Han Xiao opened the interface of the professional knowledge tree and took a look. At present, the number of professional knowledge at Lv5 is less than the 30 required for [Erudite], but it is only a few short. Upgrading a few low-level knowledge will make it reach the required level. What is missing is three Ultimate Knowledge at the maximum level.
Another important source of potential points is reaching the maximum skill level. The cost of upgrading skills increases exponentially with the character's level and the sum of all skill levels. It takes 120 potential points to upgrade a non-class Ultimate Knowledge from zero to the maximum level.
It's not suitable for Master Han to keep his level capped before reaching Beyond Grade A. With his current experience, even if he used it all to improve his professional knowledge, it wouldn't be enough to max out all the Ultimate Knowledge.
After thinking for a few seconds, he decided to max out [Eternal Energy], [Virtual Creator], and the Ultimate Knowledge of another manipulation branch, as the two core knowledge skills did not incur the penalty of three times the potential point cost.
Open the skill bar directly, invest experience points to upgrade some of the blueprint skills, and once you have enough potential points, use them all immediately to upgrade [Eternal Energy] and [Virtual Creator] to Lv5.
I haven't learned the final branch of Ultimate Knowledge yet. I have enough faction contribution points, but to maintain the effect of Political Asset, I need to keep at least 6,000 points untouched and maintain the [Revered] relationship. Only when my faction contribution points reach 12,000 will I have the resources to exchange for this final Ultimate Knowledge. Currently, I'm short three to four thousand points.
Having completed the upgrade and skill learning process, the accumulated experience points have been significantly reduced.
During the 2.0 update, Han Xiao's accumulated experience was only enough to level up from 170 to 207. However, in the 3.0 version, the number of Legion players increased several times over, the rewards for completing tasks as you level up became higher, and there were various new products that provided experience. These factors have resulted in Han Xiao currently having far more accumulated experience than during the 2.0 update period.
But there's a limit to how much you can do, and besides, the cost of upgrading at this stage is far greater than at lower levels. He needs to reserve some experience for gambling on blueprints and improving his Energy Training Method.
Han Xiao entered the Quantum Network Vision and instructed Phillip to procure Energy Training Method throughout the universe. With the legion's financial resources, this was a small matter and he didn't need to worry about it personally.
Next, Han Xiao counted his random rewards. The two low-level skills he drew were rather useless, but the basic specialization was not bad. It was called [Brain Power Enhancement], which increased his intelligence attribute by 4%, which was equivalent to adding several hundred points of intelligence. Intelligence was the core attribute of the mechanic, so this basic specialization was still somewhat valuable.
Besides these, the only slightly useful items are Blank Character Card and Skill Enhancement Card.
I have a Skill Enhancement Card that I drew a long time ago, and it's been sitting in my inventory unused. Now I have two of them.
"What should I strengthen... and books..." Han Xiao browsed through the skill bar, pondering in a low voice.
The character's inherent abilities will not trigger skill mutations; they can only be enhanced to a certain extent on the base stats. Currently, the character's combat style is quite comprehensive, and it seems that enhancing any skill would be beneficial.
After thinking it over, Han Xiao used one of [Gene Liberation] cards. Its burst damage is quite powerful, so strengthening it won't be a loss.
[Skill Enhancement Card activated, target: [Gene m. hetushu. com. com Unlocked Lv10], enhancement in progress...]
[Enhancement complete; the effect of [Gene Liberation Lv10] has been improved.]
Han Xiao wasn't surprised that the skill mutation wasn't triggered. [Gene Liberation] is a mutation of [Willpower Burning]. In his previous life, a master had tested it and found that repeatedly using enhancement cards on the same skill would greatly reduce the chance of mutation. The first time it was 20%, the second time it seemed to be 5%, and the third time it was 1%.
Looking at the skill description, [Gene Liberation]'s minimum damage bonus has been increased from 220% to 240%, and the maximum bonus from 480% to 520%. The duration has been increased from 2 seconds to 2.4 seconds, the cooldown has been reduced from 7 minutes to 6 minutes and 20 seconds, and the trigger condition for the additional passive skill has been increased from 20% health to 28% health. The enhancements are quite significant.
There was another enhancement card. Han Xiao looked at it for a long time but didn't really feel that any skill needed to be enhanced, so he simply kept it.
Players can also draw Skill Enhancement Card. The effect of a single card is limited; only when you have a large number of them can you achieve a significant change... for example, enhancing the [Luck Curse]'s -90% luck to -100% luck...
All card-type items, such as Character Summon Card and Skill Enhancement Card, are bound and cannot be traded. That's why temporary character cards obtained through juicing are so sought after. Otherwise, Han Xiao would have already issued a quest to collect them.
Having dealt with everything that needed to be done, Han Xiao turned off the control panel and left the combat training room. On the way, he took out his communicator and contacted Sylvia.
"How are the preparations for this Black Star's Gathering going?"
"The gathering will officially take place in a month, everything is arranged. Oh, by the way, I specifically checked the developments in the War Realm; the timing of this year's Tyrant's Gathering has been adjusted, to be around the same time as ours."
Han Xiao chuckled, "Little Tyrant is unhappy again."
"If I were the Tyrant, I'd be angry too," Sylvia said irritably.
"We can't just allow him to have a party while others can't. Besides, we're not even good friends, so why should I cater to his feelings?" Han Xiao scratched his chin.
Sylvia snorted, refusing to comment on Han Xiao's relationship with the Tyrant, and continued, "This year, there are more Evolutionary Totem Collaborators, with more representatives from civilizations and forces attending the gathering. Many are guests from other star regions. According to statistics, in addition to representatives from the Empire and local guests from the Shattered Star Ring, there are representatives from eleven star cluster-level civilizations, four hundred and thirteen star system-level civilizations, and more than forty representatives from non-governmental organizations, including some of your friendly Beyond Grade A allies."
"Not bad, business has expanded again." Han Xiao nodded.
If the Empire were to grant the right to purchase Evolutionary Totem, the number of forces coming to my aid would increase many times over.
"Take good care of them, don't neglect our guests."
After giving a casual instruction, Han Xiao hung up the call.
The subsequent plans can only be launched after the empire has divided up the territories; for now, we can only make preparations while waiting.
A month passed in the blink of an eye, and the day for the Black Star's Gathering arrived as scheduled.
The gathering had been held for several years, and Sylvia and other legion officers were familiar with the process, easily receiving representatives from various factions who had traveled from afar.
Before the formal gathering, Han Xiao also personally met with important clients and invited local star cluster-level representatives from the Shattered Star Ring to gather together.
"Haha, Black Star, long time no see."
Laifer, the representative of the Amethyst Civilization, was the first to enter the reception room, laughing heartily as he greeted him. Han Xiao also smiled, stood up, and hugged him.
The two are old friends. They developed their relationship during the Secret War when Han Xiao was at the Calamity Grade. Although they later switched allegiance to the Crimson Dynasty, they have always maintained a good relationship with the Amethyst Civilization.
The Amethyst Civilization maintained a neutral stance and did not express any intention to join the Empire. It was only at Han Xiao's request that they were able to purchase the Evolutionary Totem. They are currently the only non-Empire ally among their clients. The Amethyst also highly values Beyond Grade A forces on its own territory, and the two sides get along very well.
The two sat down and exchanged pleasantries, during which Laifer couldn't help but sigh.
"I just saw representatives of many other civilizations from various star systems outside. Wow, it's only been a few years, and you've all changed so much."
"There was some luck involved," Han Xiao said with a smile.
Laifer shook his head, quite saddened.
A few years ago, the Black Star Army was just a normal armed organization cooperating with the Amethyst Civilization. In just a few years, it has transformed into an object of admiration and currying favor with hundreds of civilizations.
Even their Amethyst Civilization doesn't have this kind of influence.
Seeing the small fry he once had to support grow into the behemoth it is today, Laifer has mixed feelings.
After chatting for a while, representatives from the other six star cluster-level civilizations in the Shattered Star Ring arrived. Now, no star cluster-level civilization in this star region would disrespect Han Xiao; even the neighboring Krent Empire sends people to participate every time.
Upon seeing his old rival, Laifer raised an eyebrow and said mockingly, "Hey, what brings you Krent again? I remember this year's Tyrant's Gathering is also being held around this time. Aren't you afraid Heber will be unhappy?"
"Hmph, other colleagues are handling things on the Tyrant's side." Representative Krent snorted.
The grudges forged in the Secret War have not disappeared to this day, but because of interests, Krent has no choice but to swallow his pride and try to please Han Xiao. Although they are allies of the Empire, if Black Star does not want to sell the Evolutionary Totem to Krent, they have no choice but to take it seriously.
These seven star cluster-level civilizations control the Shattered Star Ring. Han Xiao has various business dealings with them, and his network and influence are far stronger Heber's. Other star cluster-level representatives attend the Tyrant's Gathering more out of respect for Heber, while they attend the Black Star's Gathering because of their shared interests. This relationship is much more complex, and Han Xiao's power in the Shattered Star Ring has already surpassed Heber's.
Han Xiao chatted casually with the others, building rapport. After a while, his communicator suddenly vibrated. He glanced down and saw a message from Sylvia:
"Teacher, Sorokin has arrived."
Han Xiao had previously instructed Sylvia to keep an eye on Sorokin. Upon seeing this, his eyes flashed, and he stood up, smiling at the seven star cluster-level representatives present.
"Excuse me for a moment, everyone."
Sorokin's fleet docked at the pier, immediately attracting considerable attention.
The representatives of these civilizations had all heard of the Infinite Financial Group, but they only glanced at it a few times before looking away.
The Black Star Army is, after all, a special Beyond Grade A ally of the Empire, and its members are also important figures. It's not surprising that the Infinite Financial Group came to attend the gathering.
Sorokin disembarked from the spaceship, he immediately noticed the massive crowds at the dock. His eyes narrowed slightly, and he gained a clearer understanding of the Black Star Army's power.
Although the Legion has fewer partners across the universe than his Infinite Financial Group, it is perhaps the most powerful local force in the Shattered Star Ring and should not be underestimated.
At this moment, Fording had been waiting for a long time, came forward with a smile.
"I am Fording, the Commander of the Black Star's Guard. Welcome, distinguished guests from the Infinite Financial Group, to the Black Star Army. Lord Sorokin, Black Star awaits your meeting."
Upon hearing this, Sorokin withdrew his gaze and looked at Fording. His breath hitched suddenly, and a look of amazement and doubt flashed in his eyes. He looked Fording up and down, his tone somewhat uncertain.
"Are you... a man or a woman?"
"Maybe all of them," Fording smiled gently, adding, "But mainly men."
"Oh... I understand." Sorokin coughed. "Please lead the way; I'm also looking forward to meeting Lord Black Star."
The group left the dock and headed to another meeting room.
Sorokin kept glancing around, observing the Black Star Army's situation. Halfway there, he couldn't help but ask:
"I've heard that the Black Star Army has a legendary Immortal Army, and I came here hoping to see it for myself. But I haven't seen any along the way."
Fording chuckled. "Oh, you've come at a bad time. They just happen to be out."
"... Oh, is that so?" Sorokin's face twitched.
A month ago, not long after he arrived at the Shattered Star Ring, news came from the rear that all the undead recruited by the consortium had disappeared. Sorokin thought it was an isolated case, but he didn't expect that the undead on the Black Star Army's side had also disappeared.
'Indeed, no matter how far apart they are, these immortals are connected...'
Sorokin had been observing the players, but had no way of knowing the pattern of their disappearances, and could only helplessly accept his bad luck.
--The idea of contacting the undead on this trip has clearly failed; the timing was truly terrible.
Upon arriving at the reception room, Sorokin waited for a while before the door opened again, and Han Xiao rushed over.
Upon seeing this, Sorokin immediately stood up and came forward. Although he was Beyond Grade A with a full aura, as a businessman from a conglomerate, he was not arrogant towards his peers and took the initiative to extend his hand.
"Hello, I am Sorokin, the head of the Infinite Financial Group. It is a great honor to meet the legendary expert who captured the Sorokin." Sorokin smiled faintly and nodded in greeting.
"It's my honor, please have a seat." Han Xiao shook hands with him, showing no sign of anything amiss.
The two sat down, Sorokin spoke with a smile, his tone earnest:
"Although I am far away in the Sea of Star Spirits, I have often heard about Black Star's deeds. I have been thinking for a long time about when we could cooperate. Now there is a business opportunity, so I have come with sincerity. I hope that our first contact today will be a good start for future cooperation between our two sides."
"... I hope so too."
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips.
First time meeting you? You trash! If I didn't know you inside and out, I'd really believe you were as sincere as you seemed...
In his previous life, there wasn't much information about Sorokin. In the eyes of players, he was a Beyond Grade A character with a low profile and no illustrious achievements.
During this time, Han Xiao also asked his friends in the Beyond Grade A circle and found that Sorokin had never fought against Beyond Grade A. Everyone in the circle said that his personal combat strength was not very good. "Beyond Grade A" seemed to be just an identity for him to facilitate business negotiations.
Based on various accounts, Sorokin seems to be an anomaly outside the Beyond Grade A evaluation system; compared to the Beyond Grade A itself, he has a stronger businessman-like attribute.
However, those who become Beyond Grade A have all experienced various hardships and obstacles. Without the mindset of a strong person, it is impossible to possess the power of Beyond Grade A. Han Xiao felt that Sorokin might not be as mediocre and mercenary as he appeared on the surface, and there might be many mysteries surrounding him.
Because of limited information, the best way to understand someone's personality is through personal contact.
Han Xiao's thoughts shifted slightly.
'We'd better find a way to prick him and force out his combat information...'