In a secret conference room at a base of the Blood Gold Organization, remote projections of more than a dozen high-ranking members of the organization came online one after another. They were of various species, including a bearded alien human with a black eye patch covering his right eye, resembling a pirate Andor Bee People with dark skin, a gaunt body, and three pairs of yellow crystal-like eyes; Void Hunter with a streamlined blue-purple carapace all over his body.
None of the people present are ordinary individuals. They have all committed heinous acts in different regions, and most of them carry high bounties from different civilizations. Their combat power in the Calamity Grade is extraordinary. Currently, they work for the Blood Gold Organization, controlling different teams under their command. They rarely take action personally and are basically in a semi-retired state.
"As you all know, we've been through a lot lately. The Crimson Dynasty and the Black Star Army have imposed sanctions on us, and three high-ranking members of the organization— Maro, Fansesna, and Indir— have been assassinated."
The leader of the Blood Gold Organization crossed his hands, supporting his nose in a classic pose, his gaze captivating, and his tone solemn.
The current leader of the Blood Gold is a male humanoid being, a citizen of the Federation of Light, an elite race whose genes have been modified, with a fierce appearance and in his prime.
Unlike the other high-ranking members present, he had a clean background. He was not a wanted criminal, but rather one of the elites trained from childhood by the previous leader of the Blood Gold Organization. After the old man passed away, he took over as the leader of the organization and has been in office for more than 30 years.
The Blood Gold Organization has a long history, and the current leader is the twelfth generation leader.
The Interstellar Black Market has existed longer than some star system-level or even star cluster-level civilizations, with its administrators changing time and again. The Blood Gold Organization only passed the assessment of other administrators more than two hundred years ago and obtained a position as an administrator of the Interstellar Black Market.
"Poor Maro, I still owe him 7,230,500 Enas. He was such a good man, even his death was so timely." A high-ranking member who looked like an octopus monster rubbed his eyes with his tentacles and squeezed out a few tears.
"This is no time for jokes. The Crimson Dynasty killed our high-ranking members, which is clearly a warning to us, a punishment for our actions of plundering goods from the Empire's allies, and an attempt to make us back down and stop Evolutionary Totem... The question is, how did this information leak from the higher-ups?"
The Andor Bee People, with their jet-black skin, had high-pitched voices and spoke slowly and deliberately.
The Blood Gold Leader said in a deep voice, "Some time ago, Kolangsta's forces encountered Black Star's mechanical troops. It must have been Black Star himself who took action and used the Tu Shu to track down the high-ranking members... Usually, we're the ones intimidating others, but this time we've been targeted by a higher-level force. The Crimson Dynasty and the Black Star Army are not to be trifled with; we need to consider countermeasures."
"Hmph, the Black Star Army is far away in the Shattered Star Ring, so the threat to us is limited. Besides, the Black Star Army is only powerful in the Shattered Star Ring; they have little influence in other star systems, and their scale is far smaller than ours. Only Black Star himself is difficult to deal with... For now, we don't need to worry about them. The Crimson Dynasty is the key focus we need to pay attention to." The pirate-like bearded man spoke, his tone rough and bold.
"That's what I think too." The Blood Gold Leader nodded.
The Blood Gold Organization's operations span three star systems, and its influence is greater than that of the Black Star Army. In their eyes, the Black Star Army itself is nothing to fear; the only one to be wary of is Black Star himself. In contrast, the Crimson Dynasty's stern attitude is the fundamental reason why the Blood Gold Organization is on high alert.
"The Glory and the Arcane have come after us. If we continue to seize the Evolutionary Totem, we will face a further counterattack from the Crimson Dynasty. If we stop, the Glory and the Arcane will abandon us," the Blood Gold Leader said slowly.
"I opposed getting involved in the issue of the Evolutionary Totem from the beginning. It involves the struggle Three Universal Civilizations. We are just a pawn. Once we get involved, we will be powerless to control our own destiny. It's better to keep a low profile," a high-ranking official couldn't help but complain.
"Tsk, the Glory and the Arcane have come to us. Do you think they'll give us a chance to refuse? Clinging to their coattails at least gives us hope for further advancement. Rejecting their offer will mean losing everything we have now. The Interstellar Black Market administrators? Forget about it. We'll slowly shrink into a third-rate black market mercenary organization, and one day we'll be wiped out... When they come knocking on our door, we won't be able to stay out of it."
The Blood Gold Leader spoke in an icy tone.
The Interstellar Black Market is a vast network of vested interests, with each administrator being a dominant figure in their respective gray market sectors, thus requiring numerous backers and protection. Among the black market administrators, the most powerful are actually the brokerage organizations, who use various means to persuade different civilizations, act as intermediaries for other administrators, and provide them with protection, resulting in a complex and intertwined web of relationships.
If the Blood Gold Organization incurs the wrath of the Glory and the Arcane, the consequences will extend far beyond just one group. If the operations of other black market managers are impacted, they might very well unite to remove the Blood Gold Organization from its high-ranking positions and cease providing protection and support.
Since they chose you, and you're a gray organization not protected by interstellar law, you still want to stay out of this mess and remain neutral...
There's no way you can have such a good deal!
"A cosmic-level civilization is as domineering as ever; this is the tragedy of gray forces without the protection of order."
The Void Hunter's senior management couldn't help but sigh, "Once you're in the game, you're not in control of your own destiny."
"What can we do then? Glory and Arcane can't just stand by and watch us all get assassinated, can they?" the bearded man said gruffly.
Just then, two more remote projections appeared in the room, dressed in uniforms of Glory and Arcane.
"I've already spoken with the people of the Glory and the Arcane regarding this matter." The Bloodgold leader stood up. "Let me introduce you; these two are envoys from the Glory and the Arcane, he..."
Before he could finish speaking, the envoy from the Federation of Light waved his hand and said:
"No need for introductions, let's get straight to business. The Federation of Light is aware of the price you paid and deeply sympathizes with you. Therefore, we and the Arcane Church will provide protection for the Blood Gold Organization's high-ranking members and secretly escort you to the Star Cluster Abyss and the Shining Silver Arm. On our territory, the Crimson Dynasty and the Black Star Army can't touch you. You can remotely control the organization and continue to stockpile Evolutionary Totem. At the same time, we will also provide you with certain resource support."
The ownership of the Scepter of All Gods is a point of contention between the Glory and the Arcane, but that doesn't prevent them from reluctantly cooperating on the issue of the Evolutionary Totem. After all, the Evolutionary Totem involves the genetic improvement of billions of citizens across the entire civilization, its strategic significance is too great, and where the interests lie, there are no eternal enemies... However, it's certain that the two sides don't get along.
Upon hearing this, the high-ranking members of the Blood Gold Organization breathed a sigh of relief. Only if their personal safety was guaranteed could they feel at ease using them as pawns.
"Excuse me for being frank, but I have a question."
Just then, a high-ranking member of the Andor Bee People suddenly spoke:
"Robbing other civilizations' Evolutionary Totem is an extremely inefficient method. If we rob too many, we might run into Black Star's guard forces, just like last time. They can't keep letting us rob them forever."
The envoy from the Federation of Light smiled and nodded. "You're right. This isn't a long-term solution. Plunder alone cannot meet the large-scale demand. Do you have any ideas?"
"With the spread of the Sorokin's legacy, the method of creating the Evolutionary Totem is no longer a secret. Obviously, the most fundamental solution is to snatch the Evolution Cube, which serves as the energy source, from Black Star!" A cold glint flashed in the eyes of this high-ranking member of the Blood Gold Organization.
You're right... Unfortunately, this method won't work for now.
The emissary of the Arcane Church coldly interjected:
"Because of the existence of the Evolutionary Totem, the strategic significance of the Evolution Cube has greatly increased. Given the Empire's emphasis on the Totem, if we seize the Evolution Cube, there will be no room for reconciliation like in the Battle of Lighthouse Star. Once we succeed, it will be the start of a formal war... Until the very last moment, our Three Universal Civilizations will not go to war with each other and allow others to benefit."
And... you think Black Star is easy to deal with? You make it sound so easy! If we hadn't known about the existence of the Evolutionary Totem beforehand, why do you think we would have struck first, risking offending the Empire and starting the Battle of Lighthouse Star? We tried it last time, and now several Beyond Grade A beings are still sealed in the Space-Time Amber. Why don't you go try going after Black Star yourself?!
"No, no." The executive had nothing to say, coughed dryly, and waved his hands repeatedly.
Just kidding. How could I, an ordinary Calamity Grade being, possibly withstand a figure of Black Star's caliber?
The envoy from the Federation of Light nodded and said, "He's right. At least for now, we have no intention of risking our lives to seize the Evolution Cube. That's our last resort. Now there's another way... that is to have the Empire voluntarily open up the right to sell totems."
"Is... this really possible?" The Blood Gold Leader couldn't help but doubt.
"Hmph, the situation is this: Black Star himself doesn't actually care about openly selling Evolutionary Totem, but due to the Empire's oversight, he won't risk offending allies by selling them privately, and he won't willingly give others any leverage. So the target isn't the Black Star Army, but the Crimson Dynasty."
Only if the Crimson Dynasty compromises will we have a chance to obtain Evolutionary Totem on a large scale.
There are only a few ways to get the Crimson Dynasty to back down: military intimidation, exchange of benefits, and joint pressure. You are well aware of the Empire's style. Military intimidation is a pipe dream, and as for exchange of benefits, we will inevitably suffer heavy losses. Without giving up core technologies and resources, the Empire will not agree, and it will be a losing proposition.
Therefore, our chosen approach is to exert joint pressure on the Empire in various ways, including economic, trade, political, and security aspects. Your Blood Gold Organization is just one part of this plan.
The Crimson Dynasty has invested vast resources and energy in developing the Shattered World, leaving it vulnerable in other areas. This presents the perfect opportunity to maximize pressure while simultaneously targeting the Empire's objectives... a relentless push to force the Empire to make a choice!
One of the high-ranking officials shuddered. "Is it really a good idea to tell us such a confidential matter...?"
"Heh, there's nothing to keep secret. This is an open conspiracy. When the Empire chose not to reveal the Evolutionary Totem, they knew this day would come. Besides, you're our partners now, so telling you won't hurt." The Federation of Light envoy said dismissively.
The Blood Gold Leader frowned. "What if the pressure doesn't work?"
The envoy from the Federation of Light glanced at him and gave a cold smile.
"If the Empire refuses to compromise, then we'll have no choice but to address the root cause."
The Sea of Star Spirits, the headquarters of the Infinite Financial Group, the private meeting room of the consortium's head.
Four figures sat around a table with four cups on it, filled with a refreshing light green herbal beverage, steaming and emitting a pleasant aroma.
"I heard that a high-ranking member of the Blood Gold Organization was assassinated recently. Your Federation of Light and the Arcane Church hired them to fight, surely you wouldn't just stand by and do nothing?"
Sorokin held his cup with both hands, took a sip, and looked up at the other three people at the table. All of them were Beyond Grade A big shots who could make major powers tremble with a stomp of their feet.
One is "Mechanic Emperor" Manison, who attends the meeting in a mechanical body; another is the clone of "Void Venerable" Kasuyi, Peak Beyond Grade A ally of the Arcane Church; and the third is "Beast Ancestor" Gorutan, one of the behind-the-scenes protectors of the Interstellar Black Market.
These three people share a common identity... they are all shareholders of the Infinite Financial Group!
"That kind of trivial matter is none of my business," Manison said without any change in his tone.
Gorutan, a massive man, picked up the cup with his hairy fingers, tilted his head back, poured the drink into his mouth, and smacked his lips. "I just received news that the Blood Gold Organization has made contact with the emissaries of the Glory Arcane and reached an agreement."
Given the sheer scale of the Interstellar Black Market, it's natural that it has Beyond Grade A entities backing it up, and some of the black market's managers are themselves Beyond Grade A forces. The Interstellar Black Market is a coalition of interests among the lawful evil factions, belonging to no one individual, and protected by multiple Beyond Grade A entities, with Gorutan being one of them, much like a shareholder of the Infinite Financial Group.
Upon hearing this, Sorokin narrowed his eyes.
"If I understand correctly, because of the Evolutionary Totem, the forces behind the three of them are planning to join forces?"
"You could say that," Kasuyi's voice carried an ethereal, eerie quality. "We've come to you about this matter as well; you can consider us our messengers."
Sorokin toyed with his cup and said calmly, "To be honest, I don't really want to get involved in this."
"You have no interest in the Evolutionary Totem?" Gorutan's voice boomed like thunder.
"No, I don't think any power in the entire universe would be uninterested in the Evolutionary Totem," Sorokin said expressionlessly. "However, based on my understanding of the Black Star Army, rashly intervening would be more risky than rewarding, and I don't like to do unprofitable deals."
Manison nodded. "I understand. You not only have business dealings with the Glory Arcane, but also with the Empire. You don't want to offend either side. Your Infinite Financial Group is different from the Gray Forces; you are a legally protected business organization with the resources to remain neutral."
"That's right, exactly." Sorokin shrugged.
"Haha, don't worry, we won't let you do anything excessive." Manison's mechanical body laughed, but his electronic voice betrayed no genuine mirth.
"Oh? Then how can I help?"
"We hope the Infinite Financial Group will step in, invest in the Shattered Star Ring, and use fair business competition to squeeze the Black Star Army's market share and position. With the Infinite Financial Group's financial resources, this is just a small matter. As long as you don't target the Evolutionary Totem, the Empire cannot interfere with your normal business activities."
Sorokin raised an eyebrow. "Why should I do this?"
"This is part of putting pressure on the Crimson Dynasty. The Black Star Army's opinion will influence the Empire's attitude toward dealing with the Evolutionary Totem to some extent. Moreover, such a large business needs to make it clear to Black Star that he can't handle it alone... Of course, besides these official reasons, I also have a slight conflict of interest with him," Manison said calmly.
Sorokin chuckled softly, "So Your Excellency of the Mechanic Emperor has a conflict with Black Star. To be honest, Black Star and I... hehe, we also have some personal grudges."
"So you're agreeing?"
"The opinions of the three shareholders are certainly important, but... the Black Star Army's business isn't so easy to take away."
Sorokin's expression turned serious, and he said earnestly:
"I have done research on the Black Star Army. They have developed rapidly and have ventured into dozens of industries. Their core businesses are four main areas: armed mercenaries, resource planet mining through cooperation with local civilizations, development of the Shattered World, and the sale of Evolutionary Totem... To be frank, the latter three are unique businesses that are difficult for outsiders to get involved in. Their core businesses are hard to attack, so our Infinite Financial Group can only start from other places."
Fortunately, the Black Star Army has only been established for a little over twenty years, and even with its solid foundation, it can't be completely secure. However, this still requires a very high cost...
So, ultimately, what benefits do I get from doing this?
Upon hearing this, Manison moved his fingers, and a virtual screen appeared on the table, displaying a long list. He spoke slowly and methodically:
"Resource support, political capital, deeper cooperative projects, more open industries... all of that is listed above. The risk you might take is at most the Crimson Dynasty reducing its cooperative projects with you. But now we're in the interstellar age, and the Empire can't completely terminate all normal commercial cooperation with you. What you can gain, however, is a deeper level of commercial connection between two cosmic-level civilizations..."
Since you believe in the trade-offs between risk and reward, and I trust you can make the right choice, I'll give you a month to consider it, and then give us your answer.
"It won't take that long; I can tell you the answer now."
Sorokin laughed.
"This sounds like a good business opportunity."