Chapter 480 Star Destroyer Blade

After sending back the two captives, Han Xiao did not immediately leave Black Gate Star. Instead, he summoned the person in charge of the planet and had him accompany him on an inspection of the orbital megastructure project of Black Gate Star, offering some experienced guidance.

On the way back, Han Xiao inspected the operation of the Star Gate toll station.

The Black Star Army's Star Gate transportation network has always connected the Guro Star Cluster to the Free Competition Zone, providing convenience, speed, and accessibility. It is currently one of the few complete transportation lines in the Flickering World, handling a huge volume of passenger traffic every day.

Naturally, outsiders using this Star Gate line have to pay a fee. Han Xiao fully utilized the soul talent of the Chinese people to get rich by building roads first, setting up highway toll stations at every Star Gate segment. This was truly a case of "I own this road; leave some money to pass."

With such a natural treasure trove, less than a year after the Flickering World opened, the Army had already earned back the cost of building the Star Gate通道, which clearly demonstrated the truth: the returns from business can never compare to dominating territory.

Back at the Black Star Palace, the first installment of the ransom from Guanghui and the Xu Ling arrived. Guanghui paid the most, having provided all three golden blueprints. This time, they delivered the data for the first golden blueprint.

"Mechanical Deity Exclusive Weapon, Universe Treasure Grade Mechanical Creation, Star Destroyer Blade."

In the office, Han Xiao munched on a concentrated nutrition bar with a lava flavor while reviewing the blueprint data sent by the Guanghui Federation.

The blueprints that Guanghui offered in exchange were mostly super-powered weapons used for combat, and this was one of Han Xiao's choices.

According to the Guanghui Federation's notes, this was an idea proposed by the fanatical worshippers of the Mechanical Deities of the Saint Tyreks Race. Guanghui inherited their knowledge, improved it, and incorporated some unique technologies, ultimately turning this unfinished idea into a blueprint.

The blueprint depicted the complete design of this weapon. Similar to the technology of the Emperor's Robe, its appearance was a complex long-handled mechanical greatsword, possessing powerful melee technology. It could also transform into a giant cannon form, launching various types of energy for long-range attacks, its power being as its name suggested, destroying stars as a base function.

The Star Destroyer Blade was a megastructure project like the Emperor's Robe, which the Armed class was more proficient in. Although Han Xiao was a Virtual Mechanic, having collected the knowledge of his profession, he could still build it.

"But why is this style so strange? Wearing a battle robe, wielding a greatsword, next time give me a Mechanical Red Hare, and I can play the mechanical version of Guan Yu..."

Han Xiao muttered inwardly.

Why did this group of Saint Tyreks Race members like to design melee weapons so much? Could it be that a qualified mechanic secretly harbored the soul of a martial artist?

Criticisms aside, the item still had to be built. Han Xiao had Phillip add the raw materials for the Star Destroyer Blade to the next purchase list.

After settling this matter, Han Xiao checked Phillip's message box.

The messages sent to those neutral Super-A Grade members who accepted the Super Star Cluster's employment had received replies. Everyone responded, most of them worried about becoming the target of the Dark Emperor's assassinations, with only a few not caring.

"It's easier to deal with if there's a need."

Han Xiao's eyes lit up. He chatted with these Super-A Grades for a while, including Garoze, the "Head of the Golem", who had once been scared off by him.

He hinted slightly, and these people immediately understood, clearly expressing their willingness to support Black Star as much as possible in the Development Union in the future.

Most of these Super-A Grades did not join the Three Great Civilizations because they did not want to be constrained, but this was difficult to achieve in the Development Union. They were only ordinary members in the Association, with limited say, so they needed a powerful high-level representative to represent their interests and seek better treatment for them. This was a two-way transaction, mutually supporting each other for mutual benefit.

Several Super-A Grades, including Garoze, agreed to publicly propose this motion at the next general meeting, and Han Xiao promised to work on this matter and eliminate the threat they faced.

After winning over this group of people, Han Xiao turned to contact the Empire, preparing to sound them out first.

He stated his intentions and waited for a while. The secretary transferred the communication to Ulan Riel.

The view shifted, and Han Xiao's remote projection appeared in the office of the head of the Empire, with Ulan Riel sitting behind the desk in front of him.

"Your Excellency, Head of State," Han Xiao nodded in greeting.

"Black Star," Ulan Riel also greeted him, staring into Han Xiao's eyes, and directly asked, "You want me to call back Clotti?"

"Yes, the purpose of the Development Union is to eliminate armed disputes between Super-A Grades. Now that Clotti is an honorary director, if he attacks members again, it violates the purpose of the Association..."

Ulan Riel said expressionlessly, "In what capacity are you making this suggestion to me today, as an ally of the Empire or as the vice president of the Development Union?"

Han Xiao calmly said, "Both."

"Black Star, how do you think the Empire has treated you in these decades?"

"A win-win situation," Han Xiao smiled.

Ulan Riel paused for a moment, then slowly said, "I must remind you that the Evolutionary Totem business and the territory of the Flickering World are benefits that only allies can enjoy. The Empire values you very much, and you know that."

Some things were not easy to say explicitly. The Empire did not object to Black Star becoming the vice president of the Development Union, but did not want to see Black Star's loyalties shift too far, hoping that his position would be more inclined towards the former between the two identities of an ally of the Empire and the vice president.

The Mechanical Nation was a lesson from the past. It had performed too many meritorious services, and Guanghui had to reward and support it again and again, causing the Mechanical Nation to grow too powerful and break free from control. The Empire did not want to create a second Mechanical Nation.

Han Xiao pretended not to hear Ulan Riel's warning and said to himself, "Clotti captured the Traveler and another Super-A Grade, reawakening others' fear of him. In fact, the mission has been completed. If he continues to deal with others, it will be overkill. Moreover, I helped him a bit in the secondary dimension world, otherwise some accidents would have occurred."

"Hmm... there's some truth to that." Ulan Riel pondered.

Seeing this, Han Xiao's eyes flashed and he said, "Clotti should have reported the results of the Traveler's interrogation. Sorokin also interfered behind the scenes. I wonder if the Empire has put him on the Dark Emperor's handling list?"

"The authenticity of the testimony still needs to be verified. Sorokin's motives are unclear, and Clotti is not suitable to come forward." Ulan Riel waved his hand. "If the evidence is solid, the Empire will deal with him."

Hearing this, Han Xiao secretly gloated.

Sorokin had always played both sides, walking between the Three Great Civilizations, and the Traveler's blame-shifting would probably cause his carefully managed situation to have major problems.

He wondered if the Empire would take military action like it did against the Traveler. If so, Sorokin's hidden strength would probably be exposed.

The two talked for a while, but Ulan Riel did not give a definite attitude, only saying that she would consider the suggestion to terminate the Dark Emperor's mission. Han Xiao stopped while he was ahead and politely took his leave.

…

A few days later, at the Super-A Grade Association headquarters, Fein Star.

In the round table conference room, remote projections of nearly a hundred Super-A Grade members gathered to hold a routine general meeting.

The Development Union was now integrating resources, and the focus of discussion was on cooperation plans for various Super-A Grades.

The atmosphere on the scene was enthusiastic. Everyone was a well-known figure, expressing their own opinions freely, without any bureaucratic airs. Everyone put forward their own demands and then exchanged benefits with members who controlled different resources, slowly integrating each family's business and building a huge network of interests. For ordinary Super-A Grades, this was a great opportunity to cooperate and win-win with other large Super-A Grade forces. As long as they were supported, they could get rich profits.

After talking about routine matters, Manison changed the subject and said:

"At the next meeting, the Development Union will introduce two new members, Tolain and Hiddes. They missed the opportunity to establish the Association for some personal reasons. Now the procedures have been basically completed, and they will attend the next meeting."

Everyone couldn't help but look at Han Xiao, who was sitting in the deputy seat. The "personal reasons" for the absence of Tolain and Hiddes were well known to everyone present, and the room was immediately filled with a happy atmosphere.

After speaking, Manison looked around and slowly said, "If there are no other questions, then this meeting will end here..."

At this time, Garoze raised his hand and said, "I have a question I would like to ask Honorary Director Clotti."

Hearing this, everyone looked over, and the always silent Clotti also opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over them lightly.

"I would like to confirm one thing. Everyone is now a member of the Association and is bound by the rules and regulations. Director Clotti cannot attack members, is that right?"

"I only listen to the Empire's orders." Clotti said expressionlessly, not giving any face.

The atmosphere suddenly became subtle. The direct descendants of the Three Great Civilizations, who had been closing their eyes and resting, all opened their eyes, revealing interested expressions.

Garoze mustered up his courage and said in a deep voice, "I hope the Association will deal with this matter and ensure our personal safety. I don't want the Dark Emperor to suddenly have a whim one day, accuse me of a non-existent crime, and attack me."

As soon as he finished speaking, several neutral Super-A Grades spoke up one after another, expressing their support for this statement, which was obviously premeditated.

"Hmm..." Manison narrowed his eyes.

The current situation of the Association was subtle. Although these direct descendants of the Three Great Civilizations had joined the Association, they obviously could not obey the Association's mediation. This motion, however, brought the contradiction out into the open.

Although the demands of these neutral Super-A Grades were reasonable, they exceeded the current capabilities of the Association. He was not qualified to make Clotti stop.

However, the purpose of the Development Union was to mediate Super-A Grade conflicts and must be carried out to the end. Manison could not say that he could not do it, otherwise it would shake the foundation of the Association and make people worry about the Association's enforcement of its own rules.

"I will try my best..."

Manison was about to agree first and then think of a way later.

However, before he could finish speaking, Han Xiao suddenly interjected, stealing his words:

"Leave this problem to me. I will handle it."

Garoze and the others understood and all thanked Han Xiao: "We will leave it to Director Black Star. We await your good news."

Clotti looked at Han Xiao deeply and said nothing.

Han Xiao smiled at Clotti and also had no intention of speaking. Both of them knew that the person who could make the decision was not here.

Han Xiao also pretended to comfort Garoze, acting out the whole scene.

At this time, Manison next to him understood and gave him a meaningful look.

Manison didn't mind Han Xiao establishing his right to speak. In his opinion, Black Star was on the same path as him. As long as he could do practical things, everything was fine.

…

Seven or eight days later, Clotti received an order from the head of the Empire to stop the mission and embark on the return journey with the prisoners in his hand, leaving the Flickering World.

This news quickly spread to the ears of all members, and in their hearts, Han Xiao's reliability had increased a lot.

Black Star took the initiative to take over this matter and successfully resolved it, proving his own strength. Others knew that he had the ability to handle things, so they would naturally respect him. This principle was universal everywhere.

For Han Xiao, this was just a small episode and did not cost him much effort. As his status increased, his opinions became increasingly easy to influence the Empire's high-level decisions on some unimportant issues. The head of the Empire still took care of his face and increased the right to speak for the imperial ally in the position of vice president, which was naturally better than being hollowed out by Manison of Guanghui.

On the other hand, after more than half a month of exploration, Aurora had skillfully mastered the eighteen forms of manipulating Holy Light Particles. Han Xiao did not delay and immediately announced the existence of Holy Light Particles to the outside world, focusing on the new system given by Holy Light Seeds, claiming that as long as they were members of the Army, they could exchange Holy Light Seeds for military merits.

The new source of power aroused the interest of players and Super-powered people, but it was only interest. The most significant response came from the ordinary population, setting off a huge wave.

Almost everyone hoped that they could have power beyond mortals. This was the shortest shortcut to cross classes. As long as they awakened, they could immediately be promoted to the Super-powered class with privileges.

But people were born different. Limited by talent, the vast majority of people were destined to be ordinary people for life.

Now, an opportunity to change their destiny was placed before them, and the hope was not slim. As long as they worked for the Black Star Army and accumulated enough merits, they would have a 100% chance of obtaining extraordinary power!

As soon as the announcement was issued, countless ordinary people went crazy, causing a sensational effect that was even more terrifying than all the previous deeds of the Army – the previous deeds were just deeds, but now this announcement was closely related to everyone's interests.

Ordinary people had their own way of life. Even if they knew that the Black Star Army was awesome, only a few people were willing to apply to the warlord forces. But now everything was different. The Black Star Army's attraction to ordinary people instantly surpassed 99% of the industries.

In just five days, the number of ordinary people applying to join the Army exceeded the current total number of the Black Star Army!

The number of ordinary people in the universe was far greater than that of the super-powered.

…

A secret research base of the Holy Covenant Organization.

A researcher placed a cold storage box in front of Luo and Fei, opened the lid, reached into the white mist, and took out a device that looked like a small radar.

"Your Excellencies, this is a detection device I developed using the characteristics of Chaotic Secret Energy, specifically used to sense Holy Light Particles."

Luo clapped his hands in encouragement: "Good job, this way, we can find Holy Light Particles."

Fei pondered: "Holy Light Particles have not been born for many years. It is estimated that they are sleeping in a certain secondary dimension. Now they are unowned. This is our opportunity. Is the detection range of this device large enough?"

The researcher looked confident:

"Don't worry, this device can be used with a cross-dimensional detection radar. It is definitely enough."

"That's good." Fei nodded in satisfaction.

Luo urged: "Hurry up and install it. We must get the Holy Light Particles as soon as possible."

"Understood, I will..."

Before he could finish speaking, an adjutant ran in hastily, holding a communicator in his hand, and eagerly said:

"Your Excellencies, look at this news."

Luo and Fei leaned over to take a look and were immediately dumbfounded.

The picture on the communicator was exactly the announcement issued by Han Xiao.

"This is the end..."

Luo murmured to himself.

Not only Chaotic Secret Energy, but even Holy Light Particles were obtained by Black Star?!

What luck!

The last successful attack on Black Star was because the other party was unprepared and did not understand their weapons.

The two originally thought that they would never deal with Black Star again, so they were very relieved, but they did not expect that Black Star had another original exotic energy that they needed.

The two looked at each other and saw despair in each other's eyes.

Any other Super-A Grade would be better, why Black Star?

With Black Star prepared, the risk of acting again was at least ten times higher. Wanting to sneak attack like last time was just wishful thinking.

"...Are we still going to rob him?"

"Don't drag me along if you want to die." Fei said with disgust.

"Then what should we do? The Holy Light Particles are in his hands. We always have to find a way to get them back."

"How would I know what to do?"

The two were somewhat mentally broken.

What should we do!

The researcher looked left and right and couldn't help but say:

"Um... Does the detection device I developed still need to be installed?"

"What do you think!!"

—

ps: (Thank you for the 2.47 million reward from the Silver Alliance, which sent Mechanic Han to the first star in one fell swoop. It's too powerful! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و