"Warning! Warning! A high-energy reaction has occurred in sector four! The exact coordinates are..."
Suddenly, an alarm sounded at the C0075d space monitoring station in the Fenrir system. The staff in the observation room rushed to the radar screen; their uniforms bore the Black Star insignia, and they were all Legion members.
The legion constructs numerous space stations within its territories to monitor the entire area, primarily using intelligent processing, supplemented by a small number of human interventions as a backup.
At that moment, a dazzling point of light suddenly appeared on the real-time star map. The staff hurriedly operated the ultra-long-range astronomical observation device to zoom in on the field of view, and soon the location of the energy burst was displayed on the screen.
The barren planet at this location has vanished, replaced by an ever-expanding mass of golden energy, like an aging star transforming into a red giant, with brilliant golden arcs of electricity Thunder surging endlessly, resembling a prominence being ejected from the sun.
Seeing this, the staff in the room looked puzzled and began to whisper among themselves.
What is this phenomenon?
"It looks like a stellar decay... but there was only a barren planet here to begin with, so where would a star have come from?"
"The energy level fluctuations are very high, and the waveband and frequency are more like those of Beyond Grade A energy. Could it be that Beyond Grade A energy has infiltrated here?"
After a brief discussion, the group unanimously decided to conduct the on-site survey according to the instructions in the operation manual.
An unmanned spacecraft departed from the space station, accelerated via warp, and quickly arrived at the scene of the incident. The golden energy was still expanding and its volume was extremely large. The unmanned spacecraft could not approach it at this time and could only patrol around it, collecting parameters.
This continued for a while, then the golden energy suddenly stopped expanding and shrank at a rate of hundreds or thousands of times, as if it were being continuously devoured. When it shrank to a certain extent, it exploded with a bang, turning into an energy shockwave that spread far and wide, and the observation screen immediately turned into a white blur.
The unmanned spaceship's shield was struck by the electric arcs, causing its shield value to plummet. Fortunately, it was relatively far away, and although it suffered some damage, it was not destroyed. The spaceship finally stabilized with great difficulty. The staff on the space station hurriedly looked towards the location of the explosion, only to find that the area was completely empty. The golden energy ball had disappeared, and all the matter on the barren planet had been annihilated, leaving nothing behind.
After searching the area, they couldn't find anyone.
"Observation complete. No source of outbreak found. Requesting return."
Listening to the AI's emotionless report, the staff present exchanged bewildered glances.
"This matter is too strange; it's beyond our control. We should report it to higher-ups immediately."
At the same time, on a desolate planet in another star system within the Legion's territory, Han Xiao, now wearing a new set of Sovereign Mecha, suddenly appeared on the black wasteland.
"Phew, I almost got seen."
Han Xiao removed his mecha, retrieved the "Throne" from the area, and exhaled a breath carrying golden arcs of electricity.
This advancement brought a massive boost; his energy went berserk and became uncontrollable. His cells produced power at high efficiency, releasing the energy within his body. He accidentally destroyed a planet. To avoid being seen by his subordinates, he immediately changed into a spare set of the Sovereign Mecha and ran away the moment the advancement was completed.
He chose to advance deep within his own territory to maintain secrecy. His original strength had already made major powers wary, and if the outside world knew that he had made progress in such a short time, it would not only be wary but also terrified, which might have the opposite effect. Therefore, he chose to keep a secret and did not want others to know now.
"Master, the Fenrir Galaxy's command center has reported a high-energy reaction event that you triggered. They don't know the cause. How should I respond?" Phillip's childish voice rang in my mind.
"So fast? Not bad, not bad. Just reply as usual, and send some reconnaissance troops there for a token patrol."
Han Xiao shook his head and smiled.
Over the years, the Black Star Army has established a complete monitoring system in seven star systems within the Gaolu Star Cluster. The report arrived almost immediately after he left, which satisfied him. It indicated that the early warning mechanism within the territory was very effective and the money had not been wasted.
Putting this little incident aside, Han Xiao reopened the panel, and the notification that the advancement was complete had popped up. He excitedly rubbed his hands together, opened the advanced panel, and observed the changes.
[Total Level: 340]
[Main Occupation: Mechanic Class]
[Race: Black Star Race]
[Attributes: Strength 15914, Agility 15423, Stamina 27010, Intelligence 56460, Mysticism 13107, Charisma 6430, Luck 0]
[Free attribute points: 135]
[Awakening Point: 9]
[Health Points: 41,039,094]
[Stamina: 31,662,700]
[Stamina: 293475]
[Lv25 Total Strength Bonus: Strength +6620, Agility +7745, Stamina +10308, Intelligence +14187, Mysticism +6060, Maximum Stamina +4382600, Mechanical Affinity +9806%]
[Energy Level: 98510]
[Rank: SS]
[Grade S- Rank Bonus: Stamina +150, All Resistances +45%, Highest Attribute +40%, Other Attributes +25%, Additional 750 Free Attribute Points, 50 Awakening Points]
[The door to a higher level is slowly opening for you...]
"Hiss..."
Han Xiao gasped.
This advancement was extremely effective! All attributes have seen a huge increase. In total, each attribute has improved by about one-third compared to before the advancement... Except for Luck, which dropped to 0 when I reset my stats last time I crafted Universal Treasure, and I forgot to restore it.
My current attributes are much stronger than when I first entered Beyond Grade A rank, especially the Ki boost, which starts to become increasingly powerful in the later stages. With each higher rank, I receive a stronger boost. The Ki boost at Lv25 is about ten times more effective than the Lv15 boost when I first entered Beyond Grade A! Indeed, holding onto Ki is the key to improving yourself for every Beyond Grade A!
The attribute enhancement brought about by this racial sublimation is roughly equivalent to the boost from Qi Realm Lv21 to Lv25, resulting in a significant improvement.
Especially with that much health, let alone the enemy, it's so tanky that even Han Xiao himself felt like vomiting. At this moment, he had an urge to imitate Wei Yan and shout, "Who can kill me!"
"Even without using machines, I can now kill any Beyond Grade A martial artist below 52,000 energy level in hand-to-hand combat! And with my current intelligence attribute, plus all the other bonuses, the strength of my mechanical troops is already terrifying."
Han Xiao clenched his fist, feeling the explosive power surging within him, and couldn't help but smile.
With our current strength, even without [Virtual Purification ·Restore], we shouldn't be afraid of Old Manison summoning the Convict. As long as his true form dares to appear in front of us, we dare to capture and discipline him. Among the current Peak Beyond Grade A, I estimate that only the unfathomable [God's Chosen] Urnos might pose a threat to us.
The higher the energy level, the greater the gap between each point. Han Xiao felt a little regretful that he didn't reach 100,000 this time, since it was like a threshold that could trigger something.
However, considering that the limit for Beyond Grade A was not an integer and even had a decimal point, the 100,000 level may not have any special meaning.
The rank remained unchanged. Han Xiao felt that SS might be the peak of the S rank. Further advancement should be the higher realm that the Sorokin yearn for, a life level that can undergo another qualitative change, like the gap between the Beyond Grade A and the Calamity Grade.
He hadn't used the free attribute points he gained from leveling up from 331 to 340 yet. He casually tossed a little into Luck, turning the egg into a stick, before putting all the remaining free attribute points into Intelligence.
He glanced at the upgrade fee, and the amount had skyrocketed again, reaching an astronomical figure. Even a seasoned investor like Master Han was secretly astonished.
After admiring it for a few more minutes, Han Xiao reluctantly looked away, thought for a moment, and then scrolled down to the ability section.
Previously, Han Xiao was busy advancing and hadn't thought about the changes in Divine Transformation. This time, he met all five conditions for Divine Transformation during the advancement and obtained the full 5 points.
However, [Divine Transformation - Mechanical] requires 6 points to reach the eleventh level, and he is still 1 point short. He wants to try whether the Mission Settlement Card can be effective to reduce or waive the cost.
"Logically speaking, settlement cards should be useful for advanced tasks, and also for these upgrade requirements."
He muttered something to himself, took out his settlement card, selected the "Self-developed Golden Blueprint" requirement, took a picture, and then hurriedly looked at the panel prompts.
[You used the Mission Settlement Card]
[Mission Settlement Card is now active]
[You have completed one of the requirements for the [Divine Transformation - Mechanical] upgrade. The upgrade cost is reduced by 1 point, currently requiring 5 points.]
"Wow, it really works." Han Xiao's eyes lit up.
Over the years, he had accumulated many random reward opportunities from completing tasks, so he had stockpiled some settlement cards. Since these cards could be used for Divine Transformation, they had another important purpose.
"Hmm, although it's good news, I wonder if the requirements for each upgrade will increase. It's better to use it sparingly. I should try to do the things I can handle myself. Anyway, it's about improving my strength, so there's no harm in it," Han Xiao thought to himself.
He decided to upgrade [Divine Transformation - Mechanical] first. If the maximum level is still a question mark, he might switch to investing in the Void route of Divine Transformation. However, now that he has found that the upper limit is not far away, he plans to try out one route of Divine Transformation to see what changes will occur after it reaches the maximum level.
Just then, the communicator suddenly rang.
"Beep beep beep..."
Han Xiao took it out and saw that the screen showed Kasuyi's large basin.
"Black Star, have you finished your business? When do we set off?"
Han Xiao had agreed to Kasuyi's request to form a team, but it was delayed because of Modo's situation. After Modo was eliminated, Kasuyi sent invitations every now and then. The most recent one was four days ago. Han Xiao replied that he would wait a little longer in order to advance his level. But today, Kasuyi called again, showing that he couldn't wait.
"Alright, alright, you've come at just the right time. I've just finished my business. When do you want to go?" Han Xiao said helplessly.
Kasuyi then smiled. "Now."
"So urgent?" Han Xiao asked in surprise.
"Yes, do you have time?"
"I do have some free time, but I don't even know where to go. Don't I need to make any preparations?"
"It's alright, we'll go to the Void Dimension to gather first, and then we'll tell you the details."
After saying that, Kasuyi hung up the communication quickly without waiting for Han Xiao's reply.
Han Xiao fiddled with the communicator, his curiosity growing stronger.
He accepted Kasuyi's Invitation, initially just to help a friend, but now he was becoming increasingly interested in Kasuyi's purpose for this trip—what could possibly be so urgent for someone of Kasuyi's stature?
Han Xiao thought about how long this trip would take and sent a message to Sylvia.
"I need to go to a Secondary Dimension World. I don't know when I'll be back, so I'll have to leave you in charge for a while longer."
After waiting a while, Han Xiao received a reply.
Sylvia: "You might as well not come back."
Han Xiao was helpless.
Hmm... Even we know the importance of balancing work and rest, but Sylvia has to work overtime endlessly. It's normal to have some complaints, right? We won't argue with someone whose hairline is receding so drastically.
Han Xiao was about to summon the Mysterious Energy Envoy take him into the Secondary Dimension World when he suddenly stopped.
"Oh right, I now possess Void Authority, so I shouldn't need Chaos Mysterious Energy to freely enter and exit Secondary Dimension World."
He closed his eyes to activate this talent, communicating with the Void Dimension in the unseen realm.
My consciousness seemed to sink into a colorful world, with brightly colored bubbles flashing across my vision. Soon, a large bubble filled with gray-blue appeared in my sight, growing bigger and bigger.
Han Xiao's heart stirred, and following the instinctive reaction brought about by the Void Authority, he allowed his consciousness to enter the Void Dimension from this very macroscopic perspective.
Pfft!
A smooth sound seemed to echo in his mind as his consciousness entered the Void Dimension without any hindrance, as if lubricated, leaving its mark on the core of the dimension.
Boom!
The next moment, Han Xiao felt his consciousness suddenly expand, covering the entire Void Dimension. The void energy within the dimension seemed to become an extension of his body, as easy to control as his own arm. He could also draw energy from the Void Dimension regardless of distance through the consciousness link, just like an invisible energy transmission pipeline.
"So this is what it feels like to connect to Secondary Dimension, pretty much what Hila described..."
Han Xiao clicked his tongue in amazement.
Only a few Beyond Grade A can connect to Secondary Dimension. Kasuyi is connected to the Void Dimension, Hila is connected to the Netherland Dimension, and the Traveler is connected to the Fel Energy Aggregation. Now I've joined that group too. I have to say, the constant flow of energy from the Secondary Dimension nourishing my body is truly a unique experience.
Then, he suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, Kasuyi also connects to the Void Dimension; I wonder if he'll discover it..."
At the same time, in the Void Dimension.
Kasuyi has just returned to his palace in the Void Dimension from the main universe. He is waiting for Black Star to come to him while absorbing Void energy to adjust his state.
Suddenly, he shuddered, looked up abruptly, and his face showed surprise.
"Someone has connected to the Void Dimension again?!"
Kasuyi doesn't mind others connecting to the Void Dimension, because the energy there is inexhaustible, and he doesn't mind having one more person share it. After all, he's not the kind of macho man like the Traveler who treats Secondary Dimension like wives.
But this is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Only Void creatures have this qualification. They need to use their spiritual power to wear down layer after layer of obstacles in order to reach the core of the dimension and establish a connection. Kasuyi tried countless times before he finally established a relationship with the Void Dimension.
This unknown newcomer, however, did not engage in any foreplay; their first conversation went straight to the heart of the matter, leaving him bewildered.
Who could this guy be?!
Kasuyi was secretly shocked, and at the same time felt a little sour.
This feeling is like pursuing your crush, going through countless hardships to make a little progress, only to find that your crush isn't aloof at all when facing a handsome, rich, and successful guy who suddenly appears, making it easy for him to pursue her.
"Even I can't do it this fast, how does this person...?"
Kasuyi felt increasingly uneasy, and the void energy in his mouth suddenly lost its appeal.