Chapter 149

As evening arrived, the night breeze became cooler.

Xu Jingming sat in the courtyard, flipping through "Guanghui." The densely packed universal human language characters and numerous formulas filled the pages, yet Xu Jingming was engrossed, his mind completely focused. Xu Lixing glanced at it and felt a headache coming on. "Dad, what are you looking at? I don't understand any of it."

"In layman's terms, it's the theoretical knowledge of spacetime wormholes," Xu Jingming explained.

"I know that," Xu Lixing nodded. "Spaceships that travel long distances in the universe all have wormhole traversal capabilities. Through wormholes, one can travel from one point in spacetime to a distant point in spacetime in a very short period of time. But Dad, I don't understand any of these formulas you're looking at."

"These are some formulas for spacetime folding," Xu Jingming explained. "This formula is still very simple; it's like when a wave rises at sea, the crests vary in size, some are shallow—"

"Don't even mention it; I'm not interested," Xu Lixing immediately stopped him, and Xu Jingming was taken aback. *Sigh, there's no one to share this with.*

"Dad, if you learn this, can you create spacetime wormholes with your bare hands?" Xu Lixing was very interested in this. "I heard that Source Lifeforms, manipulating source power, are almost omnipotent."

"First, I have to learn it," Xu Jingming said with a slight smile. "Your dad is a novice; I can't create spacetime wormholes on my own yet. I have to understand every step of the formation of spacetime wormholes, understand the principles behind the steps, before I can use source power to perform it."

"Sounds difficult," Xu Lixing said, getting up. "I won't disturb you, Dad."

Xu Jingming smiled and continued to study the theoretical knowledge.

"For a ninth-order Source Lifeform to be promoted to a tenth-order Source Lifeform, it's actually very simple. It's just using mental power to manipulate source power to construct the most basic source power structure unit of a tenth-order Source Lifeform. Once you can successfully construct one, you can then replicate and grow it. Soon, your entire body can be replaced successfully, completely crossing into the tenth-order Source Lifeform level."

Tenth-order source power structure unit.

Xu Jingming was very clear that this seemingly simple threshold actually concealed many difficulties.

"When I constructed the ninth-order source power structure unit, after countless simulations in the virtual world, I even weakened for twelve minutes in reality," Xu Jingming thought. "And the tenth-order is a qualitative change in difficulty."

Ninth-order Source Lifeforms have a lifespan of 30,000 years.

Tenth-order Source Lifeforms have a lifespan of 100,000 years! This is also the limit of lifespan below high-dimensional life. From the lifespan, one can see the difference between tenth-order and ninth-order.

"Tenth-order Source Lifeforms are already the most perfect lifeforms in the entire universe. Their source power structure units, in a sense, are already the most perfect in the universe's spacetime." Xu Jingming also felt the pressure. This was construction at the microscopic level.

First, the mental power had to be strong enough, otherwise the entire construction process could not be completed continuously.

Second, the underlying principles of the source power structure unit had to be fully understood in order to construct it more easily and confidently.

"The difficulty of the tenth-order source power structure unit, according to the learning materials of the Primordial Research Institute, is broken down into different stages," Xu Jingming thought. "Like the tenth-order Source Lifeform of the Heavenly Python Evolution Method, you need to master six source power models. Mastering these six source power models... represents that the foundation of knowledge of the tenth-order source power structure unit is sufficient."

"Six source power models. The first is the spacetime wormhole model."

"The spacetime wormhole model is already the simplest."

"Take it slow." Xu Jingming was very clear that he couldn't rush it.

Although his knowledge accumulation was average, after becoming a Source Lifeform, his brain operated extremely fast, and his learning speed was naturally much faster. He was constantly absorbing all kinds of knowledge.

Time passed by, minute by minute, and the night grew deeper.

In just a few hours of study and research, Xu Jingming learned more than many planetary lifeforms learned in their entire lives. But even so, completely understanding the "spacetime wormhole model" was still far away.

Wormhole traversal, a seemingly common capability of spaceships, but most elementary cosmic civilizations had not mastered this knowledge, which showed how difficult it was.

"Jingming," Li Miaomiao walked out of the house.

Xu Jingming looked up at his wife.

"Director Zhou contacted us and said that the Blackmoon civilization delegation has arrived," Li Miaomiao said.

"Blackmoon civilization delegation?" Xu Jingming nodded slightly. "I know; they sent me a message in advance."

He had grasped every move of the Blackmoon delegation when they entered the solar system.

"The Bluestar civilization has already received them and arranged for them to stay and rest," Li Miaomiao said. "The Blackmoon civilization hopes to visit you personally, Jingming."

"Visit me?"

Xu Jingming pondered for a moment and nodded. "We should meet. How about arranging a place to meet in Bin Hai City?"

Li Miaomiao nodded. "Okay, I'll tell Director Zhou right away. When should we meet?"

"Tomorrow at 2 p.m.," Xu Jingming said.

The next afternoon, Bin Hai City, outside the state guesthouse, security was tight.

Inside the guesthouse's lounge, many members of the Blackmoon civilization delegation were present, as well as some officials from the Bluestar civilization who were talking with them. Everyone was chatting easily and happily, but occasionally they would glance at the main road in the distance. They were all waiting, waiting for someone!

"Someone's here."

"They've arrived."

The members of the Blackmoon civilization delegation and the officials of the Bluestar civilization perked up and looked into the distance. They saw that the gate in the distance had already been opened, and guards stood on both sides. A black-haired man walked in, accompanied by Director Zhou.

"The Thirteenth Elder of the Blackmoon civilization has been waiting inside for a long time; this way, please," Director Zhou led the way, and Xu Jingming nodded and walked inside. His gaze swept past the many people in the lounge. The officials of the Bluestar civilization all wore smiles, and the members of the Blackmoon civilization delegation were even more respectful. Xu Jingming only glanced at them before continuing to walk inside.

In the corridor inside, several people were waiting. They were representatives from the other major countries of the Bluestar civilization.

"Mr. Xu."

"Finally, we meet Mr. Xu." They greeted him enthusiastically.

Xu Jingming nodded slightly, giving these representatives some face, and shook hands with each of them.

"I'll go meet the Thirteenth Elder of the Blackmoon civilization first," Xu Jingming said. Then, the door opened, and Xu Jingming walked in. Director Zhou and everyone else remained outside. Because this meeting was not a meeting between two civilizations. It was the Thirteenth Elder of the Blackmoon civilization visiting Xu Jingming personally.

"The Thirteenth Elder of the Blackmoon civilization is the highest-ranking thirteen people in the entire Starmoon civilization. I heard that there are two Source Lifeforms inside, and the other eleven are either great scholars or possess great power."

"But they are so eager to visit Mr. Xu."

"Mr. Xu has quite a reputation in the entire Hookstar Alliance now."

The representatives of the major countries of the Bluestar civilization whispered to each other and walked towards a nearby lounge. They had been in the corridor just to see Xu Jingming.

Inside the conference hall.

The Thirteenth Elder of the Blackmoon civilization stood in an orderly manner, with the two Source Lifeforms at the head, welcoming Xu Jingming's arrival.

As soon as Xu Jingming entered the conference hall, he saw this scene.

"Lord Wu Ming," a red-brown-haired elder said with a smile.

"We finally meet Lord Wu Ming," Li Lilun also said. Wu Ming was Xu Jingming's codename at the Primordial Research Institute! In the universe, when facing distinguished figures, people generally used codenames and did not dare to call them by their real names.

"You came quite quickly," Xu Jingming said without being polite, walking to a chair and sitting down, his gaze sweeping across the thirteen people. "Sit down."

If they were guests, Xu Jingming's attitude would definitely be much better. But the Blackmoon civilization? They couldn't be considered guests!

The Thirteenth Elder trembled slightly in their hearts, then sat down in an orderly manner.

"We were delighted for the Hookstar Alliance when we heard that Lord Wu Ming had broken through to become a Source Lifeform. But we soon discovered that our Blackmoon civilization and the Bluestar civilization had some small conflicts." The red-brown-haired elder said, "Actually, the development of the Bluestar civilization's mineral resources was promoted by Xibola, an eighth-order star-level lifeform within our Blackmoon civilization. This matter was also overseen by Enno, a captain who is a member of his family."

Xu Jingming nodded slightly, continuing to listen.

With the Bluestar civilization's wealth of trillions of cosmic dollars, it was indeed not enough to move the entire Blackmoon civilization. It was just one family within the civilization promoting the matter.

"After that, regarding the conflict between Lunador and the Bluestar civilization, he directly contacted our Blackmoon civilization," the red-brown-haired elder said. "Our Blackmoon civilization is not considered powerful among the entire cosmic human race. To this day, we are only an elementary cosmic civilization! Faced with Lunador and the threat he might bring in the future! We chose to withdraw our garrison."

"Our original intention was simply not to offend Lunador and not to get involved," the Grand Elder said.

"Just not wanting to get involved?" Xu Jingming looked at him. "Withdrawing your garrison, isolating the Bluestar civilization, what would that eventually lead to? Don't tell me you didn't think of it!"

The Thirteenth Elder were silent. Yes, they couldn't quibble.

At their level, there were no fools. Everyone knew the consequences of isolating the Bluestar civilization at that time.

"That was our mistake," the Grand Elder said.

"We are also asking for your forgiveness, Lord Wu Ming," Mo Lilun also said.

"Elder Du Lingshen, Elder Xing Lilun," Xu Jingming looked at the two of them. "You are both Source Lifeforms like me; there's no need to call me 'Lord.'"

Generally, star-level lifeforms would call Source Lifeforms "Lord." This was due to the difference in life levels. Or when someone of a lower status addresses someone of a higher status as "Lord."

"No, no, no, we are not the same," the Grand Elder said, not caring about his face at all. "How can we compare to Lord Wu Ming?"

Xing Lilun also said, "Lord Wu Ming is also very clear about the entire process. After learning that Lord Wu Ming had returned to Bluestar, the thirteen elders of our Blackmoon civilization rushed over as soon as possible, just to beg for Lord Wu Ming's forgiveness. If Lord Wu Ming forgives us, our Blackmoon civilization will be at ease."

The other eleven elders all had humble expressions on their faces.

They were all influential figures in the Blackmoon civilization, but at this moment, they had to bow their heads.

"Because you chose to isolate us, it ultimately led to the star pirates coming," Xu Jingming said with a cold expression. "You should know what serious consequences can result from star pirates plundering a weak civilization."

When Xu Jingming was being screened in the mysterious place, he experienced a hundred kinds of life difficulties and encountered the terrible scene of the Bluestar civilization being plundered by star pirates.

"Yes," the Thirteenth Elder all had headaches.

"We are willing to pay the price, hoping to obtain Lord Wu Ming's forgiveness," Grand Elder Du Lingshen said solemnly.

Xu Jingming didn't say anything, just listened.

"First of all, the personnel who promoted the development of the Bluestar civilization will be punished, including the family of Xibola, as well as Captain Enno and many other key figures," the Grand Elder said.

Xu Jingming listened. *Punishment? You can punish the people of your own civilization as you please.*

"We are willing to pay a price of 100 trillion cosmic dollars, hoping to obtain Lord Wu Ming's forgiveness," Grand Elder Du Lingshen said respectfully.

Xu Jingming's heart stirred slightly. 100 trillion cosmic dollars was a relatively large price, even for the Blackmoon civilization!

Although an undeveloped life planet was worth about 100 billion cosmic dollars. However, the development and construction of a life planet also required a huge cost. If the entire planet was arranged with a "virtual host," the cost would be even higher.

Under normal circumstances, a well-constructed life planet was worth about 500 billion. Those that were particularly extravagant had no upper limit on their price.

100 trillion cosmic dollars was enough to buy 200 well-constructed life planets. It could even buy a relatively poor and desolate complete star system territory. A complete star system contained countless planets. Even if there were only thirty to fifty well-constructed life planets, it was still a complete star system, and its value was enough to reach 100 trillion. A galaxy like the Milky Way was worth much more.

In the universe, planets were easy to buy, but star systems were difficult! Because most star systems already had many civilizations.

"I know the Blackmoon civilization's sincerity," Xu Jingming nodded. "But I think it's unnecessary."

As he said that, Xu Jingming was about to get up.

"It is necessary," Grand Elder Du Lingshen immediately got up to stop him. "Our Blackmoon civilization is very sincere."

Mo Lilun also looked at Xu Jingming. "Lord Wu Ming, feel free to make any demands."

Xu Jingming looked at them. The Bluestar civilization was weak, and he had to take the opportunity to take a big bite out of them.

After all, he was also bound by the laws of the Cosmic Human Alliance, and there was a limit to what he could do to the Blackmoon civilization. Exchanging this for enough benefits might be the best choice for the Bluestar civilization, and it could also make the Blackmoon civilization feel enough pain.

"Sincerity must be sincere," Xu Jingming stretched out one finger of his left hand.

Grand Elder Du Lingshen, Li Lilun, and the other eleven people all looked at Xu Jingming, staring at the one finger Xu Jingming stretched out, pondering its meaning.

Xu Jingming stretched out five fingers on his left hand.

Du Lingshen and Mo Lilun exchanged glances.

Grand Elder Du Lingshen immediately said, "Yes, we are not sincere enough. 500 trillion cosmic dollars; we hope to obtain Mr. Wu Ming's forgiveness."

The other elders all felt the pain. 500 trillion cosmic dollars? This was a huge fortune. It would be difficult for the entire Blackmoon civilization to come up with this sum of money in a short period of time. They had to find a way to raise it.

But they, the thirteen elders, decided to give it! Giving up 500 trillion was just a bloodletting for the civilization.

But if the conflict wasn't resolved, perhaps the Blackmoon civilization's territory would shrink by half in a hundred thousand years.

Xu Jingming looked at the thirteen elders. He wasn't too greedy! He stretched out five fingers because the entire officialdom of the Blackmoon civilization could squeeze together and come up with this much money. If he demanded more, the Blackmoon civilization would have to mortgage and sell off a large number of assets.

This was also why Elder Du Lingshen and the others decisively agreed after Xu Jingming made his request. Although Xu Jingming was hostile, he understood that the underlying reason was Lunador. The Blackmoon civilization had only chosen to stand on Lunador's side at the time.

"Alright, I see your sincerity," Xu Jingming got up. "I will also keep my promise."

Only after hearing these words did the thirteen elders of the Blackmoon civilization feel relieved.