Chapter 245: A Storm is Brewing

On the sky screen of the Main Planet, Li Yu's sorrowful expression was reflected very clearly, slowly recounting his painful experiences.

"...Dark Star is the incarnation of evil..."

"...Dark Star is the incarnation of darkness..."

"...Dark Star is the incarnation of terror..."

Among the many civilizations that had reached broadcast agreements with Return Star, Li Yu's face appeared on the projection screens of every household.

In Li Yu's account, Dark Star was a powerful and tyrannical figure, terrifying to the point where he would feel itchy all over if he didn't kill someone every day.

"...He..." Li Yu's eye sockets reddened slightly, as if recalling some tragic experience: "...is also my nightmare. I frequently wake up in start from my dreams, seeing him standing at the head of my bed, cold sweat soaking my back..."

Prince Connor felt somewhat Speechless.Are you addicted to acting? I don't think there was this much drama in the speech draft.

"Cough, cough..." He coughed dryly twice, feeling that if this continued, the act would be a bit overdone. He stepped forward, speaking with a slightly sorrowful tone:

Being silently edged out by Connor, Li Yu instantly felt somewhat displeased. He hadn't finished speaking yet.

Below, the many reporters and flying camera devices instantly shifted their focus to Connor.

Connor waved his hand, and a huge Holographic Screen was instantly projected behind him, with a massive amount of information and data emerging.

"According to our investigation, for a very long time, this Dark Star was funded by the Star Glory Empire to conduct unknown secret activities in the No Man's Land System..."

As soon as these words came out, it instantly caused a massive uproar. Anything involving the Star Glory Empire could always attract more attention.

"Are you implying that the Xinhuo Virus was released by the Star Glory Empire?"

A reporter immediately asked, Impatient. Connor's expression turned stern. He frowned slightly, glanced at the reporter's name badge, and shook his head: "This reporter from Gust News, it is not yet time for questions..."

"However..." His tone shifted, and he turned to say: "I can answer this question for you..."

"Although there is already a massive amount of evidence proving that the Xinhuo Virus originated from Dark Star's warship, there is no evidence whatsoever proving that the virus was released by the Star Glory Empire..."

Connor's tone was heavy: "As a top-tier Universe civilization, the Star Glory Empire bears the role of guiding and supervising other civilizations."

"I believe... they will definitely give an explanation for this matter."

At this moment, Connor's posture was sacred and devout, as if firmly and unwaveringly agreeing with his own words.

Watching him, Li Yu's stomach churned. How come Edwin wasn't the least bit like his father.

There were a massive amount of questions afterward. Connor picked a few less sharp questions to answer. Anyway, the gist was—

"The Star Glory Empire is definitely not the mastermind behind the scenes; we believe in big brother Star Glory."

He really had a knack for disgusting people. How was this believing in the Star Glory Empire? This was blatantly hinting that this matter was definitely related to the Star Glory Empire.

At the same time, Dark Star's information was also disseminated on a large scale. The connection between Dark Star and the Star Glory Empire was no secret.

A slight investigation could uncover it, and it was all ironclad evidence, not forged.

For a time, Li Yu was once again In the Eye of the Storm. The recipient of the Golden Cross Medal, identifying the mastermind behind the Xinhuo Virus at the Awarding Ceremony.

At the same time, the past events of Li Yu being wanted were dug up again, adding a bit more persuasiveness to his claims.

The reason Li Yu could gain such massive prestige in Return Star was heavily related to his wanted status.

Because it wasn't for vicious crimes, like massacre or murder... such crimes against humanity.

Rather, it was something like kidnapping an Imperial Noble, later proven that Dark Star had taken over the entire Heavenly Desolation Star, causing him to be forced into it to survive.

And there was also something about disrupting the Star Glory Empire's strategic plans. This had even less to do with Return Star, and many people even cheered for it.

"...If Dark Star sees this news, he'll definitely explode with anger..." Backstage, Li Yu said half-jokingly, half-seriously.

"Even if he's angry, he can't possibly come over to assassinate you." Connor didn't care.

"Who knows..." Li Yu acted casual: "Maybe there will be some foolish move, like counter-accusing that I am the poisoner or something."

Connor glanced at him, frowning: "He shouldn't be that stupid, right..."

"Hard to say..." Li Yu shook his head, appearing inscrutable.

...

Somewhere in the Universe, a dilapidated warship was sailing slowly, seemingly aimlessly.

"How dare you!?"

Dark Star glared furiously, staring at the figure on the screen, his whole body trembling.

After leaving the No Man's Land System, he had never cared about the virus matter, because in his mind, it was just a trivial matter.

Yet it was exactly this trivial matter that suddenly slapped a shitpot on his head, and it was even his old rival... no, some ant who slapped it on.

Ever since being beaten up last time, Dark Star had paid close attention to any information regarding Li Yu. Although he scoffed at this Awarding Ceremony, he still watched it against his will.

And then found a shitpot flying right at his face.

Dark Star's expression was Moody. He suddenly remembered that back then, he did find his Mothership somewhat amiss.

But he was in a hurry to find Glazed Star's father, so he didn't care too much.

Since he wasn't the one who did the virus, there was only one possibility—Li Yu!

Because at that point in time, the only one he could confirm was on the Mothership was Li Yu!

Instantly, he understood. Since Li Yu had gained massive prestige in Return Star, he definitely had to eliminate the loose ends left in the past, and the Xinhuo Virus was the biggest black mark.

And he became the best Scapegoat!

Dark Star gnashed his teeth in anger. On one hand, it was because of Li Yu's framing, and on the other hand, it was because he actually held such a great lethal weapon against Li Yu but never knew it.

Now he was counter-utilized by the other party. But in reality, he was completely ignorant of the virus matter. If Li Yu hadn't slapped the shitpot on him, he would have found it hard to make the connection.

Buzz, buzz—the Smart Terminal vibrated continuously. He glanced at the display, frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, and still chose to answer.

"The Lord wants to speak with you..."

On the black screen, a white sound wave line undulated up and down, and words without any emotional fluctuation came out.

Dark Star remained silent for a moment and nodded: "I know."

He hung up the communication and walked towards another cabin, which housed a peculiarly styled Smart Terminal.

Ordinary Smart Terminals had many styles: portable watch styles, minimalist Glasses styles, nostalgic pocket watch styles, and the classic brick style.

Although there were many styles, without exception, they were all small and exquisite. But this Smart Terminal in front of him was very huge, occupying half the room, with complex and dense mechanical parts.

Activating the Smart Terminal, the screen displayed layer upon layer of encryption locks, extremely complex.

Dark Star carefully inputted various passwords and verified his Vital Signs information before successfully opening the Smart Terminal. And this massive Smart Terminal only had one function—a Communication Link.

Beep, beep, beep...

The wait for the communication to be permitted seemed exceptionally long.

Beep.

The notification tone of the communication establishment sounded. The screen suddenly went black, and a blurred face appeared on the screen, like facial contours outlined by pixel blocks.

The other party remained silent without saying a word, and Dark Star was equally silent.

"You've disappointed me too much..."

The blurred portrait moved, and the Communicator emitted a mechanically synthesized voice.

"I gave you many resources, yet you accomplished nothing. A mere B-Tier Lifeform forced you into such a state."

Dark Star clenched his fists, no longer possessing his former bearing, and gritted his teeth: "He's different. He's not an ordinary B-Tier Lifeform, his methods are very special."

"Enough!" The voice of the blurred figure sank, its tone cold: "Are you trying to make me understand how a B-Tier Lifeform defeated you?"

Dark Star lowered his head, suppressing the anger in his heart, but he could only honestly accept the reprimand. He said with some unwillingness: "I need a new fleet, I want to slaughter that guy!"

"You want to charge into the Return Star Central Star System? If you have that Strength, I will prepare enough logistics for you..." The blurred figure's tone was cold: "If you don't, then honestly squat down for me!"

"He can't possibly hide in the Central Star System forever. He will come out sooner or later. As long as he comes out..." Dark Star spoke very quickly, wanting to persuade the other party.

"He comes out... and then what? You kill him, get caught by Return Star, and to survive, you expose my existence... right?"

"I wouldn't dare..." Dark Star was terrified, his tone humble.

"You can only move when I let you move, understand?"

Dark Star's breathing instantly quickened a bit. He wanted to say something, but didn't open his mouth, only nodding.

The blurred figure remained silent for a moment, then spoke again: "Regarding the Xinhuo Virus..."

Hearing this, Dark Star immediately explained: "The Xinhuo Virus has nothing to do with me. In all likelihood, Li Blamed the Accuser; he was the one who released the virus."

"He released it?" The blurred figure appeared slightly surprised, then added: "So that was why the Research Institute tried every means to find you earlier."

Hearing this, a chill ran down Dark Star's spine. The Imperial Research Institute was looking for him?

He had also heard of this department. Even if he was an A-Tier Lifeform, being targeted by the Imperial Research Institute would do him no good.

"The Xinhuo Virus truly has nothing to do with me..." Dark Star explained again.

"I know. If you could research such a virus, the resources I invested wouldn't have been in vain." The blurred figure naturally knew Dark Star lacked that capability.

Being belittled again, Dark Star could only endure silently, not daring to refute.

"A Titan Exploration Team discovered a Titan Ruins in a peripheral Star System of Return Star. Take a trip there, don't disappoint me again." Only then did the blurred figure get to the main point:

"If you succeed, I will consider the matter of the fleet."

"Then Anna, she..." Dark Star couldn't hold back and asked.

"She is very well, far better than you." The blurred figure spoke vaguely and directly hung up the communication.

The pitch-black screen reflected his ferocious face.

...

The ceremony was considered over. In the front, there were still a few official Returning Star Government spokespersons answering reporters' questions. Many big shots left one after another, occasionally whispering and discussing what had just happened with Friends.

Li Yu didn't want to waste time here either and headed straight for the Star Casting Palace; he was going to find General Aisel to fulfill his promise.

"Rest assured, I do what I say. The Military has already made preparations. There will be a dedicated team to tailor the Evolution process for you."

General Aisel's tone was flat, as if deciding the birth of an A-Tier Lifeform was nothing more than signing a few signatures.

And in fact, it indeed was.

"No need to waste time, I need the biological Gene Chain of Kalaitos." Li Yu shook his head. Over the past few days, he had already discussed this issue with Peyton.

Peyton had given the best answer, which was an A-Tier Lifeform named Kalaitos.

The meaning of Kalaitos in the official language of the Star Glory Empire was—Favored Child of the Stars.

It was also a powerful star beast that would only be born in extreme Interstellar environments, controlling Fire Element Power, Thunder Element Power, and the rare Quantum State Ability, possessing a humanoid appearance and powerful Strength.

Kalaitos... Hearing this, Aisel frowned slightly. After checking the database, he learned that this A-Tier Lifeform was not in stock.

Moreover, the capture rating was high-risk. Capturing A-Tier Lifeforms was a very troublesome job.

Exploration, positioning, and combat—every step required an immense price to be paid.

"If it's this kind of creature, then it will require waiting for some time." Aisel didn't refuse, although it was quite troublesome.

It just took a longer time. As long as Li Yu could afford to wait, he naturally didn't mind.

There were dedicated people responsible for interfacing this matter, General Aisel naturally wouldn't personally take charge.

...

The Star Glory Empire's reaction speed far exceeded many people's expectations. Originally, everyone was happily celebrating The Emperor's birthday, but then such bad news suddenly arrived.

The Imperial spokesperson severely rebuked the baseless rumors On the interstellar stage, stating clearly that the Empire had absolutely no connection to the Xinhuo Virus.

As for Dark Star, they stated they would investigate the authenticity of the news. If true, they would not let off any Interstellar villain.

Discerning Persons could tell that Return Star didn't care about Dark Star at all; they were just using this method to launch an attack on the Star Glory Empire.

If they directly interrogated the Star Glory Empire without any substantial evidence, it would easily leave an excuse and be countered by the Star Glory Empire.

Through this method, a lot of leeway was left. Both sides were massive entities, and since they didn't want a full-scale war, they could only curse each other euphemistically.

Coming out from Aisel's place, Li Yu turned around and walked towards Klein's Palace. On the way, many soldiers cast gazes of reverence and admiration at Li Yu; this was treatment he had never received before.

Not just because of his Strength, but even more so because of the Golden Cross Medal.

"It should be about right. With the internal Public Opinion of the Return Star Civilization being so intense and the external Public Opinion also surging, they should be very anxious to resolve this matter."

Li Yu estimated that he could highly likely negotiate terms with Return Star now, but he still had to wait until he became an A-Tier Lifeform, lest Return Star withheld what he deserved.

The only unexpected situation would be if Return Star's research institutions suddenly experienced an Explosive Potential and researched a containment method, then the thing in his hand would be useless.

Moreover, he still needed to give Klein a heads-up in advance; this matter still required her power.

If all else fails, sacrificing a bit of his good looks was also acceptable... Li Yu's thoughts ran wild, and he soon arrived at the place.

The Young Lady who would usually actively open the door now blocked Li Yu: "Sorry, Lord Horus has ordered that no one is allowed to enter for the time being."

(End of this chapter)