Chapter 488 I Have Something to Say!

Mai Neison wasn't angry. He sized up Han Xiao and nodded.

"You're pretty humorous. I'm the president of the Development Federation. You were absent, but I won't be."

"What you're doing as president isn't very ethical. Everyone supports you, but not so you can gamble away everyone's interests privately," Han Xiao said, arms crossed, clicking his tongue.

He had flattered Old Dragon earlier, but the moment they met, Han Xiao threw the idea of not provoking the Mechanic Empire to the winds. Now, whenever he saw Mai Neison, he wanted to stroke the tiger's whiskers.

Having learned of the association's attitude, he deliberately mocked Mai Neison, stirring up discontent among many present. It worked wonders. Many people looked at Mai Neison with increasing disapproval. They were all important figures, and no one wanted others making decisions for them.

The two had already drawn a clear line, resuming their competitive relationship. Undermining the other's reputation was secondary; his own twisted sense of humor was the priority… Wait, that seems backwards.

The Glory allies present were the most awkward. Mai Neison was still a nominal Glory ally, but they couldn't and didn't want to speak from the Mechanic Empire's position. Those who had previously strongly supported Mai Neison were now somewhat unnatural.

Mai Neison ignored the gazes around him and said calmly, "Through this incident, I've seen you clearly. The original intention of establishing the association was to gain greater influence and not be controlled by advanced civilizations. But you talk about considering the Super-A Grades, when in reality, you're just a lackey of the three major civilizations. Everything I do is for the long-term interests of the Super-A Grades. Of course, taking risks is unavoidable… Unfortunately, you want to please the three major civilizations and don't want to lose your reputation among the Super-A Grades, so you choose to destroy our hope. In my eyes, it's nothing more than a selfish and opportunistic behavior. I won't have any more expectations of you."

"Oh, I didn't expect the once-unbeatable Mechanic Empire to resort to sophistry. Living long really does teach you a lot, even how to distort facts so skillfully," Han Xiao said, unconcerned. "Unfortunately, justice resides in the hearts of the people. Your slander against me is untenable. Everyone can see the truth for themselves. As vice president, I have a duty to stop you from leading everyone down a dark path."

"Heh… Do you really think you're a hero just because you've donned the cloak of public opinion woven for you by the three major civilizations?"

"You're so eloquent now, but I'm curious, will you have the face to attend the commendation ceremony for the entire universe in a while?"

"Why wouldn't I? If it weren't for me, would the three major civilizations have discovered the virus so early? Would they have developed a dedicated anti-virus program so quickly? Without me, the Intelligent Plague would still be spreading. In terms of merit, I'm not much less than you, yet the three major civilizations don't even mention me, their intentions are so obvious."

Once the floodgates were opened, the two were at loggerheads, pressing each other aggressively.

They're arguing, they're arguing… Many Super-A Grades were excitedly eating melons on the sidelines, wishing they could pull up a small stool and sit to watch the show.

After a few rounds of bickering, Mai Neison looked around and said coldly:

"I'm not here to argue with you today. The purpose of the association is to mediate conflicts and contradictions between Super-A Grades. As president, I need to set an example, so you can rest assured that although we have disagreements, I won't do anything to you."

"That sounds nice, but I think you're just busy dealing with the suppression from the three major civilizations and don't dare to provoke me, a powerful enemy, anymore," Han Xiao teased.

Mai Neison narrowed his eyes and said slowly, "You seem to have taken the tie between us to heart? We both know exactly what happened, but you seem to have developed some illusions, thinking you're really on par with me?"

"That's a fact, not an illusion." Han Xiao grinned, eager to try. "If you're not convinced, I'm always ready to play."

So far, he had extracted a lot of good stuff from Mai Neison, even his core class knowledge, and had already tasted the sweetness. He couldn't wait to fight Mai Neison a few more times.

"The initial intention of the Development Federation was to mediate Super-A Grade conflicts, so I won't lower myself to your level."

Mai Neison was expressionless and walked into the venue, too lazy to chat with Han Xiao anymore.

Seeing this, Han Xiao secretly curled his lips.

Old Man Mai is really good at holding back. If this were before, I would have provoked him like this, and he would have come to chat with me with a forty-kilometer-long greatsword.

But the Mechanic Empire must be very stifled. He clearly thinks he can defeat me, but he's been forced into a tie by the three major civilizations and has to patiently wait for the opportunity to get back at me, watching his prestige weaken.

I not only got his core class knowledge, but also secretly got the Domino Virus technology fragment he was thinking about, and even extracted a new skill that restrains him… But in Mai Neison's mind, my combat power is still based on the impression from our fight.

If I fight Old Man Mai again, I can guarantee him a "surprise."

Just as Han Xiao was secretly gloating, Kesuye walked over and said:

"I haven't seen Mai Neison suffer a loss in a long time. You're one of the few guys who can make him suffer."

Han Xiao turned to look at him, surprised. "I thought you and Mai Neison had a good relationship, but you seem pretty happy."

Kesuye smiled, narrowing his eyes:

"Hehe, don't misunderstand. I've known Mai Neison for many years, and we are indeed good friends, but he is him, and I am me. To be honest, I also don't agree with what he did. Even if you didn't stop him, I would have broken ties with him afterward."

Han Xiao nodded. "I just happened to be there. If there wasn't this incident, the Mechanic Empire and I might still be friends, but unfortunately, people on different paths cannot work together. I just hope this incident doesn't affect my friendship with you."

"Don't worry, your conflict with him won't affect our relationship. I don't mind differences in ideals, because everyone has their own desires… But although Mai Neison's actions are criticized, he didn't say anything wrong. The three major civilizations are just using you to attack him. When you're no longer useful… perhaps his today will be your tomorrow."

"I have my limits. You don't have to worry about this issue."

As the two were talking, a third voice chimed in, with a smile that was not a smile:

"So… when being used by advanced civilizations, you have to monetize the benefits as soon as possible. This is my experience."

The two turned their heads and saw that Sorokin had also come over, inserting himself into the conversation with his signature fake smile, and giving a simple greeting to the two shareholders.

"Oh, it's you," Han Xiao glanced at him. "What profound insights do you have this time?"

"Mr. Black Star is joking. I'm just an ordinary Super-A Grade, how can I intervene in such a high-level topic? I don't have any profound insights. I'm just offering some advice from a businessman's perspective, hoping to provide Mr. Black Star with some inspiration for dealing with the current situation," Sorokin said enthusiastically.

Hmph, offering courtesy for no reason is either adultery or theft…

Han Xiao crossed his arms and struck a scrutinizing pose:

"I don't think you're just here to chat. Is there something you want?"

"Haha, you can't hide anything from Mr. Black Star," Sorokin said with a smile. "I hope to discuss cooperation with you…"

Han Xiao listened to him for a while and finally understood Sorokin's meaning, secretly marveling at how shameless this person was.

He had become a special consultant for the three major civilizations and had the support of all three, so Sorokin saw a business opportunity and wanted to come to this shareholder for deeper cooperation.

This shareholder position was something Han Xiao had strongly demanded. Sorokin was originally unwilling, but seeing that it was profitable, he didn't hesitate to put aside his dignity and shamelessly came to talk about cooperation. Moreover, their grudges hadn't been settled, but he could pretend that nothing had happened. His face must have taken a spaceship and left home.

In the past few months, Han Xiao had been busy dealing with the Intelligent Plague, while Sorokin had been dealing with the dissatisfaction of the three major civilizations, investing heavily and finally resolving the matter.

Not only that, but after a series of fancy operations, Sorokin demonstrated his position in line with the three major civilizations and acted as a human resources broker, embracing the thighs of some powerful officials of the Glory and Void Spirit, and using his seat on the council of the association to forge new relationships of interest, his methods were very wild.

Han Xiao suddenly thought of something, "By the way, Mai Neison is also a shareholder of the Wireless Financial Group. His actions should have an impact on you, right? Can the three major civilizations tolerate him continuing to serve as a shareholder of the group?"

"There is indeed an impact, but hey, this doesn't prevent me from continuing to cooperate with him, and the regular dividends will not be interrupted."

"The three major civilizations allow it?"

"First, I am a legitimate private financial group with the power to freely appoint personnel. Second, hehe…"

Sorokin smiled without saying a word, throwing out a "you know" look.

Han Xiao immediately understood. No wonder the three major civilizations didn't mind the cooperation between the two sides. This was also a way to use the Infinite Financial Group as a channel to obtain intelligence on the activities of the Mechanic Empire. Sorokin was able to embrace the thighs of the three major civilizations, and this was one of the conditions.

He naturally didn't want to cooperate deeply with Sorokin, so he answered perfunctorily, coping with Sorokin's persistent persuasion.

After chatting for a while, it was finally time for the meeting, and everyone entered the venue one after another, found their seats, and sat down.

Han Xiao didn't confront Mai Neison again. The two presided over the meeting according to the established agenda, handling events one by one, just like a normal regular meeting.

However, although the two were seriously doing their own thing, the atmosphere in the venue was still strange. After the interlude outside the venue just now, most people had knots in their hearts, and it was difficult to return to normal.

Soon, it was time for the last agenda item. Mai Neison looked around the room and said in a deep voice:

"Due to the sudden outbreak of the Intelligent Plague, the confrontation between the three major civilizations and the Super Star Cluster Alliance has been delayed by more than half a year. Now that the disaster has been resolved, the two sides will soon begin to fight. Our Super-A Grade Association needs to choose a stance.

"As you all know, the three major civilizations have been tightly controlling the Ultimate Knowledge. The condition they propose is for us to deal with the Super Star Cluster Alliance. I don't intend to agree, so I suggest sticking to our original position, staying out of it, and not participating in the infighting between advanced civilizations."

Everyone nodded one after another. Although they were dissatisfied with Mai Neison, this decision was the consensus of most people before, so there was no problem.

As for the direct descendants of the three major civilizations, they generally don't express their opinions at this time, because expressing them is meaningless.

However, at this moment, Mai Neison turned to look at Han Xiao and suddenly said: "Vice President, what do you think?"

Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he pondered, realizing the Mechanic Empire's intentions.

He was now at the forefront of public opinion, and the three major civilizations were holding him high, hoping that he would become their spokesperson in the Development Federation, not only hoping that he would compete with Mai Neison, but also hoping that he would speak for them in the association.

However, one of the original intentions of establishing the association was to help Super-A Grades get rid of the factional imprisonment set by advanced civilizations and not be used as tools to kill each other. On this issue, Han Xiao found that choosing either side would have negative effects.

Sticking to everyone's consensus was no problem on the association's side, and although the three major civilizations wouldn't be surprised, they would be somewhat disappointed, affecting their support – other allies could choose this way because they were the "many," while his identity was the "exemplar" who was expected to do more. The same behavior would have a different impact.

If he spoke for the three major civilizations and incited everyone to deal with the Super Star Cluster Alliance, the results would be even worse. He would reveal the face of a vested interest, appearing to completely lean towards the three major civilizations, truly becoming the "lackey" in the Mechanic Empire's mouth, which would inevitably cause dissatisfaction among everyone. Moreover, the path he represented would be tainted, no longer being peaceful coexistence, but becoming subservient, violating the original intention and returning to the original track.

Han Xiao raised his eyes and saw that everyone present, including the direct descendants of the three major civilizations, was focused on him, obviously understanding this and waiting for his attitude.

Mai Neison's question wasn't a conspiracy or trick, it was just a straightforward way to use the situation to his advantage.

"Of course, I agree with everyone's consensus. This is why we're together… but I want to deal with one of the Super Star Cluster civilizations, it's a bit of a personal grudge."

Han Xiao said calmly. He was very realistic. In this situation, he naturally wouldn't stand on the wrong side.

When the three major civilizations publicly created momentum for him, Han Xiao knew that he would encounter this hurdle sooner or later, accepting the tests of other Super-A Grades to ensure that he hadn't "changed his mind."

Hearing his answer, everyone satisfactorily withdrew their gazes.

After discussing the important matters, the regular meeting ended, and the Super-A Grade members logged off one by one.

Han Xiao didn't leave immediately. He pulled Hela, who had been watching from the sidelines, found a room, and closed the door.

"You're back." Hela sized Han Xiao up. "You look thinner."

"I should be the one saying that to you. How is the Underworld?" Han Xiao smiled.

"It's stabilized and is slowly recovering… By the way, I have something to tell you about the Underworld."

"Coincidentally, I also have something to ask you about the Underworld, but you go first."

Hela nodded.

"Okay, have you heard of the Sanctuary?"

"!!"

Han Xiao was shocked and subconsciously covered his heart.

At that moment, he suddenly understood how the Oathkeeper felt…

——

ps: (Unknowingly, another year is about to pass. It's the end-of-year double event, so I'm weakly asking for monthly tickets~)