A series of streaks of light flashed by, and a Black Star Army fleet appeared not far from Floating Dragon Island, with Han Xiao's vehicle at the forefront.
Aurora sat in the driver's seat, Han Xiao stood beside her with his hands behind his back, and behind them were Hila and a group of guards.
Dragon Calm now has three islands, and the Second Field Army guards Dragon Calm. Looking at the scenery outside the porthole, Han Xiao felt a little emotional.
"It's been a while since I've been back, and things have changed a lot. So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. I still remember what it was like when I first came to Dragon Calm..."
Beep beep...
Verna's face appeared on the communication screen, and she said bluntly, "Lord Black Star, Dragon Emperor Throne is waiting for you."
It seems she was prepared for me to come looking for her... Han Xiao nodded.
The Second Field Army cleared a path, allowing the Black Star Army's fleet to land at the Dragon Calm main island dock.
"The Guard Officer Unit, follow me. The rest of you, stand by."
Han Xiao gave an order, then led Hila and the others out of the spaceship and onto Dragon Calm.
Jenny and other cadres were already waiting at the dock.
"Lord Black Star."
The cadres from Dragon Calm nodded and saluted.
Although Han Xiao was once their colleague at the same level, Han Xiao has now become Beyond Grade A, and his status in the Galaxy far surpasses theirs. He is now a big shot on par with the Dragon Emperor, and they can only look up to him.
Even Jenny, who had a terrible relationship with Han Xiao, suppressed her emotions, lowered her head, and obediently bowed, showing utmost respect.
"I knew you'd come back sooner or later." Iso stepped forward from the crowd, his expression complex. "This day has finally come."
Han Xiao glanced around, his gaze sweeping over the faces of his colleagues before finally settling on Iso. He shook his head and said, "Didn't you already start preparing?"
"I just didn't expect it to be so sudden..." Iso sighed, turned around and walked ahead. "Come with me, Ames is waiting for you."
Han Xiao led his group behind Iso into the Dragon Emperor Palace. Upon arriving at the main hall, they saw Ames sitting on a floating dragon bone throne, her expression cold and unreadable.
"You've come, Black Star. I've been waiting for you," Ames said, as if she had expected it.
Han Xiao stopped a few dozen meters away, while Iso and the others who had led the way returned to Ames's side, clearly separated from Han Xiao's group, as if there was an invisible barrier between them.
Neither of them spoke immediately, and they just stared at each other in silence. The Black Star and Dragon Calm cadres around them swallowed hard, their hearts pounding.
Both sides' cadres were well aware of Han Xiao's purpose in coming this time. Seeing the tense atmosphere, they couldn't help but feel nervous, fearing that the two Beyond Grade A might start fighting over a disagreement.
The newly appointed Royal Guard Officer Hadavy, seemed unconcerned about the details, focusing intently on observing Ames with an eager expression, his warlike blood surging again.
After staring at each other for more than a minute, Ames looked away and gazed at Hila and Aurora behind Han Xiao, and said softly, "How have you two been these past few months?"
Aurora didn't dare to meet Ames's gaze at this moment, and lowered her head in shame.
"It's alright." Hila dared to look directly at Ames and answered.
Ames showed concern for her two apprentices, leaving Han Xiao standing aside. Han Xiao didn't mind and remained an observer.
After chatting for a while, Ames suddenly changed the subject, "You... you're all on his side?"
Hila and Aurora's expressions changed slightly, and the hearts of the others also skipped a beat.
Before they could speak, Han Xiao waved his hand with his back to the guard officer, "Hila, take them away first. Let me speak with Ames alone."
Hila secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't afraid of facing a powerful enemy, but she didn't want to face Ames, her teacher who had taught her for ten years. Being caught between Han Xiao and Ames put her in a very difficult position.
The Guard Officer Unit left with Ames' tacit approval. Seeing this, Iso, though unwilling, could only give Wilsander and the others a wink before leading a group of officers away.
Black Star's desire to establish his own independent entity was perfectly normal in Iso's eyes. If he were in charge, he would not only not stand in his way, but would also offer enthusiastic support. Unfortunately, Ames was the one in charge, and she had always been willful. Black Star was also one of her most trusted lieutenants. Iso worried that Ames's willfulness would turn a good thing into a bad one.
Only Han Xiao and Ames remained in the main hall. Ames manipulated the throne to descend, her feet touching the ground, her long black dress trailing behind her. She walked up to Han Xiao Han Xiao, her beautiful eyes fixed on him, her expression gradually becoming complicated.
When I first met you, I never imagined that one day you would be my equal.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao's eyes flickered slightly, and memories of their first meeting more than ten years ago resurfaced in his mind.
Back then, Ames was high above him, controlling his life and death. Compared to her, he was as insignificant as a speck of dust. But today, more than a decade later, he stands before Ames as an equal, upright and honorable person.
"Everything is in a state of development, and anything is possible." Han Xiao started with a statement of dialectical materialism.
Ames smiled gently, "I know that feeling. A long, long time ago, I never imagined I would one day become Beyond Grade A."
Han Xiao rubbed his chin but didn't say anything.
After a pause, Ames asked in a tone that suggested she already knew the answer, "What do you want from me today?"
There are three main things.
"Three items?" Ames raised an eyebrow. "What's the first one?"
Han Xiao took out the Evolution Cube. "This treasure is now in my hands. I'm going to let you and all the cadres of Dragon Calm enjoy the Evolution Cube."
Ames was somewhat surprised and didn't answer immediately. Instead, she asked, "And the second thing?"
"I request to break away from Dragon Calm and for the Black Star Army to establish its own independent entity," Han Xiao stated directly, without any hesitation.
"Hmph, so this is your main purpose today, isn't it?"
Ames gave a soft hum, not particularly angry. She had been mentally preparing herself for years, but hearing Han Xiao say it himself still made her feel a little uncomfortable. She asked expressionlessly, "I have a question for you."
"You say."
"Did you decide to leave me the moment you joined Dragon Calm?"
Ames stared intently at Han Xiao. Several years ago, when she visited the Black Star Army headquarters, she already knew that she was not suitable to be Han Xiao's leader. Now, she wanted to understand Han Xiao's thoughts all along.
"Yes." Han Xiao answered frankly. From the beginning, he had regarded Dragon Calm as a stepping stone, and even if it might anger Ames, he did not intend to lie to her.
"I guessed so." Ames shook her head, somewhat saddened. "For someone as talented as you, I'm certainly not a leader worth following."
She didn't realize this in the early days of the Black Star Army's development, but as the Black Star Army's prestige gradually replaced Dragon Calm's own, she increasingly felt that a legendary figure like Han Xiao was someone she couldn't control.
Ames no longer hesitated, nor did she attempt any futile attempts to persuade her to stay. She was not that fragile, and her tone was resolute.
"Alright, I understand. From today onwards, Dragon Calm is Dragon Calm, and the Black Star Army is the Black Star Army. You are no longer my subordinate."
The panel immediately responded, prompting him to leave the Dragon Calm faction.
Han Xiao let out a breath.
From this moment on, the Black Star Army no longer obeyed Dragon Calm and truly became an independent force.
Ames remained expressionless and asked calmly, "And what is the third thing?"
"I hope the Black Star Army will ally with Dragon Calm," Han Xiao nodded, "And I ask that you fight alongside me to deal with Heber and Sisko."
Upon hearing this, Ames's expression suddenly turned strange. She had heard about the recent sensational Beyond Grade A duel that had shaken the Shattered Star Ring, but what surprised her now was Han Xiao's behavior.
"Since you want my help, why did you start your own business first? If you had stayed in Dragon Calm, you know I would have helped you."
Han Xiao smiled, his tone nonchalant, "I know, that's why I gave you the choice."
Ames paused for a moment, then suddenly understood what Han Xiao meant, and her expression immediately became complicated.
In her view, if Han Xiao stayed in Dragon Calm, he could tie the two of them together and guarantee that she would help deal with the other two Beyond Grade A. However, Han Xiao did not use his status as a cadre in Dragon Calm to do so. Instead, he set up his own operation in advance and then asked her to help.
This means that Han Xiao did not want to use her. Otherwise, he could have used Longtan's strength to fight Herbersisco and overcome this difficulty before starting his own business, which would have been equivalent to squeezing out her value before leaving.
Before this meeting, Ames had considered this possibility. In fact, if Han Xiao had done so, she didn't know if she would have refused. The current turn of events was quite unexpected for her.
"Aren't you afraid I'll refuse?" Ames suppressed her inner turmoil and said calmly, "Fighting two against one will put your life in danger. Aren't you worried you won't survive this ordeal?"
Han Xiao smiled slightly, "I believe you won't refuse me."
Ames's face darkened, and she said coldly, "You are no longer my subordinate. I haven't even agreed to an alliance with you. Do you really think I care about you? Do you have some bargaining chip that I can't refuse, thinking you have me cornered? I understand, you want to use the Evolution Cube to persuade me. If I don't agree, you'll go back on your word?"
"Whether you form an alliance or not, my promise remains valid." Han Xiao shook his head. "This was the first thing I brought up before I left Dragon Calm. Providing you with Evolution Cube as a Dragon Calm cadre is not intended as a bargaining chip. You can consider it my compensation, a way to thank Dragon Calm for its care over the years."
Ames gave Han Xiao a strange look, sizing him up as if she didn't recognize him. "In my memory, you don't seem like this kind of person."
In her opinion, Han Xiao proposed these three things in the wrong order. He neither used her to deal with the Tyrant and others before leaving, nor did he use the Evolution Cube as a bargaining chip for an alliance. Instead, he used it as compensation for leaving Dragon Calm.
This is tantamount to abandoning the approach of maximizing profits and voluntarily handing the choice over to her.
"Why?"
Ames couldn't help but ask, as Han Xiao's performance this time almost completely overturned her image of him.
Han Xiao smiled.
"I just feel that there shouldn't be so much calculation of interests between us."
Ames paused, her breathing noticeably stopping for a moment.
After giving Han Xiao a deep look, Ames took two steps back and said calmly, "I don't know if you're being sincere or not, but whether you are or not... at least you're being honest."
Han Xiao smiled and nodded, saying, "It seems we've reached an agreement."
"I agree. I'll form an alliance with you." Ames' eyes flashed as she slowly said, "Besides, I've wanted to fight Heber again for a long time. Although you're a newly promoted Beyond Grade A, with your strength, I believe you won't be a burden."
"Haha, you're still the Ames I remember, making every decision so decisively." Han Xiao smiled and extended a hand. "Ally, please take care of me from now on."
Ames glanced at Han Xiao's hand, which was suspended in mid-air, and gave a soft snort.
"Hmph, they used to call me Your Dragon Emperor Throne, now they call me an ally."
Having said that, she raised her fair and smooth hand, and her sleeve slipped down to reveal her slender wrist.
Their two hands were clasped tightly together.
This scene seemed to freeze in time.
They shook hands briefly, then let go, Han Xiao's expression slightly strange.
When we shook hands just now, Ames seemed to throw a little tantrum and scratched his palm hard, but his physical defense is quite high, so he didn't feel anything. He wondered if it was a misunderstanding.
Han Xiao shook his head helplessly, glanced at the palace gate, and said irritably, "Still eavesdropping? Come in, all of you."
Hila, Iso, and the others emerged from behind the door, looking embarrassed.
Worried that the two would have a falling out, they hadn't gone far, instead secretly eavesdropping from outside the door. They were a little embarrassed when they were called in. In truth, their little actions were well within the perception range of Beyond Grade A expert, but Han Xiao and Ames were too busy talking to bother with it.
Seeing that the two had resolved the issue peacefully, the atmosphere relaxed, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Although the Black Star Army broke away from Dragon Calm, the two sides formed an alliance again and were essentially still on the same side. So the slight estrangement disappeared, and the cadres of both sides had a good relationship to begin with.
Iso was even more pleased that Ames hadn't lost her composure; this was the best outcome he had anticipated. The alliance between the two Beyond Grade A forces would give them a huge advantage in the Shattered Star Ring, which would benefit both sides.
"My prediction back then was right after all. With Black Star by her side, Ames will have an even brighter future..."
Iso nodded to himself. He had thought that Black Star would become Dragon Emperor's right-hand woman and help her reach new heights. The general direction was correct, but he had misjudged one detail— Black Star was not assisting Dragon Emperor, but rather acting as an equal ally, watching Dragon Emperor and helping her.
"Alright, since you're willing to fight alongside me, we need to discuss how to deal with Heber and Sisko," Han Xiao said.
"What are you planning to do?" Ames asked with great interest.
"They've challenged me to a duel for a while now, and I haven't responded. Now's the time. Since they're up to trouble, let's muddy the waters a bit more. You and I will jointly respond and make the Shattered Star Ring even more sensational."
Han Xiao's eyes flashed.
While we're at it, let's also release a statement declaring that the Black Star Army has become independent, removed the Dragon Calm label, and announce the alliance between the two sides.
This will surely further enhance my influence!
"I thought you would tell me to keep quiet and secretly go with you to give them a surprise." Ames glanced sideways.
"We can't hide it from them, there's no need for that. Since these two guys are challenging us openly, we'll respond the same way." Han Xiao said slowly, "If they want to be high-profile, then let's play along and see who gets more people shaking their heads!"
Ames smiled with interest. "That sounds like a lot of fun."
Upon hearing this, Hadavy and the others became excited, almost to the point of getting goosebumps. The Shattered Star Ring only had five Beyond Grade A, and now that Tyrant, Star Pupil, Black Star, and Dragon Emperor had all joined in, leaving only Sorcerer, who would most likely also come along. In this way, this duel would become a super event involving all the Beyond Grade A of the Shattered Star Ring!
This is a once-in-a-century event, and it will definitely become a record in the history of the Shattered Star Ring!
The mere thought of witnessing five Beyond Grade A beings gather together filled Hadavy with excitement.
At this moment, Han Xiao suddenly said, "Before that, I'll fulfill my promise from earlier."
After saying that, he took out the Evolution Cube, let it float in mid-air, and looked at Ames.
"What preparations and Tu Shu are needed?" Ames asked.
"No need, just come on."
"Okay." Ames nodded.
Although she doesn't pursue power, she is quite curious about the Evolution Cube.
Upon opening the Evolution Cube, a stream of black particles enveloped Ames, initiating genetic optimization.
Han Xiao turned to look at the various cadres of Dragon Calm. Seeing that everyone nodded, he then used the Evolution Cube to generate new black energy to modify Wilsander and the others.
Only Iso waved his hand in refusal.
"Old man, you don't want to use the Evolution Cube?" Han Xiao, somewhat surprised.
"Don't worry about me." Iso waved his hand. "I used it hundreds of years ago. It was still in the ruins back then. If it weren't so big and I'd been too lazy to find someone to move it, it would have been mine long ago."
Han Xiao felt a lump in his throat, unsure of what to say.
No wonder it's an immortal species that has lived for who knows how long...
Just those three words: https://www. hetushu. com. com, and I'm convinced!
Genetic optimization had been going on for a long time, Wilsander and other Dragon Calm cadres had successively completed their evolution, each with an increase in strength, and they all looked jubilant. Only Ames was still enveloped in black particles.
Several hours later, Ames emerged from her "cocoon," undergoing a subtle transformation.
Everyone else went back to rest, leaving only Master Han in the main hall. He occupied Ames's throne, sitting on it browsing silly pictures on the forum for amusement. Only when he saw this did he close the panel, walk up to Ames, and look at her with curiosity.
How are you feeling?
Ames didn't answer, her brows furrowed as if sensing something, before her figure suddenly vanished into thin air.
Han Xiao was taken aback, suddenly sensing the fluctuations in the surrounding space. Without saying a word, he released all his senses.
Beings at his level possess not only sight, hearing, and touch, but also various special phenomena, such as different spectra, radiation, and energy fluctuations, making them incredibly rich in sensory experiences.
After activating his full senses, Han Xiao was slightly taken aback.
In his Void Vision, Ames was clearly wandering through the Void Dimension, curiously circling around him.
"You can enter the Void Dimension?" Han Xiao asked in surprise, and then stepped into the Void Dimension, crossing the boundary with reality.
"It seems this is my new ability," Ames said with great interest.
Dragon Calm was built on the skeleton of a Void Dragon Race. Ames had also consumed Void Dragon Marrow and contained some Void Gene in her body. After being catalyzed by the Evolution Cube, she mutated and gained some of the abilities of the Void race.
Although the two are from different Beyond Grade A races, they both possess Void Bloodline and share some similar genes, making them almost like siblings.
After playing for a while, Ames exited the Void Dimension and tested her abilities, her expression full of surprise.
"The Evolution Cube's effects are truly amazing. My force field strength, range, and control have all improved, and my physical attributes seem to have been enhanced as well."
That means your attributes have improved across the board...
Han Xiao was experienced in this, but Ames didn't have a panel and couldn't see her own changes directly.