"The Netherland Dimension houses a vast number of powerful individuals from the Exploration Era War, not just the First Ones, but also superhumans from various races, including many Calamity Grade —a veritable group of ancient relics..."
Han Xiao's eyes flickered.
This group is not only useful as a fighting force, but they are also witnesses to the exploration of various periods of history, reliable sources of first-hand intelligence, and possess many ancient secrets.
"Aurora reaches Beyond Grade A can she create life forms for these heroic spirits and transform them into combat power. Speaking of which, the Netherland Dimension is somewhat like an alternative Immortal Mechanic Emperor... Although we can't summon Netherland powerhouses now, communicating with their souls shouldn't be a problem. I wonder how much of the Netherland Hila has restored."
Han Xiao still remembered that he had a mission from the Netherland Dimension. Once the Netherland was restored to its full glory, he would receive Onicelu's gratitude and obtain a [Netherland Brand], becoming the third privileged dog after the two sisters.
"I'll find some time to ask Hila and see if my thinking is right..."
Hila is currently in Secondary Dimension World, where communication is inconvenient. However, she should return at the next Beyond Grade A meeting, and Han Xiao plans to ask her about it then.
The next regular meeting of the Development Federation is just around the corner, so there's no need for me to make a special trip to the Secondary Dimension World to find someone.
Spirit Emperor faked his death, and he suspected that this was the true identity of the Oathkeeper. He hadn't yet decided whether to test him next time they met.
"Didi--"
At that moment, Harrison sent a message saying that Lodi had been settled.
"Knew."
Han Xiao was in a rather pleasant mood.
Our intuition was right. This return to Planet Aquamarine did indeed bring unexpected joy. We discovered the secret of the Child of Destiny, obtained a partially transformed sub-body, and acquired some crucial information from Iso. It was a very fruitful trip.
However, Iso's prophecy also put pressure on him, as if he could foresee a great upheaval about to unfold, with a storm quietly brewing.
The higher the level of contact, the more secrets one uncovers, and the more one can sense the turmoil and chaos hidden beneath the Explored Universe.
Han Xiao placed his hands together at the tip of his nose, lost in thought.
"I need to find out how the Crimson Dynasty is doing with their research on the World Tree Civilization's wormhole coordinates..."
After spending a few days as a guest in Dragon Calm and making a stop to visit Bennett, Han Xiao then led his fleet to set sail again, continuing their journey towards the Shattered World.
On the dock, Ames stood at the edge of the orbit. The exhaust from the spaceship's thrusters caused her black dress to flutter wildly, like a swirling cloud of black mist. She led the Dragon Calm officers and watched as the neatly formed Black Star Fleet sailed out of the spaceport, slowly accelerating and transforming into streaks of light that disappeared into the depths of space, out of sight.
He's gone again.
Ames withdrew her gaze, let out a soft breath, and looked down at the data storage device in her hand. This was a gift Han Xiao had given her before he left, containing Ultimate Knowledge of a Esper Class.
She turned around and saw that Jenny's face was ashen, and she was clutching a vial of medicine tightly in her hand, which was also a gift from Han Xiao.
"Why do you look so pale? What did he give you?" Ames asked curiously.
"... nothing!"
Jenny's jaw muscles tensed, revealing a ferocious smile as she hid the hair growth magic potion behind her back.
Iso stroked his beard and chuckled, "Black Star also sent me a gift. I'm finding him more and more pleasing to the eye."
Beside him, eight fist-sized spherical floating weapons danced nimbly.
This is a product personally crafted by Han Xiao, named "Explorer Multifunctional Life Defender Array". It integrates a full range of functions such as combat, protection, enhancement, life support, concealment, medical treatment, warp drive, radiation shielding, and harsh environment isolation, making it especially suitable for solo explorers.
Having such a device is equivalent to having a personal guard team, logistics team, and interstellar vehicle. Even an ordinary person can survive for a long time in a dangerous environment of Grade B intensity, and can withstand Calamity Grade for a short time, with a chance to escape unscathed. If used properly, one device is enough to sweep away an ordinary surface-level civilization. It is expensive and powerful. Han Xiao gave Iso ten sets in total.
Ames blinked, then suddenly said, "I heard that you secretly asked Black Star to protect me?"
Iso paused, then grabbed his beard. "Who told you that?"
"Who else could it be?" Ames raised an eyebrow.
"Tsk, that Black Star guy, he didn't even bother to keep it a secret..." Iso nodded helplessly, a headache in his eyes. "It's true, I foresaw a dramatic change in the era. My abilities are limited; only Black Star has the capacity..."
Before he could finish speaking, Ames interrupted him, raising her voice slightly, and said, "I'm a Beyond Grade A, capable of protecting myself. Next time, before considering my needs, talk to me first. I don't like others making decisions for me."
"Alright, alright, I guess I was just being presumptuous." Iso raised both hands, indicating he didn't want to argue.
Seeing this, Ames nodded, then paused, a slight smile playing on her lips, and said softly:
"... Thanks anyway, I appreciate your kindness."
She knew that Han Xiao had spoken up because he didn't want Iso's intentions to remain unknown.
Moreover, this matter could only be brought up by Han Xiao; it was impossible for Iso to proactively go to Ames to claim credit, and he wasn't that kind of person.
Iso finally understood Han Xiao's intentions, and his complaints vanished instantly. He was slightly moved and felt a sense of relief, which further enhanced his opinion of Han Xiao.
Hey, Black Star even considered the relationship between me and Ames.
No wonder he's the talent who built such a great empire; this guy really knows how to get things done.
After a ten-day journey, the fleet finally entered the Shattered World region through the fast military stargate. On that very day, the Beyond Grade A Association held its latest regular meeting.
A group of mechanics had missed many meetings because they had been staying in the sealed-off Ancient Star Desert to manage the Intelligence Plague for some time. Now, Han Xiao and others are finally attending again.
Development Federation Headquarters, Planet Fein, Council Building.
Han Xiao's remote projection descended outside the venue, draped in a black robe with gold trim, his robust physique filling out the garment, making him appear imposing and awe-inspiring.
There was still some time before the meeting officially started, and not everyone had arrived yet. People were gathered in twos and threes outside the meeting room, chatting and exchanging ideas casually.
One of the original goals of the Development Federation was to establish a platform that facilitates communication among all Beyond Grade A members. In addition to formal meetings, private exchanges between individuals are equally important.
The moment he appeared, the area outside the venue fell silent. Everyone turned to look at him with varying expressions, creating an somewhat eerie atmosphere.
At this moment, the Old Dragon Milizaus approached with some imperial allies, his voice booming.
"Yo, Black Star, you're finally back."
Han Xiao turned his head and smiled, greeting Beoni, Silver Shadow, and other acquaintances one by one.
After exchanging pleasantries, Milizaus praised, "What you did in the Ancient Star Desert truly impressed me. It's a pity I'm not a mechanic and can't witness it firsthand."
"Indeed, it's such a shame we couldn't participate in such a historic moment," Viru said with a regretful expression.
"If I had been there, you wouldn't have been fighting alone. I would definitely have been a part of the fight against Manison," Beoni said casually.
Swordswoman Fu showed no mercy, coldly replying, "Come on, if you were there, you'd be the first to die, just like Kohler, a burden."
Kohler: "??"
Why drag me into this? I didn't say anything!
"It's nothing, not worth mentioning. Let's keep a low profile, hehehehe..." Han Xiao waved his hand modestly as he listened to everyone's praise.
The aftermath of destroying the virus core showed many allies that Black Star's status had risen again, gaining more trust from the Three Universal Civilizations, so they all came to support it.
At this moment, Milizaus glanced around and lowered his voice, saying, "Everyone thinks you and Manison have fallen out. The president and vice president have different ideologies, which will inevitably lead to differences in direction. The atmosphere in the association is very sensitive right now."
"No wonder everyone was giving me strange looks earlier." Han Xiao smiled, not at all surprised.
"Today is the first time you and Manison have attended a meeting together since your falling out, so most people are watching and waiting to see what happens."
Han Xiao shook his head and said:
"Don't worry, the Development Federation's external mission is to reconcile conflicts between Beyond Grade A members. Manison won't openly violate these principles; otherwise, the foundation of the association would be damaged, which he cannot accept. Therefore, he has to put on a show, at most verbally harassing me. He won't use the association's power to cause trouble. As for me, I have even less need to provoke him..."
--After all, I've already taken all of the Mechanic Emperor's secrets, so I'm not the one who's going to suffer a loss.
Han Xiao chuckled inwardly, but didn't say the second half of his sentence aloud.
Milizaus remained noncommittal, then slowly said, "Yes, that's for the best. Don't provoke him. Actually, after Manison revealed his intentions, there aren't many people in the association who support him anymore."
His actions this time were too risky, and many people do not approve of them. If he succeeds, we will all be Implicated and bound by certain stances. Therefore, there are quite a few people who resent Manison now.
On the contrary, many Beyond Grade A members support your approach. Most of them band together through the Development Federation, hoping to gain greater security and more benefits. But to break with and oppose the Three Universal Civilizations for this? That's too unrealistic; few people are willing to take such a risk! So you stopped Manison and established closer relations with the Three Universal Civilizations. Many people are grateful to you, agree with you, and spontaneously stand on your side."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao looked around and made eye contact with the members around him, seeing the goodwill conveyed in many of their eyes.
"Yes, just as expected."
Han Xiao responded, having already figured out all the intricacies involved.
Just then, a furious shout suddenly rang out from the side.
"Black Star, you're a real bastard!"
Curious, everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw the Secret Master striding over, his face as black as the bottom of a pot, with a accusing expression.
"What did I do to you?" Han Xiao asked, bewildered.
"You're still playing dumb!" the Secret Master roared. "You took advantage of the star field blockade to attack my black market forces in the Ancient Star Desert!"
"I was just following orders to prevent the virus from leaking." Han Xiao blinked.
"Do you think I believe you?!" The Secret Master's face turned ashen.
After the Three Universal Civilizations lifted the blockade, he learned that Han Xiao had made a complete mess of his forces in the Ancient Star Desert, and he almost coughed up blood.
This feeling is like someone breaking into your house and locking the door from the inside. As the victim, he only realizes it after his house has been ransacked, and he's furious.
"You've really misunderstood me," Han Xiao argued. "The Three Universal Civilizations wanted me to control the black market channels and prevent the virus from spreading on a large scale. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, so I had no choice but to use Thunder measures. Besides, the Intelligence Plague has been resolved, and I've already withdrawn. It's the Three Universal Civilizations that are trying to continue controlling the black market in the Ancient Star Desert. For the sake of the universe's safety, I voluntarily took on this job that offends them. Even if I didn't do it, someone else would have. Don't you think that makes sense?"
"... The thickest thing I've ever seen is your skin!"
The Secret Master gritted his teeth, filled with resentment.
He didn't really want to blame Han Xiao. He knew that the Three Universal Civilizations would not compromise in the face of disaster. Ultimately, he could only blame his bad luck, as the virus outbreak happened to occur in the Ancient Star Desert.
The Secret Master also discovered that ever since he came into contact with Black Star, he seemed to have been tainted by bad luck, frequently experiencing misfortune.
--I'd better stay away from Black Star from now on, so that I won't Implicated in the crossfire when he gets struck by lightning!
Just as everyone was chatting, another remote projection appeared, this time from Manison, who was caught in the media storm.
Buzz--
In an instant, the entire room fell silent.
All eyes turned to Manison and Han Xiao, their gazes filled with a variety of emotions.
The only thing these gazes had in common was that they all carried a sense of amusement and mockery, as if they were watching a good show.
Manison turned around, calmly looking directly into Han Xiao's eyes, their gazes meeting in mid-air.
Manison remained calm, as if the conflict between the two had never occurred, and slowly greeted them:
"It's nice to see you again, Black Star."
"What a coincidence, Mechanic Emperor. I thought you'd be too ashamed to show up today."
Han Xiao chuckled and started teasing.
At that moment, he felt he was more like the villain than Old Manison.
Meanwhile, Milizaus scratched the Dragon Horn on his head in confusion.
... Didn't we agree not to provoke the Mechanic Emperor? So you're just taking my words for granted?