“The Underworld Dimension holds a large number of powerhouses from the Exploration Era wars, not only the First Born, but also Super-powered individuals from various races, including numerous Calamity Grades – a group of old antiques…”

Han Xiao's eyes flickered.

The purpose of these people is not just to serve as combat power. They are also witnesses to various periods of the Exploration Era and reliable sources of first-hand information, possessing many ancient secrets.

“Only when Aurora reaches Super-A Grade can she create physical bodies for these heroic spirits and turn them into combat power. Speaking of which, the Underworld Dimension is a bit like an alternative Undying Machine Country… Although I can't summon Underworld powerhouses now, communicating with their souls shouldn't be a problem. I wonder how much of the Underworld Hela has restored.”

Han Xiao still remembered that he had an Underworld Dimension mission. When the Underworld is restored to its full glory, he will be able to receive Oniseilu's thanks and obtain an [Underworld Imprint], becoming the third authority dog after the two sisters.

“I'll find some time to ask Hela and see if my idea is correct…”

Now that Hela has gone to the secondary dimension world, communication is inconvenient, but she should be back next time the Super-A Grades hold a meeting, and Han Xiao plans to ask then.

It just so happens that the next meeting of the Development Union is not far away, so I don’t need to make a special trip to the secondary dimension world to find someone.

The Spirit Emperor faked his death, and he suspects that this is the Sworn One's true identity. He hasn't decided whether to test him next time they meet.

“Di di—”

At this time, Harrison sent a message saying that Lody was safely settled.

"Understood."

Han Xiao was in a good mood.

My intuition was right. This time I returned to Aquamarine Star, there was indeed an unexpected surprise. I discovered the secret of the Chosen One, obtained a semi-converted body, and also obtained some key information from Izo, which was very rewarding.

However, Izo's prophecy also made him feel pressure, as if he had vaguely seen an era about to set off a frenzy, and a storm was quietly brewing.

The higher the level of contact and the more secrets you master, the more you can feel the precariousness and chaos hidden beneath the seemingly stable and prosperous surface of the explored universe.

Han Xiao folded his hands at his nose and pondered.

“I have to find a way to find out how the Crimson Dynasty's research on the World Tree Civilization's wormhole coordinates is progressing…”

…

After staying in Longtan as a guest for a few days and visiting Bennet by the way, Han Xiao then led the fleet to set off again and continued on his way to the Shattered Star Ring.

On the dock, Ames stood on the edge of the track, the tail-flame airflow from the spaceship's thrusters caused her black dress to flutter, like a rolling cloud of black mist. She led the Longtan cadres and watched the orderly Black Star fleet leave the spaceport, slowly accelerate, and turn into streaks of light, disappearing into the depths of the starry sky, out of sight.

"He's gone again."

Ames withdrew her gaze, gently exhaled, and looked down at the data storage device in her hand. This was a gift Han Xiao gave her before leaving, containing a piece of Esper Ability Ultimate Knowledge.

She turned her head and found that Jenny's face was ashen, and she was clutching a tube of potion tightly in her hand, which was also a gift from Han Xiao.

“Why does your face look so ugly? What did he give you?” Ames asked curiously.

“…Nothing!”

Jenny's cheek muscles were tense, and she gave a hideous smile, hiding the hair growth magic potion behind her back.

Izo stroked his beard and smiled: “Black Star also gave me a gift. I think he is becoming more and more pleasing to the eye.”

Next to him, eight fist-sized spherical floating weapons flew nimbly.

This is a product personally created by Han Xiao, called "Explorer Multi-Functional Life Defense Array", which integrates combat, defense, enhancement, life support, stealth, medical treatment, jump, radiation shielding, harsh environment isolation, and other complete functions into one, especially suitable for solo adventurers.

With such a device, it is equivalent to carrying a guard team + logistics team + interstellar vehicle with you. Even an ordinary person can survive for a long time in a B-level dangerous environment, and can resist a Calamity Grade for a while, and have the opportunity to retreat safely. If used properly, one device is enough to sweep ordinary surface-level civilizations. The cost is not cheap, the effect is strong, and Han Xiao gave Izo a full ten sets.

Ames blinked and suddenly said: “I heard that you privately asked Black Star to protect me?”

Izo was stunned and grabbed his beard. “Who told you?”

“Who else could it be?” Ames raised her eyebrows.

“Tsk, this Black Star, he doesn’t know how to keep secrets for me…” Izo was a little headache, and nodded helplessly: “There is such a thing. I foresee that there will be drastic changes in the era. My ability is limited, and only Black Star has the ability…”

Before he finished speaking, Ames interrupted him, slightly increasing her tone, and said: “I am a dignified Super-A Grade, I can protect myself. Before you consider things for me next time, discuss it with me first. I don’t like others making decisions for me.”

“Okay, okay, I was just being sentimental.” Izo raised both hands, indicating that he didn’t want to argue.

Seeing this, Ames nodded, paused suddenly, and a curve appeared at the corner of her mouth, and she said softly:

“…But thank you anyway. I appreciate your kindness.”

She knew that Han Xiao took the initiative to say it because he didn't want Izo's efforts to go unnoticed.

Moreover, this matter can only be said by Han Xiao himself. It is impossible for Izo to take the initiative to run to Ames to claim credit. He is not that kind of person.

Izo also understood Han Xiao's intention, and that bit of complaint disappeared immediately, and he felt a little moved, and his impression of Han Xiao improved.

Hey, Black Star even considered the relationship between me and Ames.

As expected of a talent who has built such a great foundation, this guy is very attentive.

…

The fleet traveled for ten days, and finally entered the Shattered Star Ring through a fast military Star Gate. On this day, the Super-A Grade Association held a new round of regular meetings.

A group of mechanics had been staying in the sealed Ancient Star Desert to control the Intelligent Plague for some time, and had missed many meetings. Now Han Xiao and others have returned to attend.

Development Union Headquarters, Feinn Star, Conference Building.

Han Xiao's remote projection descended outside the venue, wearing the legion commander's black and gold robe, and his sturdy body supported the clothes, looking awe-inspiring.

At this time, there was still a while before the official meeting, and everyone had not arrived yet. Remote projections were gathered in twos and threes outside the venue, communicating and chatting casually.

One of the original intentions of the Development Union was to establish a platform for all Super-A Grades to communicate. In addition to the formal meetings, private communication between individuals is equally important.

As soon as he appeared, the outside of the venue suddenly became quiet, and everyone cast their eyes on him, their eyes varied, and the atmosphere seemed a little strange.

At this time, the old dragon Milizaus came over with some dynasty allies, his voice was very loud.

“Yo, Black Star, you’re finally back.”

Han Xiao turned his head, showed a smile, and greeted acquaintances such as Beoni and Silver Shadow one by one.

After exchanging greetings, Milizaus opened his mouth and praised: “What you did in the Ancient Star Desert really made me look at you with new eyes. It’s a pity that I am not a mechanic and cannot witness it with my own eyes.”

“That’s right, it’s a pity that we couldn’t participate in such a historic moment.” Veru looked regretful.

“If I had been there at the time, you wouldn’t have been fighting alone, and I would definitely have taken part in beating Manison.” Beoni said carelessly.

Swordsman Fu was merciless and said coldly: “Stop it, if you were there, the first one to die would be you, and like Kohler, you would be a drag.”

Kohler: “??”

Why are you dragging me into this? I didn’t say anything?!

“It’s a small matter, not worth mentioning, be low-key, hehehehe…” Hearing everyone’s praise, Han Xiao waved his hand modestly.

The follow-up impact of destroying the virus core made many allies see that Black Star's status had risen again and had gained more trust from the three great civilizations, so they all came to show their support at this time.

At this time, Milizaus glanced around, lowered his voice and said: “Everyone thinks that you and Manison have fallen out, and the president and vice president have different ideas, which will inevitably lead to a difference in routes, and now the atmosphere in the association is very sensitive.”

“No wonder everyone looked at me strangely just now.” Han Xiao smiled and was not surprised.

“Today is the first time you and Manison have attended a meeting together since you fell out, so most people are watching and waiting to see the good show today.”

Han Xiao shook his head and said:

“Don’t worry, the purpose of the Development Union to the outside world is to reconcile the conflicts between Super-A Grades. Manison will not openly violate the principles, otherwise the foundation of the association will be damaged, which is unacceptable to him. So he has to pretend, at most he will verbally make things difficult for me, and it is impossible to use the power of the association to cause trouble, and as for me, I don’t need to take the initiative to provoke him…”

After all, I have taken away the Undying Machine Country's foundation, and I am not the one who suffers.

Han Xiao smiled secretly in his heart and did not say the second half of the sentence.

Milizaus was noncommittal and said slowly: “Yes, that’s the best. Don’t take the initiative to provoke him. In fact, after Manison revealed his intentions, there are not many people in the association who support him.

His behavior this time was too risky, and many people did not agree with it. Once he succeeds, we will all be implicated by him, and there will be a certain binding of positions, so there are quite a few people who have resentment towards Manison now.

On the contrary, there are many Super-A Grade members who support your approach. Most people use the Development Union to form a group, hoping to obtain higher security and more benefits, but to break with the three great civilizations for this? That’s too unrealistic, and few people are willing to take such a risk! So you stopped Manison and established a closer relationship with the three great civilizations. Many people thank you, agree with you, and spontaneously stand on your side.”

Hearing this, Han Xiao looked around, and his eyes met with the surrounding members, and he saw the goodwill conveyed in the eyes of many people.

“Well, as expected.”

Han Xiao responded, and he had already figured out these twists and turns.

At this moment, a shout full of anger suddenly rang out next to him.

“Black Star, you are such a bastard!”

Everyone curiously looked around and saw Secret Master walking over with big strides, his face as black as the bottom of a pot, with a questioning posture.

“What did I do to you?” Han Xiao was at a loss.

“You’re still pretending to be stupid!” Secret Master was furious. “You took advantage of the Star Field blockade to attack my black market forces in the Ancient Star Desert!”

“I was acting on orders to prevent the virus from leaking.” Han Xiao blinked.

“Do you think I believe you?!” Secret Master’s face was livid.

After the three great civilizations lifted the blockade, he realized that his forces in the Ancient Star Desert had been messed up by Han Xiao, and he almost vomited a mouthful of old blood.

This feeling is like someone messing around in his house and locking the door from the inside. As the victim, he didn't realize it until his house had been ransacked, and his lungs were about to explode with anger.

“You really misunderstood me.” Han Xiao said plausibly, “The three great civilizations wanted me to control the black market channels and prevent the large-scale outflow of the virus. Extraordinary measures must be taken in extraordinary times, so I can only use thunderous methods. Moreover, the Intelligent Plague has been resolved, and I have already withdrawn. It is the three great civilizations who are trying to continue to control the black market in the Ancient Star Desert. For the sake of the safety of the universe, I took the initiative to undertake this thankless job. Even if I don’t do it, someone else will do it, isn’t that right?”

“…The thickest thing I’ve ever seen is your skin!”

Secret Master gritted his teeth, full of resentment.

He didn't really want to blame Han Xiao, knowing that the three great civilizations would not compromise in the face of disaster. Ultimately, he could only blame himself for being unlucky that the virus outbreak happened to be in the Ancient Star Desert.

Secret Master also discovered that since he and Black Star had interacted, it was as if he had been infected with bad luck, and he often had bad luck.

I should stay away from Black Star in the future, lest I be implicated when he is struck by lightning!

Just as everyone was chatting, another remote projection descended, which was Manison, who was in the midst of a public opinion storm.

Buzz—

In an instant, the audience fell silent.

Everyone’s eyes gathered on Manison and Han Xiao, their eyes filled with all kinds of emotions.

The only common point of these eyes was that they were all carrying a playful and teasing look of watching a good show.

Manison turned around, calmly looked directly into Han Xiao’s eyes, and the two’s eyes collided in mid-air.

Manison looked calm, as if the conflict between the two had never happened, and slowly opened his mouth to say hello:

“It’s good to see you again, Black Star.”

“What a coincidence, Machine Country, I thought you would be too ashamed to attend today.”

Han Xiao grinned and teased.

At this moment, he felt that he was more like a villain than Old Man Manison.

And on the side, Milizaus scratched the dragon horns on his head in confusion.

Didn’t we agree not to provoke Machine Country proactively? Are you treating my words like fart?

—

ps: (Recently, the py is a bit big, continue to promote the book, "The Daddy's Otherworldly Restaurant", the author is Qingyu Jianghu, the results are very good, if you are interested, brothers can take a look)

(Introduction: Here, elves have to share a table with dwarves, orcs are strictly prohibited from making noise, dragons can only sit around the small square in front of the restaurant, and demons even need to bring their own special stools... But even such a restaurant with strange rules, there is a long queue every day, elves ignore their demeanor and eat skewers, dragons hold colanders and sit around the hot pot, demons eat cute dumplings...)