National Star Sea Era...

Chapter 830 [The Fifth Empire of the Flame]

But the true killing move of the Primordial Emperor Insect has only just begun.

Its body suddenly curled up, the chaotic patterns on its carapace lit up, and a suffocating pressure enveloped the entire space—

"Crack——!"

The void shattered like a mirror, and a huge black hole formed in front of it. The terrifying suction instantly locked onto the warship, and even light could not escape!

[Warning! The Void state has been affected by an unknown factor and is about to end.]

Song Chi frantically calculated escape plans, but the black hole's gravity had already distorted all the laws of physics, and the warship was being pulled little by little toward the abyss of destruction.

He wanted to take another gamble, activating the cloned [Soul Devouring Altar]. The golden engine evolved into black, and together with the [Antimatter Energy Evolution Engine], it operated at overload, desperately pushing the mirror warship to try to break free from the terrifying devouring gravity.

However, the devouring power unleashed by the mythical creatures was far too terrifying, and no matter how hard the mirror warship tried, it could not truly break free.

Watching the shadow gradually approach, Song Chi sighed helplessly.

The next second, the Primal Emperor Insect's giant claw pierced through the warship, and the mirror image completely collapsed.

Challenge failed!

In the marketplace of the heavens, forcibly suppressing the stinging pain deep in his mind, Song Chi's expression remained remarkably calm.

He was not surprised by this result. Without the power of the Heavenly Ruins Market, and without the mirror warship with the full combat power of the Heavenly Ruins Sky, it was still too unrealistic to defeat a mythical combat power head-on.

In fact, the fact that the Mirror Battleship could withstand the attack of a Primal Emperor Insect for so long was somewhat beyond Song Chi's expectations.

At the same time, this battle was not without its gains. At least through face-to-face combat, Song Chi gained a clear understanding of the terror of mythical creatures and also became more aware of the shortcomings of the Sky Ruins Sky itself.

Firstly, the warship's defensive capabilities are insufficient. Before the eighth tier, the lower-tier colored [Mythical Pulse Energy Shield] and [Neutron Star Nuclear Armor] do have sufficient advantages against ninth-tier enemies. However, when the target changes to mythical beings, the two lower-tier colored weapons are completely inadequate.

Song Chi estimated that at least a high-quality colored energy shield and ship armor would be needed, both upgraded to level 110 or higher, for the Tianxu Cangqiong to truly meet the requirements for direct combat with mythical beings.

In addition, the [Antimatter Energy Evolution Engine] currently installed on the warship is no longer sufficient. Not only did it fail to help the Mirror Warship break through the Primal Emperor Insect's devouring gravity field this time, but in fact, as the number of high-level components on the Sky Ruins Sky is increasing, the power supply efficiency of the lower-level [Antimatter Energy Evolution Engine] is also becoming somewhat inadequate.

……

Aside from the shortcomings mentioned above, completing the challenge from floor 1 to 349 was certainly not a complete waste of time.

As long as Song Chi returns to the City of Transcendence right now, he can directly claim the final challenge reward.

However, he didn't have that idea.

The rewards from the [Transcendence Tower] can only be claimed once. Although there is no restriction on continuing to challenge it, you will no longer be able to obtain any rewards.

He believed that the previous challenge against the Mirror Battleship was far from reflecting the true strength of the Heavenly Ruins Sky Dome. He thought that the real challenge would come when the [Mirror Image] component successfully evolved to the high-grade color quality. Song Chi naturally wouldn't waste this only opportunity to claim the reward.

He had inquired about it from the Transcendence Zone. Just like the previous [Bhadra Inheritance Tower], the challenge rules of this [Bhadra Transcendence Tower] were the same: the more floors you cleared, the better the rewards you would receive.

Although there is only one floor between floors 349 and 350, it is a world of difference between a ninth-order ruler and a tenth-order myth.

If he can get past this level, Song Chi estimates that the final reward will be at least a major rank increase.

……

While waiting for the [Mirror Image] component to cool down, the acquisition plan in the Ancestral Domain of the Flame was also in full swing.

With the Song clan of Longji mobilizing the full power of their clan, over the decades and centuries, the entire Xinhuo Civilization has long since developed a wave of hunting down alien geniuses.

The Golden Flower Kingdom, as the Fire Kingdom under the Holy Federation, has six immortal forces, the strongest of which is the Golden Flower Royal Family—the Srick Family.

After the wars of the Eight-Armed Serpent Demon Civilization and the defense of the Human Emperor City, like most forces in the Torchfire Civilization, the Srik family's strength has greatly increased in the last few thousand years, with as many as four Star Destroyer Captains among them.

On this day, all four Star Destroyer captains of the Srick family gathered here.

"Bob, are you referring to the mission that the Dragonspine Song Clan previously announced?"

“A galactic community-level prodigy in exchange for a silver artifact, with no limit on life level, sounds impressive, but galactic community-level prodigies are rare. Bob, are you sure you summoned us back just for this?”

"Don't rush, Klaus. What if I told you I know the whereabouts of a supergalactic swarm-level alien race?"

"Sure?"

Immediately, the eyes of everyone in the hall lit up.

According to the detailed mission information released by the Song family of Dragon Spine, a prodigy of the Supergalactic Cluster level can exchange for a golden component.

Even for a royal family like theirs, whose lineage has lasted for over ten thousand years, a single golden ship component is extremely valuable.

Soon, among the intelligence secretly transmitted back by the other immortal forces in the Golden Flower Kingdom, a message appeared that "Several Star Destroyer Ancestors of Srick were suspected of being transferred abnormally."

However, before these families could react, the few Srick family ancestors who had disappeared not long ago quickly reappeared.

What the other families didn't know was that along with these Star Destroyer captains returned, there was also a tiger-like alien with three heads, who was immediately sent by the Slick family to the Dragonspine Song family's newly established office in the Golden Flower Kingdom.

And at this very moment, things like this are happening in every corner of the two river system territories under the jurisdiction of the Torchfire Civilization.

While galactic-level prodigies are rare, the sheer number of Firefly Captains in the entire Firefly Civilization is astonishing. Some lucky individuals have encountered or discovered them from afar during their explorations of alien galaxies. With the Song family of Dragonspine publicly offering a bounty, it naturally exploded instantly.

……

Song Chi was unaware of these matters at the moment. He was currently in the Zhutian Market, struggling with the use of the tenth-tier [Golden Apple] in his hand.

【Vajrasattva Meditation Mudra】

The Ring of Divine Authority

The Holy Grail of Blood

[Black Hole Evolution Layer]

【Chicang's No. 004 Cultivation Secret】

He was finding it difficult to choose among these five options.

After hesitating for a long time, his gaze finally fell on the Blood Holy Grail.

After a burst of blinding light, the Blood Grail successfully evolved from black quality to a lower-grade colored one.

The reason for choosing the [Blood Holy Grail] was not only because this component would play an important role in the future breakthrough of the Heavenly Ruins Sky to the tenth rank, but also because he could quickly obtain a new tenth-rank [Golden Apple].

At that time, the other components will still have the opportunity to evolve.

Buzz!
Just then, Song Chi felt a slight tremor from the five-colored seed of fire deep between his brows.

Upon logging out of the marketplace and onto the Xinhuo Network, the message that arrived was surprisingly from Emperor Jiang.

However, there's no need to rush to the Divine Summer Continent to reunite this time, as there's a special link in the message before us.

Other captains of the Flame of the Sea would be very puzzled by this, but Song Chi, as the [Original Flame of the Sea], knew very well that this link was the remote link function of the [Original Flame of the Sea], a special ability that only those with the highest authority could activate.

With a thought, Song Chi gently clicked the link once. The next second, everything went black before his eyes. When he came to his senses, he was already above a chaotic ocean.

Above the Pool of Fortune, filled with countless sparks of destiny, five figures hang high.

These are the five highest-level holders of the [Original Flame Seed]: Jiang Yuan, Ying Yi, Song Chi, and others.

The phantoms of the five human emperors manifested above the Pool of Fortune. As they gazed at each other, the invisible pressure caused the surrounding chaotic air currents to stagnate. "Everyone, time is short, so I'll keep it brief."

Emperor Jiang spoke first, his voice like the clang of metal on metal:

"It's time to take over the river system occupied by the Corpse Emperor Clan!"

Song Chi noticed that the five illusory figures floating above the chaotic ocean were all different in their solidity.

In particular, Emperor Jiang of the Divine Xia Dynasty had his entire body surrounded by flames that had materialized.

Secondly, there is Ji Huang Ji Heng. Although he has not yet fully become an Immortal Captain, his flagship has successfully entered the Mythical Immortal Ship realm, which naturally widens the gap between him and Song Chi and the other two.

"Latest intelligence indicates that the Corpse King Clan is making contact with forces from more distant galactic clusters."

A detached voice rang out; it was from Emperor Ferdinand of the Holy Temple Federation:

"If they were to invite allies, it might cause some trouble."

The chaotic energy suddenly surged violently, and a deep, booming sound resounded:

"Then let's start the war as soon as possible. We can't let this piece of meat, which has been right in front of us for so long, slip away!"

The flames surrounding Emperor Ying Yi continued to surge and spread across the sky.

Song Chi coughed lightly and nodded, saying:
"I agree. Twenty thousand years from now, the Human Emperor City may face a super mythological war. Before that, we must do everything we can to enhance the foundation and strength of the entire civilization."

"Occupying a completely new river system is the fastest way to accumulate the foundation of a civilization, bar none!"

"Since everyone agrees, it's settled then. Three hundred years from now, we will officially begin a full-scale war against the Corpse Emperor Clan's river system!"

With Jiang Yuan's final approval, the plan was finalized. However, the news would not be released immediately, but would be announced more than two hundred years later, so as to prevent the Corpse Emperor Clan from making preparations in advance after hearing the slightest hint of trouble.

"Alright, this discussion is now concluded..."

"and many more!"

Before Jiang Yuan could finish speaking, Song Chi interrupted her.

Once all four people turned to look at him, Song Chi blurted out the words he had already prepared in his mind.

"It's like this, I accidentally entered a [City of Heavens] in my early years. Now, not only do I lead my entire family to reside there permanently, but I've also gained a considerable status within the market. I've already proactively applied to the [Lord of the City of Heavens]..."

After hearing all the information he had provided, Jiang Yuan and the other three remained silent for a long while.

"You mean, the Lord of the Celestial Market has agreed to build a Celestial Teleportation Platform in both our Human Civilization and Wizard Civilization territories? With the existence of these Celestial Teleportation Platforms, our two civilizations will be able to conduct various exchanges and transactions in the Celestial Market at any time?"

"Yes!"

Upon receiving Song Chi's swift confirmation, a hint of joy appeared in the eyes of Jiang Yuan and the other three.

They were well aware of the value and role of an interstellar trading market. If what Song Chi said was true, then the future connection with the wizard civilization would reach an unprecedented level, which would undoubtedly have fundamental value for both civilizations.

"Song Chi, if this matter can be accomplished, you will receive the greatest credit. Have you already decided what reward you want?"

……

Song Chi made no attempt to hide anything and directly stated the demands he had already considered.

"To complete the faith zones of three hundred river systems..."

Jiang Yuan and the other three exchanged glances, and finally nodded in unison, agreeing to the request.

Currently, there are already more than eighty faith river systems belonging to Songchi, which means that more than two hundred and ten more need to be added.

The Corpse Emperor Clan's river system encompasses nearly eight hundred river systems. Even after deducting these, each of them would still be allocated more than one hundred and thirty.

However, Song Chi's demands were not yet finished.

"In addition, in the subsequent wars, my Song family needs to forge its own path. If we can eventually occupy more than one hundred river systems, the Dragon Spine Dynasty will need to gain the authority to independently establish the Fifth Empire of the Flame!"

The first point was actually fine, but the second request was a bit of a challenge for Jiang Yuan and the other three.

“Song Chi, it’s not that we disagree with this matter, but even if your Dragon Spine Song Clan truly occupies more than a hundred river systems after the war, establishing the Fifth Empire of Fire will not be an easy task.”

"Without sufficient prestige, the ninth-tier immortal giants below will be the first to jump out and oppose us."

Song Chi was clearly aware of this, and his request was obviously the result of careful consideration.

"Your Majesty Jiang Yuan, I understand this matter. Rest assured, all I want is the authority to establish the Fifth Empire on my own, not to actually establish it directly. At least until I have the strength to suppress all dissenting voices, I will never act rashly!"

Having received this guarantee, Jiang Yuan and the other three naturally had no further objections and all agreed.

……

Dragonspine Dynasty, Dragonspine Continent.

Deep within the Dragon Whale Palace.

"Xiao Chi, these are all the alien prodigies who have been recruited over the past century."

After receiving the Dimensional Space Stone from Song Wujiang, Song Chi sensed it with his mind and confirmed that there were dozens of figures in the dimensional space inside the stone. He smiled and nodded, his eyes filled with undisguised satisfaction.

However, just as Song Wujiang was about to leave, he suddenly spoke again.

“Ancestor, there is one more important matter. The Human Emperors have agreed to officially launch a full-scale war against the Corpse Emperor Clan's river system in three hundred years.”

"Finally, they're going to make a move against the Corpse Emperor Clan? That's great!"

Song Wujiang was overjoyed. He knew very well the strength of his family now. As long as the war started, they would definitely be able to carve out a huge piece of fat meat from the Corpse Emperor Clan's river system.

However, he clearly misunderstood Song Chi's meaning.

"No, what I mean is, starting today, we will fully open the family treasury, and all family resources will be available to all family members at half price. In addition, the family population cap will be lifted. For the next three hundred years, we will do everything we can to increase the number of family members and enhance the strength of the awakened family members!"

"Fully opening the family treasury, lifting the population cap... Xiao Chi, what are you going to do..."

Faced with Song Wujiang's subconscious questioning, Song Chi did not offer much explanation.

He believed that it wouldn't be long before his ancestor would be able to sort everything out.

Sure enough, it didn't take long for Song Wujiang to figure it all out. His eyes gleamed: "You want to try to establish a fifth empire after the war?"

Song Chi nodded slightly, and a star map projection appeared at his fingertips:
"The Corpse Emperor Clan's river system comprises 782 river systems. According to the agreement between me and the four Human Emperors, we must conquer at least 100 of them. However, given the current size of the clan, we are simply unable to control such a vast territory."

Suddenly, hundreds of points of light lit up in the projection, forming a giant dragon pattern that spanned the starry sky.

"Therefore, we need more clansmen and more warships." Song Wujiang's breathing quickened. "But three hundred years is too short a time; even with our full efforts in training them..."

Song Chi waved his hand gently.

"No, it's certainly not enough for just our family. With only a short ten-thousand-year-old heritage, our foundation is still too shallow. I will take the initiative to contact the [Big Dipper Palace]. As long as we can persuade the super giant whose heritage has been around for more than two hundred thousand years, plus the power of the entire Dragon Spine Dynasty, it will be enough to fill the gap in the number of fleets!"

Seeing that Song Chi had already made detailed arrangements, Song Wujiang's worries gradually dissipated, leaving only excitement.

"Alright, I will arrange this matter as soon as possible. Xiao Chi, you can focus on preparing other matters. As for everything within the Dragonspine Dynasty, you don't need to worry about it!"

(End of this chapter)