Mona sensed the sarcasm in Han Xiao's words and blushed slightly, but forced a smile and said, "In short, we hope you can allow us to investigate the Space-Time Amber; the Federation of Light will offer its gratitude."
"I refuse." Han Xiao waved his hand. "I have no obligation to cooperate with the investigation."
"Then... can I see the Space-Time Amber with my own eyes? This is my personal request."
"Can't."
The atmosphere became somewhat tense for a moment, but Mona had expected this and was not surprised. Black Star certainly wouldn't easily allow outsiders to access Universal Treasure.
He pretended to take a sip of his drink, put down the cup, glanced around, then suddenly lowered his voice and changed the subject:
"Lord Black Star, what are your views on the Federation of Light?"
Finally, they're testing my attitude further... Han Xiao remained expressionless.
"As for my opinion... I should be asking you. You helped the Arcane Church during the Battle of Lighthouse Star, and then turned around and helped the Empire. I've never been sure whether to consider you enemies or friends. What do you think?"
Mona thought for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Although we are on different sides, we are very willing to be friends with Lord Black Star."
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow. "How about this, let's be direct. We're destined to be rivals on both sides, but we can be business friends. You don't object, do you?"
"Of course, no problem." This was one of the conditions instructed by the higher-ups before departure, and Mona did not hesitate.
The Three Universal Civilizations compete with each other, yet they also engage in frequent trade and cooperate in many industries. In this era of interstellar social integration, as long as a complete war breaks out between civilizations, they will not sever cooperative relationships in terms of people's livelihood and economy. The Three Universal Civilizations are accustomed to this practice, and interstellar integration itself is also a link in maintaining the chain of dominance, amplifying the cost of isolation.
Therefore, in terms of commerce and trade, a cosmic-level civilization will not prevent its Beyond Grade A allies from expanding their businesses and making money from other civilizations. However, if they use commerce as a pretext for espionage and betray the interests of their civilization, the cosmic-level civilization will not let it go unpunished.
However, Beyond Grade A allies generally do not easily allow outsiders to divide their resources. If they want to develop business in other factions, they will inevitably be ostracized and suppressed by the forces of that faction. Without establishing official connections, it is difficult to conduct business in someone else's territory.
"You are well aware of our approach. Among the three major cosmic civilizations, our Federation of Light is the most inclusive. We welcome conglomerates and organizations from all over the universe to develop here. Moreover, the Shattered Star Ring is also an area under the jurisdiction of the Federation of Light. It can be said that we have always been cooperating," Mona said.
Han Xiao nodded. That was true. The three cosmic-level civilizations each had their own characteristics. The Empire was iron-blooded, the Arcane was steeped in religious atmosphere, and the Federation of Light was the most open and wealthy, flourishing in many fields and extremely prosperous.
"If you want to make friends, you should at least show some sincerity. Talking about feelings costs money." Han Xiao smiled.
"If you'd like, we can help the Black Star Army expand its operations in the Federation of Light at any time," Mona said.
Han Xiao's eyes darted around.
He roughly understood what the Federation of Light meant. First, they talked about the Space-Time Amber, and then they proposed a trade cooperation invitation. The situation was clear: the Federation of Light's ultimate goal was to study or borrow the Space-Time Amber, and they needed his help. However, because of past events, the relationship between the two sides was not good, and the success rate of directly coming to make a request was predictable.
Therefore, the Federation of Light has several plans, among which the most prudent is to first break the ice with commercial cooperation to ease tensions between the two sides, and then discuss subsequent cooperation later. It seems that the Federation of Light does not intend to achieve this overnight, but rather to maintain a long-term relationship and prepare for making a request someday in the future.
As the one being asked, Han Xiao held the initiative and did not need to reply immediately.
"Well, we'll see. I don't have that idea for now."
"Understood. If you have any other requests, we will consider them accordingly. In any case, the Federation of Light looks forward to cooperating with you."
Mona spoke sincerely, indicating that the Federation of Light was not in a hurry and could wait to break the seal on the Scepter of All Gods.
"Other requests..." Han Xiao's eyes flickered, he thought for a moment, and smiled inexplicably, "Personally, I'm willing to be friends with the Federation of Light, but you once helped the Arcane against me. I think that besides sincerity, you should also express your apologies."
He was referring to the High-Dimensional Apocalypse Teleporter. The Federation of Light never expected to need Black Star's help now, which could be considered digging a hole for themselves. However, if they didn't do this, they might not get the Scepter of All Gods. There were pros and cons.
Mona's eyes lit up. He wasn't afraid of Han Xiao questioning him; he was afraid that Han Xiao wouldn't make any demands.
What are your thoughts?
"Here's what we'll do: if you can do me a favor, I'll forgive you. Only by resolving our past grievances can our relationship start anew."
"What do you need us to do?" Mona asked, perking up.
"The Sorokin also participated in Operation Lighthouse Star. The Crimson Dynasty was busy dealing with the Arcane Church for a while, and now it's preparing to turn its attention to this accomplice. I have a considerable grudge against the Sorokin. You help me and the Empire to encircle and annihilate the Sorokin. As long as we kill him, our past problems will be wiped clean. What do you think?" Han Xiao's tone became more serious.
Mona was taken aback, somewhat surprised. He had thought Han Xiao wanted some special benefit, but it turned out he was asking them to join forces to annihilate the Sorokin. So the enmity between Black Star and the Sorokin was that great?
"I can't make that decision myself; I need to report to higher-ups," Mona said frankly. "But in my experience, there's a high chance they'll agree."
If it were anything else, the Federation of Light might hesitate, but dealing with the Sorokin has always been the politically correct course of action for the Three Universal Civilizations. If they could crush the Sorokin, it would also benefit the Federation of Light.
At this moment, a man encased in armor stepped forward from behind Mona, removed his helmet, revealing the head of the mechanical body inside, and spoke in a detached, synthesized electronic voice.
"I can take care of this."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao turned his head and looked at the material of the mechanical body. He felt a chill. With his current understanding, he could tell that this robot was technologically advanced and seemed to be a super-grade machine manufactured by Beyond Grade A manufacturer. It was very much like the vessel for the Dominator's Descent.
"Who are you..."
"The Mechanic Emperor, Manison the Ancient Ones Papadopoulos."
Han Xiao's expression changed slightly, revealing a hint of surprise and wariness.
This mechanical body was not Dominator's Descent, so there was no Beyond Grade A energy fluctuation. Before the Mechanic Emperor spoke, he thought it was just a normal mechanical guard - mechanical soldiers have a special advantage in stealth.
Manison's initiative to come to Han Xiao's door took a surprise.
A person's reputation precedes them. The Mechanic Emperor holds a transcendent position in the universe, almost universally recognized as the pinnacle of mechanics. Han Xiao was sensitive to the name of the Mechanic Emperor and was wary of it, having had some indirect interactions with them in the past.
Mona coughed and explained, "His Excellency Manison learned that we wanted to see you and requested to travel together."
"Black Star, I've actually been wanting to visit you for a while, and this is the perfect opportunity."
Manison glanced at Han Xiao's furrowed brows, his tone unreadable, "What, aren't you happy to see me?"
Han Xiao's thoughts raced, his eyebrows relaxed, a smile returned, and he slowly said:
"Of course not, it's just a coincidence. I've long admired you and have always wanted to visit you, but I haven't had the right opportunity."
At this moment, Mona stood up. "This is my communicator number, Lord Black Star. I will report your intentions to the higher-ups and give you a reply soon. I won't disturb your conversation any longer, Manison. I'll return to my spaceship and wait for you."
Manison's mechanical body nodded, and Mona left the room, following Phillip's directions to the dock and port.
Only Han Xiao and Manison remained in the room, staring wide-eyed at the electronic eyes.
"Heh heh, Lord Black Star, this is our first meeting, isn't it?" Manison seemed to be laughing, but the synthesized electronic voice showed no sign of amusement; in fact, it sounded rather eerie.
Given the other party's technology, it's impossible that they couldn't create a human-like voice system; using such a voice is clearly intentional.
"To be precise, this doesn't count as a 'meeting.' You've seen my face, but I haven't seen yours yet," Han Xiao said playfully, raising an eyebrow, while secretly trying to figure out Manison's intentions.
It's normal for mechanics to visit each other and exchange ideas, but he felt that Manison had more than that purpose.
"There will be other opportunities." The mechanical body pointed to its chest. "Would you mind if my consciousness descended?"
Han Xiao thought for a moment, then shook his head to indicate that he didn't mind.
Bang!
The next moment, surging energy descended through the Quantum Non-Distance Transmission Channel. The mechanical body shuddered, bursting forth with dazzling golden lightning, hissing and crackling, as the energy level soared. Manison [Dominator's Descent] had arrived.
The mechanical body moved much more naturally in an instant. Manison cracked his neck and said casually, "That's much more comfortable."
Remote communication is like video chat, but the Dominator's Descent is like being there in person, offering a completely different experience.
Han Xiao smiled but didn't say anything, though he felt a chill in his heart.
When the Manison Dominator's Descent, the Mechanical Force released by the mechanical carrier was extremely powerful, even making Han Xiao feel a sense of oppression... The fact that it could make another Beyond Grade A feel the pressure of its aura shows that the strength of the Mechanic Emperor is unfathomable.
Of all the Beyond Grade A beings he had ever seen, only the aura of the Sorokin could compare to that of the Mechanic Emperor... and this was merely the vessel through which the Dominator's Descent, not Manison's true form.
I wonder how many levels higher this guy is than me...
Han Xiao thought for a moment, then gestured towards the door with his lip:
"Sir Manison, shall we talk somewhere else?"
"Okay, can you show me around the Black Star Army?" Manison nodded.
"Can."
The two stood up, left the room together, and strolled around the legion headquarters while chatting.
Upon meeting, the two tacitly avoided discussing sensitive topics, starting with the legion headquarters, commenting on the technology used there, and exchanging technical insights.
Han Xiao maintained Quantum Network Vision at all times and had Phillip keep the system self-checking.
Although the possibility was low, he was still wary of Manison's covert virtual intrusion. After all, the name of the Mechanic Emperor was like the neighbor's husband; wherever it went, it would make the host suspect that they had been cheated on. Its very existence was a deterrent.
However, Manison had no such idea; he simply focused on chatting about mechanical knowledge, as if they were truly just colleagues visiting each other to exchange technical information.
Judging solely from technical exchanges, the Mechanic Emperor is indeed very impressive. Manison has accumulated years of experience, gathering a complete set of professional knowledge, and has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, having developed countless mechanical blueprints.
In terms of skill level alone, I am indeed far inferior to my opponent; they haven't lived all these years for nothing.
This was Han Xiao's first time dealing with the Mechanic Emperor. He smiled, but remained wary, partly due to preconceived notions and partly due to concerns about the other party's identity.
"By the way, you just said you were going to help me fight the Sorokin?"
"The Sorokin are currently in the Ancient Star Desert, which is my stronghold. If the Federation of Light agrees to your demands, it should be me who takes action." Manison turned to look at Han Xiao's face. "Of course, I also have my own purposes."
"What is it?" Han Xiao asked curiously.
"First, I warned the Sorokin before not to come to my territory. Second... hehe, I hope to get something from you." Manison made no attempt to hide his intentions.
"They want something from me?" Han Xiao's eyes flickered slightly. The Mechanic Emperor wouldn't want his machines; it was most likely Universal Treasure... Was it Evolution Cube or Space-Time Amber?
However, Manison didn't continue speaking and turned to look to the side. The two were now in a circular corridor, with combat training rooms on one side. They strolled along and eventually arrived at the base's training area.
"Since you're here, how about we have a friendly spar?" Manison's tone was devoid of emotion.
"Here?" Han Xiao shook his head. "With our strength, we could probably turn my headquarters upside down."
"Don't worry, I didn't bring any other mechanized units, just this one mechanical shell." Manison shrugged. "You control one too, just enough to make a small fuss and avoid causing any trouble."
That's fine... Han Xiao pondered for a moment, then nodded.
"All right."
He figured that since he didn't need to use his physical body to fight, he could just repair the damaged shell, which was very safe. He guessed that Manison was trying to measure his power level by measuring the strength of his Mechanical Force.
Having broken through the energy level limit of 52,000, Han Xiao felt confident that his Mechanical Force strength at this level wouldn't be easily crushed.
Moreover, the vessel through which the Dominator's Descent shares most of the original body's abilities, and he also wanted to check Manison's attribute panel through the combat information.