Chapter 1004: Chapter 517: Curtain Falls – The Difficulties of Finding a Star Beast

“You also know that place?” Li Ming was slightly surprised.

Gutierrez emphasized, “That place was initially discovered by us by chance; it was only due to certain reasons that we traded those coordinates to Anatoli.”

Li Ming didn’t expect this background, but immediately, a sense of suspicion arose.

Could it be that the Star Alliance traded star beast coordinates to Anatoli to obtain their related information, leading to this ambush?

He pondered this thought but quickly dismissed it. Anatoli’s hints were released at least half a year ago, a time when he hadn’t yet decided to attend the Dinner at Dusk.

It must be something else. As his thoughts shifted, he spoke, “Since you knew all along and let the coordinates spread everywhere, that place must not be simple.”

Upon hearing this, Gutierrez appeared surprisingly candid, “Indeed, the location of that star beast is not in the Main Universe but rather in an interstitial space formed by dimension space slicing.”

“We speculate that it’s a remnant space from the Terrax Civilization.”

“Terrax again…” Li Ming frowned, contemplating many things, and couldn’t help but ask, “So, that space must be at least tens of thousands of years old, right? What star beast has such a long lifespan?”

“We’re not entirely clear on the specifics, only knowing it’s in a free-floating state. We discovered that place over ten years ago, but the sightings have been rare,” Gutierrez explained with great detail, appearing very sincere.

“Through special methods, we’ve only occasionally managed to send someone in once, finding out about an extremely powerful star beast inside. Its exact strength remains unclear for now.”

Providing such detailed information… Li Ming thought for a while but said, “So, even if I go, there is no guarantee of finding it. What’s the significance of these coordinates, then?”

“I’m merely offering you a choice based on your request,” Gutierrez said sincerely, “As for the limitations, they are facts, and I don’t wish to deceive you. How you choose is up to you.”

Li Ming remained noncommittal. Gutierrez’s high-sounding words actually served as a temptation; the real value of these coordinates wasn’t particularly high.

His main objective for attending the so-called Dinner at Dusk was to gather clues about that star beast.

With more information obtained from Gutierrez, the necessity for continuing to attend the Dinner at Dusk significantly diminished.

These coordinates were quite secretive, and Anatoli couldn’t just release them; who knows how long it would take.

“Though these coordinates aren’t very valuable, I am interested,” Li Ming said, “but this price is far from enough. Add the Mechanic Association.”

“Hmm…” Gutierrez frowned, “Adding the Mechanic Association would make the price quite high.”

This action was initially taken by the Star Alliance, but Azure Dragon reversed the situation, leaving Gutierrez to understand they fully underestimated Azure Dragon. Hence, this negotiation is to prevent the situation from worsening.

However, Azure Dragon hasn’t reached a point where they can completely crush them. The price they pay is limited, and they can’t allow Azure Dragon to ask for anything without limits.

He pondered for a moment, but didn’t immediately refuse, saying, “Yet, we aren’t entirely opposed, but we’re indeed very curious about what happened in the Red River Star Stream…”

Li Ming understood the implication from Gutierrez, but couldn’t just directly reveal, “I cannot disclose anything about the Red River Star Stream.”

He hadn’t finished his statement, “However, do you know the name Alchemy Baron?”

“Alchemy Baron?” Gutierrez was subtly moved, as the name wasn’t unfamiliar to him.

Ryan’s interstellar massacre took place in the Sea of Stars area, a large portion being Star Alliance territory.

A small portion was originally occupied by Empire and Federation garrisons, whose civilizations hadn’t joined the Star Alliance, representing a foothold of the two significant civilizations.

After Empire withdrew following Ryan’s incident, the Star Alliance also delved deeply into investigating this matter.

The Alchemy Baron… was indeed Ryan’s collaborator, but very little information about them is available, as they have long disappeared without a trace.

“This person is not ordinary; he seems to have frequented the Red River Star Stream,” Li Ming hinted at the information.

Gutierrez’s eyes sparked briefly before quickly restraining himself, speaking in a deep voice, “I understand, prior matters were my oversight. I hope for more cooperation in the future.”

Li Ming smiled without speaking, and Gutierrez seized the moment, “Then our people?”

“What people?” Li Ming retorted.

“Beckett and Rupert…” Gutierrez reminded him.

“What?” Li Ming appeared puzzled.

Gutierrez frowned immediately, speaking without hesitation, “We are willing to pay a ransom according to interstellar regulations.”

“What exactly are you talking about?” Li Ming maintained his look of bewilderment.

Seeing Li Ming this way, Gutierrez felt a vague unease but deemed it unlikely.

Could it be that Azure Dragon never intended to leave room for maneuvering from the very beginning, implying that without their concession, the conflict would continue relentlessly, heedless of them?

He who has nothing to lose fears not those who have everything to lose. The less scruples Azure Dragon showed, the more wariness Gutierrez felt.

But Gutierrez was reluctant to believe this.

“I have never gone back on my word; please rest assured,” he assured, thinking Azure Dragon distrusted their transaction.

“I trust you,” Li Ming nodded, and Gutierrez hesitantly ended the communication.

After a moment, Li Ming received a series of coordinates.

He took a quick look, located in the junction area of the Sea of Stars and Desolate Channel, with hardly any civilization nearby.