Chapter 183 Secret Meeting

In a secret conference room within a Blood Gold Organization base, remote projections of over a dozen high-ranking members appeared one after another. They were of various species: a spacefaring human with a large beard and an eyepatch covering his right eye like a pirate, an Andor bee-person with black skin, a gaunt figure, and three pairs of yellow crystal-like eyes on his face, and a Void Hunter with sleek, blue-purple armor all over his body.

The figures present were not ordinary individuals. Each had a history of nefarious deeds in different regions. Most had substantial bounties on their heads from various civilizations. Their combat prowess even among Calamity grades was exceptional. Now, they were employed by the Blood Gold Organization, each in control of different teams. They rarely acted personally, mostly in a semi-retired state.

“As you all know, we've been experiencing some difficulties lately. The Crimson Empire and the Black Star Army have imposed sanctions on us. Marlo, Vansesna, and Indeir, three of our top executives, have been assassinated.”

The leader of the Blood Gold Organization clasped his hands together, resting them against his nose. It was a classic pose, the look in his eyes bewitching, and his tone serious.

The current Blood Gold leader was a male humanoid, a Gliese Federation citizen, an elite specimen produced through genetic modifications. He was a robust figure in his prime.

Unlike the high-ranking members present, his background was relatively clean. He wasn't a wanted criminal but rather one of a group of elites cultivated from childhood by the previous Blood Gold leader. After the old leader died of old age, he inherited the leadership position, which he had held for over thirty years.

The Blood Gold Organization itself was quite old. The current leader was the twelfth generation leader.

The Interstellar Black Market had existed longer than some galactic-level or even cluster-level civilizations. Its administrators had changed batch after batch. The Blood Gold Organization only passed the examinations of other administrators and obtained a seat as an Interstellar Black Market administrator two hundred years ago.

“Poor Marlo, I still owed him seven million, two hundred and three thousand and fifty Enas. He really was a good man, dying so promptly.” An executive resembling an octopus monster rubbed his eyes with a tentacle, squeezing out a single tear.

“Now is not the time for jokes. The Crimson Empire killing our top executives is clearly a deterrent, a punishment for us snatching goods from the Empire's allies, wanting us to retreat and stop coveting the Evolutionary Totems... The problem is, how did the high-level information leak?”

The Andor bee-person, with his black, slender voice, spoke slowly and deliberately.

The Blood Gold leader said in a deep voice, “Some time ago, Koranshta's team encountered Black Star's mechanical troops. Black Star himself must have personally taken action to lock onto the executives' whereabouts... Usually, we're the ones deterring others, but this time, we've been targeted by a higher level of power. The Crimson Empire and the Black Star Army are not to be trifled with. We need to consider our options.”

“Hmph, the Black Star Army is far away in the Shattered Star Ring. At such a distance, the threat to us is limited. Besides, the Black Star Army is only powerful in the Shattered Star Ring. They don't have much influence in other star systems. Their scale is far smaller than ours. Only Black Star himself is difficult to deal with... We don't need to worry about them for now. The Crimson Empire is what we need to focus on,” the pirate-like bearded man said in a boisterous tone.

“That's what I think too,” the Blood Gold leader nodded.

The Blood Gold Organization's business spanned three star systems. Its scale was larger than the Black Star Army. In their eyes, the Black Star Army itself wasn't that frightening. What they needed to be wary of was Black Star himself. In comparison, the Crimson Empire's stern attitude was the fundamental reason why the Blood Gold Organization was on high alert.

“Gliese and the Arcane Church have approached us. If we continue to seize the Evolutionary Totems, we will face further retaliation from the Crimson Empire. If we stop, Gliese and the Arcane Church will abandon us,” the Blood Gold leader said slowly.

“I opposed interfering with the Evolutionary Totem issue from the start. It involves a struggle between three great civilizations. We're just pawns. Once we get caught up in the turmoil, we'll have no control over ourselves. It would be better to operate discreetly,” one of the executives couldn't help but complain.

“Tsk, Gliese and the Arcane Church approached us. Do you think they would give us room to refuse? Hugging their thighs at least gives us hope for further advancement. Rejecting their olive branch would mean losing everything we have now. Interstellar Black Market administrator? Don't even think about it. We'd slowly shrink into an insignificant Black Market mercenary organization, wiped out one day... We couldn't stay out of it from the moment they came to our door.”

The Blood Gold leader's tone was icy.

The Interstellar Black Market was a vast coalition of interests. Each administrator was a leader in a different gray industry, so they needed a lot of backers and protection. Among the Black Market administrators, the organizations in the brokerage industry had the greatest say. They persuaded different civilizations through various means, providing protection for other administrators and establishing intricate relationships.

If the Blood Gold Organization incurred the displeasure of Gliese and the Arcane Church, the subsequent impact wouldn't be limited to just one organization. If the businesses of other Black Market administrators were affected, they might unite and kick the Blood Gold Organization out of the high-level seat, no longer providing protection and support.

Since people had chosen you, a gray organization unprotected by interstellar law, you still wanted to stay out of the muddy waters and remain neutral...

There was no such thing!

“Cosmic civilizations are as overbearing as ever. This is the tragedy of gray forces without the protection of order.”

The Void Hunter executive couldn't help but sigh. People in the martial world couldn't help themselves.

“Then what do we do? Gliese and the Arcane Church won't just sit by and watch us all get assassinated, will they?” the bearded man said gruffly.

Just then, two more remote projections appeared in the room, wearing the uniforms of Gliese and the Arcane Church.

“Regarding this matter, I've already spoken with people from Gliese and the Arcane Church.” The Blood Gold leader stood up. “Let me introduce them. These two are envoys from Gliese and the Arcane Church. He...”

Before he could finish speaking, the Gliese Federation envoy waved his hand and said:

“There's no need to introduce names. Let's get straight to the point. The Gliese Federation is aware of the price you've paid and deeply sympathizes. Therefore, we and the Arcane Church will provide protection for the high-ranking members of the Blood Gold Organization, secretly escorting you to the Sea of Stars and the Silver Spiral Arm. In our territory, the Crimson Empire and the Black Star Army can't touch you. You can remotely control the organization and continue to hoard Evolutionary Totems. At the same time, we will also provide you with some resource support.”

The ownership of the Scepter of the Everlasting was a point of contention between Gliese and the Arcane Church, but that didn't prevent them from cooperating begrudgingly on the Evolutionary Totem issue. After all, the Evolutionary Totem was related to the genetic improvement of billions of citizens across the entire civilization. Its strategic significance was too great. Where there were mutual benefits, there were no eternal enemies… However, it was certain that the two sides didn't see eye to eye.

Hearing this, the Blood Gold Organization executives all breathed a sigh of relief. If their personal safety was guaranteed, they could act as pawns with peace of mind.

“Forgive me for being blunt, but I have a question.”

Just then, the Andor bee-person executive suddenly spoke:

“Seizing Evolutionary Totems purchased by other civilizations is an extremely inefficient method. If we seize too many, we might encounter Black Star's guard forces like last time. They can't possibly let us keep seizing them indefinitely.”

The Gliese Federation envoy smiled and nodded. “You're right. This is not a long-term solution. Relying solely on plundering cannot satisfy large-scale demand. Do you have any ideas?”

“With the spread of the Legacy of the Fallen God, the method of manufacturing Evolutionary Totems is no longer a secret. Obviously, the most fundamental solution is to seize the Evolutionary Cube, which serves as the energy source, from Black Star!” A cold light flashed in the eyes of this Blood Gold Organization executive.

“You're right... Unfortunately, this method is not feasible at the moment.”

The Arcane Church envoy interrupted coldly:

“Because of the existence of the Evolutionary Totems, the strategic significance of the Evolutionary Cube has greatly increased. Based on the Empire's emphasis on the totems, if we seize the Evolutionary Cube, there won't be any room for reconciliation like in the Beacon Star battle. If we succeed, it will be an official declaration of war… The three of us civilizations won't go to war with each other until the very last moment, lest others benefit.

“Besides… do you think Black Star is easy to deal with? Easy to say! If we hadn't known about the existence of the Evolutionary Totems in advance, why would we have taken the initiative to provoke the Beacon Star battle at the risk of offending the Empire? We tried it last time, and now several Super-A grades are sealed in Temporal Amber. Why don't you go find Black Star and try it?!”

“No, no.” The executive had nothing to say, cleared his throat, and waved his hands repeatedly.

Just kidding, Black Star is such a big shot. How can I, an ordinary Calamity grade, withstand him?

The Gliese Federation envoy nodded and said, “He's right. At least at this stage, none of us intend to risk seizing the Evolutionary Cube. That's the last resort. Now there's another way… and that is to get the Empire to voluntarily open up the right to sell the totems.”

“Is that… really possible?” The Blood Gold leader couldn't help but be skeptical.

“Hmph, the situation is like this. Black Star himself doesn't actually care about publicly selling Evolutionary Totems, but because of the Empire's supervision, he won't risk offending his allies by selling them privately. It's impossible for him to give others a handle, so the target shouldn't be the Black Star Army, but the Crimson Empire.

“Only if the Crimson Empire compromises will we have a chance to obtain Evolutionary Totems on a large scale.

“And to get the Crimson Empire to back down, there are only a few methods: military deterrence, exchange of benefits, joint pressure… You're all very clear about the Empire's style. Military deterrence is a pipe dream, and for an exchange of benefits, we're bound to bleed heavily. Without giving core technology and resources, the Empire won't agree, which would be a loss greater than the gain.

“So, the option we've chosen is joint pressure, exerting pressure on the Empire from the economic, trade, political, security, and other aspects. Your Blood Gold Organization is just one link in this plan.

“The Crimson Empire has invested a lot of resources and energy to develop the Flickering World, so it will become weaker in other areas. This is the best time to maximize the pressure and also strike at the Empire's objectives… Gradually tightening the noose, forcing the Empire to make trade-offs!”

One of the executives shuddered. “Is it really okay to tell us such classified information…”

“Heh, there's nothing to keep secret. This is a clear scheme. When the Empire chose not to publicly sell the Evolutionary Totems, they knew this day would come. And you're our partners now, so it's okay to tell you.” The Gliese Federation envoy didn't care.

The Blood Gold leader frowned. “What if the pressure fails?”

The Gliese Federation envoy glanced at him and smiled coldly.

“If the Empire stubbornly refuses to compromise, then we can only consider starting from the source.”

…

Sea of Stars, Infinite Financial Group headquarters, the personal parlor of the group's leader.

Four figures sat around a table, on which were placed four cups filled with a refreshing, light green plant beverage, steaming gently with a fragrant aroma.

“I heard that the top executives of the Blood Gold Organization were assassinated some time ago. Your Gliese Federation and the Arcane Church are making them work hard. You wouldn't just leave them to their own devices, would you?”

Sorokin held the cup with both hands, took a sip, and looked at the other three people at the table. All of them were Super-A grades whose stomps could make major powers tremble three times.

One was “Machinery Country” Maynard, who had come to the meeting in a mechanical body. One was the Arcane Church's peak Super-A grade ally, “Void Overlord” Cthulhu's avatar, and the other was Gorotan, the “Beast Ancestor,” one of the behind-the-scenes protectors of the Interstellar Black Market.

And these three had one thing in common… they were all shareholders of the Infinite Financial Group!

“That kind of trivial matter is not under my control.” Maynard's tone was emotionless.

Gorotan was huge, picked up the cup with his hairy fingers, tilted his head, poured the drink into his mouth, and smacked his lips. “I just received news that the Blood Gold Organization has already contacted the envoys of Gliese and the Arcane Church and reached a consensus.”

The Interstellar Black Market was of such a grand scale, so naturally there were Super-A grades to support it. Some Black Market administrators themselves were Super-A grade forces. The Interstellar Black Market was a coalition of interests of the lawful evil camp, not belonging to any one person, and was protected by multiple Super-A grades. Gorotan was one of them, his nature being the same as that of the shareholders of the Infinite Financial Group.

Hearing this, Sorokin narrowed his eyes.

“If I understand correctly, because of the Evolutionary Totems, the forces represented by the three of you plan to join hands in cooperation?”

“You could say that.” Cthulhu's voice had a ethereal, empty, and eerie feeling. “We came to you for this matter. You can think of us as envoys.”

Sorokin played with the cup and said lightly, “To be honest, I don't really want to get involved in this matter.”

“You're not interested in the Evolutionary Totems?” Gorotan's voice was thunderous.

“No, I don't think there's any force in the entire universe that isn't interested in the Evolutionary Totems.” Sorokin was expressionless. “However, based on my understanding of the Black Star Army, the result of rashly intervening is that the risks outweigh the benefits. I don't like to do unprofitable deals.”

Maynard nodded. “I understand. Not only do you have business cooperation with Gliese and the Arcane Church, but you also have business dealings with the Empire. You don't want to offend either side. Your Infinite Financial Group is different from gray forces. You're a legitimate business organization protected by law, and you have the capital to remain neutral.”

“That's right, that's it.” Sorokin spread his hands.

“Haha, don't worry, we won't make you do anything excessive.” Maynard's mechanical body laughed, but the electronic sound didn't convey any laughter.

“Oh? Then I wonder how I can help?”

“We hope that the Infinite Financial Group will come forward and invest in the Shattered Star Ring, using legitimate commercial competition to squeeze the Black Star Army's market and status. With the Infinite Financial Group's financial resources, this is just a small matter. You won't attack the Evolutionary Totems, and the Empire can't interfere with your normal business behavior.”

Sorokin raised an eyebrow. “Why do you want me to do this?”

“This is one link in exerting pressure on the Crimson Empire. The Black Star Army's opinions influence the Empire's attitude toward the Evolutionary Totems to a certain extent, and such a large business must let Black Star know that he can't eat it alone… Of course, in addition to these official reasons, I also have some conflicts of interest with him,” Maynard said lightly.

Sorokin smiled lightly. “It turns out that Lord Machinery Country has conflicts with Black Star. To be honest, I and Black Star… hehe, also have some private grievances.”

“Then you've agreed?”

“The opinions of the three shareholders must of course be taken seriously, but… the Black Star Army's business is not so easy to seize.”

Sorokin's face became serious, and he said earnestly:

“I've done research on the Black Star Army. They've developed rapidly and are involved in dozens of industries, but the core businesses are four: armed employment, resource planet development through cooperation with local civilizations, Flickering World development, and Evolutionary Totem sales… Forgive me for being blunt, but the last three are all unique businesses that are difficult for outsiders to get involved in. Their core businesses are difficult to strike at. Our Infinite Financial Group can only start from other places.

“Fortunately, the Black Star Army has only been established for just over twenty years. No matter how stable the foundation, it won't be very stable. However, this still requires very high costs…

“So, in the end, what are the benefits of me doing this?”

Hearing this, Maynard moved his fingers, and a virtual screen appeared on the table, displaying a long list in a slow, orderly manner:

“Resource support, political capital, deeper cooperation projects, more open industries… The details are all on it. The risk you need to take is at most the Crimson Empire reducing cooperation projects with you, but now it's the interstellar era. The Empire can't completely terminate all normal business cooperation with you. What you can get is a deeper level of commercial ties with two cosmic civilizations…

“You believe in rewards and risks, and I believe you can make the right trade-offs. You can have a month to consider it, and then give us an answer.”

“No need for so long. I can tell you the answer now.”

Sorokin laughed.

“It sounds like a good deal.”

————

(Dian Niang seems to have a bug. I was stuck in the background for a while before I could post it.)