Just as Mael was questioning his existence, several corridors away in the conference hall, remote projections of Beyond Grade A members appeared in his seat, chatting idly in twos and threes.
"Another welcome party today? I remember the last new student was Aurora, which was only about six months ago."
"I don't know if you guys have noticed, but the frequency of Beyond Grade A being born seems to have increased significantly in recent decades."
"Indeed, I remember a long time ago, it was considered good if three or four Beyond Grade A were produced every few decades, but in recent decades, eight Beyond Grade A have been produced. Although there is a great deal of randomness to this, it also proves that times are progressing."
"Indeed, the population of interstellar societies is increasing exponentially, research on super-powered systems in the universe is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the Beyond Grade A Seed have accumulated to a critical point. Under the influence of multiple factors, I believe we will see a surge in the number of newly born Beyond Grade A beings."
Before the meeting began, it was customary for members to catch up and chat casually, creating a lively atmosphere.
Han Xiao's projection sat in the main seat, smiling as he watched this harmonious scene.
Seeing everyone's complete ignorance, Han Xiao's lips curled into a smile... These people have no idea that something earth-shattering is about to happen here today.
Just then, someone suddenly brought up the topic of Han Xiao.
"I received a warning from the Federation of Light a few days ago, strictly forbidding me from continuing to disseminate Ultimate Knowledge in private. Lord Black Star, are you aware of this?"
Upon hearing this, many people immediately echoed, saying that they too had received warnings from the Three Universal Civilizations, and all looked at Han Xiao.
Han Xiao glanced at the direct descendants of the Three Universal Civilizations beside him and nodded, saying, "I recently had a discussion with the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations, and they hope that I will rectify this situation and eliminate the chaos of the private dissemination of Ultimate Knowledge."
"What was your answer?" Manison asked casually from the side.
"The Three Universal Civilizations maintain the order of interstellar society, and I will cooperate with their work as much as possible without affecting the operation of the association," Han Xiao said with a smile, offering a vague official statement.
Manison snorted. He knew that with Han Xiao's smooth-talking nature, he wouldn't explicitly refuse the Three Universal Civilizations; most likely, he would try to negotiate and verbally agree.
At this moment, one of his close associates spoke up, "What method do you intend to use to handle this problem?"
"I haven't decided yet. Do you have any suggestions?" Han Xiao turned to look at him.
"I believe one of the reasons for the unauthorized dissemination of Ultimate Knowledge is that the association's bylaws are too lenient and do not clearly restrict this behavior. I suggest improving the bylaws and severely punishing those who spread such knowledge..."
While the core members were speaking, all the other normal association members tacitly kept quiet and exchanged glances.
The interests of the core members differ from those of the normal Beyond Grade A. These are the two factions with the clearest boundaries. As the Three Universal Civilizations become increasingly dissatisfied with the actions of the Beyond Grade A Association, the differences between the two factions are widening. More than once, someone has privately suggested that Han Xiao kick out the core members of the association.
After listening to the direct subordinates' speeches for a while, Han Xiao suddenly interrupted them and chuckled:
"These are all good suggestions, and I will consider them accordingly. Let's leave this topic for the next meeting; after all, today is the welcome party, so let's not get our priorities mixed up."
He casually brushed off the topic, his tone carrying a deeper meaning.
The direct subordinate, Beyond Grade A, hesitated, sensing Han Xiao's subtle warning, and could only sit down sullenly.
The other Beyond Grade A members were invigorated... Distinguishing between primary and secondary roles is essentially saying who the true master of the association is, a veiled warning to the direct descendants not to assume that the Three Universal Civilizations can issue orders to them.
With Han Xiao's cryptic reply, many people relaxed a bit. Because Black Star had close ties with the Three Universal Civilizations, some people were still uneasy, fearing that Black Star would change the Mechanic Emperor's hardline approach and compromise with the Three Universal Civilizations.
Seeing this, Kasuyi chimed in to smooth things over, "The guild leader is right. We've gathered here today to welcome the newcomers; let's not talk about serious matters."
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere became cheerful again. Everyone tacitly changed the subject and began guessing the identity of the newcomer. Some even started a betting game out of boredom.
After arguing for a while, someone else approached Han Xiao and jokingly asked:
"President, shouldn't the new member this time be Mael? Surely the Black Star Army isn't producing another new Beyond Grade A officer?"
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips:
All I can say is... this newcomer is definitely someone everyone knows.
The group chatted and waited, and after a while, everyone finally arrived.
Seeing this, Han Xiao raised his hand, signaling everyone to quiet down, and smiled:
"It's almost time. The welcome party can begin. Everyone, quiet down and get ready to welcome the new students."
Upon hearing this, everyone quieted down and turned their heads to look at the side door of the venue, where, as is customary, the newlyweds would walk out.
Before long, the side door was finally pushed open, Mael walked out, appearing before everyone.
A murmur of discussion immediately arose among the crowd.
"It really was Mael! I knew it was him."
"Haha, I guessed right! Don't renege on your bet with books, a bet's a bet."
"Hmm, something's off about him."
The crowd scrutinized Mael and quickly noticed something amiss. Mael appeared dazed, as if lost in thought, completely motionless, seemingly disregarding everyone else.
"What's the meaning of this person standing there without coming over?"
"Why isn't he saying a word? Is he mute?"
Everyone was completely baffled.
But just then, another figure emerged from behind the door, followed by a second, a third... Soon, dozens of people filed out, pushing Mael aside.
"W-What's going on? Isn't this supposed to be a welcome party?"
Everyone present was stunned and completely bewildered.
At this moment, Han Xiao chuckled and slowly spoke:
"Don't be surprised, these are all newcomers to the association. Everyone, please welcome them to the new club."
As soon as the words were spoken, everyone was stunned, their faces showing an expression of "Are you fucking kidding me?" Even the direct descendants of the Three Universal Civilizations who had been silently observing stared wide-eyed in astonishment.
Without any prior notice, they thought today was a normal welcome party, never expecting such an unexpected situation.
Each welcome party is held specifically for one person. When have you ever accepted so many new students all at once?
And when did so many new Beyond Grade A beings appear in the universe? This number is almost equivalent to a third of an association! It's simply impossible!
Is it some kind of holiday today, and the student council president is just teasing us?
That must be it!
The thought flashed through everyone's minds as they subconsciously sized up the dozens of "newcomers," and suddenly they were all jolted.
"Wait, these people look so familiar!"
"They are... the First Ones?!"
"How could that be? The First Ones have been dead for so many years. They must have deliberately disguised themselves like this!"
"Wow, it's exactly the same! The camouflage is incredible!"
Everyone hurriedly went online to search for information on the First Ones, and matched it with the information of the Revived present, which made them look surprised.
Manison frowned at Han Xiao and asked in a deep voice, "What do you mean by this? Why are you deliberately finding a group of people to pretend to be the First Ones and then asking them to join? What kind of nonsense are you spouting?!"
"You also think it's fake?"
Han Xiao glanced at him, not surprised at all. After all, to someone who didn't know the truth, this was too unbelievable, and any normal person would have to be suspicious.
He slowly stood up, surveyed the entire room, the corners of his mouth gradually widening into a smile, and said decisively:
"I know you all have doubts, but the group of people you see here are the Beyond Grade A individuals who actually existed in history. They have risen from the grave of time, brushed away the dust of history, and been resurrected, ultimately deciding to join the association to shine for the entire Super A Tier!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell into a deathly silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
All the Beyond Grade A present were stunned, their faces showing an expression that said, "Are you fucking kidding me?"
There was one exception: Kasuyi was so excited that he trembled all over. He was another person who knew about the Sanctuary Revival, and he immediately made the connection.
Could this be the result of Black Star's four-month disappearance?!
"... Tell me, is this true?" Kasuyi turned and stared intently at Han Xiao, eager to know the answer, fearing it was just a joke.
Han Xiao returned a knowing glance, and slowly spoke:
"I swear on my word, I'm not joking with anyone today!"
In that instant, emotions such as ecstasy, shock, and admiration exploded in Kasuyi's heart!
At that moment, only one thought remained in his mind...
Black Star... He succeeded!!
Just then, the leader, Baigel, chuckled softly, stepped forward, and, meeting the surprised and uncertain gazes of the crowd, spoke calmly:
Young people, times have changed!
As soon as he finished speaking, dozens of Beyond Grade A energy surged into the sky, this time without holding back!
Boom!!
With a loud bang, the ceiling of the entire venue was suddenly ripped off, and the floor and walls cracked inch by inch!
An immense pressure suddenly swept across the entire planet. In that instant, almost all living beings on Planet Fein were simultaneously crushed to the ground by the pressure, and a piercing alarm sounded throughout the sky!
The Beyond Grade A beings present were all remote projections and could not feel the impact on the spot, but each of them had an office on Planet Fein.
Almost simultaneously, everyone received an emergency detection report from the office. Every radar scan showed dozens of Beyond Grade A energy sources, and the targets were precisely these dozens of people! There was no better evidence than this!
At that very moment, all the members present paled in disbelief and utter horror.
Is this really true? The First Ones is actually alive?!
How could that be!
Everyone was completely stunned!
An irresistible force shattered their worldview in an instant, leaving them only with endless confusion.
At that moment, almost no words could describe the horror they felt.
Even Manison was stunned for a few seconds. He suddenly turned his head and stared intently at Han Xiao.
"What exactly did you do? How did they come back to life?!"
Everyone was suddenly jolted awake, and shocked gazes fell upon Han Xiao.
These resurrected individuals were introduced to the group by Black Star, so they are all inextricably linked to him. He must know all the inside stories!
"Black Star, what on earth is going on?!"
Answer us quickly!
"Speak up!"
One after another, people were eager to know the answer, and the crowd was in a state of excitement.
Looking at the excited crowd, Han Xiao smiled and spoke slowly, finally revealing his true intentions:
"In this world, there exists a special Information State phenomenon called ' Sanctuary Revival '. As long as one steps into the Beyond Grade A, one can leave a record. Even if one dies a violent death and leaves no trace, this phenomenon can be triggered by others to bring one back to life."
This opportunity comes only once, essentially granting all Beyond Grade A a second life... and it is through this phenomenon that I have allowed them to be reborn from the grave of history!
Everyone was stunned when they received an affirmative answer.
Immediately afterwards, a feeling of shock and ecstasy exploded in everyone's minds!
Could there really be such a strange phenomenon in the universe that specifically targets Beyond Grade A beings? Could it be yet another Cosmic Wonder?
Everyone realized that this was a boon for the entire Super A Tier!
If people heard about such a thing without first knowing it, they would most likely scoff and find it hard to believe. But now, a living example is right in front of them, proving that what Han Xiao said was true.
The next second, everyone's gaze towards Han Xiao changed.
Black Star revived so many the First Ones, which means he has mastered the method of using it. He explained the mechanism, but didn't explain how to Sanctuary Revival. So, for now, Black Star is probably their only way to enjoy "Sanctuary Revival"?
Looking at it from another angle, Black Star has only been the chairman for about six months. Logically speaking, he probably already possessed the means to Sanctuary Revival. If he hadn't become chairman, he might have kept it a secret forever...
At this moment, everyone felt that choosing Black Star as the president was the wisest decision ever!
Han Xiao glanced at everyone, taking in their expressions, and smiled slightly:
"Now that everyone is no longer in doubt, let's not forget the theme of today's welcome party..."
As he spoke, Han Xiao raised his hand, and the seating at the round table began to adjust, with rows of new chairs extending from the ground—seats reserved for the Revived. He then took the lead in applauding.
"Everyone, let's welcome the return of the old era together!"