Chapter 751: Flameheart Star Annihilation Overall Rankings

Chapter 751: Flameheart Star Annihilation Overall Rankings

Over the next eight years, no other major incidents occurred. Not only did they not encounter any Ninth-Rank void demons, but they didn't run into any Eighth-Rank ones either.

Fortunately, they did encounter quite a few Seventh-Rank void demons. After Song Chi's tally, he had hunted and killed over a hundred Seventh-Rank void demons during this nearly decade-long period, obtaining more than a hundred Seventh-Rank Void Crystals.

With the further acceleration from the Seventh-Rank Void Crystals, combined with the "Secret Realm Accelerator" feature, the production speed of the two special spirit spring waters in the Secret Realm significantly increased.

According to his and Song Bei's estimates, at this rate, in just a century, each of the Heavenstar Grass plants in this super cultivation base would receive at least three drops of spirit spring water. This would greatly increase their chances of growing into ultra-grade Heavenstar Grass and even Heavenstar Plants.

"Unfortunately, the Divine Realm Continent has been invaded by some bizarre energy. No matter what we plant, whether it's Heavenstar Grass or other plants, they will inevitably develop special mutations. It's impossible to cultivate them on a large scale."

As they walked out of the cultivation base's lower level, Song Bei suddenly sighed deeply.

Song Chi remained silent, sharing the same sentiment.

This was the most unsolvable problem.

The ruins of the Divine Realm Continent had been discovered and connected by Song Chi nearly two thousand years ago. With the help of the [All-Heaven Teleportation Platform], a feature of the Market of All Heavens, the Song Clan could easily travel back and forth on a large scale.

In such circumstances, how could Song Chi and others like Song Wujiang not have other ideas?

It was a genuine stellar continent, and although it had fragmented in the disaster that occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago, the inherent strength of the Floating Continent was no less than that of newly ascended stellar continents.

To the Song Clan, let alone the four major imperial families of the Flameheart Human Galaxy Cluster, it was a massive, irresistible piece of fertile land.

However, while the Song Clan was busy participating in the Civilization War and sending a few core clan members to develop the Divine Realm Continent ruins, a discovery chilled their hearts.

The core of the Divine Realm Continent ruins had been contaminated by an alien energy. Apart from exploring the remnants of the ancient Divine Realm civilization, the potential for development was virtually zero.

Although Song Chi was greatly disappointed, he wasn't too surprised.

After all, he had previously encountered the remnants of the Divine Realm civilization. These remnants, who appeared no different from Star Sea humans on the surface, were abnormally bloodthirsty and xenophobic, harboring deep malevolence that was far from normal human behavior.

Initially, he was puzzled, but after discovering that the core of the Divine Realm Continent had been contaminated by alien energy, everything fell into place.

...

As they walked out of the cultivation base, Song Bei, who had been somewhat silent, suddenly gave Song Chi a pleasant surprise.

"Brother Chi, six months ago, the Shadow Division's 323rd Dark Squad reported that there might be news related to a [Law Core] in [Sanctuary City]."

Song Chi's eyes immediately lit up.

The [Law Core], like the [Dragon Blood Stone] and the [Earth Mother Stone], is one of the special resources that an Annihilator Ship might need when upgrading to a Galactic Ship. If he could obtain a [Law Core], the chances of the Skygale of Tianxu successfully acquiring the special resource formula and achieving a 10% Ascension success rate would be almost guaranteed.

The last resource in the special resource formula, the Body Building Nest, had already been harvested from a colonial point in a distant star system by the clan and would be available soon.

"Tell me more!"

Song Chi got straight to the point, and Song Bei didn't waste any time, quickly recounting the information he had received.

"So, the [Law Core] was initially mentioned by a Fourth-Rank Chasing Horn Captain?"

"Yes, he was just a civilian Captain and didn't recognize the [Law Core]. He only let the information slip when he inquired at a certain acquisition shop."

"However, this person was quite smart. After realizing the terrifying value of the [Law Core] in his possession, he immediately checked into the [Paradise Flameheart Grand Hotel] and hasn't come out since. He has only announced that he will sell it publicly in a year, to avoid giving any ill-intentioned individuals any opportunities."

Song Chi nodded lightly, his eyes gleaming.

The [Paradise Flameheart Grand Hotel] is an official chain hotel under the Ackerman Celestial Pillar Imperial Family, and even more so, the special branch in [Sanctuary City] is known for its impeccable security.

Song Chi was now considering the resources at his disposal. Since the other party had deliberately delayed the sale by a year, they clearly wanted to spread the news about the [Law Core] as widely as possible.

A year might not be enough for Captains from the far-off Flameheart Human Galaxy Cluster to reach here, but it would certainly cause a frenzy in the Demon Serpent Public Open Area. The large forces affiliated with the four empires, who have interests in the Public Open Area, would likely send representatives.

Facing the competition from numerous forces in half a year, Song Chi needed to ensure that the resources he could offer were sufficiently competitive.

"Chasing Horn Captain, do you know the color of that person's Flameheart Seed?"

Song Bei had clearly put in a lot of effort, and he immediately responded to Song Chi’s question:

"He’s just an ordinary civilian Captain. The rumor is that he got lucky during the previous Civilization War. Both his Flameheart Seed and his warship are purple!"

"Purple, huh..."

Upon hearing this, Song Chi instantly thought of the orange, red, and silver Ascension Fire Sources. With his stock of many fifth, sixth, and seventh-rank silver apples, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to come up with these three types of Ascension Fire Sources.

He believed that these would be highly coveted by the civilian Captain. Almost immediately, he decided that these three items would be the core of his bid to compete for the Law Core in half a year.

However, these alone wouldn’t be enough. The number of forces participating in the competition would be significant. While there might not be many who could afford to offer three Ascension Fire Sources, there would certainly be some.

After leaving the cultivation base, he made sure to return to the Demon Serpent Continent before the ten-year deadline, giving the Qin Yue Trade Tower a definitive answer.

As long as he could secure the Law Core and a special-grade Energy Crystal, the Ascension success rate of the Skygale of Tianxu would be almost 70% or higher.

According to his previous plan, this success rate was sufficient for him to officially begin his assault on becoming a Galactic Ship.

...

In the Octopus Demon Star Cluster, within the Copper Serpent River System, on the Copper Serpent Floating Continent.

On the surface of the Floating Continent, millions of Flameheart citizens, who were busily developing resources across the vast land, looked up in unison.

In the depths of the sky, a colossal warship nearly twenty thousand kilometers long tore through the clouds, its engines roaring as it descended and soon hovered over the Mist Swamp in the south, which had been strictly sealed off.

Outside the Mist Swamp, six fleets formed a hexagon, tightly sealing off the area. They belonged to the six major forces that had originally divided the entire Mist Swamp.

The Dragon Spine Song Clan, the Fusang Imperial Family, the Fusang Sato Clan, the Langya Meng Clan, and others.

"Linsang, the person who arrived seems to be the Annihilator of the Dragon Spine Song Clan. The Song Clan's fleet stationed here just sent a message saying they want to take a Sixth-Rank Mist Half-Snake. Should we intervene?"

"No, the Dragon Spine Song Clan has already revealed five Annihilator Captains, and they control the richest star regions in two river systems. Their rise is unstoppable. The old ancestor of our clan has already stated that unless it's a special situation, we should not deepen our conflicts with them."

Without any external interference, Song Chi swiftly took away a Sixth-Rank Mist Half-Snake.

...

Half a year later, in Sanctuary City.

As one of the most popular trading cities in the Demon God Public Open Area, Sanctuary City far surpasses the Dragon Spine City of the Song Clan in terms of area, population, and the volume of resources traded daily.

In recent days, the already bustling Sanctuary City has become even more crowded, with a large number of Flameheart Captains from all over filling the city. The once spacious streets are now incredibly congested.

Finally, the Ackerman Imperial Family’s patrol squad intervened, issuing a special decree:

All Flameheart Captains entering the city must not bring their warships. All Flame-Ember Starships must either remain at the docking stations outside the city or be retracted into their Flameheart Ancestral Orifices.

This decree restored order in the city.

In Sanctuary City, on the Fifth Central Street, at the Violet Lily Flameheart Tavern.

Three figures emerged from the tavern, escorted by two beautiful Sixth-Rank fox women at the door.

The leader of the three was none other than Song Chi. His face was covered by a Spiritual Energy barrier, making it impossible to see his true appearance.

Of course, such a barrier would be ineffective against beings more than one major rank higher than him.

The two people following him were the managers of the family’s shops in Sanctuary City. Both were Battleship Captains, responsible for assisting Song Chi in all his actions within the city.

Song Chi had arrived in Sanctuary City several days earlier, and the upper-class guest rooms at the Violet Lily Flameheart Tavern had been arranged by these two.

Despite its relatively ordinary location, which is not in the center of Sanctuary City, the Violet Lily Flameheart Tavern was already fully booked for over a month due to the recent influx of people.

...

The three walked briskly, but today was the one-year mark as mentioned by the civilian Chasing Horn Captain. By the time they reached the Paradise Grand Hotel, the square in front of the hotel was already packed with a dense crowd.

Fortunately, Song Chi released a faint aura, and the crowd instinctively made way for him, leading him to the front of the square.

As expected, all those occupying the front positions of the square were emitting a faint Seventh-Rank aura, with the lowest being Sixth-Rank beings.

"Who's that? Do you recognize them?"

"I've never seen them, but the two people behind them seem familiar. Where have I seen them before?"

"Oh right, they're the two managers from the Second Central Street Dragon Spine Store."

"Dragon Spine Store? That must mean it's the Ancestor Star Destroyer of the Dragon Spine Song Clan. I wonder which one it is?"

"Most likely the one on the list!"

"Yes, the Dragon Spine Song Clan may be at the height of its power now, but they've only been an immortal noble house for less than two thousand years. The only one currently preparing to ascend to a Galactic Ship is the Lord of the Vast Skies."

"The Lord of the Vast Skies, the one who recently ranked 20th on the Flameheart Star Destroyer List?"

"If it's really him, the upcoming competition will be quite the spectacle."

...

Amidst the dense crowd, people chattered back and forth, making the entire square incredibly noisy. Despite this, the truly powerful Captains could still clearly pick up the important information they needed from the cacophony.

The moment "Lord of the Vast Skies" was mentioned, most of the Captains in the front row turned their gazes to the newly arrived Song Chi.

Lord of the Vast Skies

Xianqin Star Destroyer King List—4

Flameheart Star Destroyer List—20

Any of these titles alone was enough to cause a significant stir.

Why?

Historically, those who reached this stage, barring any unforeseen tragedies, had a more than 90% chance of becoming a Galactic Ship Captain. More importantly, once these Annihilator Ship Captains ascended to a Galactic Ship, their combat power would instantly place them among the top tier of Galactic Ship Captains.

In other words, Song Chi, in the eyes of outsiders, was already considered half a future Ultimate Galactic Ship Captain.

An Ultimate Galactic Ship Captain, even if they made no further progress, could stand tall in the Ember Human Civilization for three hundred thousand years. Such a figure naturally drew attention.

Song Chi simply nodded lightly in acknowledgment of the gazes converging on him, then made no further moves.

Seeming to sense the intentional or unintentional distance Song Chi was maintaining, or perhaps more focused on the upcoming Law Core, no one approached him to strike up a conversation. Song Chi was content with this.

However, before the civilian Huntship Captain arrived, another significant event occurred in the square.

"Whoa, it's Edmund Ackerman. He's actually here too."

"The greatest prodigy of the Ackerman Celestial Pillar Imperial Family in the past thirty thousand years, the current top of the Saint Hall Star Destroyer King List, and third on the Flameheart Star Destroyer List. He's considered one of the four empires' greatest civilizational prodigies."

"No, with his backing from the Celestial Pillar Imperial Family, shouldn't the resources needed to ascend to a Galactic Ship already be prepared? Why is he collecting them himself?"

"Who knows? Maybe it has something to do with internal factional struggles within the Ackerman family?"

"Impossible. The Ackerman family has survived for over two hundred thousand years with a well-established cultivation system. No matter how intense the factional struggles, they wouldn't joke around with a civilizational prodigy!"

...

Upon catching these whispers, Song Chi, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, opened them and looked toward the newcomer.

The current third on the Flameheart Star Destroyer List was enough to pique his interest.

However, when he turned his gaze, he noticed that the newcomer's golden eyes were already fixed on him. The Saint Hall Tavern in front of them barely caught a glance from Edmund Ackerman, clearly indicating that his purpose was not the Law Core.

"Could it be me?"

The thought crossed his mind, but Song Chi quickly shook his head.

While he was currently on the Flameheart Star Destroyer List with a decent ranking, he knew all too well that at the level of someone like Edmund Ackerman, attention was primarily focused on the top five on the list. Even the 20th place, let alone the 5th to 10th, wouldn't be of much interest to him.

This might sound harsh, but it was the truth.

"Could it be..."

His eyes narrowed as he seemed to have an idea.

He himself hadn't taken his 20th place on the Flameheart Star Destroyer List seriously.

Because, as far as he knew,

The last update to this ranking was over three hundred years ago, right after the end of the Civilization War.

At that time, Skygale of Tianxu hadn't yet equipped the Three Realms Five Elements Token and the Void Storage. The Chronal Chessboard hadn't ascended to a colored extreme position either.

More recently, the Antimatter Evolution Engine and the Neutron Star Core Armor had both ascended to colored positions, and none of these were included in the current ranking.

Based on Song Chi's own estimation, if all of Skygale of Tianxu's current combat capabilities were factored in, breaking into the top five of the Flameheart Star Destroyer List would be effortless, and even the top spot wasn't out of reach.

It’s just that he didn’t have such ambitions. Ranking twentieth on the Flameheart Star Annihilation List suited Song Chi just fine. It granted him a certain level of fame without drawing excessive attention.

However, this wasn’t something only he knew. At least, the four Imperial Emperors were well aware when he acquired the Three Realms Five Elements Token and the Void Storage.

With these two components, plus the premium Mirror Shadow Ship Clone component, Song Chi was confident that his potential in the eyes of the four Imperial Emperors wouldn’t be any less than that of the top five on the list.

Thus, if Emperor Peidan had personally revealed some of his information to Edmund Ackerman, it wasn’t impossible that the latter had come specifically for him.

As time passed and the other party approached step by step, Song Chi finally confirmed that the man was indeed here for him.

Under the watchful eyes of countless onlookers, Edmund Ackerman slowly walked up to Song Chi’s side.

A faint, multicolored light emerged from his forehead, eventually enveloping both Edmund and Song Chi.

The chaotic noise was completely blocked out, and the outside world could no longer perceive any of their interactions.

"Nice to meet you, Saint Federation, Edmund Ackerman!"

"Dragon Spine Kingdom, Song Chi."

After a brief greeting, Edmund continued:

"I heard about you from my clan’s ancestor, and I was quite curious. When I heard you had arrived in Sanctuary City, I decided to come and say hello, with no other intentions."

"So, can I take this as the current Saint Federation’s top Annihilator Ship Captain extending a gesture of goodwill to me?"

"Ha ha ha, of course. During the Civilization War, I was stationed in Imperial City and couldn’t participate personally. Later, I heard that the early end of the war was largely thanks to you. I’ve been thinking that if I ever had the chance, I’d have to meet you. When I heard about this opportunity today, I came immediately..."

...

Song Chi could sense the sincerity in Edmund’s words and was willing to befriend him, so their conversation went smoothly.

After a while, their relationship became quite familiar.

However, at this point, a figure had already emerged from the Paradise Flameheart Grand Hotel—none other than the Huntship Captain holding the Law Core.

Seeing this, Edmund didn’t prolong the conversation. He only said a few words with deeper meanings.

"Song, if everything goes as planned, we will soon be heading to Imperial City together. If possible, do everything you can to enhance your ship’s combat capabilities before then."

"The darkness just before dawn is the harshest!"

The multicolored isolation light had already dispersed, and Edmund’s figure had vanished into the crowd, but Song Chi remained in deep thought.

There was no doubt that the last two sentences had deep meanings, but he couldn’t fully understand them at the moment.

Going to Imperial City together?

Why go to Imperial City? Is something significant about to happen there?

What does the darkness just before dawn mean?

Although he couldn’t figure it out immediately, Song Chi was certain of one thing.

Regardless of what the other party’s words meant, whether they were true or false, it would be wise to do everything possible to enhance the combat capabilities of the Skygale of Tianxu.

"A strand of orange ascension fire source, plus a piece of red hull armor!"

A voice suddenly broke through Song Chi’s reverie, bringing him back to reality.

Looking up, he saw the Huntship Captain, whose face was slightly pale, holding out the Law Core. After confirming its authenticity, a Captain in the crowd began to bid.

However, this wasn’t something that would end quickly. While most of the people present were there for the spectacle, there were still a fair number of Captains genuinely interested in making a deal.

As soon as one person made an official bid, many more quickly followed.

"A silver energy shield!"

"A strand of orange ascension fire source and a strand of red ascension fire source!"

"I, of the Red Yu Bear Clan, offer a strand of orange ascension fire source and a strand of red ascension fire source, plus a vial of Seventh-Rank Sovereign Blood."

...

The Red Yu Bear Clan Captain’s bid finally brought a look of intense interest to the face of the civilian Huntship Captain.

However, he remained silent, not responding.

Seeing that the moment was right, Song Chi, who had been quiet, finally spoke.

"A strand of orange ascension fire source, a strand of red ascension fire source, a drop of Seventh-Rank Sovereign Blood, a piece of red enslavement component, and an additional Sixth-Rank Mist Half-Snake."

This bid immediately reduced the number of people willing to continue bidding by ninety percent.

Everyone knew they couldn’t outbid him.

The civilian Huntship Captain’s face lit up with surprise.

However, before he could respond, another bid rang out.

"A strand of orange ascension fire source, a strand of red ascension fire source, a drop of Seventh-Rank Sovereign Blood, plus a piece of red hull armor, a silver energy shield, a sky patrol radar, a super main cannon, a ship-mounted engine, and a piece of enslavement component. Finally, a Sixth-Rank Limit Starsea Ape is included as a bonus."

This bid wasn’t necessarily higher than Song Chi’s, but it was clearly more attractive to a civilian Huntship Captain.

A complete set of red components, plus two strands of ascension fire sources, could easily elevate a Huntship to the limit class.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end