Thinking about Sorokin's information, Han Xiao's expression remained normal. He then continued Sorokin's conversation with a question, his tone full of interest:
"How do you plan to collaborate?"
"The Shattered World presents a rare business opportunity. We've heard that the Crimson Dynasty will allocate territory to its allies participating in the pioneering efforts. Once the new starfield opens, the Shattered World will be integrated into the universe's distribution system. At that time, countless interstellar citizens will flood in, and this starfield will experience explosive growth. The Empire's allies who own these territories will be the biggest winners. Therefore, we hope to invest heavily in the Black Star Army and the _Book_Corps, and work with you to build your territories ahead of time."
As he spoke, Sorokin smiled faintly, "Our Infinite Financial Group invests throughout the universe, seizing every business opportunity. I'm sure Lord Black Star is aware of our financial strength. With our help, expanding your territory will be much more efficient."
"Yes, the market value of the Infinite Financial Group... is indeed astonishing. I have no doubt about your capabilities." Han Xiao nodded.
The Infinite Financial Group's numerous subsidiaries were listed on interstellar stock exchanges in different regions long ago, with transparent and publicly available market capitalizations that can be easily verified. The figures are so high that uninformed people might even doubt whether the Enas is an incredibly cheap currency.
Resources often end up in the hands of a few. In the interstellar age, the gap between the rich and the poor is as vast as the difference between wild beasts on Earth and citizens of a cosmic civilization.
As the Empire's allies develop their Shattered World, the support of various conglomerates is inevitable. This is also a means of sharing costs and commercial cooperation. The Crimson Dynasty itself tacitly allows these allies to sign contracts with conglomerates to build together.
It sounded like there was no problem; it was indeed a normal demand for interests from the financial groups. But that guy, Sorokin, well... Han Xiao kept a straight face, but he was secretly thinking to himself.
Seeing that Han Xiao did not express his opinion, Sorokin narrowed his eyes and continued, "The Black Star Army now has a huge business and dominates the Shattered Star Ring. In terms of financial resources alone, it is no less than the top-tier large conglomerates. Because of its deep background, extensive network, and the support of the Empire, its position is very stable. If the Black Star Army were to go public and issue credit bonds, it would definitely attract countless interstellar citizens to invest, and increasing its market value dozens of times would not be a problem."
"What do you mean?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.
Sorokin smiled, "Perfect timing. Our Infinite Financial Group has extensive experience in this area. If the Black Star Army Black Star Army is interested, we'd be happy to help them with a public fundraising..."
"We'll talk about this later." Han Xiao interrupted Sorokin. This thing is the authentic way of cutting leeks, but for now, there are pros and cons, and he has no such idea for the time being.
Upon hearing this, Sorokin promptly stopped the conversation and asked, "So, what are your thoughts on the cooperation requests I proposed, Lord Black Star?"
Han Xiao thought for a moment, then asked thoughtfully, "I'm not the only one capable of developing the Shattered World. Logically, once the territories allocated to each company are determined, those conglomerates will start to act and choose the best territories to cooperate with. But right now, none of our allies have chosen their territories yet, and you're so sure you're betting on me?"
"Haha, I do have some connections in the Crimson Dynasty and have received some inside information. Even without that connection, based on your contributions in the Battle of Lighthouse Star and the Sorokin's Fall, as well as the strategic-level Evolution Cube you possess, I know the Empire will definitely give you the best territory. In that case, why should I hesitate?"
Sorokin was all smiles.
This statement was not untrue. If there were no conflicting interests behind it, and he had to choose an empire ally to invest in, he would also choose the Black Star Army. Given Han Xiao's achievements and importance, everyone knew that the Black Star Army would definitely get the biggest slice of the pie.
It's just a pity...
"Is that so...?" Han Xiao gave Sorokin a deep look.
This guy was earnest and sincere, and everything he said seemed to be aligned with his own interests; he appeared to genuinely want to cooperate with me...
However, because of Sorokin's past involvement in the Gural Civil War, which revealed his intentions, Han Xiao remained wary of him. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "If I agree to cooperate with you, are you prepared to sign a contract with me now?"
"No, that's not it." Sorokin shook his head and chuckled. "I'm only here to reach a preliminary agreement. The specific contract details can only be finalized after the territory is settled. Of course, the main reason I came in person is that you specifically asked me to attend the Black Star's Gathering. Such a big deal really requires my personal attention. On the other hand, I also admire His Excellency Black Star's achievements."
He's just spouting flattery; it doesn't seem like the style of a Beyond Grade A student at all... Han Xiao thought to himself.
At this moment, Han Xiao had a thought and said, "In that case, I have no objection."
"Then I wish us a pleasant cooperation." Sorokin chuckled.
Han Xiao didn't laugh. Instead, he changed the subject and slowly said, "By the way, I heard that the Infinite Financial Group has many Beyond Grade A shareholders, some of whom are Ancient Ones, such as Manison from the Mechanic Emperor. There's also a Beyond Grade A ally of the Empire who is a shareholder of yours."
"That's right."
"Isn't it reasonable for the Infinite Financial Group to exchange shareholder positions for resources and protection?"
"... Yes."
"Hmm, you want to cooperate with me, but verbal promises are still unstable. The development of the Shattered World is still a long way off. If I become a shareholder of the Infinite Financial Group, I will naturally cooperate with Infinite Financial Group fully... I believe the name Black Star has some prestige in the universe. Lord Sorokin, I wonder if, with my abilities and these assets, I am qualified for a shareholder position?"
Through the Gural Civil War, he learned that the Infinite Financial Group had designs on his farm. If he could infiltrate the Infinite Financial Group, who knows who would be the one poaching whose farm?
"This..." Sorokin looked troubled.
Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he deliberately lowered his tone, "Oh? You think I'm not qualified?"
"Of course not." Sorokin shook his head, but inwardly he sneered.
--I'm afraid you're not qualified.
"On our first meeting, he already wants a shareholder position in the Infinite Financial Group. He's got quite the appetite. It seems the achievements of the Lighthouse Star and the Sorokin have made Black Star arrogant..." Sorokin thought to himself.
Despite thinking this to himself, Sorokin wore a helpless expression on his face.
"Of course, Lord Black Star is qualified. However, the conglomerate is so large that I can't just give out shareholder positions as I please. Even if I were willing, the other shareholders might not be. Moreover... there are three cosmic-level civilizations, each with only one shareholder, and the Empire already has one... You understand what I mean, right?"
"Oh, I see." Han Xiao nodded. It's the Three Universal Civilizations balancing each other again; their influence is everywhere.
That's a good reason; it seems it's difficult to get anything out of someone just by talking.
"In that case, let's put aside these important matters for now. In any case, I'm very happy to have met another Beyond Grade A today." Han Xiao stared at Sorokin. "Would you be interested in sparring with me, as is customary among Beyond Grade A?"
"No, I'm not good at fighting." Sorokin waved his hand and smiled.
"Haha, don't be ridiculous. A Beyond Grade A saying you're not good at fighting? You're just trying to fool me."
"Although I am Beyond Grade A, I don't like fighting. I haven't fought anyone in a long time, and my combat skills have become rusty. Besides, Lord Black Star's achievements are known throughout the universe. I don't think I'm a match for him, so there's no need for us to spar."
Having said that, Sorokin stood up and said with a smile, "If I'm not mistaken, you have other guests to meet later, and as I'm new here, I also need to settle my men in. Let's call it a day. I'll come back to visit tomorrow, and we can talk then, what do you think?"
"Alright." Han Xiao could only nod upon hearing this. Sorokin was a guest from afar, and he couldn't force him to stay.
Sorokin smiled, exchanged communicator numbers, and then left the meeting room.
After he left, Han Xiao frowned.
"This guy's completely unyielding. If he won't agree to a spar, I'll have to think of another way..."
Sorokin was also a big shot in the industry. When someone came to discuss cooperation, you couldn't just go up and confront him directly. The other party's attitude was unclear, and it wouldn't be good to make an enemy rashly.
However, although Sorokin seemed very sincere, Han Xiao always felt that the other party did not really want to cooperate with him.
Reflecting on their conversation, Han Xiao realized it was difficult to see through Sorokin's personality; it was as if he was wearing a mask the entire time.
"I don't know what he's thinking..." Han Xiao rubbed his temples and sighed helplessly.
Dealing with this kind of person is exhausting.
Meanwhile, at the Shattered Star Ring, the headquarters of the War Realm.
This year's Tyrant's Gathering and Black Star's Gathering are being held at the same time. The various civilizations of the Shattered Star Ring will not neglect one for the other, and have also sent envoys to attend the Tyrant's Gathering, following the tradition of previous years.
On the top floor of the palace in the War Realm, Heber stood before a huge hanging window. Outside the window was a black and gray surface fortress and a sky full of stars. His gaze was fixed on the residences of all the envoys.
In previous years, these envoys would visit each other and make friends during the period before the Tyrant's Gathering. But now, these envoys are almost silent. Most of them are staying in their rooms, and the hall is cold and deserted, like a stagnant pool.
Because the Black Star's Gathering is more lively and involves more forces, the various civilizations of the Shattered Star Ring regard the Black Star's Gathering as the main stage for social interaction, while the Tyrant's Gathering has become a secondary occasion. Matters that need to be discussed can be settled on the Black Star, so there is no need for them to travel between the two sides.
Nowadays, these civilizations participate in the Tyrant's Gathering more as a formality and to save face; the lively and grand scene of the past is gone.
"Hmph, Black Star."
Heber's expression was tense, his fists clenched tightly behind his back.
Just then, Chief of Staff Jorde entered the room, came up behind Heber, and whispered, "Your Tyrant, the envoy from the Infinite Financial Group has arrived; she is waiting outside."
"Let her in." Heber said without turning his head.
After a while, Loffer walked into the room and looked at the tall the Sight of Father's Back in front of the window. Just one glance was enough to make him feel a sense of oppression.
She steadied herself slightly and said in a low voice, "Greetings, Your Tyrant."
She wasn't even at the Calamity Grade, and couldn't be as composed as her father Sorokin, when facing Han Xiao.
"I heard your Infinite Financial Group wants to cooperate with me?" Heber turned around and glanced at Loffer indifferently.
"That's right, it's about the Shattered World, I..."
"You're a conglomerate looking to invest, huh? You don't need to discuss such a trivial matter with me in person. Go find the executive in charge of business cooperation." Heber withdrew his gaze, losing interest.
Loffer gritted his teeth and took out a letter. "Sorokin instructed me to bring you a letter."
"A letter?" Heber frowned.
In this era of convenient information transmission methods like quantum communication, handwritten letters are mostly for confidentiality. Heber was somewhat puzzled. He had no connection with Sorokin, so what did it mean to send him a letter? It couldn't possibly be a love letter, could it?
Heber then turned to face Loffer, pulled the letter into his hand with a forceful movement, opened it, glanced at it, and suddenly his eyes narrowed, his expression turning serious as he carefully read the contents of the letter.
"So that's how it is..."
Heber crushed the letter in his hand, turning it into dust, which then dissipated into atoms. He then looked at Jorde and said, "You go out first."
Jorde was taken aback, and had no choice but to take his leave, closing the door behind him.
Only the two remained in the room. A glint flashed in Heber's eyes, and a powerful aura surged forth, filling the entire room and blocking any external detection. Only then did he slowly speak:
"You want me to deal with the Black Star Army?"
"Yes." Loffer nodded.
"Hmph, absurd!" Heber said coldly, "Although I have a grudge against Black Star, we are both allies of the Empire, and I can't do anything to him. You've got the wrong person."
Loffer took a deep breath, recalling what Sorokin had taught him, and spoke in a low voice:
"Black Star has only risen to prominence in the last twenty years, while you have been operating in the Shattered Star Ring for how many decades? Black Star has overtaken you, its business is booming, and its influence has now surpassed yours. Tyrant, are you content with this?"
Heber remained indifferent but did not refute.
"As allies of the Empire, the Crimson Dynasty has consistently favored the Black Star Army, providing them with significant support. Have you ever wondered why...?"
Heber interrupted her, saying slowly, "He has the Evolution Cube, I don't, it's that simple."
"That's right!" Loffer said with a triumphant tone, "That's the crux of the matter!"
"Hmph, so you want me to help you seize the Evolution Cube?" Heber remained unmoved, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.
"Of course not, we just want him to lose the Evolution Cube; there's a difference between the two."
"Oh? What do you mean?"
"Seizing it is virtually impossible. The Glory and the Arcane will not act rashly, and as an ally of the Empire, you have no choice but to stand by and watch the Black Star Army. You will certainly not stand idly by and watch our actions. Therefore, what we hope for is for the Black Star to hand over the Evolution Cube voluntarily."
Heber almost laughed. "Give the Evolution Cube to outsiders? Do you think Black Star is crazy or stupid? Hmph, I know that bastard Black Star. He's a pure opportunist. You think he'd willingly give up Universal Treasure? Your Infinite Financial Group would go bankrupt tomorrow."
"No, I didn't say that." Loffer paused, "But what if Black Star handed over the Evolution Cube to... the Crimson Dynasty?"
Heber narrowed his eyes, a hint of interest appearing in them.
"... Tell me more about it."