As more and more Beyond Grade A soldiers arrived at the Black Star Army headquarters, Han Xiao's territory became even more lively. Before long, seventy or eighty Beyond Grade A soldiers had gathered there.
The Amethyst Civilization, which governs this star cluster, gradually became nervous and secretly mobilized its troops to make some defensive deployments.
Not only the Amethyst Civilization, but all the star cluster-level civilizations under the control of the Shattered Star Ring, as well as the three major cosmic-level civilizations stationed in this star field, have also begun to secretly deploy their fleets and prepare for any eventuality.
With so many top-tier cosmic forces, they could easily overturn an entire star system. However, those who wield this power are independent individuals with free thought, posing a risk of being out of control. These civilizations dare not be complacent.
As for the Goddora Civilization, which directly governs the star system where the Black Star Army headquarters is located, they are now on high alert, gathering their fleets and stockpiling them all in the star sector where the Black Star Army headquarters is located.
The undercurrents in the outside world did not affect the mood of the many Beyond Grade A. With Heber being the last to arrive, the talks proceeded as scheduled.
The meeting took place in a grand hall at headquarters, with a dome hundreds of meters high and dozens of floating thrones arranged in a circle, silently floating five meters above the ground.
The gates opened, and the Super A-ranks who had been staying at the Legion headquarters these past few days filed in. The tallest was the Beast Ancestor Grutan, and the shortest was a Sun Hunter the size of a finger; each had their own unique characteristics.
Everyone chose a seat and took their places. The allies of the Three Universal Civilizations were clearly separated and grouped together, while the Beyond Grade A members of other factions were sandwiched in the middle.
After taking their seats, everyone noticed three empty seats next to each other. Seeing that Han Xiao hadn't arrived yet, they started chatting casually, all sizing each other up.
During the waiting period, many Beyond Grade A interacted with each other. Some of them had only heard of each other's names before but had never met. Thanks to the opportunity brought by Han Xiao, these people got to know each other and made some new friends.
Those who received the most visits were the Peak Beyond Grade A held high positions and wielded great power within the circle, such as Manison, Kasuyi, Kant, and Gorutan. Clottey and a few other Beyond Grade A did not come to Shattered Star Ring, and naturally did not participate in the talks.
At this moment, the people being scrutinized the most are the newcomers in the circle, the newly born Beyond Grade A talents who have been around for less than ten years, such as the Glory Hedis, the Empire's Silver Shadow, and the Arcane's Tolain.
After a while, three figures walked in. Everyone stopped chatting and turned their attention to the door. It was Han Xiao, Hila, and Ames.
Han Xiao strode forward, arrived in front of the mechanical throne, slowly rose into the air, turned around and sat down, facing all the Beyond Grade A.
Meanwhile, Ames and Hila sat on either side of him in the empty seats.
Many people looked at Hila with curiosity in their eyes—there were many people interested in this new Beyond Grade A member of the Black Star Army.
rumble...
The door finally closed slowly.
Han Xiao smiled, glanced around, and slowly began, "Everyone's here. Sorry to keep you waiting. Thank you all for your kind invitation to attend this meeting and support me..."
While exchanging polite words, he observed the crowd.
While they were speaking, some people sat upright with solemn expressions, some were expressionless and indifferent, some smiled to show friendliness, and some leaned back lazily in their chairs, seemingly nonchalant. From these reactions, one could discern the attitudes of different individuals.
Of the more than seventy Beyond Grade A beings present, more than forty, including myself, were allies of the Three Universal Civilizations. Most of the others were acting alone, while a few were allies of the Supercluster Civilization.
There are quite a few people with multiple identities. For example, there are several Ancient Ones, several shareholders of the Infinite Financial Group, and protectors of the Interstellar Black Market such as the "Beast Ancestor" and the "Secret Master" have also come. They are all very influential and worth noting.
These people have a complex network of relationships. Some are on good terms with each other, some are enemies, some are brothers on the surface but actually scheme against each other behind the scenes, and some appear to be on good terms but are actually helping each other.
During the waiting period, Han Xiao also made some moves, befriended everyone, and took the opportunity to conduct a test. He collected combat information on everyone present. Only a few people were at a higher level than him and could not see complete information, while he had complete control over the abilities of the others. He gained a lot of intelligence.
These people were completely unaware that their underwear had been exposed.
"Regardless of your reasons for coming, I thank you all for coming..." After finishing the pleasantries, Han Xiao got down to business, "I suppose everyone has already gotten to know each other, so I'll save my breath and not introduce you further."
Everyone smiled politely, their eyes fixed on Han Xiao, waiting for him to continue.
Han Xiao gently patted the armrest of his chair and said, "The main reason I'm holding this meeting is to discuss the issue of the Shattered Star Ring with everyone..."
Before he could finish speaking, a discordant voice rang out.
"Hmph, you think you can represent the entire Shattered Star Ring?"
The crowd's expressions shifted slightly as they looked in the direction of the voice. The speaker was Seraon from the Federation of Light, a member of the Ancient Ones, and wore an indifferent expression.
Han Xiao's expression remained unchanged as he smiled and said, "With so many civilizations and organizations in the Shattered Star Ring, I alone certainly cannot represent the stance of the entire star system."
"Then what gives you the right to discuss such matters?" Seraon questioned. "Don't forget, our Federation of Light is the true power behind the Shattered Star Ring. Only we can speak for this star system; it's not your place."
The other allies of Glory did not stop Seraon; their presence was a sign of respect. However, as competitors, they would not allow Han Xiao to achieve his goal too easily. Making things difficult for him was inevitable, and even if they did not stop him, they would not let him have it too easy.
"I disagree with that." Han Xiao said slowly, "I am a native of the Shattered Star Ring, representing the Empire here, and I am also the strongest Beyond Grade A in this Strongest in the Star Field. Although I cannot represent the position of the entire star field, I still have the right to speak for it in my personal capacity. Moreover, I am not unilaterally announcing any decree; I am just here to discuss things with you all today."
"The strongest Beyond Grade A in the Shattered Star Ring? Maybe not?" Seraon sneered.
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, his arms slightly outstretched. "You doubt my record?"
"Don't worry, you've defeated Heber, Sisko, and Ames, I won't deny that. As for Hila... she's only a newcomer, she's probably no match for you either."
Upon hearing this, Heber's expression darkened; he disliked outsiders mentioning his defeats in front of so many Beyond Grade A.
Sisko gave Seraon a cold glance, then glared at Han Xiao. As the saying goes, you shouldn't insult someone by revealing their weaknesses, and he was quite annoyed.
Ames seemed indifferent, her expression a half-smile, unmoved. Hila, on the other hand, remained expressionless, like a stone, seemingly deaf to everything.
Han Xiao: "Then what's your different opinion?"
"It's simple. There's still one person you haven't defeated head-on— the Sorcerer Austin!" Seraon shook his head. "He's just too low-key. He might be a match for you. If you don't defeat him, you can't truly claim the title of the Strongest in the Star Field."
Austin was taken aback. How did this get involved with me?
A thought flashed through his mind and he realized that they wanted to put him on the spot, which was suspected of being a provocation. Although the other party probably knew that he and Black Star had a good relationship, it didn't cost anything to try. As long as it could leave a rift in their friendship, he would consider it a win.
"I acknowledge Black Star's status as the strongest in the Star Domain, but I admit I'm no match for him." Austin curled his lip; that was all he could say. He couldn't possibly spar with Han Xiao in person.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao nodded to Austin, then asked Seraon, "Any further comments?"
"That's all." Seeing a wink from Manison, Seraon closed his eyes and said nothing more.
Han Xiao glanced around and, seeing that no one else had any objections, said in a deep voice:
"Alright, since everyone acknowledges my right to speak for the Shattered Star Ring, let's get down to business... I understand that you've all come to the Shattered Star Ring to await orders as the Shattered World is about to open. But I believe you all know that so many Beyond Grade A beings gathering in one star field will bring many unstable factors. As the leader of the superhumans in the Shattered Star Ring, I have something to say, please listen carefully."
"Having developed within the Shattered Star Ring, I naturally bear the responsibility of maintaining the stability of the star system. I welcome everyone to visit the Shattered Star Ring, but I have a small request... I hope that during your stay, you will not disrupt the order of the Shattered Star Ring or cause trouble. If you are willing to do me this favor, I will be very grateful."
At this moment, Han Xiao changed the subject, his tone slightly somber:
"However... if anyone ignores my requests, I will take it as a challenge and will not let it go easily. Remember, the development of the Shattered World is still a long way off, and I do not want to have any unpleasantness with anyone."
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense. The expressions on everyone's faces varied: some were indifferent, some agreed, some were serious, and some were solemn.
Although Han Xiao was very polite, his words were essentially a threat and a warning, conveying a domineering message: No matter where you come from, if you encounter a local tyrant like me, you'd better coil up or lie low, or you'll regret it!
If you want to cause trouble in the Shattered Star Ring, you'd better think twice about the consequences of offending me!
The people present were all bigwigs from their respective regions, including some who held sway over star domains, and many found these words rather harsh.
However, Black Star's current status and strength are undeniable; it can control an entire star field and is qualified to say such things, so no one finds it inappropriate.
At this moment, Austin laughed and said, "I'm also Beyond Grade A from the Shattered Star Ring region. I don't want the star field to descend into chaos either. What Black Star said is also my opinion."
"Hmph, me too," Heber said reluctantly.
Following suit, Ames and Hila also voiced their opinions, leaving Sisko with no choice but to reluctantly agree.
At this moment, all the Beyond Grade A beings in the Shattered Star Ring area strongly supported Han Xiao, expressing their commitment to jointly maintaining the stability of the star field, which can be considered a tacit recognition of Han Xiao's leadership position.
Han Xiao paused for a few seconds, taking in everyone's reactions, then suddenly smiled, "Of course, if you are all willing to give me this face, I am willing to cooperate with you in the development of the Shattered World. Currently, the Black Star Army occupies the most territory in the Shattered World, and I believe I can provide you with considerable assistance."
Many people's eyes lit up.
Everyone knows that the Black and Book Star Legion has a large and powerful presence in the Shattered World, and everyone's goal is the Shattered World. If they get Han Xiao's help, they can naturally gain convenience. Before they came, they thought that Han Xiao was just using this as a deterrent, but they didn't expect him to be willing to offer a cooperation opportunity, which was a small surprise for them.
"We'll remember your words," Manison said calmly. "Glory doesn't want anyone causing trouble here either."
Upon seeing the Mechanic Emperor's statement, many Beyond Grade A also spoke up.
"Since Black Star and the Mechanic Emperor have both spoken, then neither of us should cause trouble in the Shattered Star Ring."
"Let's wait patiently for the Shattered World to open; there'll be plenty of time later."
"Anyone who dares to cause trouble here is an enemy of all of us."
"Black Star, we've given you face, remember to keep your promise."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao smiled, "I'm glad we've reached an agreement."
Just then, Manison suddenly changed the subject, "Black Star deserves respect for taking the lead in holding this meeting for the sake of the star field's stability, but I want to say, you didn't gather us just for such a trivial matter, did you?"
Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and she turned to look at him, extending her hand. "Speak your opinion."
"Okay, then I'll get straight to the point."
Everyone looked at Manison with curiosity, wondering what he meant.
Manison pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Advanced civilizations use us, and we use advanced civilizations in return. It's normal for you all to serve different factions, fight and struggle against each other. However, I believe we shouldn't be completely confined by factional divisions. Those are the rules of the game set by advanced civilizations. Sometimes, we should step outside those rules and think for ourselves."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed slightly, and they all fell silent.
This topic has always been sensitive, and no one expected that Manison would bring it up publicly today, without any attempt to hide it from the direct descendants of the advanced civilizations present.
The moment you step into the Beyond Grade A realm, everyone is of the same class. Even if you belong to different factions, you cannot change the fundamental nature of your class.
Manison glanced around and continued, "You understand that advanced civilizations both need us and fear us, and they don't want us to have too many personal relationships. Opportunities for large-scale talks like today are rare. As you all have seen, our mere meeting has stirred up a storm throughout the universe. Right now, there must be countless fleets with their cannons pointed in our direction. You know I'm not exaggerating."
"Our situation doesn't need your emphasis," Kant said, frowning. "I don't think now is the time to discuss this topic; it's too early."
"It's always better to be prepared than not to be prepared at all," Manison said calmly.
"So why are you bringing this up? Do you want us all to form an alliance?" Gorutan asked in a deep voice.
"Let me remind you, forming a full alliance is no different from rebellion," Kasuyi interjected. There was something else he didn't say: these Three Universal Civilizations were basically safe, so he didn't want to get involved.
Everyone spoke up, expressing their opinions and engaging in heated debate. They didn't usually have many opportunities to discuss such matters, so the event organized by Han Xiao became a platform for exchanging ideas.
"Don't worry, the time isn't right yet. All I want is a tacit understanding..." As he spoke, Manison looked at Han Xiao, his tone filled with curiosity, "You're the organizer of this meeting, and you listened in for a while without stopping us, so what's your attitude?"
Everyone turned to look at Han Xiao. Black Star now held a high position in the circle, and his opinions were equally crucial.
Han Xiao shrugged and shook his head, saying:
"I have no other opinion, I just feel that there are still too few Beyond Grade A..."
"Yes, that's too little," Manison remarked.
Han Xiao glanced at him.
When we say "too little," we definitely don't mean the same thing.