Having reached a consensus on the matter of the Modo Civilization, the two discussed official business related to the exploration of the Shattered World for a while, before gradually turning to casual conversation.
"Recently, the Imperial Academy of Sciences has been studying Spacetime Shearing Technology. Some of my old friends at the Academy told me that this will be a new direction for researching spacetime theory, capable of generating extremely powerful applied technologies, giving us a new trump card in the field of spacetime. This is all thanks to you."
Tarrokov took a sip of tea and chatted casually.
"That's good news, and the book. But even without me, the Empire could still acquire this technology." Han Xiao looked down, casually glancing at the cup as it passed through the remotely projected hand. He couldn't help but glance helplessly at Old Tar, who was drinking water.
Noticing Han Xiao's gaze, Tarrokov put down his teacup, coughed lightly, and said:
"The Federation of Light possesses strategic-level technologies in the field of spacetime, such as the High-Dimensional Apocalypse Teleporter, while our Empire's research into spacetime lags behind theirs. Given time, the Spacetime Shearing Technology we obtained this time may very well become another representative technology of the Empire... Therefore, enforcing secrecy regulations is unavoidable."
"I know this technology won't leave me," Han Xiao hummed in agreement.
In his previous life, the Spacetime Shearing Technology was exclusively owned by the Empire. Now, he has secretly acquired the same technology. The Empire cannot maintain a monopoly and can only accept it reluctantly, only asking Han Xiao not to leak the secret.
During this period, Han Xiao's level and attributes did not increase much, but he gained a lot of powerful abilities and expertise. If the Mechanic Emperor were to make a comeback and try to invade his database like last time, he would not be afraid and would not repeat the same mistake of having a lot of intelligence stolen by the Mechanic Emperor.
Tarrokov suddenly realized something and laughed, "Speaking of which, the Spacetime Shearing Technology is the greatest asset of the Kunde Race, this indigenous civilization. The Modo Civilization was clearly one step ahead of us, but in the end, because they wanted to use someone else to do their dirty work, they missed out on the technology. They're still in the dark, unaware of what they missed."
"If the Modo Civilization knew that their plan not only backfired but also gifted the Empire a huge fortune, they would probably regret it to death."
Seeing that Modo Civilization to steal a chicken had backfired, the two men laughed, in high spirits.
After laughing for a while, Tarrokov changed the subject, then suddenly changed the subject, "Given my position, it might be inappropriate for me to say what I'm about to say, but I still want to ask you... what are your plans for marriage?"
Han Xiao's expression suddenly turned strange.
What, are you trying to play matchmaker?
Given our positions, it's not appropriate for you to ask me such a private question directly.
Tarrokov's expression was somewhat awkward, but he continued, "The Empire values its alliance with you and is equally attentive to your life. You may not know this, but you are quite popular among the children of high-ranking Imperial officials. Many of the daughters of high-ranking Imperial officials are quite eager to meet you."
Seeing his helpless expression, Han Xiao's mind raced and he immediately understood.
Cosmic civilizations generally do not interfere in the private lives of Beyond Grade A individuals. However, the Black Star Army and the Crimson Dynasty are currently in a honeymoon period of cooperation. The potential shown by Black Star has already raised high hopes among many high-ranking officials. In addition, Han Xiao has always been a highly eligible bachelor, so the idea of a marriage alliance has become more popular, but it cannot be forced.
The Empire has no royal system, but marriage alliances remain a timeless means of winning over allies. Some high-ranking officials and nobles hold this view, and others are happy to see it happen—marriage alliances can fundamentally change the bond between Black Star and the Empire. In this way, the problem of Evolution Cube will be easier to handle. After the marriage alliance, Black Star will continue to keep the cubes, which will be less unacceptable to some of the opposition leaders.
On the other hand, cosmic-level civilizations have always valued the Beyond Grade A race, as it is the cradle of superhumans. The Empire also wants Han Xiao to leave behind his own offspring and join the Beyond Grade A race as soon as possible...
Simply put, it's about pressuring someone to get married.
The idea of a marriage alliance might not have been at Urranrell's behest. It was probably because many high-ranking officials and dignitaries approached Old Tar and asked him to pass on a message to me, wanting to send their daughters to me... Han Xiao muttered to himself.
Seeing that Han Xiao remained silent, Tarrokov had no choice but to continue, "If you have time, you can also attend more banquets hosted by the Empire's high-ranking officials; many children of high-ranking officials want to get to know you."
Just want to get to know me?
She probably wants to sleep with me!
Hmph, boys need to protect themselves when they're out and about. I won't give you any chances.
"Let's talk about that later," Han Xiao chuckled, changing the subject. "Has the Empire made any other moves lately?"
"Let me think..." Tarrokov pondered for a moment, "Right, it's been a long time since a Beyond Grade A member of the Arcane Church has appeared; that's unusual."
"Who is it?" Han Xiao hadn't been paying attention to this kind of thing lately.
"Ninja, remember him? He was also part of the attack on Lighthouse Star, and he was the only one who escaped back with the Scepter of All Gods."
"Oh, it's him." Han Xiao remembered that almost all of the Beyond Grade A had been sealed in amber, with only Ninja escaping unscathed.
"Ninja has not made a public appearance in recent years, and the Arcane Church claims that Ninja has been recuperating. However, as time goes on, the situation becomes increasingly suspicious. Even if he is recuperating, there is no reason for him to not appear for nearly ten years. There may be something hidden..."
"Is the Arcane Church lying?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm, I think Ninja is very likely missing, or even dead. Judging from this, I think Ninja may not have returned to the Arcane Church with the Scepter of All Gods; someone may have intercepted and killed him." Old Tar's tone was solemn.
"You mean... the Scepter of All Gods isn't actually in the hands of the Arcane Church, but they're pretending to have it?"
Han Xiao stroked his chin. "That makes sense. Over the years, I've gradually unsealed those Beyond Grade A members of the Arcane Church, but they haven't applied to unseal the Scepter of All Gods. They say they believe the Empire would never agree, but upon closer inspection, that explanation is very suspicious."
"Yes," Tarrokov shook his head, "But it doesn't matter who wields the Scepter of All Gods. Without your help, no one can use the Scepter of All Gods and pose any threat to us."
"Hmm..." Han Xiao's eyes flickered, and he pondered, "In that case, the Empire becomes the only one who can use it. Perhaps we'll have a chance to exchange the Scepter of All Gods for it from someone else. That way, one of the Arcane Church's trump cards will become our weapon."
"It's not that easy; it depends on what the higher-ups think," Old Tar said pessimistically.
The two chatted for a while, Tarrokov had a routine meeting to attend, so Han Xiao didn't want to disturb him.
Disabling the remote projection and returning to his own room, Han Xiao pondered the conversation and muttered to himself:
"We'll have to wait until the fourth phase of exploration to retaliate against the Modo Civilization. Let's make as many preparations as possible before the 4.0 expansion begins."
As he spoke, Han Xiao opened Phillip's database to check the current size of the Black Star Army's influence.
Over the years, the Black Star Army has firmly established itself as the leader of the Shattered Star Ring. Although it has encountered some challenges, as long as it remains, its position is not easily shaken. In the Shattered World, the Legion has also gained a territorial foundation, and has broad prospects for future development.
In other star systems, the Black Star Army has also established branches to varying degrees, but their scale cannot compare with that of the Shattered Star Ring and the Shattered World. Their main forces are still entrenched in these two star systems.
The second phase of exploration is now back on track. Although more people are joining in the third phase, there are no obstacles like the Kunde Race, so the universe will develop peacefully for more than a decade. It will only become restless again when the fourth phase opens up.
"During this period, the Legion had ample time to develop the Shattered World, gradually perfecting all aspects of its territory. The Mechanical Civilization and the Black Spirit Race also made significant progress, as did the transformation of the Kunde Race."
Han Xiao pondered to himself, these were all important bargaining chips for the legion's development to the next stage.
He couldn't help but start to analyze the sources of the external pressures he was currently facing.
Needless to say, the Mechanic Emperor's conflict of interest is irreconcilable; the Infinite Financial Group has been vying for market share and is unlikely to back down; the Empire is under pressure regarding the Evolutionary Totem issue, but it's not easy for them either, and there might be further changes; the World Tree coordinates are also a ticking time bomb, which could overturn the entire universe at any moment.
"Now the list has expanded to Modo Civilization; there are quite a few issues to address."
Han Xiao shook his head and exhaled.
There are many powerful enemies; to deal with them, both factional strength and individual ability are indispensable.
"Once the players return, my combat power can rise rapidly again, and I can handle these problems more reliably then." Han Xiao nodded to himself. Although his efficiency in gaining experience was not low, it couldn't compare to the terrifying speed of harvesting experience.
He didn't intend to just wait idly. If he couldn't level up, he planned to use this time to explore the manufacturing methods of Universal Treasure. There were always ways for mechanics to improve their strength.
Normally, Beyond Grade A character is already considered very fortunate to have one Universal Treasure, but Han Xiao has two. The more of these things the better, and he wouldn't mind having a third.
"Speaking of version 4.0, the next batch of Beyond Grade A newcomers will gradually emerge... Hey, before I knew it, I'd become a senior."
Han Xiao shook his head and smiled. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but think of Hila was currently in seclusion.
He missed her a little after not seeing her for a while; since leaving that small place on Planet Aquamarine, the two of them had rarely seen each other.
"I estimate that by version 4.0, she'll reach Beyond Grade A, allowing the Goddess of Death to reappear in the universe."
Han Xiao has high hopes for Hela, as she is currently the only cadre with a chance of becoming a Super A-level cadre.
Hadavy, Rotel, Fording, and Lagi all have potential, but they're still far from being Beyond Grade A.
"Perhaps I can think of a way to strengthen the legion's officers."
Han Xiao thought for a moment, then pulled up a piece of intelligence—the legacy of the Sorokin, information about [Chaos Mysterious Energy].
According to the information, the Chaos Mysterious Energy appeared around version 4.0. Although I can't use this special ability myself, it doesn't prevent me from capturing it and slowly finding a suitable host.
The opportunity was rare, and he wasn't going to miss it.
The territory of the Crimson Dynasty, a transit hub in the Constellation Corridor.
The strip club was bustling and noisy, with deafening music, but in a secluded booth in the corner, the atmosphere was completely different.
Two people sat facing each other. One was wearing a hooded trench coat, making his face unrecognizable, while the other was an intelligent creature covered in bumps, looking somewhat like an upright toad, and wearing glasses.
"Here's what you wanted." The toad-man took out a small storage chip, pushed it in front of the other person, and whispered, "The data is all inside. Find a compatible machine to view it."
"Hmm." The hooded man accepted the chip and made to leave.
At this moment, the toad-man couldn't help but call out to him, asking in a deep voice, "I don't understand. I've been out of the workforce for many years, and I've long since lost contact with the intelligence organization. Very few people know my identity. Why are you able to find me? Who exactly are you?"
The hooded man's voice was hoarse as he said calmly:
"Don't you think it's pointless to ask someone whose face is covered up about their identity?"
After saying that, he strode away from the trading site, made his way through the hub, and quietly boarded an interstellar flight, leaving the place far behind.
Inside the cabin, he pulled back his hood, revealing a pale face—it was Gaud.
Take out a machine, disconnect from the network, insert the storage chip purchased from a special person, and soon, a document appears on the screen.
After glancing at it twice, Gaud's lips curled into a smile.
"That's right, it's intelligence on Chaos Mysterious Energy..."