Han Ling sighed softly upon hearing Roderick's words.

It's truly heartbreaking to think that the Stag Clan lives so far from the Zerg, residing on a separate planet, for this very reason.

Roderick heard Han Ling's sigh and continued to describe the current situation of the Stag Clan on Emperor Planet.

"Living on Emperor Star has its pros and cons. There are advantages, but also disadvantages."

Because of the extremely strong gravitational field on Emperor Star, no male stag beetles have been born for a very long time.

The male insect is very weak; in such an environment, even an embryo cannot survive.

"All the stag race currently existing on Emperor Star were born in the laboratory."

Currently, there are only 1.2 million stag people left on Emperor Star.

Although this number sounds like a lot, the Zerg have a lifespan of 500 years.

Most of these 1.2 million people were born 300 years ago.

Historically, at its peak, the Zerg population on Emperor Star, including the Stag Race, reached over a billion.

As Roderick explained the history of the Zerg, Han Ling listened silently, somewhat shocked.

As a race on the verge of extinction, the Yao Clan faced the same situation as the Zerg—a continuous decline in their population.

However, due to their love-struck tendencies, the total population of the Yao Clan has remained relatively stable.

Even now, the Yao Clan has only reduced its population by two-thirds.

But the Zerg are exaggerated. Han Ling can't even imagine how huge a number or how massive a scale the Zerg would be if they expanded another 1,000 times.

Fortunately, although the Zerg have a large population, they also have a large enough territory with so many planets to accommodate them.

Along the way, Roderick told Han Ling many stories about Emperor Planet, a planet that had always been exceptionally mysterious in interstellar space.

As Roderick narrated, a magnificent epic seemed to emerge before Han Ling's eyes.

The howling wind carrying yellow sand seemed to transform into a historical hymn, echoing in Han Ling's ears.

At this moment, Han Ling learned about the little-known history of Emperor Star.

Many myths about the Stag race have been passed down in interstellar space.

All the Zerg believe that only when disaster strikes will the Stags emerge from the mysterious Imperial Star to save everyone and the Zerg universe.

But according to Roderick's version of the truth, that's not the case.

The truth is, the Zerg's disasters are happening all the time, and the Stag Clan's involvement in that event was purely accidental.

However, the rumor that Emperor Star only appears once every thousand years is true.

Because very few Stagfolk are able to leave Emperor Star.

To defeat the established strongest opponent at such a young age is the only way to leave the Imperial Star and venture out into the world. Only a genius could accomplish such a feat. Truly, it's a once-in-a-millennium event.

"So it wasn't the Stag Clan that saved the Zerg. Rather, it was the Zerg's unique sense of unity that allowed them to overcome numerous dangers..."

As Roderick finished speaking, he suddenly stopped and stood suspended in mid-air.

"We've arrived."

As he finished speaking, Han Ling seemed to hear the endless roar of a sea of ​​fire ringing in his ears.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

That was the vibration caused by the eruption of magma.

When Roderick stopped walking and the wind around him died down, Han Ling felt a wave of heat emanating from his skin.

The yellow sand, mixed with endless heat, emitted a terrifyingly high temperature.

With each breath, the intense heat seemed to be burning my nasal cavity.

Han Ling couldn't help but look up at the sky, which was cloudless.

No wonder there are no clouds in the sky here; it's a volcanic area that can't tolerate moisture.

The giant lava cave below continues to spew out high-temperature magma.

"Glug! Glug!"

Gases from deep within the earth surged out, causing the magma to boil and bubble continuously.

The terrifyingly high temperatures emanating from the depths of Emperor Star's core seem to be trying to prove that the star's core is inexhaustible.

The scorching heat of the Earth's core melted the rocks and mineral veins in the crust, fusing them together to create billowing magma.

Roderick said nostalgically:

"Your Excellency, do not look into the distance. Look down at our feet. This is the dwelling place of the Stag Clan of Emperor Star, the Flame Palace."

The Flame Palace is a complex of buildings that looks ferocious, massive, and majestic.

The towering, sharp spire resembled the weapons of the shovel tribe, exceptionally sharp.

Slender stone pillars stand atop the black lava, supporting the entire structure.

Above the stone pillars is a pointed ribbed vault, with its arched spikes resembling the fangs of a shovel tribe.

Roderick explained:

"The entire Flame Palace was built from magma, so it appears entirely black."

The patterns on the wall surface and the furniture inside were all carved and sculpted by the female stag beetle herself.

Carving is also part of testing the female insect's abilities.

Control your strength and carve a specific pattern without destroying the fragile magma.

Each Shovel Clan's Flame Palace is built by themselves.

Before the insectoids could create their own fiery palaces, everyone slept on the ground, using the sky as their blanket and the earth as their mat.

Roderick excitedly introduced the Flame Palace to Han Ling, as if he were recounting his own past.

Just then, a figure appeared in front of a black palace below.

Roderick looked closely and laughed:

"Your Excellency, let's first go and see the current emperor, Cromwell. Then I will lead you back to the Flame Palace that I once built with my own hands."

As Roderick spoke, he pulled Han Ling along and plummeted downwards.

After diving downwards for a minute, Roderick finally landed on the ground and stood before the black palace.

Cromwell, the Zerg emperor who had met Han Ling once before, was waiting at the palace gate.

“You’re finally back, Roderick.”

Cromwell looked at Roderick and said calmly.

The two female insects present were an emperor and a prince, but they did not look like father and son at all; they seemed like strangers.

However, the two were indeed strangers. Roderick's status as the eldest prince was merely to inform the outside world that he was the next heir to the throne.

The stag race on Emperor Star today are all products of laboratory experiments; they have no blood relation whatsoever.

Roderick nodded to Cromwell.

"Are you ready for what I told you on Aphrodite?"

If you are ready, you can set off now. The space teleportation channel constructed by Lord Han Ling is located in the southern part of Huangsha Ridge in the west.

The male insects on Aphrodite are currently in some danger and require protection for about three months.

"Once Lingtian Company's office planet is operational in three months, everyone can return."

Roderick grew up here and knows the area very well.

Although the scenery before was just endless sand dunes in Han Ling's eyes.

But Roderick could easily call out the names.

Han Ling sensed that Roderick's tense emotions seemed to have relaxed after returning here.

Previously, the two had been overwhelmed by the endless troubles, but after returning to the Emperor Star, Roderick seemed less anxious.

Cromwell listened to Roderick's words and sighed, saying:

"Although I knew that Lord Han Ling's spatial teleportation channel was very fast, I did not expect it to be this fast."

"The manpower is ready; we'll head to Aphrodite's aid now."

Cromwell took out a whistle. He put it to his lips and blew softly, and then a sharp, piercing sound quickly began to spread outwards.

Then Han Ling saw many figures emerge from the massive complex behind the black building.

Those insectoid creatures, they too had silver-white hair, which stood out so clearly against the black buildings.

Roderick continued to instruct:

"I have another purpose for coming back this time. That is to find the female insects who participated in the Science and Technology City competition with me and lead them in a final intensive training session."

"You absolutely mustn't take those people with you."

Cromwell nodded expressionlessly, then put his hands behind his back and spread his shovel elytra. He instantly flew into the air.

The shovel army behind them took off, and then they all flew in one direction.

They were incredibly fast, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Han Ling stared blankly at this scene.

Although protecting the male insects was an important task, they all left without even exchanging a few pleasantries.

Han Ling, already feeling unwell from the heat, was further confused by the steam and quickly forgot about the incident.

Roderick turned on his personal terminal, fiddled with it for a bit, and then said:

"Your Excellency Han Ling, the people who accompanied me to the Science and Technology City Competition will be here shortly. We'll meet with them, and then I can return to my Flame Palace to rest."

Han Ling nodded and remained silent.

A moment later, the five stag beetle females folded their elytra and descended from the sky, landing in front of Roderick.

These five female stag beetles looked fierce and menacing, like wild beasts that had not yet lost their wildness, with pupils as focused as wolf eyes.

Han Ling glanced at them and knew that none of these five were easy to deal with when they fought.

Roderick had previously explained the rules of the Science and Technology City Ladder Tournament to Han Ling.

Because the technology in the science and technology city is very advanced, the mastermind there is most enthusiastic about holding live-action fighting competitions.

During the competition, regardless of race, no technological weapons are allowed to be used on the field.

The participants need to compete on the energy hidden within their bodies.

Before this, the competitions in the Science and Technology City usually consisted of only one event, which was the "Individual Fighting Tournament".

Each race must send its most powerful fighter to participate in an elimination tournament.

In this competition, as long as you participate, you will receive a comprehensive technological upgrade, including advancements in optical computing and mainframe computing.

The ultimate winner will receive the technology as a cutting-edge technology in any field, free of charge.

Although this competition only offers rewards and no punishments, that's only on the surface.

In fact, this live-action fighting competition has a very important influence.

Because those races that lose may face annihilation after this match.

A race that is too weak is the reason it is wiped out.

When the weak live next to the strong, if the difference in racial strength between the two sides is too great, they will inevitably fight fiercely to expand their territory.

Therefore, this science and technology city conference must showcase the strength of the Zerg.

Regardless of winning or losing, we must not back down.

The five female insects standing before Han Ling are all among the top-ranked warriors on Emperor Star in terms of individual combat strength.

Roderick did not introduce their names to Han Ling, but simply said:

"Starting tomorrow, the six of us will begin special training in space."

The training objective is for the five of you to find ways to defeat me.

I will choose the strongest among you to be my teammate for a duo battle.

The competition content has changed at this year's Science and Technology City Conference.

In addition to the individual all-person competition, a new [two-person unarmed combat competition] has been added.

So who among you will become my teammate depends on the upcoming matches.

The synergy between Zerg is innate.

Therefore, no matter who Roderick partners with, he can always put on a perfect performance in a battle.

So Roderick returned to the Emperor Planet to have a good time playing a few matches, and then select the best ones to become his next teammate.

"From now on, we will gather here every morning at 5 o'clock for training."

Please arrive on time and do not be late.

After saying these words, Roderick took Han Ling in his arms and turned to leave.

In a few leaps, he swiftly traversed the top of the black palace, and after a few quick movements, he found his home.

Roderick's palace was no different from others; it was also a spiky castle made of black rock.

However, when Han Ling actually got close to the wall, he discovered that the stone pillars were covered with patterns.

The pattern looks simple and elegant. Although it does not have complicated carving techniques, you can tell that the carver's hand is very steady.

The carved lines descend straight down from the 5-meter-high stone pillar without a single crookedness.

Thinking of what Roderick had just said, Han Ling smiled unexpectedly:

"I didn't expect your carving skills to be so good."

"Because every weapon of the Shovel Tribe, whether it be a spear or a halberd, can be engraved with such patterns."

Roderick spoke modestly, then pushed open the stone door of the palace and went inside.

These buildings are called the Palace of Flames, and once you step inside, you'll find that the decor is indeed that of a palace.

The spacious interior forms a huge corridor, which protects against wind, sand, and fire, and also keeps out the sweltering air.

Suddenly, Han Ling shivered.

He felt a cool sensation seep into his body through his pores.

Why do I suddenly feel a bit cold?

Roderick explained:

"To prevent dehydration, glacial water was placed all around the room to counteract the effects of the volcano."

"Sir, from now on, when I go out for training, you can stay in this room. It won't be too hot or too cold."

Han Ling jumped off Roderick, tried taking two steps, and then nodded:

"Alright, I'll wait for you in this room from now on. After drinking your blood, I feel that the gravitational field of Emperor Star doesn't affect me much, it just makes my steps a little heavy."

Roderick smiled:

"Sir, what are your impressions of Emperor Planet after arriving here?"