The Three Universal Civilizations wouldn't deliberately publicize the failure of the interception zone, but the truth couldn't be hidden forever. As the forces of the major powers withdrew from their Explored Universe, this bad news quickly spread throughout the interstellar society that was constantly monitoring the war situation, immediately causing widespread panic.
For more than a year, the refugees who had migrated from various places to the Central Galaxy became accustomed to the reports of the interception circle successfully blocking the World Tree time and time again, which provided some comfort. This made many people feel that the forced refuge was worthwhile, and they had come to regard the interception circle as a "frontier" to block the enemy.
As long as the interception zone exists, they feel safe, believing that this barrier can keep the World Tree at bay and prevent the war from spreading to their homeland.
However, now that this barrier has been breached by the enemy, the people's confidence has been eroded, and the chain reaction is astonishing. It has not only caused panic and fear, but also caused the trust between the Three Universal Civilizations to plummet rapidly.
In the eyes of interstellar citizens, the Three Universal Civilizations are almost omnipotent "kings." However, even with such powerful rulers joining forces, they still suffered a defeat against an external enemy. Although there are many factors involved, in the eyes of ordinary people, it is like a mathematical equation where 3 is less than 1, symbolizing that the Three Universal Civilizations are no match for the external enemy!
Many people are willing to accept forced relocation and refuge because they believe that the Three Universal Civilizations can eventually repel the invaders. But if the Three Universal Civilizations cannot defeat the invaders, are they really safe staying in the Central Galaxy for refuge? Or are they just waiting to die?
This idea spread rapidly through the minds of interstellar citizens like a virus, nurturing emotions such as unease, panic, and fear. Even with the continuous efforts of the public opinion management departments of the Three Universal Civilizations, the rampant emotions were like a flood that had burst its banks, and it was not so easy to rein in them.
Immediately, unrest broke out.
On numerous refuge planets, cases of civilians seizing ships and fleeing have frequently occurred. Some people are no longer willing to trust the Three Universal Civilizations, feeling that staying is tantamount to waiting to die. They are trying to "save themselves" before external enemies attack, hoping to escape the Explored Universe boarding spaceships and become exiles in space.
The refugees, who were originally docile and accepted the control of the Three Universal Civilizations, suddenly developed a collective resistance when their lives were in danger, making management much more difficult. The Three Universal Civilizations had to devote more energy to appeasing and suppressing the refugees.
Chaos ensued.
In the past, the external enemies came fiercely and attacked from multiple angles, leaving the people with no choice and no way to retreat. Now, the Three Universal Civilizations have time to prepare for war, and the people have also been given room for choice. There are advantages and disadvantages, but at least it is impossible to achieve a state of universal conscription as easily as in the past.
The headquarters of the Beyond Grade A Association, on Planet Fein.
Due to the large-scale deployment of the Three Universal Civilizations armies, numerous Beyond Grade A forces have changed the location of the association's headquarters. This planet, located in the center of the Shattered World, has been relocated to the Black Star territory.
Since a large number of Beyond Grade A rushed to the front lines, the Beyond Grade A Association has been at a standstill. Now, Han Xiao and other participants have returned to the association, and a general meeting has been held again after about a year.
In the round table conference room, many association members gathered together. Compared to the full seats before the battle, many seats are now empty, each empty seat representing a sacrifice.
"... Specifically, it will take at least eleven years for the World Tree to invade the mainland and reach the borders of the Shattered World..."
Han Xiao spoke in a low voice, relaying the results of the Three Universal Civilizations ' war conference.
Hearing this information, all the Beyond Grade A present wore stern faces, their hearts heavy, and the atmosphere was serious and solemn.
"Eleven years, that's too short..."
One of the Beyond Grade A couldn't help but speak up, his tone filled with worry.
This amount of time is fleeting in the eyes of Beyond Grade A, and even on the time scale of an ordinary person, it is less than a generation.
The World Tree's astonishing offensive in breaking through the interception circle left a deep impression on the participants. The thought that the endless green tide would soon invade their homeland, like a calamity that devours everything, gradually covering the entire Explored Universe, made everyone subconsciously tense and extremely wary.
Kasuyi tapped the table, encouragingly saying, "Look on the bright side, we still have at least eleven years to prepare. In the past year of fighting the World Tree, we've also discovered many of our own shortcomings, which we can use as an opportunity to improve."
Knowing the truth about the Sanctuary and the iteration, he has always been a staunch advocate of war, and is another pillar of support besides Han Xiao.
But after he finished speaking, many of the participants did not respond as they had in the past, but remained silent. Naturally, the members of the anti-war association, who were already divided, did not show any support.
Dilron rested his elbows on the table, taking in everyone's expressions, and let out a mocking sneer.
"Tch, I told you long ago that your attitude would change after you experienced war. Now you know I was right, right? Look at you guys, how full of enthusiasm you were when you set off, and now? You've all been driven back by the enemy, looking utterly defeated! So many association members lost their lives, and in the end, we still couldn't stop the enemy's advance. Tell me, what's the point of all these people sacrificing themselves? They just wasted our only chance for revival."
Upon hearing this, most of the participants clenched their fists or claws, clearly enraged, but not one of them uttered a rebuttal.
In fact, Dilron's words resonated with them. In the interstellar battlefield with a scale of hundreds of billions, many people felt their own insignificance. Seeing those Beyond Grade A big shots who usually wielded great power in interstellar society die one after another, the belief of others in participating in the war became increasingly shaken.
Seeing this, Han Xiao frowned and spoke in a deep voice:
"Alright, shut up. At least our cooperation with the Three Universal Civilizations delayed the World Tree's invasion of our homeland by a year."
"Ha, a mere year..."
Dilron curled his lip, unconvinced, but dared not say another word under Han Xiao's intense gaze.
Han Xiao stopped looking at him, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and slowly said, "Regardless, these eleven years are the final preparation period, and we cannot waste them. I will unconditionally lend you the Evolution Cube and a series of Universal Treasure to enhance your strength. Others who possess similar Universal Treasure should do the same. You have all been in the position of 'interstellar bigwigs' for too long. Some of you have not made any progress for a long time and have neglected your training. I suggest that everyone start special training, and become stronger as much as you can."
"How will the special training be conducted? Who will provide the training?" Kohler asked curiously.
Han Xiao pondered:
"The Peak Beyond Grade A from each system serve as mentors, imparting their experience and guiding the training path. As the chief instructor, I coordinate all special training programs, aiming to improve individual strength on one hand and practice joint combat tactics on the other."
Furthermore, everyone undergoes real combat training, so there's no need to worry about injuries; Aurora will handle the healing. In peacetime, as representatives of individual strength, we don't have frequent opportunities to fight. But now is not the time to worry about face or prestige; we must strive to improve our combat capabilities. Real combat is the best way to achieve this. Winning or losing isn't important; perfecting our own abilities is the key."
He did want to improve the average combat power of the Beyond Grade A group, but on the other hand, he also felt that this was a good excuse to frequently spar with others, and maybe he could gain more abilities.
Upon hearing this, the crowd hesitated for a moment but did not object.
At this moment, the Secret Master spoke in a deep voice:
What if the Three Universal Civilizations ultimately lose?
Han Xiao lowered his eyelids and slowly said:
"... I promise you all, if things become impossible, I will not ask for anything more. I will definitely lead everyone away from the Explored Universe and into the endless Galaxy. Therefore, these eleven years will also be a time for us to transfer the resources of our Beyond Grade A forces and prepare our escape route."
Han Xiao did not believe that the Three Universal Civilizations could definitely defeat the World Tree. Now that the timeline is different, whether they can find the World Tree itself is a complete mystery, and the probability is unknown. If they cannot find it, the Three Universal Civilizations have almost no chance of winning. He also made the worst-case scenario plan and prepared to arrange a way out for the association in advance.
If the Three Universal Civilizations truly perish, he will abandon this place without hesitation; the universe is vast, and there is nowhere he cannot go.
The meeting lasted for a while before everyone dispersed, each with their own thoughts.
Once everyone had left, Han Xiao finally breathed a sigh of relief, took out his communicator, contacted the Oathkeeper, and inquired about the progress of collecting the Sanctuary Key. Naturally, the First Sanctum was the top priority, as its time flow was the most similar.
However, the Oathkeeper replied that they had not yet gathered all the materials and would need to wait some more time.
"We hope to start the second phase of recovery as soon as possible; the fighting spirit of the association members has wavered."
Han Xiao thought to himself.
Many Revived feel they have used up their only chance for recovery and will no longer be needed, so they are disobedient. Now, it is urgent to correct these people's thinking with the truth. Only by demonstrating their indispensability can we Infinite amplify our voice and make the Beyond Grade A group rely on us more and do whatever we say.
At the same time, the two sisters walked out of the venue one after the other.
Suddenly, Hila stopped in her tracks. Aurora was looking down, seemed not to notice and bumped into her back. Only then did Aurora come to her senses and raise her head blankly.
"What's wrong with you lately? Ever since the mental seal was broken, you haven't been behaving properly. You're often spacing out and daydreaming, just like during the meeting earlier."
Hila turned around, frowning as she looked at Aurora seemed dazed.
"I..." Aurora clenched her small fists, bowed her head deeply, and hesitated, "I was just wondering, if I were much stronger than I am now, would these things still have happened?"
"Oh?" Hila raised an eyebrow but did not answer.
Aurora pursed her lips and muttered to herself:
"Black Star said that my current level is far from being able to unleash the true potential of this ability. If I become stronger, I can summon more Netherland Heroes at any time. If I become stronger, I can resist this mind seal. If I become stronger, so many comrades won't have died in battle..."
As she spoke, her voice grew increasingly dejected, filled with deep self-reproach.
"It's all because I'm not strong enough!"
Hila watched her quietly, waiting until she had finished venting her emotions before speaking expressionlessly:
"Yes, it's because you're not strong enough! They're all trying to comfort you, saying it's not your fault, but in my eyes it's your problem. If you were at the Peak Beyond Grade A, the losses in this battle could have been avoided!"
Upon hearing this, Aurora twisted her fingers, feeling even more ashamed.
After becoming Beyond Grade A a few years ago, she no longer had to be controlled by Black Star and Hila, and her heart became wild. She felt that she could finally be as free as a fish in the sea and as unrestrained as a bird in the sky.
With her own special abilities ensuring her survival, the powerful spirit of the Netherland she inherited, the adoration of a large number of association members, and even life-saving equipment provided by Black Star, she was born with various trump cards and became complacent, ceasing all targeted training.
It wasn't until she suffered this setback that Aurora regretted not training harder in the past few years.
Aurora up and stared directly into Hila's eyes, bit her lower lip, and made up her mind:
"Sis, can you help me with special training?"
Hila's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile of satisfaction, then she straightened her face and said calmly:
"Then you'd better be prepared, I won't hold back."
Secondary Dimension World.
This is a space filled with black liquid, like the deep sea where you can't see your hand in front of your face.
A fleet is moving slowly forward, like a fleet of submarines.
This is one of the earliest Secondary Dimension Expedition Team sent out by the Three Universal Civilizations. After a year of trekking, they have already penetrated deep into the Secondary Dimension and are far removed from the shallow layers controlled by the Three Universal Civilizations.
At this very moment, in a simple single room in the living quarters of one of the warships, Harrison was pacing anxiously back and forth, muttering to himself:
"In the main universe, the World Tree has already broken through the interception network of the Three Universal Civilizations. If we don't speed things up here, the enemy won't be able to invade our homeland for long... So how exactly can we find that thing that Lord Black Star mentioned?"
Due to poor communication in the Secondary Dimension, the expedition team was unable to maintain stable communication with their home base and could only report the situation occasionally. During the last intelligence exchange, Harrison's expedition team learned that the interception zone had been breached, which made him anxious.
After more than a year of searching, the expedition team found nothing, not even a trace of the World Tree Force.
Secondary Dimension are endless, with new dimensions being born and old dimensions being destroyed every moment. The positional relationships between Secondary Dimension are unpredictable and constantly changing. Without specified coordinates, finding things is far more difficult than in the main universe.
"The odds of success are too low by relying on luck like this. When will we finally find a clue...?"
Harrison clenched his fists, his heart heavy with the thought of his homeland being threatened by invaders.
Lost in his emotions, Harrison failed to notice a huge, shadowy figure swimming past in the dark depths outside the porthole. It was almost indistinguishable in the darkness, and strangely enough, even the fleet's multi-function radar alarms failed to detect it.