The stargate passage built by the Black Star Army is the first choice for countless foreign forces. At present, it has become the most popular and convenient route in the Shattered World, with countless spaceships passing through every moment.
The reasons for this are twofold. First, the Black Star Army's territory is vast, encompassing two border star systems in different directions. They have built direct stargates, allowing them to reach their destination without having to go to other people's territories, thus saving a lot of time.
Secondly, Han Xiao's familiarity with the star map was proving effective. The territory he chose contained a large number of transportation hubs and strategic locations, areas that were already the most prosperous in his previous life, and were now rapidly regaining their former glory... The conglomerates that invested in the Black Star Army were also beginning to reap the rewards. Han Xiao agreed to hand over some of the business within the territory to these investors, and now countless conglomerates' troops are stationed within the Legion's territory to work, rapidly enriching the business within the Legion's territory.
More than half of the foreign forces choose to transit through the Black Star Army route. Of course, Han Xiao wouldn't provide free services. With a large number of spaceships entering the Gaolu Star Cluster every day, he's making a fortune from the transit fees.
The stargate emitted a dense stream of light, forming a hazy silver rainbow that lingered for a long time.
At this moment, ships bearing the Black Star insignia flew out of the stargate and slowly moved forward with the crowded fleet.
"This is the entrance to the Black Star Army's territory."
Each warship carried a large number of legion players, all crowding in front of the portholes, their faces full of curiosity.
Black Gate Star came into view. Compared to the desolate appearance that players remembered, Black Gate Star was now bustling with activity. Countless spaceships took off and landed, the flow of people was dense, the surface buildings stretched endlessly, and countless lights draped the planet like a jeweled curtain.
Beside it, a long, silvery rainbow hung diagonally in space, stretching to the horizon. These were the warp trails left by countless passing spaceships. The spaceships streaked across the sky like meteors, and because they were so frequent, they never dissipated. It was as if a silver paintbrush had left an indelible line on a black canvas, running through the entire stargate line, as if it had become a guiding light.
"Black Gate Star, the gateway to the Black Star Army's territory, a landmark large-scale entry transit station of the Gaolu Star Cluster." Maple Moon read the information displayed on the communicator softly.
"It's so lively, a complete opposite of the last version," Mad Frenzied Saber remarked.
It wasn't until he personally arrived at the legion's territory that he felt the changes in the legion were like a dream.
Frenzied Saber was one of the earliest players to follow Black Star and witnessed every step of Black Star's rise. He found it hard to believe that his own faction had actually developed to this point and possessed such a vast territory.
Just looking at its territory, it's equivalent to ten galaxy-level civilizations, and can even be compared to some star cluster-level civilizations—it's terrifying.
In his eyes, Black Star's leg had gotten even thicker.
Just as he was lost in thought, Maple Moon asked softly, "Shattered World is a global server. We arrived earlier than players from other star regions. This time is crucial. What are your plans?"
"Don't worry, the guild needs to register as an affiliated organization with the legion first. We'll work with the guild afterwards, and we should be able to seize the initiative in the fourth phase of exploration," said Frenzied Saber.
"I never expected the Legion to release such a revolutionary system. It practically makes the guilds independent of the Legion, makes faction affiliation more flexible, and completely revolutionizes the gameplay... Of course, it's a good thing for us, but from Black Star's perspective, I don't know what he's thinking, why he's willing to relinquish power." Maple Moon couldn't help but mutter, still surprised even after so many days.
"So it means I was right before. As our overall player rank increases, our influence on the universe will grow. It seems this version will be a turning point." Frenzied Saber had a "I'm so smart, praise me" look on his face.
Originally, many players were confused about how to gain an advantage in the current Shattered World, but Han Xiao's new system, which was released not long ago, immediately pointed out a clear path for all legion players.
Team merit points are practically a tailor-made feature for guild and book development. Almost every well-known Huaxia decided to register as a formal organization in the Legion. Similarly, this also sparked a trend of creating guilds. During this period of travel, countless Legion players called on friends and relatives to recruit members and create guilds. Han Xiao's approach was very effective.
The fleet sailed onward for some time before arriving at the Black Star Palace. This was the first time players had seen this new main base, which was built during the version update, and its magnificent scale left many players in awe.
The first group of players arrived at the outermost base and gathered in a large hall, where Phillip had summoned them for inspection.
Before long, two figures walked in, and all the players present turned to look, their spirits lifting.
The two were none other than Legion Commander Han Xiao and the Legion's second Beyond Grade A Hila.
"Wow, long time no see! Hila has become even more beautiful."
"That face! That physique! That aura! Please let me charge in and die here!"
"Give it a rest, it's all nonsense (laughs)."
"Ah, I miss the feeling of being killed by Hila. Maybe that's what love is."
"No, that's perverted."
"Women? Boring. Only a strong man like Black Star can give you that breathtaking pleasure."
A large group of players rushed over to ingratiate themselves with Hela, their faces clearly saying "I want to gain favor with her." Hila was surrounded by countless people and was even more popular than Han Xiao.
Han Xiao cursed under his breath for sexism. Before the impatient Hila could unleash her fury, he deliberately pushed the surrounding crowd aside, clapped his hands, and said in a deep voice, "Silence, we have important matters to discuss."
Upon hearing this, the players gradually quieted down, their curious gazes fixed on Han Xiao.
Han Xiao cleared his throat and slowly said, "Now that the Shattered World is open to the outside world, the influx of foreign forces has brought the exploration of the New Starfield into a new stage. The former peace is gone, and countless disputes will erupt over the resources of the New Starfield in the future. Our Black Star Army also needs to adapt to this change."
"As you all know, the Legion recently implemented a new system. This is the first step in change. You are all my fellow countrymen and comrades-in-arms, growing alongside the Legion. The Immortal Troops are of great importance to the Legion; you are all heroes. I have decided to grant you more autonomy, hoping you will unleash your talents and achieve great things."
As soon as the words were spoken, many players looked surprised, exchanging bewildered glances.
This seems to be the first time Black Star has directly discussed the Immortal Troops with them?
Before this, although they served the Black Star Army, they did not feel that they were important. The outside world called them the Immortals, but the Legion Commander did not seem to have said this in public and always treated them the same as ordinary members.
In version 1.0, the Germinal studied the players, and similar situations still exist now. All players have always known that their immortality mechanism might arouse the curiosity of NPCs, but in most people's eyes, this is just a means to enhance realism, and they don't pay much attention to it.
But now, hearing Black Star say that, the players present all had a strange feeling, as if something they had always ignored had resurfaced in their minds... that is, we are truly unique. In everyone's eyes, Han Xiao's image became even more vivid.
Aside from this inexplicable emotion, the players present were also very happy—hearing the faction leader Black Star personally admit that they were important to the legion was quite inspiring for many, and a subtle sense of accomplishment and belonging arose in their hearts.
Han Xiao glanced around, taking in everyone's expressions, then suddenly smiled and said, "Don't be surprised. Although Hila and I are now Beyond Grade A, we are all from the same home planet. In this cold universe, we are family, sticking together for warmth. So don't be too reserved with me. I have high hopes for you... Remember, the Black Star Army will always be your support."
Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted.
Our home planet's inhabitants... Oh right, how could I forget that? Black Star and we have this connection.
Seeing Han Xiao's attitude at this moment, everyone felt that Han Xiao had become more approachable.
In the crowd, Maple Moon seemed lost in thought. She quietly poked Frenzied Saber's lower back and whispered, "Why do I feel like Black Star has changed a bit?"
"Changed? Haha, you're wrong, he hasn't changed at all!" Frenzied Saber exclaimed excitedly. "This is the Han Xiao I remember, not that aloof and powerful figure Black Star!"
His voice was so loud that many professional players around him couldn't help but turn their attention to him.
"He's right, how long has it been since Black Star had close contact with us?" Tai Erzi muttered.
"As Black Star's status has risen, making him increasingly unapproachable to others, I didn't expect him to remain as down-to-earth as version 1.0." Long Sky chuckled, "It seems he truly considers us his trusted confidants."
Many people were whispering among themselves, but Meat Bun ignored them, focusing intently on recording the scene, a look of delight on his face.
Han Xiao glanced at him discreetly and nodded secretly.
In previous versions, as his status rose, players had fewer and fewer opportunities to interact with him. After two versions, his image had become somewhat aloof.
In version 4.0, players play an increasingly important role, and Han Xiao decided to become more down-to-earth, to get closer to players, and to deepen their emotional bond with him. This is an important factor influencing players besides interests.
After all, he was a player in his previous life; how could he not know what players' trigger points are?
Seeing the player's delighted expression, Han Xiao coughed and spoke again, finally revealing his true intentions:
"The competition in the Shattered World has become fierce. I am about to mobilize a fleet to compete with the alien forces in the fourth phase of exploration. You may participate voluntarily. Each registered affiliated organization will receive more team merit points based on the number of members participating. Furthermore, the organization is allowed to establish outposts on planets within the Legion's territory, under the Legion's protection. At the same time, all goods in the supply depot will be temporarily discounted by 30%."
As soon as he finished speaking, a faction quest popped up on the panel, and the eyes of many players lit up instantly.
Not only are there large-scale faction main quests, but you can also get a 30% discount in the faction shop, and even establish a formal guild base in Legion territory...
Black Star is still Black Star, a walking perk!
Seeing everyone's eagerness, Han Xiao adjourned the meeting, and the players scattered, immediately rushing to the supply depot to shop. With the savings accumulated from the previous version still in hand, many players had bulging wallets and ample spending power.
Offering a 70% discount is a promotional tactic to stimulate player spending. Although players are currently focused on leveling up, such a large discount will definitely sway them. This move is intended to harvest players' experience points.
Han Xiao hasn't been idle in the past twenty years, accumulating a batch of Mission Settlement Card. He's currently level 307, having leveled up a bit during the update. He only needs to reach level 320 to advance.
The star clusters explored in the fourth phase are the most competitive areas and the main arena for players to fight on the global server. This move is also intended to encourage players to gain an advantage in the fourth phase of exploration in advance, help legion players maintain their lead, and avoid being bullied by foreign players.
Furthermore, allowing guilds registered as legitimate organizations to establish guild strongholds within the Legion's territory is a form of binding interests... With their homes all within my territory, the sunk costs of leaving the faction are even higher.
"It's all a setup, I'm such a naughty little devil..."
Han Xiao shook his head and chuckled.
Hela led Hila out of the hall, and the two strolled through the legion, chatting idly. Suddenly, Hila spoke:
"Black Star, I'm also preparing to go to the fourth region to participate in the Legion's exploration operations on the front lines."
"Are you itching to do something?" Han Xiao glanced at her.
"Yeah, I'm not like you, able to remotely control my clones from home. I want to spar with more Beyond Grade A opponents, and now is a good opportunity." Hila nodded.
Even after becoming Beyond Grade A, her ambition did not slacken in the slightest. Knowing that there was still a big gap between her and Han Xiao, she continued to think about improving herself.
The Shattered Star Ring was not a suitable place for sparring, but now that we've arrived in the Shattered World, where heroes gather, it's the perfect opportunity to hone our skills.
"Alright, then you'll be in charge of the fleet. Just a heads-up, dozens of Beyond Grade A are fighting in the fourth phase. For a long time to come, that area will probably be the most dangerous place in the entire universe. If you encounter someone you can't handle, let me know. My clone is always with the fleet," Han Xiao said.
So many Beyond Grade A aren't here for sightseeing; they're all here to compete for the interests of the new starfield. If they're not restricted by Han Xiao in the Shattered World, this group will fight tooth and nail. Not only Hila, Han Xiao also plans to have his clones permanently stationed there.
After parting ways with Hila, Han Xiao headed towards his room, casually opening the long-unused player forum along the way to browse the activities of players from various star systems and admire the elegant and easygoing nature of the silly netizens.
I was browsing posts for a while to relax when suddenly a new post was pinned to the top.
Han Xiao glanced at it, his eyes lighting up. It was the first issue of the new version of the "Galaxy Times" since its launch!
"GDX, after waiting for more than half a month, you've finally decided to update?"