After returning to the Mechanical Court, Li Ming didn’t immediately meet with Reynolds and Mikhail, but instead went to the Joint Meeting Hall.
A meeting had been announced half a month ago, plus this was the first meeting since Azure Dragon notified everyone to hide.
When Li Ming arrived, every seat was occupied. Besides Gusta by his side, even Sheffield and those few who had been researching the Genetic Seed for him were there.
Of course, they were not present in person, but through a virtual interface to avoid arousing suspicion.
Seeing Azure Dragon’s arrival, the originally noisy atmosphere gradually quieted down, with all eyes on the Chairman.
Li Ming glanced around. Since they weren’t in their usual base, the projection equipment naturally downgraded a notch.
He even saw the edges of some x-level life form projections flicker with noise.
"Greetings everyone; I’m afraid my last message had kept you in fear for a while," Li Ming slowly spoke.
The listeners all showed a helpless smile; some even had a bitter expression.
With Azure Dragon’s warning, how could they not take it seriously? They quickly hid themselves.
But hiding wasn’t a solution, and it brought various troubles. Some of their subordinates thought something had happened to them and intended to leave.
They wanted to know when things could return to normal.
Yet, they couldn’t just grab Azure Dragon and pursue an answer, as the Chairman himself surely didn’t face any danger and was handling this matter for their safety.
Finally, awaiting his call for a meeting, they naturally hoped to hear an answer.
"Let me start with the bad news; those people are hiding extremely well, with no connection to interstellar activities, and for now, I can’t find any trace of them," Li Ming said misleadingly.
Many looked disheartened, but then heard him say, "However, there’s good news; they realize I’m chasing them and likely won’t act for a while."
"As long as you don’t operate too prominently and your whereabouts aren’t widely known, the risk isn’t significant."
Many exhaled a breath of relief.
Immediately someone expressed gratitude, "Thanks to Lord Azure Dragon, otherwise it would have truly been a disaster."
"However, why did such a powerful Titan Branch suddenly emerge? We’ve never encountered it before,"
Li Ming said blandly, "I’m also investigating this matter, but there will eventually be a result."
Everyone nodded, with no one doubting the truth of his words.
After all, the Chairman wasn’t asking them to take risks or provide any assistance, just to hide, giving no reason for doubt.
Li Ming continued, "Also, Anatoli and others’ investigation has temporarily concluded, with no accumulation of Contribution Points."
People didn’t care much, considering it a trivial matter.
But then, what the Chairman said next left everyone unsettled.
"Finally, I intend to nominate Anduin to succeed Gusta’s position as Vice Chairman."
In an instant, many eyes gathered on the still somewhat bewildered Anduin, with emotions ranging from shock, envy, jealousy, to disdain.
"Me?" Anduin pointed at himself, surprised not only by others but also by himself.
Anatoli’s face changed slightly but quickly composed himself, while others exchanged glances.
"Chairman, shouldn’t this be discussed further..." Anatoli couldn’t help but say, then explained, "It’s not that I oppose Lord Anduin succeeding to this position, but might it be risky for him..."
"Gusta is powerful. To suddenly replace him would be a slap in his face. Once he retaliates..."
Gusta still held the Vice Chairman’s position, not because of reputation, but because no one wanted to see him rage.
The entire High-level Life Form Union couldn’t defeat Azure Dragon nor Gusta.
Gusta’s position is a hot potato; whoever takes it on must bear great risk.
Anduin remained clueless but began to speculate that Azure Dragon might intend to use him as bait to lure Gusta out and completely eliminate the hidden threat.
Others also began to realize, harboring various thoughts, knowing that Anduin had always been a loyal follower of Azure Dragon.
To send him as bait now, does Azure Dragon have absolute confidence in protecting Anduin, or are there other reasons?
"No need for Lord Anatoli to worry; I’m willing to take this position," Anduin expressed without too much hesitation.
This was both a risk and an opportunity; under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t be appointed to this position, making him second in command.
Anatoli’s face tightened, naturally considering whether Azure Dragon was using Anduin as bait, yet knowing that once Anduin overcame it, he could become the Vice Chairman.
He was unwilling to see Anduin’s status equal to his, even if it was just a possibility.
The scent of open rivalry and covert combat was palpable to everyone.
Li Ming remained indifferent, merely saying, "Gusta will have no objections."
Hmm?
Everyone paused and then realized that Azure Dragon might have reached some agreement with Gusta.
Anatoli nevertheless became more uneasy, thinking Gusta might have used withdrawal from the union in exchange for Azure Dragon not pursuing him.
If Gusta returned to the Main Universe, he could face enemies on multiple fronts.
But soon, he heard Azure Dragon’s next words, calm and casual, "He is already dead."
Dead, dead? Anatoli’s heart jolted; his pupils suddenly constricted.