"As Black Star said, the time is not yet ripe; continuing to wait is what we should do," Sorokin said with a smile.
"Yes, we need more fresh blood." Manison nodded, then glanced at the freshmen Beyond Grade A present, and made his mechanical body send a virtual emoticon, with a bubble smiley face appearing above its head.
"You old bastard, you're pretty good at acting cute..." Han Xiao thought instinctively when he saw this scene.
Hila couldn't help but turn to look at Han Xiao, hesitating as if she wanted to say something.
She hadn't expected that this group of Beyond Grade A individuals would discuss such a wide range of topics.
The meeting gradually took a strange turn. For Hila and the other new Beyond Grade A students, the topics these big shots were discussing were too profound. They could only listen silently and had no right to interrupt.
Would it cause trouble to openly discuss this topic on her own turf...? Hila secretly worried.
Noticing Hila's gaze, Han Xiao gave her a reassuring look.
Ames noticed the two exchanging glances, so she nudged Han Xiao with her fingertips, making him turn around, and whispered, "You held this meeting with the same purpose in mind, didn't you? Otherwise, you wouldn't have let Manison use your territory to discuss such an important matter."
"Everything is going according to plan." Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.
After a period of debate, someone finally expressed their opinion.
"While we cannot form an alliance, our circle certainly needs closer ties," Kant said solemnly. "We need to communicate with each other more frequently."
"Shattered World is a suitable reason. And -Book-" A neutral Peak Beyond Grade A slowly spoke, "Previously, due to the limitations of factions and regions, our interactions were limited. But now, all forces will be stationed in Shattered World, and this star field will become a platform for our communication, freeing us from the previous limitations to a certain extent... Therefore, we need a bridge, a messenger."
Upon hearing this, everyone instinctively turned their heads and looked at Han Xiao.
In the Explored Universe, Beyond Grade A forces cannot expand at will, as they are restricted by advanced civilizations and various rules, which to some extent divide this class. In the future, everyone present will be able to enter the Shattered World, which is of profound significance. Even if they only enter branches of many Beyond Grade A forces, it will still transcend geographical limitations to some extent, facilitate communication among all Beyond Grade A, promote class unity, and give everyone's forces a chance to fully unite.
This requires a bridge, forming the core of information and resource transfer for the Beyond Grade A- class in the Shattered World, like glue, binding everyone together.
To achieve this, one must have a deep foundation in the Shattered World, and the Black Star Army is the largest power in the Shattered World besides the Empire...
The best person to build a bridge is Black Star!
With over seventy Beyond Grade A staring at one person, even without malice, the pressure was terrifying. Han Xiao took a deep breath and smiled slightly.
"I'd be happy to do that if you need it."
In fact, this was one of Han Xiao's goals all along. Although the process was somewhat different, he still got what he wanted.
One of the deeper reasons Han Xiao had the Black Star Army establish a foundation in the Shattered World was to gain this qualification.
Now that he has become a member of the pinnacle of individual power, he must face this problem. Although the butterfly effect he caused has changed the plot, he must make plans for himself in advance, regardless of whether the World Tree War breaks out before or after the Super Calamity.
If one becomes the link in Super Calamity, one can gain more control.
At the pinnacle of individual power, absolute loyalty to collective power is nonexistent unless one becomes a ruler. From the beginning, the relationship between the two was one of mutual exploitation, and Master Han never intended to be utterly devoted to any power. Even a child knows not to put all your eggs in one basket; he had to prepare other escape routes for himself... Even if the chances of being discarded after the hunt are low, he will not ignore them.
The interests of different classes cannot be truly unified unless they are willingly used as pawns or become orange juice together; otherwise, complex problems can never be simplified.
The relationship between enemies and friends is ever-changing; only class interests are the most reliable alliance.
"Lord Black Star is responsible."
Everyone nodded to Han Xiao in greeting, smiled, and then looked away.
"I want to reach a tacit understanding with everyone." Manison looked around solemnly and said, "When that day comes, I hope everyone will respond if someone raises their voice."
"You will see," Kasuyi said calmly.
Everyone nodded in agreement, reaching a consensus.
They don't form alliances normally; under normal circumstances, everyone still fights for their own faction. But when the time is right, everyone is willing to take action.
The group discussed many things, and the meeting officially ended after two days and two nights. Many Beyond Grade A members took their leave and set off to depart from the Black Star Army.
Manison and Kasuyi walked side by side on the road to the dock, talking quietly.
"The contents of this meeting will inevitably reach the ears of the Three Universal Civilizations. You make no attempt to conceal it; aren't you afraid of angering the Federation of Light?" Kasuyi asked.
Manison smiled. "Even without this meeting, the apprehension remains. We might as well put some pressure on them and increase our leverage... With Black Star around, Glory can't do without me, and vice versa. The difference in allegiances constrains us, and also holds them back."
"Anything is possible." Kasuyi shook his head. "When a tool develops other intentions, no matter how useful it is, it can be discarded at any time."
"We are not tools," Manison said calmly. "Remember, we represent the pinnacle of individual power. Each person is a treasure of this universe, not just an embodiment of violence, but also a precious and unique gene pool. We represent the Infinite possibilities of evolution, and we are never insignificant beings to be slaughtered... Anyone who wants to abandon us will always pay the price."
"I understand. You're in such a hurry because you want to protect yourself." Kasuyi glanced at him. "Have you finally realized that your power is too great?"
Manison didn't answer, then paused abruptly, sighed, "What a pity... the Sorokin is gone. Although he wasn't one of us, he was still somewhat useful. If he hadn't stood against the Three Universal Civilizations, I wonder how much help he could have given us."
Kasuyi's tone was enigmatic. "You know his lifespan wasn't long to begin with, right?"
"... What do you want to say?"
"Hehe, it's nothing, it's just... he definitely knows his lifespan issue better than anyone else." Kasuyi smiled.
After the talks ended, as the days went by, the outside world gradually noticed an unusual phenomenon.
--All the Beyond Grade A participants in the talks were surprisingly low-key, and no conflicts broke out.
Originally, the gathering of so many Beyond Grade A was full of unstable factors. Everyone thought it would affect the security of the star field and there was a high probability that some battles among the Beyond Grade A beings would break out. However, from beginning to end, these big shots were very restrained and kept the Shattered Star Ring stable.
The entire universe was astonished and uncertain about this, sparking a wave of speculation.
The root cause of these Beyond Grade A constraints must be the talks held by Black Star.
What exactly did Black Star talk about that made so many Beyond Grade A behave themselves?!
As the rumors continued to spread, Han Xiao finally arranged for someone to reveal the inside information— Black Star had summoned all the outside Beyond Grade A beings to represent the Shattered Star Ring and demand that everyone refrain from causing trouble and maintain the security of the star field.
The news caused an uproar over the Shattered Star Ring!
The first feeling of countless local interstellar citizens was one of being moved!
Look how responsible Black Star is! To maintain order, he risked everything to gather so many Beyond Grade A on his own territory. He's practically a peace envoy with a heart full of love!
Those Beyond Grade A individuals who are willing to stand up and speak for us are truly responsible!
Moreover, Black Star's approach was remarkably effective; so many Beyond Grade A were all persuaded and did not cause trouble, which fully demonstrates that Black Star has a huge influence and can command a large following.
It's a blessing for us to have such a person in charge of the star field!
In no time, Han Xiao's reputation in the Shattered Star Ring began to soar, and his public image became excellent.
Having accomplished such an act, countless interstellar citizens wouldn't mind having Black Star represent the Shattered Star Ring.
The power and status of the Starfield Leader were finally recognized by the interstellar citizens, making him the most prominent figure in the region and overshadowing all other local forces.
For the Black Star Army, this meeting was like a carefully orchestrated propaganda campaign; only by being adept at creating buzz could they enhance their reputation and status.
This meeting itself is a memorable event; the rare gathering of so many Beyond Grade A is enough to go down in history.
Online, more and more people believe this is a landmark event on the eve of Shining's opening, and have given it a nickname: [The Meeting of the Gods]!
[You have gained 2 points of Universe Legend Points]
[Universe Legend Points: Spokesperson of the Shattered Star Ring - You have gained the recognition of this star system. From this day forward, you are qualified to represent the Shattered Star Ring!]
[Universe Legend Points: Initiator of the Meeting of the Gods - After many years, numerous Beyond Grade A have gathered again. As the initiator of this event, you have made history!]
"Meeting of the Gods? Why not call it a martial arts tournament or a martial arts competition at Mount Hua?"
At the Black Star Army headquarters, Han Xiao looked at the prompts on the panel and couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
Aside from the name, he was quite satisfied with everything else, gaining two points of Universe Legend Points, a very rewarding achievement.
In addition, the mission to maintain the stability of the star field issued by the Crimson Dynasty was also completed, earning billions of experience points and a considerable amount of the Crimson Dynasty contribution points.
Now that Hila has become Beyond Grade A, she is qualified to exchange for the Ultimate Knowledge of the Esper Class from the Empire. Her contribution points have a new use. The more Hila owes her, the easier it is for her to be tied to the Legion.
Having completed the Empire's mission, Urranrell called to commend them, but made no mention of the numerous Beyond Grade A conspiracies... However, since the group didn't hide it, it should be said that they were openly plotting.
The Three Universal Civilizations were naturally not kept in the dark about this. Since they hadn't said anything, Han Xiao roughly understood the Empire's attitude. They knew that questioning their allies was useless, so they kept it to themselves.
"The Shattered Star Ring is all set..." Han Xiao muttered to himself, fiddling with a palm-sized pet robot. "Now we just have to wait for the Empire to sound the horn of an era."
With so many Beyond Grade A setting an example, other forces didn't cause any trouble, and everyone was obediently waiting for the Shattered World to open.
Han Xiao's actions kept the situation in the star field stable, and everyone focused on making preparations, with the days passing by in anticipation.
Several months passed, and the appointed day finally arrived.
On this day, the Empire officially announced the opening of the Shattered World, and all inter-star gates leading to the Shattered World were activated!
At the same time, a notification popped up on Han Xiao's screen announcing the start of the new version. Players who had been away for a long time were finally logging in!