189: persuade

While undercurrents surged within the reincarnation mirror, inside the territory of the Free Star Alliance...

"The eleventh one."

Zhang Huaiyuan reached out to retrieve a black bracelet and smiled.

"Your coordination is becoming more and more seamless. This opponent was only a notch weaker than the one from the 'Qixuan Star Zone' earlier, yet they didn't even get a chance to make a move."

"Chief Zhang, you flatter us. We wouldn't dare take the credit; it's all thanks to you."

"Indeed, it's the first time I've fought such an easy battle."

Around him, seven 3S-Class Transcendents clad in bright silver battle armor had looks of astonishment in their eyes.

They didn't know how he did it, but every time they hunted these Outsiders, he was able to anticipate the enemy's moves and calculate all their trump cards.

Coupled with the refinement of the 'Anti-Transcendent Armor Generation II,' their hunting efficiency was becoming higher and higher.

Later, the top Transcendents from the two major powers—the Empire and the Star Alliance—joined in one after another, except for those who had to remain at key locations.

"It's because these Outsiders are too arrogant. So many of their companions have died, yet they still haven't learned their lesson."

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.

He didn't know whether to call them excessively brave or simply brainless.

Every one of them was thinking about saving their trump cards for other trial takers, completely disregarding us.

But then again... anyone with a brain wouldn't be wandering around alone after so many of their companions had died.

"Intellect, is there information on the next loner?"

After a brief rest, Zhang Huaiyuan touched the ring on his hand and asked.

"Sir, it's a bit strange."

A slightly confused voice came from the ring.

"According to our previous deductions, these trial takers should be in a competitive relationship. However, surveillance near the border between the Empire and the Star Alliance just showed that many Outsiders are crossing the border and heading into the Orr Empire."

"Hmm? No battles broke out between them?"

"Yes, sir."

Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but frown upon hearing this.

As far as he knew, the Orr Empire had long been occupied by a group of Outsiders. They had previously attempted to use an information virus to hack the Statue of Liberty system, but were instead outmaneuvered and wiped out, gifting the Star Alliance a large amount of intact military equipment and materials.

Now that these Outsiders were collectively rushing to the Orr Empire without fighting, it was undoubtedly illogical.

Unless... "Their mission objectives have changed?"

A thought suddenly flashed through Zhang Huaiyuan's mind.

"But what kind of mission would require these Outsiders to unite? And why would it suddenly change?"

He felt somewhat puzzled.

"Could it be because too many Outsiders have been killed lately... No, that's not right either."

Although he didn't know the specifics of this upper-realm power, since it was a trial to select elites, they surely wouldn't modify the rules just because some of them were being killed in retaliation.

"This upper-realm power is so strong, and the ones who designed the trial missions must be extraordinary. They wouldn't change things for no reason. There must be some kind of conspiracy; we must proceed with caution."

Zhang Huaiyuan became increasingly cautious.

After a moment of silence, he said to the other 3S-Class Transcendents:

"Something has come up; the hunting mission is temporarily canceled. President Downs, lead the Empire's Transcendents back and settle the impact of the previous unrest as quickly as possible. Then, pay special attention to the border with the Orr Empire; they might be planning something big."

"Understood, Chief Zhang."

Hearing this, the President of the Transcendent Association's expression turned serious: "What happened?"

"It's not clear yet, but I will open up the wormhole between the Empire and the Star Alliance as soon as possible. That way, no matter which side is attacked, we can provide support immediately."

Zhang Huaiyuan said in a low voice, "Remember, once these Outsiders band together, their strength far exceeds ours. You must not act impulsively. If the situation looks bad, retreat immediately."

"Rest assured, unless you order it, Chief Zhang, we will never act on our own."

Everyone voiced their agreement.

"Good. Intellect, continue monitoring the Empire and the Star Alliance for any other traces of Outsiders."

"As you wish, sir."

"There's no time to lose. Let's go. Kols, Sailos, you two come with me to the Star Alliance's Ninth Prison."

With that, Zhang Huaiyuan waved his hand, and three Warp Devices materialized. In the blink of an eye, they were back on the nearest starship.

During the previous battle with the Orr Empire, they had captured their former emperor and an outsider, both of whom were held there. Perhaps some intelligence could be gathered from them.

Through continuous warps by the starship, they arrived at a special planet only three days later.

Its surface was built with exactly 999 Psionic Suppression Towers. Even a 3S-Class Transcendent imprisoned there would be no different from an ordinary person.

It was a prison specifically designed to hold powerful Transcendent criminals.

"Your Excellency Chief, those two are being held in cells 19 and 31 respectively."

Stepping off the starship, an intelligent robot that had been notified in advance had been waiting for a long time.

"Take me to see the former emperor of the Orr Empire first."

Zhang Huaiyuan said directly. He had already made up his mind on the way there.

"Please follow me."

Following the robot through layers of tight security zones, they finally reached the bottom floor of the prison.

"Your Excellency Chief, cell 19 is right here."

The robot leading the way said respectfully.

"Wait for me here."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded, gave orders to his companions, and stepped forward.

Inside, he saw a middle-aged man wearing a special energy-suppression collar, leaning against the corner with his eyes closed, lost in thought.

"Your Majesty Karmot."

Zhang Huaiyuan called out softly.

"Hmm?"

The man's eyes snapped open, and a flicker of surprise passed through them as he looked at the visitor.

"Chief Zhang?"

"Your Majesty knows me?"

Zhang Huaiyuan said, slightly surprised.

"It's impossible not to. If even ten percent of what's written in these books is true, then my defeat at your hands was truly justified."

Karmot glanced at the collection of books on a nearby shelf and shrugged helplessly.

Zhang Huaiyuan followed his gaze and couldn't help but laugh.

The shelf was filled with various biographical novels about him, many of which had been personally edited by Asroth and the Statue of Liberty, praising him almost as a true 'deity.'

"Chief Zhang, I probably know why you're here, but I'm afraid I can't help."

Karmot watched him quietly, his tone flat, but the implication of refusal was self-evident.

"Emperor Luo is dead."

Zhang Huaiyuan's expression remained unchanged as he gave an irrelevant answer.

"What? Didn't he have... How could he die?"

Karmot's expression changed slightly, but then a mocking smile appeared on his lips. "I told you long ago that opposing them is seeking death. You have no idea how powerful they are. Don't think that just because you've killed one or two..."

"I know."

Zhang Huaiyuan waved his hand to materialize a video clip and interrupted calmly, "Before he died, Emperor Luo not only killed one of the strongest trial takers but also killed the two powerhouses sent by that upper-realm force to guard this world."

"That's impossible! How could such powerhouses die!"

Karmot glanced at the video, his pupils shrinking suddenly as he cried out.

"You indeed know quite a bit."

Zhang Huaiyuan narrowed his eyes slightly and waved his hand again, causing dozens of black bracelets to appear. "Are these familiar?"

"The bracelets of those Outsiders... How can there be so many! You actually managed to kill so many trial takers!"

Karmot could no longer sit still. He walked quickly to the edge of the cell, staring at Zhang Huaiyuan in disbelief.

Killing one or two could be called luck, but killing this many was definitely a matter of strength.

"These Outsiders are not weak, but they aren't as strong as you imagine. If we work together, we might just have a chance at victory."

Zhang Huaiyuan's gaze was deep as he met the other's eyes without flinching.

"Your Majesty Karmot, you are also a leader of one of the three major powers of this world and one of the most powerful 3S-Class Transcendents. Why are you afraid before the battle has even begun?"

"This..."

Hit by two consecutive bombshells, Karmot was dazed for a moment.

"If you still have any sense of responsibility as a ruler, it's not too late to turn back. I can guarantee that you won't have to do anything too dangerous. Furthermore, after we repel these Outsiders, the territories of the Orr Empire and the military equipment we seized can be returned to you."

Zhang Huaiyuan's voice softened slightly.

A look of struggle appeared on Karmot's face, and he remained silent for a long time.

Zhang Huaiyuan didn't continue his persuasion, but simply stood there quietly, maintaining his steady gaze.

After a long time, a somewhat dry voice rang out:

"What do you need me to do?"

...