This proposal was very constructive, and the three leaders immediately took it seriously. After some deliberation, they quickly finalized a preliminary plan with Han Xiao and then ordered the strategic command to withdraw its orders to the direct forces of the Three Universal Civilizations.
The three's goal was to destroy the World Tree, not to deliberately turn against Black Star. Although they were unwilling that Han Xiao had subdued the World Tree and the Book Tree, dwelling on this point was pointless.
Mabrus and the others could only suppress their apprehension and wait to discuss a targeted plan later. In any case, they had no other choice at the moment. They couldn't really set aside their forces and start a second round of war with Black Star... Who won or lost was secondary. There might be a third party lurking in the shadows, watching them with predatory eyes.
--Even if we're going to turn against them, we should at least wait until they have a direct descendant Beyond God Grade. Urnos is their biggest hope; who knows, he might advance someday.
The Three Universal Civilizations' elite forces ceased firing, withdrew silently from the encirclement, and the tense atmosphere quickly dissipated.
The brief standoff between Han Xiao and the Three Universal Civilizations had left many soldiers of the Interstellar Joint Army bewildered. Realizing that the conflict between the two sides had resurfaced, they were extremely nervous, fearing that their recent victory would be followed by infighting and another major battle.
Seeing the two sides stop fighting, countless people breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a rollercoaster of emotions and a sense of emptiness. Regardless of any conflicts, the Three Universal Civilizations were the main force in resisting the World Tree, and Black Star was the hero who changed the course of the war. They were all meritorious contributors to the war. They had just joined forces to defeat the enemy, and now they had turned against each other in front of everyone. It was hard to accept, and no one wanted their joy to turn into sorrow.
However, the fact that the World Tree was not destroyed but subdued by Black Star has left many people with mixed feelings.
Although Black Star had made many contributions to the war, this last wave made them suspect that Black Star was using them to achieve his goals... Of course, Black Star may have had his reasons, but the impression he gave to everyone was still quite complicated.
However, no one dwelled on this point and quickly put it aside for the time being.
The conflicts between Black Star and the Three Universal Civilizations are squabbles between important figures, and it's none of their business to worry about them. At this moment, these frontline combat personnel only want to enjoy the ecstasy of victory and the relief of surviving a catastrophe.
"We won!"
May the Empire endure!
In an instant, cheers from countless soldiers rang out again in the combat channel, deafeningly loud.
Many officers did not stop them, allowing their soldiers to vent their emotions; in fact, they were also excited and couldn't help but celebrate with their subordinates.
On the other side, Han Xiao deactivated the Supreme Heavenly Venerate, withdrew his troops, bypassed the Three Universal Civilizations' direct forces that had given up their obstruction, and returned to the ranks of the Beyond Grade A forces. Numerous Beyond Grade A forces immediately surrounded him.
"That was close! I thought the Three Universal Civilizations were going to insist on their own way and risk starting a civil war."
The Sun Hunter wiped away a non-existent cold sweat.
Kasuyi casually analyzed, "No, they're quite sensible. We've clearly sided with Black Star, and Black Star has gained the military strength of the World Tree Civilization. The Three Universal Civilizations won't dare to act recklessly. They know what the outcome will be and won't seek their own demise."
"Speaking of which, Lord Black Star took too much of a risk this time. We didn't know your plans beforehand..."
Some people whispered among themselves, and many association members looked at Han Xiao with inscrutable expressions; these people were all unaware of what was going on beforehand.
Because there were spies within the Supercluster within the Association, Han Xiao was unwilling to leak the information beforehand. Therefore, he only explained his plan to subdue the World Tree to his confidants, such as Kasuyi. As for the rest of the Association, he told them that he was trying to prevent the Three Universal Civilizations from plotting against the World Tree and turning the tables on him.
So until recently, some association members were kept in the dark. Even if they had some suspicions, they had no concrete evidence. They could only follow the original plan, cooperate with their teammates to trip up the direct forces of the Three Universal Civilizations, buy time for Han Xiao, and create opportunities. They dared not act rashly.
To be honest, if Han Xiao had stated his goal of subduing the World Tree from the beginning, many Beyond Grade A felt that they might not have been willing to help him. They would probably have been more inclined to destroy the World Tree completely, just like the Three Universal Civilizations... After all, the World Tree is quite similar to the Netherland, but its power is even greater, and it can exert mind control over individuals. Even if Black Star is temporarily "one of us", who knows what the future holds?
What if Black Star's ambitions swell to their limit one day, and he wants to use the World Tree Devour everyone? Don't say it's impossible; holding a sharp blade in hand, the desire to kill arises naturally. Black Star didn't have this thought before, simply because he hadn't obtained the World Tree... Many Beyond Grade A have to consider their own safety from their own perspective and secretly feel apprehensive.
Seeing the complicated expressions on the faces of many Beyond Grade A students, Han Xiao didn't mind, smiled, and said:
"Everyone, please don't worry too much. My subjugation of the World Tree is for other reasons. One of my purposes is to use the World Tree's power to make the Three Universal Civilizations hesitant to act, thus consolidating the security foundation of our Beyond Grade A Association after the war. In this way, we can completely make the Three Universal Civilizations give up on suppressing us, and only then can we put aside all our worries."
Manison nodded slowly and echoed:
"This is similar to what I envisioned back then, except that we were too Wings and it wasn't the right time. My ideas were too advanced. Now, our power has expanded rapidly through war, and the time is ripe. The strategic significance of the World Tree is actually the same as that of the Virtual Mutiny Virus, except that it is more suitable as a strategic deterrent weapon, so that the Three Universal Civilizations will never dare to attack us again."
After saying that, Manison gave Han Xiao an admiring look, as if to say, "We really are the same kind of people."
He was also wary of the threat Han Xiao would pose once he obtained the World Tree, but if he were in that position, Manison would have made the same Choice. How similar was this situation to when he snatched the "Virtual Mutiny Virus" from the jaws of death? The only difference was that he failed, while Black Star succeeded.
Hearing this, even if some association members were unhappy, they couldn't say anything, mainly because the die was cast and there was no point in opposing it.
Seeing this, Aurora changed the subject, smiling as she said, "We won this war, everyone should be happy."
Upon hearing this, everyone relaxed and smiled... In any case, now was the time to enjoy the victory, and they still had to give the healer face.
"Finally, we've dealt with this formidable foe. We can finally take a vacation."
"Hey, these past few years have really worn me out. Don't wake me up until I've had a full month of sleep."
"We've weathered the tough times; a bright tomorrow awaits us."
The many Beyond Grade A, relieved of their burdens, felt completely relaxed and chatted and laughed with each other.
At that moment, someone remembered something.
"By the way, Black Star, when do you plan to revive the recently fallen Beyond Grade A enemies?"
In the past year of war, some more Beyond Grade A soldiers have died. Han Xiao hasn't had time to revive them yet, and their names are still hanging on the memorial tablet.
"Let's wait a while. I still have some things to do and can't leave for the time being, especially the matter of establishing a civilized regime... We have the right timing, the right place, and the right people. I've persuaded the Three Universal Civilizations to temporarily investigate the third party. Let's use this buffer time to have our people complete the final preparations for the association's transformation, and then we can achieve it in one step."
Han Xiao answered casually.
He used the technology of the Information State Warning Network to persuade the Three Universal Civilizations to search for third-party enemies. On the one hand, he did not want the enemies to continue to lurk and reap the benefits; on the other hand, he also temporarily shifted the focus of the Three Universal Civilizations to buy time for the final stage of preparations for the establishment of the association.
With two plans being implemented in parallel, killing two birds with one stone, things will keep us busy, and we'll have to act quickly on both. There's no time to delve into how to complete the Virtual Genesis for now.
However, when talking about the Sanctuary Revival, Han Xiao thought of the issue of iteration.
He had planned to reveal the Sanctuary's information to the Three Universal Civilizations at the appropriate time, and work together to study how to overcome the iteration. The timing wasn't right before, but now that the World Tree is in hand, and there is a real foundation of equal cooperation, this plan can be formally put on the agenda.
If I remember correctly, there should still be a related task in my panel.
Because of the World Tree's alchemical ability to transform matter, he no longer needs to worry about collecting materials for the Sanctuary Key and can generate new keys at any time. For him, most Sanctuary are like his backyard, which he can enter whenever he wants. Therefore, he is not afraid of the Three Universal Civilizations studying the Sanctuary together, as they do not have such unique advantages.
'This is a real dragon rush...'
Han Xiao was secretly delighted.
The World Tree mechanic, combined with the Sanctuary, offers unimaginably vast potential benefits; the two are a perfect match.
He secretly decided that once the situation had completely stabilized after the war, he would confront the Three Universal Civilizations Three Universal Civilizations work with them to study the Sanctuary.
Instead of letting these idiots waste their energy on dealing with them, it would be better to let them focus on figuring out how to handle the iteration problem, so as to avoid wasting resources on internal conflicts.
'To be honest, this really moved Galaxy...'
Han Xiao shook his head secretly.
We've really gone to great lengths for cosmic peace; it would be a shame not to reap tons of medals in the process.
At this moment, Ames leaned closer, her expression playful, a half-smile on her face, and said, "You've struck gold this time. The entire interstellar society suffered heavy losses in the war, trillions of lives perished in the flames, yet you've become the biggest beneficiary. What are your thoughts on that?"
"What, are you trying to awaken my sense of shame? You've got the wrong person." Han Xiao shrugged and said frankly, "I ended the war early, saving countless lives. The dead are gone, the living remain. You ask me what my feelings are? Of course, I have a clear conscience."
Ames shrugged. "Well, there's nothing wrong with thinking that way. After this war, you'll be in a very high position, you won't be as busy as before... How about you take some time to spend with me?"
Han Xiao was somewhat tempted and was about to speak.
But just then, Jotina suddenly appeared and interrupted with a cold snort:
"My Dragon Emperor, the Legion Commander doesn't have that much free time. You shouldn't keep bothering him; it will only annoy him."
Upon hearing this, Ames raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her. Jotina glared back defiantly, and their eyes met in mid-air, filling the air with a strong sense of tension.
Han Xiao sensed a murderous aura and couldn't help but twitch his lips. He quickly flew to the side, not wanting to get involved in the fight between the two women.
The two women stared at each other, one composed and calm, exuding an air of authority, while the other was aggressive, her eyes filled with obvious provocation. Neither was willing to back down, and neither cared that Han Xiao had run away.
"Sigh, it's all because I'm too outstanding..."
Han Xiao sighed helplessly.
He flew to the side alone, thought for a moment, and took out the Heart Tree King's Space-Time Amber.
After obtaining the World Tree, Han Xiao fully understood the mechanisms of the Tree King and Tree God, and discovered that the Ancestral Tree King had left him a mess.
The World Tree Civilization suffered a severe blow, with all its Beyond Divine Remnant Power burned away, its Grand Ranks shattered, its military strength greatly depleted, and its high-level combat power almost completely wiped out. It will take many years to recover.
However, Han Xiao didn't show any disdain. After all, if he hadn't beaten the enemy to such a miserable state, he wouldn't have had the chance to subdue the World Tree. He understood the principle that you can't have your cake and eat it too, and there was no need to be coy after getting the biggest benefit.
However, Han Xiao had an idea: if the timing and price were right, selling Urnos a Beyond Divine Remnant Power in the distant future was not out of the question.
Now, well, even if he wanted to, he couldn't. Old Wu has once again missed the chance to advance to the Beyond God Grade. Han Xiao can only say it's all a matter of timing, fate, and luck...
"The only intact Tree King Crown is now on the Heart Tree King, and this guy has become my last remaining seedling..."
Han Xiao shook his head and chuckled.
Although the members of the World Tree were brainwashed and pledged allegiance, they were not puppets without self-awareness. They had independent thoughts and their own lives. His takeover did not affect these things. To put it in an easier way, his control of the World Tree was equivalent to replacing the will of the Mother Tree with his own will. For the World Tree Civilization, the two were roughly the same.
Therefore, Han Xiao also needed to find someone to manage the World Tree Civilization. Due to the "waste" of the Ancestral Tree King, for a long time, the World Tree only had one Tree King qualification left, and the Heart Tree King was the best choice.
With this in mind, Han Xiao did not hesitate and removed the amber.
Smack
The Heart Tree King broke free from its seal, retreated swiftly without a word, and its entire body glowed as it prepared to self-destruct.
For years, while imprisoned in the Space-Time Amber, the Heart Tree King never stopped regretting his lack of decisiveness. He told himself countless times that as long as there was a chance to break free, he would immediately free himself.
Just as he was about to self-destruct, the World Tree's Psychic Network reconnected with him, and the information it transmitted made the Heart Tree King suddenly stop what he was doing, his expression turning one of utter astonishment.
"The World Tree Civilization... has been defeated?!"
He quickly received the information from the Psychic Network and finally understood the course of the war during the years he had been sealed away.
"The Ancestral Tree King, the Secret Tree King, the Anchor Tree King, the Tranquil Tree King... they all died, along with their Tree King Crown, and I became the last Tree King to survive..."
The once mighty World Tree army was swept away by wind and rain, all familiar colleagues were wiped out, and even the entire civilization belonged to someone else, with a new master above them... More than a decade has passed, and everything has changed.
For a moment, the Heart Tree King stood there, stunned, his heart filled with mixed feelings and desolation.
Han Xiao did not interfere with the Heart Tree King's reception of reality, and only spoke at this moment:
"You probably understand why I released you. I need you to help me manage the World Tree Civilization, which may not be a bad thing for you. As long as you do a good job, for a long time, you will be the sole Tree King, wielding absolute power. I will not interfere too much with your management; you will be second only to me, above billions of others."
The Heart Tree King snapped out of his daze, looked at Han Xiao, and his eyes were filled with complex emotions.
He never expected that upon waking up, the very person who had sealed him away years ago would become his superior. Due to the World Tree's mind control, the Heart Tree King was completely unable to harbor any hostility towards Han Xiao.
"... I understand, I will obey your will."
Heart Tree King sighed, bowed his head, and agreed; he had no right to refuse.
Han Xiao nodded, raised his hand and clapped his hands. The Heart Tree King transformed into a stream of green light, merged into his body, and returned to the Mother Tree World.
After finishing this task, Han Xiao glanced back at the jubilant crowd, smiled slightly, and without joining in, changed into his Sovereign and quietly disappeared from the spot.