In the battle information, Sorokin's level is marked with a question mark. Like Manison before him, only a small part of his abilities have been revealed. Sorokin's strength is only partially shown.
Sorokin is a psychic, whose abilities are almost entirely related to the mind, including multifaceted enhancements in mind intrusion, reading, and manipulation. Han Xiao also saw several special skills and expertise.
[[Soul Immortality]: When your life points reach zero, your soul can detach from your broken body and survive. In this state, you become an energy-based soul life form, gaining a new life bar that does not diminish. You possess physical immunity and extremely high resistance to negative effects, can penetrate most obstacles, and can reside in the brains of other life forms. Only energy and mental attacks can harm you—powerful mental energy grants your soul immortality; even without a body, as long as your soul remains, you will still live.]
[[Physical Body Reconstruction]: If your body is destroyed, you can consume spiritual energy to reconstruct it. The reconstructed body will have 30% health remaining. -- The physical body is the vessel of the soul and also its barrier.]
[[Multidimensional Energy Absorption]: You can absorb free multidimensional energy to replenish your strength]
[[Soul Energy Foundation]: Special Ability - Your soul, like the cells in your body, can provide and store energy.]
[[The Long-Lived One]: Your mental resistance has been slightly increased]
[[Trickster Sorokin]: Exclusive Feat: Your psychic power +75%, your Intelligence and Arcane attributes +20%, all psychic skill effects +4 (this effect can exceed the level cap)]
'Such an amazing ability...' Han Xiao felt somewhat serious.
[Soul Immortality] and [Physical Body Reconstruction] can be considered divine skills for psychic abilities. Ordinary psychic abilities will still die without a body, or at the very least, their souls will gradually decay. However, Sorokin's soul is a life form on its own and does not need a vessel. This may be a change brought about by racial sublimation.
Based on these two abilities, as well as the [Long-Lived One] specialty, Han Xiao had some guesses.
Could it be... that Sorokin actually lived under different identities for a long time?
No wonder there's so little information about him!
'If that's the case, his age is likely older than I imagined!'
Han Xiao became secretly wary and cast a glance at him.
If it weren't for the battle information being released, given Sorokin's low-key and submissive style, he would have had a hard time guessing that Sorokin had such a secret.
'This guy is very strong, but he puts himself in a very low position, doesn't care about admitting fault, and likes to flatter others, so he's easily looked down upon. Although he's lived a long time, he's completely different from someone with a powerful aura like Manison... a cunning old fox!'
Han Xiao muttered to himself.
Sorokin, standing to the side, was naturally unaware that his secrets had been exposed, nor did he know what Han Xiao was thinking. The earlier probing attack had displeased him, and he remained silent for a moment.
The two walked in silence for a few minutes. Suddenly, Sorokin's expression changed. He had received Loffer's good news, and a smile appeared on his face. After thinking for a moment, he spoke again:
"Lord Black Star, do you have any intention of publicly selling Evolutionary Totem?"
Han Xiao snapped out of his reverie and raised an eyebrow.
"I don't care; it depends on the Empire's decision."
"Sigh, if the Evolutionary Totem could be sold to all civilizations, the Black Star Army's market value after its IPO would stabilize at an extremely high level. The profits from this kind of monopolistic business are too great. It's a pity we can't cooperate..."
Sorokin's expression held a hint of regret.
Han Xiao smiled but didn't answer, though a thought flickered in his mind; he felt there was something else behind Sorokin's words.
After touring the headquarters, the two parted ways. Han Xiao watched Sorokin return to his room, stood there for a few seconds, and then turned and walked away to his office.
After pondering for a while in his office, Han Xiao contacted Sylvia and gave her instructions in a deep voice:
"Investigate the Infinite Financial Group's movements after entering the Shattered Star Ring."
"Clear."
A few days later, the Black Star's Gathering was held as scheduled, and all the guests gathered in the banquet hall, making for a very lively scene.
Han Xiao gave a brief speech, summarizing the achievements of last year's cooperation, and announced the start of the banquet amidst applause.
Those present included envoys from various civilizations and representatives from numerous cooperative organizations, all of whom were partners of the Black Star Army, encompassing a wide range of businesses.
Several years ago, Han Xiao set out the "Pan-Star Field Interest Alliance" plan. Now, after several years of development, its prototype is becoming more and more complete. These partners have shared various business channels with the Legion, enabling the Legion to have its current industrial scale. This plan is one of the cornerstones of the Legion's future development, and he attaches great importance to it.
Han Xiao was surrounded by groups of people, chatting enthusiastically. Sylvia stood beside Han Xiao, handling the situation with ease. Laughter occasionally rang out from the crowd. These representatives were very respectful, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
In another corner of the banquet hall, Sorokin was surrounded by a group of people. The Infinite Financial Group was the wealthiest group present, and it was usually extremely difficult to see Sorokin. Many people took this opportunity to come and make his acquaintance.
Sorokin, holding his wine glass, smiled as he engaged in conversation with those who struck up a conversation, while observing all the guests and watching the grand Black Star's Gathering with a cryptic and amused look in his eyes.
At the same time, his possessed consciousness descended upon the War Realm, possessing the body of one of Loffer's attendants.
The Tyrant's Gathering and the Black Star's Gathering were held at the same time, but the latter was much quieter than the Black Star Army. Only a few people were whispering among themselves, while most people were focused on the drinks and food.
Although Heber's face remained expressionless, he was clearly not in a good mood watching this scene.
Loffer, carrying a glass of wine, strolled through the banquet when she suddenly noticed a wink from a servant not far away. She immediately understood, recognizing it as Sorokin, and quietly moved aside with the servant.
"What is it?" Loffer asked in a low voice.
"You will remain in the War Realm and take charge of the conglomerate's operations here. You will be in charge of all the conglomerate's resources here." Sorokin nodded.
"Good."
A look of surprise flashed in Loffer's eyes. There was competition among Sorokin's children, and entrusting him with such an important task meant that his father valued him.
Suppressing his excitement, Loffer asked in a low voice, "What are the specific action plans? Are there any issues that need special attention?"
"I'll give you the detailed plan in a while. To suppress the Black Star Army's business, we must start with their partners."
Sorokin smiled faintly, "I see that Black Star deliberately created a vast network of interests for his forces, so the first thing to do is to cut through that network, break it up, and destroy the situation that Black Star has painstakingly built up over the past ten years. I don't need to teach you how to do it, do I?"
"I understand." Loffer nodded.
"Once the resources allocated by the consortium arrive, you can begin taking action."
The gathering concluded successfully, with each guest gaining something from the experience. Sorokin then took his leave the following day.
At the Legion headquarters dock, Han Xiao watched as the Infinite Financial Group's fleet transformed into streaks of light and disappeared into the depths of the starry sky. His brows furrowed tightly, and a solemn expression appeared on his face.
He left so quickly... I really can't figure out what he meant.
Although he saw through Sorokin's hidden strength and became more vigilant, he still knew nothing about Sorokin's thoughts.
Han Xiao had a premonition that Sorokin might be plotting something behind the scenes, and if the Black Star Army encountered any unusual situation recently, it would definitely be Sorokin's doing.
Moreover, based on the probing, the other party's target is most likely related to the Evolutionary Totem.
"They're up to something..." Han Xiao exhaled.
He knew from the beginning that the problem of the Evolutionary Totem would not be resolved so easily; there would be no peace until the external demands were met.
The Empire withstood most of the pressure, but the pressure from the Black Star Army is probably coming soon.
"In that case, it would be best to stay within the Empire for a while, leaving behind some Apostle Weapon and mechanical shells at the Legion headquarters."
Han Xiao secretly made up his mind; he was still quite wary of the Federation of Light's teleportation capabilities.
Tap tap tap...
Just then, Han Xiao heard footsteps approaching from behind, and he knew without turning around that it was Hila.
"Han Xiao, there's something I need to discuss with you."
"What is it?" Han Xiao put aside his distracting thoughts and turned to look at Hila's cold and exquisite face.
"I'll be leaving for a while. Could you please take care of Aurora?"
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow. "Where are you going?"
"I'll be going to another star system with Teacher Ames for training, so I might not be able to be your bodyguard for the time being," Hila said softly.
Han Xiao asked in surprise, "Is Ames going too?"
"Yes, it was the teacher who invited me."
Han Xiao stared at Hila for a while, and Hila calmly returned his gaze. After they looked at each other for a moment, Han Xiao finally smiled.
"Okay, that's good. I agree. I'll take care of Aurora."
"Thank you." Hila nodded.
"There's no need for thanks between us." Han Xiao stepped forward, placed his hand on Hila's shoulder, and said in a deep voice, "I hope you'll be Beyond Grade A when you come back."
"You really have faith in me." Hila rarely smiled, hesitated for a moment, then lightly punched Han Xiao's chest with her fist. "Take care of yourself too."
"Don't worry, I've put Fording in charge of the Royal Guard temporarily. He's very reliable, so you can go without worry. It won't affect me. You... hey, don't go! I haven't finished talking yet."
Watching Hila leave with a displeased expression, Han Xiao helplessly scratched his forehead and composed himself.
It's good to let Hila go out and gain experience. Opportunities to fight alongside her are few and far between. Gaining more experience will help her unleash her potential and become Beyond Grade A.
I didn't expect that Ames would also go out to train. I heard that after being defeated by me two years ago, Ames focused on cultivation and is now no longer staying at home. It seems that she is really determined to improve herself.
With Ames by her side, Hila's personal safety was guaranteed, but Han Xiao still decided to equip their spaceship with a number of mechanical troops and mechanical shells as insurance.
They've worked hard, so I can't just sit idly by...
Han Xiao entered the Quantum Network Vision and asked Phillip:
"How's the collection of Energy Training Method coming along?"
"Master, I have selected the more valuable options for you. Please check them."
A list appeared before me, all of them high-quality Energy Training Method available on various interstellar markets, from different races, civilizations, and superhuman groups, with a wide variety of names.
Han Xiao made his decision after just one glance.
"Buy them all for me."