Chapter 730: Merit Exchange and Dimensional Strike
Chapter 730: Merit Exchange and Dimensional Strike
1. Dragon Spine Leviathan · Starriver Vessel (9,865,000)
2. Heaven Ruins Canopy · Starcrusher (9,580,500)
3. Xian Qin Zhao Wang · Starriver Vessel (8,700,000)
4. Yaoguang Celestial Star · Starriver Vessel (7,952,300)
5. Goddess of Light · Starcrusher (7,089,000)
...
28. Blazing Sea Boil · Starcrusher (3,481,000)
...
The joint statistical department of the four empires quickly released the final tally, and the entire Emberfire Fleet's communication group erupted in a flurry of activity.
It wasn't just because two Starcrushers ranked second and fifth, respectively, but because these two ships had outshone the dozens of Starriver Vessels that had participated in the final battle. Each of those Starriver Vessels had once been formidable in the Starcrusher rankings and had only become even more powerful after their Ascension. Yet, they were still outmatched by these two Starcrushers.
Even if the Starcrushers had been initially entangled by multiple Eighth-Rank Serpent Demons, the outcome was still surprising.
However, the crowd soon understood. According to the statistical department's explanation, the only Ninth-Rank Serpent Demon that was obliterated by the Flame-Ember Starship was surrounded and killed by the six Starcrushers of the Heaven Ruins Canopy.
Given that the Ninth-Rank Serpent Demon possessed Ninth-Rank Limit strength, the statistical department of the four empires further increased its merit value from the usual ten million to eighteen million. Each of the six Starcrushers received three million merits.
Thanks to these three million merits, the rankings of the six Starcrushers, including the Heaven Ruins Canopy, soared.
As a result, Song Chi didn't need to rely on the merits held by his ancestors. With his current merits, he could easily exchange for one of the Mythical components.
Based on this ranking, he secured the second priority for exchanges, right after the captain of the Ultimate Starriver Vessel from the Divine Summer Pei family. Song Chi officially began his exchange.
- Chaos Energy Generator
- Primal Celestial Silver Ship Armor
- Void Storage
- Holy Light Punishment Arrow
The exchange treasure list!
Song Chi glanced over the four Mythical components that were initially at the top. The Chaos Energy Generator was already gone, clearly exchanged by the captain of the Divine Summer Pei family's Starriver Vessel.
His gaze swept over the remaining three components and finally settled on the Void Storage component.
Void Storage lv0
Quality: Chromatic / Lower
...
Required Merit Points: 8,000,000
After securing this component, with over a million merits still remaining, Song Chi looked at other exchange items.
This time, he didn't focus on the golden or black components but instead examined the rare Floating Continent spirit items, top-tier special resources, and additional Flame-Ember Starship Ascension resources.
The current configuration of the Heaven Ruins Canopy was already beyond luxurious. Rather than exchanging for two decent golden or black components, it was far better to obtain these rare and highly sought-after special resources.
Name: Nine Shedding Demon Serpent Fruit
Category: Legendary Spirit Fruit
...
Exchange Price: 200,000 Merit Points
---
Name: Chaos Blood Organ
Category: Additional Ascension Resource
...
Exchange Price: 700,000 Merit Points
---
Name: Chaos Ape Spirit Bone
Rank: Ninth
Category: Additional Ascension Resource
Effect: During the Ascension of a Starcrusher to a Dreadnought, increases the Ascension success rate by 30%. During the Ascension of a Starcrusher to a Starriver Vessel, increases the Ascension success rate by 13%.
Exchange Price: 1,500,000 Merit Points
---
Name: Wizard Power Assist Training Chamber
Rank: Eighth
Effect: Assists in the cultivation of Guidance Techniques, significantly increasing the speed of Guidance Technique cultivation. Effective up to Eighth-Rank Guidance Techniques.
Exchange Price: 2,000,000 Merit Points
——
After thorough research and comparison, Song Chi eventually exchanged the sole [Chaos Ape Spirit Bone]. It was said that this item was extracted from the body of a chaos ape that the Empress Ji of the Scarlet Yu Divine Empire had once slain. This was a unique item, unseen in the outside world.
Not only was the chaos ape one of the many peak races on the Chaotic Divine Land, with over a dozen mythic-level chaos apes in their clan, making them a rare target for most beings, but the chaos ape itself was also extremely powerful, ranking among the top in its class. Moreover, not every chaos ape possessed a spirit bone; out of ten, only three might develop one. Therefore, if Song Chi missed this opportunity, he might never get another chance to obtain such a high-ranking chaos ape spirit bone.
After this exchange, the remaining 80,000 merit points were not enough to get anything of significant value, only items like silver apples and titanium crystals, which were of limited worth. Song Chi decided not to use them and instead transferred them to his ancestors.
In the following days, the Captains took turns making their exchanges.
By the time it was Song Wujian and his group's turn, many items had already been claimed. The chaos ape spirit bone was naturally out of the question. Fortunately, his elder brother Song Yan had a decent ranking and successfully exchanged for a [Chaos Blood Organ], preparing for the upcoming Galactic Ship upgrade.
Additionally, he exchanged for a [Wizard Power Assist Training Chamber]. After the seventh rank, the speed of Guidance Technique cultivation slowed significantly, and this chamber could be used by all four of them, making it a very cost-effective choice.
As for Song Wujian and Song Shiyuan, their merit points were limited, and they could only jointly exchange for an eighth-rank Flame Giant Heart Core. This heart core contained a large amount of pure flame energy, which could further enhance the environment of the Flame Deity Race's heritage site.
If they continued to persist, the future flame space could potentially mass-produce silver-level and below fire seeds, and even occasionally produce a golden fire seed.
In the main control room of the Heaven Ruins Canopy:
Song Chi installed the [Void Storage] on the warship, and it was soon reinforced to level 90.
Void Storage Level 90
Quality: Chromatic/Lower
Trait: Ship Hold Space Increased by 470%
Trait 2: Spatial Resistance +40,000
Trait 3: Void Ship Body
Trait 4: Ship Speed Increased Based on External Spatial Energy Abundance
Trait 5: Purify Internal Spatial Energy, Significantly Enhancing the Speed of Comprehending Spatial Secrets, Space Law, and the Great Path of Space
Trait 6: Void Storage
Trait 7: Void Repository
...
{Void Ship Body: The outer hull of the ship will be enveloped in a large amount of void energy, giving a 45% chance to evade external attacks.}
With this component reinforced to level 90, the hold space of the Heaven Ruins Canopy increased several times, and with the terrifying spatial resistance, it would provide a significant advantage once they entered the Chaotic Divine Land.
——
"Hurry up, speed up!"
"It's full. I'll go to the elder first and hand over this batch of resources. Keep going!"
On the vast land spanning over two million light-years, fleets of warships, like swarms of ants, were scattered across the terrain. They were continuously mining various minerals from the ninth-rank Floating Continent using Floating Continent mining vehicles, space mining ships, and heavy drillers.
Once the transport ships were fully loaded, they would immediately head to the nearest family elder to hand over the resources, which would then be directly transported back to the Dragon Spine Continent by the elders using special methods.
Since there was only one Spatial Wormhole Passage, and the Veritas Floatland extended over two million light-years, time was of the essence. The mining points far from the wormhole could not afford to spend a lot of time traveling. Therefore, the Song Family dispatched many Chasing Deer Ship Captains to specific locations with [Ruins Market Passes] to significantly increase transport efficiency.
Thanks to the efforts of billions of ember citizens, in just a few years, a significant portion of the resources on the Veritas Floatland had been developed. Although the undeveloped areas still made up the majority, the harvest had already greatly benefited the Song Family.
At the same time, millions of light-years away from the Veritas Floatland, on the Mining Planet Continent:
As in previous years, countless mechanical races continued to converge from the heavens, bringing large amounts of various mineral resources to the exchange points.
Under these circumstances, the Song Family could acquire a large amount of resources every few minutes.
Given the size of Veritas Mechanica, if time permitted, such trade could continue for decades.
Unfortunately, whether it's the advancing army of the Starsea Giant Ape Civilization or the Eight-Armed Serpent Demon clan, which is preparing to migrate across trillions of light-years, the Song Family's time is running out.
Just a few days ago, the family leadership issued orders, initiating a one-month countdown for a full-scale retreat.
Now, Song Family members at various exchange points are working overtime, trying to acquire as many resources as possible.
...
However, the countless mechanical beings are unaware that, at this very moment, deep within the core of the True Mine Continent, in the space where the continent's origin core is located, several warships are quietly suspended.
Two Starcrushers guard the entrance to the passage, preventing any possible interference from the outside. Another Starcrusher hovers above the Floating Continent Origin Core, with a golden beam connecting its hull to the enormous light sphere below.
Compared to a few years ago, the Floating Continent Origin Core has shrunk significantly, with a substantial portion of its origin core having been siphoned off through the connecting beam by the Starcrusher above.
In the ship's communication channel:
Song Ze: "Xiao Ming, I think we've extracted about half of the origin core. That's enough!"
Song Bei: "The elders have already sent word. We've formed an alliance with the Eight-Armed Serpent Demons. This truth floating land will be their primary base after they migrate. If we extract too much of the origin core, they'll likely have objections!"
The two Starcrusher captains responsible for guarding the entrance to the passage are Song Ze and Song Bei.
Due to the impending battle on the Demon God Floating Continent, these three have been responsible for extracting the origin core using the Essence Core Extraction Device over the past few years. While the extraction speed is slower than with an Annihilator Ship, there was no choice. The main battlefield was the priority, and the family's four Annihilator Ships had to focus on the Demon God Floating Continent.
Fortunately, they were extracting the origin core from the mine continent, not the truth floating land. Even with the slower speed, they have managed to extract about half of the core over the years.
This Eighth-Tier peak floating continent, even with just half of its origin core, will play a significant role in the continued growth of the Dragon Spine Continent.
The fact that it's not a life floating continent is not an issue. The Dragon Spine Continent already possesses this attribute, and it will only fuse the primitive origin will and rules from the extracted core, not transforming into a resource floating continent.
Song Yiming, upon hearing this, did not hesitate. The golden beam that had been active for years suddenly dissipated. The Vast Sea Roaring Dragon Starcrusher's engines roared, and it quickly joined Song Ze and Song Bei at the entrance of the passage.
They raced through the pit passage and emerged from the ground, then headed straight for the truth floating land.
"In about twenty days, the Eight-Armed Serpent Demons will begin their migration. Before that, let's extract a bit more of the truth floating land's origin core!"
"Agreed!"
"Unfortunately, the Essence Core Extraction Device is only of golden quality, making it difficult to effectively extract the origin core of the truth floating land."
In the control room of the Northern Starriver Starcrusher, Song Bei sighed.
At that moment, an elderly voice spoke:
"Bei, you're mistaken. The key isn't the quality of the Essence Core Extraction Device, but time."
"Master, what do you mean?"
"Didn't the Song Family announce that the 'Mechanic Lord' artifact, extracted from the Truth Floating Continent Origin Core, was traded to the Xian Qin Heavy Industries Group? Soon after, news of the Azure Dragon Star Map's quality improvement spread. What was your first thought when you heard that news?"
Song Bei raised an eyebrow and said without hesitation:
"Ninth-Rank Golden Apple!"
"That's right, a Ninth-Rank Golden Apple. As far as I know, over a hundred thousand years ago, the Xian Qin Heavy Industries Group and the Beidou Seven Star Hall jointly controlled a cosmic Secret Realm. The most valuable asset in that Secret Realm was a Golden Apple Mother Tree. Over the years, these two major powers have accumulated a significant number of Golden Apples. If your ancestors managed to acquire one Ninth-Rank Golden Apple, why can't they have two or even three?"
"Given how much the Xian Qin Heavy Industries Group values the Lord of Mechanica, they would not refuse your request unless it was too excessive. Yet, this Essence Core Stealer component is still golden. Don't you understand, boy?"
"Master, are you saying that even if the Essence Core Stealer evolves to black quality, a few years won't be enough for us to steal the core essence of the Veritas Floatland?"
"Exactly. Even a fraction of the core essence is impossible. A Ninth-Rank Floating Continent, even if a portion is allocated to an Annihilator Ship, would still take several decades to complete the theft of just one-tenth of the core essence!"
After hearing this, Song Bei nodded lightly. Although he didn't fully grasp the details, he trusted his master implicitly.
His master, though only a Limit Dreadnought Captain in life, came from a prestigious background as a direct descendant of one of the major powers in the Xian Qin Divine Dynasty. His insights far surpassed Song Bei's.
"Bei, don't participate in the war against the Starsea Giant Ape Civilization anymore. After a thousand years of Civilization War, the Northern Starriver is already on the brink of becoming a Limit Dreadnought. It's time to explore the ancient civilization ruins I told you about.
Based on my previous exploration, the danger level has significantly decreased. If you can complete the exploration, the benefits should be sufficient for your Ascension to an Annihilator Ship Captain!"
Song Bei didn't respond immediately, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. After a few seconds of contemplation, he spoke softly:
"Master, should we report to the family? With the assistance of a few Ancestors, the risks would be much lower!"
The elderly voice was not surprised by Song Bei's suggestion. He neither opposed nor explicitly agreed, leaving the decision to Song Bei.
"Ultimately, the choice is yours!"
"Killing and plundering in the Star Sea is common, but I have seen the integrity of the Song Family. If you're not worried about the Annihilator Ship Captains within the family coveting the benefits from the ruins, then report it."
After the elderly voice fell silent, Song Bei's eyes flickered. After nearly two minutes of deep thought, he spoke with determination:
"Let's report it!"
"Decided?"
"Yes."
...
More than twenty days later, in the sky above the Veritas Floatland, a strong spatial fluctuation appeared. Soon after, a spatial vortex began to form.
The diameter of this spatial vortex was astonishing. Even though it had expanded to over ten thousand kilometers, it continued to grow.
Finally, the spatial vortex stabilized at a diameter of three million kilometers. Once the vortex stabilized, countless Eight-Armed Serpent Demons began to surge out of the tunnel, dispersing across the Veritas Floatland. They carefully explored this Ninth-Rank Floating Continent, which would become their new homeland for a long time to come.
Among these Eight-Armed Serpent Demons, some held special spatial artifacts. Once activated, these artifacts summoned a large number of lower-ranked Serpent Demons, who looked around curiously at their new surroundings.
This migration was not limited to high-ranking Serpent Demons; it included many mid- and low-ranked Eight-Armed Serpent Demons. These Serpent Demons, protected by the Blood Furnace, survived the forced extraction of their blood by the Eight-Armed Demon God. They were the key to the future growth and development of the Eight-Armed Serpent Demon civilization.
In a Star Sea civilization, individual strength is important, but the most crucial factor is the population. The larger the population base, the greater the wealth and value created, and the higher the likelihood of producing high-ranking individuals.
"All Seventh-Rank and above clan members, listen up! Begin a thorough search of the entire Floating Continent and eliminate any stragglers from the Mechanica civilization!"
"Sixth-Rank and below clan members are responsible for constructing temporary camps. Ensure that we build shelters capable of accommodating over a trillion clan members as quickly as possible!"
"Complying with Lord Cang Li's orders!"
...
When Cang Li referred to the shortest time, it was naturally relative. Despite the significant reduction in the Eight-Armed Serpent Demon population due to the bloodline extraction and the Civilization War, their numbers still counted in the trillions. While it was impossible to relocate all of them in a short period, even a trillion was no small number. This was only made possible by the presence of a spatial wormhole spanning several million kilometers; otherwise, the difficulty would have multiplied exponentially.
After setting these two basic objectives, Cang Li's gray-black vertical pupils exchanged glances with the other Ninth-Rank Serpent Demon overlords, then turned to the three hyperdimensional motherships rapidly approaching from behind.
"So, Cang Li, are you planning to address the bloodline shackles within your bodies first, or the Starsea Giant Ape civilization?"
The two peak forces of the civilizations met again, with no pleasantries, straight to the point.
Cang Li's vertical pupils flickered with gray light several times, not rushing to reply.
This was a critical decision that required utmost caution.
Logically, removing the bloodline shackles should be the priority. The Blood Furnace could only suppress, not fundamentally solve the threat of the Eight-Armed Demon God's bloodline extraction. If the enemy were to attempt another extraction, even with the Blood Furnace's suppression, a significant number of mid to low-rank Eight-Armed Serpent Demons would still be lost.
However, removing the bloodline shackles was no simple task. The Mythical Origin Blood from the Demonic God Arm required considerable time to refine, and the process of breaking the bloodline shackles had to be gradual. By the time they were ready, the Starsea Giant Ape civilization would likely have already advanced.
"Let's deal with the Starsea Giant Ape civilization first. With your help, it won't take long!"
"Fine, let's not delay. We'll set out immediately!"
Compared to the Eight-Armed Serpent Demons, the three Emberfire Human Emperors were equally enthusiastic.
The Eight-Armed Serpent Demon Galactic Cluster had been fully incorporated into the Emberfire Human Civilization's territory. With the five Ninth-Rank Floating Continents, the Mythical Origin Blood of the Eight-Armed Demon God, and their meticulous preparations over the past hundred thousand years, plus the five Ninth-Rank Starsea Giant Apes' good fortune, they had achieved everything they had planned, save for this final step.
The importance of this moment for the Emberfire Human Civilization's potential ascension to Sovereign Civilization status was evident in their current state of mind.
Soon, the five Ninth-Rank Serpent Demon overlords, three hyperdimensional motherships, two Ninth-Rank enslaved creatures, dozens of Eighth-Rank Serpent Demons, over thirty galactic ships, thousands of annihilator ships, and Seventh-Rank Serpent Demon overlords, totaling less than twenty thousand, quickly emerged from the Veritas Floatland.
This time, they did not bring the mid to low-rank clan members but prepared for a dimensional strike.
One could imagine the slaughter that would ensue when these fewer than twenty thousand beings met the Starsea Giant Ape civilization's army.
While the Starsea Giant Ape civilization was formidable, even surpassing the Veritas Mechanica, their entire civilization's strength, spanning nearly a hundred galaxies, amounted to only five Ninth-Rank Starsea Giant Apes, no more than fifty Eighth-Rank Starsea Giant Apes, and just two thousand Seventh-Rank Starsea Giant Apes. Such strength was no match for the combined forces of the two advanced civilizations.
Time passed, and with full speed, it took only a few years for the combined Emberfire Human and Eight-Armed Serpent Demon team to reach the Starsea Giant Ape civilization's advancing army.
(End of Chapter)
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