Chapter 1 In the Celebration Planet

Having waited for several days on the Celebration Planet, Han Xiao clearly witnessed the escalating levels of security. One after another, regular military units arrived, taking over the responsibility of protecting the planet. The defenses were airtight, more secure than any place he had ever seen.

Nearly half the surrounding star sector had entered a state of martial law, with various advanced defense measures deployed to prevent all kinds of long-range attacks from threatening the Celebration Planet.

The Intelligent Plague had broken out in the Ancient Star Desert. In theory, the ceremony should have been held there. However, the three great civilizations stated that they had taken into account that many Super-A Grades were currently in the Shattered Star Ring, so they changed the venue. They also said that this place had symbolic significance, representing another major exploration achievement for interstellar society after many years.

The heads of the three great civilizations were all attending the commendation ceremony, a rare sight. Due to their sensitive positions, such events were usually held in the Central Galaxy. It was rare for them to set the venue in other star fields. Even with thorough security, accidents could happen. For the leaders of the three great civilizations, leaving the Central Galaxy was undoubtedly a risky move.

Han Xiao was sure that some forces and organizations with ulterior motives would be eager to make trouble. Although the three great civilizations had mature operating systems, even if their leaders were assassinated, the government's operations would not be greatly affected. However, a brief period of chaos was inevitable, and some people might take advantage of it.

Of course, even so, any force that dared to do so would have no place to stand in the explored universe. They would face retaliation until the end of time, and their relationship would be permanently fixed as "hatred." Besides, with so many troops and Super-A Grades gathered together, the success rate of an assassination was basically negligible.

However, that did not prevent a deliberate framing scheme.

Han Xiao strongly suspected that the three great civilizations had another purpose in mind. Could they be directing and acting out a play, pretending that some outsiders were assassinating their own leaders at the ceremony, and then using this as an excuse to shift the blame, scapegoating the target to gain a pretext for a crusade…

This direction felt very familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before…

Could it be that he had given them the inspiration?

Han Xiao had recently experienced a "backstab," and the memory was still fresh in his mind. At this moment, his thoughts couldn't help but lean towards this possibility, letting his imagination run wild.

Based on his understanding of the three great civilizations, they might very well do such a thing. The probability of it happening was about 20%. However, he couldn't verify it with Ulan Riel.

During the days he stayed on the planet, he couldn't contact the leaders of the three great civilizations. He could only stay in the officially arranged guesthouse like everyone else, waiting silently.

On the day the ceremony was held, Han Xiao and the other guests were taken to the venue in officially arranged vehicles. The venue was a large hall with an imperial style. He could see countless invited guests lining up to enter the venue one after another. No one was shouting loudly. Only the rustling sound of quiet conversations could be heard. The atmosphere was quite solemn.

Han Xiao's seat was arranged at the frontmost table, with Keshuyer, Herber, and other top Super-A Grades at the same table.

After saying hello, Han Xiao sat down next to Keshuyer and glanced at the people at the table. He asked in a low voice, "The Mechanic Empire isn't here?"

"He's here, but it's a clone," Keshuyer said, pointing to the back.

A metal lump was arranged in the distance, sitting on the edge of the venue. Even through a layer of iron, Han Xiao could smell Mannison's scent.

"He won't cause trouble at the ceremony, will he?" Han Xiao blinked.

"Mannison isn't crazy enough to do that," Herber interjected from the side.

Today, Herber had transformed into a handsome middle-aged cosmic human, with a high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, and distinct facial features. He was sitting upright.

Han Xiao glanced at the security personnel at the edge of the venue and said in a low voice, "I always feel like it won't be that smooth. Maybe someone will be assassinated."

"With so many Super-A Grades sitting here, who would be so bold?" Hunter mumbled.

"Maybe it's a self-directed play…" Han Xiao winked.

The Arcane Master couldn't help but roll his eyes at Han Xiao and snorted. "Give it a rest. Do you think the three great civilizations are like you? They would actually do something so petty."

"What's wrong with being petty? As long as it's useful." Han Xiao clicked his tongue. "Want to make a bet?"

"You still dare to gamble?" The Arcane Master was shocked.

Do you not know your own luck?

If my luck is a flawless gem, then your luck is like the moldy green grime on the walls of a stinking ditch. You actually dare to bet with a master who controls luck like me. Are you trying to give me charity?

"Sure, what are you planning to give me?"

"I'll bet Hunter. If I lose, I'll give him to you, how about that?" Han Xiao pinched the head of the little man on the table with two fingers and lifted him up.

"?"

Hunter, who was being dangled in mid-air, had a confused look on his face.

What does this have to do with me? I'll blow you up.

The Arcane Master was speechless. He quickly slapped Han Xiao's hand, told him to put down the bewildered Hunter, apologized, and then whispered to Han Xiao, "You can't use other people to gamble. Although His Excellency Hunter is a little petite, how can you make fun of his size?"

"We're close, that's why."

Han Xiao flicked his finger, sending Hunter tumbling. This earned him a glare from the other party. Only then did he chuckle and stop. He had wanted to do this since his previous life, and now he had finally gotten his wish. With everyone being equal, this little joke was harmless. If an ordinary Super-A Grade were to tease Hunter like this, they could basically prepare to apply for disability benefits.

"Since you don't like this bet, I'll change it."

"Change it to what?"

"I know you have opinions about me. How about this, if you win, I'll stand still and let you beat me for ten minutes to vent your anger. If I win, you stand still and let me beat you for ten minutes. Fair, right?"

The Arcane Master simply shut his mouth, turned his head, and didn't bother arguing with Han Xiao anymore.

Forget it, who doesn't know how tough your Undying Body is? Fair, my ass. I still want to live for another hundred years.

The group chatted for a while when a group of officers strode into the venue, escorting their respective leaders in. The venue immediately fell silent, and the atmosphere became solemn.

Supreme Commander Ulan Riel of the Crimson Dynasty, President Bader of the Guanghui Federation, and the old leader of the Xu Ling Religion, the three of them walked onto the high platform of the venue under the gaze of everyone and sat on the specially set seats, with the podium next to them.

Han Xiao had only seen Ulan Riel in person. This was the first time he had been so close to Bader and the leader of the Xu Ling Religion. Although the two of them had different temperaments, they both had the aura of power holders like Ulan Riel, which made people unconsciously serious.

However, the focus of his observation was not the two leaders, but their personal guards, who were existences of the same nature as Dark Emperor Klotti.

Bader was followed by a male creature with snow-white skin. His body structure was similar to that of a human, except that he had a straight horn on his forehead, which forced him to keep a middle parting. His hair was golden, smooth, and dense like a lion's mane, tied into a braid that hung down to his waist. He also seemed to have some elf blood, with long, pointed ears. He had deep purple eyes and a well-proportioned mouth, but no nose. The part where the nose should have been was flat, but it didn't look ugly in the eyes of the cosmic humans. On the contrary, it was very harmonious.

This person was wearing a soft, gorgeous robe, adorned with pale gold and ice blue. He exuded an elegant and noble air, with a refined and gentle temperament, like an elven king from the legends of some civilizations. This person was the personal guard of the Guanghui Federation's president, the top Super-A Grade, "Golden Ring" Oulu.

Oulu's ability was to borrow the power of a specific secondary dimension. It sounded similar to the deceased Traveler, but their combat power was completely different. This guy was on the same level as Dark Emperor, able to fight Keshuyer to a standstill.

Han Xiao turned to look at the other side.

Following the leader of the Xu Ling Religion was a huge fellow. He was not the type that martial artists built through training, but had a huge body from birth. He seemed to have some giant blood in him. This person was the leader of the Xu Ling Federation's personal guard, and also the high priest of the Gods' Temple, "God Chosen" Urnos.

Compared to Oulu's flashy appearance, Urnos's appearance and temperament were very low-key, as if he was just an ordinary middle-aged and elderly man with wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. His expression was serious, and he was wearing a silver-gray priest's robe. If it wasn't for his eye-catching size, he might have been lost in the crowd.

"Oulu and Urnos…" Han Xiao muttered to himself.

These two were like Dark Emperor, usually following the leaders and rarely participating in activities other than their duties. It was the first time he had seen them in person. He had only heard of them before and had no contact with them.

Keshuyer glanced at Han Xiao, leaned over, and said casually, "This should be the first time you've seen these two, right? Let me give you a piece of advice. You can joke around and horse around with Oulu, but don't provoke Urnos."

"What do you mean?" Han Xiao asked curiously.

"Although Oulu is a personal guard, his personality is different from Klotti's. He's more gentle and not as cold. Apart from occasionally showing a inexplicable sense of superiority that makes people hate him, he's still a pretty good guy, but Urnos… heh, just don't provoke him."

"The more you say that, the more curious I get. You're an ally of the Xu Ling Religion, do you know any inside information?"

"Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you. I can only say that he is recognized as the strongest Super-A Grade, and there's a reason for that," Keshuyer said with a faint smile.

At this moment, Ulan Riel stood in front of the podium, looked around the venue, and said in a loud voice:

"Friends, guests, today, to commend all the heroes who have made great contributions to the Intelligent Plague disaster, we are holding a grand award ceremony to give the honor to every hero with outstanding merits.

First of all, on behalf of the three great civilizations, I would like to extend my warm congratulations and highest respect to the cosmic heroes who have received the Medal of Honor and the Honorary Title today.

We have gone through thick and thin together and experienced one disaster after another. Now, we have united as one and stepped on a new disaster again.

Since the official establishment of interstellar society at the end of the Exploration Era, generations of heroes with a sense of historical responsibility have sacrificed their own interests for the greater good and dedicated countless efforts to our universe, leading us to overcome one difficulty after another and shaping the cornerstone of today's interstellar society. Although many people have passed away, their glorious deeds will forever be passed down from generation to generation as we reproduce.

Only by crossing new mountains can we see a more vast distance. Over the years, interstellar society has achieved many achievements under the leadership of the three great civilizations—we have forged ahead and continued to explore the unknown universe, expanding our territory. Now, the Shattered Star Ring we are in is a milestone achievement, a fruitful result of our external exploration.

Being able to achieve such achievements is inseparable from the concerted efforts of the entire interstellar society. Interstellar society is an inseparable whole, and everyone has made contributions. The bonds of order connect us and forge a never-ending pioneering spirit, allowing us to face all difficulties and obstacles without fear. Anyone who attempts to undermine this order and unity will be the enemy of the entire universe…"

The news media broadcasted Ulan Riel's speech to the entire universe. After she finished speaking, thunderous applause rang out in the venue. Han Xiao and the other Super-A Grades also gave some face and clapped a few times with restraint.

Han Xiao could hear that Ulan Riel's words had deeper meanings, emphasizing the importance of the collective, the correctness and achievements of the leadership of the three great civilizations, and subtly attacking the Super Star Cluster Alliance and the Mechanic Empire. Although she didn't name them, everyone knew who she was referring to as the "people who undermine the order and unity of interstellar society."

Bader and the leader of the Xu Ling Religion also gave brief speeches before entering the official award ceremony. One by one, the meritorious officials went on stage to receive medals from the leaders of different civilizations and gave a speech. Some people also had to answer a question or two from reporters. The process was just a formality.

The atmosphere of this award ceremony was formal and solemn with official authority. There would be no entertainment performances, just like a large-scale report meeting to promote work results to the entire universe. Entertainment was not considered, and everyone could only sit and wait for their names to be called.

While he was spacing out, time passed quickly. The award ceremony was coming to an end, with only one person left. Everyone's eyes were focused on Han Xiao.

"Black Star, he limited the outflow of the virus during the Intelligent Plague, and at the crucial moment, he discovered the true nature of the virus core, reversed our wrong strategy, helped us re-formulate a plan, and changed the fate of the outbreak of the disaster. At the same time, in actual action, he obtained the virus and destroyed it, completely eliminating the hidden dangers and preventing the secondary outbreak of the Intelligent Plague, saving countless lives. His contribution is great, so we hereby award him a medal."

Listening to Ulan Riel's voice, Han Xiao stood up, walked onto the stage, and shook hands with the three leaders respectively. Countless news media reporters took videos and photos, and specially turned on the flash, turning the stage into a white color.

"Black Star has many good qualities. He is resolute, flexible, and principled…" Bader said a lot of flattering words, and finally came to the conclusion: "In view of Black Star's merits, we have decided to jointly award him the Star Sea Medal."

As soon as he finished speaking, many reporters and guests in the audience took a breath.

The Star Sea Medal was the highest honor jointly established since the establishment of the three great civilizations. It was the most valuable honor in the explored universe, and historically, very few people had won this medal.

Although many people had expected it, they were still shocked when it actually happened. They felt that Black Star's merits were great, but there was still a certain distance from this medal. Now it seemed that there were factors behind the scenes where the three great civilizations were deliberately supporting him.

Regardless of what they thought, the honor was real, and there was a thunderous applause in the audience.

Clap clap clap clap—

Amidst the warm applause, Ulan Riel took out a star-like, dazzling medal, placed it in her palm, and the other two reached out to hold it up and handed it to Han Xiao together.

The scene seemed to freeze, and the flashes of light under the stage flickered, recording this historic scene.

The commotion lasted for a long time, and it gradually subsided after dozens of seconds.

Han Xiao reached out and took the medal and pinned it on his chest. He shook hands with the three of them again to show his gratitude, and then came to the podium, coughed, and started talking about the usual polite remarks.

"Thank you for the love of the Crimson Dynasty, the Guanghui Federation, and the Xu Ling Religion. It is my honor to receive this honor. As a member of the explored universe, I have the responsibility and obligation to maintain the stability and prosperity of the universe…"

After reading a long passage according to the script, Han Xiao looked up at the clock on the wall of the hall and smiled slightly:

"I am the last person to receive the award, so since the ceremony is about to end, I will not go on and on. The things I have to say are about the same, and everyone is probably tired of listening…"

The audience laughed kindly, whether it was from the heart or a fake smile to give face, the effect was achieved anyway. This occasion could not tolerate ignorant and maverick behavior.

Han Xiao smiled and nodded: "In short, what kind of person I am can be seen from what I have done so far. I believe that interstellar society has its own views and does not need me to repeat them here, so let's hurry up and get to the question session and don't delay everyone's time to go back and doze off… Does anyone have any questions?"

Hearing this, many reporters raised their hands enthusiastically, hoping to be chosen.

Just as Han Xiao was about to pick someone, a reporter in the crowd stood up on his own and said directly:

"Your Excellency Black Star, I heard that Mechanic Empire Mannison also made great contributions in the Intelligent Plague. Without him, the three great civilizations would not have been able to find the location of the virus core. It can be said that one-third or even half of your Star Sea Medal belongs to Mannison… However, in this award ceremony, His Excellency Mechanic Empire did not receive any honor. You seem to have forgotten this person and deliberately ignored his merits. You are even accepting the medal with peace of mind. May I ask what your opinion is on this?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the originally enthusiastic venue was like being poured with a basin of cold water, and it instantly became quiet.

Everyone subconsciously moved their gaze and looked at Mechanic Empire Mannison, who had been indifferent all along, at the edge of the venue.

Han Xiao narrowed his eyes and carefully looked at the reporter who asked the question. He saw a faint sneer on the other party's face, obviously wanting to embarrass himself and the three great civilizations in public.