"Arcane Realm Mage" Joy Ryan, a hidden powerhouse who lives in seclusion in Secondary Dimension World, is a contemporary of "Stinky Elf King" Dilron.
There is no record of this person in the current interstellar history. He went into seclusion a long time ago and left no records. He only appeared before the world for the first time in the previous World Tree Invasion version.
Like mechanics, magicians are the type whose strength increases with their accumulated foundation, becoming more formidable with age. Joy spent many years in the Secondary Dimension, painstakingly accumulating Peak Beyond Grade A combat power. However, due to factors such as talent and potential, his level is probably slightly weaker than the pillars of the Three Universal Civilizations, barely ranking at the tail end of the universe's first tier. If we exclude the Revived, he could still occupy a place among the current Beyond Grade A.
Han Xiao had a deep impression of this person. The World Tree's invasion had a wide-ranging impact, and the Secondary Dimension World had also become battlefields. All the secret forces and hermits hiding there became targets of conquest and were all blown out. No one could remain unscathed and had to collectively resist.
Joy was one of them. It is said that the Secondary Dimension where he lived in seclusion was severely damaged, forcing him to lead his base to hide and fight a guerrilla war against the World Tree army. In the end, he died at the hands of the enemy and was devoured by the World Tree.
Various pieces of information flashed through his mind. Han Xiao narrowed his eyes, stared at Joy from head to toe, and slowly said:
"Joy Ryan... I thought it was someone else, m•hetushu•com•com. Turns out it's you."
Joy was about to introduce himself when he was suddenly called out by his name, which startled him, and he looked surprised.
How do you know my name?!
He was somewhat bewildered.
What's going on? I've been a recluse for so many years, no one in the main universe should know my name, so why does this person know me?
Han Xiao chuckled:
"I guessed, isn't that amazing?"
Joy choked for a moment, feeling a lump in his throat.
Intervening is always harmful!
He sensed that Black Star's personality was somewhat different from what he'd heard. Suppressing his frustration and curiosity, he coughed and asked, "Alright, whether you're guessing or not, you now know who I am... I'm curious, why would the infamous Black Star from the main universe come to visit my home?"
"Oh, so you know me too. I thought you'd completely withdrawn from the world and stopped paying attention to the changes in the main universe." Han Xiao clicked his tongue.
"... I only occasionally pay attention to the news." Joy became increasingly suspicious, feeling that Black Star seemed to know him very well, but he had never interacted with the other party. This was strange.
"Really?" Han Xiao remained noncommittal. "But not long ago, you spied on one of my friend's bases. It seems you have quite a wide range of interests, not just news."
"So that's what you came for?"
Joy suddenly realized, and a sense of vigilance immediately rose in her heart.
He had just discovered Black Star's visit within the Secondary Dimension and was wondering how this person had found him. He originally intended to observe silently and guess the other party's intentions, but when he saw Han Xiao about to raise his hand to shatter the magic barrier, Joy couldn't sit still any longer and came out to meet him.
He never expected that the object of his casual observation not long ago was related to Black Star. Now that the person in question has come knocking on his door, he fears he might be in trouble.
Since they've come, they must know what's going on; there's no point in denying it.
Joy's expression shifted.
Seeing this, Han Xiao smiled and spread his hands, saying, "As the saying goes, guests from afar are always welcome. You don't want to stay here talking to me forever, do you? Why don't you invite me to sit in your Secondary Dimension and have a proper chat?"
Upon hearing this, Joy slowly nodded, opened a gap in the barrier, and gestured an invitation.
"Of course, come with me."
After saying that, he led the way, and Han Xiao followed behind him as they flew into Secondary Dimension. The world before their eyes changed dramatically. A lush, peaceful continent came into view, with a massive city surrounding a white tower that pierced the clouds.
Flying overhead and looking down at the street scene, the various species of inhabitants, each the size of an ant, bustle about, creating a harmonious and lively urban atmosphere.
The two landed on the platform at the top of the tower. Joy snapped his fingers lightly, and two sets of high-end tables and chairs, along with a table full of snacks and tea, appeared out of thin air.
Han Xiao chuckled to himself, seemingly talking to himself, "Magic is really convenient."
"Please have a seat and try some of my local specialties."
Joy glanced at him, unsure of Han Xiao's intentions, so she simply didn't respond and invited Han Xiao to take a seat.
The two sat down facing each other.
Han Xiao casually took a sip of tea, and a rich aroma immediately swept over his taste buds. It was mellow and fragrant, with a subtle milky scent, leaving a lingering aftertaste.
"It tastes pretty good." Han Xiao put down his teacup, turned to look at the sprawling city, and smiled, "This Secondary Dimension is nice; it's been a long time since I've seen such a peaceful place."
"This is my secluded home; everything you see here, I built it up bit by bit..."
When the topic came up, Joy's tone became a little warmer, as if she enjoyed hearing others praise her achievements.
Han Xiao listened for a while and then laughed, "It's quite nice to live in seclusion here; you won't be lonely. I see you've even transformed this place into a mage tower. You should give this place a name, right?"
"Um, this place is called..." Joy suddenly paused, then said, "The Kingdom of the Gods."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao secretly curled his lip.
The old man assumed I didn't know this place was called the Kingdom of the Four Gods, and dared not reveal its real name, fearing I might guess from the name that there were three other Beyond Grade A beings living in seclusion here.
The other three have hidden themselves, probably as a backup plan, just in case I make a move and they can catch me off guard.
Han Xiao didn't immediately expose the other party. Instead, he changed his tone and said playfully, "However, I see that many of the residents here are interstellar races from the main universe. Did you kidnap a lot of people from the main universe to keep you company?"
Joy remained unmoved, took a sip of tea, and casually said, "It's not a matter of trafficking. The main universe is too dangerous. I'm just helping some people achieve a stable life. Here, they can fully enjoy the peace I've created for them without having to live in fear. What's wrong with that?"
"It sounds wonderful, perhaps the life many people dream of, but... heh." Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, not delving any further.
Dominating the lives of ordinary people is taken for granted by many Beyond Grade A individuals. Regardless of whether people are willing to accept being given a life, they have no choice. This idea is deeply ingrained among superpowered individuals and is essentially no different from having power and influence.
Han Xiao didn't know what to say, but he shook his head inwardly, disapproving of Joy's practice of having someone play house with him.
The Kingdom of the Four Gods may seem like a secluded paradise, but Han Xiao knows that under the iron heel of the World Tree, such fragile peace is easily shattered. Escaping is always passive, and staying away from the world is not so easy.
Han Xiao tapped the table, leaned forward, and changed the subject, saying, "Alright, we've had our tea, let's talk business. The person you were spying on with magic not long ago was my friend. Give me an explanation for that."
"What do you want?" Joy tensed up slightly.
Han Xiao shrugged. "It's nothing special. You just need to tell me your motives, goals, and methods."
"You're in such a hurry to come to my door, is the person I'm spying on really important to you?" Joy frowned, secretly wondering why Black Star would make such a fuss.
Han Xiao blinked, observed Joy's expression, and smiled.
From this sentence, he roughly figured out Joy's background. This old man probably didn't know the inside story of the Sanctum, but he didn't know why he discovered the Sanctum base and spied on it. He probably didn't have a strong motive.
This person has been a homebody for too long; they've become easy to read.
"Do you think I have a lot of free time?" Han Xiao retorted.
Joy was taken aback by the answer. "No, you're in a high position, you must be very busy, right?"
"Now that I've come in person, do you still need to ask my attitude?" Han Xiao shook his head, his smile fading. "Answer me, don't make me ask again."
Joy's expression changed slightly, taken aback by the subtle assertiveness Han Xiao exuded, and then she became a little unhappy.
However, as a recluse who lived in seclusion, he had a gentle nature and suppressed his displeasure, answering the questions truthfully.
Han Xiao observed Joy's expression, tone, and actions while listening to his explanation.
According to Joy, it was a coincidence. He said he didn't know the details of this force. The reason he was spying on this force was because many years ago, when the Sanctum was capturing Primal Esper Ability in the Secondary Dimension world, he happened to be seen by the "messenger" he was patrolling the Secondary Dimension World. He became curious and marked the "concept" of the Sanctum Organization with mystical magic. If the other party's fate line changes or becomes entangled with his own, he has a slight chance of receiving guidance. It is very mystical. This is a spell he created in seclusion.
Not long ago, he had a sudden urge and a vague premonition, so he followed the guidance to try to observe the current situation of this mysterious force, but the "messenger" he sent out was blocked and he saw nothing.
You're saying it's just a coincidence?
Han Xiao remained noncommittal.
Although it sounds far-fetched, it might actually be the truth. The Secondary Dimension World is bizarre and full of hidden talents. It's unrealistic for the Sanctum Organization to have been operating secretly for so many years without being discovered. They must have left some traces of their activities, and it wouldn't be surprising if a powerful person happened to see them. It's just that no one has been able to find out the organization's true nature.
High-level mages all possess unique secret techniques. After years of seclusion, Joy has developed a unique school of magic. According to information from his previous life, his research was influenced by his environment, making his magic extremely suitable for combat in Secondary Dimension World, but less suitable for the main universe, causing his strength to fluctuate.
Han Xiao actually believed about 60-70% of what he said. This was not only based on observing the other person's demeanor, but also on judging Joy's character in his previous life. This person was not one to cause trouble, nor did he work for other forces, so he was basically reliable.
That's why, when they first met, although Han Xiao didn't know how much Joy knew about the Sanctum, he still claimed to have a connection with Sanctum. As soon as he recognized Joy, he changed his initial strategy and decided to bring him on board.
Moreover, since Joy recognized him immediately and cooperated so obediently, Han Xiao could roughly guess what she was thinking. She was probably also moved by the Sanctuary Revival and therefore did not want to antagonize him.
Various thoughts flashed through his mind. Just then, Joy finished explaining. Han Xiao raised his cup, took a sip of tea, and smiled:
"Okay, I understand. Perhaps it really is just a coincidence."
"It's enough that you're willing to believe me..."
Joy let out a breath. He had cooperated so readily in order to clear up the misunderstanding and avoid conflict with Black Star.
At this moment, Han Xiao changed the subject, saying meaningfully, "However, this is not my main purpose for coming here. Let's talk about something else... You should be interested in the Sanctuary Revival, right?"
Joy was somewhat surprised, seemingly not expecting Han Xiao to suddenly bring up this topic. After hesitating for a moment, she nodded.
"Yes, I'm very interested."
Han Xiao smiled gently, "If you want, I can give you one too."
Joy was stunned, utterly astonished.
He had originally planned to find an opportunity to contact Han Xiao later in order to try and obtain the chance to Sanctuary Revival, but he didn't expect it to come so easily, which left him somewhat bewildered.
This is our first meeting, and you're already offering me a chance to Sanctuary Revival? Black Star, you're being incredibly generous?
Seeing Joy's expression, Han Xiao knew what he was thinking. He sighed helplessly and said, "Of course, this opportunity isn't given to you for nothing. Currently, the Association's relationship with the Three Universal Civilizations is strained, and conflict could break out at any time. I need to strengthen the Association's power. As long as you emerge and join the Association, participating in our front, you'll have a share in the Sanctuary Revival."
Upon hearing this, Joy hesitated and whispered:
"But I've already decided to live a secluded life, and I don't want to get involved in any turmoil that happens in the main universe... Could I nominally join the association after it reconciles with the Three Universal Civilizations?"
"You want a share of the pie without putting in any effort? Don't you think you're dreaming?" Han Xiao secretly rolled his eyes.
To say something like this, "It's like picking someone else's peach," so bluntly, shows how long this person has been a shut-in and has gone senile.
Joy hesitated, "Could we change the terms?"
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow. "I don't think you have the right to bargain. Besides, what else do you have that I need?"
Joy was speechless.
At this moment, Han Xiao patted his clothes, stood up, and said slowly and deliberately:
"Your hesitation mostly stems from a lack of trust in me, a belief that I have a high probability of failure. I believe that sparring is the best way to dispel doubts. So, how about we have a match?"
"That seems a bit sudden..." Joy looked surprised, but after thinking for a moment, she didn't refuse the suggestion. "Alright, I'm also curious about your abilities. Let's go outside and have a one-on-one duel."
Black Star is renowned, Joy, who has been training in seclusion for so many years, also wants to see how much of a difference there is between himself and Han Xiao —exchanging martial arts skills is always the main way for Beyond Grade A individuals to communicate.
However, Han Xiao shook his head at this moment.
"You've misunderstood. I'm not going to fight you one-on-one; I'm going to fight all of you."
As he spoke, he turned his head to look elsewhere and slowly began to speak:
"You three, you've been squatting here eavesdropping long enough, come out now."
As soon as the words were spoken, a few seconds later, three figures flew in and landed on the tower platform, exchanging a helpless glance.
They were the other three Beyond Grade A from the Kingdom of the Four Gods. They thought Black Star hadn't noticed them yet, but it turned out he already knew, leaving them hiding for most of the day.
Thinking back to what had just happened, the three of them felt embarrassed, and when they heard that Black Star was going to fight four against one, they were even more unhappy.
"Are you sure you want to take on all four of us by yourself?" Joy frowned, her expression not looking good, feeling that she was being looked down upon.
"Yes, otherwise I'm afraid it'll end too quickly, and I won't feel anything at all."
Han Xiao smiled gently.
He didn't act on a whim; he had been preparing to fight this group for a long time. Might makes right, and only by subduing these four people could he shake their resolve and facilitate negotiations.
You're arrogant.
Joy's tone turned cold. Although he had a good temper, he was also a proud man, and being looked down upon by his opponent made him angry.
Seeing the increasingly dissatisfied expressions on the four people's faces, Han Xiao suppressed his smile, his eyes radiating intense electric light, his aura gradually rising, and golden Mechanical Force lightning began to crackle and appear around him.
A powerful, resonant voice, carrying the vibrations of energy, emanated from Han Xiao's mouth:
"You've been running away for too long and are already outdated. I don't mind helping you realize whose era we live in now!"