A colossal space fortress floats in space, surrounded by wormhole warp stations. Wormhole portals open and close from time to time, sending out fleets of ships.
Sibert Fortress, located in the Katte Star Cluster on the border of the Shattered World, is the strategic command headquarters of the Interstellar Joint Army in the Shattered World.
In order to fight against the World Tree Civilization, the Three Universal Civilizations established the Interstellar Joint Army during their preparations for war. They integrated the forces that Explored Universe and strategically divided the major star regions of the Explored Universe into numbered military regions, carrying out different degrees of modifications.
Over the past decade, the Shattered World has been completely transformed. The five border star clusters have been fortified and cleared of their natural defenses, leaving only countless defensive lines and outposts for mutual support, armed to the teeth.
Not only the First United War Zone, which Shattered World, but even the star systems in the heartland are prepared for war.
After all, the situation of the World Tree invading the territory is different from the Interception Circle War. During the Interception Circle War, because there was a large area of deep territory behind, there were limited concerns about the rear. But now, the Shattered World's rear is the territory itself, so there is no way to retreat and we have to be on guard. The pressure is completely different.
At this very moment, in the top-floor conference room of Sibert Fortress, countless people gathered together, their faces solemn. Among them were not only the commanders of various Interstellar Joint Army, but also some high-ranking members of the Beyond Grade A Association.
A 3D projection of a strategic star map Shattered World's borders floats on the table.
"According to reports from the front lines, the World Tree's vanguard is not far from the border of the Shattered World and is expected to reach the outermost defensive perimeter in ten days. All units are ready to engage. What are everyone's thoughts?"
As Simon spoke, he manipulated the star map, zooming in on the outermost region and marking each location in red, representing the areas most likely to suffer the first wave of impact from the World Tree.
Although the World Tree has only one directional coordinate, it does not follow only one route. It splits into a large number of vanguard teams that take different arcs and advance all the way, eventually invading the Shattered World from different directions. However, the Three Universal Civilizations had already anticipated this situation and had already made the Shattered World an impregnable fortress.
"We've been preparing for over a decade, all for this day. Let's fight."
"That's right. Everything that needed to be prepared and discussed has been done over the past ten years. Now it's time to see how we've achieved our results."
"The World Tree's current actions haven't deviated from our pre-planned scenario. We should just proceed according to the strategy and adjust accordingly once they actually invade."
Many officers spoke, their fighting spirit high.
Simon nodded, then turned to Han Xiao, "Lord Black Star, what do you think?"
Han Xiao rested his chin on his hand and pondered, "If we adopt a scorched-earth policy, the World Tree won't be able to snowball its power for the time being. Therefore, they won't be reckless and will most likely take a steady approach, establishing bridgehead bases in the border region, securing jump points, and preparing for a protracted war with us."
Compared to more than ten years ago, his appearance has not changed at all. With his Beyond God Grade lifespan, this amount of time cannot leave any trace on him.
"That's right," Simon agreed.
"So the time to test our endurance has come. A war of attrition is inevitable. It's a matter of who can hold out the longest and whether we get killed first or find the World Tree itself first." Han Xiao shrugged.
The reincarnation mechanism of the World Tree remains unsolved. Han Xiao feels that the Beyond God Grade should possess the power to attack Information State, but he has been unable to unlock it, which can only be attributed to the fact that certain prerequisites have not yet been met.
Over the years, the Secondary Dimension Expeditionary Army has made some progress. Although they have not found the World Tree itself, they have figured out the World Tree's sphere of influence in the Secondary Dimension and have had several encounters with its garrison.
Fortunately, with Harrison's aura protecting them, their coordinates were not exposed, and they escaped unharmed. However, their actions were eventually discovered by the World Tree Civilization, and currently, groups of their kin are extensively searching for the Expeditionary Army of the Three Universal Civilizations in the Secondary Dimension.
However, this was inevitable. The World Tree itself was protected by countless Families, who guarded it fiercely. The closer the Expeditionary Army got to the main body, the more likely it was to trigger the alert. It was practically impossible to find the World Tree was Pursuit all over the world by the World Tree World Tree Familia. In the end, Harrison was incredibly lucky and broke through the guard network, killing the World Tree in one shot.
"When does the Beyond Grade A Association plan to join the war?" Simon asked.
"They can join the battle at any time, but that doesn't include me." Han Xiao narrowed his eyes. "I won't make a move until the World Tree sends out its Tree King again."
His advancement to the Beyond God Grade was still a secret to the World Tree. He wanted to take this opportunity to launch a surprise attack and seal another Tree King. If he rashly showed himself to fight the minions, he would probably scare the Tree King into not daring to show itself, which would alert the enemy.
Before drawing out the Tree King, he didn't want to waste his powerful weapon on a mosquito.
With no objections, the meeting was quickly concluded after a brief discussion, and participants logged off to prepare separately.
Han Xiao turned off the remote projection and returned his gaze to the training base square. In front of him was a dense crowd of people, all of whom were gathered there, staring at him expectantly.
"As you all know, the World Tree is about to invade. The training camp will end today. It's time for you to put your skills to use."
As Han Xiao spoke, he scanned the crowd.
The high-pressure training over the past decade, coupled with my own guidance, has fostered a new batch of Beyond Grade A, a considerable number of over forty. Apart from the Exploration Era, there has never been a period in history where Beyond Grade A have been born so frequently.
Nearly half of them were members of the Black Star Army. Jotina successfully advanced, Ni Aotian also stepped into the Beyond Grade A half a year ago, and even Lagi, who was a lazy bum, successfully advanced.
Carrot had already advanced to Beyond Grade A, but Han Xiao didn't let him show himself. He was still undergoing special training, constantly accumulating insights, striving to re-trigger [Boundless Martial Arts] and quickly soar to peak combat power.
The trainees stirred for a moment, then suddenly, as if by prior arrangement, they all bowed to Han Xiao.
Regardless of whether they had advanced to Beyond Grade A, or whether they were legion members or possessed books, everyone present wore solemn expressions and said in unison:
"Thank you, Lord Black Star, for your guidance over the past ten years. We will forever remember this kindness!"
Regardless of Black Star's motives, they were well aware of the benefits they had received over the past decade, and their gratitude towards Han Xiao at this moment was genuine.
Han Xiao accepted it calmly, waving his hand, "Go report to the army."
The group bowed once more, boarded the pre-prepared spaceships, and transformed into streaks of light, disappearing from sight.
At this moment, Kasuyi stepped forward from behind and sighed:
"I wonder how many of these Calamity Grade seeds will survive the next time we meet."
"We gave them the chance, but they failed to get a ticket to the Sanctuary over the past ten years, so they can't blame anyone else."
Han Xiao shook his head.
Kasuyi nodded. "We should go report now. Remember to bring Aurora back; we won't feel safe without her."
"Knew."
Han Xiao nodded, watching the numerous Beyond Grade A Association members leave.
In contrast, many Beyond Grade A individuals were not particularly nervous, as they had the support of Black Star's Sanctuary Revival, which guaranteed their safety.
After more than ten years of training, many of the Beyond Grade A have made some progress. Han Xiao would occasionally spar with them and also glean some abilities from some of them.
After seeing everyone off, Han Xiao changed into the Sovereign and teleported to the Remnant Soul Terminus.
As soon as he arrived, Hila, Aurora, and Fording, who were in seclusion, noticed him.
"You've arrived?"
Hila stopped absorbing the soul fragments, and a strange, extremely powerful aura emanated from her body.
"You've made great progress over the years." Han Xiao glanced at her, a satisfied expression on his face.
The Remnant Soul Terminus is a training ground for Hila and Fording. After more than ten years of seclusion, Hila has successfully reached the Peak Beyond Grade A, which is considered a cheat-like speed in history. Her combat power has greatly increased, and she has firmly entered the first tier.
Fording absorbed an unknown amount of soul energy using the Soul-Switching Device, and steadily reached the High-level Beyond Grade A.
As for Aurora, she couldn't utilize the resources of the Remnant Soul Terminus, but she received special training from Hila, and her abilities improved. Although she couldn't compare to the two freaks, Hila and Fording, she was still quite good.
"You've come to take us back, haven't you? Judging by the days, the World Tree should be arriving soon." Hila's eyes flashed with a fighting spirit. "Finally, we can meet the Tree King."
Han Xiao ignored the battle maniac and turned to Aurora, saying, "You're our key figure, are you ready?"
"Don't worry, I won't fail this time!"
Aurora clenched her little fists, her face resolute.
Although she still vividly remembers that erotic dream, she has vowed never to fall for it again and cause heavy casualties to her companions.
Han Xiao smiled and ruffled her hair, then looked at Fording and nodded:
"You're already High-level Beyond Grade A. Using this power to activate the Soul-Switching Device is enough to cause widespread damage to members of the World Tree. You have a lot of potential in this area."
The Soul-Switching Device is a devastating weapon in large-scale battles, with power comparable to the Psionic Energy Wave. It is also an anti-military Noble Phantasm. When it is inconvenient for him to take action, Fording can replace him and cause widespread damage to countless fleet crew members.
"I understand." Fording stroked the mirror of the Soul-Switching Device and nodded gently.
Although he dislikes killing, he has different approaches depending on the situation. He will not hesitate to deal with invaders like the World Tree.
Han Xiao gave everyone a few instructions, then changed into another set of Sovereign and teleported to the Netherland. He immediately saw Evans and the Sorokin who was teaching him combat techniques.
Upon seeing Han Xiao, Evans immediately stopped practicing and went to greet him.
Han Xiao skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point. "The World Tree is attacking. You'll need to come with me to join them."
"Okay." Evans felt a chill run down his spine, but nodded steadily.
The Sorokin, hands behind his back, strolled over and said, "Don't die on the battlefield. I'm still waiting for you to fulfill my dream. The Sanctuary Revival is good, but once you die, your abilities will be lost, and you'll never be able to reach the Beyond God Grade. Don't blame me for abandoning you then."
"Don't worry, teacher, I won't die so easily in battle."
Evans answered solemnly, his tone conveying a calm confidence.
As the saying goes, "An elder in the family is a treasure." The Sorokin had roamed the universe for many years and had incredibly rich experience. With his knowledge and skills passed on to Evans, he had accumulated a wealth of combat techniques.
If Evans was merely an ordinary person wielding a gun when he first advanced and acquired the [Energy Manipulation] ability, now, after receiving the teachings of the Sorokin, he is like a top-tier soldier who has completed all the elite special forces courses, proficient in all weapons, and his combat capabilities have increased many times over.
After more than a decade of interaction, Evans had come to regard the Sorokin as his teacher, a title the Sorokin neither acknowledged nor rejected.
Come with me.
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, said nothing, and teleported away with Evans.
The Sorokin watched the two disappear, a faint smile appearing on his face.
The Three Universal Civilizations were making intensive preparations for battle. Ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and the World Tree Vanguard finally arrived at the border of the Shattered World, where they engaged in fierce fighting with the outer defense perimeter.
As the General Staff had anticipated, the World Tree invaded from different directions, but all were within the coverage of the defensive perimeter, with battles erupting simultaneously in multiple areas.
On all battlefields, both sides maintained restraint in their individual power. The Beyond Grade A groups of the Three Universal Civilizations only made a few probing attempts, while the World Tree Civilization never sent Beyond Grade A powerhouses to fight.
Learning from the experience of the Heart Tree King, the World Tree was extremely wary of Black Star, and did not use Beyond Grade A weapons in its first probing attack.
In their first clash in over a decade, the Three Universal Civilizations, having prepared for war for a long time, successfully dealt a heavy blow to the World Tree army, preventing the World Tree from setting foot on their territory. The two sides were locked in a stalemate at the border of the Shattered World.
Even after winning a battle, the Three Universal Civilizations felt no joy, because this was only the first wave of probing attacks. The World Tree had not expended much of its forces, and the situation remained dire.
Just as Han Xiao said, the World Tree was prepared for a protracted war. Its first task was to build a series of bridgeheads outside the borders of the Shattered World, amassed large numbers of troops, and keep a watchful eye on the situation.
Because the World Tree has been advancing all the way and has control over the jump points, the Three Universal Civilizations are currently unable to replicate the spatial anchoring orbits used in the Interception Circle War. They cannot drive away the enemy and can only defend their territories and withstand wave after wave of attacks from the World Tree. This is the future war situation, and it is a situation that the Three Universal Civilizations have long been prepared for, exchanging the strategic depth of the entire Explored Universe for time.