Somewhere in the Unexplored Universe.
A flash of light appeared, and Han Xiao's figure materialized out of thin air in the vast and boundless starry sky.
"This is where the exploration team passed through..."
Han Xiao glanced at the coordinate data and muttered to himself.
The World Tree used all the intelligence gathered by the exploration team as a medium for foreknowledge, including their route. The Child of Destiny also intercepted the detailed coordinates. Han Xiao then used the High-Dimensional Apocalypse Teleporter to input the coordinates and teleport to this unexplored area that the Three Universal Civilizations had never set foot in.
The exploration team passed through this area not long ago, and has now naturally moved on.
"Based on the navigation coordinates provided by the Kunde Race, the exploration team is sailing this way..."
Han Xiao took out his interstellar locator, calibrated his position, and then locked onto a direction.
With the navigation coordinates, the exploration team is likely moving in a straight line, thus allowing him to determine the enemy's course. Although the exploration team is moving very fast and has already gotten far ahead and is out of sight, he can still use this method to pursue them.
With a flash of Mechanical Force arc, the gates of the Secondary Dimension Army Box opened, and large numbers of mechanical troops surged out. Han Xiao himself led one force in pursuit along the straight line of the navigation coordinates, while the remaining mechanical troops scattered and explored in different directions.
On the one hand, it was for insurance purposes, in case the exploration team took a detour; on the other hand, it was to set up a stargate terminal in this area— the Three Universal Civilizations set up terminals on the other side of the Explored Universe, allowing the two sides to connect in space, which would activate the long-distance stargate passage.
This involves the next strategic step discussed before departure. Due to the World Tree's devouring mechanism, the Three Universal Civilizations do not want to fight within their own territories, as this would be too passive. Therefore, they decided to use the stargate to send a large number of troops into this area, build a defensive perimeter along the exploration team's flight path, keep the enemy outside their borders, and at the same time intercept the World Tree's subsequent exploration forces, making it as difficult as possible for the enemy to infiltrate.
Between the defensive perimeter and the Shattered World, there is a large unexplored area serving as a buffer zone. Even if the World Tree breaks through the defenses, it cannot immediately invade the territory of the Explored Universe. In this way, the Three Universal Civilizations can bombard the World Tree at will, using strategic lethal weapons to cover its firepower and try to eliminate its forces, defeating the enemy halfway.
These are all necessary preparations. However, in Han Xiao's view, a full-scale war will not break out all at once. He learned from Babani that the World Tree World Tree has always been the habit of not attacking Reckless even if it discovers that they have established a defensive perimeter. It will most likely take a detour and try to sneak into their rear to steal intelligence.
The World Tree's primary strategy is aggression, which may seem reckless, but it's not actually that simple. As Babani explained, the World Tree's greatest advantages are its ever-flowing army and its astonishing detection technology—its raw power and intelligence capabilities. Why is it always able to launch devastating invasions? It's not about brute force; it's more about having detailed pre-battle information on the enemy, understanding their weaknesses, and precisely targeting their vulnerabilities—a single, decisive blow, a perfect starting hand.
While calculating in his mind, Han Xiao led his mechanical troops in a full-power warp jump, transforming into streaks of light that streaked across the starry sky. All of them were equipped with high warp jump engines, and with the boost of Mechanical Force, they were faster than the exploration team.
After a relentless pursuit, the exploration team's two ships came into view on radar.
"As expected, it's in this direction..."
Seeing the target appear, Han Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. The Child of Destiny was truly helpful; otherwise, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly.
The exploration team activated their concealment devices, but they couldn't avoid his detection, and he wouldn't be easily discovered by a small exploration team.
Han Xiao had no intention of going up to communicate. He waved his hand, ordering a group of mechanical troops to go around to the front and set up a space stabilization anchor, forcing the exploration team to exit warp mode. Without saying a word, he set up long-range weapons and locked onto the two spaceships.
Not long after, the exploration team's two spaceships crashed into a trap set by the mechanical forces. They jolted violently, their speed dropped sharply, and they returned to normal flight mode. Han Xiao opened fire without hesitation, and a thick stream of high-energy particles shot out from the cannon muzzle, sweeping over the two spaceships.
The shields of the two spaceships shattered in the blink of an eye, their hulls melted away and vanished without a trace. The crew and ships were instantly wiped out. Naturally, a small exploration team could not withstand Han Xiao's attack.
Seeing that the target had been successfully eliminated, Han Xiao shook his head, but he couldn't be happy, knowing that this was just the beginning.
Because of the World Tree's Psychic Network connection, it's virtually impossible to mislead this exploration team. The World Tree's headquarters must be paying close attention to the team's progress. If anything goes wrong here, the World Tree will be able to detect it. It's like the "host" has backed up all the data. It can hack the exploration team, but it can't hack the World Tree itself. Tampering with data is easily detected. The only way to buy some time is to eliminate the exploration team.
Han Xiao did not leave the place immediately. Instead, he collected the spatial coordinates of the surrounding area and summoned the Engineering Department to set up their positions there.
At the same time, the World Tree Civilization.
"... The exploration team's Psychic Network connection was severed, and the team members perished, all turning into seeds. It is suspected they were attacked."
Inside the Tree King's Hall, Tedrian stood beneath the throne and began to report the situation, his tone filled with surprise and doubt.
Having discovered their prey, the World Tree Civilization is currently paying close attention to the exploration team's progress and has been maintaining telepathic communication with the team. The higher-ups noticed as soon as the exploration team lost contact.
"An enemy attack? Could it be this unknown civilization? How did they discover the exploration team?"
The Tranquil Tree King frowned slightly.
At this moment, another Tree King, seated on Throne beside him, chuckled and slowly spoke:
"This unknown civilization seems to be quite complex. It either possesses special counter-surveillance methods similar to Information State Warning Network, or it has established outposts outside its territory... It's also possible that the refugees discovered by the exploration team are just a trap."
There are five thrones in the main hall, each corresponding to one of the five Tree King. At this moment, three thrones are empty, and only two Tree King have appeared. One of them is the "Tranquil Tree King" Saint Grace, while the one who is speaking is the "Heart Tree King" Minajol, Peak Beyond Grade A psychic.
After Han Xiao caused a ruckus, the World Tree Civilization went on high alert. The Heart Tree King awoke from its slumber, and now two Tree King Tree King are on standby, while the other three are also observing the situation outside.
Several executives were still waiting in the main hall at this time. Upon hearing this, one of the executives asked:
"A trap? You mean the coordinates the exploration team obtained are incorrect?"
Heart Tree King remained noncommittal, casually saying:
"The coordinates and intelligence provided by this group of refugees may have been deliberately fabricated by an unknown civilization, perhaps with the aim of luring the enemy deep into their trap... After all, the universe is so vast, and we are not the only hunters."
The executives grew increasingly solemn.
The exploration team had barely discovered the coordinates when they were wiped out, forcing them to be wary and causing their opinion of this unknown civilization to rise sharply.
In their conquest of the universe, they have encountered some tough opponents and met other civilizations that also prioritize aggression. They have always maintained a degree of vigilance towards such beings.
At this moment, Tedrian exclaimed, "That's not right. If this is a trap to lure the enemy, this unknown civilization wouldn't have needed to attack the exploration team. It would only alert others. They should have feigned weakness."
Heart Tree King smiled and nodded, speaking slowly:
"That's right, so the possibility of it being a trap is not high. This unknown civilization probably doesn't want to contact outsiders and is afraid of being exposed. But their actions have also revealed some things... The unknown civilization launched an attack immediately after discovering the exploration team, without any intention of capturing them alive. Isn't that a suspicious point?"
Upon hearing this, many executives exchanged thoughtful glances.
Tedrian pondered, "Logically speaking, if a civilization discovers an exploration team of unknown origin, they would most likely capture them alive in an attempt to obtain intelligence..."
The Heart Tree King nodded and slowly said, "That's right, but this unknown civilization didn't do that with the Tu Shu. Perhaps it's out of caution, but it's more likely that they have intelligence on us and know that the World Tree has a Psychic Network link, so they dare not show themselves, for fear of being observed... Think about it, if they didn't understand our Psychic Network, what are the chances that they would so hastily wipe out an invading exploration team?"
Tedrian was taken aback and said in a deep voice, "So you mean, this unknown civilization is very likely the homeland of the outsider who stole so many of our secrets?"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's expression changed slightly.
The psychological trauma Han Xiao left on them was significant and still fresh in their minds, not easily forgotten. Just mentioning him puts pressure on many World Tree members.
"All of this is just speculation. We need to investigate further to find out the truth." Heart Tree King waved his hand and said calmly, "The next step is to locate the coordinates of the exploration team's most recent route, open the wormhole, send the advance team there, and continue the unfinished exploration, moving towards the navigation coordinates... Whether it's a trap or not, this is currently our only clue, and we must find out the truth."
"That's what I meant too." Tranquil Tree King nodded steadily.
"Understood, we will mobilize the fleet immediately."
Many executives simultaneously bowed in response.
The Explored Universe; somewhere in the Central Galaxy.
Several enormous stargate devices stretched across the galaxy; the passages were not yet open, but were merely giant, circular mechanical structures.
In front of these stargate devices, a boundless combined fleet floated, with the legions of the Federation of Light, the Crimson Dynasty, and the Arcane Church clearly separated, having been waiting here for some time.
These stargates are compatible with the stargate terminals that Han Xiao took with him. As long as Han Xiao completes the terminal connection, a fast channel can be established between the two sides.
After learning of the existence of the World Tree, the Three Universal Civilizations have been secretly mobilizing their armies, and most of their army groups are currently on standby, ready to be deployed at any time.
While Han Xiao was away dealing with the exploration team, the Three Universal Civilizations efficiently recruited a group of mobile troops who were waiting to depart.
"Given Black Star's efficiency, it should be done soon."
Inside the flagship of the Federation of Light, Commander Simon fiddled with an exquisite, vintage-style handmade flip-top pocket watch, glancing at the time every now and then.
The surrounding crew members all wore solemn expressions, creating a tense and oppressive atmosphere.
Just then, several stargates outside the window activated one after another, and a dark blue spatial vortex appeared within the circular device, twinkling with starlight, mysterious and unpredictable, leading to the exit on the other side.
Seeing this, Simon snapped the watch shut and expressionlessly stuffed it into the breast pocket of his uniform.
"All troops, proceed!"