The day after the Black Star Cup announcement, countless media outlets and conglomerate representatives came knocking with cash, eager to buy the broadcasting rights.
In the large conference room of the Legion's headquarters, Sylvia sat at the head of the table, with countless remote projections of representatives sitting below, chattering incessantly, filling the room with a buzzing sound.
"Quiet."
Sylvia tapped the table, and the entire room fell silent, everyone staring at her.
As the Legion's Chief Affairs Officer, Sylvia is also responsible for external communications. In the eyes of many forces, she is undoubtedly a high-ranking and powerful figure. Even though the representatives present are all high-ranking executives in their respective media outlets or conglomerates, they are all very obedient to Sylvia.
Sylvia looked around and said seriously:
"Everyone has come with the same purpose: the Black Star Cup Army-Wide League. The Legion Commander's idea is to create a comprehensive sports event for superhumans. The first edition will be limited to the Legion itself for the time being, but in the future, we may introduce participants from other forces. The specific details are in the introduction of the competition rules, which you have already seen."
The Legion wants the tournament broadcast throughout the universe, so the broadcasting rights are being sold regionally. Planetary broadcasting rights are not sold separately. The minimum bid is 15 million Enas for sector-level broadcasting rights, 120 million Enas for galaxy-level rights, and 980 million Enas for cluster-level rights, payable in one to five installments. These are just reference prices; if exclusive rights for the same region are required, they will be awarded through an auction.
Upon hearing this, a commotion arose in the audience. Many people exchanged bewildered glances, each seeing surprise on the other's face.
Considering the Black Star Army's status and the popularity of this event, this price is quite reasonable, far below their expectations.
Generally, there are two ways to sell such program broadcasting rights. The most common way is to sell them on a per-media basis without regional restrictions. The other way is to sell them regionally, which is equivalent to splitting the broadcasting rights. This is generally used for large-scale broadcasting, and only a few people are qualified to activate it. Otherwise, the media will not buy it. The Black Star Army is naturally qualified to do so.
The basic unit is the star sector broadcast range, which means that the broadcasting channel of this media is limited to a star sector. Although quantum networks are now very advanced, connecting interstellar societies, the audience of most media is still regional, equivalent to local TV stations.
A minimum offer of 15 million Enas is indeed a lot, but the conglomerates and media outlets that dare to trade with the Legion are all large-scale, and coming up with that amount of money is not a problem in business.
If broadcasting areas overlap, there is a set of handling systems. If areas at the same level overlap, and there is no competition for exclusive rights, then both companies will broadcast together; otherwise, they will bid against each other. If different levels overlap, for example, one company buys the broadcasting rights for a galaxy, while another company buys the broadcasting rights for a star sector included in that galaxy, then either nothing will be done, or the company will apply for legion negotiations, or the rights will be revoked, or they will cooperate with each other. However, it is strictly forbidden for media outlets to buy out a large-scale broadcasting right and then distribute it privately.
Sylvia summoned Phillip's clones, who went to each representative to record each person's bid.
The media representatives present pondered for a moment, wrote down their requests, and enthusiastically made the purchases.
Everyone could see the business opportunities hidden in the Black Star Cup. Recently, the Black Star Army has done several major things, which have generated a lot of buzz, especially the Black Star's Battle of Deification and the Holy Light Particle event, which have brought a huge wave of traffic to the Legion. Basically, out of ten interstellar citizens, at least three or four will pay attention to the Legion's news.
Moreover, the Black Star Cup itself is attractive. Although there are many superhumans in the universe and battles are not uncommon, a competition like this, in which countless superhumans of all levels participate, is extremely rare. In addition, it has a selection or talent show format, which makes it easier to stir up the audience's emotions.
Furthermore, the variety of events is incredible; you rarely see so many superhumans participating in all sorts of interesting sports and entertainment activities.
According to the Black Star Cup's blueprint, it has the potential to evolve into a league event with more participating forces. Given the Black Star Army's status, it has no fear of followers. In the long run, this league has great development potential. The representatives present not only wanted to sign up for this tournament, but some even wanted to sign up for several more tournaments immediately as a long-term investment.
"This project is a win-win for both of us," Sylvia said confidently as everyone considered their bids. "The Legion wants to expand the Black Star Cup, which requires more media coverage to generate buzz, and you also need viewership. The scale of the Black Star Cup needs no introduction; it's a once-in-a-lifetime event..."
Just then, a representative of the consortium raised his hand and asked, "I heard that the legion runs an internal betting operation. Do you accept outside investment?"
"You can organize your own betting games, but the Legion's betting odds do not accept off-site bets," Sylvia said, waving her hand.
"Why is that? If you were to open a sale, the amount of money you take from customers would definitely increase several notches," someone asked, puzzled.
"This is the Legion Commander's highest order."
Sylvia didn't explain to everyone. In fact, she was also a little surprised when she learned of Han Xiao's decision. This was a great opportunity to make a fortune. Knowing Han Xiao as she did, she would never let go of this path to wealth. But she didn't expect her teacher to change his mind like this.
Later, Han Xiao explained to her that although the legion had money, the betting volume outside was still too large. Opening betting to the outside world was risky, as some Little Sorokin might be secretly causing trouble behind the scenes. However, closing the betting internally meant that the funds circulated internally, and no matter who won or lost, the money was in the hands of the legion members.
On the other hand, if the legion were to open betting to outsiders, it might cause some dissatisfaction among its own members, which would be detrimental to morale. Limiting betting to within the legion would have a much better impact on the grassroots level, giving the impression that it's a game played behind closed doors by its own people.
In short... we're not taking this dirty money!
Having received every offer, Enterprise brought his business team in to negotiate, while Sylvia left the conference room to attend the next meeting.
In addition to selling broadcasting rights, Legion is also preparing to find a large number of sponsors for the Black Star Cup. It is believed that Legion's partners will invest some money, whether from the perspective of profit or face, which will add up to a huge sum of money.
Meanwhile, Sorokin also approached Han Xiao.
"You're also going to sponsor the Black Star Cup?"
Han Xiao looked the Sorokin remote projection in front of him up and down.
"That's right, you're a shareholder of the Infinite Financial Group, so naturally I'll support your project." Sorokin put on his signature fake smile.
How much money are you planning to invest?
Sorokin gave a number and said with a smile, "This number represents my full sincerity."
Han Xiao's heart skipped a beat; the amount of this sponsorship was a bit outrageous.
Your sincerity is practically overflowing...
Are you sure you want to give that much?
"Yes, the Black Star Cup has great potential, and I'm very optimistic about this investment." Sorokin smiled and said slowly, "Besides, we're partners now. We had some disagreements before for certain reasons, so I hope to mend our relationship..."
Han Xiao immediately understood.
Well, so they've come to pay protection money, wanting to compensate me for the losses they caused me before.
Having used similar threats to seize his shareholder position, the die was cast. Sorokin accepted reality and took the initiative to mend the relationship. It must be said, he was indeed flexible and adaptable, like a turtle.
After all, as the saying goes, "Just make do, what else can you do?"
Han Xiao suddenly thought of something and turned his gaze.
It's likely that this guy isn't just here to mend the relationship between the two sides, but also because of the Traveler's matter.
The Dark Emperor has captured the Traveler and spread the word that the Empire will hold a public trial. Sorokin probably thought he knew something after I went to Secondary Dimension World recently, so he came to test the waters.
After all, Sorokin had also intervened in the Hila Rescue Battle, and the Traveler was one of the few who knew about it, so of course he would feel guilty.
"Alright, I'll leave out a few things from the past." Han Xiao smiled at him, drawing out his words, "What about the Tyrant..."
Sorokin's eyelids twitched. "This..."
Before he could answer, Han Xiao laughed, "Don't worry, I was just joking. How could I let you break your agreement with him and then use the same methods you used against me against him, suppressing all the business you helped him expand? My relationship with him is excellent."
I don't believe you for a second, you heartless bastard, you're so wicked...
Sorokin composed himself and tentatively asked, "I heard you recently went to a Secondary Dimension World. How was the trip?"
"Not bad, I went to quite a few places..."
Han Xiao chatted about all sorts of things, but never got to the point.
After listening patiently for a while, Sorokin, seeing that Han Xiao was getting nowhere, coughed and asked, "It's said that the Dark Emperor captured Traveler in Secondary Dimension. Did you encounter him?"
"Yes, there is." Han Xiao nodded.
Sorokin and eager to hear what Han Xiao had to say, but he found that Han Xiao suddenly shut up, showing no intention of continuing the conversation, becoming a complete master of creating awkward silences.
"..."
The two stared at each other for over ten seconds.
Sorokin couldn't hold back any longer and had no choice but to speak up, reluctantly asking, "So what happened back then?"
"Back then, Little Dark... cough, Dark Emperor almost got away with the Traveler, and he just happened to run into me, so I captured him on the spot." Han Xiao clicked his tongue and sighed, "Speaking of which, this guy has no backbone. I used a little torture on him, and he confessed to being the mastermind."
Sorokin's heart tightened. "Who is it?"
Han Xiao glanced at him and slowly said, "He said that he wasn't actually a neutral mercenary, but a secret agent of a supercluster-level civilization. He was ordered by his superiors to interfere when Hila was attacked."
"A close associate?" Sorokin curiously. "Which faction does he belong to?"
Han Xiao said gravely, "None of us expected that he was from the Modo Civilization."
"So it was Modo..."
Sorokin seemed lost in thought.
He suddenly paused, becoming wary.
No, the Traveler wouldn't cover up the truth for himself; he would definitely expose the reason why the Superstar Group sent him on this mission—that it was his own doing.
If that's the case, then the Empire must know that he was involved as well.
"Then you..." Sorokin stared intently at Han Xiao, hesitating to speak.
"What do you want to say?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.
"... Did the Traveler reveal anything else?"
"Are you trying to ask if the Traveler has given you away?" Han Xiao asked with a smile.
Sorokin's expression tightened; Black Star's words meant he had definitely been exposed.
At this moment, Han Xiao's smile faded, and he said calmly, "What you did behind my back wasn't very ethical."
He had originally intended to keep it a secret, but when Sorokin came to him, he realized that his original plan of keeping the enemy in the open while he remained in the shadows was not realistic.
Since the Empire is going to publicly try the Traveler, Sorokin certainly won't have any illusions. He knows that the Traveler is very likely to confess or shift the blame, and has no reason to keep it a secret for him. So the Empire will most likely know about his actions behind the scenes, and Black Star will definitely be notified that he plotted against the Black Star Army.
In that case, pretending to be stupid would be futile. If he tried to hide it, Sorokin would only become more wary. Rather than that, it would be better to be direct. Based on his understanding of Sorokin, this cunning and adaptable man would definitely not want to break off relations but would try to make amends, which would be a good opportunity to make some money out of him.
After all, even if Sorokin provides compensation, it doesn't mean that he will give up targeting Sorokin.
Sorokin paused, a helpless expression on his face:
"Okay, you caught me. My motive for doing this was simply to maintain balance, not to target you personally. However, I really did wrong you in this matter. Now that we're partners, I'll give you an explanation to express my apology."
Han Xiao carefully observed his expression and narrowed his eyes.
Just as predicted, given Sorokin's thick skin, he was unlikely to panic after being exposed. Instead, he openly accepted the matter, apologized in person, and sought remedial measures.
Moreover, Sorokin was cunning. He had prepared a backup plan and made two arrangements in this matter. He deliberately revealed his "true feelings" to the Traveler to justify his actions by upholding collectivism and attacking the Beyond Grade A united front, without involving personal grudges.
With this kind of thinking as support, even if he is exposed afterward, he will not be targeted so fiercely—because his stance on this matter is actually consistent with that of the Three Universal Civilizations, all of whom want to attack the Beyond Grade A united front!
He simply made a mistake in his approach, but even so, the extent to which he offended the Empire was actually quite low. After all, his method was indirect interference rather than direct intervention, which left him some room for maneuver.
In today's complex cosmic situation, the Three Universal Civilizations and the Development Federation have conflicting interests. As a member of the association and possessing the so-called collectivist ideology, Sorokin is likely to become one of the figures that the Three Universal Civilizations can win over.
Although exposing his stance would lead to rejection from the Mechanic Emperor and Black Star, a group of Beyond Grade A beings who advocate a united front, it also presents him with an opportunity to get closer to the Three Universal Civilizations and minimize his losses.
Han Xiao had to admit that Sorokin was cunning enough. This two-faced guy always had room to deal with the negative consequences by relying on the resources he controlled.
The biggest problem is that he conspired with the Super Star Cluster Alliance in this matter, which will inevitably displease the Three Universal Civilizations. Sorokin cannot clear his name, and it will definitely take a lot of bloodshed to resolve the issue.
The second problem is Han Xiao's attitude. Black Star has been severely offended, and now no one can shake his position. Sorokin can only compromise and prepare to be asked for an exorbitant price.
Various thoughts flashed through his mind. Han Xiao blinked and said calmly, "Let me hear how you plan to express your apology to me."