perhaps they would be compelled to yield the Dimension Stone.
"Very well! I shall grant you an opportunity!"
The young lady conceded, her tone still frigid.
"Senior, kindly remain here for a moment. Celeste, let us depart!"
Su Ming promptly instructed Celeste.
"Understood!"
Celeste responded swiftly.
...
Within the subterranean sanctum.
*Click!*
Two neural connection pods disengaged.
Su Ming and Celeste emerged from their respective pods.
"Su Ming, what is our course of action? We cannot possibly confront Long Xian directly, can we?"
Celeste inquired, a trace of bewilderment in her voice.
"Let us seek out Long Bai!"
Su Ming led Celeste out without delay.
...
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Deep into the night.
Federation Government Administrative Building – Officer’s Quarters.
Long Bai, deeply engrossed, was diligently reviewing the documents submitted for his approval.
Yun Rou maintained a quiet vigil by his side.
*Knock, knock!*
A gentle rap sounded upon the door.
Yun Rou exhibited a slight startle; it was highly irregular for anyone to seek an audience with Lord Long Bai at such a late hour.
"Enter!"
Long Bai commanded, his voice sharp.
The door creaked open, and Su Ming entered, accompanied by Celeste.
"Lord Su Ming."
Yun Rou greeted them, a note of surprise coloring her tone.
"Miss Yun Rou, we have matters of urgency to discuss with Council Chairman Long Bai. Kindly stand guard outside and ensure no one approaches."
Su Ming instructed Yun Rou.
"Very well!"
Yun Rou promptly withdrew, closing the door behind them.
Long Bai ceased his writing and regarded Su Ming expectantly. "You encountered it?"
"Indeed, we had an encounter with the mechanical associate."
Su Ming admitted with a sigh.
"And what did it convey?"
"Ah, I am uncertain whether this information should be shared."
Hesitation evident, Su Ming considered the rather harsh pronouncements made by the mechanical entity, which cast a shadow upon Long Xian's reputation.
"You may speak. Do not hesitate."
"Well, I sincerely hope you will not take offense or harbor resentment after hearing this."
"Rest assured, I am not one to adhere rigidly to convention."
Long Bai responded with composed assurance.
Su Ming took a deep breath and relayed to Long Bai, "It explained that the reason for its estrangement with Lord Long Xian stemmed from his perfidy. The original accord stipulated that it would lend its aid to humanity's advancement, while Long Xian would assist it in dispatching the Mechanical Clan’s Herares Clan Leader and securing the Dimension Stone! However, Lord Long Xian failed to honor this pact, refusing to deliver the Dimension Stone unto it."
Long Bai descended into a profound silence upon absorbing Su Ming's account.
Perceiving Long Bai's prolonged reticence, Su Ming tentatively inquired, "Lord Long Bai, could there be a misinterpretation?"
"There is no misunderstanding. I am fully aware of what occurred," Long Bai responded with a calm demeanor. "What exactly occurred?" Su Ming inquired, a touch of confusion in his voice. Although he had never personally encountered Long Xian, based on his known accomplishments and general character, Long Xian did not strike him as someone inclined to break his word. "My grandfather once confided in me that he owed debts to everyone he encountered in his life, with one single exception. I never grasped the depth of his statement until this very moment!" Long Bai confessed openly. "I'm not entirely following you," Celeste chimed in, her expression one of bewilderment. Long Bai then continued, his tone grave. "The mechanical companion spoke the truth; my grandfather did indeed make a promise to it. However, the Dimension Stone is an artifact intrinsically tied to the destiny of humankind. As the chosen leader of the Human Clan, even if the Dimension Stone were beyond our ability to utilize, he would sooner let it decay in his possession than permit it to fall into the grasp of any other race, including the entity known as 'it'. It was on a personal level, therefore, that he felt his promise was broken, leading to this sense of obligation!"