Han Xiao's remote projection descended upon the conference room. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the upright postures of the numerous leaders of the supercluster civilizations present. He couldn't help but chuckle and joke:
"Everyone, what were you talking about just now? The atmosphere was so tense."
"We're naturally discussing how to deal with the World Tree's invasive actions," the Star Arc leader said in a deep voice.
"Is that so? But as far as I know, the World Tree Civilization's army doesn't seem to have harassed your territory much; most of your troops are still on standby." Han Xiao shrugged.
"The entire interstellar society is united in its hatred of the enemy, acting as a whole. If other regions are attacked, it will also affect our safety. Under the premise of ensuring national security, we will naturally lend a helping hand." The Star Arc leader spoke with righteous indignation.
Han Xiao's expression became subtle. "It's quite peculiar to hear you say that."
"The World Tree has invaded; we are already in a precarious situation." The Star Arc leader nodded, his tone solemn, feigning sincerity.
That's the best way to think about it.
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, knowing that the Star Arc leader was mostly just saying things to appease him, not from the bottom of his heart.
A leader of a supercluster nearby coughed, took over the conversation, and asked:
"Lord Black Star, did you come to us this time to discuss the World Tree invasion?"
Han Xiao glanced at him and nodded. "You could say that, but I mainly came for you."
The group exchanged glances, Star Arc leader pondered, "I hope you can be more specific."
Han Xiao raised his arms, crossed them, and casually said:
"The World Tree's invasion is a fait accompli, but how much do you know about the reasons behind it?"
"We don't know the details very well. The World Tree was originally kept outside the borders of the Shattered World by the Three Universal Civilizations, and the situation was very stable. But the enemy suddenly launched a full-scale invasion. They must have obtained our regional intelligence through some means, but we don't understand how they did it." The Star Arc leader frowned and shook his head.
"I can tell you the inside story. This was not the World Tree's initiative. Someone deliberately leaked information about the Explored Universe and daring to collude with the enemy. This behavior is like opening the country's doors and inviting the World Tree in to burn, kill, and plunder!" Han Xiao's tone turned serious.
As soon as the words were spoken, the expressions of the many high-ranking members of the Super Star Cluster present changed instantly, their eyes revealing surprise, horror, disbelief, and other emotions, as they were shocked by the news.
The Star Arc leader's eyes flashed with shock. He emphasized his words and asked again, "You mean, there's a traitor within interstellar society?!"
"Not bad." Han Xiao nodded slowly and said softly, "We are still investigating the traitor's identity."
A slight commotion broke out in the room as everyone whispered and discussed among themselves.
The Star Arc Civilization was also quite puzzled, muttering to itself:
"The ability to successfully deliver intelligence to the World Tree must indicate considerable technical skill. Why would they choose to betray us in such a critical situation...?"
However, he suddenly stopped halfway through his sentence, abruptly raising his eyes to look at the expressionless Han Xiao with surprise and uncertainty.
Many high-ranking officials also suddenly came to their senses, realizing Han Xiao's true intentions, and their expressions changed drastically.
Wait a minute, Black Star came to our door at this time and deliberately brought up this topic. Could it be that he thinks we are the traitors who leaked information?!
Admittedly, our Super Star Cluster Alliance has always been at odds with the Three Universal Civilizations and is the prime suspect, but this matter really has nothing to do with them!
"You're doubting us?!" The Star Arc leader's eyes widened.
Han Xiao looked around, but instead of answering directly, he summoned a virtual screen and said to himself:
"According to the information I found, more than ten years ago, you initiated a project called ' The Great Migration.' The specific content was roughly to take advantage of the war to move all your people and resources out of the Explored Universe and find new land. However, executing this plan requires a specific opportunity; only when the Three Universal Civilizations are locked in a stalemate with the World Tree will you have a chance..."
Before they could finish speaking, the expressions of the many high-ranking members of the Supercluster became even more solemn.
They considered their plan quite secretive, ostensibly gathering people and resources for the sake of the war, and superficially possessing a reasonable and disguised motive. At most, people would think they were leaving themselves an escape route in case of failure, and generally wouldn't suspect that they planned to flee at the last minute.
"You already knew... No wonder, with your abilities, it wouldn't be difficult for you to find out these things if you became suspicious of us." The Star Arc leader was taken aback, but considering Han Xiao's abilities, he accepted reality and said helplessly, "So you think we deliberately provoked the World Tree's full-scale invasion to disrupt the situation and facilitate our retreat?"
"What do you think?" Han Xiao tilted his head.
Upon hearing this, everyone knew that Han Xiao had probably come to demand an explanation, and they all felt a chill run down their spines.
The Star Arc leader gritted his teeth and said, "I know you think we have a motive, but we didn't do it. We are not traitors who leaked information!"
Although they wanted to flee, they didn't want to be blamed and become traitors. Otherwise, if the Three Universal Civilizations were to target them, the "Great Migration" plan would inevitably encounter many setbacks, and the Three Universal Civilizations would never allow them, as "traitors," to escape so easily.
"What evidence do you have to prove that you didn't do it?" Han Xiao's tone was neither happy nor sad, making it impossible for anyone to discern his emotions.
Upon hearing this, the Star Arc leader's mind raced, but he was in a state of utter confusion, unable to think of any reason... to prove that the matter was unrelated to them. How much evidence would be enough?!
However, before he could answer, Han Xiao pressed on, continuing:
"Perhaps this wasn't your intention, but can you guarantee that none of the civilized families here were involved?"
The Star Arc leader was taken aback, his expression shifting rapidly. He knew Han Xiao was right. He could only guarantee that he was not a traitor, but he couldn't guarantee that other supercluster civilizations weren't making any underhanded moves.
He slowly turned his head, his eyes filled with inquiry, and looked at the other alliance members. They understood his meaning and began to speak.
"It wasn't me! I didn't do it!"
"It wasn't me either; I have no knowledge of this!"
Soon, the Star Arc leader's gaze turned to the last person. He remembered that during a meeting some time ago, it was this supercluster leader who suggested helping the World Tree, making him the most suspicious.
The leader of this civilization immediately flew into a rage, "What are you looking at me for?! I didn't do it! We all share the same fate; I wouldn't stoop so low as to ignore the collective interests of my alliance!"
The Star Arc leader gritted his teeth, turned to look at Han Xiao, and said, "You see, this has nothing to do with us..."
Han Xiao didn't speak, but tilted his head and looked at the Star Arc leader with a strange expression, as if to say, "Are you kidding me?"
Seeing this, the Star Arc leader fell silent, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.
He also knew that if he asked around like this, no one would admit it. It would be ridiculous and unconvincing if everyone denied it. No one would know whether the alliance members were lying.
However, the Star Arc leaders were very clear that regardless of whether it was done by members of the Super Star Cluster, they could not admit it, otherwise they would be confirmed as "traitors".
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes and emphasized, "Don't say I didn't warn you, I'll give you one more chance... Are you sure you didn't do it?"
The Star Arc leader was sweating slightly, his tone tinged with urgency as he said, "Black Star, we don't have any evidence yet, but we really didn't do it."
"Okay, then I believe you."
"I hope you won't jump to conclusions. If you keep watching us, it might actually allow the real traitor to escape. I..." The Star Arc leader started to say, but then suddenly realized what he was saying and raised his voice in surprise, "Wait, you believe that?!"
He had just racked his brains, preparing to use his words to persuade Han Xiao, but before he could even use them, Han Xiao changed his tune, leaving him somewhat stunned, as if he had stepped into thin air.
But at this moment, Han Xiao spoke again, slowly and deliberately. "However, it's useless for me to believe you; the Three Universal Civilizations need to believe you. You have to find a way to prove your innocence."
"You mean..."
"Of course, we'll stay and fight hard." Han Xiao spread his hands and said, "Think about it, the Three Universal Civilizations are currently suspecting a traitor. If you leave, you'll confirm your status as traitors. The only way is to abandon your so-called migration plan and focus on fighting the World Tree. Only in this way can you clear your name."
Upon hearing this, the eyes of many leaders of the supercluster civilizations narrowed.
The Star Arc leader frowned, but remained calm, and slowly said, "Lord Black Star, perhaps this is your true purpose?"
He wasn't really stupid; he immediately realized Han Xiao's true objective for this trip.
There are priorities. The Super Star Cluster Alliance doesn't want to be seen as traitors, but the relocation plan is more important. They won't abandon the relocation just to prove they aren't traitors.
Even the Star Arc leaders were still somewhat suspicious that the so-called traitorous suspicion was just a threatening excuse that Han Xiao came up with after discovering their migration plan.
Han Xiao didn't take it to heart, chuckled lightly, and casually said, "Hehe, I know what you're thinking. Traitors do exist, and the Three Universal Civilizations do suspect you. However, I never thought you were the traitors in the first place."
"Why do you think that?" the Star Arc leader asked, somewhat curious.
"We've known each other for decades, and I'm fairly familiar with the style of your current leadership. Given your situation, the possibility of you daring to collude with the enemy is actually quite low. However, due to past history, you are the prime suspects. This seems like a frame-up, and my intuition tells me that this matter has little to do with you... Of course, this doesn't mean you're not a suspect, and I can't confirm whether you're doing the opposite."
Han Xiao did not intend to eliminate all the pressure on the Super Star Cluster, so he did not reveal the third party exposed by [The Bold Explorer], but only inferred from their personal names that their suspicions were limited.
In reality, Han Xiao knew that the Super Star Cluster Alliance would not easily give up the relocation plan. His purpose in coming here was to have an open and frank discussion. However, by using the pretext of being suspected of being a traitor and adopting an attitude of interrogation, he was merely trying to take the initiative and make the Super Star Cluster Alliance nervous and understand their situation.
"It seems that even with the favorable situation ruined, you have remained rational and not blinded by anger." The Star Arc leader nodded, his mood somewhat complicated. "I truly knew nothing about the traitor, but it's impossible for us to abandon the migration plan and stay to fight. Since you've found the information, you should know the significance of this plan to us."
Han Xiao hummed in agreement and said, "The existence of the Three Universal Civilizations has limited your development ceiling. For many years, they have been using various excuses to suppress you and prevent you from entering the era of technological explosion. Meanwhile, the top talents and resources of interstellar society have flowed into their pockets. With continuous accumulation, the gap between you and them is widening..."
"Indeed! Back when the Exploration Era War had just ended, the Three Universal Civilizations established order, but they didn't yet have the strength to crush all other civilizations. But now? So many years have passed, and they enjoy the best resources and reap the greatest benefits of development in the entire interstellar society. There's already a generational gap in technology between us... We still have some ability to resist, but the longer it goes on, the greater the gap will become. Sooner or later, we will completely lose the right to challenge the Three Universal Civilizations and can only become vassals."
"A leader of a supercluster said in a deep voice, his tone tinged with helplessness."
The Star Arc leader nodded and added, "It is precisely because we see the distant future that we must seize the opportunity to resist and constantly seek opportunities to change our fate. The Shattered World was an attempt, but it failed. This migration is a better opportunity, and we will not give up."
"I understand your demands, truly... but with all due respect, your actions are nothing more than a slow death. Your so-called 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold' mentality is merely superficial; you think leaving the war zone will ensure your safety. In reality, you have nowhere to escape. After the World Tree destroys the Three Universal Civilizations, it will inevitably find you. They possess extraordinary abilities in the realm of Information State..."
Han Xiao explained in detail the World Tree's Information State abilities to track its prey, ensuring everyone present understood the true situation. Then, he paused and continued:
"Therefore, your only way to survive is to stay and join us in destroying the World Tree Civilization... It's a very simple choice. This way, your development may not be as free, but at least your civilization can continue."
The leaders of the numerous superclusters exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a mixture of belief and skepticism, and whispered among themselves.
The Star Arc leader pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "You've gone to great lengths to get us to commit our troops to the battlefield, even personally acting as an envoy... Let's assume what you've said is true, but I have a concern that I need your explanation."
"You say."
"Do you think the Three Universal Civilizations will let us off so easily?" The Star Arc leader leaned forward, firing off a barrage of questions. "Let me put it more clearly, if we defeat the World Tree and regain peace, how can you guarantee that the Three Universal Civilizations won't settle scores afterward? How can you guarantee that they won't label us 'traitors' again and use that as a pretext to attack us?"
Everyone stared intently at Han Xiao, their gazes piercing.
This wasn't the first time the Three Universal Civilizations had used fabricated charges against them, so the Super Star Cluster Alliance had no hope of clearing their names. Whether they were "traitors" or not depended on what the Three Universal Civilizations said. If they were later labeled as "collaborators," they would have almost no chance of recovery and might even face annihilation.
"Regarding this..." Han Xiao stroked his chin and said calmly, "If we win this battle, and you haven't migrated away, I can stand on your side and prevent the Three Universal Civilizations from using such methods. Furthermore, I will try my best to help you break through the long-standing development restrictions imposed on you by the Three Universal Civilizations, so that you can have the opportunity to develop freely without abandoning your homeland."
"You?" The Star Arc leader narrowed his eyes. "You may have such power, but why are you doing this?"
"Don't forget, war is a major reshuffling. The post-war order and ecosystem will inevitably be overturned. The Three Universal Civilizations will be weakened and no longer able to restrain us. This is a great opportunity for change... In addition, helping you is also helping myself. Without the invasion of external enemies, we are all thorns in the side of the Three Universal Civilizations. We have a lot of room for cooperation."
Han Xiao said slowly.
The Star Arc leader remained unmoved and said calmly:
"That sounds good, but how can you guarantee you won't back out like before? You know, your reputation isn't exactly stellar."
"I don't need to make any promises to anyone." Han Xiao didn't even bother to respond, casually saying, "I'm just telling you which path is a dead end and which is a path to survival, helping you analyze the pros and cons, and providing you with a better option, but I can't make decisions for you after all."
"... What if we don't accept your suggestion?" the Star Arc leader asked in a serious tone.
"If you insist on going your own way, I will express my regret. Losing the Supercluster's armed forces will put us under greater pressure and result in more severe casualties, but our chances of winning will still be very high."
Han Xiao stroked his chin, paused, and said softly:
"As for you... what happens to deserters who flee the battlefield? Do I need to elaborate? With me here, I can find you no matter how far you run. Don't blame me then; I've given you a chance."
Everyone's expression changed, realizing the blatant threat in the voice.
"Black Star!" one of the leaders of the Modo Civilization shouted, annoyed. "We know you are powerful, and no one may be your match in individual strength, but do you think you are truly invincible after reaching the Beyond God Grade? Do you think you can influence the collective decisions of so many civilizations with just your words?!"
Han Xiao shook his head and said frankly, "No, there is no such thing as true invincibility in the world. So-called invincibility is only invincible within the current technological level and environment. The world is constantly evolving. As times change and civilization progresses, more new technologies will emerge. Perhaps one day, the principles behind all the Cosmic Wonder will be discovered, and even the Beyond God Grade will no longer be unsolvable. It may even be possible to mass-produce Beyond Grade A and Beyond God Grade beings. Individual achievements that seem incredible now will eventually be replicated by collective civilizations, causing a fission effect."
Everyone was slightly taken aback. They thought Han Xiao would refute them, but instead he agreed with their statement. For a moment, they didn't know how to respond. They thought Han Xiao was trying to ease the tension and retract his earlier threat.
However, the next moment, they realized they were wrong.
Han Xiao scanned the crowd, his tone changing as he coldly said:
"But those are things that might happen a long time from now, at least in the foreseeable future... I am an unsolvable problem! You can take my words as a threat, or as an ultimatum, but you'd better watch yourselves and not make any choices that will disappoint me, or I won't hesitate to wipe out the civilizations of everyone here. At that time, you will know that I am more dangerous than the World Tree!"
After he finished speaking, everyone in the room fell silent.
After a while, the Star Arc leader seemed to have made a decision and slowly spoke:
"If the situation is as you say, we can temporarily suspend the relocation plan and commit more troops to the war. However, if the losses are too great, we will definitely relocate and withdraw, and no amount of threats from you will change that."
Han Xiao's expression returned to calm, and he nodded.
"That's enough. I hope you won't go back on your word. I'll be keeping an eye on you."