A few minutes later.
"So you were behind the tragedy of the Tragedy of the Pinnacle?"
After listening to Hila's report on the interrogation results, Han Xiao couldn't help but look at Sorokin with surprise, his eyes revealing a "So you're good at stirring up trouble too" kind of look.
"I've assumed many identities, constantly trying to reduce the number of Beyond Grade A in the universe, but as you can see, the Sanctum and the Netherland have found a way to revive, and this path is blocked."
Sorokin looked utterly dejected.
Having entered the Netherland, they were now in the same boat, with no secrets left to hide. Besides, Hila could control him in an instant.
Reducing the number of Beyond Grade A was his original idea, but the appearance of the Sanctum and the Netherland gave the deceased Beyond Grade A a chance to revive. He knew that this plan could not succeed and was forced to change his mind.
Sorokin revealed the other aliases he had used and confessed to his past involvement in orchestrating the Tragedy of the Pinnacle. He was a sensible man; no matter how unwilling he was, he knew that this past could become a ticking time bomb, so he took the initiative to speak out.
If he concealed it, he might have a chance to trick Han Xiao, but now they were all in the same boat, and if the Netherland was damaged, it would also affect him. As the old saying goes, since he couldn't resist, he might as well enjoy it. The spirits of the Netherland at least had almost endless life, which wasn't what he really wanted, but it wasn't bad either. He had no choice but to protect this last remaining benefit.
After listening to Sorokin's recounting of various identities, Han Xiao clicked his tongue in astonishment and said, "So all these disguises were yours? You really seem to thrive on chaos."
He was originally thinking about how to pin the Gaud on Sorokin, but now it's much easier. Sorokin has so many aliases and a history of orchestrating the Tragedy of the Pinnacle, so the motive is there!
As for clues and evidence, with Sorokin, the main person in question, here, there's no worry about not being able to get them, and we're not afraid of him not cooperating.
Han Xiao temporarily suppressed this thought and changed the subject, saying, "Let's put this matter aside for now. Confess about the resources you possess, such as any secret slush funds, or internal intelligence and trade secrets of the Infinite Financial Group... Confess and you'll be treated leniently; resist and you'll be punished severely. If you cooperate obediently, it's not like we can't leave you some."
Sorokin knew that Han Xiao was after his wealth and wanted to squeeze every last drop out of him. He was unwilling, but Hila was there to force him to tell the truth, so he had no choice but to reveal all his assets.
Han Xiao wrote them all down, and couldn't help but glance at them sideways.
"Not bad, you've accumulated quite a few good things. Besides technology, blueprints, and knowledge, you've even secretly collected eight Universal Treasure..."
If it weren't for our Jiebach, the number of Universal Treasure we have would be about the same.
Having money really makes you amazing!
As for the Infinite Financial Group, it's a huge pie. Although Han Xiao wanted to take it all for himself, he had to restrain his appetite, otherwise it would arouse even greater suspicion.
Sorokin's "absconding with the funds" will inevitably deal a heavy blow to the Infinite Financial Group, which will then be divided and devoured by numerous other forces. Han Xiao does not intend to enter the fray prematurely. He plans to wait until the truth comes out, then have the Germinal Financial Group and other forces join forces to ensure that they get a share of the pie. Being too greedy would be counterproductive.
However, Sorokin's secret "escape route" left by diverting funds from the Infinite Financial Group actually benefited him, allowing him to essentially take it all.
After Sorokin finished explaining, Han Xiao put away the record with satisfaction and grinned.
"Alright, I've said what I needed to say. You can stay here and adjust for now... Hila, keep an eye on this guy. I'm heading back."
Hila nodded expressionlessly. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of him."
She emphasized the word "take care of," and Han Xiao immediately thought of Hila's battle maniac nature, and couldn't help but silently mourn for Sorokin.
Since he didn't have time to spar with Hila, Sorokin, as the only spirit in the Netherland with Beyond Grade A combat power, was obviously the most suitable tool—since he couldn't be killed, he would beat him to death!
Han Xiao glanced at Sorokin with a strange look, shook his head, and then switched to Sovereign's Teleport and disappeared.
Seeing this, Sorokin sighed inwardly, feeling that life's twists and turns were like a dream, and he could only adapt to his new life.
At this moment, the seven Heroic Spirit King approached with smiles.
"Hey Lao Ba, let's have a chat. Tell us about the major events that have happened in the universe over the years. We're really curious."
Sorokin's face darkened.
"Who's your Eighth Brother? Don't bother me, get lost!"
As time passed, not long after Sorokin's disappearance, the interstellar society finally discovered that the leader of the Infinite Financial Group had not appeared for some time.
Although Sorokin is at such a high level that few people can meet him, he is, after all, the head of a top-tier conglomerate in the universe, and his popularity is not low; the truth will eventually come out.
Without orders from the leader, some chaos ensued within the Infinite Financial Group, and the situation became increasingly difficult to conceal as it spread through the ranks of employees.
Just as the interstellar society was filled with doubt and uncertainty, the Crimson Dynasty suddenly issued a wanted notice, with a bounty on Sorokin!
In the wanted poster, the Empire claimed that the investigation had made a breakthrough, exposing Sorokin's true identity and numerous aliases, listing his many crimes, including leading the Tragedy of the Pinnacle, and even claiming that Sorokin was inextricably linked to Gaud's disappearance, believing that Sorokin had fled to escape punishment, and thus launched a manhunt across the entire universe.
Since Han Xiao revealed Sorokin's background to the Empire's high command, the Empire has been secretly investigating Sorokin's various experiences for the past two years. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Han Xiao kept some of the relevant evidence revealed by Sorokin. Instead of personally coming forward, he secretly guided the Empire to discover these clues on its own during the investigation, thus naturally exposing Sorokin's actions.
The news sent shockwaves through the entire interstellar community, leaving countless interstellar citizens and factions reeling!
Sorokin has always been seen as a business tycoon, a cosmic conglomerate, and a Beyond Grade A who doesn't like to fight. His business acumen is more noteworthy than his Beyond Grade A status. No one would have thought that Sorokin had such a big secret, that a cosmic conglomerate was actually the mastermind behind so many cases!
In an instant, the public's interest in Sorokin skyrocketed. His life story was so legendary that almost everyone couldn't help but imagine it, and conspiracy theories became the most popular explanation.
The interstellar community revels in Sorokin's deeds, and as the story spreads, the narrative gradually becomes more entertaining, almost like a meme infection, with more and more people starting to make fun of Sorokin.
According to the interstellar citizens, Sorokin seemed to have become the greatest schemer to date, and everything was related to him, even the fact that the old sow next door suddenly gave birth to seven piglets was part of his big, unknown plan.
A new meme has emerged on the interstellar network: no matter what the topic, discussions always end with "It was all Sorokin's conspiracy!. jpg".
While onlookers revelled, the Infinite Financial Group was shrouded in gloom and despair.
The conglomerate's leader absconded with the funds, and the empire's suppression followed closely. The negative impact led to the conglomerate losing trust, with a large number of creditors coming to collect debts. The stock price plummeted, and various partners and interstellar banks stopped lending. The cash flow gradually showed signs of breaking down, and it was too late to recover.
Sensing the predicament of the Infinite Financial Group, various wolves and tigers bared their fangs and began to take action, gradually devouring the Infinite Financial Group's vast business empire.
A grand feast was shared by numerous powerful forces, Infinite Financial Group suffered a massive brain drain, countless businesses were swallowed up, and its scale shrank dramatically. Sorokin's years of hard work collapsed like a domino effect.
At Han Xiao's behest, the Germinal Financial Group also got involved, taking a share of the pie as a shareholder. Meanwhile, Maimaizi, Kekezi, and several other shareholders were not to be outdone, tacitly sharing the remnants of the Infinite Financial Group, raking in the profits.
On the other hand, Sorokin was, after all, a member of the Beyond Grade A Association, and because of this matter, the association had to hold a meeting to discuss how to handle it.
At the headquarters of the Beyond Grade A Association on Planet Fein, a meeting is being held in the round table conference room.
"It's hard to imagine that Sorokin, who always appeared weak, was hiding such a huge secret... He's the First Ones has survived to this day, who knows how powerful he is? We haven't discovered it for so long!"
Kasuyi's tone was filled with surprise.
"He really hid it well. I always thought he was really weak, and I even mocked him. I guess he was just laughing at me." The Sun Hunter scratched his head.
"Actually, I have some doubts. Would Sorokin really do this? Could it be a frame-up by someone else? After all, some people have a criminal record..." A neutral Beyond Grade A couldn't help but glance at the Imperial's direct subordinates. The subtext was self-evident; he was just stirring up trouble from the start.
"We have irrefutable evidence," Clottey replied calmly, without showing any anger.
After a while of lively discussion, Han Xiao suddenly coughed, indicating that he had something to say, and everyone immediately fell silent.
Seeing this, Han Xiao clicked his tongue and slowly said:
"Sorokin's conspiracy has been confirmed. He caused the Tragedy of the Pinnacle, and his attack on Gaud may be an attempt to repeat the same trick. In any case, as a high-ranking member of the association, he is not of one mind with us. Instead, he wants to split the Beyond Grade A groups. He has violated the association's rules and caused a very bad influence... I suggest that his membership be revoked as punishment. Let's vote."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. After a long while, some people began to raise their hands.
I second that!
I second that!
One by one, the Beyond Grade A members expressed their opinions, and the majority agreed. Soon, only Manison remained unvoted.
"Old man, what do you say?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.
Manison glanced at him, his face expressionless, and said, "I agree. Effective immediately, Sorokin's seat is revoked; he is no longer a member of the Beyond Grade A Development Federation."
The Crimson Dynasty's home planet, the leader's office.
"Really? The Beyond Grade A Association revoked Sorokin's membership... They're at least sensible."
After reading the report, Mabrus nodded slightly, his expression quite calm, as if he had expected it all along.
Opposite him was Bekorodi; they were the only two people in the room.
Bekorodi hesitated, then whispered, "Do you really believe that Gaud was attacked by Sorokin?"
"I don't believe it," Mabrus replied without hesitation.
"Then why did you still..."
Mabrus tapped the table and said slowly, "The evidence came too easily. Ask yourself, if you were Sorokin, would you have left so many gaps in your intelligence? This evidence is suspicious. Although it's confirmed to be genuine, someone secretly guided us to obtain it. Perhaps it's to confuse the issue and try to hide the real culprit with a true Lie."
"But Sorokin has indeed disappeared. According to your thinking, the person who made Sorokin disappear might be the same person who attacked Gaud?"
"Hmm, very likely." Mabrus said thoughtfully. "Don't you think all of this is too coincidental? It's as if an invisible hand is controlling everything. Do you think... it really could be Black Star's doing?"
"I dare not make a hasty judgment," Bekorodi hesitated. "Logically speaking, Gaud was merely attempting to replicate Evolution Energy; Black Star shouldn't have caused such a huge uproar. He had no reason to do so..."
"Perhaps there's some hidden story we don't know about." Mabrus remained noncommittal, his eyes flickering. "I have a hunch that there might be a powerful force in the universe that we haven't yet discovered..."
What do you mean?
"Hehe, that's confidential."
Mabrus shook his head and smiled, offering no reply, silently recalling a top-secret intelligence he had only discovered after becoming head of state.
Spirit Emperor, as the First Ones being, has managed to survive to this day. Is he truly just an isolated case...?