January 1st, Galaxy Calendar 800.
Central Galaxy, New Century Planet.
Several months ago, in order to hold this celebration, the Three Universal Civilizations and the Book began to artificially modify this planet, transforming a desolate and barren planet into a celebration planet, named "New Century Planet" to commemorate the past hundred years, especially the victory in the World Tree War.
From space, a colossal building resembling a towering tower stands atop the New Century Planet, with an open-air plaza platform at its very top, serving as the celebration venue. Rows of floating seats are neatly arranged in a ring around the perimeter.
The sky was filled with countless spaceships, blotting out the sun, and numerous interstellar media outlets had arrived at the scene early.
This was also a full broadcast of all major star systems, but the number of viewers could not break the record because the war caused a lot of population loss. However, the ratings hit a new high, with almost every household staying in front of the television to watch the broadcast.
One after another, anti-gravity hovercrafts rose from the ground and flew to the venue. Invited guests took their seats one after another. Representatives from various civilizations, military heroes, and Beyond Grade A groups were basically big figures in interstellar society. As the guests took their seats and waited for the celebration to begin, the venue quickly became lively.
The Beyond Grade A people around him were chatting casually. Han Xiao didn't participate in the conversation. He casually took out his communicator and glanced at it. The interstellar media had already started broadcasting. The camera swept across the venue, and it seemed to know what the audience wanted to see. Every now and then, it would zoom in on his face, capturing his angular and masculine features in full detail.
"Tsk, always taking pictures of me, do you just like having your eyes popping out of your head?"
Han Xiao smacked his lips, completely unashamed.
Sitting to the side, Kasuyi nudged him in the waist with his elbow and chuckled softly, "Too bad, you haven't revived those fallen Beyond Grade A yet. They're going to miss this celebration."
"I did it on purpose. When we're paying our respects to the dead and everyone is observing a moment of silence, it would ruin the atmosphere if we saw that some of the victims were alive."
Han Xiao paused, his expression suddenly turning somewhat strange, and added:
"Besides, you wouldn't want to see Dilron speaking in this kind of setting, would you?"
"... That's true." Kasuyi shuddered.
Han Xiao shook his head and said nothing more.
Over the past six months, the Super Sanctuary has stabilized, and he has enjoyed a rare relaxing vacation. He is now in good spirits and has a great appetite.
Although this celebration ceremony was just a formality for Han Xiao, it was quite meaningful for interstellar society. It attempted to soothe the wounds left on interstellar citizens by the war and encourage them to look forward to the future. After all, normal people need a sense of ritual in their lives.
Before long, the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations arrived in person, and the venue gradually quieted down. The viewers watching the broadcast held their breath in anticipation.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Mabrus slowly walked to the podium, his expression solemn. He glanced around the room and began to speak:
"The universe is vast and boundless, dotted with countless unknown civilizations like stars, bringing vitality to this world that should have been lifeless. We are one of them, living in a corner of the universe, constantly multiplying and Tu Shu... In the past hundred years, we have experienced many hardships, from internal struggles and technological disasters to invasions by external enemies..."
Mabrus recounted a series of events over the past century, including the Crimson Tide, the Great Exploration of the Shattered World, the Intelligence Plague, the World Tree War, and so on. He reviewed these events, reflecting on the hardships and appreciating the present, and awakening many people's long-forgotten memories.
The past century has been a period of great upheaval, and Black Star is an indispensable figure in it. He has an extremely strong presence on the interstellar stage, and it seems that he has a shadow over most major interstellar events. The past hundred years are just like the history of Black Star's rise.
Many players watching the broadcast listened with great interest, and, recalling Meat Bun's "Black Star Army" video series, felt a sense of pride and strong immersion, as if they were actually there.
No matter how successful Black Star is today, in the minds of many veteran players, the image of Black Phantom from back then still lingers. He grew up step by step with their support and witness, just like a child they watched grow up, incredibly dear to them.
"... We have overcome everything in the past, and today, we have finally entered a peaceful new century. This is inseparable from the contributions and sacrifices of countless pioneers who gave their lives for our stable new life..."
Mabrus's face was solemn as he took out a prepared speech and slowly began to read it aloud:
"The Number One Legion of the Interstellar Joint Army, formerly the ' Iron Flag ' Fleet of the Crimson Dynasty, resisted the World Tree Civilization within the interception zone. A total of 8.8 million people perished."
"The 477th Legion of the Interstellar Joint Army, formerly the ' Glimmer ' Fleet of the Federation of Light, was engaged in battle against the World Tree Vanguard Force on the front lines of the Shattered World's defenses. Of its original strength of 11.2 million, only 4,003 remained."
"Interstellar Joint Army..."
Mabrus read aloud, his tone solemn, one shocking casualty statistic after another.
As the unit numbers of the fallen soldiers were listed one by one, the atmosphere among those present and the many interstellar citizens watching on the screen became solemn.
Many people only knew that this war resulted in heavy casualties, but they did not know the specifics until now.
After a few minutes of silence, Mabrus continued, posthumously awarding honors and medals to the fallen soldiers in a solemn atmosphere. Only after all the fallen had been honored did the atmosphere lighten and become more enthusiastic as the surviving heroes of the war were rewarded.
One by one, war heroes took the stage, and the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations were awarded medals in succession. Officers made up the vast majority of the medal recipients, while everyone in the Beyond Grade A group received one. Even former direct descendants of the Revived switched to the Super Sanctuary received different medals of honor. Even the Super Star Cluster Alliance had always been able to only watch the show, also received different medals.
The Three Universal Civilizations have shown their sincerity: today we will not discuss factions, but only merits, and treat everyone equally... except for Lagi.
Lagi originally wanted to improvise, but feeling Han Xiao's piercing gaze from his seat, he finally obediently recited the lines.
This segment lasted a long time, and finally it was Han Xiao's turn, as the last one to perform.
Mabrus coughed and said loudly:
"During the World Tree War, Black Star made countless contributions, providing us with a wealth of intelligence. In the end, he almost single-handedly turned the tide, reversing the unfavorable situation and giving us the opportunity to end the war sooner. His contributions are irreplaceable. All members of the Star Sea Civilization Council unanimously decided to award Black Star the Star Sea Medal!"
slap slap slap--
Everyone applauded enthusiastically. Black Star's reputation in the Order faction had skyrocketed, and almost everyone was genuinely congratulating him.
Black Star had already received one Galaxy Medal while dealing with the Intelligence Plague, and now he has received a second one... The Galaxy Medal is the highest honor in interstellar society, and in principle, it is not awarded a second time. However, Black Star is the only person to have received it twice, which has already made history.
But no one was surprised. Black Star deserved such an honor. Apart from the Galaxy Medal, no other award could match his contributions.
Amidst enthusiastic applause, Han Xiao calmly stood up and walked onto the high platform.
"Thank you for your contributions to interstellar society," Mabrus sincerely.
Louis and the leader of the Arcane Cult, both with serious expressions, patted Han Xiao's arms on the left and right to show their closeness.
Han Xiao wouldn't refuse to give them face in this situation, so he nodded in acknowledgment, accepted the Galaxy Medal from the Three Universal Civilizations, and casually pinned it to his chest.
As is customary, the recipient of the medal is required to give a speech. Han Xiao had already prepared a speech, which consisted of nothing more than polite remarks, something he was already quite adept at.
He walked skillfully to the podium, about to begin his speech according to the prepared script, when he suddenly paused.
Countless lights flashed before his eyes, and countless interstellar citizens watched him from behind the screen. The guests around him quieted down, craning their necks, their faces of different races filled with the same expectation and hope, holding their breath as they awaited his long speech.
Seeing this, Han Xiao was momentarily dazed. He looked down at the medal on his chest and subconsciously reached out and stroked it.
He hesitated for a few seconds, abandoned his lengthy speech, shook his head slightly, and said seriously:
"... I hope there will be no more wars in the world, and I wish for world peace."
There was a moment of hesitation in the room as everyone waited for Han Xiao to continue. But after Han Xiao finished speaking, he nodded slightly to the crowd, who then applauded him for a long time.
The ceremony proceeded step by step, and after Mabrus's impassioned "Looking to the Future" speech, the celebration finally came to a successful conclusion.
The entire interstellar society was filled with jubilation, as if their souls had been cleansed, and they were filled with new motivation for the future.
Several days later, in the joint conference room of the Three Universal Civilizations.
"The Star Alliance remains the same. According to those spies who were turned by Black Star, the Star Alliance leadership has complete faith in their intelligence and is extremely excited."
"However, we still need to be careful, lest the Star Alliance send out new spies, and then we'll be exposed."
"Yes, Black Star has already given the word. He said he'll be disappearing for a while to revive a batch of Beyond Grade A at the Sanctuary Revival. We need to be careful during this time and not let the Star Alliance see through our tricks."
The three discussed in hushed tones.
Black Star has gone to the Sanctuary and is temporarily unable to oversee the Super Sanctuary, but the three of them no longer have any other intentions towards him. Now they are only worried that Black Star's absence will cause the Star Alliance to discover their plan.
"After more than six months of recuperation, the army has recovered somewhat, but the loss of superhumans has been quite severe, making it impossible to compete with the Super Sanctuary. Alas..."
"But Black Star just said a few days ago that he's willing to develop the Sanctuary with us in the future. I don't know if he's lying or not."
The three were somewhat puzzled.
Black Star now holds the upper hand and his position is secure, so there's absolutely no need for him to share the Sanctuary information with them. It's unclear what Black Star is up to this time.
Mabrus hesitated, "I don't think it's very credible. The Sanctuary Revival is Black Star's most important trump card; how could he possibly share it... If he really did do that, he must have a bigger scheme."
Louis shook his head. "Let's not talk about him for now. Dealing with the Star Alliance is more important. Although they've fallen into our trap, we can't keep it a secret forever. The longer it goes on, the more suspicious they're likely to become. When do you think would be a good time to make our move?"
The leader of the Arcane Cult pondered, "War-weariness is high right now, and interstellar society cannot withstand another round of war. If we act rashly, the praise we receive now may turn into criticism... I think it's appropriate to wait at least three to five years until interstellar society is stable before taking action. Anyway, time is on our side, there's no need to rush. Let's wait until we recover our strength."
The three discussed in hushed tones when to launch a new war.
Two weeks later, in a deserted area somewhere in the Super Sanctuary.
Han Xiao floated in space, with no one else around him.
He has already made arrangements with the Three Universal Civilizations and the Super Sanctuary, and today he will step into the Sanctuary to begin his plan to gain access.
Within the inner space, the World Tree stirred slightly, transforming into a Sanctuary Key, which quickly ignited.
The next moment, a surge of light burst forth from his palm, shooting straight out and transforming into Sanctuary gate in the cosmic space before him, slowly rotating.
"Hopefully this plan will work..."
Han Xiao steadied himself, flew inside, and his figure was gradually swallowed by the light.