Harvest, Ego

As Earthlings and the Sovereign celebrated wildly, the Elders of the Universe were arguing.

The imposing Law Enforcer punched the Grandmaster hard in the face and cursed, "I will never agree to this plan, nor do I need to. Let’s find that old friend. The Blood God isn’t there. With his strength and our forces, we can definitely wipe out Sovereign."

"That’s right, we don’t agree. Grandmaster, are you even one of the Elders of the Universe anymore? How could you come up with such a deranged plan?"

Gardener, Explorer, Caretaker, and the other Elders of the Universe nodded one after another, while Astronomer, Annihilator, and Runner remained silent.

"On the surface, that old friend plus our forces would indeed be enough to destroy Sovereign."

The pig-faced Grandmaster wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said, "But how can the Blood God be measured by his apparent strength? His scheming and intelligence are even more terrifying than his power.

"This time, we set a trap to frame the Blood God. What happened? One Demon King died in battle, two Demon Kings surrendered, and we were badly weakened. Meanwhile, the Blood God is still alive and kicking, with many more allies at his side.

"I even suspect that he deliberately fell for the trap. To defeat him, we must use the plan I just proposed. Otherwise, we will never succeed."

The Law Enforcer gritted his teeth and asked, "Do you know how many people this plan will kill?"

"Do you know how many people will die once the Infinity Stones are gathered? Everyone in the Entire Universe."

The Grandmaster shouted, "What is wrong with sacrificing a small number of people to save the Entire Universe? We absolutely cannot allow the Infinity Stones to gather together. Everything I do is for this universe."

Gardener sneered. "What a noble speech. Don’t think I don’t know—you just want to win, you old gambling dog."

"I simply don’t want to die."

The Grandmaster said, "You all know how petty the Blood God is. He will not let us off. We have to kill him completely."

Everyone fell silent. They had used others to kill on their behalf before, and the Blood God would never let the matter rest.

Seeing that no one spoke again, Astronomer said, "Let’s decide by vote. I agree."

"I agree too."

The Grandmaster raised his hand as well. No matter what, he had to win this gamble. At the same time, the Blood God had to die.

Annihilator and Runner raised their hands as well. The remaining people exchanged glances, somewhat hesitant.

"I will not agree. I’m out of this gamble. If the Blood God wants revenge, let him come. I’ll take it."

After saying that, the Law Enforcer turned and left without hesitation. Seeing this, Gardener, Explorer, Caretaker, and the other Elders of the Universe followed him out. "We’re out too. Handle it yourselves."

"Four votes in favor. Passed unanimously."

Astronomer lowered his hand and said calmly. The Grandmaster rolled his eyes. There were only four people left, so of course it was unanimous.

Astronomer said, "Grandmaster, go to the Kree Empire and carry out the plan. I’ll find that old friend. I happen to have some news to tell him."

"Fine. If the Blood God still doesn’t die this time, I’ll dig a hole and bury myself in it."

The Grandmaster said excitedly. Astronomer sighed. If they failed again this time, he feared the Grandmaster would not even get the chance to dig a hole.

One month later, in the study of the High Priest’s palace on Sovereign, Annie was reporting on the situation throughout the universe to Wang Bert, who was in his bald Gladiator form.

"The news that Earthlings killed the Supreme Intelligence has spread throughout the Entire Universe. Every faction is shocked. Recently, quite a few planetary powers have gone to Xandar, hoping to visit Earth and establish diplomatic relations.

"This even includes the Shi’ar Empire and the Skrull Empire. Both empires specifically sent their greetings to you, Master. Your reputation is now known across the universe."

"The laws of the universe have always favored the strong. Have Xandar’s embassy receive them properly. As for visiting Earth and establishing diplomatic relations, we can discuss that later."

Wang Bert said, "Earth has not yet been unified. It is not suitable to come into contact with too many outside forces."

"I’ll pass on the order."

Annie nodded, then continued, "After arguing for more than half a month, two warlords of the Kree Empire finally could not hold back and started fighting. A Kree Empire Civil War is now inevitable.

"Also, both the Skrull Empire and the Shi’ar Empire have stationed large forces in the border starfields of the Kree Empire. They probably have designs on the Kree Empire."

"They deserve it."

Wang Bert snorted and said, "Send people to keep a close eye on the Kree Empire. If there is an opportunity, perhaps we can get a share of the spoils too."

"I’ll have those fugitives keep watch."

Annie said. After gaining their freedom, many of the fugitives from Celestial Head had chosen to work for Wang Bert. After all, he had money, and more importantly, he was powerful enough to protect them.

"Oh, right. Lizard Doctor has requested some Kree for experiments."

Remembering something, Annie said, "He said that if Earthlings cannot be used for experiments, then Kree should be fine, right?"

"No."

Wang Bert said decisively, "Have him use clones for his experiments. Also, any human experimentation must receive my approval."

"I’ll tell him."

Annie said.

Wang Bert asked, "How much technology have Lizard Doctor and Shuri’s group acquired?"

"A great deal. They are working at full capacity to absorb it. The Sovereign are on guard, but they simply cannot hide it from them."

Annie sighed. "Earth truly is a place beloved by the universe. It has outstanding people and fertile ground."

"Perhaps Earth is the center of the universe."

Wang Bert smiled. Just as he was about to continue, Lina reported from outside, "Master, High Priestess Ayesha requests an audience."

"Let her in."

Wang Bert said as he leaned back in his chair. To put High Priestess Ayesha at ease, he had told her that Gladiator was the Blood God.

Soon, High Priestess Ayesha entered, her skin restored to gold. She said irritably, "Blood God, can’t you control those Earthlings? Television dramas, movies, comics, novels—those things are all forbidden on Sovereign. They will lead my people astray."

"What is wrong with watching a movie?"

Wang Bert shrugged and said, "The Titanic, which I invested in, is now enjoying a hot run in theaters, and its box office is excellent. With that movie and her earlier performance as the Goddess of War, Lorelei has already become a major star. Some people are even buying her bathwater."

"I said those things will affect the Sovereign, just like alcohol."

High Priestess Ayesha shouted, "If it were not for your sake, I would have skinned that little raccoon long ago. Not only did it make Sovereign lose all face, it also stole our energy batteries."

"Weren’t you quite happy that night too?"

Wang Bert smiled. "You should not keep suppressing the Sovereign’s emotions."

"What happened that night only proves that our genes are still imperfect. Once this matter is over, I will have people study our genes again. Higher life forms do not need all those messy feelings and emotions."

At the mention of that night, High Priestess Ayesha became somewhat frantic. Sovereign had made a complete fool of itself, and so had she.

"Just endure it for now. Once my gamble with the Elders of the Universe is over, I will take them away."

Wang Bert shook his head. He was Earthlings’ savior, not the savior of the Sovereign. He had no interest in helping them return to the right path.

Hearing Wang Bert’s promise, High Priestess Ayesha was overjoyed—she had been very worried that the Blood God and the others would refuse to leave, or even seize Sovereign by force.

With the Blood God’s strength, doing so would not be difficult at all.

High Priestess Ayesha said, "Thank you, Blood God, for your help. Sovereign is willing to form an alliance with Earth."

"Diplomatic relations are fine. We can discuss an alliance later."

Wang Bert said, "Also, the Earth Allied Forces worked so hard to help you this time. You should show some appreciation—money, energy batteries, all sorts of technology. We’ll take anything you offer."

High Priestess Ayesha gritted her teeth inwardly. The trouble had clearly been caused by him, yet he was actually demanding payment from them?

Forget it. Paying to avert disaster is fine, as long as they are willing to leave.

High Priestess Ayesha said, "Don’t worry. We will not let you come here for nothing."

"Good. If there is nothing else, you may leave. Annie, you should get back to work too."

Wang Bert waved his hand. Once the two women had left, he began taking stock of his gains this time.

First was technology. This time, Earth had obtained a great amount of advanced technology from the Kree Empire and the Sovereign. Once it was all absorbed, Earth’s technology would come infinitely close to that of the major powers of the universe.

Second, Wang Bert had captured a large number of Kree ships and Kree prisoners, while also gaining an enormous amount of prestige. In the future, he could make a living off his reputation.

In addition, Wang Bert had acquired the Memory Hammer and the Supreme Mecha. Though the Memory Hammer had no direct destructive power, if used well, its effects would exceed all imagination. It could be called a divine artifact.

There was even less need to mention the Supreme Mecha. It was absolutely a devastating weapon—Ivan and Tony had already taken over its system, and it now belonged to Wang Bert.

Although all of the above was good, it was not the greatest gain this time. The greatest gains were Adam’s clone and the two Demon King subordinates.

Those were three Demon God-level beings. With them around, Hell would have to watch its own back if it wanted to stir up trouble in the future.

"It’s a pity you can’t transform. Otherwise, I would definitely rename you Optimus Prime or Megatron."

Wang Bert sensed the Supreme Machine in his spatial storage and could not help smiling. In his previous life, he had really liked such big guys.

At the same time, a magnificent white egg-shaped spaceship arrived at Sovereign’s Starport.

A group of small ships immediately surrounded the egg-shaped vessel. Then, the Starport commander said arrogantly, "Sorry, Sovereign is under martial law. No spacecraft are allowed to dock. Please leave."

"Hello, I mean no harm. I’m here to find my son."

The owner of the egg-shaped spaceship said, "Could you help me contact him?"

"There are only Earthlings and Sovereign on Sovereign. There is no son of yours."

The commander said coldly. At his words, the pilots immediately aimed all their cannons at the egg-shaped spaceship. The ship’s owner smiled and said, "My son is an Earthling—Peter Quill. You generally call him Star-Lord."

"Star-Lord from the Guardians of the Galaxy?"

The commander’s expression turned rather ugly. What Rocket had done a month earlier had made them lose tremendous face. He had even been punished by the High Priest and whipped several times—for saying to her face that her chest was small.

Though Star-Lord had not been the mastermind, he had not been innocent either.

Star-Lord’s father, the living planet Ego, said amiably, "Yes, Star-Lord. Uh, your tone doesn’t sound very friendly. If Star-Lord has done anything wrong, I can apologize to you on his behalf."

"If you can make him shut up, everyone would be happy. Wait a moment. I’ll contact him."

The commander snorted, but did not contact Star-Lord immediately. Instead, he reported the matter first.

"Star-Lord’s father has arrived?"

Wang Bert narrowed his eyes. Ego was definitely not a good person. The question was, had he appeared at this time because of the Elders of the Universe? Ego and the Elders of the Universe had all lived for countless tens of thousands of years, so it was perfectly normal for them to have connections.

"Contact Star-Lord. Also, find a way to start a fight with that guy."

Wang Bert gave the order, then called Carol and Thor. "A tough one has arrived outside. Go test his strength. Remember, do not let him know your purpose."

"What testing? I’ll deal with him by myself."

Thor said arrogantly. He had been having a good time lately. He did not have to handle official business, and spent every day fighting and drinking with Carol, Ares, Ivan, and the others. It was practically a godly life.

Heimdall had urged him several times, but Thor had no intention of returning. Odin, who was hiding on Earth, had nearly been angered to death.

With a son like this, how could Asgard possibly avoid destruction? "Master asked us to go together, so he must be tough. Don’t hold me back later."

Carol was just as arrogant, but unlike Thor, she had a brain.

"What did you say? Want another fight?"

Thor roared. Carol could not be bothered with him. Dazzling light erupted from her body as she flew swiftly toward the Starport, with Thor swinging his hammer and following closely behind.

"My father?"

Star-Lord, who was in his room using music and dancing to court Gamora, received the communication. He froze for a moment, then shouted into the phone, "He must be a fraud. Chase him away."

After saying that, Star-Lord put down the phone and said to Gamora, "Gamora, let’s continue."

"Wait."

Gamora raised her hand and said, "Star-Lord, do you remember the Blood God saying that you are only half Earthling? The one outside might really be your father."

"What does that have to do with me?"

Star-Lord said stubbornly. Gamora smiled. "If it truly had nothing to do with you, you would not be this worked up. Go take a look. If he really is a fraud, I’ll help you deal with him."

Star-Lord hesitated, then said, "Then let’s go take a look. Once we deal with him, we can continue what we were just doing."

Gamora smiled faintly, then unceremoniously drove her knee into Star-Lord and strode outside. Star-Lord clutched himself below, his face turning green. This fiery girl was a little too fiery, wasn’t she?

Let us turn back time a little. The commander put down the phone and shouted toward Ego’s ship, "We have notified Star-Lord. He says you are a fraud. Leave immediately, or don’t blame us for being rude."

"That child seems to hate me."

Ego, dressed in a long robe with a gray-white beard and a kindly appearance, sighed. He walked to the ship’s entrance and waved his hand, causing the pale-yellow energy door to disappear.

Then, Ego flew into space and said, "Please give me a chance to explain things to him properly."

"Walking through space in the flesh? No wonder the Blood God wants us to test him."

The commander’s gaze sharpened as he shouted, "Leave immediately, or we will attack."