Chapter 1 The Modo Civilization

The Modo Civilization's homeworld, where the highest leader, the Modo Three Kings, and many high-ranking military officials were holding a meeting.

"News from the front, Iso has already taken action, and the plan is progressing smoothly so far."

"The priority is to have Iso leave the Shattered Star Ring and intervene in the civilizational conflicts of other star fields. That way, when Iso dies, Black Star will have to go to other star fields to deal with the matter, taking his troops away from his home base…"

"Although Iso's predictive abilities are useful, Black Star has been operating in the Shattered Star Ring for many years. He may not be able to escape on his own, so we need to help him and help him avoid scrutiny."

"Well, if he really can't escape, then we can only choose a civilization in the Shattered Star Ring to frame."

Many high-ranking officials present discussed the matter.

Just then, the Modo Three Kings received a secret message, and their eyes flickered. They suddenly said:

"Adjourn the meeting for half an hour."

Everyone was stunned for a moment, but they didn't object. They got up and left the conference room in single file.

After everyone left, only the Modo Three Kings remained in the room. At this time, a virtual communication screen appeared on the table, emitting an aged chuckle.

"Hehe, nice to meet you. I am honored to meet the three of you."

"The Machinery Country!"

The Modo Three Kings looked grim.

Just now, the Machinery Country contacted the Modo Civilization, specifically requesting to discuss a cooperation with the Three Kings. So the secretary came to ask for their opinion, and the Modo Three Kings finally decided to hear what the Machinery Country had to say.

Everyone in the universe knew that the Machinery Country's current situation was extremely awkward. Many super-star cluster civilizations saw an opportunity to win them over and wanted to cooperate with the Machinery Country secretly, but Manison had not loosened his stance, nor had he explicitly refused. Because of the Machinery Country's special situation at this time, the leaders of the super-star cluster civilizations attached great importance to the Machinery Country's attitude.

"Your Majesties, I know you are busy, so I won't beat around the bush… I have considered your previous suggestions, and now I plan to conduct a cooperation with the Modo Civilization," Manison said lightly.

"What kind of cooperation?"

"How about we secretly join forces to deal with the Black Star Army?"

The Modo Three Kings looked at each other and did not immediately agree. Instead, they asked, "So many super-star cluster civilizations want to cooperate with you, why choose our Modo?"

"Hehe, it's simple. I have no interest in intervening in the struggles between the three major civilizations and you. My only target is Black Star, and you are the most suitable partners. He is our common enemy, and I can reasonably intervene."

"Be specific."

"The Unified Front requires Super-A Grade members to remain neutral, and participation in the war is despised, but Black Star, as the vice president, used a personal feud as a reason to go to war with the Modo Civilization. I, as the president, can also follow suit, using my grievances with Black Star as an excuse to join forces with you to deal with the Black Star Army, so even if it is found out, no one can say anything."

Manison's tone was calm, revealing the meaning of "He made the first move, I will make the fifteenth."

The Modo Three Kings thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

Although they hoped that the Machinery Country would join the Super-Star Cluster Alliance's camp and turn around to deal with the three major civilizations, such hope was, after all, slim. Now that they said they were only targeting Black Star, the Modo Civilization could also accept it. Now Black Star has put them in a bad situation, and solving this problem was not a bad idea.

"So you plan to send troops to help us fight against the Black Star Army?"

"That's not the case." Manison shook his head slightly. "My forces in the Flickering World are not as good as Black Star's, and directly fighting the Black Star Army also violates the establishment purpose of the Development Union…"

"If you don't send troops, how else will you strike at Black Star?"

Manison's tone was indifferent, and he slowly said:

"There are many places to strike, such as attacking Black Star's reputation… The three major civilizations used me as a negative example to build momentum for him, which has affected my position in the Mechanical Church and damaged my interests. I have to find a way to destroy Black Star's reputation. This is why I decided to cooperate with you.

"And what I can do is to provide assistance in the dark, such as letting the forces planted in the Flickering World and the Shattered Star Ring secretly do something. After all, your troops are being watched very closely, while my people can move freely in the dark."

Hearing this, the Modo Three Kings frowned.

If the Machinery Country was unwilling to officially participate in the war, then its effect would be limited.

However, putting themselves in his shoes, the two sides had no friendship to begin with, and the Machinery Country was not doing well at the moment, so it could only keep a low profile. Naturally, it was impossible for its own troops to work for the super-star cluster civilizations.

Moreover, what the Machinery Country said was not wrong. The troops of the super-star cluster civilizations were being watched too closely, so it was inconvenient to act. However, the Machinery Country had planted a large number of affiliated forces in various star fields, forming an intelligence network and a resource network, which could still help a lot.

"… Alright, we are happy to cooperate with you. We will discuss the specific plan later."

"Okay, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."

Manison smiled noncommittally and cut off the communication.

Seeing this, the Modo Three Kings relaxed and looked at each other. They understood each other's thoughts from each other's eyes.

—If Manison's people were to help transport Iso out of the Shattered Star Ring, then the success rate would be far higher than if we acted on our own.

Although the three had not yet decided whether to let the Machinery Country participate in this plan, no matter what, having an extra insurance was definitely a good thing. If they could not send Iso out of the Shattered Star Ring, letting the Machinery Country take over would not be too late.

Moreover, if Iso died in the hands of the Machinery Country, then the goal could also be achieved, and even better!

However, what the Three Kings did not know while making their calculations was that Manison's motives for proposing cooperation were not pure. Although he also wanted to strike at Black Star, that was not his main goal.

The tip-off showed that the Modo Civilization had transferred the Soul Transfer Device, definitely to deal with someone, most likely Black Star. So Manison wanted to cooperate with Modo under the pretext of Black Star to try to intervene in the related actions, obtain more information, and help him find the whereabouts of the Soul Transfer Device.

—Taking advantage of the fire to loot the Soul Transfer Device, that was his intention!

In any case, there was nothing to lose. Whether it succeeded or not, it was worth a try.

…

In the cabin, two bodies shrouded in shadows lay on the ground, one large and one small. At this time, they were motionless like vegetative people. They were the Soul Transfer Twins.

Standing beside them were two normal-sized cosmic humans, one male and one female, who were moving their hands and feet. The ink-crystal-like Soul Transfer Device floated beside the two.

"This body is a martial artist, strong in physique. It feels pretty good. It's been a long time since I've felt so healthy," the man said, rubbing his neck with a look of satisfaction.

"Stop dawdling. This is just a temporary shell. Quickly put our main bodies away," the woman scolded.

This man and woman were the Soul Transfer Twins who had changed their bodies: the older brother, Gil Amerson, and the younger brother, Warren Amerson.

The Soul Transfer Device also worked on them. They could transfer their souls to other people's bodies, completing a "seizing" behavior.

After changing bodies, their abilities would not transfer together. They could only exert the body's original abilities and combat power. For example, if they transferred to a D-grade Super, their combat power would also become D-grade… However, their soul strength was not affected. It still remained at the original B-grade, which did not prevent them from using the effect of the Soul Transfer Device.

The two's qualifications to use the Soul Transfer Device came from soul authentication and had nothing to do with the body used. Even if they changed their bodies into a dog, they could still use it.

This ability was one of the reasons why the two were confident in escaping. They could constantly switch bodies, making them highly concealed.

"Brother, although we are free now, that hidden danger has not been eliminated…" Warren pointed to his head.

"Yeah, that mental trap is a problem, but fortunately, the Modo Civilization probably thinks we can't detect it."

Gil pursed his lips in disdain.

The mental trap set by the Modo Civilization's direct line Super-A Grade mage was implanted in the two's souls and would not disappear because of the soul transfer.

Logically speaking, with the two's level of only around B-grade, not to mention removing this mental trap, they would not even be able to detect it. They should have been kept in the dark… However, the Soul Transfer Device had an auxiliary function for detecting the state of the soul.

Cosmic Wonder-grade treasures basically had a certain "absolute" nature. Not to mention the mental traps set by ordinary Super-A Grades, even the mental spells of peak Super-A Grades could not hide from the Soul Transfer Device's detection as long as they acted on the soul… This was like the "absolute" nature of the Time-Space Amber. As long as the principle was not cracked, the combined attacks of ten peak Super-A Grades could not damage the Time-Space Amber in the slightest.

With the two's meager strength alone, it was wishful thinking to break the Super-A Grade's mental trap. But with a Cosmic Wonder, it was different. Even if the two were limited by their own strength, and the power and range limit of the Soul Transfer Device were not high, there were still ways to deal with this hidden danger in an emergency.

The Soul Transfer Device did not have the effect of "purifying the soul", but the two planned to absorb a large number of souls, merge them into a mental power far exceeding their own, and constantly wear away the magical restrictions in their brain regions…

This plan would consume a large number of souls and would inevitably harm many living beings, but the two obviously had no choice and did not care in their hearts.

"Brother, do we have any plans for the future?"

"Of course, it's to escape to a place where no one knows us and live in seclusion, seize a body with full potential, and then slowly train our strength. As long as we grow to the Calamity Grade or even the Super-A Grade, we can walk sideways in this universe!"

Gil deeply understood the principle of "growing up is the only truth", and flames of ambition danced in his eyes.

In his heart, becoming the only qualified person for the Soul Transfer Device was both a blessing and a curse.

The blessing was naturally that the Soul Transfer Device only recognized the two of them as users, just like the pride of heaven.

The misfortune was that the two were imprisoned by the Modo Civilization for many years and subjected to countless inhumane experiments, and their temperaments gradually became manic.

But the dark years of misfortune had passed, and the days ahead were full of hope. The Soul Transfer Device had brought them endless possibilities… From now on, the sea was wide enough for fish to leap, and the sky was high enough for birds to fly!

…

Longtan Floating Island.

Hot steam filled the luxurious palace, and the line of sight was a hazy mist. In the depths of the blurred water vapor, the sound of splashing water could be heard from time to time.

Whoosh—

The dense water mist was stirred, and a tall and burly figure suddenly appeared beside the clothes rack in the palace. The Emperor's Mechanical Suit covering his body automatically took off. With a flash of light, it shuttled back, leaving only Han Xiao in black clothes in place.

The sound of water in the room paused for a moment, and a ball of green force field wrapped in water vapor attacked like a cannonball. Han Xiao turned a blind eye and let it hit his chest, making a muffled sound. His body remained motionless.

"You scared me. Next time you teleport over, say hello first," Emersy's helpless voice came from the water mist.

Han Xiao's gaze penetrated the water mist, and he saw a black crystal-like luxurious bathtub in the center of the room. Emersy tied her hair up with a white cloth and sat in the bathtub with her back to him. He could only see her fair and slender jade neck and her rounded and smooth fragrant shoulders, her skin as smooth as congealed fat, delicate and breakable.

"Taking a bath?" Han Xiao snapped his fingers. "Hurry up and finish washing. I have something to tell you."

"What is it?" Emersy tilted her head slightly, revealing her exquisite profile. Her long eyelashes were covered with water droplets, and she blinked gently.

"About Iso, he's gone missing."

"… Wait for me."

Emersy did not avoid Han Xiao and stood up straight away. She directly heated up her body temperature, and the white steam hissed and scattered. Her body surface instantly returned to dryness.

She walked out of the bathtub and casually summoned a black dress hanging to the side with a force field. With a slight spin, she put it on and untied her turban, letting her hair fall down.

Super-A Grade bodies would not be stained with dirt. Bathing was mainly for enjoyment. As long as the body temperature was adjusted to the level of a normal person, one could feel the feeling of soaking in a hot spring again, so there was no need to deliberately look for magma.

"Let's go, let's talk outside."

The two walked out of the palace and came to the garden. Emersy sat down on a lounge chair, staring at Han Xiao with her eyes blinking, her face slightly strange.

"I allowed Iso to help you, but you let him run away. That's not very qualified… You wouldn't be deliberately letting him go, would you? That's too bad."

"Cough cough, you're thinking too much." Han Xiao coughed unnaturally and said without changing his expression, "Didn't I come to inform you as soon as possible?"

Emersy propped up her chin with one hand and teased, "It seems that even the Black Star, who is famous throughout the universe, will still be defeated by a prophetic master."

"After all, he's one of our own. I can't really put him under house arrest, can I?"

Han Xiao smiled indifferently, then suddenly his expression turned solemn and he said seriously:

"I'm not joking, my intuition tells me there's something wrong here. Iso didn't necessarily leave voluntarily."

"Oh?" Emersy's eyebrows furrowed, the smile on her face disappeared, and she asked in surprise, "Could someone have kidnapped him?"

"That's unlikely. I had people set up enough guards for him. If it was a physical kidnapping, it would definitely alarm me."

"Then someone must have mentally manipulated him?"

"That's the problem. I had the guards around Iso bring all kinds of mental protection devices, mental wave detection devices, and energy wave detectors. If someone used telekinesis, soul magic, mental abilities, or the like on him, it would trigger an alarm, even for a Super-A Grade, it would leave traces, but none of these devices reacted… So I suspect that Iso may have been manipulated in an unknown way."

Although souls and spirits were not the fields that mechanical technology was good at, it was not completely without research. It was just far less proficient than magical technology, after all, there were specializations in arts.

"What way?" Emersy asked.

"I don't know either, I'll have to find Iso and examine him before I know." Han Xiao shook his head.

In fact, if the conspiracy theory assumption was correct, he was very curious about how Iso was tricked. It was simply silent and he did not know what method it was.

"I'll find him with you." Emersy narrowed her eyes, her eyes flashing with a dangerous light, her eyebrows showing a fierce air, "How dare you attack my people, do you think I'm dead?!"

"Don't be so excited, it's just my guess, it's not too late to investigate and find out." Han Xiao comforted Emersy.

Today, he came over to give Emersy a shot in the arm, to be a little bit of a conspiracy theorist, so that she would be mentally prepared, to prevent the emotional breakdown that happened in his previous life.

Han Xiao knew Emersy's character quite well. Don't look at her usual appearance of not caring about anything, but her relatives and friends such as Iso, Jenny, Hela, and Aurora were her Achilles' heel. Once threatened, she would turn into an angry female Tyrannosaurus, throwing all the rules behind her head, no matter what enemy she would face, she would go straight up, not caring about the consequences at all.

At this time, Han Xiao asked Phillip to send a message. A few seconds later, the Emperor's Mechanical Suit once again teleported out of thin air to his side. The helmet opened, revealing Fording inside.

"Army Commander, I'm here."

Han Xiao nodded and turned to explain to Emersy:

"Iso's predictive ability is very suitable for hiding. Conventional methods are difficult to catch him, so we need some luck."

This time, he not only brought Fording, but also planned to bring Roddick. Using the Emperor's Mechanical Suit to teleport the three of them over would save time on the road. As for manpower, he would directly mobilize the Black Star Army's troops in the Shattered Star Ring.

"All the people in Longtan are also lent to you for dispatch, don't care about anything else, I only want Iso."

Emersy handed over the command to Han Xiao without saying a word, then stood up expressionlessly, unwilling to delay for even a second, her tone was unquestionable:

"Let's set off now!"