He wasn't engaging in corruption; this was all part of Lyu's arranged itinerary.

As time passed and her main brain group upgraded itself, Lyu regained confidence in infiltrating the Emperor Star Circle's network.

After all, at worst, she'd just get kicked out by that predecessor.

Lyu set up millions of layers of self-disguise to ensure the location of her main overseas server group remained hidden. She also used the East Wind as an information relay station to ensure all domestic and foreign information exchanges happened there.

The last time Lyu was expelled from the Emperor Star Circle's network, additional encrypted information appeared on the server she rented on Yaha Star.

It was certainly left behind by that predecessor.

Previously, Lyu didn't dare touch this information, fearing it might contain some super virus.

But now, Lyu was itching to try and figure out how to safely decrypt it and see what her predecessor left for her.

Of course, before doing this, Lyu would definitely seek her boss's approval to ensure he was in a sufficiently safe environment.

The back seat of a driverless hover car.

Yang Ming stretched lazily and asked in a low voice, "Lyu, how many more planets are left?"

"If we go by the list His Majesty the Emperor gave you, there are thirty-two left, twelve of which are in the Emperor Star Circle," Lyu replied with a smile. "Boss, you could actually rack up some achievements; maybe after this trip, you'll be promoted to Duke."

"It's not that easy; the position of an Imperial Duke is the peak of power for non-royals."

Yang Ming laughed.

"Lyu, you still don't understand human nature. Whether my name is on the merit list or not makes no difference.

"Whether I get the dukedom only hinges on the Emperor's whims, not those merits; although enough achievements could reduce criticism.

"Don't worry; we are already advancing rapidly.

"And more than an Imperial Duke, I currently desire the Ancient God Cells."

"Alright," Lyu sighed lightly, "Boss, I've been pondering lately about when your game will start and what the activation conditions are."

Yang Ming raised an eyebrow, becoming a bit more spirited, "Have you figured anything out?"

"The most likely scenario involves the Pioneer's position within their respective alignments."

A miniature projection of Lyu appeared on Yang Ming's shoulder, speaking earnestly.

"Firstly, it can be confirmed that the Faya Civilization can activate the game at any time, capturing a momentary state of human civilization in the Milky Way and creating a trial game.

"Secondly, based on the information we currently have, the Faya Civilization provides all civilized greenhouses with a fair competitive environment, where even the Pioneers cannot directly intervene, but we can influence the distribution of forces across the Milky Way to indirectly affect the in-game power distribution.

"It is probable that the Pioneers would rectify this by modifying the game NPC roles' data.

"Putting the information from the Fourth Pioneer and using elimination to filter options, I think we can make a bold assumption—that all five Pioneers must meet a certain standard before the game activates."

"A certain standard?"

"Yes, I can only make some assumptions."

Lyu carefully analyzed.

"It might be that the Pioneers help their home civilizations gain a foothold in their respective forces.

"Or it could be more basic, ensuring that after being sent to the primary civilizations of the Galaxy, the tens to hundreds of billions of humans from civilized greenhouses can live decently and not starve.

"If it's the first possibility, the Pioneers at least need to become high-ranking officials in powerful countries.

"If it's the second possibility, as long as the Pioneers can make their voices heard in the political and online arenas to attract the alignment government's attention, it will suffice."

Yang Ming said, "If the assumption holds, it should be the second one. The positions the Pioneers can reach vary, so the standard can't be set too high; otherwise, it would ruin the game's balance."

"Yes, I also lean towards the second possibility."

Lyu nodded seriously.

"The current issue is that the Fifth Pioneer hasn't shown up yet, and the Third Pioneer, who triggered the Resurrection Armor, also needs time to regrow."

"We still have time," Yang Ming's eyes lit up, "If it seems there isn't enough time, we could delay it further by reviving the Fourth Pioneer."

"Yes, boss, but I still have to remind you, this is just my speculation."

Yang Ming raised his hand and pinched Lyu's simulated cheek, not continuing the topic.

Lyu blinked.

The boss... is he not leaving even figurines alone now!

Yang Ming sighed quietly, reflecting, "No matter what, this journey across more than thirty planets will take about a year, and for this year, I'll have to toil for the Empire."

"It's foreseeable that you'll gain unprecedented renown and become a true powerhouse in the Empire this year."

"It's all based on the Emperor's trust in me," Yang Ming said calmly, "I must devise a way to make sure the Emperor can't target me, and that I have countermeasures against His Majesty during critical moments."

Lyu retorted, "Isn't Miss Catherine your investment?"

Yang Ming paused for a moment, "What did I invest in her?"

"Isn't this your big plan?" Lyu asked in a low voice.

"You're overthinking it. I just wanted her to read more books and have some leadership qualities."

Yang Ming stroked his chin, deep in thought.

To counter the Emperor, the most effective method would be having the capability to replace him at any time.

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