The dome of the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council remains a miniature version of the flowing starry sky, and the circular hall is filled with representatives from various civilizations within the star field. The meeting has been going on for some time.
"... That concludes the sanctions order concerning the Three Universal Civilizations. In response to this joint decree, I suggest that the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council oversee the implementation of this decree within the star field, ensuring that all civilizations completely terminate their cooperation agreements with the various forces under the Beyond Grade A Association..."
A representative from a star cluster-level civilization, seated at the presiding table, read out the proposal, posed the question, then surveyed the entire room and asked in a deep voice:
"That's the situation. Does anyone here have any objections?"
After he finished speaking, the room fell silent, and the faces of the many representatives were complicated.
The Black Star Army's influence in the Shattered Star Ring is too vast. This star field is almost like the Legion's backyard. More than 80% of the civilizations present have different areas of cooperation with the Black Star Army, and the cooperation has always been pleasant and mutually beneficial. This sanction order is a difficult task for them.
However, they dared not go against the Three Universal Civilizations, and in terms of interests, they were even more deeply intertwined with the Three Universal Civilizations.
Sure enough, the seven ruling star cluster-level civilizations of the Shattered Star Ring have all chosen a side, expressing their support for the decisions of the Three Universal Civilizations. It is unknown what agreement they reached with the Three Universal Civilizations behind the scenes. Others may be unwilling, but they can't do anything about it; they can't fight city hall.
"... Agreed."
I second that.
After a moment of silence, one by one they slowly spoke, many glancing furtively in the direction of the Planet Aquamarine civilization, their eyes filled with complex emotions—a mixture of sighs, pity, and schadenfreude.
The entry requirement for the Civilization Council is a galaxy-level civilization, but Planet Aquamarine is an anomaly. It is only at the level of a surface civilization that it has entered this arena. Its status is entirely due to Black Star. When Beyond Grade A civilization attains enlightenment, even its chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.
For a long time, many civilizations have been envious and jealous of the Planet Aquamarine civilization. They couldn't cultivate a single Beyond Grade A being no matter how hard they tried, but the Aquamarine civilization produced three at once. They were incredibly lucky, and everyone was green with envy every day!
With the advancement of Hila and Aurora, the status of the Planet Aquamarine civilization has risen in recent years. Even though the civilization is weak, it holds a superior position within the association. Basically, all the Shattered Star Ring civilizations take good care of the Planet Aquamarine Black Star Army Legion. If the Black Star did not protect it, the Planet Aquamarine civilization would be nothing in their eyes.
Now that Black Star has fallen out of favor, many people present want to see Planet Aquamarine make a fool of itself.
Soon, all the civilizations present either agreed or abstained, leaving only the Planet Aquamarine and Star Pupil Civilization silent.
At this moment, a star cluster-level council member spoke calmly, "Representatives of Planet Aquamarine and Star Pupil Civilization, only you remain."
The representative of the Star Pupil Civilization looked conflicted, his lips trembling, and after a few seconds, he finally answered in a low voice:
"... We abstain."
Everyone glanced at him, a hint of surprise flashing across their faces, but they quickly understood the reason and their expressions became knowing.
Only Planet Aquamarine remained silent, and all eyes were on Bennett.
"Planet Aquamarine Civilization, what about you?" the star cluster-level council member asked again.
Bennett took a deep breath, slowly stood up, and solemnly said:
"We strongly oppose this unjust sanction order and will never accept unfounded accusations and slanders... Effective immediately, the Planet Aquamarine Civilization withdraws from the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council!"
His tone was firm and resolute, without any hesitation.
As soon as he finished speaking, the many civilizations present were immediately in an uproar, staring at the expressionless Bennett with surprise and uncertainty.
They thought Planet Aquamarine would take a more roundabout approach, but they didn't expect it to be so direct, withdrawing from the guild without saying a word.
"Are you sure?" the council member of the Amethyst Civilization couldn't help but ask.
"Black Star is one of the greatest figures in the history of Planet Aquamarine. We will not allow any person or force to maliciously slander him. Even the Three Universal Civilizations should not arbitrarily smear the great figures of other civilizations!" Bennett said firmly.
After saying that, he immediately deactivated the remote projection and disappeared from the meeting room, demonstrating his unwavering stance through his actions.
Seeing this, the representatives of various civilizations looked at each other, their expressions complex.
Unexpectedly, Planet Aquamarine stood firmly by Black Star's side, defying the dissatisfaction of the Three Universal Civilizations, and stubbornly persisting on its path to darkness...
In fact, everyone believed that Planet Aquamarine had a better way to handle this matter, and Black Star would understand. However, Aquamarine insisted on taking such a tough stance and openly challenging the Three Universal Civilizations. It is likely that Aquamarine will be treated as an example.
Many representatives of civilizations shook their heads and sighed, but couldn't help glancing at the representative of the Star Pupil Civilization.
In their eyes, the Star Pupil Civilization was the smart one...
Deep down, however, the people were dissatisfied with the Three Universal Civilizations, and they actually admired someone who stood up to fight back.
Almost every civilization present wanted to so unequivocally oppose the domineering policies of the Three Universal Civilizations, but unfortunately... they lacked the confidence and resources.
Where no one could see, Star Pupil Civilization looked at Bennett's empty seat, silently clenched his fists, and a look of shame flashed in his eyes.
Planet Aquamarine Government Building, Leader's Office.
Bennett opened his eyes, his gaze returning to the room.
A group of high-ranking officials were waiting there, watching him intently, awaiting his orders.
Bennett let out a soft breath and said in a deep voice:
"We have withdrawn from the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council and have informed the entire civilization of our decision."
"... clear."
The high-ranking officials said nothing, received their orders, and filed out of the room.
Before long, the news spread throughout the entire civilization through the official media and online channels of Planet Aquamarine.
Bennett stayed in his office, watched the news, and then took out his communicator to log onto the internet to check public opinion on the matter.
Soon, a series of messages came into view:
"Well done! I've been annoyed by the Three Universal Civilizations for a long time!"
"How dare they smear our great man! They're a bunch of scoundrels!"
"I publicly support the federal government's decision. The Three Universal Civilizations are clearly bullying us. Do they think we're easy to scare?!"
As he watched the citizens leave their righteous and indignant comments online, a quiet smile crept onto Bennett's aged face.
Hopefully, this is the right choice...
The homeworld of the Star Pupil Civilization.
Sisko stood by the window, overlooking the bustling city. The trails of light from the flying vehicles as they swept across the streets also flashed across his seven eyes, like countless fleeting shooting stars.
At that moment, several senior executives walked into the office.
"Is everything taken care of?" Sisko asked casually without turning his head.
"Hmm... we've already had someone express their stance in parliament."
The group responded softly, their mood seemingly quite disappointed.
Sisko turned around and said slowly, "Prepare for my departure ceremony as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the senior executives grew even heavier, revealing a sorrowful sense of helplessness.
Seeing this, Sisko smiled broadly, "You'll soon be taking over my power, don't be so downcast."
One of the high-ranking officials couldn't help but speak up, gritting his teeth as he asked, "Does it really have to be this way? Can't we oppose sanctions like Planet Aquamarine did?"
Upon hearing this, Sisko paused for a moment.
"... I am not Black Star. He alone can make Three Universal Civilizations wary. I don't have the ability to rival the Book of Documents."
Sisko felt a pang of sadness. He shook his head slightly, looked out the window again, and murmured:
"If civilization wants to avoid the sanctions of the Three Universal Civilizations, I have no choice but to step down... In the end, we are all just people caught up in the torrent of time."
The Three Universal Civilizations sanctions specifically stipulated that Beyond Grade A could not interfere in the politics of any civilization in any way. Even if they had always been the leaders of a civilization, they would still be subject to scrutiny. Since Sisko valued the Sanctuary Revival, he could not sit idly by and watch the Star Pupil Civilization be sanctioned. Therefore, he decided to relinquish his power and step down.
As the saying goes, for every policy, there's a countermeasure. As long as he severs the political ties between himself and the civilization, the Star Pupil Civilization will not meet the sanctions criteria, his political rights will not be downgraded, and everything will remain the same. After becoming a free man, he can also devote himself to the struggle against the Beyond Grade A class all by himself.
At the same time, Sisko has not completely relinquished power. His stepping down is temporary, a way to lay low for a while. If the Association achieves a balance with the Three Universal Civilizations someday, he will have the opportunity to return and regain power.
Besides, after leading the civilization for so long, he also wants to let go for a while.
"... Understood."
Several senior executives nodded helplessly.
At that moment, someone remembered something and asked, "By the way, the Shattered Star Ring Council passed a resolution to cooperate with the sanctions order. What should we do?"
Sisko's eyes flashed, his tone playful:
"Do what you think is best. I'll just give you a word of advice: don't take it too seriously. These civilizations in the Shattered Star Ring may cooperate, but nobody's going all out... Everyone here is smart. They can't afford to offend the Three Universal Civilizations, but can they afford to offend the Beyond Grade A Association? Leave some room for maneuver, so you can meet again in the future. Don't worry, these civilizations are shrewd."
Super Star Cluster Alliance, Joint Conference Room.
Leaders from various supercluster civilizations gathered together, each with an extremely serious expression, displaying an air of authority.
The reason everyone was so serious was that they were waiting for a distinguished guest to arrive, who was none other than Han Xiao.
A few days ago, after learning of the association's attitude, the Super Star Cluster Alliance extended a private invitation to Black Star to meet with them, which received a positive response, and the date was set for today.
In preparation for today's meeting, the leaders of each Super Star Group have rehearsed their plans. On the one hand, they want to show their sincerity in cooperation and treat the meeting with utmost seriousness. On the other hand, because of past grievances, they don't want to lose face and want to show the magnanimity of the Super Star Group... In short, they want to both show off and flatter, all because of their idol image.
Time passed second by second, and suddenly, Han Xiao's remote projection appeared in the room.
Han Xiao looked around and greeted them familiarly, "Oh, everyone's here?"
"Lord Black Star."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
This should be the first time that the entire Super Star Cluster Alliance has had a direct confrontation with Black Star. Regardless of their inner emotions, the civilization leaders present suppressed them at this moment.
In fact, most of the Supercluster civilizations' grudges with Han Xiao were limited to friction during the Shattered World Battle, and could not be considered deep-seated hatred, so most people's emotions were still relatively stable at this time.
Only the Three Kings of Modo clenched their fists secretly, their hands and feet turning cold and their whole bodies trembling with anger.
They harbored the deepest grudges against Han Xiao, and were directly kicked out of the Shattered World Battle by him. One of their leaders was suspected of dying in an assassination attempt by the Black Star Army. Even their attempt to steal the Universal Treasure, the Soul-Switching Device, backfired and fell into the hands of the enemy... All in all, it was a history of blood and tears for Modo.
If it weren't for the greater good, the Three Kings of Modo would have pounced on Han Xiao and strangled him right now.
Han Xiao glanced at them, unconcerned, and slowly said, "I've been quite busy lately, and I believe everyone understands. So let's get straight to the point... I roughly understand your intention in inviting me to this meeting. From your perspective, you also hope for a force to stand against the Three Universal Civilizations. Now that the Three Universal Civilizations have turned against us, the Association needs new friends. As long as the price is right, cooperation between us is not a problem."
"Very good, that's exactly what we wanted." The leader of the Star Arc Civilization coughed and stepped forward as their representative to state, "What do you want?"
"Channels, territory, resources, funds, intelligence network..." Han Xiao listed out the things the association urgently needed, and incidentally added in some rare materials from different Sanctuary Key recipes.
The leader of the Star Arc Civilization discussed the matter with the others for a few moments, then nodded, "We can provide all of these things, and the quantity will meet your conditions. Long-term supply is not a problem either. To show our sincerity, we will let you see the actual goods as soon as possible."
"And what are your terms?" Han Xiao asked calmly.
"First, we hope the association will continue to confront the Three Universal Civilizations and launch more counterattacks." The leader of the Star Arc Civilization extended his finger.
"Can."
"Secondly, we hope to receive assistance from the association's high-level forces at certain times, including both military and technological support."
"OK."
"Third, we hope that the association will also leverage its own channels and specialties to connect with the Super Star Cluster Alliance for closer cooperation and mutual benefit."
"Good."
"Finally... we hope you will use the Sanctuary Revival to resurrect all our fallen direct-lineage Beyond Grade A, especially those who perished in the Tragedy of the Pinnacle!"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes became even more eager, fixed intently on Han Xiao.
The last condition is their core need: if they can revive the direct descendants from history, then in terms of high-end combat power, the Super Star Cluster Alliance can turn the tables and overpower the Three Universal Civilizations.
Moreover, the pain of their Tragedy of the Pinnacle is a wound that will never heal them. If it can be remedied, then it's all worth it!
Han Xiao was not surprised at all. He glanced at everyone, smiled knowingly, and a cold glint of a scythe seemed to flash in his eyes.
"The Three Universal Civilizations have made similar demands before, which I rejected. But times have changed, and it's not impossible to consider them now... It's just that the bargaining chips you've offered seem a bit insufficient."