One day later.
A small, teardrop-shaped spaceship entered the Desolate Universe Belt from the direction of Planet Maixibo. Its appearance was peculiar, like a translucent, azure bubble without any metallic texture. This ship was Sisko's vehicle.
Sisko maintained his telekinesis, his full white beard moving without wind. In his perception field of vision, the coordinates of the Evolution Cube were still moving in the Desolate Universe Belt. Given the speed difference between the two, he would catch up with his target in another dozen hours.
"I wonder who intercepted my Evolution Cube halfway through..."
More than ten hours ago, the coordinates of the Evolution Cube paused for a period of time, and during this period, Sedim went missing. Sisko made more than ten communication requests, but no one answered.
Clearly, Sedim engaged in a skirmish with his target and was ultimately defeated.
Sisko was becoming increasingly interested in this mysterious intruder. First, the fact that the target could take down Sedim meant that he possessed the combat power of a high- Calamity Grade and was incredibly strong. Second, his origins were mysterious; the target suddenly appeared, stole the items, and ran away, proving that he had intelligence channels that knew what the shrunk version of the Evolution Cube looked like.
Based on these two points, Sisko believes that this intruder may be an accomplice of the Sorokin, a third party that learned of the Sorokin' plans through secret channels and intends to seize them, or an opportunist who discovered the opportunity through some kind of precognitive ability. He thinks the latter two are the most likely.
"Now that we've defeated Sedim, we should be able to extract most of the information about my pursuit, yet he's still on the run... Knowing the Evolution Cube is mine, he still doesn't intend to return it, wanting to keep it all for himself? Does he think he can survive in my hands?"
Sisko couldn't help but shake his head, mentally defining the intruder:
Another greedy person who values money over life! (https://m. hetushu. com)
This person is incredibly audacious! Doesn't he know how powerful Beyond Grade A is?
Facing pursuit from a Beyond Grade A opponent, it actually dared to try and swallow the Evolution Cube?!
Of the four Beyond Grade A powerhouses in the Shattered Star Ring, only he and the Dragon Emperor were the most low-key. Could it be that this guy thought he was easy to mess with because of that?
As the leader of a galactic civilization, managing a vast territory, Sisko had seen countless oddballs, but rarely such an arrogant fellow.
Sisko wasn't angry at being looked down upon. As a civilized leader who associated with learned scholars and avoided the uncultured, he had long since cultivated a calm demeanor. He just found it somewhat amusing.
For a very long time, no one has looked down on him.
Sisko's thoughts drifted away, and distant memories were stirred up. He remembered that the most humiliating incident that left a deep impression on him was hundreds of years ago.
Back then, the Beyond Grade A of the Shattered Star Ring were not the same people as now. I was still a young man, following my family conglomerate to manage businesses on the home planet of a star cluster-level civilization. However, because of my race, I was constantly subjected to contempt and harassment from those arrogant citizens of the star cluster-level civilization.
This was not an insult directed at him personally, but rather a contemptuous act of a more advanced civilization towards a less advanced one. Yet, it was more humiliating to him than any insult from others, a contempt for his proud lineage, and a wound to the most fundamental dignity of an entire ethnic group.
To this day, Sisko still uses this experience to spur himself on. That star cluster-level civilization is now the same civilization that can only watch helplessly as the Star Pupil Protoss rises, yet can only swallow its anger because of the existence of the Arcane Church.
If they hadn't stumbled upon the Evolution Cube in those ruins, the Star Pupil Protoss wouldn't have achieved their current glory.
Sisko cleared his mind of distractions, his gaze resolute.
The Evolution Cube must be retrieved!
Only in this way can his people continue to receive support from the Arcane Church!
Central Galaxy Region, Star Cluster Abyss, Mother Planet of the Federation of Light, Supreme Court of Judgment.
This is a circular platform with dozens of holographic virtual figures floating in the air above it, divided into two distinct factions, sitting opposite each other. On one side is the delegation of elders from the Federation of Light's Judgment Council, and on the other side is the delegation of imperial envoys led by the diplomatic ambassador of the Crimson Dynasty.
The two sides have been meeting for two consecutive days. In the past decade, nearly a hundred similar meetings have been held, with endless arguments on the same issue but no concrete results.
But this time it's different.
"Therefore, on behalf of the Federation of Light, I hereby declare this resolution to be incorporated into the final adjudication charter, and the meeting is now adjourned." The leader of the Federation of Light's Judgment Elders finalized the plan, bringing this ten-year-long agenda to a close.
The Crimson Dynasty's diplomatic ambassador, without a smile, nodded steadily.
The dispute, concerning the ownership of a major star system in the future, has dragged on for ten years. Diplomatic means have been merely an auxiliary negotiating tool, while the real source of leverage has been the countless military demonstrations, intimidation, resource inducements, political oppression, and Beyond Grade A deterrence employed over the past decade.
Having single-handedly unleashed a red Crimson Tide that swept across more than a dozen star systems for a full decade, the Crimson Dynasty has finally reaped the fruits of victory today, reaching terms that satisfy both sides and forcing the Federation of Light to compromise and concede.
At this moment, the leader of the Federation of Light's Judgment Elders suddenly spoke.
"What name does your Crimson Dynasty plan to give to that newly explored star system?"
The Crimson Dynasty's diplomatic ambassador spoke with an arrogant tone.
"We've already chosen a name. This new star system, soon to be incorporated into the Empire, will be called— Shattered World!"
Shattered Star Ring, Colton Star Cluster, West Wind Star System, Secret War Front.
Inside the massive Amethyst Satellite Fortress, the Section Zero forces, having just emerged from a bloody battle, are resting. Damaged warships are being sent to military factories for emergency repairs, and warriors from various factions are taking the time to rest and enjoy the assistance of their respective Logistics Department.
The Black Star Army warriors returned to their exclusive supply depot within the fortress, where they enjoyed significantly better benefits and treatment than other factions. NPCs and players mingled together at the supply depot, receiving resources and repairing their equipment.
The fortress was so crowded that it resembled a canteen during mealtime.
Frenzied Sword, Hao Tian, and their group squeezed into the team, took their equipment in for repairs, and then struggled to squeeze out again. They were punched a few times by someone in the team, and even lost a small amount of health from being squeezed.
"What are your plans for later?" Frenzied Saber asked, turning his head.
"The faction shop is having a discount on knowledge items lately, I'm planning to learn a few," Maple Moon said.
Hao Tian nodded, indicating that he would do the same.
Frenzied Saber then looked at Meat Bun, only to find Meat Bun looking dejected. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "What's wrong with you? Why are you so listless?"
Meat Bun sighed, "We've been fighting on the front lines of the Secret War for so long, and our mission ratings have risen several levels, but why hasn't Black Star joined the battle these past few months? I'm lacking materials."
Upon hearing this, Maple Moon also fell into a dilemma, "Yes, the battle is so intense, and the high-level combat forces in the War Realm have been too rampant these past few months. I keep getting killed by AOE attacks. If the legion commander were here..."
Li Ge suddenly popped her head out from the side, "That's what I think too."
Where did you come from?
Everyone immediately turned to look at him, and Hao Tian quickly pushed Li Ge back into the crowd.
Frenzied Saber returned to the topic, "Maybe this is intentionally making us do missions. Think about it, if Black Star comes, where will we get so many opportunities to fight? We might just be watching cutscenes every day."
Meat Bun got angry, "What I need are the cutscenes, otherwise I have no source material at all!"
The group shook their heads helplessly.
Not only Frenzied Saber and his group, but countless Legion players were equally curious.
Black Star, as the leader of the faction, did not participate in the Secret War, and there has been no news of him for the past few months, as if he had disappeared.
What exactly did Black Star do?
"... As I predicted, Black Star disappeared for several months and did not participate in the war during this period. Since the Amethyst forces lost Black Star's deterrent effect, our high-level combat forces achieved considerable results..."
On Planet Heber, Chief of Staff of the War Realm Jorde, is reporting the recent battle situation to the Tyrant.
Heber, as imposing as a small mountain, sat on his throne, silently listening to Jorde's report, resting his chin on his hand and nodding casually.
Seeing this, Jorde's tone became excited, and he continued, "Krent just brought new intelligence. Not long ago, the Crimson Dynasty and the Federation of Light finally reached a final agreement. The handover will take several months, after which the Crimson Dynasty will be able to deal with the issues of its various allies. As for dealing with the Secret War between Krent and Amethyst, that should take about half a year..."
"Oh?" Heber's tone lifted.
"This means the Secret War only has six months left, earlier than we anticipated," Jorde exclaimed excitedly. "We still control the border star systems of West Wind, Kaya, and Chaida. In six months, Amethyst will be powerless to turn the tide. Your Tyrant, we have already won; the outcome is decided!"
"... good."
Heber nodded slowly, thought for a moment, and then suddenly asked, "How is Black Star doing?"
"He disappeared for several months after I ambushed him, and I don't know where he is now." Jorde stroked his chin and pondered, "However, he also has access to information about the successful negotiations between the Crimson Dynasty and the Federation of Light. I think he's probably making arrangements for his escape route now."
"Set up an escape route?"
"Yes, Black Star must be aware of his situation. He needs to think about the aftermath of the war. He understands that he is no match for you. I think he might temporarily flee the Shattered Star Ring to save his life."
Heber shook his head. "He's not the kind of coward who would back down... Hmm, perhaps he'll enlist the help of the Dragon Emperor or the Amethyst Civilization to stop me."
Jorde nodded.
"In any case, killing so many of my men shouldn't go unpunished," Heber said slowly. "Krent got what they wanted, and I, too, need someone to set my example."
The Palace of Hidden Spells, the Palace of the Sorcerer.
In the main hall, Austin sat suspended in mid-air, expounding on magical theories, surrounded by mages of various races, who listened attentively to the Sorcerer's lecture.
"... Therefore, based on the errors in the third, seventh, and nineteenth loops, it can be determined that the thirteenth revision of the circuit foundation theory proposed by the Beyond Grade A powerhouse ' Holy Spell ' Mapeltiber hundreds of years ago has flaws. Alright, that's all for today."
The numerous magicians bowed and filed out, and soon the hall was empty, leaving only Austin alone.
Austin exhaled, raised his hand to take out a communicator from his dimensional magic pocket, and checked the backlog of information.
"Why is it all celebrity gossip? Hmm, this female celebrity is quite pretty, what's her name... cough cough, um, the situation in the Ancient Star Desert remains dire, hmm, more than a dozen civilization ruins have been unearthed in the Ancient Star Desert, sigh, it's truly heartbreaking... wait, the Crimson Dynasty and the Federation of Light have successfully negotiated?"
Austin was taken aback when he saw the intelligence report. He recalled the situation of the Secret War, and the scene of reminding Han Xiao a few months ago flashed through his mind.
After putting down the communicator, Austin stroked her smooth chin with her tiny hand.
"The Secret War is almost over, the real show is about to begin. I wonder what choice Black Star will make. I hope he won't disappoint me..."
Beyond the Shattered Star Ring Desolate Universe Belt.
Han Xiao landed with Sedim on a desolate planet. It was an extremely hot planet with cracked earth, from which scorching firelight emanated. Lava flowed across the surface, and Volcano erupted constantly. The surface was filled with large lava lakes and lava rivers.
"Let's choose this place." Han Xiao nodded secretly.
A day has passed since he captured Sedim. He has extracted information from Sedim and confirmed his guess that Sisko was able to locate the Evolution Cube.
Therefore, Han Xiao decided to take the initiative to choose a battlefield, conserve his strength, and prepare for the impending attack on Sisko.
After Phillip finished taking stock of Sedim's troops, he realized that the two sides had lost hundreds of thousands of mechanized soldiers in the battle, but had captured more than two million troops. In the end, he had made a considerable profit, which increased Han Xiao's confidence.
Of course, his greatest source of confidence was not these mechanized troops.
Just a few hours ago, the experience provided by the players finally filled the experience bar for level 240!
He descended to this planet to complete his long-awaited advancement to level 240.
Suppressing his excitement, Han Xiao turned and gave orders to the mechanical troops escorting Sedim.
"Keep him under control and don't let him run around."
"Yes." The combat-specific AI Sparta answered coldly, controlling numerous mechanical units, all cannons aimed at Sedim, ready to fire at the slightest sign of movement.
"Mmm--"
Sedim was bound by electromagnetic chains, his mouth was sealed, and his Esper Gene had been temporarily drained by Han Xiao. He was extremely weak and unable to move, only able to let out weak howls from his throat, clearly protesting in vain.
Abandoning Sedim, Han Xiao flew away alone, traversing thousands of kilometers, and randomly found a crack in the ground to disappear into.
He put away his mecha and walked directly through the magma in his physical form. With the blessing of the [Cosmic Environment Adaptation Physique] talent, he was able to withstand all kinds of harsh environments. The magma with a temperature of thousands of degrees was no different from bathwater to him... or even a cool bath.
"I wonder when I'll reach the level of a stellar bather Tyrant... Wait, why should a mechanic like me compare myself to a martial artist?"
Soon, Han Xiao crossed the underground lava river, went thousands of meters underground, and flew into an underground cavern.
"This place should be private enough; energy fluctuations will have a hard time spreading out."
Han Xiao was quite satisfied with this place.
Looking down at his robust physique, the runic magic circle tattoos that Lagi had sculpted made his body look like a work of art.
"Tsk tsk, so beautiful... Sigh, I used the Evolution Cube. I wonder if I'll turn into a monster like Sisko after advancing to Beyond Grade A."
Han Xiao removed the Evolution Cube, shoved it into the wall, rubbed his hands together, and then opened the panel.
"... bring it on!"
Taking a deep breath, Han Xiao's expression turned solemn as he poured all his experience into leveling up.
Straight to level 240!
Floating Dragon Island, the main island, the Dragon Emperor Palace.
A long black skirt trailed on the ground like a black peacock spreading its tail feathers. Ames strode down the palace corridor with her long, white, python-like legs, accompanied by Iso and Verna.
"Haven't you found them yet?" Ames asked in a hostile tone.
"No..." Verna said timidly.
"That bastard Black Star, where did he take my apprentice?!" Ames was furious.
A few months ago Hila and Aurora the mountain. She originally planned to secretly send people to protect them, but in the past few months, Black Star and the Hila sisters have disappeared and cannot be found at all.
"You're just worrying too much. There's no need to be. Black Star won't harm either of them."
Iso looked helpless. "It's fine if you want to teach your apprentices like me, but at least learn my carefree and irresponsible attitude too! How did you become such a disciple-obsessed person? You weren't like this before."
"Hmm? You think I'm an irresponsible teacher like you?" Ames raised an eyebrow and said quietly.
A huge wave of resentment washed over Iso as he wiped away cold sweat.
"Your Dragon Emperor, if you want to know the whereabouts of the Hila sisters, why don't you just let me ask Black Star?" Verna couldn't help but complain.
Ames glared at her. "If I were to rely on Black Star for everything, what would be the point of me forming this unit?"
Verna was speechless and could only lower her head.
It was Black Star who organized it... Iso shook his head helplessly, but he agreed with Ames's attitude. Dragon Calm still needed to cultivate its own intelligence channels, after all, Black Star might leave one day.
Just then, Iso paused and suddenly stopped.
Ames and Verna walked several steps before realizing that Iso had fallen behind. They turned back in confusion, only to find Iso standing there with his eyes closed and his brows furrowed.
"What did you foresee this time?" Ames asked curiously. Iso's supernatural ability would occasionally trigger automatically, giving him certain precognitive revelations.
Iso suddenly opened his eyes, his face filled with indescribable shock, his tone full of surprise.
"The fifth Beyond Grade A in the Shattered Star Ring... has been born!"