After discussing business for a while, Urranrell changed the subject, saying, "There's one more thing. The Empire is willing to help the Black Star Army establish a branch in the Central Galaxy to facilitate communication between the two sides. You brought the mobile base here with this in mind, and the Empire supports that."
"That would be perfect." Han Xiao nodded.
"I'll have someone contact you regarding the specifics..." Urranrell said, "Any other requests can be told now."
Han Xiao stroked his chin. "I hope to obtain the Ultimate Knowledge of the Mechanic Class as soon as possible. I wonder if there's any opportunity."
Urranrell remained unfazed. "The Empire rewards its allies with resources. If you want to receive them as soon as possible, I suggest you do some work for the Empire. I'll have someone compile a list of tasks that require manpower and then inform you."
After saying this, Urranrell stood up, extended her hand, and gestured for him to see her out. Han Xiao said nothing more, stood up, shook her hand again, said goodbye, and turned to leave.
The messenger had been waiting outside the gate for a long time before leading him away from the palace.
After Han Xiao left, Urranrell leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and slowly said, "Clottey, when you meet him later, remember to control the situation."
Clottey hummed in agreement and pushed open the door to leave.
Once aboard the land-based hovercraft, the driver changed direction, not returning the way they came, but heading in another direction.
"Lord Black Star, the Pillar of the Nation have been waiting for a long time. Next, we will introduce you to them," the envoy explained.
Han Xiao remained noncommittal, his mind replaying his earlier conversation with Urranrell.
The meeting was brief and simple. Urranrell was extremely busy and had no time for idle chatter. They talked about serious matters, including the cooperation treaty with the Shattered World. After the entire star field was cleared, he, as the vanguard exploration team, would be granted a region to develop independently, much like an officially approved fiefdom.
He was able to govern this area, and all sorts of rights, including mining rights, belonged to him. He only needed to pay taxes to the empire on time.
This is an important clause in the cooperation agreement, enough to allow the Black Star Army to take another step forward, and it is also something that Han Xiao cares about very much. As for the location and size of the fiefdom, it depends on his achievements in the development of the star field.
Matters concerning the Imperial Alliance, the Evolution Cube, and the Black Star Army's branches are his rights and obligations as an ally. To obtain Ultimate Knowledge, one needs to complete some Imperial quests. With Urranrell's instructions, he doesn't need to trigger the quests himself; the Imperials will compile a quest list and come to him, which is much more convenient.
"Urranrell... the head of the empire... he doesn't show his emotions, he's not easy to read," Han Xiao thought to himself.
The previous exchange left Han Xiao with an impression of Urranrell, who exuded an aura of authority and power. Compared to a flesh-and-blood individual, this head of the empire was more like a symbol, making people overlook her gender, appearance, and personality. Han Xiao basically gave up his intention to win her favor.
As the head of state, representing the empire, Urranrell has likely abstained from all desires, eliminated her weaknesses, maintained a cold rationality, and never allowed herself to lose control, ensuring that no personal emotions could influence her decisions.
For this kind of person, gaining favor is costly and yields little reward, Han Xiao doesn't intend to waste his energy.
In comparison, it's easier to befriend someone of the Beyond Grade A.
Soon, the vehicle stopped in front of a villa. This area was not a reception center, but a residential area for internal staff.
Clottey stood at the door, expressionless, and nodded, saying, "Black Star, come in with me. Everyone has been waiting for a long time."
Han Xiao got out of the car, looked at Clottey, and had a strange expression.
The two met in Urranrell not long ago. Han Xiao took a car, but this guy ran over to wait for him. Although Beyond Grade A vehicle is faster than a land vehicle, Han Xiao couldn't help but find the scene amusing.
Bang.
I pushed open the door and entered.
As the two entered the room, the eyes of six Beyond Grade A individuals with varying appearances turned to Han Xiao, staring at him with curiosity and scrutiny.
Clottey also found a seat and sat down, leaving Han Xiao standing alone.
Han Xiao glanced at them; he was familiar with all six of them, all of whom were well-known Beyond Grade A allies of the Crimson Dynasty. Among them was an Ancient Ones member, whom Han Xiao couldn't help but take a second look at.
However, of the Empire's three strongest individuals, only Clottey was present; the other two were absent.
The seven people present had different expressions: some were eager to try, some were indifferent, and some were full of interest. These Beyond Grade A individuals were from different imperial factions, and their personal stances were actually different.
"So you're Black Star from the Shattered Star Ring?" One of them looked him up and down, his eyes seeming to hold a malicious glint as he glanced at the Evolution Cube.
"Who else do you think I am?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow. He wasn't being polite. Everyone here was Beyond Grade A, and he didn't intend to keep a low profile. He needed to show his strength to be taken seriously.
"Four... oh, five Beyond Grade A from the Shattered Star Ring. You and Heber have both joined the Crimson Dynasty. Who's stronger?" another person asked with interest.
"If you're so curious, why don't you try it yourself and see?" Han Xiao shrugged, not wanting to stand and be questioned, and casually found a place to sit down.
These Beyond Grade A were unaware of this, but although it was their first meeting, Han Xiao knew their background and had a clear understanding of the current situation.
Of the seven, Clottey stood out with an aloof and indifferent demeanor, representing the Führer's trusted faction. He remained a bystander, refusing to intervene. Meanwhile, a Beyond Grade A individual inclined towards the younger generation of the Imperial military showed great interest in him, seemingly intending to win him over. The other five, however, had varying degrees of probing intent.
Seeing Han Xiao's sharp and assertive demeanor, the group exchanged glances, a hint of surprise in each other's eyes.
Newcomers used to come with the intention of making friends, assuming everyone would speak amicably. However, the veterans would turn the meeting into an interrogation, constantly asking provocative questions to provoke the other person and admire the Beyond Grade A person's ability to suppress anger and answer every question. Most of the people present had gone through this process and had a dark history with it, so they regarded this approach as a tradition for accepting newcomers.
If you can't hold back, then use your fists to decide your future status and voice.
Unless it's a well-established, neutral Beyond Grade A club, they'll give them face, restrain themselves, and not want to provoke them.
Black Star, who recently advanced to Beyond Grade A rank, is naturally not included in this category.
However, before they could even get started or truly provoke anyone, Black Star snapped at them, clearly indicating that this newcomer wasn't going to give them the answer they wanted.
It's likely that Heber imparted his experience to him...
In their view, Han Xiao seemed to have known about their traditions all along, and on the Shattered Star Ring side, there was Heber, who had a dark past. It was highly likely that Black Star learned about the situation from him and wanted to use this method to prevent them from succeeding.
'Dream on...'
The group exchanged glances discreetly, having already made their decision.
"Heh." The first one to speak said calmly, "Black Star, you still haven't figured out your place, have you?"
"Oh? Star Slasher, what do you mean?" Han Xiao narrowed his eyes.
Viru, Beyond Grade A Pugilist Class and a branch of the Combat Soldier, is nicknamed "Star Slasher" and "Stellar Slicer," among other names. He comes from the Ancient Star Desert and now, backed by the Empire, he is developing in the Central Galaxy, managing tens of thousands of interstellar martial arts dojos.
"This is the Central Galaxy at the very center of the universe. You think this is just five broken Beyond Grade A Shattered Star Ring? How dare you speak to us like that..."
Boom!
Before he could finish speaking, Viru suddenly unleashed his aura, its sharp peaks splitting the villa in two. His powerful aura, coupled with his icy gaze, pressed down on Han Xiao, as if he were enraged, each word spoken with deliberate force.
"What right does a newcomer who has just advanced to Beyond Grade A have to be arrogant in front of us?!"
"Tsk." Clottey remained expressionless, waving his hand to keep the rapidly approaching patrols at a distance. Viru restrained his energy, preventing it from affecting other areas, and Clotti did not stop Viru's actions.
Apart from the Beyond Grade A who leaned towards the younger generation and shook his head in silence, the others also pretended to have unfriendly expressions, staring at Han Xiao and putting pressure on him.
Even if Heber told you the rules beforehand, they didn't believe Black Star wouldn't be afraid of offending all of them if a group of Beyond Grade A imperial allies were targeting a newcomer.
If Black Star persists in his stubbornness, they wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson. As for whether they would offend Black Star... which of them isn't Beyond Grade A power? There's no question of who's currying favor with whom. They'll see if offending one family makes them panic, or if offending several families makes them even more panicked. If they can find out that a Beyond Grade A is narrow-minded, then they've gained something and will consider their attitude towards future interactions.
The group secretly observed Han Xiao's expression, trying to find a hint of panic or submission on his face.
The sharp aura was like a dagger hanging before them. Han Xiao narrowed his eyes, then suddenly chuckled, "Alright, let's keep things simple. We're all Beyond Grade A, so if there's any conflict, let's settle it with a fight."
Before anyone could react, Han Xiao pointed at Viru and said, "How about you and I have a match?"
Upon hearing this, the group was startled and became very interested.
This newcomer actually dared to take the initiative in a challenge, trying to establish his authority? He's really confident; doesn't he know they are all veteran powerhouses who have fought for the empire for many years?
They had originally intended to propose a sparring match to provoke Black Star into making a move, but they didn't expect this guy to bring it up first.
"Alright." Viru's eyes darkened.
He displayed his imposing manner, yet Black Star still dared to challenge him. Wasn't that treating him like an easy target, thinking he had a chance of winning?
Not only did Black Star want to establish his authority, but Viru also refused to allow his position to be challenged.
Han Xiao remained calm. He had guessed yesterday that only by using his fists could he gain a voice in the circle of Beyond Grade A allies, and he was already mentally prepared to take action. Now, he took the initiative to strike first.
To befriend someone of Beyond Grade A, you must first demonstrate strength that commands respect, thus earning the right to engage in equal exchanges. Might makes right.
At this moment, Clottey slowly spoke.
"Fight outside the Psionic Energy Restriction Belt, avoid engaging in combat near the home planet."
"Your Majesty, Black Star's meeting with the Pillar of the Nation was not pleasant. He challenged Star Slasher Slayer to a duel, and Clottey and the other Pillar of the Nation went with him."
Listening to his subordinates' report over the internal communicator, Urranrell remained calm and slowly said, "Clottey will handle this matter; you don't need to worry about it."
"Yes."
"Hmm... Go and inform Black Star's companions."
After saying that, Urranrell hung up the communicator and shook his head.
She disliked the tradition of bullying newcomers among Beyond Grade A allies, but she didn't want to force Beyond Grade A ' wishes unless absolutely necessary.
However, a slightly strained personal relationship between imperial allies is not necessarily a bad thing; it won't affect their cooperation with the empire, as self-interest is the fundamental factor.
"What? He's fighting with his allies?"
Upon hearing the messenger's account, Hila and the other guards' expressions changed drastically.
At this moment, Iso spoke up, reassuring everyone, "Don't worry, it's just normal for Beyond Grade A to test each other's strength. I've seen them do it before."
Unfortunately, no one listened to him.
"Let's go take a look." Ames said nothing and strode out the door.