The musicians began to play, and the party officially started. The guests, each with their own interests, dispersed in twos and threes, finding more private spots to discuss business.
Heber led several guests up the stairs, while nearby, Krent, a high-ranking official, also pulled a few people up the stairs from the other side.
Seeing this, Han Xiao narrowed his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.
"The Tyrant and the Krent are allies, but he has secretly sided with the Crimson Dynasty. Perhaps the Krent have also become friends of the Crimson Dynasty, and even earlier than the Tyrant. After all, the Crimson Dynasty's priority in winning over the forces of the Shattered Star Ring should be cluster-level civilizations. The Krent were won over first, and then the Allied War Realm was recommended. The Tyrant's introduction of the envoy to the Dragon Emperor and the Sorcerer likely means the Krent sent him to communicate with Beyond Grade A powerhouse..."
Han Xiao's mind raced. So, among the seven star cluster civilizations of the Shattered Star Ring, the Krent Empire had likely already sided with the Crimson Dynasty.
Connecting to the plot of the previous life, the main storyline of version 3.0 [Crimson Tide] is that the expansion of the Crimson Dynasty has caused turmoil in all star fields, including the Shattered Star Ring. However, much of the chaos was not directly caused by the Crimson Dynasty, but rather by the forces in each star field themselves.
At the time, the players were unaware of the inside story, but now, Han Xiao has connected the two... Perhaps the forces causing trouble in [Crimson Tide] are all acting on the orders of the Crimson Dynasty, deliberately creating chaos in the interstellar landscape.
Heber did not introduce Suy to all the guests, probably because the Crimson Dynasty did not want to be too high-profile. Perhaps they would only privately meet with representatives of some powerful forces, just like yesterday's Beyond Grade A meeting.
"A storm is brewing..."
Han Xiao silently shook his head. According to his calculations, the impact of the Crimson Dynasty's actions would not be immediately apparent in version 2.0. The most likely scenario was that it would gradually occur over the course of the 2.0 update, eventually evolving into version 3.0 [Crimson Tide].
We're still in the early stages of version 2.0. Apart from players on Planet Aquamarine, players on other newbie planets are still playing in the mud. There are still several years until the version update, so the possibility of a major event happening during this time is very low.
The original main storyline for players on Planet Aquamarine was the conflict between DarkStar and Goddora. However, DarkStar has collapsed, and its own Black Star Army has become the new main storyline for players. The plot has become a semi-free exploration mode, so players will not encounter any major events in version 2.0.
This is the best time to develop your faction.
As Master Han was pondering, Rosoth approached him.
"Black Star, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Lord Rosoth, what suggestions do you have?"
Han Xiao snapped out of his reverie, smiled slightly, and nodded in greeting.
Rosoth habitually rubbed his messy little tentacles under his chin and said, "I'm interested in investing in Dragon Calm and your Black Star Army. Perhaps we should discuss the terms of our cooperation in detail."
Han Xiao's eyes lit up. Wow, he was lucky! Another one was coming to give him money!
Looking back, Ames did not object and instructed Han Xiao Quan. Han Xiao then pulled Rosoth aside, and the two discussed the details.
Before long, the two quickly finalized the investment plan, which was similar to the terms of the Noriosse Financial Group. The consortium would provide resources to Dragon Calm and the Black Star Army in the long term in exchange for other returns.
Investing in armed forces has always been a significant investment for large conglomerates, and Rosoth was no exception. After finalizing the details, he left satisfied.
The formal contract and payment would be sent after the gathering. Han Xiao was quite pleased, as this would give the Black Star Army another sponsor, which would greatly help the faction's development. The Noriosse Financial Group and the Rosoth Financial Group were, for the time being, the Black Star Army's financial backers.
"Black Star."
Just then, someone called to him from the side.
Han Xiao turned his head and saw that the person speaking was none other than Austin, who had come to him with a group of followers of Forbidden Sorcerer.
"Your Sorcerer, what brings you here?" Han Xiao's gaze was quite solemn as he faced Beyond Grade A cultivator.
Austin didn't speak, but smiled faintly, opened his palm, and a deep blue light shone in his palm, turning into a vortex. Soon, the light disappeared, and a small gray ball appeared in his palm.
Han Xiao looked closely and saw that the small ball was not a solid object, but a cloud of gray mist that was churning and swirling, yet it was bound and compressed by some force, maintaining the shape of the small ball.
"This is..." Han Xiao was somewhat puzzled, unsure of Austin's intentions.
Austin toyed with the small ball of gray mist and slowly said, "Once, my spiritual body was traveling through a sub-plane of a phantom level when I encountered a powerful and eerie Void Archduke. It almost corrupted my spirit body, but I ultimately defeated it. This is the essence core left behind after that Void Archduke dissipated, and I want to give it to you."
Han Xiao was taken aback.
The core essence of the Void Archduke is an extremely rare item, and almost only mages can collect this material.
Traveling to lower planes is an ability possessed only by high-level mages, who often manage to acquire all sorts of strange and unusual items.
When it comes to unscrupulous merchants... cough, when it comes to production capacity, among the Five Superpower Systems, mages and mechanics are the most respected. And when it comes to collecting materials, mages may even be stronger than mechanics.
Mechanics are constantly bankrupt, while mages are the opposite—a class that can burn mana to make money at zero cost (enchanting), making them practically public enemies. The nickname "dog mage" isn't given lightly.
Han Xiao knew the saying that unsolicited favors were always suspicious, so what did Austin's sudden gift mean? Was he going to try and steal her away like Heber did? Heber took the direct route, so was Austin taking a more subtle approach?
Why give it to me?
"Because I think you probably need it more than I do." Austin winked.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao suddenly had a flash of inspiration.
By the way, Austin noticed when I applied the Observation Mark to Suy yesterday.
Could this be the reason?
"You're not a mage, yet you can wield void energy. It seems you were once corrupted by Void Gene. Most species corrupted by the void end up as monsters, but you've mastered it and turned it into your own power. You're quite lucky. In that case, the Void Archlord's Essence can enhance this power, giving you even greater strength..." Austin confirmed Han Xiao's guess.
Austin had no idea that Han Xiao had a player panel. In his opinion, Black Star could use void energy simply because he had been corrupted by Void Gene. And since the Floating Dragon Island happened to contain the remains of the Void Dragon Race, he assumed he had guessed what had happened and wanted to help Ames's cadre.
It was just a small favor for him anyway.
"..." Han Xiao could only cough and tacitly agree with Austin's statement, pondering silently.
He was already a Void race member. The Void Archlord's Essence could enhance the strength of his Void Gene and improve his attributes. Moreover, during the next racial ascension, he would have the opportunity to skip the next stage of the evolutionary chain and directly enter a later stage, where a more powerful Void species option would appear.
It is indeed very useful; it is a good item, and its rarity is such that it is priceless and unavailable for purchase.
"What do I need to give in return?" Han Xiao narrowed his eyes. Although he was tempted, he knew he couldn't accept something for nothing.
Austin possesses vast resources, Void Archduke's core essence is but a drop in the ocean, but he doesn't feel it's necessary for Austin to give it to him.
Even though Austin was helping her out of respect for Ames, Han Xiao was unwilling to rashly accept the goodwill of a complete stranger Beyond Grade A official.
My relationship with Austin hasn't reached the point where I can accept gifts without feeling guilty.
"This is for you, you don't need it, um..." Austin seemed to have thought of something, and suddenly changed his mind halfway through his sentence, "Perhaps one day in the future I will need your help, consider this as an advance payment."
"That sounds good, as long as it doesn't violate my stance and principles."
"Certainly."
Han Xiao nodded, took the core of the Void Archduke, and examined it.
[Void Archlord's Essence: The core of a higher Void life form, containing high-quality Void energy. It is extremely precious, and many mages will offer high prices for it. You can also give it to certain special characters to trigger quests, or even eat it, as long as you're not afraid of getting an upset stomach... Oh, I mean, being corrupted by the Void.]
Han Xiao put the items in his pocket, then nodded his thanks to Austin.
Austin smiled slightly, his face looking quite adorable, and slowly said, "Heber is a bit dim-witted, Ames doesn't care. I know your potential better than they do. Perhaps one day, you will break away from the Dragon Emperor and establish your own power. This star system hasn't seen a new legend for too long... I will keep an eye on you. Don't let me down."
Before Han Xiao could answer, Austin turned and walked away with the Forbidden Sorcerer.
Han Xiao's expression was strange.
Austin was approachable and kind, leaving a good impression on him. However, what he said at the end gave him a strange feeling of being in the presence of an elder...
During the gathering, the important figures present all had their own important matters to discuss, and the guests chatted enthusiastically. Occasionally, someone would approach Han Xiao to discuss a topic, but it was not frequent.
Aside from Rosoth and Austin, the other people who came to chat were mostly just small talk. Han Xiao was happy to have some peace and quiet. When no one was chatting, Han Xiao and Ames would enjoy food and drinks in a corner, chatting and laughing.
As time passed, the gathering gradually came to an end. Most of the attendees had obtained the information or cooperation agreements they wanted. Han Xiao also overheard some information that wasn't exactly confidential, but which ordinary people wouldn't be able to know. After all, everyone present was a big shot, and any information they casually revealed was of considerable value.
Meanwhile, in a private room upstairs, Suy, the special envoy of the Crimson Dynasty, had been secretly meeting with one important figure after another...