After being hit by dozens of buffs, Ames's anger gradually subsided. She then let out a cold snort and withdrew her powers.
Heber didn't mind; it wasn't the first time he'd had a conflict with Ames. He then turned and nodded to Suy.
"Well then, I'll be leaving now. I look forward to your decision." Suy understood, handed her contact information to Ames, smiled, and turned to leave the room.
Watching the envoy's retreating the Sight of Father's Back, Han Xiao suddenly hesitated.
Should we plant a spy on Suy? It seems like we could gain a lot from it.
He hadn't forgotten that today was just a private meeting before the official start of the gathering. It wouldn't be until tomorrow, when Heber introduced Suy to all the guests, that would be the time when undercurrents would be running.
The Crimson Dynasty will not directly seize territory. If they do, the Federation of Light will also react, escalating the conflict. Since it hasn't reached the stage of players tearing each other apart off the field yet, the Crimson Dynasty's efforts to win over the forces of the Shattered Star Ring are to increase the number of pieces it can use. It will use the starry sky as a chessboard and leverage these pieces to compete for interests.
By setting up an Observation Mark, one can see what the Crimson Dynasty is doing behind the scenes and how many forces have joined Crimson Dynasty ranks—this is invaluable intelligence.
However, although the Observation Mark was almost undetectable, even by Ames, there were two other Beyond Grade A beings present. It might be discovered, and the people of the Crimson Dynasty might have special methods.
"Hmm, let's give it a try. Even if we're discovered, it's not a serious problem. After all, he's trying to win us over, not our enemy."
Han Xiao thought for a moment, a gray glint flashing in his eyes, and then sent Suy an Observation Mark.
Ames and Heber were completely unaware.
Suy didn't react, left the room, and the door blocked his the Sight of Father's Back.
At that moment, Han Xiao suddenly felt someone watching him. He turned his head and saw Austin staring at him.
"Did he notice?" Han Xiao's heart skipped a beat.
Everyone has different abilities. Ames and Heber couldn't detect it, but Austin was a magician and was very sensitive to all kinds of energy. Although the fluctuations of void energy were very subtle, they did not escape his perception.
However, Austin didn't offer any words of advice. He simply smiled at Han Xiao in a friendly manner and then looked away.
Han Xiao didn't know what he meant, but keeping it to himself was actually beneficial.
"Is there anything else? I'm leaving."
Ames felt annoyed by Heber and didn't want to stay there.
"Wait a moment."
At this moment, Heber spoke up.
"Is there anything else?" Ames frowned.
"I've heard you've been expanding your influence lately; we could join forces," Heber said, softening his tone.
"Join forces?" Ames smiled smirked. "Do you think we have a good relationship?"
"I can let bygones be bygones regarding your past escapades on Planet Heber," Heber said.
"Then you should continue to pursue this matter."
Ames, too lazy to argue, stepped down from her throne and turned to leave.
Han Xiao, along with Hila and the other person, followed her out of the room.
Austin laughed. "Ha, Heber, she's getting more and more annoyed with you."
"It doesn't matter," Heber said dismissively.
"I thought you were going to ask for a marriage alliance again."
"Forget it, I doubt she'll agree this time either." Heber shook his head.
"Honestly, you're both strong-willed. If you want to win her over, you need to tone it down a bit."
Austin spoke with a playful tone; he was easygoing and got along well with both of them, knowing about Heber's past pursuit of Ames.
"I won't change because of any woman." Heber waved his hand.
He wasn't particularly obsessed with Ames. In the entire Shattered Star Ring, Heber believed that only Ames, who was also Beyond Grade A, was worthy of him and only she was qualified to be his spouse, without any romantic feelings involved.
If he could acquire Ames, his forces would have two Beyond Grade A powerhouses, which would be a huge boost.
Heber disdains deception and is too lazy to waste time. He has always been straightforward and makes no secret of the fact that his true goal in pursuing Ames is simply to form a powerful alliance.
Austin still remembers the scene when Ames flew into a rage when Heber first proposed, and he can't help but laugh whenever he thinks about it.
As Han Xiao and his group arrived at the palace entrance, they bumped into Kailo, who was just about to enter.
"It's you again."
This time, Kailo showed no sign of provocation. Unlike last time, he didn't fixate on Ames. His expression was calm, as if he regarded the group as mere passersby.
Ames glanced at him indifferently. Although she was unhappy, she couldn't do anything on the territory of the Tyrant and didn't want to pay any more attention to Kailo.
Just as they were about to pass each other, Han Xiao suddenly reached out and pressed down on Kailo's shoulder, gripping him firmly like an iron clamp.
Kailo turned around, puzzled, his expression displeased. "What are you doing?"
"I remember you said before that I was just your substitute?" Han Xiao narrowed his eyes, his expression malicious. "Since you call yourself my senior, why don't you give me some pointers?"
Kailo's expression changed. He thought the previous provocation was over, but he didn't expect Han Xiao to suddenly launch an attack a few days later.
Ames stopped in her tracks, looking equally surprised.
"What do you mean? You want to make a move here? This is Planet Heber!" Kailo's tone was threatening.
"Don't worry, I just want to spar with you and see just how good you are, you traitor."
Han Xiao chuckled, "The Tyrant's subordinates wouldn't be too afraid to accept the challenge, would they?"
"I understand, this must be what Ames meant."
Kailo thought he had guessed it; it must be that Ames had been humiliated and wanted to regain her face, which was why she instructed Black Star to challenge him. If it were just a friendly spar between executives, Heber wouldn't have said anything.
Ha, does she have that much confidence in this new cadre?
Kailo's expression turned cold. "Fine, I accept your challenge. I hope you don't lose too quickly."
War Realm is his domain, and he can command countless machines. Even though Black Star's reputation has been quite prominent lately, Kailo is not intimidated at all.
Kailo had heard about Ames ' new executives and wanted to know Han Xiao's full strength to see what kind of person Ames had found to replace him.
Moreover, his identity is sensitive; he now represents the Tyrant. Since Ames has instructed Black Star to challenge him, he cannot back down. Although Heber can protect him, given the Tyrant's personality, if he hesitates to fight, the consequences will be dire.
In the War Realm, cowards are most despised. Unless you're a warmonger, you can't possibly climb to the top ranks among the Tyrant.
Han Xiao's lips curled into a smile, and he suddenly said, "We're both mechanics, just sparring isn't fun, let's make a bet."
What are we betting on?
"How about we bet... five sets of mechanical blueprints? The loser must obey the winner and produce the blueprints the winner demands." Han Xiao smiled slyly.
Using blueprints as stakes... Kailo frowned. Blueprints were the lifeblood of mechanics, and it was quite common for mechanics to use blueprints as stakes among themselves.
"Okay." Kailo nodded.
Han Xiao's eyes lit up.
There are several reasons why he suddenly challenged Kailo.
Ames can't take action, but I can. It's a good opportunity to be a little high-profile and show off my strength. This will help improve my status in this circle and also give Ames a chance to vent her anger.
It would be beneath Tyrant to interfere in a friendly exchange between officials.
Secondly, he had been observing Kailo for the past few days and had roughly determined the opponent's combat strength. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. Moreover, he also discovered that Kailo had several good mechanical equipment. Han Xiao proposed the bet in order to win some of the mechanical blueprints.
He won't fight a battle that doesn't offer him any benefit.
The third reason, and the most important one, is that a new faction quest popped up on his panel:
[[Ames' Wrath]]
[Mission Brief: The traitor's provocation and the Tyrant's obstruction have all fueled Ames's resentment. As a member of Dragon Calm, you know what you need to do.]
[Mission Requirement: Publicly defeat Kailo]
[Rewards: 15 million experience points, +2500 to Dragon Calm faction relationship, +30 to Ames's favorability, +2 to Heber's favorability, +15 to fame]
[Failure penalty: Ames's favorability -20, Heber's favorability -5]
[Note: Different outcomes of this task will have different impacts.]