With the withdrawal of the Super Star Cluster Alliance and the abandonment of the Three Universal Civilizations, the heavily protected Beyond Grade A Seed encountered no more hunting teams on their journey and successfully arrived at the Black Star Army's branch. Using the Sovereign's teleportation ability, they instantly reached the Shattered World Legion's headquarters, several star fields away.
The large-scale movement of Beyond Grade A Seed has attracted attention from the outside world. With the help of some people, the public has learned that a large number of Beyond Grade A Seed have recently flocked to the association. There are even news reports that have drawn a route map of these Beyond Grade A Seed, with lines converging from various star systems to the Shattered World, giving it a strange sense of migration.
The number of Beyond Grade A Seed in a star field is generally a little over one hundred. There are fewer in remote star fields, while the Central Galaxy and super cluster civilizations are densely distributed, with most of them being "veterans". Over the long term, the total number has shown an upward trend. After many years of accumulation, the total number of Beyond Grade A Seed in the Explored Universe is currently around three thousand, which is more than twenty times the number of Beyond Grade A seeds in the same era.
Excluding the allies and loyalists of various civilizations, as well as those already in factions, the number of neutral Beyond Grade A Seed is currently about two-fifths of the total, active in different regions. This current wave of defection has just exceeded five hundred people, almost half of the total number of neutrals, with the largest number joining the Black Star Army!
In other words, this wave of the association has directly harvested most of the top talent reserves accumulated over many years of Explored Universe. It's unknown how long it will take for the next batch to grow!
Both Beyond Grade A and Beyond Grade A Seed are at the very top of the superhuman hierarchy, naturally possessing the attributes of leaders. Now, with their large-scale convergence, quantitative change has led to qualitative change, altering the nature of the situation. It's no longer simply the individual actions of Beyond Grade A Seed; many superhumans see it as a signal—so many Beyond Grade A Seed choosing to join the Association at this time signifies a wise choice, indicating the Association's established power!
The massive influx of Beyond Grade A Seed sparked a wave of people joining the association in the following months, with many superhumans rushing to follow suit... As the strongest at the top of the pyramid, every word and action of them influenced those below them; this is the power of example.
This event itself was also regarded as a "movement" with special significance, and was given a name by the outside world, called "Return of the Scattered Stars". It compared the Beyond Grade A Seed to new stars scattered in various places, which finally found their home and joined the association members on a large scale, completing the key convergence of pioneers and successors.
Regarding the Return of the Scattered Stars, the interstellar society is analyzing the impact of the event from various aspects. Gradually, a conjecture has emerged that the functions of the Beyond Grade A Association will gradually change from now on, and its influence will gradually spread to all superhumans. One day, the association will no longer be just Beyond Grade A group, but will become a new force leading all superhumans, becoming another pole independent of the Three Universal Civilizations, and becoming another ruler of the universe!
This view was endorsed by a large number of superhumans, and the superhuman class cheered, felt excited, and secretly looked forward to it. In the eyes of most people, only the Beyond Grade A Association was truly qualified to lead them.
Although there are so-called regional superhuman associations in the universe, they are actually controlled by Three Universal Civilizations and are merely tools for managing superhumans; their organizational nature is inherently problematic.
Many people believe that if the Beyond Grade A Association were to one day evolve into a guild for all superhumans, it would be an organization that truly serves the superhuman class, and its goals would obviously not be the same as those of the Three Universal Civilizations.
This mentality among the superpowered class stems from the fact that there has been no unified voice speaking for them for too long, and they desperately want a "home." Simply put, it's the sense of belonging that comes from "finally finding an organization."
In reality, this claim did not arise naturally; someone was behind it, stirring up trouble and pushing the Beyond Grade A Association into the spotlight to generate public attention.
Amidst the swirling rumors, Han Xiao received this group of "Beyond Grade A Seed who had come with their own skills" at the Black Star Palace.
Black Star Palace, Assembly Hall.
The vast palace was empty, with only about three hundred Beyond Grade A Seed gathered in the center, some standing, some flying, chatting in twos and threes, their eyes occasionally glancing at the surrounding doors, all waiting for Han Xiao.
"Everyone should be here by now. Hasn't Black Star arrived yet? We've been waiting for almost half an hour."
"Tsk, you want to see a Peak Beyond Grade A, and you have no patience at all? Do you think they can just see someone whenever they want?"
"Let's all be patient. Perhaps Lord Black Star is secretly observing us, testing our patience."
As they chatted casually, their eyes occasionally met, and many of them revealed a hint of fighting spirit in their eyes.
Many of them knew each other, had sparred with each other, and regarded each other as whetstones. Everyone knew that the number of spots to follow Black Star and other Beyond Grade A was limited, and now that so many people had joined the legion, they would most likely be competing for those spots, so they all regarded the others as competitors.
Just then, the door suddenly opened, and Han Xiao strode in, followed by the other cadres.
Upon seeing this, the hundreds of Beyond Grade A Seed who were bickering subconsciously stopped talking, stood up straight, and performed the etiquette of their respective cultures to express the most basic respect to the top powerhouse in the universe.
"Greetings, Lord Black Star!"
"Welcome to the legion, everyone. We're all on the same side now, no need for such formalities."
Han Xiao waved his hand and put on a friendly smile.
Looking at the hundreds of Beyond Grade A Seed from different star regions before him, he couldn't help but feel excited. So many experts would be a huge boost to the legion's high-end strength.
The numbers are so staggering. It seems I underestimated the impact of the Sanctuary Revival on lower-level superhumans. Without this, let alone hundreds of people, even just winning over one would be a challenge. Ordinary resources simply wouldn't be enough to sway these people.
At this moment, Han Xiao felt a strange sense of exhilaration, as if all the heroes of the world were now under his control. Of course, he was also overjoyed at the harvest of a wave of seasoned investors.
Han Xiao scanned the crowd, noticing the eager gazes fixed on him, and said with a smile, "I know why you've come. The threshold for the Sanctuary Revival is Beyond Grade A. I will do my best to help you advance, but whether you ultimately succeed depends on your individual efforts..."
Everyone nodded, their eyes shining.
Han Xiao said another polite remark, and then, following the legion's custom, arranged for everyone to come forward one by one for his inspection, reviewing each person's attributes.
There are no mediocre Beyond Grade A Seed; these people are all experts. However, in Han Xiao's view, most of them have almost exhausted their potential, and only a few have a chance to advance. He has a set of criteria for judging potential, mainly based on the differences in expertise, skills, and level. He silently selected these potential talents and kept them in mind.
Having completed this step, Han Xiao had a clear understanding of the situation. He stepped back two paces and said loudly, "I have a basic understanding of everyone's level. I will assign positions according to individual abilities. Of course, you can submit your applications to me, and I will consider your wishes accordingly."
Let me state in advance that some positions have limited openings. If there are too many applicants, there may be competition for the positions. For example, the personal guards of myself and the two deputy legion commanders can be challenged again every once in a while, and the winners will be rotated. Please be prepared for this.
For most people in this situation, the treatment would be to accept the assigned position. However, for these highly skilled individuals, Han Xiao specifically adopted a competitive selection process to prevent any dissatisfaction or resentment. This also gave those who were not selected a chance to compete for the position again later, thereby stimulating everyone's motivation to train...
While this trick might not work for most people here, it will certainly be effective for the martial artists among them.
The group exchanged glances instinctively, their fighting spirit intensifying.
At this moment, one of them suddenly spoke up, saying, "Thank you for your protection, Commander. If it weren't for your help, we might have died on the way. I'd like to ask, do you know who these hunting squads are?"
After he finished speaking, the room suddenly fell silent.
The crowd's expressions varied. They hadn't mentioned it earlier, but who wouldn't care who wanted them dead? At this moment, they all looked at Han Xiao.
Han Xiao's smile faded. He paused, then said meaningfully, "You all already know the answer, don't you?"
Upon hearing this, the expressions on everyone's faces became even more complicated, and a slight commotion arose in the crowd.
"It's time to abandon our illusions. It seems this was indeed the work of an advanced civilization; they want us dead."
"Has the relationship between the Association and advanced civilizations already reached this point? It hasn't even been that long; who knows what will happen in the future..."
"Sigh, the target of the Tragedy of the Pinnacle has shifted from Beyond Grade A to us. The Sanctuary Revival is a double-edged sword."
"If I had known this earlier, I might have really been scared off."
The crowd sighed softly, feeling somewhat apprehensive in the face of the hostile attitude of the Three Universal Civilizations.
Before seeking refuge, they hadn't expected such a strong reaction from the advanced civilization, but now there was no going back.
"Alright, stop thinking so much. The path has been chosen, just keep moving forward."
Han Xiao clapped his hands, comforted everyone, and then told the cadres to lead them down to rest and await further instructions.
After watching everyone leave, Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he turned and left the hall. After walking for a while, he arrived at a secret room.
Pushing open the door and stepping inside, the room contained a row of hibernation pods, most of which were empty, except for one that held a person.
Han Xiao stepped forward, pressed the button to stop the hibernation program, and with a whoosh, the hatch slid open, revealing the figure inside—it was none other than Carrot, who was in hibernation, with a peaceful expression, looking exactly like a sleeping giant.
Carrot's eyebrows twitched, and he slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Han Xiao standing in front of him, looking down at him. He was stunned for a moment.
"Black Star... Your Excellency?"
Carrot was stunned.
As a child, he was naive and unaware of Black Star's identity. Only after growing up did he realize the opportunity that Black Star had shown him kindness, and thus became Black Star's fan. However, he knew that their statuses were vastly different and that they would hardly have the chance to meet again in the future. He felt that Black Star might have already forgotten him, so he simply kept a close eye on Han Xiao's deeds in the universe.
But he never expected that his idol, whom he had been dreaming of, would suddenly appear before him.
The next moment, Carrot suddenly remembered his experience before he lost consciousness, and his expression changed slightly.
"Did you knock me unconscious and bring me here? Where am I?"
"This is my base." Han Xiao smiled.
His relationship with the Empire is currently strained. He spent some effort tracking Carrot's location, but Carrot has never lived up to his potential, so he has never been taken seriously, and the operation to capture him went very smoothly.
"You..." Carrot hesitated, "Why did you bring me here? Do you remember me?"
If it were someone else who grabbed him, he would have struggled long ago. However, Han Xiao held a special place in his heart, making it difficult for him to harbor any hostility towards Han Xiao.
"Of course I remember you, and I have a deep impression of you." Han Xiao looked Carlotta up and down, his face showing appreciation. "It's been seventy or eighty years since we parted ways. You've grown into a young adult, not bad at all."
Upon hearing this, Carrot was deeply moved, never expecting that Han Xiao would still remember him so well after all these decades.
Remembering how highly Han Xiao had regarded him, Carrot suddenly felt ashamed and said apologetically, "I'm sorry to disappoint you. My potential may not be as good as you said."
He successfully reached the Calamity Grade within forty years, but his progress slowed down after that, as if his potential had been exhausted, and he stopped at the ordinary Calamity Grade, making him one of the weakest in his class.
Carrot may not care about what others think, but in front of Black Star, he couldn't help but feel frustrated, feeling that he had let Black Star down.
"Are you saying I misjudged you?" Han Xiao asked with a half-smile.
Carrot remained silent, tacitly agreeing.
Han Xiao smiled and patted Carrot's chest. "Don't underestimate yourself. The Empire doesn't value you because they lack foresight. I've always believed in your potential."
Upon hearing this, Carrot was both moved and ashamed.
"Weren't you just curious why I brought you here? This is the reason." Han Xiao narrowed his eyes and said righteously, "Actually, I've been keeping an eye on you. The Empire has never recognized your extraordinary potential and hasn't allocated resources to you. Over time, this has affected your growth. I can't bear to see a talent buried. You can't just drift along in the Empire. I brought you here to give you special training and help you unleash your potential!"
"... So you've been paying attention to me all along?"
Carrot's expression was priceless, his heart surging with excitement as he deeply questioned what he had done to deserve Black Star's favor.
Han Xiao smiled and tapped Carrot's forehead with his finger.
"Don't underestimate the enormous potential hidden within you. You might think that the Calamity Grade is your limit, but let me tell you, the Calamity Grade is far from your final destination!"
"You think I can become Beyond Grade A?" Carrot's eyes widened.
"Not only that... I even believe you can become Peak Beyond Grade A, one of the strongest beings in the universe!"
Han Xiao's tone was impassioned and inflammatory.
"Do you really think that way about me...?" Carrot murmured to himself.
Seeing that he had successfully persuaded him, Han Xiao became slightly serious and said in a deep voice, "Now tell me, are you willing to stay here and accept my help?"
Carrot hesitated for a moment. He had also been watching the news and knew about the recent turmoil. He asked in a low voice, "Does your intention to have me stay here mean that I should leave the Empire and join the Legion?"
"The situation has changed now. The Empire is at odds with us. Only by staying by my side can I give you the most detailed guidance. But that means you can't stay with the Empire anymore." Han Xiao remained noncommittal.
Carrot fell silent, seemingly struggling with his decision. After a while, he slowly nodded, his tone gradually becoming firm:
"I understand. I am willing to stay by your side and accept your guidance!"
Although Carrot had served the Empire for decades, in his eyes it was just a job, not a reason for his life to be forever bound to the Empire. Several years ago, his family members passed away, and since then he had been adrift alone in this cold universe, with no more attachments. Therefore, Carrot could now follow the idol he had always admired without any worries.
The Empire never valued him. Although they recruited him into the secret training base, it was only because Black Star had once thought highly of him. Otherwise, the Empire wouldn't have treated him differently, and in the end, they still kicked him out of the training camp... Ultimately, these opportunities were indirectly brought to him by Black Star, and Carrot always knew this.
Moreover, Carrot didn't think Black Star needed anything from him. As the saying goes, "A scholar will die for one who understands him," and he really wanted to reciprocate Black Star's favor towards him. Even if it was just to prove that Black Star hadn't misjudged him, he wanted to become Beyond Grade A!
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.
I knew you wouldn't let me down.
Thanks to the goodwill established decades ago, if it weren't for the bond left during Carrot's childhood, becoming his mentor, the difficulty of recruiting him now would be at least dozens of times greater.
'This shows the importance of understanding land acquisition...'
Han Xiao smiled to himself. He was overjoyed to finally have the golden leek he had been longing for.