Chapter Summaries

The Black Star Army welcomed a huge wave of recruits, including more than a dozen Calamity Grades, while Han Xiao discovered three uninvited visitors sneaking into headquarters. He recognized the newcomers as formidable people searching for Lothaire and let them enter under covert surveillance.

• Borick watched the new recruits gather around headquarters and continued his work as a Black Star Army instructor, unaware that Han Xiao knew his former identity as a DarkStar spy.
• Han Xiao returned with the Black Star fleet, opened the headquarters spaceports, and arranged for the new recruits to land and meet him.
• Han Xiao welcomed the Calamity Grade recruits and sent them with Hila and the guard officers for evaluation and possible entry into the Guard Officer Unit.
• Phillip reported that three unidentified people had entered Spaceport Six, and Han Xiao ordered the army to secretly monitor them rather than stop them.
• The silver-skinned man, the dragon-scaled man, and the four-armed man blended into the crowd and set out to find Lothaire.

Han Xiao discovered that Edmund, Cade, and Heber were the founders of the not-yet-established Silver Revolutionary Army and let them leave after Edmund recruited Lothaire. He planned to build ties with the future movement and expand his influence, while a dispute over redrawing star-cluster territories erupted between Krent’s ambassador and Suy.

• Han Xiao addressed the new Black Star Army members while monitoring Edmund, Cade, and Heber as they approached Lothaire.
• Edmund invited Lothaire to join his effort to overthrow the three Universal Civilizations, and she agreed to consider it after exchanging communicator numbers.
• Han Xiao secretly placed an Observation Mark on Edmund and revealed that the three visitors were the future founders of the Silver Revolutionary Army.
• Han Xiao told Lothaire he would let her leave if she chose to join the revolution, and he considered using their connection to establish ties with Edmund’s group.
• At a secret meeting on Krent’s home planet, Krent’s ambassador demanded that Suy explain why the Crimson Dynasty wanted Krent to abandon its proposal to redraw star-cluster territories, and Suy declared his loyalty to the dynasty.

Suy persuaded Krent to abandon its motion against Amethyst, and the War Realm withdrew from the Colton Star Cluster, ending the Secret War in Amethyst’s favor. Han Xiao received the mission rewards and considered using the new Secret War dungeon and veteran honors to strengthen players’ attachment to the Black Star Army.

• Suy told the Krent ambassador that the Crimson Dynasty would not support Krent’s motion, and the ambassador agreed to reconsider it after hearing about the Shattered World’s development.
• The Black Star Army expanded across the Colton Star Cluster, surpassing three hundred million members as the Secret War remained in an uneasy ceasefire.
• The War Realm abandoned its border outposts and withdrew from the Colton Star Cluster, ending Krent’s invasion plan and bringing the Secret War to a close.
• Han Xiao learned of the withdrawal and received six billion experience, political assets, Legend Points, and other rewards for completing the Secret War mission.
• Han Xiao considered creating dungeons from the war’s earlier battles and awarding honors and discounts to players who had participated.

Han Xiao browsed the player forum after the Secret War ended and watched a Galaxy Times special celebrating his rise and achievements. He then started Meat Bun’s video, which opened with a dramatic first-person narration in Han Xiao’s voice.

• Han Xiao saw pinned videos about him and skimmed forum posts celebrating the Black Star Army’s Secret War victory and rewards.
• Players mocked Summer Night Blossoms for his failed predictions about the Black Star Army and War Realm.
• Han Xiao watched Galaxy Times recount his career, the army’s growth, and his rise to Beyond Grade A.
• Galaxy Times praised Han Xiao as a legendary leader whose ultimate achievements remained unknown.
• Han Xiao opened Meat Bun’s video and heard a first-person narration about wanting to eclipse the other stars.

Meat Bun’s flattering video strengthened the players’ admiration for Han Xiao, prompting him to turn the Secret War’s history into dungeons and reward its veterans. As the Black Star Army expanded, Heber planned a gathering of major Shattered Star Ring forces and acknowledged Han Xiao’s new status by inviting him.

• Meat Bun released an immersive video portraying Han Xiao’s motives and praising his virtues, while suggesting the Black Star Army’s rise was the Secret War’s true storyline.
• Han Xiao saw the players’ enthusiasm as an opportunity to make the Secret War’s history into dungeons.
• The army awarded Secret War veterans a permanent discount and the honorary title [Secret War Combatant], then added Secret War Dungeon Crystals to the faction store.
• Han Xiao waited for the Crimson Dynasty’s order to explore the Shattered World while focusing on expanding the army and preserving the Evolution Cube’s value.
• Half a month later, the Black Star Army’s expansion took shape and War Realm withdrew to the Seoul Star Cluster.
• Heber ordered Jorde to invite the major forces of the Shattered Star Ring to another gathering, including Han Xiao as its fifth Beyond Grade A.

Han Xiao accepted Heber’s invitation to a gathering and traveled with Ames and Harmon to Luhan territory for the Craggy Rock Tribe’s chieftain contest. His arrival caused every candidate to withdraw, leaving Harmon’s path to succession uncontested.

• Han Xiao agreed to attend Heber’s gathering and promised Harmon he would help with the Craggy Rock Tribe’s chieftain contest.
• Ames joined Han Xiao, Harmon, and their companions as they traveled through the reopened stargate toward the Seoul Star Cluster.
• At Luhan’s Blood Planet, Mogo and Getuo prepared to compete, while Getuo relied on the Grade A wanderer leader Ruier to intimidate the other candidates.
• Ruier revealed his Calamity Grade strength, prompting two candidates to surrender and making Mogo’s allies consider withdrawing.
• Harmon arrived with Han Xiao, and Hila pushed back Ruier’s aura before Ruier recognized Black Star and panicked.
• Every candidate withdrew from the contest after Han Xiao’s arrival, completing Harmon’s mission without a fight.

Han Xiao helped Harmon secure leadership of the Craggy Rock Tribe, then agreed to consider helping the tribe migrate away from Krent’s pressure. At War Realm’s headquarters, a confrontation between Fosters and Han Xiao’s guards was interrupted by Heber, who summoned Han Xiao and Ames for talks between the five Beyond Grade As.

• Harmon celebrated his impending succession as chief, and Halaita privately asked Han Xiao whether the Black Star Army could help the Craggy Rock Tribe migrate from the Seoul Star Cluster; Han Xiao agreed to assist if they decided to go.
• Han Xiao and his companions stayed with the Craggy Rock Tribe for three days before departing for War Realm, and ten days later they arrived at Planet Heber with Ames.
• Fosters received Han Xiao and Ames at the dock and led them to the guest castle, where representatives of major factions gathered around the sought-after Black Star.
• Fosters challenged the Black Star Army’s guards, and Hila stepped forward to accept before Heber ordered Fosters to stop.
• Heber summoned Han Xiao and Ames to his palace for a discussion among the five Beyond Grade As, while Han Xiao told Hila and the others to rest in the guest quarters.

Han Xiao reached a truce with Heber and negotiated a deal with Austin over the Evolution Cube, while Sisko warned him about potential rivals. After the others left, Suy began briefing Han Xiao and Heber on the Shattered World’s exploration.

• Han Xiao and Heber agreed to set aside their grudge, explore the Shattered World separately, and avoid interfering with each other.
• Sisko warned Han Xiao that factions allied with the Crimson Dynasty, the Arcane Church, and Sorokin might pursue the Evolution Cube, then explained that he planned to become more active in the Star Field.
• Han Xiao and Austin agreed that Austin would provide rare genetic materials and mage training, form a partial alliance with the Black Star Army, and help with one task within his principles.
• Han Xiao repeatedly placed an Observation Mark over Austin, while Heber realized he was the only one present without a chance to use the Evolution Cube.
• Ames and the others left, and Suy showed Han Xiao and Heber a star map of the Shattered World before beginning a briefing on its exploration.

Han Xiao chose the Gaolu Star Cluster for the Crimson Dynasty’s Shattered World exploration and received the S+ series mission tied to surveying the new star field. After learning that future marshal Tenny Amenlos was among the first Evolution Cube recipients, Han Xiao returned to Heber’s gathering and began negotiating the Cube’s use with the Shattered Star Ring’s factions.

• Suy presented the three star clusters chosen for the first phase, and Heber selected the Renault Star Cluster while Han Xiao chose Gaolu for its resources, civilizations, and proximity to a Universal Treasure.
• Han Xiao received the S+ [Shattered World] mission, whose personal and faction-wide exploration points determined rewards and evaluations.
• Suy told Han Xiao that thirty thousand dynasty military elites were on their way to receive Evolution Cube modifications, and Han Xiao recognized Tenny Amenlos on the list.
• Representatives from across the Shattered Star Ring crowded into Han Xiao’s suite to discuss borrowing the Evolution Cube, and Han Xiao began setting conditions for cooperation.
• Ames watched Han Xiao negotiate with the factions and remarked that he was suited to running a faction.

Han Xiao negotiated annual Evolution Cube access and broader cooperation with the Shattered Star Ring’s organizations, while seeking a Civilization Council seat for Planet Aquamarine. At Heber’s gathering, he and Heber announced a ceasefire and the Shattered World mission, then Han Xiao set out to strengthen Planet Aquamarine and the Black Spirit Race.

• Han Xiao offered organizations Evolution Cube transformation slots in exchange for annual fees, business cooperation, and support for Planet Aquamarine’s seat on the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council.
• The visitors left after reaching a preliminary agreement, and Han Xiao planned to make the Black Star Army a hub for cooperation across the star field.
• At Heber’s gathering, Heber announced a temporary ceasefire with Han Xiao and their joint participation in the Crimson Dynasty’s development of the Shattered World.
• Han Xiao released the S+ main storyline mission [Shattered World], and Army players accepted it and discussed the new operation.
• After the gathering, Han Xiao called Bennett, who agreed that Han Xiao should represent Planet Aquamarine on the Civilization Council.
• Han Xiao decided to use the Evolution Cube on Planet Aquamarine on a large scale and visit the Black Spirit Race.

Tenny Amenlos led a reconnaissance fleet that destroyed pirates blocking the Crimson Dynasty’s logistics route, then questioned a rescued consortium leader about Black Star. Meanwhile, Han Xiao visited Planet Black Spirit to begin arranging the Black Spirit Race’s evolution and was welcomed as their god.

• Tenny Amenlos ordered his twelve scout ships to destroy the pirates attacking an interstellar travel party, losing virtually no ships.
• After refusing to let the stranded passengers aboard, Tenny spoke with a consortium leader who said he had once hired Black Star and knew him personally.
• Han Xiao returned from Planet Heber with interest in cooperation from several organizations, while Sylvia handled negotiations and Ames chose to travel with him.
• Han Xiao went to Planet Black Spirit and found that the Black Spirit Race had begun building a surface settlement and had carved a totem resembling him.
• Han Xiao explained the Evolution Cube to the gathered Black Spirits, who celebrated the chance to evolve under his blessing.

Han Xiao used the Evolution Cube to transform the Black Spirit Race, strengthening their bodies and psychic abilities, then returned to Planet Aquamarine to prepare for its people to evolve. After agreeing to take Bennett’s son Nero into space and help him become a superhuman, Han Xiao discovered that Nero possessed a High-Level Lucky Halo.

• Han Xiao activated the Evolution Cube, and the Black Spirit Race emerged from their cocoons with improved bodies, eyesight, and psychic abilities.
• The Germinal Tribe’s leader developed the ability to create a psychic network, and Han Xiao evolved the other Black Spirit Race tribes before leaving.
• Han Xiao returned to Planet Aquamarine, greeted Bennett, and gave Nero a powerful floating guard that he could control with his thoughts.
• Bennett told Han Xiao that most people willing to evolve had gathered, and Han Xiao offered to evolve Bennett first and take Nero into space for a few months.
• Han Xiao secretly checked Nero’s attributes and discovered that he had a High-Level Lucky Halo, prompting Han Xiao to decide to nurture him.

Han Xiao took Nero into space, where the Black Star Army’s guards showered the boy with gifts and he chose to become a Mechanic. Han Xiao returned to headquarters as the Crimson Dynasty delegation arrived, and he singled out Tenny Amenlos during the formal welcome.

• Bennett oversaw the Evolution Cube’s transformation of Planet Aquamarine’s citizens as Han Xiao prepared to leave with Nero.
• Nero said goodbye to Bennett and his mother, then boarded Han Xiao’s ship and watched Planet Aquamarine recede into space.
• Aurora, Hila, Fording, and the other guards gave Nero gifts, while Han Xiao restrained Hadavy for trying to teach the boy card games.
• Nero chose to become a Mechanic, and Han Xiao safely activated his Mechanical Force during the journey back to headquarters.
• The Crimson Dynasty fleet arrived with resources and thousands of elites, and Han Xiao greeted the delegation’s four captains.
• Han Xiao told Tenny Amenlos that he had heard much about him, prompting Tenny to suspect Black Star had a reason for singling him out.

Han Xiao oversaw the evolution of tens of thousands of Crimson Dynasty elites and tried to build ties with future military leaders, especially the wary Tenny. As he prepared to travel to the Central Galaxy, he left Nero in Reynold’s care and learned that Lothaire had begun writing for the Silver Revolutionary Army.

• Han Xiao used the Evolution Cube to transform the imperial elites and resolved to cultivate a relationship with the future commander Tenny.
• After the elites completed their evolution, Han Xiao visited them, but Tenny remained wary of him.
• Han Xiao considered using his knowledge of Tenny’s hobbies to earn his trust and arranged for Nero to study mechanical theory with Reynold while he traveled.
• Reynold told Han Xiao that his sister had been staying in her room writing, and Han Xiao suspected she was drafting the Silver Revolutionary Army’s program.
• Han Xiao confirmed with Sylvia and Melos that the personnel, warships, and resources for his upcoming trip to the Central Galaxy were ready.

Han Xiao set out for the Crimson Dynasty to seek ultimate Mechanic knowledge and expand the Black Star Army into new star fields. As the fleet headed for the Dynasty’s capital, its arrival stirred excitement among players, while Heber warned that the Central Galaxy’s powerful figures were not friendly.

• Han Xiao told Sylvia he planned to seek ultimate knowledge and cultivate players in other star fields, then left her in charge of the Black Star Army’s affairs.
• Han Xiao departed with a 3,500-warship fleet, accompanied by Ames, Iso, Tenny, and other Dynasty elites.
• The army announced Han Xiao’s invitation to the Crimson Dynasty, prompting players across the star fields to discuss the chance to join the Black Star Army.
• Heber learned that Han Xiao had set out and warned that the Central Galaxy’s powerful figures were not friendly.
• At Tyrant Hamill Palace, two Dynasty officials discussed Han Xiao’s record, strength, and reputation as the Undying Body.

Han Xiao built a friendship with Tenny by sharing mechanical knowledge as the expedition fleet crossed the Shattered Star Ring. The fleet passed through the dynasty’s military stargate and arrived in the Central Galaxy, where a special fleet welcomed Black Star.

• Han Xiao shared mechanical techniques and theoretical materials with Tenny, who began visiting regularly and grew friendlier toward him.
• Han Xiao considered whether helping Kebos, Tenny’s loyal adjutant, could further improve his relationship with Tenny.
• The expedition fleet reached the Crimson Dynasty’s military stargate, where the garrison verified Han Xiao’s identity and gave them their route.
• Tenny recognized the garrison commander as a former academy classmate who had been assigned to the station after a factional setback.
• The fleet passed through the stargate and emerged in the Central Galaxy, where a special fleet broadcast a welcome to Han Xiao.

Han Xiao arrived at the Crimson Dynasty’s capital, Crimson Ring Star, where the Dynasty prepared to welcome him as one of its Pillars of the Nation. As he settled into Tyrant Hamill Palace, seven Beyond Grade As announced their presence and watched him with interest ahead of their meeting the next day.

• Han Xiao’s fleet entered the Psionic Energy Restriction Belt through a guarded passage and traveled safely to the Crimson Ring Star Cluster.
• Han Xiao, Ames, Iso, and the others reached Crimson Ring Star, and Han Xiao left the Black Star Army’s players behind before transferring to a Dynasty ship.
• Han Xiao arrived at Tyrant Hamill Palace, where reception staff told him the Dynasty’s leader would meet him the following day.
• Han Xiao gave Tenny and the other imperial elites machinery as parting gifts before they returned to the military.
• Seven Beyond Grade As revealed their auras to welcome Han Xiao, and the receptionist explained that the Dynasty would arrange a meeting with its Pillars of the Nation.
• Several of the Dynasty’s Beyond Grade As discussed Han Xiao, Ames, Iso, and the Evolution Cube while observing the newcomers from inside the palace.

Han Xiao met Urranrell, the Crimson Dynasty’s head of state, and discussed his role as a dynasty ally, the Shattered World, and the Evolution Cube. Urranrell asked him to enhance troops on the dynasty’s home planet, while Han Xiao prepared to meet the dynasty’s Beyond Grade As next.

• Han Xiao considered how the imperial leader and the dynasty’s Beyond Grade As might test or welcome him, and thought about making the first move.
• An imperial envoy escorted Han Xiao alone to Urranrell’s office, where he met the head of state and her bodyguard, Clottey, a powerful Beyond Grade A known as the Dark Emperor.
• Urranrell welcomed Han Xiao and explained the dynasty’s plans for the Shattered World, including his promised territory and the resources and support available to him as an ally.
• Urranrell assured Han Xiao that the dynasty would not seize the Evolution Cube and requested unlimited enhancement slots for the dynasty and access to the Black Star Army’s services.
• Urranrell invited Han Xiao to remain on the home planet for several days and enhance its troops, and Han Xiao recognized this as a key reason for the invitation.

Han Xiao met with Urranrell to discuss the Black Star Army’s cooperation with the Crimson Dynasty and then faced the dynasty’s Beyond Grade A allies, who challenged his standing as a newcomer. He accepted Viru’s challenge to establish his strength, and Ames led Han Xiao’s companions to watch the spar.

• Urranrell agreed to support a Black Star Army branch in the Central Galaxy and offered to arrange dynasty missions that could earn Han Xiao the Mechanic Class’s ultimate knowledge.
• Clottey escorted Han Xiao to meet six other Beyond Grade A allies, who scrutinized him and questioned his standing among the dynasty’s veterans.
• Viru unleashed his aura and accused Han Xiao of acting arrogantly despite being a recent Beyond Grade A.
• Han Xiao challenged Viru to a fight, and Clottey directed them to spar outside the Psionic Energy Restriction Belt.
• Urranrell learned about the challenge and told her staff to inform Han Xiao’s companions, while Ames set out to watch the fight.

Han Xiao sparred with Viru before Clottey and the other Beyond Grade As, using his mechanical army, powerful recovery, and traps to gain the advantage. Clottey stopped the fight and called it a draw, but Han Xiao earned the group’s respect and entered their circle.

• Han Xiao opened a secondary dimension gate and unleashed his mechanical army against Viru, whose blade techniques tore through the machines.
• Viru broke through the army and attacked Han Xiao, but Han Xiao used an illusion, endured a slash, and struck Viru with the War Tiger suit.
• Han Xiao’s Oathkeepers, mechanical army, and electromagnetic trap pinned Viru down while Han Xiao prepared star-destroying cannons.
• Clottey intercepted the attacks with dark energy and ended the spar, calling it a draw despite Han Xiao having gained the upper hand.
• Han Xiao returned to the spaceship and received the other Beyond Grade As’ respect, while Viru promised they would spar again.