CHAPTER 1005: CHAPTER 517: CURTAIN FALLS – THE DIFFICULTIES OF FINDING A STAR BEAST (PART 2)

"There shouldn’t be an ambush, right?" Li Ming muttered, "The legacy space of Terrax..."

At the same time, the heat surrounding Li Ming’s kidnapping on the interstellar network hadn’t diminished at all. Instead, it escalated with the emergence of the suspect, the Star Alliance.

Not long after, even the official account of the Mechanical Court liked the video, sparking numerous open and hidden speculations.

Everyone was waiting for Azure Dragon’s response, to see how he would react to one of the Three Great Civilizations, the Star Alliance.

However, on the sixth day after the attack, there was a surprising turnaround. The Star Alliance also issued a statement, followed by a flood of news.

"The Star Alliance officially quoted Azure Dragon’s announcement, pledging to spare no effort to track and curb such behavior that disrupts interstellar stability."

Even more severe than the Empire’s "no tolerance" policy, they even declared "at all costs."

The many interstellar beings waiting for the spectacle were stunned.

What does this mean?

The Star Alliance didn’t refute the rumors but instead supported Azure Dragon, almost as if he wasn’t the attacker.

And soon, Azure Dragon also made a response.

First, of course, was to thank the Three Great Civilizations for their support, acknowledging their crucial position as a pillar in the interstellar realm...

"...No organization or force can escape the law under the deterrence of the Three Great Civilizations..."

Azure Dragon’s response left people more puzzled. Was the Star Alliance really the attacker?

That video of "azure dragon fans," didn’t seem fake, right? Could it be that the Mechanical Court liked it by mistake?

Then, another shocking development occurred the next day.

Li Ming was returned!

The Mechanic Association reposted a video released by Azure Dragon. On the screen, Li Ming appeared worn out, but there were no visible injuries, and his speech was coherent.

"...Thanks to the various civilizations..."

Is he really back?

The interstellar network buzzed with excitement, disbelief, and skepticism.

Some said Azure Dragon fabricated a fake person to save face.

Others said the attackers, under pressure from the Three Great Civilizations, had no choice but to return him.

But soon, the spokespersons from the Empire, Federation, and Star Alliance all expressed their congratulations on the matter.

Various doubts subsided immediately. With certification from the Three Great Civilizations, even if it were fake, it would be real.

Yet, many questions remained.

What’s the deal with the Star Alliance’s attack video?

Who was the attacker?

This became a stage for many interstellar big shots, with various analyses emerging one after another.

The mainstream speculation was that the Star Alliance and Azure Dragon reached an agreement to neutralize the impact of the event invisibly before returning Li Ming.

There were many apparent pieces of evidence, and it wasn’t difficult to infer from them, but neither Azure Dragon nor the Star Alliance admitted to it.

These speculations ultimately fell into conspiracy theories.

From the attack on the Star Gate Node to the resolution of the event, it took only eight days.

But in these eight days, Azure Dragon refreshed many people’s understanding.

Adding a rather concrete impression to their vague and blurry concept—

Possessing terrifying connections, powerful enough to get the Three Great Civilizations to speak up publicly.

Gradually, Azure Dragon, this "rising interstellar star," also began to develop into an "old star."

The situation gradually calmed down, and beyond Twilight Star, there seemed to be more ships in the space orbit.

Today was the first day of the Dinner at Dusk, and in the Twilight Star’s central hall on the surface, countless glowing threads hung from the dome, weaving into a shimmering curtain.

The galaxy-long table flowed by itself, carrying steaming soup and sizzling roasted meat.

Most of those present were X-level Life Forms, varying in race and size.

But Anatoli had already arranged everything so that everyone stood appropriately in their places, and attendants in yellow robes shuttled among them.

The clinking of glasses could be heard continuously, with various X-level Life Forms gathered in groups, conversing with each other.

"...Has Lord Azure Dragon not come?"

No one knew who suddenly said this, causing the once lively atmosphere to quiet down immediately.

The expressions of the many X-level Life Forms present changed slightly, acquaintances exchanged a glance and quickly averted their eyes.

This Lord Azure Dragon had been making headlines throughout the interstellar realm recently.

A student’s kidnapping drew support from the Three Great Civilizations, what kind of influence is this?

"The High-level Life Form Union sent seven people, but it’s a pity that such an important figure didn’t come," the voice continued.

Everyone followed the sound and found it was an interstellar human, a somewhat unfamiliar face, holding an amber wine glass, sighing repeatedly.

Who is this guy with such audacity?

Isn’t this clearly saying that the seven people who came, together, aren’t as important as Azure Dragon alone?

He also seemed to realize he was speaking out of turn and quickly added, "Of course, I’m not saying the other seven aren’t important, it’s just... Lord Azure Dragon has extensive connections, and I previously offended the Empire, and I wanted to ask him for mediation..."

His explanation only made things worse, leaving the crowd looking even more peculiar.

"Thomas... he seems to be from the Federation, a newcomer who became an X-level Life Form only a decade ago. Why would Anatoli invite him?" someone whispered.

At the forefront, Gusta’s expression was calm, while members of the High-level Life Form Union glanced coldly around.

The banquet’s atmosphere was vaguely awkward.

At this moment, the lights around suddenly went out, strands of golden flowing light converged from all directions, gradually forming a human shape in the center of the banquet.

Bang!

The golden radiance exploded suddenly. Anatoli, wearing formal attire, slightly bowed, "Welcome, everyone, to the Dinner at Dusk."

The audience raised their glasses and nodded. The topic of Azure Dragon seemed to pass by, leaving only Thomas, who initially spoke, seemingly unaware of the surrounding atmosphere, and spoke again:

"Lord Anatoli, I received news earlier that Lord Azure Dragon might descend, why hasn’t he come?"

Anatoli paused slightly, shook his head, and said, "Lord Azure Dragon never responded to me that he would attend the Dinner at Dusk."

"Is that so?" The other was somewhat astonished, "I thought, for such an important banquet, he would surely descend."

Anatoli’s eyes narrowed slightly, while the others remained silent.

"Alright, let’s discuss the issue of Star Beasts," Gusta spoke.

Anatoli’s expression darkened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, "There’s no rush on the Star Beast issue..."

"We’re in a big hurry..." Sener smiled, "That’s what we came for; otherwise, who would waste time coming here to eat and drink?"

"Indeed..."

Anatoli’s expression grew increasingly indifferent. The Dinner at Dusk was supposed to be his main event, yet from the start, they talked about Azure Dragon.

Now, those people wouldn’t even let him speak, forcing him directly to the main topic.

He intended to use this gathering to bolster his reputation, but some wouldn’t allow him to succeed.

He then thought of Azure Dragon.

This person, quietly and silently, had gathered a massive reputation, making him very envious.

He initially intended to attract everyone here with the Star Beast, so it’s not suitable to fall out now. After a moment of thought, he said, "Since everyone is so eager, I won’t keep it a secret."

Though Anatoli said he wouldn’t keep it a secret, his words took a turn: "However, finding that Star Beast is not so simple, there are quite a few challenges."

"What do you mean?" Sener frowned displeasedly, "What’s going on exactly?"

"The Star Beast is not in the Main Universe Space but in an interstitial space, and it’s a relic of Terrax, with advanced technical means, very difficult to find. That’s the first difficulty," Anatoli explained.

"Interstitial space? Terrax?" Many exchanged glances, not having time to think further, as Anatoli continued:

"Secondly, the place’s form of existence is unique and its defensive strength is exceptionally high; trying to forcefully break in is unlikely..."