After waiting for several days on the Celebration Planet, Han Xiao clearly witnessed the increasing security level of the planet. One after another, regular military units arrived and took over the responsibility of protecting the planet. The defense line was airtight and safer than anywhere else he had ever seen.
Half of the surrounding star sector was placed under martial law, with various advanced defense measures deployed to prevent all kinds of long-range attacks from threatening the celebration planet.
The Intelligence Plague broke out in the Ancient Star Desert. Logically, the ceremony should have been held in the Ancient Star Desert. However, the Three Universal Civilizations said that considering that many Beyond Grade A were currently staying in the Shattered World, they changed the venue. They also said that this place had symbolic significance, representing another major exploration achievement of interstellar society after many years.
The leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations attended the commendation ceremony together, a rare sight indeed. Due to their sensitive identities, such events are usually held in the Central Galaxy, rarely in other star regions. Even with meticulous security personnel, life is unpredictable, and for the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations, leaving the Central Galaxy would undoubtedly be a risky move.
Han Xiao assured that some forces and organizations with ulterior motives would inevitably stir up trouble. Although the Three Universal Civilizations already had mature operating systems, and even if the leaders were assassinated, the government's operation would not be greatly affected, a brief period of chaos was unavoidable, and they might be targeted by certain people because of this.
Of course, that's the reality. If any force dares to do this, they will have no place in the Explored Universe and will face retribution until death, forever solidifying the relationship as "hatred." Moreover, with so many armies and Beyond Grade A personnel gathered together, the success rate of an assassination is practically negligible.
However, this does not preclude a plan to deliberately frame someone.
Han Xiao strongly suspected that the Three Universal Civilizations had ulterior motives for this action. Could they be staging a scene, pretending that outsiders assassinated their leaders during the ceremony, then using this as a pretext to shift blame onto their target and gain an excuse for attack?
This direction seems so familiar, like I've seen it somewhere before...
Perhaps I gave them the inspiration?
Han Xiao had recently experienced a "backstabbing," and the memory was still fresh in his mind. At this moment, his thoughts couldn't help but gravitate towards that aspect, and his mind began to wander.
Based on his understanding of the Three Universal Civilizations, he might actually do such a thing; the probability of it happening is probably around 20%, and he can't verify it with Urranrell.
During his stay on the planet, he was unable to contact the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations and could only stay in the official guesthouse, like everyone else, waiting silently.
On the day of the ceremony, Han Xiao and the other guests were transported to the venue in an officially arranged vehicle. The venue was a large hall with an imperial style, where countless invited guests could be seen queuing to enter one after another. No one made a loud noise; only the rustling of whispered conversations could be heard, creating a rather solemn atmosphere.
Han Xiao was seated at the very front table, where he sat with other Peak Beyond Grade A such as Kasuyi and Kant.
After exchanging greetings, Han Xiao sat down next to Kasuyi, glanced at the people at the table, and asked in a low voice, "The Mechanic Emperor didn't come?"
"Here it comes, but it's just a clone." Kasuyi pointed behind him.
A steel lump was placed at a distance, sitting on the edge of the venue. Even through the sheet metal, Han Xiao could smell the odor of Manison on it.
"He won't cause trouble at the ceremony, will he?" Han Xiao blinked.
"Manison isn't that crazy," Kant interjected from the side.
Today, Kant has become a handsome middle-aged human being from the universe, with a high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, and distinct facial features, sitting upright.
Han Xiao glanced at the security personnel at the edge of the venue and whispered, "I have a feeling it won't go that smoothly; there might be an assassination attempt."
"With so many Beyond Grade A sitting below us, who dares to be so bold?" the Sun Hunter said in a deep voice.
"Maybe it was all staged by himself..." Han Xiao winked.
The Secret Master couldn't help but roll his eyes at Han Xiao and sneered, "Come on, do you think the Three Universal Civilizations are like you? You'd do something so petty."
"So what if it's stingy? As long as it works, that's all that matters." Han Xiao clicked his tongue. "Want to make a bet?"
"You still dare to gamble?" The Secret Master was shocked.
Don't you know your own luck?
If my luck is a flawless gem, then your luck is like moldy green grime on the wall of a stinking ditch. How dare you bet with a master like me who controls fortune? You must be doing charity.
"Okay, what are you planning to send me?"
"I'll bet you the Sun Hunter. If I lose, I'll give him to you. How about it?" Han Xiao pinched the little figure's head between two fingers and lifted it up.
"?"
The Sun Hunter, suspended in mid-air, looked utterly bewildered.
What's it to me? I'll blow you up!
The Secret Master was speechless. He quickly slapped Han Xiao's hand, making him put down the bewildered Sun Hunter, apologized, and then whispered to Han Xiao, "How can you bet on someone else? Sun Hunter may be a little small, but how can you joke about his size?"
"We're close friends, there's nothing I can do about it."
Han Xiao flicked his finger, sending the Sun Hunter tumbling. This drew a furious glare from the man, and Han Xiao chuckled and let it go. He had wanted to do this since his previous life, and now he had finally gotten his wish. Given everyone's equal status, this little joke was harmless. If an ordinary Beyond Grade A had teased the Sun Hunter like this, they would probably be eligible to apply for disability benefits.
"Since you don't like this bet, I'll choose another one."
"Change it to what?"
"I know you have a problem with me. How about this: if you win, I'll stand still and let you hit me for ten minutes to vent your anger. If I win, you stand still and let me hit you for ten minutes. Is that fair?"
The Secret Master simply shut his mouth and turned his head away, too lazy to argue with Han Xiao anymore.
Forget it, everyone knows how tough your Undying Body is. Fairness my ass, I want to live another hundred years.
The group of people chatted idly for a while when suddenly a group of officers strode into the meeting room, escorting their respective leaders as they filed in. The room immediately fell silent, and the atmosphere became solemn.
Imperial Head of State Urranrell, Glory President Bader, and the old leader of the Arcane Church strode confidently onto the high platform of the venue under the watchful eyes of the crowd, and sat in the specially arranged seats next to the podium.
Han Xiao had only seen Urranrell in person before, and this was his first time getting up close to Bader and the leader of the Arcane Sect. Although the two had different temperaments, they both possessed the aura of those in power, just like Urranrell, which made people subconsciously take them seriously.
However, his focus was not on the two leaders, but on their personal guards, who were all of the same nature as Dark Emperor Clottey.
Beside Bader was a male creature with snow-white skin and a body structure similar to humans, except for a single, straight horn pointing upwards on his forehead, forcing him to maintain a middle-part hairstyle. His hair was golden, smooth, and thick like a lion's mane, tied into a braid that reached his waist. He also seemed to have some elven Bloodline, with long, pointed ears. He had deep purple eyes and a well-proportioned mouth, but no nose; the area where a nose should be was completely flat. However, by the standards of cosmic humans, this did not appear ugly, but rather quite harmonious.
This person wore a smooth, gorgeous robe, adorned with pale gold and ice blue, exuding an elegant and noble air. His temperament was refined and gentle, like Elf King from some civilization's legend. This person was the Presidential Guard of the Glory Alliance, Peak Beyond Grade A, "Golden Ring" Oulu.
Oulu's ability is to borrow the power of a specific Secondary Dimension, which sounds similar to the already deceased Traveler, but their combat strength is completely different. This guy is on the same level as the Dark Emperor and can fight Kasuyi to a standstill.
Han Xiao turned his head to look in the other direction.
Beside the leader of the Arcane Cult was a gigantic figure, not the kind of person who trained like a martial artist, but someone who was born with a massive physique and seemed to have some Giant Bloodline. This person was Urnos, the "God's Chosen," who was the chief bodyguard of the leader of the Arcane Federation and also served as the high priest of the Temple of All Gods.
Compared to Oulu's flamboyant attire, Urnos's appearance and demeanor were quite understated, as if he were just an ordinary middle-aged or elderly man with wrinkles around his eyes. His expression was meticulous, and he wore a silver-gray priest's robe. If it weren't for his striking physique, he might have been lost in a crowd.
"Oulu and Urnos..." Han Xiao murmured to himself.
These two were like the Dark Emperor, usually following the leader and rarely participating in activities outside of their duties. This was the first time he had seen them in person; he had only heard of them before and had no interaction with them.
Kasuyi glanced at Han Xiao, leaned closer, and casually said, "This must be your first time meeting those two. Here's a piece of advice: you and Oulu can joke around and play around, but don't mess with Urnos."
"What do you mean?" Han Xiao asked curiously.
"Oulu, well, although he's the leader's personal guard, his personality is different from Clottey's. He's more gentle and less cold. Apart from occasionally displaying an inexplicable sense of superiority that's annoying, he's not a bad guy. But Urnos... well, just don't mess with him."
"Now that you mention it, I'm even more curious. You're an ally of the Arcane, do you know something inside?"
"Even if I knew, I couldn't tell you. I can only say that he's recognized as the strongest Beyond Grade A, and there's a reason for that." Kasuyi smiled faintly.
At this moment, Urranrell stood in front of the podium, looked around the audience, and spoke loudly:
"Friends and guests, today, to honor all those who have made great contributions to the fight against the Intelligence Plague, we are holding this grand award ceremony to bestow honors upon each of these outstanding heroes."
First of all, on behalf of the Three Universal Civilizations, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and highest respect to the cosmic heroes who have received medals and honorary titles today.
We have weathered storms and disasters together, and now, united as one, we will once again crush a new calamity under our feet.
Since the establishment of the interstellar society at the end of the exploration era, generations of heroes with a strong sense of historical responsibility have sacrificed their personal interests for the greater good, dedicating countless efforts to our universe, leading us to overcome one difficulty after another, and shaping the foundation of today's interstellar society. Although many of them have passed away, their Glory deeds will be passed down from generation to generation with our descendants.
Only by crossing new mountains can we see a wider horizon. Over the years, under the leadership of the Three Universal Civilizations, the interstellar society has achieved many successes—we have overcome numerous obstacles, continuously explored the unknown universe, and expanded our territory. Today, the Shattered World we inhabit is a milestone achievement and a fruitful result of our external exploration.
Such achievements are inseparable from the concerted efforts of the entire interstellar society. Interstellar society is an indivisible whole; everyone has made invaluable contributions. The bonds of order connect us, forging an unyielding pioneering spirit that allows us to face any hardship without fear. Anyone who attempts to disrupt this order and unity will be an enemy of the entire universe...
News media broadcast Urranrell's speech to the entire universe. When she finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the audience. Han Xiao and other Beyond Grade A also gave her face and clapped a few times with restraint.
Han Xiao could tell that Urranrell's words had a hidden meaning. She emphasized the importance of the collective, the correctness and achievements of the Three Universal Civilizations' leadership, and subtly criticized the Super Star Cluster Alliance and the Mechanic Emperor. Although she didn't explicitly name them, everyone knew who she was referring to as "those who disrupt interstellar social order and unity."
Bader and the leader of the Arcane Cult also gave brief speeches, and then the formal award ceremony began. One by one, the meritorious individuals went up to the stage to receive medals from the leaders of different civilizations and to give a speech. Some of them also had to answer one or two questions from reporters. The process was all the same.
The award ceremony was formal and solemn, imbued with official authority. There were no entertainment performances; it was more like a large-scale report meeting to the entire universe to promote the work's achievements. Entertainment was not a consideration; everyone could only sit and wait for their names to be called.
Lost in thought, time flew by, and the award ceremony soon came to an end, with only one person remaining. All eyes were on Han Xiao.
"Black Star, you restricted the outflow of the virus during the Intelligence Plague and discovered the true nature of the virus's core at a critical moment, reversing our flawed strategy, helping us to revise our plans, and changing the fate of the disaster. Furthermore, in the actual operation, you seized and destroyed the virus, completely eliminating the hidden danger, preventing a second outbreak of the Intelligence Plague, and saving countless lives. Your contributions are immense, and you are hereby awarded this medal."
Hearing Urranrell's voice, Han Xiao stood up, walked onto the stage, and shook hands with the three leaders. Countless reporters from the media below the stage recorded and took photos, deliberately turning on their Frenzied Sword Fried Rice, turning the stage into a white expanse.
"Black Star possesses many admirable qualities; he is resolute, decisive, flexible, and principled..." Bader uttered a string of praises before finally concluding, "In recognition of Black Star's achievements, we have decided to jointly award him the Galaxy Medal."
As soon as he finished speaking, the many reporters and guests in the audience gasped for breath.
The Galaxy Medal is the highest honor jointly established by the Three Universal Civilizations since their founding. It is the most prestigious Glory those Explored Universe, and very few have ever received it throughout history.
Although many people had expected it, they were still shocked when it actually happened. They always felt that although Black Star's achievements were great, they were still some distance from deserving this medal. Now it seems that there was an element of deliberate support from the Three Universal Civilizations behind it.
Regardless of one's true feelings, the honor was undeniable, and the audience erupted in thunderous applause.
slap slap slap--
Amidst enthusiastic applause, Urranrell took out a medal that shone like the stars in the sky, placed it in his palm, and the other two reached out to hold it up, handing it to Han Xiao together.
The scene seemed to freeze, as Frenzied Sword Fried Rice from the audience filled the air, capturing this historic moment.
The commotion lingered for several tens of seconds before gradually subsiding.
Han Xiao reached out and picked up the medal, pinned it to his chest, shook hands with the three men again, and then went to the podium, coughed, and began to say some polite words.
"Thank you for the kindness of the Crimson Dynasty, the Federation of Light, and the Arcane Church. It is my honor to receive this recognition. As a member of the Explored Universe, I have the responsibility and obligation to maintain its stability and prosperity..."
After reading a long passage from the script, Han Xiao looked up at the clock on the wall of the hall and smiled slightly.
"I'm the last person to receive the medal. Since the ceremony is almost over, I won't go on and on. We've all said pretty much the West Capital, and I'm sure you're all tired of hearing it..."
The audience laughed good-naturedly, whether genuine or forced smiles, the desired effect was achieved; such an occasion could not tolerate unruly eccentric behavior.
Han Xiao smiled and nodded, "In short, you can tell what kind of person I am from what I've done so far. I believe the interstellar society has its own opinion, so I don't need to elaborate here. Let's get straight to the Q&A session and not keep everyone from going back to their naps... Does anyone have a question?"
Upon hearing this, many reporters eagerly raised their hands, hoping to be called on.
Han Xiao was about to choose someone when a reporter in the crowd stood up on his own and spoke directly:
"Your Excellency Black Star, I have heard that the Mechanic Emperor's Manison also made great contributions to the Intelligence Plague. Without him, the Three Universal Civilizations would not have been able to find the location of the virus's core. It can be said that one-third or even half of your Galaxy Medal belongs to Manison... However, at this award ceremony, Your Excellency of the Mechanic Emperor did not receive any honor. It seems that you have forgotten about this person and deliberately ignored his achievements. You even accepted the medal with a clear conscience. What are your thoughts on this?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the previously enthusiastic atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly fell silent, as if doused with a bucket of cold water.
Everyone subconsciously shifted their gaze to the Mechanic Emperor's Manison, who remained unmoved at the edge of the venue.
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes and carefully examined the reporter who asked the question. He saw a faint sneer on the reporter's face, clearly indicating that the reporter wanted to embarrass him and the Three Universal Civilizations in public.