After releasing the two prisoners, Han Xiao did not leave Black Gate Star immediately. Instead, he summoned the planet's director and had him accompany him on an inspection of Black Gate Star's orbital megastructure project, offering some guidance based on his experience.
On his return trip, Han Xiao stopped by to inspect the operation of the Xingmen toll station.
The Black Star Army's stargate transportation network connects the Gaolu Star Cluster to the Free Competition Zone, offering convenient, fast, and extensive access. It is currently one of the few complete transportation routes in the Shattered World, handling a huge volume of passengers every day.
Outsiders using this stargate route naturally have to pay a toll. Han Xiao fully demonstrated the Huaxia people's innate talent for building roads to get rich, setting up toll booths at every stargate section. This was truly "This road is mine, leave your toll."
With such a natural treasure trove, the Legion has already recouped the cost of building the stargate in less than a year since the Shattered World opened. This terrifying profit margin fully illustrates a truth—no business can compare to the profits of owning territory.
Back at the Black Star Palace, the first payment for Glory and the Arcane ' ransom was transferred. Glory had paid the most, as he had provided all three golden blueprints, and this time he delivered the data for the first golden blueprint.
"The Star Slaying Blade, a weapon exclusive to Mechanical Deity and Universal Treasure- level mechanical artifact."
In the office, Han Xiao munched on a magma-flavored concentrated nutrition bar while flipping through the blueprints and documents sent by the Federation of Light.
The blueprints that Glory offered in exchange were mostly for super-powered weapons used in combat, and this was one of the ones Han Xiao chose.
According to the notes from the Federation of Light, this was a concept proposed by the fanatical worshippers of the Mechanical Deity of the Saint Terlex Race. The Glory Federation inherited their knowledge, improved upon it, incorporated some unique technologies, and ultimately turned this unfinished concept into blueprints.
The blueprints depict the complete design of this weapon, which bears some resemblance to the technology of the Great Emperor's Robe. Its appearance is that of a complexly structured long-handled mechanical sword with powerful melee technology. It can also transform into a giant cannon to launch ranged attacks with various energy sources. Its power is as powerful as its name suggests, with Star Slayer as its foundation.
The Star Slaying Blade is a colossal project, similar to the Great Emperor's Robe, and is more proficient in weapon-based techniques. Although Han Xiao is a virtual-based technique user, he has gathered all the professional knowledge and can create it just as well.
"But the art style is so weird. Wearing battle robes and wielding big swords, next time give me a mechanical Red Hare, and I can play a mechanical version of Second Master Guan..."
Han Xiao muttered to himself.
Why do these Saint Terlex Race have such a fondness for designing melee-style weapons? It seems that every qualified mechanic harbors a restless martial arts spirit.
Despite his inner complaints, the project still needed to be made. Han Xiao instructed Phillip to add the raw materials for the Star Slaying Blade to the next procurement list.
Having settled this matter, Han Xiao checked Phillip's message box.
The message sent not long ago to the neutral Beyond Grade A members hired by the Super Star Group has received replies. Everyone replied, and most of them were worried about becoming the Dark Emperor's target for killing. Only a minority were indifferent.
"If there's a need, then it's easy to handle."
Han Xiao's eyes lit up, and he chatted with each of these Beyond Grade A for a while, including Garoze, the "Prime of the Golems" who had once been scared away by him.
He gave a slight hint, and these people immediately understood, clearly expressing their willingness to support Black Star as much as possible in the future Development Federation.
Most of these Beyond Grade A individuals do not join the Three Universal Civilizations because they do not want to be bound by them. However, this approach is difficult to implement within the Development Federation. They are just ordinary members with limited influence in the association, so they need a powerful high-level representative to represent their interests and secure better treatment for them. This is a two-way transaction where both parties support each other and benefit.
Several Beyond Grade A, including Garoze, agreed to publicly raise the proposal at the next plenary meeting, and Han Xiao promised to work on it to eliminate the threat they faced.
After winning over this group of people, Han Xiao turned to the Empire to get some information first.
He explained his purpose, waited a while, and then his secretary transferred the communication to Urranrell.
The view shifted, Han Xiao's remote projection appeared in the Imperial Head of State's office, where Urranrell sat behind the desk.
"Your Excellency, Head of State," Han Xiao nodded in greeting.
"Black Star." Urranrell greeted him, staring into Han Xiao's eyes, and went straight to the point. "You want me to call Clottey back?"
"Yes, the Development Federation's mission is to eliminate violent disputes at the Beyond Grade A. Now that Clottey is an honorary director, if he were to attack any member, it would violate the association's mission..."
Urranrell remained expressionless. "In what capacity do you present this suggestion to me today, as an imperial ally or the vice president of the Development Federation?"
Han Xiao said calmly, "Yes, I have both."
"Black Star, how do you feel about how the Empire has treated you over the past few decades?"
"A win-win situation." Han Xiao smiled.
Urranrell paused for a moment, then slowly said, "I need to remind you that the business of the Evolution Totem and the territory of the Shattered World are benefits that only allies can enjoy. The Empire values you highly, and you are aware of that."
Some things are better left unsaid. The Empire doesn't object to Black Star becoming the vice president of the Development Federation, but it doesn't want to see Black Star's stance become too biased. It hopes that between his roles as an ally of the Empire and vice president, he will lean more towards the former.
The Mechanic Emperor serves as a cautionary tale. Having achieved too many merits, the Glory had to reward and support it repeatedly, which led to the Mechanic Emperor becoming too powerful and escaping its control. The Empire did not want to create a second Mechanic Emperor.
Han Xiao pretended not to notice Urranrell's Warning and continued, "Clottey captured the Traveler and another Beyond Grade A, rekindling others' fear of him. In fact, the mission is already complete. Continuing to deal with others would be counterproductive. Besides, I helped him when I was in the Secondary Dimension World, otherwise some unexpected things might have happened."
"Hmm... that makes sense." Urranrell pondered.
Seeing this, Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he said, "Clottey should have reported the results of the Traveler's interrogation. Sorokin was also involved behind the scenes. I wonder if the Empire has put him on the Dark Emperor's list of targets?"
"The veracity of the testimony still needs to be verified. Sorokin's motives are unclear, and Clottey is not suitable to come forward." Urranrell waved his hand. "If the evidence is conclusive, the Empire will deal with him."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao secretly gloated.
Sorokin has always been adept at navigating between the Three Universal Civilizations, but the Traveler's attempt to shift blame could seriously jeopardize the situation he has painstakingly built.
I wonder if the Empire will resort to force like it did with the Traveler. If so, Sorokin's hidden strength will likely be exposed.
The two talked for a while, Urranrell did not give a definite answer. He only said that he would consider the suggestion to terminate the Dark Emperor mission. Han Xiao knew when to stop and politely took his leave.
Several days later, at the headquarters of the Beyond Grade A Association, on Planet Fein.
In the roundtable conference room, nearly a hundred Beyond Grade A members gathered remotely via projector to hold a routine plenary meeting.
The Development Federation is currently integrating resources, and the focus of its discussions is on cooperation plans among various Beyond Grade A companies.
The atmosphere was lively, with everyone present being prominent figures who freely expressed their opinions without any bureaucratic airs. Each person articulated their own interests and then exchanged benefits with members who controlled different resources, gradually integrating the businesses of each and building a vast network of interests. For ordinary Beyond Grade A individuals, this was a golden opportunity to cooperate and achieve mutual benefit with other large Beyond Grade A forces; with just a little support, they could reap substantial profits.
After discussing routine matters, Manison changed the subject and began:
"At the next meeting, the Development Federation will introduce two new members, Tolain and Hedis. They missed the opportunity to establish the association due to some personal reasons, but the formalities have now been basically completed, and they will attend the next meeting."
Everyone couldn't help but look at Han Xiao, who was sitting in the second-in-command position. Everyone present knew the "personal reasons" for Tolain and Hedis's absence, and the room was instantly filled with a happy atmosphere.
After speaking, Manison looked around and slowly said, "If there are no further questions, then this meeting is adjourned..."
At this moment, Garoze raised his hand and said, "I have a question I'd like to ask Honorary Director Clottey."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked over, and Clottey, who had been silent all along, opened her eyes and glanced at them indifferently.
"I'd like to confirm one thing: everyone here is now a member of the association and bound by its rules and regulations. Lord Clottey cannot attack members, is that correct?"
"I only obey the orders of the Empire." Clottey said expressionlessly, showing no sign of agreement.
The atmosphere suddenly became subtle. The Three Universal Civilizations civilizations, who had been resting with their eyes closed, all opened their eyes and showed expressions of great interest.
Garoze mustered his courage and said in a deep voice, "I hope the Association will handle this matter and ensure our personal safety. I don't want the Dark Emperor to suddenly decide to frame me for a crime that doesn't exist and then come to attack me."
As soon as he finished speaking, several neutral Beyond Grade A commentators chimed in, expressing their support for this claim, clearly indicating that it had been premeditated.
"Hmm..." Manison narrowed his eyes.
The current situation within the association is delicate. Although these direct descendants of the Three Universal Civilizations have joined, they are clearly not willing to listen to the association's mediation. This proposal, however, brings the conflict into the open.
While these demands from neutral Beyond Grade A are reasonable, they exceed the association's current capabilities, and he has no right to make Clottey stop.
However, the Development Federation's mission is to mediate Beyond Grade A conflicts, and this must be carried out to the end. Manison cannot say that he cannot do it, otherwise it will shake the foundation of the association and raise concerns about the association's ability to enforce its own rules.
I will try my best...
Manison was prepared to agree first and figure out a solution later.
However, before he could finish speaking, Han Xiao suddenly interrupted, cutting him off:
"Leave this problem to me, I'll handle it."
Garoze and the others understood and thanked Han Xiao, saying, "We'll leave it to you, Lord Black Star. We await your good news."
Clottey gave Han Xiao a deep look, but said nothing.
Han Xiao smiled at Clottey, showing no intention of speaking either. Both of them knew that the person in charge was not here.
Han Xiao even pretended to comfort Garoze, putting on a convincing act.
At this moment, Manison, who was standing next to him, realized what was going on and gave him a meaningful look.
Manison didn't mind Han Xiao his voice. In his view, Black Star was on his side, and as long as he could get things done, everything was negotiable.
Seven or eight days later, Clottey received an order from the Imperial Head of State to cease the mission and, with the prisoners in her hands, embarked on her return journey, leaving the Shattered World.
The news quickly reached all the members, and in their minds, Han Xiao's reliability was elevated significantly.
Black Star took the initiative to handle the matter and successfully resolved it, proving his capabilities. When others know he has the ability to handle things, they will naturally respect him. This principle applies everywhere.
For Han Xiao, this was just a minor incident that didn't take much of his effort. As his position rose, his opinions increasingly influenced the decisions of the imperial high command on some insignificant issues. The imperial head of state still spared his pride by elevating the voice of the imperial ally in the vice-chairman position, which was naturally better than him being sidelined by the Glory Manison.
On the other hand, after more than half a month of exploration, Aurora had mastered the eighteen techniques for manipulating Holy Light Particle. Han Xiao did not delay and immediately announced the existence of Holy Light Particle to the outside world, emphasizing the new system granted by the Holy Light Seed, and declaring that as long as one is a member of the legion, one can exchange merit points for Holy Light Seed.
The new source of power sparked the interest of players and superhumans, but it was merely interest; the strongest reaction came from ordinary people, causing a huge uproar.
Almost everyone desires to possess superhuman power, as it is the shortest shortcut to transcending social classes. Once awakened, one can immediately ascend to the privileged superhuman class.
However, people are inherently different, and limited by their talents, the vast majority of people are destined to be ordinary people throughout their lives.
Now, a chance to change one's destiny is right in front of them, and the hope is not slim. As long as they work for the Black Star Army and accumulate enough merit, they have a 100% chance of obtaining extraordinary power!
Once the announcement was issued, countless ordinary people went crazy, and the resulting sensation was even more terrifying than all the Legion's previous deeds—the previous deeds were just deeds, but this announcement was closely related to everyone's interests.
Ordinary people have their own way of life. Even knowing the Black Star Army is powerful, only a minority are willing to apply to warlord forces. But now everything is different. The Black Star Army's appeal to ordinary people has instantly surpassed that of 99% of other industries.
In just five days, the number of ordinary people who applied to join the legion exceeded the total number of people in the Black Star Army!
The number of ordinary people in the entire universe far exceeds the number of superhumans.
A secret research base of the Sanctum Organization.
A researcher placed a refrigerator in front of Luo and Fei, opened the lid, reached into the white, cold air, and took out a device that looked like a small radar.
"Your Excellencies, this is a Detection device I developed using the properties of Chaos Mysterious Energy, specifically designed to sense Holy Light Particle."
Luo clapped his hands encouragingly. "Well done! Now we can search for the Holy Light Particle."
Fei pondered for a moment and said, "Holy Light Particle haven't appeared for many years. They're probably dormant in some Secondary Dimension and are currently unclaimed. This is our chance. Is the detection range of this device large enough?"
The researchers looked confident.
"Don't worry, this device can be used in conjunction with cross-dimensional Detection radar; it's more than enough."
"That's good." Fei nodded in satisfaction.
Luo urged, "Hurry up and assemble it; we need to get the Holy Light Particle as soon as possible."
"Understood, I'll get right away..."
Before he could finish speaking, an adjutant rushed in, holding a communicator, and said urgently:
"Your Excellencies, please take a look at this news."
Luo and Fei leaned over for a look, and were immediately stunned.
The screen on the communicator displayed the announcement issued by Han Xiao.
"This is it, we're doomed..."
Luo muttered to himself.
Not only did Black Star obtain Chaos Mysterious Energy, but he also got his hands on Holy Light Particle?!
What incredible luck!
The last successful attack on Black Star was because the enemy was unprepared and unaware of their weapons.
The two thought they would never have to deal with Black Star again, so they were quite relieved. However, they did not expect that Black Star had another Primal Esper Ability that they needed.
The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a sense of helplessness in each other's eyes.
Why not a Beyond Grade A? Why did it have to be Black Star?
Now that Black Star is on guard, the risk of another operation has increased at least tenfold. Anyone who thinks they can launch a sneak attack like last time is dreaming.
"... Still want to rob it?"
"Don't drag me into this if you're looking to die," Fei said dismissively.
"What can we do? The Holy Light Particle are in his hands; we have to find a way to get them back."
"How would I know what to do?"
The two were on the verge of a breakdown.
What should we do?!
The researchers looked left and right, and couldn't help but speak up:
"Um... does this Detection device I developed still need to be installed?"
What do you think?!