The official announcements from the Three Universal Civilizations spread throughout the star systems, quickly dispelling the atmosphere of unease and panic that had gripped interstellar society since the outbreak of the Intelligence Plague.
Although most civilizations and races criticize certain practices of the Three Universal Civilizations, they have an extraordinary trust in them when it comes to matters concerning the safety of the Explored Universe. These three powerful Three Universal Civilizations always provide a sense of security.
Before the impact of the announcement had subsided, the Three Universal Civilizations officially lifted the blockade of the Ancient Star Desert more than half a month later, allowing this star region to be reintegrated into the system of interstellar society.
The first-generation Virtual Mutiny Virus has been largely eliminated. The Three Universal Civilizations have deployed dedicated firewalls in multiple star systems. Without its self-evolving core, the virus can no longer cause any trouble and will eventually disappear completely over time. The threat has been eliminated.
The details of the Ancient Star Desert also began to circulate, and this was far more detailed than the announcements from the Three Universal Civilizations, once again igniting the enthusiasm and interest of the interstellar citizens.
On his return journey, Han Xiao kept an eye on the public opinion in the interstellar society. It was mostly one-sided praise for the achievements of the Three Universal Civilizations and his Beyond Grade A mechanic think tank. Interspersed among these were criticisms of the Mechanic Emperor of Manison, or complaints about the security situation in the region.
During the Intelligence Plague, the various star systems were also in turmoil. In most cases, some regional rebellious forces attempted to incite panic, but all of them were suppressed with an iron fist. Most of the mercenaries who tried to smuggle themselves into the Ancient Star Desert to obtain the virus were imprisoned by the Three Universal Civilizations, while the rest were all put on the wanted list.
Public opinion is overwhelmingly positive; there are few discordant opinions, or rather, all the negative opinions have been neutralized.
Interstellar media from various regions, like blood hunters drawn by the scent of blood, flocked to the Ancient Star Desert, visiting various planets to uncover the details of the disaster. They produced a large number of special programs in an extremely short period of time, vying for news hotspots, all with the instruction and tacit approval of the Three Universal Civilizations.
Power comes from obedience. The Three Universal Civilizations have accomplished a great feat, and now they need the media to guide public opinion, sing their praises, amplify the propaganda, and take the opportunity to consolidate the approval of their rule.
The Black Star Army fleet carrying Han Xiao and his party had just arrived at the Shattered Star Ring at the edge of the universe after a series of leaps through the Imperial military star gates, when the Empire once again sent someone to contact Han Xiao.
"An award ceremony?"
Han Xiao heard this term from Marshal Tarrokov, the Empire Exploration Army's part-time liaison officer.
"That's right. Under the leadership of the Three Universal Civilizations, the Explored Universe once again averted a cosmic catastrophe, which will surely be recorded as a historical milestone. As always, we hold a grand award ceremony to recognize the merits of those who made contributions to the disaster relief operation, and you are naturally among those invited."
Han Xiao was no stranger to this. Although he felt it was somewhat formalistic, he knew that such activities were indispensable. The most important matters of the state were sacrifice and war, and life needed a sense of ritual.
"Okay, where and when is the award ceremony? I don't expect to have to go all the way to the Central Galaxy, do I? I just got back to base."
"This is a joint award ceremony held by the Three Universal Civilizations. In order to keep up with the times and to facilitate the participation of all Beyond Grade A, it has been decided to hold the ceremony in the Shattered World of the New Starfield. The time is three months from now, which is plenty of time."
"It's indeed quite convenient." Han Xiao nodded, then suddenly lowered his voice and asked in a mysterious tone, "Give me a heads-up, have you finished your preparations against the Super Star Cluster Alliance? When are you going to make your move?"
"I don't think it's the right time to talk about this..." Tarrokov coughed and lowered his voice, "Anyway, after the fourth phase of the Free Competition Zone is explored, the Three Universal Civilizations will consider redistributing the territory occupied by the Super Star Cluster Alliance, not taking it back, but sharing it with free forces and other civilizations... Perhaps they will introduce a bill similar to the 'New Starfield Anti-Monopoly Exploration Ordinance' as a reason."
The thief cries "Stop thief!" and that's his specialty... Han Xiao secretly curled his lip. This was how things had unfolded in his previous life, so he wasn't surprised.
"Speaking of which, before you lifted the blockade of the Ancient Star Desert, did you do anything to the supercluster over there?"
"We didn't this time, and you understand why... However, although we didn't attack them, we took the opportunity to leave behind a large number of spies and informants to closely monitor the movements of the Star Arc Civilization's army and supplies, in preparation for any potential friction or conflict that may erupt in the future," Tarrokov explained.
"How wicked." Han Xiao clicked his tongue.
"You have no right to say that," Tarrokov said irritably. "Don't think I don't know. I've heard a lot of rumors from the Intelligence Department. It's said that you left a lot of things in the black market of the Ancient Star Desert."
"Likewise," Han Xiao said dismissively.
The two had known each other for many years and were already old acquaintances. After exchanging a few words, they prepared to end the call.
At that moment, Tarrokov seemed to remember something and said, "If you have time, you can watch a program; it seems that your colleagues in the media control department sent over some materials about you."
After hanging up the call, Han Xiao received a link from Tarrokov.
Upon opening, the virtual screen switches to a current affairs interview program, which appears to have been recently updated. It's a program similar to "A Date with Luden," but more authoritative, called "Focus Talks," and it takes a high-level approach.
He opened it and glanced at it. This issue was a special report on the Intelligence Plague, analyzing and introducing the impact on the Ancient Star Desert. Han Xiao fast-forwarded through it for a while and finally saw his name.
A respectable Goddora is speaking eloquently in the video, with captions describing him as a senior researcher in an interstellar society and a scholar.
"... Before Black Star left Planet Aquamarine, the Goddora Civilization already knew of Number One person. We have witnessed the rise of this powerful neighbor, the Black Star Army, step by step, and we have even fought side by side in history. The Black Star Army has passed through the primitive accumulation stage of wild growth. From the recent Black Star Cup, the Holy Light Envoy project, and the Intelligence Plague incident, it is not difficult to see that they are now striving to take on more social responsibilities."
Although Black Star is a cosmic warlord, his code of conduct differs from others. He now controls vast social resources, and seems more enthusiastic about using these resources to maintain and improve the cosmic environment than to seize and plunder them. Other Beyond Grade A warlords inspire awe and fear, but for Black Star, we feel more reverence and admiration. He offers a unique perspective, mitigating the instinctive fear that interstellar citizens feel towards the pinnacle of individual power. Perhaps this is the source of his extraordinary charisma...
Han Xiao was enjoying his boasting when the scene suddenly changed, flashing through his exploits and accompanied by a calm and steady narration, giving it the rigorous feel of official news.
The latest incident occurred quickly: the program obtained firsthand video footage of the standoff on Cloud Magnet Planet and exclusively broadcast it to the entire universe.
'This must be propaganda material sent by the Empire,' Han Xiao thought to himself.
The footage, recorded from a third-party perspective, showed him confronting Manison, and he heard himself uttering that famous quote again in the video, which was even shown in close-up:
"... The universe, however vast, has an end, but ambition knows no bounds."
Han Xiao stared at the screen, a slight smile playing on his lips.
He had to admit that, at that moment, he looked really handsome in the picture.
The Empire specifically sent out this video, presumably believing that this scene could enhance his public image and be beneficial for propaganda.
The next moment, the narration ends, and the scene shifts to a magnificent office, where a new interviewee appears, equally important, with the subtitle introducing him as the chairman of the Stuart Committee.
Kleber Petersius, a tenured professor at the Federation of Light's Supreme Institute of Technology, the principal of the Truth Academy, and a recipient of medals such as "Stars" and "Eye of Heller"... A long list of Glory and titles cannot be written on the screen and can only be displayed on a scrolling screen.
The Stuart Committee is no ordinary organization; it has a prestigious background, a long history, and a distinguished status. Its founder is Dr. Stewart Ona, the founder of the Energy Level Theory, who is traditionally considered the "father of superpowers."
In his later years, he founded an award in his own name to reward experts who have made significant achievements in various fields. The committee is the body that manages and evaluates the award, much like the Bell in Han Xiao's previous life, but with a higher status and having been in operation for thousands of years.
Each year, the Three Universal Civilizations and advanced civilizations provide special sponsorship. The Stuart Prize maintains absolute objectivity and neutrality, and the selection process is not influenced by any political or economic factors. It is selected every three years. While it cannot be said that every selection is universally popular, its authority is indeed very high.
Kleber stroked his neatly groomed gray braided beard, smiled at the camera, and began to speak:
"Black Star is a powerful being in the universe and a respected scientist. I have long admired him. Putting aside his abilities, I also admire his philosophy. I am also a scientist, and I am well aware of our strong desire for knowledge and intense curiosity. No one understands better than me how much perseverance it takes to destroy an unknown technology with one's own hands. I admire Black Star very much. His appointment as the special security advisor for the Three Universal Civilizations is unprecedented in history, and he truly deserves it."
I can reveal a little inside information here: our Stuart Committee has received many nominations for Black Star for the Peace Prize from its members. There's a strong call for Black Star to be this year's Stuart Peace Prize laureate. From my personal perspective, I have high hopes for him; he has made tremendous contributions to the universe."
Kleber made no secret of his admiration for Han Xiao, and after speaking at length, he gave a brief summary at the end of the interview:
"In the future, when we look back at this history, we may regard Black Star's choice today as a turning point in history, and he may have influenced the direction of the world order."
Han Xiao let out a breath.
He had heard of the Stuart Prize, but such a prestigious award naturally had nothing to do with players in his previous life.
"If I win this year's Stuart Peace Prize, it'll probably boost my Universe Legend Points even further. The Empire really doesn't hold back in its propaganda efforts."
Han Xiao chuckled to himself, quite satisfied with the publicity efforts surrounding the Three Universal Civilizations. Lately, he'd been watching various programs showcasing their own achievements in all sorts of creative ways.
With so many honors bestowed upon him, he can be seen as a protective aura that reflects damage. Anyone who attacks him will inevitably suffer a backlash from public opinion and lose a lot of reputation. Even if the Glory and the Arcane want to deal with him again, they will have to ruin his reputation first, otherwise they will have to consider the loss of reputation.
"Beep beep..."
Just then, the communicator beeped, indicating that a communication request had been received.
Han Xiao glanced at it and saw that it was a call from Ames.
As soon as the call connected, Ames's graceful figure in a black dress appeared before me, arms crossed, a slight smile playing on her lips.
"I saw the video; you copied exactly what I said."
"Haha, I just suddenly thought of that."
"Looks like you listened and it left a deep impression." Ames narrowed her eyes, a smile like ripples on water hidden in her crescent moon, showing that she was in a very good mood.
"I remember almost everything you said."
"You're becoming more and more charming with your words..."
Ames blinked and chuckled softly:
"I've got nothing to do at home, do you have time to come see me?"
Did you miss me?
"Are you coming or not?" Ames raised an eyebrow.
"Since you've invited me, how could I possibly refuse? Let me arrange my itinerary first; it's on my way anyway."
"Okay, I'll be waiting for you at home."
Ames took two steps forward, raised her hand and touched Han Xiao's cheek. Unfortunately, it was just a projection, so there was no feeling of touching a real person. She then chuckled and ended the communication, her figure disappearing from the spot.
Han Xiao touched his face and shook his head, amused.
"It wouldn't be appropriate to show up empty-handed; you should bring a gift..."
Fortunately, the Three Universal Civilizations have opened up their permissions, so I can exchange them for the Ultimate Knowledge of a Esper Class and give it to Ames.
It can be given to Hila later, making the best use of it.
Incidentally, he happened to have something to ask Iso. Having an elder in the family is like having a treasure; perhaps the old man knew something about the Sanctuary, the Sanctum, the Oathkeeper, or Manison.
Moreover, Han Xiao had a vague intuition.
I have this feeling that if I go to find Ames now, I might encounter some unexpected treasure...
Thinking this, Han Xiao couldn't help but look out the window, just as Harrison walked by.