Chapter 1081 - 947: Are You Even Worthy?
Acquaintances... three and a half? The Imperial Storm was stunned upon hearing it. There’s such a thing as a half acquaintance?
But that’s not the point, the point is, among those little ants, so many actually know this supreme being?
The Imperial Storm found himself in a tight spot, feeling like he was about to bully someone’s child, only for the adult to show up.
He didn’t know how to explain all this. In fact, he hadn’t explained himself to anyone for hundreds of years.
After a long time, he sighed and spoke with difficulty, "If I say that I didn’t plan to kill anyone, would you believe me?"
The shadow of the newcomer twisted slightly, becoming a bit more solid.
The Imperial Storm knew this was likely a precursor to action.
So his own shadow twisted as well, becoming even blurrier — this was his preparation for battle.
The newcomer could sense that the other side was ready to make a move, and asked slowly, "Do you really have a death wish?"
The fight between two supreme beings, regardless of who’s stronger or weaker, just the backlash from the universe is enough.
The Imperial Storm didn’t answer his question, but reiterated, "I said, I didn’t plan to kill anyone."
His goal was the inheritance of the other party; whether it could improve his own condition or not, obtaining the inheritance was enough.
A few small supreme beings, whether killed or not, didn’t matter.
This time, the newcomer replied quickly, "Saying this to me is useless."
Useless to say to you? The Imperial Storm was speechless, do I have to negotiate with those ants below?
Indeed, among the five supreme beings below, three are outstanding, two have roughly touched that threshold.
Yet touching the threshold and stepping inside are completely different, one is in the sky, the other on the ground.
If it weren’t for carrying the backlash, dealing with these few little ants would really be too easy!
Thinking of this, the Imperial Storm couldn’t help but feel a bit of resentment.
But having lived for several centuries, he was still able to control his emotions well.
— Ironically, "controlling emotions" was also something he hadn’t done for hundreds of years.
Adjusting his mood, he slowly asked, "Are you saying that I need to gain the forgiveness of these little fellows?"
He found this idea really bewildering.
Even if he bore the backlash, unable to strike with full power, their side still had other supreme beings and military warships...
"You don’t really know who your opponent is," the newcomer commented lightly.
"Since you think you can keep them, why not give it a try?"
"Give it a try..." The Imperial Storm fell into contemplation.
He didn’t think this was a bad suggestion, but why did he always feel like there was more to the other’s words?
Could it be that the five supreme beings opposite him really have extraordinary means?
This absurd notion lingered in his mind, unable to dissipate.
Suddenly, a flash of insight hit him, and he thought of something unusual, "Friend, do they know you are here?"
The newcomer leisurely answered, "Not entirely foolish... They don’t know I’m here."
Understood! The Imperial Storm suddenly realized, at that moment, all his confusions connected together.
Previously, he shared the same doubt with Roger: how could these people be so calm?
But for the Imperial Storm, the opponent’s occasional unusual behavior wasn’t worth pondering.
In the face of absolute strength, the reactions of small figures were insignificant. He was only aware of the abnormality.
However, hearing now that the ants below didn’t know of such a strong ally, their reactions became worth considering.
This meant that even without the presence of this one, the opponents still had considerable confidence to escape or even confront his side.
To be honest, the Imperial Storm could hardly believe such a possibility existed up till now.
He knew there were countless secret techniques among the Awakened, ways which were unpredictable and couldn’t be underestimated.
But no matter the secret technique, there is always a limit, human effort has its limits. Hard work might create miracles, but not divine feats.
Yet, despite all confusions, he had to face this possibility.
The Imperial Storm, after a brief consideration, made a decision: Alright, let’s assume what you said is true.
He simply couldn’t afford to try.
If the try succeeded, he would have to face the threat next to him — questioning such an existence is a huge disrespect.
If the try failed, he’d be dealing with two opponents.
If the ants below could truly resist the attack, given their ruthless style, he would undoubtedly face great trouble.
Not to mention why he chose to corner the opponent in deep space, but precisely to prevent their escape?
The potential number of supreme beings behind this opponent would even give him a headache.
If the outcome of the try was neither win nor loss, he still lost because he simultaneously established two strong foes.
Even if today’s issues could be brushed over, the days ahead wouldn’t be easy.
The Imperial Storm quickly cleared his thoughts, and decisively stated, "Alright, let’s consider this matter settled."
He didn’t mention the Energy Stone Mine matter, intending to observe the other’s reaction.
He wasn’t interested in such trivial gains, but the military of this Star Realm was.
Imperial Storm had a significant reputation and obtained a "cooperative action" order from the Military Department.
Just like how the Paranoid once had a special certificate issued by the Imperial Military, geniuses always receive various attentions.
If possible, Imperial Storm was also willing to help the military gain some benefits, at least not to appear too disgraceful.
The newcomer scoffed lightly, "Just let it be? Haha, I don’t care as long as you don’t regret it."
"Then what else should I do?" Imperial Storm was truly impatient, "Do you want me to apologize?"
Not only was he above the Supreme, but he also passed the only official certification of the Empire, smoothly gliding through more than 400 years.
He had no prejudice against the younger generation, but youngsters are still youngsters, he can’t set aside his seniority.
The newcomer didn’t argue with him, just calmly stated, "You can certainly do nothing."
"However, as far as I know, these people have a very bad temper... Considering your renown in the Empire for many years, just a reminder."
Imperial Storm remained silent for a long time before coldly speaking, "Would you help them against me?"
"For now... I don’t want to contact them," the newcomer pondered for a moment before answering, "as for the future, they won’t need my help either."
The shadow of Imperial Storm distorted slightly, becoming more blurred, "No contact for now?"
"Mm," the newcomer could feel the pressure from the others increasing, but he didn’t mind, "Do you hope we contact them?"
Only a fool would hope for your contact! Imperial Storm sneered internally.
If both sides make contact, they can directly start a counterattack against the military fleet.
Although he still hadn’t figured out what cards the people below had, he didn’t want to gamble at all.
He stated with difficulty, "But this Energy Stone Mine... does indeed pose significant suspicion."
He wasn’t trying to fight over this small profit, just purely probing the other’s attitude.
"Haha," the newcomer chuckled lightly, and his figure vanished directly.
Imperial Storm looked at the empty cabin, shaking his head and sighing lightly, "This damn Energy Shield..."
His cabin was located at the top of the warship, spacious and comfortable, an independent battle unit with adjustable shield strength.
For the sake of his own easy deployment, he set the shield strength very low, not expecting someone to take the opportunity to sneak in.
Would increasing the shield strength now prevent them from entering again? He was a bit uncertain.
However, really doing so now would reveal considerable hostility, and more importantly... show cowardice!
Imperial Storm knew well that this action was destined to start with a bang and end with a whimper, he absolutely didn’t want to be underestimated again.
The communication time between the two Supreme beings was neither too long nor too short, but the people on the Star Body were completely unaware of what happened.
Roger, being quite rebellious, didn’t dare to act without permission after their Supreme appeared.
So, a large group of people just stared at each other.
Qu Jianlei waited for a while, opened the stone gate, and summoned everyone to retreat inside.
Soon after, the strength of the protective shield of the stone cavern began to increase, and all the weapons above started to charge.
In fact, this was a very simple defensive position, not even as secure as the defensive fortresses of many Mines.
The Ping’an Trading Group had already planned to build a defensive fortress in the future, but the chosen location wasn’t here.
Roger coldly watched them carry out these operations without any reaction.
This crude defense might not even withstand a blow from a company-level warship’s main cannon, so there was no need to take it seriously.
His side’s goal was to strive to capture the opposing side alive, and retreating into the fortress to make a last stand was perfect for the next steps.
Of course, from the surface, Qu Jianlei and his group’s retreat seemed to be a passive action.
But in the eyes of Zhan Donglai, Jilt, and others, it really wasn’t passive.
Facing a powerful military Supreme and fleet, daring to show resistance—who gave you this damn courage?
In this deadlock, time passed little by little.
Finally, the voice of the Supreme came again, "Enough, let’s end it here, let’s go."
Roger was startled at what he heard, almost thinking he was seeing things, "Leave?"
"Mm," the voice hummed lightly, without giving further explanation.
But Roger truly couldn’t accept it, in his haste, he spoke, "Sir, this Energy Stone Mine..."
"Hmph," a light snort came again, Imperial Storm still didn’t say much.
Roger stood there dumbfounded for a while, then gritted his teeth and spoke, "That senior... dare to duel?"
The senior in his words naturally referred to Jia Shuqing and the Paranoid.
But Granny Jia absolutely wouldn’t pay attention to him, while that annoying voice lazily replied, "Duel, are you worthy?"
Just as Roger was about to burst with rage, another voice came—a unfamiliar one.
"What is the duty of a soldier? Roger Supreme, you may return!"