Chapter 1032: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind

Chapter 1032: The Oriole in the Rear

Within the dreamlike sea of nebular light, the Chaos Secret Energy, returned from a secondary dimension, materialized before their eyes.

It was a vast mass of crimson energy, taking on the form of a cloud, like a churning bank of vapor, within which flashes of ash-white brilliance, akin to aetheric lightning, constantly sparked; the core held the densest concentration, thinning toward the edges, where the red energy drifted like gossamer veils, and upon closer inspection, it seemed woven from countless minute particles.

Countless small crimson orbs danced nimbly around the Chaos Secret Energy, these being the companion offspring spawned through its division and proliferation, resembling its progeny or attendants, one of which Evans had once encountered.

The Chaos Secret Energy was a primordial anomalous entity, possessing independent thought, yet the majority of its consciousness and power lay in slumber, leaving only a sliver of instinct to sustain its daily movements, abandoning reason to drift with the currents and wander aimlessly.

This vast expanse of crimson pierced through the viewports of every surrounding vessel, reflecting in the pupils of the crews from each faction, illuminating the surprise and exhilaration burning in their depths.

"It is out, it is out! Make your move swiftly!"

At that very moment, every faction present, each harboring their own hidden agendas, united to activate the spacetime stabilization trap they had laid.

A deep hum resonated.

Every device arrayed around them—spacetime stabilization anchors, dimensional isolators, reality amplifiers, and the like—sprang to life, and alongside the technological apparatus, the magical side's grand rune arrays and spatial enchantments began to exert their influence.

The erupting spatial energy spread like ripples from multiple points, swiftly ironing out the wrinkles of the local space, elevating the spacetime coefficient to an unprecedented state of stability, rendering both warp jumps and wormholes utterly unusable within this zone.

Acutely sensitive to spatial shifts, the Chaos Secret Energy instantly perceived the drastic alteration of its surroundings; its slumbering consciousness awoke, and the massive energy cloud violently recoiled and contracted, its form rapidly condensing, its density swelling madly, attempting to become a black hole singularity to warp the spacetime coefficient with immense mass and tear a rift through the trap.

The space in this region resembled a sheet of paper, the factions' traps acting as outward-pulling forces that stretched it taut, while the hyper-condensed Chaos Secret Energy sought to strike perpendicularly at the center, piercing the plane to force the space to wrinkle; the two forces clashed, and though ordinary paper would have been torn through, this was a space heavily fortified with stability, impervious to destruction.

Witnessing this, a voice crackled over the wide-band channel:

"Contain the Chaos Secret Energy immediately, the peak of the spacetime coefficient is falling, if we let it resist indefinitely, it will inevitably break free from our spatial stabilization trap!"

In the next instant, the nearest small fleet eagerly surged toward the Chaos Secret Energy, now condensed into a blindingly bright orb, the forward armor of their ships sliding open to reveal specialized mechanical apparatuses that unleashed a terrifying suction tailored for energy beings; the entity trembled minutely, and strands of power were drawn from the orb, siphoned into the devices like beams of light.

These factions vying for the Chaos Secret Energy had prepared extensively, deploying devices engineered specifically to capture and restrain energy lifeforms; even if the entity condensed itself, its power would be extracted, much like a tug-of-war where it clenched its fist tightly while the containment apparatus sought to pry its fingers apart.

Yet at that very moment, the Chaos Secret Energy violently unleashed a dense barrage of light, sweeping over the fleet like a tidal wave.

The next second, shields were pierced, vessels detonated with thunderous force, transforming into cosmic fireworks, and the entire fleet was annihilated in a single strike.

As the energy erupted, the entity's psychic attributes awakened, generating surging undercurrents of mental force that radiated outward, causing everyone surrounding it to feel a sudden wave of dizziness, as if struck by infrasonic waves, leaving them heavy-headed and reeling like the profoundly intoxicated.

Within the imperial fleet, Ravenlaude, observing the scene, silently curled his lip.

"Hey, seeking death, the Chaos Secret Energy is no harmless trinket."

Primordial anomalous entities were exceedingly ancient, inherently mere masses of power, and lacking a host, they deployed their abilities through crude means, such as simply firing energy outward in relentless, unceasing volleys.

Just then, the Chaos Secret Energy turned to flee, accelerating to superluminal speeds, darting away like a meteor, while the surrounding fleets immediately deployed their containment gear, pursuing relentlessly and attempting to box it in.

"Leave it to me!"

Ravenlaude's eyes flashed, he detached from his warship, and pursued at high velocity propelled by magic, weaving spells at a frantic pace.

Layers of rune arrays encircled him, radiating arcane brilliance, as dense magical energy dragged at the Chaos Secret Energy, drastically slowing its pace, while waves of arcane force struck it from a distance, transforming into spell runes under Ravenlaude's command to inject foreign energy into the entity, thereby weakening its control over its own form.

The effect was immediate; unable to sustain its condensed state, the orb rapidly expanded, swelling back into a cloud of energy, instantly multiplying the area vulnerable to their strikes by countless folds.

Super-A rank mages frequently traversed secondary dimensions, and Ravenlaude's experience dealing with energy entities was so vast that he moved with practiced ease; when the Chaos Secret Energy fired retaliatory energy beams without regard for cost, he simply conjured a spell shield and deflected them with casual grace.

As the Chaos Secret Energy gradually fell under Ravenlaude's control, a torrent of telekinetic force suddenly crashed upon him from behind, sweeping forward with devastating momentum.

Ravenlaude narrowed his eyes, splitting his focus to cast a defensive ward that blocked the telekinetic assault, while nearby, a figure overtook him, shooting toward the entity at breakneck speed, wielding a highly advanced, reinforced portable containment unit for energy beings.

"Hmph, Sisco."

Without a word, Ravenlaude immediately launched an attack against Sisco, the two clashing as they chased the Chaos Secret Energy, constantly hindering each other's progress.

Several nearby factions, seeing an opportunity to profit from the chaos, attempted to close in, but any vessel that approached the Chaos Secret Energy was instantly shattered by the backwash of the Super-A rank duel.

The silhouettes of the two Super-A ranks constantly crossed paths, magic and telekinesis colliding in repeated volleys, creating a spectacular display; Ravenlaude held the upper hand, suppressing Sisco's advances, yet despite the ferocity of their combat, neither gave their all, mindful to reserve strength for containing the Chaos Secret Energy.

Pinned between the two Super-A ranks, the Chaos Secret Energy could raise little resistance, as sealing runes merged into its core, its defiance growing weaker with each passing moment, steadily trending toward complete imprisonment and containment.

Meanwhile, the forces of the Moduo civilization patrolled the battlefield's periphery, dozens of Calamity-rank operatives aboard their vessel fixated on the Chaos Secret Energy, their expressions grim as they whispered among themselves.

"Everyone, they are tying each other down, shall we make our move now?"

"The odds are too slim, even with dozens of us Calamity-ranks united, we could only withstand their combined assault for a short while, leaving insufficient time for retreat; we would certainly suffer heavy casualties, and it is hardly worth it."

They exchanged glances, silently shaking their heads.

Command had instructed them to act according to circumstances, but no viable opening presented itself; though these Calamity-rank operatives were typically arrogant, they possessed zero confidence against Super-A ranks, and despite their loyalty to the Moduo civilization, none wished to die for nothing.

Rodic, listening over the comms, remained silent for a moment before speaking in a low tone: "If there is no opening, then forget it, do not force an intervention."

Upon hearing this, the dozens of Calamity-rank operatives aboard relaxed their tense frames, exhaling in relief.

Rodic felt a slight pang of reluctance, yet harbored no deep obsession; deploying so many Calamity-ranks had originally aimed to secure an absolute combat advantage in the absence of Super-A ranks.

But with Super-A ranks now involved and showing no weaknesses, the mission was essentially a failure; since the objective was unattainable, retreat was the wisest course, sparing the civilization's Calamity-rank elites from unnecessary slaughter.

'This is merely a secondary objective, not worth forcing; the high command will understand such a situation, and should we sacrifice numerous elites for it, they would instead hold me accountable.'

With that thought, Rodic announced clearly: "Everyone, fall back!"

"Understood!" the crowd responded with relief.

Yet in the very next instant, a sudden anomaly erupted!

The Moduo civilization's fleet abruptly reversed course, charging straight toward the Chaos Secret Energy, and worse, unleashed full firepower, launching a surprise assault against Ravenlaude and Sisco!

In that split second, everyone present was utterly stunned.

Even the duel between Ravenlaude and Sisco ground to a halt, forced to deflect the concentrated ambush, their expressions clouded with bewilderment.

They are actually firing at us?

Could there be such reckless warriors?!

Inside the base's command center, Rodic's complexion shifted drastically, his voice erupting in fury: "What are you doing? Are you mad!"

"Our ships suddenly stopped responding!" the numerous Calamity-rank operatives cried in sheer panic.

A sudden realization struck Rodic, draining the color from his face.

This overwhelming sense of déjà vu...

A virtual intrusion?!

"Damn it, not again!"

Consumed by shock and rage, Rodic was about to roar orders for everyone to flee.

But at that moment, the long-range communication link severed outright, the screen fading to black, reflecting his face contorted by fury.

"Black Star!!!"

A sharp crack echoed.

Rodic roared, smashing the communicator with a single palm strike, the room instantly thick with the suffocating atmosphere of impotent rage.

The Moduo civilization, now acting as a third party, instantly drew all hostility; Ravenlaude and Sisco even paused their own skirmish, unleashing tidal waves of magic and tempests of telekinesis upon the Moduo forces, swiftly annihilating their accompanying small fleet.

The dozens of Calamity-rank operatives, gripped by sheer terror, made the swift decision to abandon their vessel and scatter, yet Ravenlaude and Sisco harbored no habit of letting ambushers escape, and pursued them with ruthless ferocity.

The Calamity-rank elites, painstakingly cultivated or co-opted by the Moduo civilization, could at best parry a few blows before falling one after another, suffering devastating losses!

The chasm between Super-A ranks and Calamity ranks was as vast as a heavenly moat, leaving these individuals utterly defenseless, able only to flee for their lives with desperate determination.

Only after more than eighty percent of the Calamity-rank operatives perished did Ravenlaude and Sisco finally cease their pursuit, turning their attention back to brawling with each other.

The outcome sent a chill through the remaining factions present, prompting them to wheel their fleets away in hasty retreat, too terrified to contest the two radiating lethal intent for the Chaos Secret Energy.

The Imperial armada remained far from idle, locked in fierce exchange with the Star-Pupil Divine Clan’s vessels; superior in both shipwright craftsmanship and sheer tonnage, the Empire’s might drove the divine forces back step by step, plunging them into dire straits.

“Still intent on contesting me?” Ravelaud arched a brow, his voice carried by arcane whisper, utterly unperturbed. “We could bleed each other dry for days and nights, yet your ranks would surely be annihilated. I hear you hold your kin dear. Tell me, does the Chaos Secret Energy truly warrant such a mountain of corpses?”

Xisco hurled a tempest of feral telekinetic force, shattering the incoming arcane fission warheads, his teeth gritted. “You truly believe a few polished words will make me yield? Your Imperial legions will bleed just as heavily!”

“Precisely, but they are the Empire’s soldiers, and I care little for their toll,” Ravelaud replied with casual indifference. “You cannot outmatch me. Spare yourself futile slaughter. Once the Chaos Secret Energy is secured and the spatial stabilization wards are lifted, I shall tear open a portal and vanish from this battlefield in an instant. A mere telekineticist such as you—do you truly think you can keep pace?”

Xisco’s countenance darkened and shifted like storm clouds before he abruptly ceased his assault, breaking off the engagement with Ravelaud to turn his focus toward reinforcing his fleet and repelling the Imperial advance.

Observing this, Ravelaud recognized the rival’s retreat from the contest and allowed a satisfied smile to touch his lips. With all interference cleared, he poured his full might into the sealing incantation, drawing forth boundless streams of arcane radiance that poured into the Chaos Secret Energy.

Swiftly, a dome of woven spellcraft enveloped the energy, contracting at breakneck speed until it was utterly imprisoned within the crystal orb Ravelaud had drawn forth.

“The deed is done!”

Ravelaud’s eyes ignited with triumph, as if he could already see the cosmic treasures promised by the Empire beckoning within his grasp.

Before his joy could fully bloom, the very instant the seal locked into place, a devastating psionic spell, long coiled and waiting, struck without warning. It hammered against his mental bulwarks, and beneath the violent psychic shock, Ravelaud was plunged into a fleeting, reeling daze.

Simultaneously, a silhouette erupted from a vessel within a seemingly mundane fleet, closing the distance at blinding velocity. Mid-flight, it unleashed its craft; intricate sigils blossomed around Ravelaud in rapid succession, birthing countless azure-tinted tendrils of raw mana that coiled tightly, binding his form in an unyielding grip.

This was no mere restraint. The incantation bore the formal title [Atomte Descent: Chaos-Demon Tentacles], a pinnacle-tier spellcraft. It imposed a brief arcane silence upon mages, severing their connection to mana, while wielding a profound soul-binding property; once ensnared, the victim would succumb to a prolonged paralysis, utterly stripped of bodily command.

“Another Super-A rank?!” From a distance, Xisco felt the sudden surge of energy ripple through the void, whipping his head around in stark disbelief.

By then, Ravelaud had shaken off his dizziness, his face draining of color as he frantically struggled against the bindings.

Yet the figure had already closed in, snatching the orb containing the sealed energy from his grasp before pressing a palm firmly against Ravelaud’s chest.

A torrent of dense, surging mana erupted from the contact, coalescing into a thick pillar of violet-blue light that hurled Ravelaud backward across the void.

The blow carried little lethal force. After skidding a short distance, Ravelaud hastily stabilized himself, looking up in shock and fury. When his eyes fell upon the tattooed silhouette, his expression suddenly froze.

“It is you, the Secret Lord!”

The upper echelons were a tight circle, and renowned Super-A ranks knew one another well. The Secret Lord’s standing within those ranks eclipsed his own.

The Secret Lord’s face remained an impassive mask, ignoring the blend of wrath and trepidation radiating from Ravelaud. He glanced down at the Chaos Secret Energy, gave a slow nod, and spoke without a flicker of emotion:

“Thank you for securing the Chaos Secret Energy on my behalf. You held it for a mere few seconds. Now, it returns to its rightful owner.”

Ravelaud let out a bitter laugh. “I always assumed Black Star was the most shameless among the Super-A ranks, but I see your audacity is no less. How does it return to its rightful owner? When exactly did you become its master?”

“Where I arrive, it becomes mine,” the Secret Lord replied, his tone light as a whisper.

Ravelaud choked on his words, snarling, “Spare me the empty posturing. Do you truly believe you can slip away?”

The opportunity to trade for cosmic treasures had finally presented itself; even if the Secret Lord’s power surpassed his own, Ravelaud would not simply let it slip through his fingers.

The Secret Lord cast him a fleeting glance, his features unreadable. “I depart when I choose to.”

The words had barely left his lips when a vast section of the spatial stabilization trap in the vicinity abruptly collapsed, several mechanisms detonating without warning. Long before the trap was laid, the Secret Lord had secretly tampered with its foundations, embedding remotely triggered, invisible detonation runes, precisely to carve out a viable environment for teleportation once his prize was secured.

The spacetime stability index plummeted, the trap’s efficacy crumbling to nothing, utterly incapable of suppressing Super-A tier spatial magic. Ravelaud’s face paled instantly as comprehension dawned; he hastily began chanting, attempting to weave spatial incantations to block the Secret Lord’s escape.

Yet the Secret Lord moved with greater swiftness. Amidst the surging tides of azure mana, he had already sculpted the spell matrix for a portal, activating it in a heartbeat as a ring of blue vortex spun into existence beside him.

Watching Ravelaud rush forward in frantic pursuit, the Secret Lord remained utterly composed, his expression as still as a deep, undisturbed well.

“Until next time, Ra… hm?!”

Before the syllables could fully fade, a sudden weightlessness struck his hand. The sealed container vanished from his grip, replaced by a metallic limb attached to a humanoid automaton whose eyes crackled with blue-gold electricity, materializing beside him without a whisper of warning.

“You…” The Secret Lord’s gaze flickered, the first trace of genuine astonment breaking through his composure.

The automaton tilted its head, then shuddered violently. A bizarre tide of void energy erupted outward, blanketing a vast swath of space and ensnaring even Ravelaud within its reach.

In the next instant, both the Secret Lord and Ravelaud felt the very fabric of space within the domain thicken like syrup, their movements inevitably dragging into sluggishness.

The Void Prison!

A flash of recognition struck Ravelaud, and the name of the ability’s master tumbled from his lips. “Black Star?!”

Han Xiao’s Dominator avatar turned its head to regard him, a smile playing on its lips. “Oh? You recognize me?”

“You arrive at the perfect moment!” Ravelaud’s face lit up with relief, assuming Han Xiao had been summoned as a clandestine Imperial reinforcement.

Han Xiao saw through the assumption instantly, shaking his head. “I did not come for the Empire.”

At those words, Ravelaud’s smile froze.

Understanding crashed down upon him. Unlike himself, Black Star was not hunting the Chaos Secret Energy for the Empire; he had known of this intelligence long ago and was claiming it for his own ends.

In that case, though Black Star stood as an Imperial ally, in this matter, he was nothing less than a direct rival.

The realization struck Ravelaud’s heart like a cold stone.

Meanwhile, the Secret Lord narrowed his eyes, his frustration boiling over at the near-success now shattered. “Black Star, you have stolen my Chaos Secret Energy?” he asked, his voice icy.

Han Xiao turned his gaze toward him, offering a faint smile.

“To borrow your own words… thank you for holding it for a few seconds on my behalf.”

He had orchestrated his preparations long before. The Dominator avatar, accompanied by a contingent of mechanical forces, had concealed themselves nearby, observing the entire conflict, casually setting a trap for the Modo civilization to fulfill a pending objective.

Only when the Secret Lord shattered the spatial stabilization trap and prepared to teleport away did the avatar seize the precise moment to strike. Instantly wielding [Void Displacement], it swapped its own position with the sealed artifact, delivering the container directly into the hands of the mechanical vanguard.

Yet the resulting energy surge shattered their cloaking fields, exposing the mechanical forces. To prevent pursuit, the avatar immediately activated the Void Prison, temporarily pinning both the Secret Lord and Ravelaud in place, allowing the machines to slip away with the artifact.

Once they reached secure territory, the prize would be truly theirs.

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. The Secret Lord believed himself to be the oriole, yet he remained blissfully ignorant that Han Xiao had concealed himself one layer deeper still.

“The only lingering complication…”

Han Xiao turned his gaze toward Xisco in the distance. The telekinetic had fallen outside the Void Prison’s radius, retaining the capacity to pursue.

Sensing Han Xiao’s scrutiny, Xisco’s expression curdled into a deeply repugnant mask.

At that moment, the voice of a Star-Pupil Divine Clan executive echoed through the telepathic communication network.

“Leader, we have detected a sudden emergence of mechanical forces escorting the Chaos Secret Energy at high velocity. Shall we pursue?”

“Do not pursue. Fall back!”

Upon seeing Han Xiao, Xisco wasted no hesitation, turning his forces around and retreating without a second thought.

He harbored zero desire to engage Black Star in a direct confrontation alone, his cowardice executed with remarkable decisiveness.

More importantly, even without the Dominator avatar, he doubted he could best Black Star’s mechanical legions…

Could he be this perceptive?!

Han Xiao couldn’t help but scratch his iron skull, chuckling inwardly before turning his attention back to the Secret Lord, whose face was dark with hostility, and cracked his neck.

“I shall gladly accept the Chaos Secret Energy. If that displeases you… I would be happy to loosen your joints.”