The true identity of Elder Hector Blackridge needs no explanation.
The Pink-Skin Humans' scheme against Earth was personally planned, arranged, and ordered by the current patriarch, with the other elders assisting from the sidelines.
As for Elder Hector Blackridge, a Stellar Palace Tier lifeform, he was responsible for the final phase of this operation.
“Elder Hector Blackridge, the great meritorious elder of our clan.”
The patriarch, his hair streaked blood-red, tapped the void rhythmically with crystalline fingertips as he maintained contact and set the tone for the operation: “You all tried to shirk the task, but only Elder Hector Blackridge stepped forward willingly, volunteering to go to Earth and carry out the final slaughter.”
Inside the solemn, imposing palace, a rectangular conference table stretching nearly ten thousand meters was suffused with circulating energy, able to record all images and information without decay over time.
Sparks and thunder would occasionally leap across the long table, illuminating the silent, grave atmosphere of the meeting.
Upon hearing this, all the elders fell silent.
If the massacre of Earth were ever exposed, death would be inevitable. They could participate in the planning, but most kept their distance from personally carrying out the slaughter.
For Stellar Palace Tier beings, death is a concept far too distant.
“Very well, is there any objection now?” Patriarch Leon Ashburn of the Pink-Skin Humans spoke calmly. “For our clan to retain the Chenriver throne, Elder Hector Blackridge has made an indelible contribution—none can deny it.”
In Patriarch Leon Ashburn’s heart, Hector Blackridge was worthy of respect.
Though Hector Blackridge was known for his brutality and penchant for slaughter—often drawing criticism from the other elders—at the crucial moment, he volunteered to go alone to the blue Earth.
It was an act of self-sacrifice, risking life and death.
In the not-so-distant future, the Pink-Skins would rise, and Elder Hector Blackridge’s merit would be impossible to ignore.
Smack!
Leon Ashburn slapped the surface of the long table. “The slaughter of Earth, the targeted killing of Andrew Han’s family—this is a critical step in our plan. Elder Hector Blackridge, as a Stellar Palace Tier lifeform, once he acts, Earth—merely an aboriginal life planet—will be utterly defenseless.”
His deep voice echoed through the palace interior.
Sparks and flashes of electricity occasionally leapt from the rectangular conference table, illuminating the faces of elders—each at least peak Starlight Tier. The palace atmosphere grew livelier, no longer so heavy and oppressive.
All the elders nodded in unison, approving and praising.
“The patriarch is right. In fact, from certain perspectives, Elder Hector Blackridge has indirectly changed the future of our Pink-Skin Humans.”
“Sigh, I shouldn’t have opposed Hector Blackridge before.”
“Indeed, you should reflect carefully. Without Hector Blackridge, our clan would have no glorious future.”
At that moment—
A pink-browed woman sighed lightly. “Elder Hector Blackridge is Stellar Palace Tier, with a lifespan of ten thousand epochs, yet he was willing to take such risks—I am ashamed by comparison. But he is also notoriously brutal. It’s just a pity for Andrew Han, whose talent rivals our own Sen’s, but it’s useless without a powerful faction to support his path.”
Andrew Han stands alone, with no backing or patronage.
No matter how outstanding his talent, he still cannot compare to our clan’s Sen.
Immediately after—
Patriarch Leon Ashburn narrowed his sharp eyes, glanced at the female elder, and snorted coldly. “We Pink-Skin Humans have given so much, yet are destined to fail? Listen carefully—Andrew Han is not worthy of sympathy.”
The rise of an aboriginal brings countless complications.
Especially during the transition of the Chenriver throne, Andrew Han alone could be the decisive last straw that tips the balance.
If Andrew Han is allowed to grow, the Pink-Skin Humans are doomed to lose.
Ding-dong, ding-dong—Patriarch Leon Ashburn kept tapping the void, trying to contact Elder Hector Blackridge, and said in a deep voice, “This is not our fault; if anyone is to blame, it’s Andrew Han himself—his cultivation talent is simply too great.”
Upon hearing this—
The elders all lowered their eyes, their expressions indifferent.
The Chenriver Empire is vast, ruling nearly half the Celestia Stellar System. For Andrew Han to influence the entire situation is extraordinary—worthy of pride.
Yet in the conflicts between great powers, even Sen is destined to be dust.
“Sigh.”
The woman who had spoken for Andrew Han earlier shook her head, dispelling any lingering sympathy.
If Andrew Han were to attend the Grand Feast of the Cosmic Ancient Kingdom, the White-Horn Human Clan would gain immense merit. Although the Pink-Skin Humans have Sen, Andrew’s youth would surely earn him greater favor from the Cosmic Ancient Kingdom.
Therefore—
All for the sake of the Pink-Skin Humans!
A cold gleam flashed in the woman’s eyes as she slowly closed them.
The solemn palace fell silent again, leaving only the steady, rhythmic sound of tapping—like pearls striking a jade plate, echoing without end.
“Hm?”
One elder opened his eyes, a hint of puzzlement showing.
“Ahem.”
Patriarch Leon Ashburn looked slightly awkward, tapping the void as he waited for Blackridge’s reply.
Sunset… sunrise… sunset again. Even for Stellar Palace beings who measure time in epochs, someone finally couldn’t help but ask, “Why isn’t Elder Blackridge answering? Could something have gone wrong?”
But as soon as the words left his mouth, the elder realized his mistake and gave a self-deprecating laugh.
A problem?
What problem could there possibly be?
Elder Blackridge is a Stellar Palace powerhouse—destroying an entire planetary system is nothing to him.
“Enough. I’ll consult the Void Cavern Ancestor.”
Leon Ashburn frowned, swept his gaze over the elders, then slowly stood. A silk-like crimson radiance glowed at his brow, piercing the void as he respectfully communicated with the Void Cavern Ancestor.
Whoosh.
The crimson glow spiraled in midair as Leon connected to the Void Cavern Ancestor at the edge of the planetary core.
“Ancestor, Blackridge isn’t answering.” Leon gently transmitted his voice.
After a moment—
A faint sound came from the edge of the core: “Oh? Seems the matter is settled. Blackridge has some sense; I suppose he’s chosen not to return and so isn’t answering.”
Leon was momentarily stunned, then the realization struck him like thunder.
The voice sounded again from the core: “As patriarch, you should understand—this must be absolutely foolproof. From the moment you proposed the plan, it was fated that someone would fall… Enough, don’t disturb my cultivation over such a small matter. Send another Stellar Palace elder to check Earth—leave no traces.”
“Yes!”
Leon Ashburn hurriedly bowed in reply.
He needed to send another Stellar Palace elder to blue Earth to observe the situation… But who should carry out this confirmation mission?
As soon as Leon asked,
All the Stellar Palace elders stood up without hesitation, volunteering for the task.
???
Leon was taken aback, then left speechless.
The seemingly dutiful, selfless Stellar Palace elders were secretly delighted.
Such a simple, easy task was almost like a pleasant vacation—no danger at all, and merit to be gained for nothing. Who wouldn’t want it?
Even the dullest would be eager.
Leon understood perfectly. Lifting a flame-bearing vessel in his left hand, he smiled and said, “You elders are truly diligent. Let’s draw lots—whoever draws the tag will go to the life planet Earth.”
“Very well, very well.”
Each elder kept a serious face while inwardly rejoicing.
Moments later, the pink-browed woman grasped her tag and smiled reservedly. “Sorry, everyone—this Earth trip is mine.”
Amid the disappointed gazes of the others, the woman cheerfully departed.
This trip to Earth was as leisurely as a vacation; she could observe Andrew Han’s ruined homeland—it promised to be quite interesting.
...
Blue Earth spun as always.
Sunlight poured down, and on the surface of the star—an unfathomably mighty stellar furnace—waves rippled, as if an ancient, wrinkled face slowly emerged.
Streams of flame and blazing currents exploded madly!
Energy and light surged in violent upheaval!
Yet the face on the star’s surface remained eternally cold, gazing into the depths of space: “Pink-Skin Humans… I told you before, I will kill your entire clan.”