In the area where the exploration team was annihilated, Han Xiao's mechanical forces had already set up stargate devices and activated the passage. The spatial vortex slowly rotated, and before long, batches of fleets from the Three Universal Civilizations sailed out of the stargate.
Simon immediately spotted the mechanical base floating in the starry sky outside the window; this was a temporary base that Han Xiao had set up.
"We're here," Simon sent Han Xiao a message.
"I see, this is the exploration team's flight path. The rest is up to you to set up."
Han Xiao replied casually, then sent the intelligence to the various commanders.
Simon nodded, without exchanging pleasantries, and turned to give the order for the fleet to begin its operation.
The Three Universal Civilizations ' combined legions immediately dispersed. Engineering teams built the prototype of a defensive perimeter on the spot, while mobile forces retraced the exploration team's route, deploying space stabilization devices along the way. The World Tree could only open wormholes by intercepting coordinates from the exploration team's route, and the Three Universal Civilizations countered this.
Han Xiao nodded as he watched the Three Universal Civilizations' fleets begin their work in an orderly manner.
Although the two sides made contact earlier, the situation of the Three Universal Civilizations is much better than in their previous lives. The World Tree currently lacks information about them and is unprepared, unable to invade from Secondary Dimension. Therefore, the Three Universal Civilizations only need to focus on the main universe's front lines, saving considerable energy. Moreover, they currently have the upper hand, having blocked the enemy outside their borders. The situation is quite good.
After a long period of focused planning, an anomaly in the spacetime coefficient occurred at a certain point on the exploration team's route, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
A wormhole vortex appeared out of nowhere, but just as it was forming, the wormhole was interrupted by a nearby spatial anchor, and the process was abruptly extinguished.
"The teleportation to the World Tree has failed."
Upon seeing this, many officers from the Three Universal Civilizations were delighted. This was clearly an attempt by the World Tree to send out the next batch of troops after the exploration team's demise, proving that their current plan was effective and had successfully prevented the World Tree from teleporting troops.
In this way, the World Tree can only choose more distant coordinates for teleportation, trying repeatedly until it succeeds. At that time, the Three Universal Civilizations will naturally surround and intercept it, and begin to fight.
Since the plan was effective, Han Xiao stopped keeping a close eye on it and left this matter to the Three Universal Civilizations. With more people, they would be more efficient.
Leaving behind a Throne, Han Xiao donned the Sovereign and returned to Explored Universe; there was still much to be done.
Planet Fein, headquarters of the Beyond Grade A Association.
After Han Xiao returned, he immediately convened an emergency meeting, which was attended by all the association members who had received the news.
Since the Three Universal Civilizations lifted the ban, Black Star had never summoned everyone so urgently. In the venue, numerous Beyond Grade A projections descended to their respective seats, curiously watching Han Xiao.
"Black Star, why did you urgently call us to a meeting?" Kasuyi asked, turning his head.
Han Xiao glanced around and said in a deep voice, "I know you've all been curious about the details of our ceasefire with the Three Universal Civilizations. Due to confidentiality agreements and some strategic considerations, I didn't disclose it to the outside world before. But now the situation has changed, and I can tell you... The Three Universal Civilizations discovered an alien civilization that lives by aggression, threatening the safety of the entire interstellar society. Therefore, at this critical moment, they chose to compromise and make concessions, hoping to unite our forces to fight against the external enemy."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the many Beyond Grade A individuals present changed. Some suddenly realized, some were surprised and uncertain, and some were as expected.
Many people had already vaguely anticipated this possibility, but they didn't show much reaction at the moment.
Manison's eyes flashed, and he slowly said, "These are the terms of the trade for our independent status from the Three Universal Civilizations?"
"That's right." Han Xiao nodded.
"How strong is this external enemy?" Kasuyi asked curiously.
"Due to some reasons, it's not convenient to reveal details at the moment, but overall it's very powerful..." Han Xiao briefly described the scale of the World Tree's influence.
After hearing the introduction, many people present looked at each other, frowned, and became wary of the formidable enemy described by Han Xiao.
"I never imagined that we'd be fighting alongside Three Universal Civilizations so soon."
"With such a powerful external enemy, can the Three Universal Civilizations win?"
Even if we manage to win, it will probably be a Pyrrhic victory.
Many people whispered among themselves, discussing the matter with concern.
Dilron frowned. "So, we still have to risk our lives for the Three Universal Civilizations?"
Han Xiao waved his hand, "It's just a transaction. Besides, we are also prey for external enemies, and our relationship with the Three Universal Civilizations is one of mutual dependence."
"Nonsense! The Three Universal Civilizations are too busy to help themselves. We can easily protect ourselves and leave. They wouldn't dare stop us at this critical moment. But if we stay and fight, wouldn't that be using our lives to maintain the rule of the Three Universal Civilizations?"
Dilron's tone was displeased; his hostility towards the Three Universal Civilizations was unwavering.
"If we join the war, I don't know how many people will die. Even if the Sanctuary Revival, I estimate..." Baigel hesitated, then stopped.
Most people are willing to fight the Three Universal Civilizations for the treatment of the Beyond Grade A because of historical reasons, but many are unwilling to fight for the sake of the Three Universal Civilizations.
The largest proportion of these were Revived who felt they could no longer enjoy the Sanctuary Revival and had lost their lives for the Three Universal Civilizations, which they found unworthy.
Protecting the people is not a consideration for some Beyond Grade A. After all, individual power is different from civilization. If one does not rely on the people to rise to power, then naturally there is little obligation to protect them.
Now that the problems of the Super A Tier have been largely resolved, many Revived have achieved their goals of returning to the scene, and their mentality has inevitably shifted to self-preservation.
Han Xiao took in everyone's expressions and said, "These are the terms of the deal. If you don't participate in the war, the agreement regarding the association's independence will be null and void."
Dilron scoffed, "Come on, it's not even certain whether the Three Universal Civilizations can win. We're risking our lives in this battle, but if Three Universal Civilizations lose, these agreements will be useless, and it'll be a huge loss for us... This is clearly a scheme to get something for nothing!"
"You're right, but everything has two sides. This is also an opportunity. Besides, we were born into an interstellar society. It's not time to abandon our homeland yet. Running away isn't the best option." Han Xiao shook his head.
"Okay, let's assume we defeat the enemy. But what if the Three Universal Civilizations take the opportunity to purge us again? Will we still have the strength to resist then?" Dilron questioned.
"Of course I've considered that. Don't worry, we won't be the main force fighting against external enemies. The Three Universal Civilizations will suffer even greater losses than us. The association will still retain enough strength, perhaps even stronger than it is now."
Dilron scoffed, "Easier said than done. I can't control what others do, but I'm not agreeing. You want me to fight for the Three Universal Civilizations? No way!"
Han Xiao ignored him and turned to look at the others, "So what do you all think?"
Listening to the argument between the two, the many Beyond Grade A showed various expressions; some were hesitant, while others remained calm and composed.
"Black Star is right. This is a deal with both risks and rewards. We are not fighting for the Three Universal Civilizations, but for our homeland. At least for me personally, I have grown accustomed to living here for so long, and unless absolutely necessary, I do not want to stand by and watch interstellar society be destroyed," Kant slowly stated.
Kasuyi nodded and said, "In any case, discussing escape before the war has even started is premature. I believe Black Star doesn't intend to fight to the death. If the situation is truly beyond saving, given his style, he won't lead us down a path of no return."
"That's exactly right." The Secret Master nodded expressionlessly.
Most of the Beyond Grade A outside of the Revived understood Han Xiao's actions, since not everyone is willing to abandon their hometown. Moreover, as a Beyond Grade A, even in the face of a cosmic war, one still has the confidence to protect oneself and is not in a state of panic. Being scared away by the enemy is not within the scope of most people's considerations; whether they can win or not can only be known after the battle.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao nodded to everyone, then looked at Dilron and the others, and slowly said:
"The war hasn't broken out yet, so you have plenty of time to consider. The association respects the opinion of each member and cannot force anyone to participate in the war... Of course, if you change your minds someday, I also welcome you to fight alongside us."
"Hmph, even if interstellar society is gone and I have no choice but to live in seclusion, I will not regret my attitude today!" Dilron snorted.
Han Xiao remained calm and showed no anger. Disagreements were normal, and he had already considered this point.
However, in his previous life, Explored Universe and the entire population was mobilized for war, which shows that most people were all talk and no action. Moreover, the Oathkeeper in his previous life persuaded many Revived to join the battle in the critical moment. Obviously, it was not just about reasoning with them. It is estimated that he used the Sanctuary Revival as a bargaining chip, which is why he was able to sway all the Beyond Grade A.
Once the truth about the Infinite Sanctuary Revival is revealed, he believes these aloof and war-avoiding factions will change their minds.
Han Xiao gave a series of instructions before announcing the end of the meeting. Everyone left with their own thoughts, except for Manison, who stayed behind.
"Is there anything you want to say to me?" Han Xiao glanced at him and asked.
With his hands folded in his lap, Manison said calmly, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Should we reconsider my approach?"
"What, you want to replace the Three Universal Civilizations?" Han Xiao asked with a half-smile.
"Is it not allowed?" Manison glanced at Han Xiao. "If we lose, then pretend I didn't say anything. But if we win, this is an excellent opportunity. It might be the weakest moment for the Three Universal Civilizations so far, and the Virtual Mutiny Virus we have can come in handy."
"You're still not giving up, and what you're plotting is even more outrageous." Han Xiao shook his head.
Manison remained expressionless. "Once the Three Universal Civilizations recover, they will still see us as a thorn in their side. As long as they are above us, we will never have true peace. Your strategy of checks and balances is effective, but wouldn't it be better to eliminate the threat once and for all?"
"It's too early to talk about that; let's focus on dealing with external enemies for now."
Han Xiao remained noncommittal and waved his hand.
For the citizens of interstellar society, it was an ordinary day, but on this very day, their peaceful lives were easily shattered by the interstellar decree jointly issued by the Three Universal Civilizations.
On this day, the Three Universal Civilizations announced that a powerful alien civilization was planning to invade interstellar society. Starting today, the entire universe will enter a state of war, and the Shattered World and other peripheral star systems will begin a large-scale relocation of their inhabitants.
This earth-shattering news swept through every star system like a hurricane. All interstellar citizens and civilian forces who saw the news could not believe their eyes and thought it was fake news.
But the actions of the Three Universal Civilizations afterwards proved that this was no joke. Large numbers of official fleets forcibly relocated people to various peripheral star systems. Civilizations in various places cooperated extremely well. Ship after ship of interstellar citizens of different races were packed and sent onto transport ships, heading towards the heart of the Explored Universe.
The recently renowned Beyond Grade A Association also issued a statement, confirming that the Three Universal Civilizations' claims were true and that they would unite to resist external enemies, beginning Infinite recruitment of superhumans from across the universe.
This series of actions occurred almost without pause, as if it had been planned in advance, and was extremely efficient. The tense atmosphere of impending doom instantly swept through the entire interstellar society.
There was no prior indication of this, and the situation came as a complete surprise, like a meteorite crashing into a calm sea, creating towering waves and causing an immediate uproar.
However, the characteristic of the interstellar age is that the people are used to all kinds of strange and unusual things, and their adaptability and acceptance are strong enough. Although the long period of peaceful life has slowed down the reactions of many people, the interstellar citizens generally accepted the fact that foreign wars were about to break out. They did not have time to think wildly and hurriedly made preparations.
Fortunately, the conflict between the Three Universal Civilizations and the Beyond Grade A Association in the recent past has given many interstellar citizens experience, and they have almost seamlessly switched to a refugee mentality without any hesitation.
Without the Three Universal Civilizations forcing migration, most interstellar citizens voluntarily left the peripheral star regions, forming a massive migration wave that blocked public stargates, allowing fleets to stretch to the ends of the earth, seemingly without end.
While relocating the population, the Three Universal Civilizations ' armies marched towards the outer star systems, requisitioning most of the areas and initiating war.
In daily life, all star systems are residential areas. However, in the event of an external war, the entire Explored Universe becomes a strategic depth in the eyes of the Three Universal Civilizations, and all star systems are war zones with different functions.