Global Era of Star trekking-Chapter 1003 - 523: Intermediate-level Intelligent Brain and the [Astrologer Civilization]

Chapter 1003 -523: Intermediate-level Intelligent Brain and the [Astrologer Civilization]

[Apocalypse Machinery]?

Song Chi’s mind raced as he stared at the name of the shop before him.

Judging by the name, it was highly likely to be a shop specializing in mechanical products.

“But what kind of civilization is behind it? A Mechanical Race civilization? Or perhaps just a tech-based one?”

“I hope it’s a Mechanical Race civilization. That way, I might finally get my hands on the Intermediate-level Intelligent Brain I’ve been searching for.”

In a split second, countless thoughts surged through Song Chi’s mind.

As he and Song Yan entered the shop named [Apocalypse Machinery], the first thing that caught their eyes was the multitude of mechanical creations of various sizes. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

Among these were humanoid mechas, beast-shaped mechas with superior melee capabilities, specialized starships, Floating Land flying cars, and even a basic model of a starspace mechanical fortress, which Song Chi caught sight of.

All of these shared one common feature: they were exceptionally eye-catching, exuding a certain aesthetic of violent beauty.

From the range of products on display, Song Chi already had his answer.

“So it really is a Mechanical Race civilization shop!”

To present such a variety of medium- to high-rank mechanical creations, especially the starspace mechanical fortress, was a feat only a civilization like the Mechanical Race could achieve.

Their gazes swept across the products, but Song Chi and Song Yan remained remarkably composed, showing no trace of excitement.

To an inexperienced rookie, these items might appear as treasures. While they were undeniably powerful, anyone slightly familiar with the Mechanical Race civilization would immediately perceive them differently, seeing them as tremendous threats to be approached only with caution.

There was a simple reason for this: while the mechanical creations of the Mechanical Race civilization were effective, their reliability was a significant issue.

And this “unreliability” wasn’t about the efficiency of their operations but their safety.

Most creations from the Mechanical Race civilization could be remotely controlled by the Mechanical Race itself, turning tools originally meant for production or combat into rogue mechanical combat units in an instant.

Imagine being in the middle of a battle and having your weapon suddenly betray you, reducing you to a casualty under its blade.

Such incidents were not rare, and civilizations had often lost wars to the Mechanical Race through this exact tactic.

Ignoring the displayed items, Song Chi got straight to the point.

“Do you have Intermediate-level Intelligent Brains for sale?”

Soon, the Mechanical Race storekeeper responded.

“Intermediate-level Intelligent Brains are only available for trade. We do not accept Floating Land Origin transactions. If you wish to purchase, please present your bargaining chips, and this shop will assess their value.”

“Only for trade, huh…”

Song Chi frowned. While he had numerous resources at his disposal, he wasn’t sure if any would be of significant use to the Mechanical Race.

With that thought, he left briefly. After summoning his warship in a specific area, he quickly returned, this time holding several storage capsules.

Handing over four storage capsules to the Mechanical Race storekeeper, Song Chi remained silent, waiting for the other’s reply.

The four storage capsules contained various mineral resources, most of which were commonly used by the Mechanical Race civilization according to the warship’s database. These resources weren’t particularly rare, so Song Chi wasn’t sure if they would suffice to exchange for an Intermediate-level Intelligent Brain.

One had to admire the strengths of the Mechanical Race. With the immense computational power of its Intelligent Brain, it took only a short time to inventory the tens of thousands of mineral resources within the four storage capsules and highlight some key resources.

Synthium, Titanium Stone…

After noting the specific minerals mentioned, Song Chi once again left the shop. When he returned for the third time, his expression betrayed a hint of helplessness.

The reason was simple: the minerals on the list were scarcely stocked at the Ruins Market. In the end, the Mechanical Race storekeeper was only willing to trade 20 Intermediate-level Intelligent Brains.

Yet the [Dome Sky Brain System] component required at least 60 Intermediate-level Intelligent Brains to reach level 70, which was far from enough at the moment.

Just as Song Chi was feeling frustrated, Song Yan took the initiative to retrieve an Orange Oddity from her Ancestral Torch.

[Floating Land Origin Core Fusion Body]

During their first exploration of the Alien Star Domain, Song Chi had also obtained one of these Origin Core Fusion Bodies. However, the one he acquired was of Purple Quality, while the one Song Yan presented now was of Orange Quality.

Seeing this Oddity, the Mechanical Race storekeeper showed considerable interest. In the end, Song Chi managed to acquire an additional 50 Intermediate-level Intelligent Brains.

Upon stepping out of the [Apocalypse Machinery] shop, Song Yan immediately warned:

“Old Seven, the risks with Intelligent Brains are substantial. One careless move, and they might end up taking over your mind. Be careful.”

Song Chi nodded and replied:

“Don’t worry. The Heavenly Ruins Cang Qiong already has an Intelligent Brain component. These are merely to enhance that component.”

“In that case, it’s fine!”

Hearing it was for an Intelligent Brain component, Song Yan’s lingering concern dissipated instantly.

While Intelligent Brain components were far more powerful than standard Intelligent Brains, they had to be linked to the Torch Ship Captain’s Seed of Torch to function.

In the interconnected network of Seeds of Torch spanning the Torch Human Civilization, no level of Intelligent Brain could disrupt the system.

Even Mythical Quality Intelligent Brain components stood no chance!

It was laughable to think otherwise. The Seeds of Torch network, anchored by the Source Seed of Torch, was the very foundation of the Torch Human Civilization—a force no single entity could hope to challenge.

…

“Astrology Tower? Another peculiar shop in the city?”

After leaving [Apocalypse Machinery], the duo continued to explore [Holy Light City].

This time, they arrived at a brand-new street. At the center of this street stood an ancient silver-white tower, its presence striking and extraordinary.

In response to Song Chi’s query, Song Yan—who had visited [Holy Light City] multiple times over the centuries—explained:

“Hmm… Sort of. But the Astrology Tower doesn’t sell goods. It serves only one purpose!”

“And that is?”

“Astrology!”

Song Chi: ???

Upon hearing the word “astrology,” Song Chi was filled with skepticism. Only after Song Yan whispered an explanation did he realize its significance.

“Astrological divination… If you put it that way, isn’t it just fortune-telling?”

“Uh, yeah, that’s not entirely wrong.”

The two exchanged whispers as Song Chi prepared to bypass the tower. However, a sudden flash of inspiration struck him mid-step.

Stopping abruptly, he caught Song Yan’s curious glance.

“What is it? Thinking of getting your fate read?”

Song Chi’s eyes burned with determination as he nodded decisively.

Nonetheless, instead of entering the ancient silver-white tower right away, he set off toward a designated area to summon the Heavenly Ruins Cang Qiong.

Inside the warship, Song Chi retrieved the second [Time Chess] component he had obtained from Pan Ying. It rested on the [Heavenly Destiny Compass·Disk], and with it in hand, he quickly returned to the city.

“I hope this works!”

Muttering under his breath, he stepped into the [Astrology Tower] alongside Song Yan.

Upon entering, they discovered that the tower seemed quite popular. Many creatures were lined up for “astrology,” and it wasn’t long before Song Chi saw a long queue ahead of him.

Taking advantage of the waiting time, Song Yan activated an isolation domain around them and began providing details about the [Astrology Tower].

The [Astrology Tower] was backed by the advanced [Astrologer Civilization], which had set up branches in various neutral cities across the [Red Star Continent]. However, the standing of the [Astrology Tower] in [Holy Light City] was particularly high. Rumor had it that a Seventh Rank Astrologer personally established this tower.

“So you mean there’s a Seventh Rank Astrologer in this [Astrology Tower]? Can we possibly persuade them to perform a divination?”

Song Chi raised his voice slightly. Initially, his expectations for this astrology session had been low. After all, items linked to the [Time Chess Board], like the [Time Chess] component, were at least of Black Quality—a level not easily revealed through divination.

However, if a Dominator-level astrologer were involved, there might just be a sliver of hope.

Song Yan quickly shook her head, dispelling his excitement.

“You’re overthinking. Astrology comes at a cost to the astrologer’s lifespan. At the Seventh Rank, their status is already sky-high. Even fellow Dominators might struggle to enlist their help, let alone us.”

Hearing this, Song Chi sighed.

Who could disagree? Even on Blue Star in his past life, fortune-tellers with real abilities were often valued highly by influential figures.

Their conversation continued as they slowly made their way forward. Finally, it was Song Chi’s turn.

Standing by, Song Yan watched with curiosity, eager to see what Song Chi intended to ask.

“What would you like to divine?”

At the first-floor counter, the raspy voice of an elderly astrologer reached them. After hesitating momentarily, Song Chi handed over the [Time Chess] piece glowing with silver light.

“I wish to divine—”

Before he could finish his sentence, the astrologer behind the counter had already returned the [Time Chess] piece to him and explained swiftly:

“This is beyond my ability. You may proceed to the second floor.”

Song Chi: …

Rendered speechless, he inwardly lamented the time spent waiting in line, only to be redirected.

Still, he understood. He had some idea of the intrigue surrounding the [Time Chess] item, which was far beyond the scope of an ordinary astrologer.

Soon, he and Song Yan ascended to the second floor.

Expecting another wait, he was surprised to find far fewer Alien Races on this level than the first floor. Yet, once again, Song Chi faced disappointment—the astrologers here also directed him to proceed to the third floor.

This pattern repeated six times until Song Chi and Song Yan finally reached the seventh floor, the tower’s summit.

The instructions from the previous astrologers allowed them unobstructed entry, but the counter on the seventh floor remained closed. Instead, a servant assured them with just four words: “Please wait patiently.”

Under normal circumstances, Song Chi would have left by now. However, after hearing from Song Yan about the presence of a Seventh Rank Astrologer, he rationalized that the higher-ranked astrologer deserved a certain level of respect.