The World Tree Civilization boundaries, the assembly area of expeditionary forces.
Numerous wormholes exist throughout the starry sky, from which World Tree extend, and fleets continuously traverse and expand the Expeditionary Army, with a wide variety of warships.
Nearby stands a floating observation platform formed by gnarled, pale green roots, where the Tranquil Tree King and the Heart Tree King survey the Expeditionary Army's formation.
The Heart Tree King said calmly, "The high-level combat force dispatched this time includes Nine-Leaf Executive, seven high-ranking Sacred Tree Envoy, Thirteen Ancestral Spirits members ranked second to sixth, four military leaders, and other powerful individuals, totaling one hundred and seven people. Such a scale is enough to test the opponent's strength and see just how developed their individual power is."
"That's good." Tranquil Tree King nodded.
Hundreds of powerful World Tree warriors participated in the expedition. This was a lone force venturing deep into enemy territory with a low survival rate, but the Heart Tree King had already prepared for the entire group to perish when he sent them out.
Sacrifice doesn't mean giving up easily. Using high-level combat power to fight and exchange for resources is their consistent tactic when facing powerful enemies. When the enemy's high-level combat power dies, it's gone. But when their high-level combat power dies, it returns to its seed form and can be reawakened within its body after a certain period of time. This is undoubtedly a gain for the World Tree —using a war of attrition to gradually dismantle the enemy's fighting force, causing the balance of power to shift.
The World Tree has used this method to defeat one enemy after another, and it has been invincible so far. No one has been able to crack it yet, so there is no reason for it not to use it now.
The Heart Tree King turned to look at the Tranquil Tree King and said, "They're short of a leader. You'll come along this time too."
"Me too? Three- Lynn, Four -Anrein, and several military leaders are enough to command the troops. There's no need for me to take such a risk."
The Tranquil Tree King frowned. He wasn't too keen on participating in this expedition involving exchanging seeds. The experience of returning to seed form was uncomfortable, and a Tree King needed a longer recovery time than others.
The Heart Tree King shook his head. "Their information set hasn't been compromised by our intrusion. The Mother Tree's authority has difficulty penetrating the coverage area of their information set. It requires the Tree King's connection level to allow the Mother Tree's projection to descend, so you have to go."
"... good."
The Tranquil Tree King nodded, without asking why it wasn't one of the other Tree King who went.
Of the five Tree King, he is the only one who has no other skills besides fighting. From a pragmatic point of view, sacrificing him is the most cost-effective option, and he has long been accustomed to acting as the vanguard.
"You might encounter that outsider on this trip. You'd better undergo a baptism before setting off, otherwise you might not be his match," Heart Tree King advised.
"Then I'll go prepare."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Tranquil Tree King vanished.
Having received intelligence that the World Tree was preparing a full-scale attack, the Three Universal Civilizations reacted swiftly. The highest-level military orders were relayed level by level, like electrical signals traversing a neural network, controlling the limbs of this "giant" of a cosmic civilization. Each army group obeyed the orders and rushed to the front lines, as if clenching their fists to gather strength.
Every few minutes to every few hours, a fleet would arrive at the interception zone. In addition to drawing upon their own regular troops, the Three Universal Civilizations also recruited troops from other advanced civilizations, mobilizing the entire Explored Universe. As a result, the troop strength in the interception zone grew rapidly, with daily increases measured in billions.
Staying near the teleportation point, Han Xiao had seen almost every type of main warship from various civilizations over the past few days. The main warships of the Three Universal Civilizations, which were rarely seen in normal times, were all here. Each of the top-level main warships, representing the strongest units, stood out like a crane among chickens.
Meanwhile, the transport forces of the Three Universal Civilizations continuously delivered various stockpiled Universal Treasure. Equipment used for individual superpowers was temporarily lent to numerous Beyond Grade A, and even association members could allocate them as needed. Other strategic Universal Treasure were given to different fleets for use.
At the temporary base's observation deck, numerous Beyond Grade A individuals stood before the viewing windows, gazing at the scene outside.
The surrounding area had become a sea of warships, almost obscuring the starry sky. As far as the eye could see, it seemed that only the metallic hulls of countless warships remained. If the view were zoomed out, the scene resembled the gradually opening and closing scales of a giant beast.
"What a massive army! This is the first time I've ever seen anything like it."
Many people gasped in quiet amazement.
It's rare to see the Three Universal Civilizations mobilizing such a large force under normal circumstances. Internal conflicts don't reach this intensity, and only Exploration Era War can be compared to this.
For a significant number of people, this was their first experience of a cosmic war, and witnessing this scene gave them a new understanding of the mobilization capabilities of the Three Universal Civilizations.
Although they didn't know what the World Tree army looked like, many people were already invigorated just by looking at the military might of the Three Universal Civilizations.
"There's not much we can do in this level of warfare; our mission is to eliminate the enemy's high-level combat capabilities."
"Kasuyi said in a deep voice."
"The enemy has many high-level combatants, so it won't be easy for us. Given their style, they'll probably try to trade blows with us," a Beyond Grade A officer said worriedly.
"As long as you stay within my treatment area, I should be able to guarantee your safety."
Upon hearing this, Aurora interjected, her tone gentle.
"It's all up to you this time."
"Thank goodness you were here."
"Thank you for your help."
Many people quickly responded politely, their tone of friendliness approaching the maximum.
Based on the World Tree's mechanics, it's not hard to guess that the opponent excels at exchanging pieces. Everyone present knows that in this level of warfare, healers are the key to improving their survival rate. Many people gathered around Aurora like a support group.
Hila, meanwhile, watched coldly from the sidelines, surrounded by a desolate and lonely atmosphere, creating a stark contrast.
Ignoring the noisy crowd, Manison approached Han Xiao and said slowly, "Black Star, you seem a little nervous. Are you worried that your Undying Body won't be able to withstand this intensity of combat?"
Han Xiao turned around, looked him up and down, then poked the chest of the Manison Dominion clone, and said irritably:
"If you're so capable, come here in your true form and let me see if you get nervous."
"Ha, ridiculous. I'm not some oddball among mechanics like you. I never put myself in danger," Manison scoffed.
"Come on, if you're a coward, just say so. With your small frame, you still have the nerve to hang around in front of me."
Han Xiao expressed strong contempt.
Manison chuckled dismissively twice, paused, then suddenly stopped laughing and said in a low voice:
"You should know who the strongest being is on the other side of the World Tree."
"Yes, the most powerful should be the Ancestral Tree King, the leader of the Five Tree King."
"Can you handle it?" Manison asked curiously.
"This person is unfathomable; I'm not entirely confident either."
Han Xiao shook his head.
Among the five Tree King, the Tranquil Tree King, being a martial artist, is at the bottom, while the Ancestral Tree King is the strongest. Even in the fierce battles of his previous life, the Ancestral Tree King was a mysterious figure, rarely appearing and rarely making a move, as if he were detached from the war. However, the Ancestral Tree King's record was outstanding; all those who died at his hands were Peak Beyond Grade A opponents, none of them weak, as if ordinary opponents were not worth his attention.
At the same time, the Ancestral Tree King is the person with the deepest World Tree Connection, without exception. In a sense, he is the only "master" of the World Tree, and Han Xiao is not sure if he can defeat him.
"Even you don't have confidence...?"
Manison seemed lost in thought.
Just as Han Xiao was about to say something, his communicator suddenly vibrated.
The room immediately fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on Han Xiao. They all realized something, and their expressions gradually became solemn.
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes, took out his communicator and glanced at it. He immediately paused and took a deep breath.
"They're here."