Chapter 764 The Impending Storm
Han Xiao left Psyker, who did not have a s.p.a.ces.h.i.+p, on the unlucky planet and made use of his Void Dimension Jump to return to the Shattered Star Ring.
He contacted Hila and the others, who had left Planet Macipher, and got them to fetch him with the s.p.a.ces.h.i.+p. Both parties finally met up in the desolate universe belt.
Whoosh.
The hatch of the s.p.a.ces.h.i.+p opened, and Han Xiao was greeted by Hila and the two others the moment he entered the s.p.a.ces.h.i.+p.
Feidin walked forward and studied Han Xiao. After making sure that he was completely intact, he heaved a sigh of relief. “It seems like you are alright. We’ve been extremely worried about you.”
Hila snorted. “Speak for yourself…”
Upon hearing that, Han Xiao could not help but chuckle. “Actually, it wasn’t very dangerous. All of you should be extremely clear about how robust my life force is.”
“Talking about life force…” Aurora had a look of confusion on her face, and she said with disbelief in her voice, “If my senses aren’t wrong, have you…”
“Has he what?” Hila interrupted.
Han Xiao had a smile on his face and took out the Evolution Cube to play with it.
“Your guess is correct. I fought Psyker, and the outcome of the battle was a draw. He didn’t manage to s.n.a.t.c.h the item back.”
Fought Psyker to a draw?
Hila was stunned for a moment, and it took a second to understand what Han Xiao meant. She took a deep breath, and a look of disbelief could be seen on her usually expressionless face. She looked at Han Xiao with her eyes widened.
“Could it be that… Beyond Grade A‽”
“It was by luck.” Han Xiao waved his hands but had a look of pride on his face.
After hearing him admit it, Hila, Aurora, and Feidin revealed looks of shock.
Black Star… is really a Beyond Grade A Super already?
Although the three of them had looked forward to Han Xiao achieving a breakthrough and standing among the ranks of the Beyond Grade A Supers, their trip with Han Xiao had felt more like a holiday, and they did not notice any signs of breakthrough from Han Xiao.
All of them had felt that the chances of him achieving a breakthrough were not high.
However, he had achieved a breakthrough just like that! While they were not mentally prepared for it, Black Star had suddenly risen into the next grade and even fought a Beyond Grade A Super who had long made a name for himself to a draw. They truly could not imagine how Han Xiao did it.
The three of them felt their heads blank out at this moment.
After snapping out from their daze, they all erupted with surprise.
Although they were very surprised, it was a good thing!
Feidin was overjoyed. “Wonderful! I’ve always believed that you had such potential. We don’t have to escape from the Shattered Star Ring if this is the case!”
“I never intended to escape…” Han Xiao said helplessly.
Aurora then looked at Han Xiao and asked with shock on her face, “Does this mean that you are already at our teacher’s level?”
Ames? It is time for me to have a talk with her, Han Xiao thought to himself and nodded in response.
“You…” Hila hesitated for a while before swallowing what she wanted to say. “Congrats.”
She had a complicated feeling in her heart. She had always wanted to chase after Han Xiao. When Han Xiao was still in the Calamity Grade, she could still spur herself to work harder. However, things were different this time.
During the ten years when she was on Floating Dragon Island, she had experienced Ames’ strength many times and was extremely clear about the strength of a Beyond Grade A Super. At the same time, she was extremely clear about how difficult it would be to become a Beyond Grade A Super.
For so many years, the Star Field only had four Beyond Grade A Supers. Together with Han Xiao’s advancement, there were now five. Hila had known Han Xiao for almost twenty years and witnessed his weak appearance, his invincible Calamity Grade appearance, and his every stage of development.
He had taken him a mere twenty years to go from an ordinary man to a new Beyond Grade A Super. He would probably be the individual who took the least amount of time to become a Beyond Grade A Super in history. Because she understood Han Xiao’s past, Hila knew how difficult it was for Han Xiao to have achieved what he had.
Even if Hila refused to admit defeat on their surface, she could not help but admire Han Xiao’s achievements in her heart.
If Hila had originally possessed any thoughts of competing with Han Xiao for glory, at this moment, she was willing to become the shadow behind Han Xiao’s splendor.
She had a feeling that she was witnessing the birth of a legend.
Of course, it was impossible for her to reveal her true thoughts.
Hila then changed the topic and asked, “Just how did you do it? Can you teach me?”
Er, I can’t teach you anything since you don’t know how to harvest crops… Han Xiao coughed dryly before placing his hands on Hila’s shoulders with a solemn expression.
“No, you don’t need me to teach you anything.”
“What do you mean?” Hila was puzzled.
Han Xiao then looked at Hila and said, “I have always believed in your potential. Just like how you believe in me, you will stand by my side at the peak of the galaxy one day.”
Hila pushed Han Xiao’s hands away and turned around to prevent Han Xiao from seeing her fl.u.s.tered appearance. She then said with a soft voice, “Thank you.”
So, it turns out that you have so much trust in me. I didn’t even know that…
“There isn’t a need for thanks between us.” Han Xiao waved his arms. “We’ve known each other for twenty years.”
At this moment, Aurora pulled on Han Xiao’s clothes and whined, “What about me? Do you believe in me?”
Han Xiao rubbed her head helplessly and said, “Wait until you reach the Calamity Grade.”
“Humph. So biased.” Aurora turned around.
After soaking in the excitement of Han Xiao becoming a Beyond Grade A Super, they then got back to the main point.
“Black Star, you took away Psyker’s Evolution Cube; he won’t give up so easily, right?”
“Hmm, he said that he will work together with the Tyrant to deal with me. Compared to the benefits of the Evolution Cube, this risk can be considered extremely low. There isn’t a need to bother about him in the near future. He’s still busy with something else.” Han Xiao shook his head with a smile. From the Observer’s Mark, he could see that Psyker was still on the planet and rus.h.i.+ng Sardeem to build a new s.p.a.ces.h.i.+p from spare parts.
Feidin frowned and said, “It’ll be very dangerous if the Tyrant and Psyker work together.”
Han Xiao waved his arms and said, “It isn’t a big deal. Although I am a new Beyond Grade A Super, I do not belong to the bottommost rung of this level. Besides, I have allies as well.”
Isn’t this a compet.i.tion of numbers? You’re not the only one who knows how to play that game.
As compared to the other Beyond Grade A Supers, his largest advantage was his clear path of advancement.
The other Beyond Grade A Supers would have to find their own path after entering Beyond Grade A, and it was akin to searching around in the dark. However, it was as though he had a torchlight with him, and he could easily progress by harvesting crops. His growth rate would completely outstrip the others.
“How are you planning to deal with the Evolution Cube?”
“Take it back to the camp first and let the officers enjoy the effects of the Evolution Cube.” Han Xiao stroked his chin. “I will then use it to find allies and a new backer.”
Psyker had the support of the Arcane Church, and he could achieve the same effect with the Evolution Cube in his hands.
Compared to Psyker, his advantage was the fact that the Evolution Cube was now portable. With him carrying it around, the likelihood of it being stolen was much lower.
News of him having the Evolution Cube would spread throughout the Galaxy eventually, and it was impossible for Psyker to help him keep the secret. Psyker might even choose to create more enemies for him.
At that time, all the organizations eyeing the Evolution Cube would have their attention drawn to him. It would be impossible for him to hold onto the Evolution Cube in the long term with just the strength of the Black Star Army, so he needed to find a backer.
Beep beep!
Right at this moment, an emergency transmission lit up on his communicator. Han Xiao glanced at his communicator, and it was a communication request by Ralph.
Han Xiao waved his arm to ask Hila and the others to pilot the s.p.a.ces.h.i.+p. He then walked to the side and picked up the call.
“Black Star, I have a heaven breaking piece of bad news!”
“You make it sound as though we had good news in the past.” Han Xiao was in a good mood and joked.
Ralph ignored his joke and said with a solemn tone, “We verified a piece of news a few days ago. The Crimson Dynasty have concluded their negotiations with the Federation of Light. After the Crimson Dynasty takes over the new Star Field, they will turn their attention to the storm that they created in the various regions. Our secret war with Klent will also come to an end in half a year’s time!”
“Oh?” Han Xiao muttered. “This is a piece of bad news indeed.”
The Bloodshed Land still controlled a few Star Systems around the borders of the Colton Star Cl.u.s.ter, and Klent was the loyal lackey of the Crimson Dynasty. The Crimson Dynasty would definitely make use of this excuse to demarcate these territories as part of the Klent Kingdom. The authority of deciding borders was something that the three Universal Civilizations gave to themselves, and if Section Zero were unable to chase Bloodshed Land out before then, Purple Crystal would probably lose those few territories.
The Shattered Star Ring belonged to the management zone of the Federation of Light. Unless Purple Crystal gave up their neutrality and chose to submit to another civilization, it would be impossible for anyone to come out and uphold justice for them. The Crimson Dynasty and Federation of Light would be exchanging benefits at a higher level, and Purple Crystal did not even have the right to interfere in their negotiations. They could only watch as their territories were taken away.
Of course, Purple Crystal could strongly protest against the decision made by the three Universal Civilizations and unilaterally decide to reject their decision. However, the outcome of such a decision definitely would not be a pretty one. As the ones setting the rules, the three Universal Civilizations would not allow anyone to challenge their authority. All three civilizations were powerful civilizations who had been through dark times and definitely were not merciful characters.
With the strength to overlook the entire galaxy, they had countless methods to make a civilization submit. The rules were completely irrelevant to those who set the rules.
Thus, Han Xiao was not too surprised about the appearance of the Silver Revolutionary Army. However, it was still far too early to talk about that.
“Black Star, your holiday is over,” Ralph said with a solemn expression. “We need your strength to s.n.a.t.c.h back as many territories as possible.”
Han Xiao stroked his chin and came to a decision. “The biggest backing of the Klent Kingdom is the Crimson Dynasty. However, I have an idea to get the Crimson Dynasty to stay out of this matter and not help Klent negotiate with the Federation of Light. This way, it will be useless even if the Bloodshed Land occupies the border Star Systems.”
Ralph’s eyes lit up, and he immediately asked, “What idea do you have?”
“I…” Han Xiao then thought about something and decided against telling Purple Crystal that he was a Beyond Grade A Super. “It is extremely likely for my plan to succeed, but I have to keep it a secret for now. You just need to believe in me. In any case, the situation can’t be worse than it is right now.”
It was not that Han Xiao wanted to hide his Beyond Grade A strength. If Purple Crystal knew about his newfound strength, they would announce it to the entire world to serve as a deterrent.
This was not good for him.
His original plan was to remain low profile after entering Beyond Grade A and acc.u.mulate his strength. When the Tyrant attempted to kill him, the Tyrant would then underestimate his strength, and he would be able to deal a low blow to the Tyrant. However, the sudden appearance of the Evolution Cube spoiled his plans, and it would be impossible for him to hide his strength. Despite that, Han Xiao did not want to fight the Tyrant immediately.
He needed some time to build a new mechanical army and Beyond Grade A base. He still had to activate many of the Emperor Mechanic skills and allow his combat strength to reach the peak. Compared to letting Purple Crystal announce his strength to the world, he would rather let Psyker slowly reveal news to the Star Field. This way, he would have a bit more time.
There was another reason he did not wish to let Purple Crystal know of his strength. Han Xiao wanted to increase his value.
If he was an ordinary Beyond Grade A, his best choice would be to form an alliance with a Star Cl.u.s.ter civilization just like Heber had done. Although Universal Civilizations also welcomed Beyond Grade A Supers, they would not place such great importance on these Beyond Grade A Supers compared to a Star Cl.u.s.ter civilization. After all, that which is rare is dear.
However, things were different with the Evolution Cube. The Evolution Cube was a unique Universal Treasure, and with Psyker as an example, the Universal Civilizations would offer an even higher price. This way, their Black Star Army would be raised to the next level.
Because of the existence of the Flickering World, Han Xiao had already decided that the Crimson Dynasty would be his most suitable ally.
If he formed an alliance with the Crimson Dynasty, he would be able to resolve the secret war and foil the plans of the Klent Kingdom.
If he allowed things to develop normally, the outcome of the S Grade secret war mission would probably be failure. Although it was because of the uniqueness of the mission, and they would still have some reward, their mission rating would be lowered, and the players of the Black Star Army would not be able to gain the best reward.
Considering the need to maintain the players’ reliance on the Black Star Army, joining the Crimson Dynasty was the best choice.
Before Ralph could continue questioning him, Han Xiao hung up and walked to the c.o.c.kpit.
Aurora sat on the pilot’s seat and asked, “Where are we going?”
Han Xiao smirked.
“Back to the army!”
…
A few days later, Sardeem finally returned to Planet Macipher. At the same time, he brought with him a piece of shocking news. He said that he had personally witnessed the Beyond Grade A seed Black Star, who had the t.i.tle of ‘Indestructible Body’, becoming a Beyond Grade A Super.
This news rapidly spread through Planet Macipher, and many visitors on the planet did not believe it.
Why would Black Star become the fifth Beyond Grade A Super in the Shattered Star Ring so suddenly? Why did Purple Crystal not react? Could it be a rumor?
This piece of news was not backed by any evidence, and the galactic residents who had been exposed to a wide variety of information were not convinced.
However, Psyker, who was a guest on Planet Macipher, actually personally admitted it!
All doubts disappeared, and the entire planet was filled with shock!
The fifth Beyond Grade A is born‽
Oh my goodness! This is big news!
The residents of Planet Macipher who had received this news were dumbfounded and immediately posted this piece of news on the net.
News of the battle between Black Star and Psyker spread rapidly like a virus throughout the entire Star Field.
A storm that was about to sweep through the entire Shattered Star Ring began brewing…