Upon hearing this, the eyes of all the superstar leaders present lit up.
They were actually a little uneasy when they made this condition, worried that Black Star would refuse outright, because the Three Universal Civilizations must have made similar demands before. Sanctioning the Association now would mean that Black Star had not agreed to the Three Universal Civilizations, and his motive was probably that he did not want to aid the enemy.
To be fair, if they were in Black Star's shoes, they would also firmly control the number of Sanctuary Revival slots and not easily revive the loyalists of other factions, so they were not confident that they could get Black Star to agree.
Hearing Han Xiao's answer, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief... It didn't matter if the bargaining chips were too small, as long as there was room for negotiation!
"These things are negotiable, but I don't know what your conditions are," the leader of the Star Arc Civilization asked.
Han Xiao stroked his chin and said slowly, "A Beyond Grade A can only undergo the Sanctuary Revival once in their lifetime. It's a one-off deal, so each spot is extremely valuable. You all agree with that, right?"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Han Xiao smiled inwardly, speaking casually:
"Therefore, don't expect me to resurrect all my direct descendants at once. I will only do it in batches, with a fixed number of slots in each batch. As for who will be resurrected, it depends on which civilization can offer me the best deal. First come, first served... Of course, my needs will be different at each stage. Perhaps the further we go, the fewer things will be able to entice me, and I'll have to pay more."
The expressions of many leaders froze.
This is clearly an attempt to make an exorbitant demand.
Although they are allies, each civilization wants to revive its own lineage. Black Star's move is undoubtedly intended to make them bid against each other. This can be considered a simple, overt strategy: either they don't bid to revive their own lineage, or they are willing to pay and be willing to pay. That's how confident monopolistic businesses are.
However, the leaders of the Super Star Cluster present were all mentally prepared for this, so it wasn't unexpected, though they couldn't help feeling a little pained.
So what exactly do you want?
Han Xiao casually counted on his fingers and smiled:
"Advanced blueprints, unique technologies, Universal Treasure, rare resources... that's about it. As for the standards, you can decide for yourselves, since I don't know what good stuff you have. I don't care how you negotiate, but don't try to play tricks. There's no absolute highest bidder wins here; you have to satisfy me."
Of course, I also welcome anyone to approach me with underhanded deals or private offers. I still have some integrity and won't easily reveal your respective offers... In short, it depends on how much you're willing to pay."
Upon hearing this, the leader of the Star Arc Civilization exchanged glances with the others, then took a deep breath and nodded on behalf of everyone.
"... Okay, we accept this condition."
"I am very pleased to have reached a consensus with you all, and I look forward to cooperating with you in the future. I hope to see your substantial support for the association as soon as possible."
Han Xiao smiled and said a few polite words to confirm that everything had been discussed, then deactivated the remote projection and disappeared from the room.
Seeing Black Star leave, the tense bodies of the Supercluster leaders present relaxed, their mood quite helpless.
"Black Star has quite an appetite."
"Hmph, he's trying to raise the price on the spot."
"What can we do? The Sanctuary Revival is unique. Let's discuss what we should offer as leverage."
Everyone had different feelings, and for now they could only follow the other party's rules. They didn't dare to try anything sneaky—they had finally opened this channel, and if they caused trouble simply to reduce costs and accidentally offended Black Star, causing the opportunity for the Sanctuary Revival to slip away, it would be a case of losing more than they gained.
Universal Treasure, unique technological blueprints... Although it hurt to take out these things, everyone could still afford them.
They plan to discuss and decide among themselves who should recover first and who should recover later, arranging the order accordingly, and are unwilling to risk damaging the relationship by blindly bidding.
At the same time, Han Xiao ended the communication and turned his attention back to his office, his eyes flickering.
"Hey, I wonder how much good stuff I can get this time. The Super Star Cluster Alliance was a bit of a rip-off, but they still have a lot of treasures in stock."
Han Xiao picked up a fruit hard candy from the snack jar on the table, casually flicked it into his mouth, and felt the same sweetness in his mouth and heart.
He had thought from the beginning that making deals with forces that needed to resurrect others was the right way to maximize the benefits of the Sanctuary Revival. He hadn't done this business before in order to maintain mystery and stabilize the situation, but now that the situation had changed, he planned to adapt to the changes and adjust his strategy.
The Sanctuary Revival is a rare commodity, and Han Xiao isn't worried that the Super Star Cluster won't agree. For him, this is actually a way to get something for nothing. He will continue to pretend that there is only one chance for the Sanctuary Revival, drive up the price, and trick the Super Star Cluster into exchanging some golden blueprints and Universal Treasure for this "one-time" precious spot.
As for how and when to recover, that's not up to them to decide. A simple "the time isn't right" is enough to easily suppress the discontent of the Super Star Cluster. These leeks have no choice but to wait.
However, Han Xiao wasn't entirely trying to take advantage of them; reviving a small portion of the Super Star Cluster's direct descendants wasn't entirely out of the question.
This move would allow the Super Star Cluster Alliance to reap the benefits and deepen their trade cooperation, while also angering the Three Universal Civilizations and causing them to confront each other. As long as the number of revived entities is not large, the situation will remain under the control of the Association and the Sanctum.
After all, the Supercluster is different from the Three Universal Civilizations. The Three Universal Civilizations have more experts, so they will definitely want to monopolize. However, the Supercluster has more high-end combat power, so it is impossible for them to carry out a purge plan. On the contrary, they can put pressure on the Three Universal Civilizations and restrain them, which will indirectly benefit the association's cause.
Therefore, Han Xiao will only make this deal with the Super Star Cluster, not with the Three Universal Civilizations. Otherwise, it would be aiding the enemy and would make the Three Universal Civilizations think that the sanctions order was very effective and that they had successfully forced the Association to back down.
However, if the World Tree War breaks out, that would be a different story. If the situation is not good, Han Xiao would not mind reviving a large number of combat forces to deal with the invasion of the World Tree Civilization. The main thing is to act according to the situation and flexibly adjust the strategy.
Just as he was pondering, Phillip popped up from the table, holding up a virtual screen several times larger than himself, and said in a childish voice:
"Master, master, many civilizations from the Shattered Star Ring have sent communication requests. Would you like to answer them? Buzz~"
Han Xiao snapped out of his daze, glanced at the caller ID on the screen, and pursed his lips.
"Ha, these bastards, they're just caught in a dilemma: they don't dare offend the Three Universal Civilizations, but they also don't want to offend me, so they come here to apologize and explain... Let's hear what kind of flowery words they have to spout."
Han Xiao glanced at the list, selected the Amethyst Civilization with whom he had cooperated for many years, and answered their call.
A diplomatic representative from the Amethyst Civilization appeared on the screen, bowed respectfully, and said, "Greetings, Lord Black Star..."
Han Xiao waved his hand, interrupting the other person, and said, "Get to the point, I've been a bit busy lately."
"Alright, alright, I'm here on behalf of the Amethyst Civilization to apologize to you..." The representative of the Amethyst Civilization glanced at Han Xiao's calm expression and said cautiously, "Regarding the sanctions against the Three Universal Civilizations, the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council has already passed the bill. We have no choice but to cooperate. The Amethyst Civilization has always enjoyed a pleasant cooperation with you, but the situation is somewhat dire now. We hope you can understand us..."
"So you want to end all cooperation with me?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.
"Ahem, please believe that this is only temporary. You know us; if possible, we would like to continue cooperating with the Black Star Army. However, the Three Universal Civilizations are currently taking a very tough stance. We are simply laying low for now. Once the problem is resolved, we will immediately restore the cooperation agreement and provide you with some compensation... As for the sanctions clause, you don't need to worry too much. We will implement it flexibly and will not put you in a difficult position..."
The representative of the Amethyst Civilization spoke earnestly, emphasizing their helplessness in every word.
Han Xiao disagreed, but did not refute it. He expressed his understanding verbally and instead comforted the other party.
Next, he answered communications from other Shattered Star Ring civilizations one by one. They all had the same attitude: they all came specifically to apologize, saying they had no choice but to cooperate with the sanctions and hoped to gain his understanding.
After hanging up the last call, Han Xiao curled his lip.
"Hmph, a bunch of opportunists."
They sought cooperation with the legion when they wanted benefits, but now that they're under pressure, they've sidelined the legion and are even targeting them in return—a classic case of crossing the river and then burning the bridge.
Of course, these civilizations need to look after themselves and have no reason to support the association. Han Xiao understands this, but he shouldn't expect forgiveness. There's no reason for him to forgive them just because they're in trouble.
These civilizations simply believe that the Three Universal Civilizations ' rule over interstellar society remains stable. They would rather slightly offend the Black Star Army than be remembered by the Three Universal Civilizations. For a civilization, it is easy to make a choice between the Black Star Army and the Three Universal Civilizations.
Therefore, Han Xiao was too lazy to force these civilized people to take sides, otherwise it would only lead to a falling out. It was better to maintain the current relationship and let them feel indebted to him. Although it might not be of any use, it was better than turning against them.
He chewed the candy in his mouth and chuckled.
"Once we resolve the sanctions imposed on the Three Universal Civilizations, we'll make you bleed profusely... Heh, these civilizations still think that interstellar society will remain stable under the rule of the Three Universal Civilizations. But when an external enemy invades, they'll realize how fragile this peace is. Let's see if the Three Universal Civilizations you trust will have the extra energy to protect you then."
After grumbling for a bit, Han Xiao composed himself, summoned the affairs officer, and instructed him to handle the handover procedures for these civilizational cooperation projects.
Then, he opened the star map showing the distribution of power, and pondered while stroking his chin.
"Expanding and controlling Interstellar Black Market in various regions is the Association's next key focus. The Three Universal Civilizations will certainly not sit idly by, and it could very well lead to another Secret War with a high mortality rate. Therefore, players are the most suitable to be in charge of managing the black markets. They are already quite strong and fearless, making them capable of undertaking this mission."
As he spoke, Han Xiao noted the idea down in the Star Chart Memo, deciding to issue the order in a few days to send all the players on a mission.
"Furthermore, we need to put pressure on the Three Universal Civilizations Three Universal Civilizations regarding high-end combat power. I promised them I wouldn't revive historical Beyond Grade A beings casually, but now that they've done this, I definitely have to return the favor. Unfortunately, we haven't collected Sanctuary Key yet, and we don't have enough mediums, so we can't revive a new batch..."
Han Xiao's thoughts raced, his eyes gleaming.
"The Sanctum could come in handy. There are still quite a few people hiding within the organization. Why not recruit a few more Beyond Grade A members, pretending they're newly resurrected... Having a trump card is convenient. I wonder how the Three Universal Civilizations will react."
Meanwhile, in the joint conference room of the Three Universal Civilizations, the three leaders were gathered and secretly discussing matters.
"The association has frozen the membership privileges of our direct-line Beyond Grade A members and publicly declared that it will not accept any requests for help from the Three Universal Civilizations. Ha, these are all predictable tactics, but they are meaningless."
The leader of the Arcane Sect spoke calmly.
Louis nodded. "The association's next move is likely to be to consolidate the black market, which is their main resource channel for the future. We've already made preparations for this and won't let the association succeed so easily."
Mabrus said in a deep voice, "These are not the key points. The core issue is to test whether Black Star can arbitrarily carry out the Sanctuary Revival."
"Well, given Black Star's personality, he will definitely take countermeasures, such as contacting the Super Star Cluster Alliance to reach a cooperation agreement. The Super Star Cluster will most likely offer the revival of its direct descendants as a bargaining chip, and it's hard to say whether he will agree... But even if no deal is reached, Black Star will probably try to revive other historical Beyond Grade A to put pressure on us. Now it depends on whether he can do it."
"If he can't do that..." The leader of the Arcane Cult's eyes flashed, "Then everything he's doing right now is undoubtedly just stalling for time!"
The three pushed for the sanctions not only to curb the association's expansion, but also to test Han Xiao's control over the Sanctuary Revival.
This was not a spur-of-the-moment idea, but rather the result of some new discoveries by the three-party joint Sanctuary Revival Research Institute. Although the research progress is still limited, one point has been confirmed through technical means: the Sanctuary is extremely difficult to open and seems to require some unknown medium. Therefore, the Sanctuary Revival is not something that can be accomplished casually and is subject to great limitations.
Therefore, the three of them had a new idea about Han Xiao's behavior—could it be that Black Star was also temporarily unable to use Sanctuary Revival, and was just trying to scare them, making them imagine and be wary, in order to deliberately stabilize the situation?!
Based on this idea, after several secret discussions, the three of them introduced the current sanctions order. If it is confirmed that Black Star cannot arbitrarily resurrect people, then now may be the best time to implement the purge plan. Moreover, the opportunity may be fleeting. If they hesitate, the Sanctuary Revival may become a reality.
Even if Black Star revives the newcomers, it may still be an opportunity. It forces Black Star to consume a medium, and the Sanctuary Revival will most likely enter a cooling-off period.
Of course, it's also possible that Black Star saw through their intentions and deliberately held back, which is the risk.
This is undoubtedly an extremely risky act, which will come at a great cost and does not meet the needs of the Three Universal Civilizations in maintaining order. Therefore, the three have not yet made a final decision and are only trying to test the waters beforehand.
At this moment, the leader of the Arcane Cult looked at Louis and asked:
"By the way, how are your preparations for the operation against Manison going?"
Louis nodded calmly. "It's almost all set up. Thank you for your help. I'll return what I promised the Arcane soon."
"Not bad," the leader of the Arcane Sect replied calmly.
When Glory came to him for help, he asked for the Scepter of All Gods in exchange.
Because the Space-Time Amber had remained unsolved for many years, and considering other factors, Glory finally agreed to the Arcane's request and chose to return the sealed Scepter of All Gods to its rightful owner.
At the same time, Glory also held a glimmer of hope. After all, the Arcane Church was the origin of the Scepter of All Gods. If the Arcane were to be able to unseal or copy the Scepter of All Gods, it would be of great use in any potential Beyond Grade A purge in the future.