"Lord Kasuyi, do you think we should go?" someone couldn't help but ask.
Kasuyi was silent for a few seconds, then slowly said, "Black Star's invitation to everyone goes beyond a private matter; it depends on the Arcane Church's opinion... I estimate they will accept the invitation."
"Why should we? We Arcane and the Black Star Army aren't friends. Does Black Star think he has that much influence?" Tolain indignantly.
Kasuyi shook his head, his voice ethereal, "I roughly understand what methods Black Star will use. His reason is to maintain the stability of the Shattered Star Ring. If we don't go, he'll settle scores later..."
"Are we afraid of him alone?" someone shouted angrily.
"We're not afraid, but the Black Star Army has a huge influence in the Shining World and the Book World Arcane probably don't want to offend them. Besides, the Arcane have to consider Sisko. He lives in the Shattered Star Ring and has nowhere to run. If the Black Star wants to settle scores, he'll be in trouble," Kasuyi said calmly.
"But Black Star didn't hide his goal by doing this. If we all respond to his call, it will enhance his prestige and influence. The higher-ups can't be unaware of this, and other forces' Beyond Grade A are willing to be used by Black Star?" The Sun Hunter narrowed his eyes.
"The Empire is definitely pulling the strings behind the scenes, providing full support, and Glory might even agree," Kasuyi said.
"The Federation of Light will agree?" Tolain asked, puzzled.
Kasuyi glanced at him and said slowly, "The Shattered Star Ring are, after all, the territory of the Glory."
Meanwhile, the Federation of Light also received Han Xiao's invitation and immediately convened a meeting with its many allies to discuss the matter.
"Black Star wants to host a Beyond Grade A conference; his intentions are obvious. Is it necessary for us to enhance his reputation?"
Seraon crossed his arms and rested the other two hands on the table, a dismissive expression on his face. "He may be Peak Beyond Grade A, but isn't he overestimating himself? What, does he think everyone has to give him face?"
He is an important ally of the Federation of Light and also a member of the Elderly Group. He holds a very high status in the Beyond Grade A circle, equivalent to the Empire's Old Dragon or Kant, or the Arcane Sun Hunter.
Another Beyond Grade A turned to look at the Glory President Bader and the council elders present, and asked in a deep voice, "What are your decision-making body thinking?"
Bader said slowly, "Maintaining the stability of the Shattered Star Ring isn't a bad thing for us. Even without the Empire leading the way, I don't intend to let anyone cause trouble. The Shattered World is about to be developed; there's no need to provoke unnecessary conflicts."
"Since we weren't planning on causing trouble anyway, there's no need to respond to Black Star?" someone asked.
"We're still considering it." The chief council elder took over, tapping his cane. "At the moment, it seems there's really no need to support Black Star and boost his influence, as that would contradict our strategy of suppressing the Empire for the past few decades."
"I actually think we could lend Black Star a hand." At this moment, someone spoke up, surprisingly defending Han Xiao. "In my opinion, the pressure exerted over the years has been quite effective, and coupled with some special reasons, it's only a matter of time before the Empire opens up purchasing rights..."
Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at the person, their expressions varying.
This person, named Hedis, is a newly emerging Beyond Grade A in the last decade. He hasn't been with Glory for long, his status is average, and he hasn't shown much. Unexpectedly, he suddenly expressed his opinion today, seemingly having unknown intelligence channels.
"You said there were special reasons why the Empire opened up the right to purchase totems? What inside information do you know?" Bader asked, puzzled.
"Just some trivial information." Hedis was clearly just giving a perfunctory answer and didn't want to say more.
Seeing this, Bader was somewhat dissatisfied. Knowing that further questioning would be fruitless, he simply asked, "Then tell me why you helped Black Star."
"It's very simple. Evolution Cube are the core of the Evolutionary Totem business. If the Empire opens up the Totem one day, our needs will be met. If the Empire were to control the cubes, we would not only have no chance, but the Empire would also reap the lion's share of the profits. In comparison, it would be better to continue to let Black Star keep the cubes."
Therefore, we can give Black Star a boost, elevate his status and prestige, increase his bargaining power, and prevent him from succumbing to pressure and being replaced by the Empire Evolution Cube.
Hedis said.
"That sounds reasonable, but the totem hasn't been opened yet. What you're saying is all empty talk. Helping Black Star now would be going against our suppression strategy and would only cause us trouble. If you can prove that the Empire will definitely open the totem and reveal the inside information you have, then your proposal will have any meaning." The chief council elder was indeed clear-headed.
"I have a special informant; the information is definitely reliable." Hedis shook her head, still not intending to explain.
At this moment, Manison from the Mechanic Emperor, who had been merely observing, tilted his head and calmly said, "Do whatever you want, I will accept Black Star's invitation."
Everyone was startled and looked at him, many of them looking puzzled.
"Didn't you have an unresolved conflict with Black Star? It seems your relationship isn't good?" Seraon asked.
"That's none of your business." Manison waved his hand casually. "I think this is a grand event, and we should try our best to make it happen. Usually, Beyond Grade A stay in their own territories. This rare opportunity to gather in one star field is a good chance for them to meet."
Everyone scrutinized Manison's expression, but couldn't discern his thoughts from it, leaving them puzzled and confused about Manison intentions.
Logically speaking, since Manison and Black Star are competitors, he should try his best to suppress them. Why would he help them? No one knows what he's thinking.
After glancing at the crowd, Manison shook his head inwardly.
He wasn't worried that this incident would increase Han Xiao's influence. Normal changes in reputation wouldn't affect the two's status in the Cult of Mechanic Faith. Believers only focused on mechanical technology and the battle records between mechanics, ignoring everything else, so he wasn't too Black Star would become more famous.
However, Manison did not intend to help Han Xiao; his main goal was to indirectly elevate the status of all Beyond Grade A in the universe through this incident.
Beyond Grade A, possessing immense personal power, are already major figures in the universe, but he felt their significance wasn't enough. In the eyes of advanced civilizations, their role was primarily strategic deterrence and infighting, a situation that had persisted for many years, and Manison wanted to change it.
If this opportunity is used to gather a large number of Beyond Grade A individuals, just thinking about the power these people would possess when united will make advanced civilizations more wary of them and pay more attention to them. This will have some hidden effects. Overall, it is a mixed blessing, with both advantages and disadvantages, but for the Mechanic Emperor, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages—his vision is no longer limited to his own small territory, and he intends to seek more benefits for the class represented by Beyond Grade A individuals.
In other words, Manison is consciously raising the ceiling for the entire industry, somewhat with the intention of helping others when things are going well, but at its core, it's mainly focused on profit.
On the other hand, he didn't mind that Han Xiao was in charge of this grand event. Although the two were competitors, they also had something in common: they were both mechanics. As Black Star's reputation grew, it could attract more talent to become mechanics, which would be beneficial to the spread of the Mechanic Faith. In this way, Manison, as the leader of the mechanic world, would also benefit.
Of course, he would benefit more if he took the lead, but Manison wasn't a stingy person. Since Black Star proposed it first, he couldn't be bothered to take it away. Besides, Black Star had a reason to maintain the security of the star field, so he had a legitimate cause, while he himself had no right to gather so many people.
Compared to the Arcane and Glory, the Crimson Dynasty's Beyond Grade A is much more impressive.
"Black Star knows how to get things done; his methods for extracting profits are truly impressive," Milizaus remarked in amazement.
Upon hearing this, everyone present shook their heads and chuckled.
The Fang Yun the Shattered Star Ring was originally a bad thing that would affect the stability of the star field. However, Black Star saw an opportunity in it and decided to squeeze out every last drop of profit from the situation, turning a bad thing into a good thing.
Everyone knows Han Xiao's intention in doing this. It's not just about boosting his reputation and influence, but also about solidifying his position as Beyond Grade A leader of the Shattered Star Ring —standing up on behalf of the entire star field carries extraordinary implications.
Previously, Black Star was powerful but nameless. Once this matter is accomplished, it will prove to the outside world that it is both famous and powerful, and is the official leader of the star system. Coincidentally, Black Star Army recently added a Beyond Grade A member, so it is a good time to strike while the iron is hot and take advantage of the situation. In this way, Black Star Army's position will become even more impregnable.
Leaving aside the long-term benefits, the most significant impact will be a severe blow to competitiveness in the War Realm. The Infinite Financial Group, which has been competing in various fields, will be greatly affected and will find it difficult to cause any trouble for the Black Star Army in the short term.
"Black Star is really something else, he's got some tricks up his sleeve." Kant chuckled. Today he had transformed into an adorable Enderman pig, only the size of a palm, standing upright with his two hind legs apart, sitting cross-legged like a human, his two short upper hooves barely managing to make an arm-crossing gesture.
"The Empire is openly showing its support; I wonder what Heber will think," Beoni chuckled.
Clottey replied calmly, "It's not that the Empire doesn't care about him, but that he lacks the ability."
In the War Realm, Heber and Sorokin's alter ego sat facing each other.
"The Black Star Army has gained a new Beyond Grade A. Black Star is indeed making moves, wanting to firmly establish itself in the Shattered Star Ring. Alas, this is a straightforward move, and I have no choice but to accept it. If he succeeds, most of our achievements over the years will be lost."
Sorokin shook his head helplessly.
He knew that Black Star wasn't one to let opportunities slip by easily. Sure enough, taking advantage of the Legion's new Beyond Grade A, he used the buzz to launch a series of attacks. And because the events happened so suddenly, he hadn't even finished investigating Hila's background, so naturally he couldn't retaliate.
Moreover, Black Star invited all Beyond Grade A this time. Regardless of whether others give him face or not, the outcome is not something he can interfere with alone; he can only watch helplessly.
Heber did not answer immediately. He kept his head down, staring at the invitation, silent, lost in thought.
"Tyrant Excellency, are you planning to refuse Black Star's invitation? I don't recommend doing so."
Heber then glanced at him and slowly said, "The reason."
"The Empire's stance is clear: they support Black Star's move. If you refuse to participate, you're going against the Empire, which isn't a good choice," Sorokin shook his head. "If everyone else in the Empire goes and you don't, that would be too outrageous. At that point, whether you go or not won't make much difference; not going would be even more embarrassing."
"I don't need you to teach me," Heber scoffed. "And you, are you going or not?"
"Of course I'll go," Sorokin smiled slightly. "After all, Black Star and I are just business rivals; we have no real animosity, and besides, I can't afford to offend him."
He dislikes going against the grain; only by following the crowd can he conceal himself.
"You shameless bastard... "Heber couldn't help but mutter to himself.
"Ah, what a pity. If only it were you and me who made this event possible," Sorokin sighed. "Perhaps we Beyond Grade A know the reason and don't think it's anything special, but from the outside, it's incredibly glamorous. Black Star can command a huge following. If the Black Star Army goes public, this alone could cause its market value to skyrocket."
Now that I'm participating in this grand event, I should be able to get a share of the profits and maybe even boost the Infinite Financial Group's market value a little... Sorokin thought to himself.
Ignoring Sorokin, Heber looked at the invitation again, feeling somewhat unwilling to watch Black Star solidify its position as the leader of the star system.
Unfortunately, having learned his lesson from last time, he already knew he was no match for Han Xiao and couldn't defeat him; there was nothing he could do.
Star Pupil Protoss.
He even invited me?!
Sisko was filled with doubt and uncertainty.
To be honest, deep down he didn't want to accept Han Xiao's invitation at all.
But here's the problem: he doesn't dare refuse.
Black Star is too powerful now. The Sisko race is in the Shattered Star Ring. If we offend Black Star, he will find an excuse to attack us in no time. That would be terrible!
Even though the two sides had a deep-seated grudge, Sisko had endured humiliation and kept a low profile all these years, without taking any retaliatory actions. Now, he dared not offend Han Xiao even more.
Being Beyond Grade A is so frustrating!!
We have to move! We absolutely have to move!
Sisko was internally screaming; this was the second time his mentality had exploded this month.
Han Xiao did not announce the issuance of invitations to heroes to the public, but some rumors still circulated.
Logically speaking, it's difficult for news from these Beyond Grade A circles to leak out, but the situation is so peculiar. Many interstellar media outlets in the Shattered Star Ring somehow got wind of the news and excitedly sent people to the Black Star Army to inquire everywhere, hoping to follow up and report on it, creating a big news story.
The most obvious manifestation of this is that a rather unusual sight has recently appeared at the Black Star Army headquarters: a group of incredibly persistent paparazzi chasing after legion members, asking them all sorts of questions.
Han Xiao didn't stop them. The situation was obvious; it was definitely the Empire that had secretly leaked the news. Since they were going to hold a grand event, they couldn't avoid creating hype to maximize the impact.
He originally wanted to do it himself, but the Empire took the job away from him, which actually saved him trouble.
With some time still remaining before the agreed-upon meeting date, and most of the Beyond Grade A not yet arriving, Han Xiao instructed Sylvia to prepare for the event while he monitored the reactions of the various Beyond Grade A.
He had prepared some methods to persuade some Beyond Grade A, but to his surprise, things went more smoothly than expected. The vast majority of people bought into his schemes, and it seemed that he didn't need to use the methods he had prepared at all.
"I never realized how much influence I've gained..."
Han Xiao sighed inwardly, feeling quite pleased with himself.
After wandering the universe for decades, I've finally awakened the power of face!
Since things went smoothly, he was relieved. Besides the well-known benefits, he had another objective for hosting this grand event that no one else knew:
--Legendary Legend Points!
The sources of Legend Points are complex. One way is to perform various major deeds and gather most of the Beyond Grade A in the universe for a tea party. Han Xiao estimates that he has an 80% chance of obtaining universe-level Legend Points, and he might even gain Political Asset.
Furthermore, this opportunity allows me to thoroughly investigate the backgrounds of these Beyond Grade A individuals and memorize their attribute panels!
Just as she was formulating her plan, the door suddenly opened, Hila walked in, getting straight to the point without beating around the bush:
"It's been five days, I've rested enough, let's get to work."
Five days have passed since Hila returned, and she has been looking forward to sparring with her. Today, she finally came to visit again.
"Alright, let's have a fight then, but not at headquarters. If the equipment gets damaged, we'll have to repair it. Let's go to space for a field battle."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao stood up. He had already promised Hila, so he had no reason to refuse today.