Having finalized the action plan, the Imperial forces split into three teams. Milizaus and others escorted the four prisoners sealed in amber back to the Central Galaxy, while Tarrokov stayed behind to oversee the fleet and handle any remaining issues. Han Xiao and Heber, however, did not linger and went to meet up with the waiting Imperial fleet, intending to travel together to the territory of the Star Pupil Protoss Clan.
Watching the Imperial fleet depart, Han Xiao turned to look at Heber's figure on the spaceship's virtual screen and smiled:
"We're traveling together again this time. Once we reach the Star Pupil Protoss, I hope you'll live up to your nickname and be a bit more domineering."
"Snort."
The virtual screen went black, Heber turned off the communication, indicating that he didn't want to talk to Han Xiao. Outside the porthole, the fleet from the War Realm turned around and left, transforming into streaks of light and disappearing into the depths of space.
Han Xiao clicked his tongue and shook his head, then dialed Sylvia's number.
"Have Melos dispatch some fleets to this rendezvous point. I've had Phillip send you the star map coordinates."
"Receive."
After a brief exchange, Han Xiao ended the call. He was increasingly impressed by Sylvia's competence; he could give her almost anything and she would take care of it all.
"I feel like I'm becoming more and more like Ames, turning into a hands-off manager..."
Han Xiao fiddled with the communicator, unable to help but chuckle twice. He suddenly realized that if he became Ames, then Sylvia would be his Jane Baldness.
The dashing Mechanical Female Knight of her past life has now become a capable legion affairs officer and the legion leader's secretary. He doesn't know which version is more attractive to players, he only knows that Sylvia seems to be very popular among legion players.
At this moment, Heavenly Wild Hunt took the initiative to come closer and nudged Han Xiao with its head. Han Xiao's lips twitched, and he reached out to stroke Heavenly Wild Hunt's head. Heavenly Wild Hunt made a purring sound, stretched out its front legs and dug into the ground, stretched its back, and lowered its head to let Han Xiao wriggle around, like a pet being affectionate.
Only in front of Han Xiao, who gave him life, would Heavenly Wild Hunt reveal this side of himself. As a beast-type mechanical life form, he seemed to have some deviation in his self-perception. Han Xiao checked his internet history and found that in addition to combat data packs, he had also downloaded countless videos of cute pets online, seemingly diligently learning various skills as a pet. This contrasted sharply with his ferocious appearance, making Han Xiao break out in a cold sweat.
If I buy it, the feel isn't great; if I don't, it seems disrespectful to his hard work...
Silver Flash watched coldly, secretly scoffing.
--Hmph, you simp!
Han Xiao thought for a moment, then sent a communication request to Ames. Ames's noble and enigmatic face appeared before him.
What do you need me for?
"I have a mission for me. I'm planning to go to the Star Pupil Protoss and bully Sisko. Are you interested?"
Ames rested her chin on her right hand, her sleeve slipped down, revealing a section of her slender, snow-white forearm, and she blinked.
I've noticed that lately, when you don't have anything important to do, you really don't like to chat with me.
Are you coming or not?
"Let me see the schedule." Ames raised her eyes, her gaze passing over the screen to the person beside her, and asked slowly, "Jenny, are there any missions in Dragon Calm that I need to do recently?"
After a long while, a weary voice, gritting its teeth, finally came from outside the screen.
"Yes... but have you ever done it?"
Upon hearing this, Ames waved her hand. Han Xiao couldn't see what was happening outside the screen, but Jenny's voice disappeared, perhaps due to the force field attack.
"I happen to have nothing to do, so I'll go take a stroll." Ames said with a half-smile, as if nothing had just happened.
"Okay." Han Xiao nodded, selectively ignoring what had just happened.
"By the way, this is an imperial mission; you're probably not going alone."
"Yes, besides me, Heber also joined the operation, along with some Imperial fleets."
"Heber is going too?" Ames narrowed her eyes. "Hmph, I can't be bothered to see him. I'm not going. You go with him."
With that, Ames hung up the call.
Han Xiao blinked, staring blankly at the black screen.
Does Ames have such a strong grudge against Heber that she can go back on her word so easily?
It seems I underestimated the negative impression Heber had gained from his previous "straight man" approach to courtship.
Just as the Crimson Dynasty was gaining prestige across the universe by holding four prisoners, the Eternal Night Star System, where the Star Pupil Protoss resided, received an uninvited guest.
Home planet, government building, Council of State Affairs.
Sisko holds supreme power, and the Council of State Affairs is an institution that assists him in managing political affairs. Some of the Secret Service's key personnel are high-ranking officials with real power. This system obviously has drawbacks, but these are not problems for Sisko. His strength and prestige are his voice, and his telekinesis can identify thoughts and emotions. No one can sideline him.
During this time, Sisko was on the run, and the Council of State Affairs was in charge of the government's daily operations. The two sides did not lose contact. Although Sisko was on the run, he was handling the affairs of the race remotely. However, he was not at home and did not make any public appearances. The recent uproar in the universe has made the Star Pupil Protoss panic.
In particular, the recent capture of Sagman and Taylor by the Empire has caused concern among the citizens of the Star Pupil Protoss, who fear that their own leaders have also been captured and that the Crimson Dynasty will retaliate against the Star Pupil Protoss.
Amidst various anxieties, a considerable number of people secretly resented Sisko —why did he have to get involved in this mess, making things so passive now!
This viewpoint is widespread on the Star Pupil Protoss's network. A small group of people, facing threats to their own safety, have become dissatisfied with their leader, Sisko. As for Sisko's past achievements, they have not affected their judgment. It is human nature for some to feel resentment over small favors. It is a pity that Sisko did not succeed, otherwise the public opinion would have turned to praise and glorify him.
However, the extreme views of a small minority of people cannot affect the stability of a near-star-level civilization government. Sisko's control over the people is not weak, and even though the future is uncertain, the government continues to operate diligently.
The Council of State Affairs gave instructions to spread the word online that Sisko had gotten into this situation in order to reclaim the clan's treasure, creating an image of Sisko risking his life for the dignity of the clan. This effectively suppressed a wave of discontent and controlled public opinion.
At this moment, inside the main hall of the Council of State Affairs, many key officials were discussing whether or not to enter a higher level of wartime emergency, welcome back Sisko, protect him with the army, and confront the Empire.
A number of high-ranking military officials also participated in the meeting, each holding their own opinions and engaging in heated debate.
Just then, a high-ranking military officer received a report. His expression changed drastically, and he slammed his hand on the table, standing up abruptly. His lips trembled as he read the report aloud in a trembling voice:
"Border outpost No. 17 has detected a massive Imperial fleet approaching, numbering in the tens of millions, including warships from the Black Star Army and the War Realm."
"What!"
All the key personnel present were shocked and horrified.
Has the worst happened? Has the Imperial fleet really attacked?!
Before anyone could react, the second piece of information arrived.
"The other side is stationed at the border and has not forcibly entered. They are negotiating with the officers at the outpost. It has been confirmed that Black Star and Tyrant are stationed with this fleet, but their intentions are unclear."
The hearts of the key personnel present, which had been in their throats, slowly settled down, and their eyes held a hint of resentment as they looked at the officer.
Can you please stop pausing so dramatically when you speak? You're scaring us!
After the initial shock subsided, everyone regained their composure.
"That's true, only tens of millions of warships; it doesn't seem like they're here to start a war."
"Are they here to force us to hand over our leader?"
"What... what should we do? Won't we still end up in conflict with them?"
Everyone looked troubled.
Soon, a third intelligence report was transmitted back in real time via quantum communication:
"Black Star and Tyrant stated that they were merely guests of the Star Pupil Protoss and hoped to have a face-to-face meeting with Sisko."
The key personnel exchanged bewildered glances.
They come as guests with an imposing army, do they think we're complete fools?
They've come with ill intentions.
"What do you think? If we refuse their demands, will they wait outside the border, or will they use force?" a key clerk asked hesitantly.
Everyone stared at him in silence.
Do you think the Crimson Dynasty sent troops and two Beyond Grade A to our territory for a vacation? You dared to turn them away, which is like refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. How could they possibly let it go so easily?
Hey bro, how did you get into the Council of State Affairs? Do you have some powerful connections?
"This matter is beyond our authority. Report it to the Sisko leader and let him decide."
The Council of State Affairs immediately contacted Sisko, who was on the run.
The communication was established shortly afterward.
Sisko surveyed the room, his seven eyes scanning the crowd from every angle. Seeing the somber expressions on everyone's faces, he asked, "What happened?"
"Leader, the Crimson Dynasty's fleet is approaching..." a trusted aide explained the situation.
After he finished speaking, the room fell silent; you could hear a pin drop. Everyone awaited his Choice.
Sisko took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and after a while slowly opened them, saying each word clearly:
"I'll receive them and head back right away."
"But they came specifically for you!"
Many people looked anxious, but subconsciously they breathed a sigh of relief.
If Sisko continues to run away and refuses to take responsibility, they don't know how this matter will end.
"They're doing this to force me back. Black Star and the Tyrant know me; they know I won't abandon civilization." Sisko's expression returned to calm as he slowly said, "Running away is useless. I have to face this calamity eventually; it's the price of failure."
The crowd looked grief-stricken and indignant.
"Don't worry, the Empire already has four prisoners. Their direct visit to the Star Pupil Protoss doesn't necessarily mean they want to capture me." Sisko shook his head.
He hasn't returned, partly to observe the situation, but also because he believes the empire might not risk attacking a civilization bound by Peace Treaty. Although his base is rooted there, the empire might not confront him directly. However, he doesn't want his people to take the risks for him, so he's unwilling to accept the protection of their armies. But just in case, he hasn't gone too far, lingering on the border of his territory.
"Understood. We will open the borders and have the fleet escort them to a planet," a commander said solemnly.
Territorial security is important to a civilization, but to actively open its borders to welcome a hostile intruder is undoubtedly a form of pressure from the empire, leaving everyone present feeling uneasy.
Before long, the Star Pupil Protoss dispatched troops to the border to meet them, while most of the Crimson Dynasty's fleet remained outside the border. Han Xiao and Heber led a portion of the fleet, accompanying the Star Pupil Protoss's forces to a border colony planet.
The Star Pupil Protoss clearly didn't want too many people to know about this, so the spaceship landed directly in the planet's internal administrative area, and the local lord of the colony handled the reception work until the envoys qualified to receive the two arrived.
After disembarking from the spaceship, the lord led Han Xiao and Heber to the reception room. He walked cautiously and treaded on thin ice, and Han Xiao could clearly see the beads of sweat sliding down the back of his neck as he followed behind him.
The Star Pupil Protoss soldiers around them were tense and on guard, staring intently at Han Xiao and Heber's two groups, gripping their weapons tightly.
Heber, however, was used to the fearful looks he received. He strode confidently, followed by a Vanguard Officers of muscular men. Their menacing appearance gave the impression of a group of fitness instructors strolling down the street, as if they might at any moment shout in unison, "Want to try swimming and fitness?"
Han Xiao, meanwhile, was looking around at the architectural style of the Star Pupil Protoss, with Hila and the other guards, along with four Apostle Weapon, following behind.
Both men brought their own elite Calamity Grade henchmen, along with Imperial officers.
Upon entering the reception room, everyone took their seats. The local lord, wiping his sweat, cautiously said, "The envoy is on his way; please wait a moment."
Heber sat imposingly on the sofa, like a small mountain, exuding a powerful and commanding aura. Arms crossed, he coldly asked, "When is Sisko coming back?"
"I... I don't know..."
The local lord, overwhelmed by the imposing manner, felt a lump in his throat and almost lost his composure, unable to utter a single word. He managed to manage a stammering reply, by which time he was already drenched in sweat.
Han Xiao casually picked up a local specialty fruit from the table. It looked like a cucumber dyed blue. He took a bite, chewed it a couple of times, smacked his lips, and then reached for another one. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed it to Heber.
"I've tried it, it's not poisonous, you can eat it without worry."
Heber's face twitched.
I was just showing off, and you threw me some fruit, ruining the atmosphere!
And besides, do I, a strong and healthy martial artist, need a mechanic like you to test for poison for me?!
The fruit was tossed over, and it wouldn't look good to let it fall to the ground, so Heber could only catch it sullenly and toss it to the Vanguard Officers behind him.
Heber was too lazy to say anything now, and closed his eyes to rest. Han Xiao also remained silent, calmly enjoying Aurora massaging his temples from behind.
The atmosphere quieted down.
After initially being on guard, the guards became enraged upon seeing the group's nonchalant attitude.
Damn it, these people don't take the Star Pupil Protoss seriously at all!
Especially that villain Black Star, who not only stole their clan's most prized possession, but also dared to come to their territory—he's too arrogant!
Several guards gripped their weapons, almost unable to resist shooting Han Xiao, but reason stopped them.
The situation is beyond human control. The Crimson Dynasty is currently doing whatever it wants in the Shattered Star Ring, and their backer, the Arcane Church, has also suffered losses. Naturally, they dare not act recklessly at this time.
Soon, the surrounding guards began to change shifts, and one by one, the arriving Calamity Grade warriors took on the role of guards, looking as if they were facing a formidable enemy. Countless eyes were fixed on Han Xiao and Heber, and no one dared to be distracted for the slightest.
After a while, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door. The door was pushed open, and an envoy entered with several subordinates.
"Lord Black Star, Lord Heber, envoys of the Crimson Dynasty, I am the person in charge of receiving you. You may call me Jade."
Jade bowed slightly, but his tone remained neither humble nor arrogant.
Heber opened his eyes again and asked the same question, "When will Sisko arrive?"
"We don't know either. The leader has his own schedule, which may take a few days or half a month. Please wait a while. We will provide accommodation. If you don't want to stay, we have no objection," Jade said calmly.
Bang!
Heber unleashed an aura of power, the oppressive atmosphere skyrocketing, as if an invisible storm had swept through the room.
He stared coldly at Jade and said slowly:
"Don't try to fool me. Sisko has been near the border of the Star Pupil Protoss, not far in this direction. I'm only giving you three days. If you don't see him by then, you'll have to consider your own fate."
Jade's breath caught in his throat, feeling overwhelmed by Heber's imposing aura. Gritting his teeth, he forced a nod, "I will convey your message to the higher-ups..."
At this moment, Han Xiao opened his eyes, raised his hand to make Aurora back, and stared at Jade with great interest.
"I just browsed your network, and you seem quite keen on blocking information; it seems like not many people know we visited."
"What do you want to do?" Jade's expression changed slightly as he thought of Han Xiao's abilities.
"Keeping the news under wraps is not a good idea. Let me help you out."
Han Xiao smiled, and with a thought, Phillip immediately sent data packets to major media websites of the Star Pupil Protoss, forcibly publicizing several news items.
The content can be roughly summarized as follows: "The Imperial Fleet comes to demand answers, and the Star Pupil Protoss trembles with fear!", "The Black Star Tyrant arrive in full force, but Sisko dares not show his face!", "Sisko flees in fear of punishment, even considering abandoning his race!" and other sensationalist content. This has created a narrative online that the Star Pupil Protoss is cowardly and that Sisko is unwilling to take responsibility, causing resentment among the citizens of the Star Pupil Protoss and damaging Sisko's prestige.
With his virtual technology, these messages instantly broke through the media blockade and swept across the Star Pupil Protoss's network.
Sisko has brought him a great crisis. He came here to establish the Empire's authority, and Han Xiao will not be polite. Only if Sisko shows up will he be able to make Phillip stop.
Jade hurriedly walked aside, exchanged a few words with the higher-ups, and then returned to Han Xiao, his tone serious.
"Lord Black Star, please cease this behavior immediately, otherwise..."
Bang!
Before he could finish speaking, Jade's head was grabbed by a large hand and slammed hard onto the table.
The desktop cracked!
The chief Vanguard Officers of the War Realm Fosters, pressed his head down and said coldly, "Watch your tone when you talk to us. If it happens again, I'll crush your head."
Releasing his grip, Jade staggered back, his face contorted with anger.
However, circumstances forced him to endure it silently, and he took out a handkerchief to wipe the blue blood from his head.
Seeing the group's arrogance, the surrounding Calamity Grade grew increasingly grim, their anger surging within them. However, since the entire race was now Implicated, they dared not act rashly, struggling internally with resentment.
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, glanced at Heber, and his eyes seemed to say, "You're the worst of the worst."
Heber gave him a look. "You talk too much nonsense."
Meanwhile, the news Han Xiao spread caused a sensation online. Countless citizens of the Star Pupil Protoss were furious. Some cursed the Empire for going too far and smearing their leader; some worried whether Sisko was really gone forever; some were so angry that they wanted to come to the planet where Han Xiao and the others were to confront them; others were angry at their lack of resolve and believed that the Star Pupil Protoss should be tough, preferring to die rather than surrender, and put a stop to the Empire's arrogance... Anyway, since it wasn't him risking his life, he made the suggestion without any pressure.
Countless people have been trying to reclaim the "treasure of the clan" day and night. The Star Pupil Protoss harbors deep hostility towards Han Xiao. Han Xiao doesn't mind their hostility; the more hostile they are, the more Sisko's prestige will be affected.
Jade remained silent, but one of the guards in the room couldn't hold back any longer and suddenly shouted angrily at Han Xiao:
"Don't you have any conscience?! You stole our clan's most treasured artifact, and you still dare to come here and act arrogantly!"
Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look.
A cold glint flashed in Hila's eyes, and she was about to punish him when Han Xiao grabbed her hand and turned to look at the guard.
"May I have your name?"
"... Lalaime!" The guard was clearly desperate, extremely agitated, and shouted very loudly.
"Well, what do you want me to do?"
"Of course, we should return our clan's most prized possession!"
"Okay." Han Xiao nodded, took out the Evolution Cube, and tossed it directly into the guard's hand. "Here you go."
The Star Pupil Protoss present were stunned. The guard stared in disbelief at the Evolution Cube in his hand.
"You, you..."
"You wanted it, didn't you? Now you have it."
Han Xiao vanished. "However, I must remind you, if you leave this room, you'll be stealing the Evolution Cube, and then the Empire's expeditionary fleet will arrive. Are you willing to bear the consequences?"
The guard's face turned purple; he was furious and embarrassed.
"You're threatening me with your power! Don't you have any sense of morality at all?!"
Han Xiao raised his hand and pulled the Evolution Cube back into his grasp, shaking his head. "You say this is your clan's treasure, but you didn't create it. Just because you've possessed it for a long time, does that mean it belongs to you? This is the legacy of the Evolution Cube Evolutionary Civilization. You found it too, and you used your power to claim it for yourselves. It's not yours in essence, yet you call it your 'clan's treasure'... And let me correct you on one point: I didn't steal the Evolution Cube; you lost it yourselves. I simply found it and refused to give it to anyone else, just like you did back then. It's a matter of principle; you shouldn't use morality as an excuse. That's meaningless."
"Bullshit! We've had the Evolution Cube for so long, we're its owners! The Sisko leader has always been connected to the Evolution Cube, so of course it's ours!" the guard roared.
"What you say makes some sense, but you couldn't protect your things, and they were stolen by the Sorokin. I'm not so noble as to return what I find, especially since this isn't the culmination of your civilization's efforts, so I have no qualms about it... If you could take it back, I couldn't deny it, but without the power, all talk is meaningless. I gave you a chance, but you didn't dare take it, so forget it."
Han Xiao shook his head. He had never been a kind person. He had another purpose for coming here this time, which was to solve the hidden danger of the Evolution Cube once and for all—to use his power to force Sisko to release his telekinesis!
As for right and wrong... Sisko has endangered his life multiple times, and now that things have come to this, there's no need to dwell on this issue.
"You can go out now."
Jade gestured to the agitated guard. Although he was also furious about the loss of the "family heirloom," he was more realistic. The Empire had come to demonstrate, and expecting them to hand over the Evolution Cube for no reason was a pipe dream.
Having witnessed this little incident, Heber gave Han Xiao a look:
"You're not bad at being a villain either."
Let's encourage each other.
Han Xiao secretly rolled his eyes.
Applying pressure forces him to be a little arrogant. Sigh, a steady, low-key, handsome young man like him isn't used to this kind of style.