Chapter 172 The Black Star's Declaration

As soon as Han Xiao's remote projection descended upon the venue, he could feel countless gazes filled with surprise and admiration being cast from all directions.

"Black Star!"

Hearing someone call him, Han Xiao turned his head and saw Ksyuye and the others approaching. They were all familiar faces from the peak Beyond Grade A circle.

"What do you want?"

"Hehe, nice fight." Kant smiled as he looked at him.

"You should say that to the Machinery Country. He's the one who needs comforting right now," Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.

"Hahaha, you've gotten even worse since the last time we met." Everyone laughed.

Within the circle, Han Xiao didn't have the same sense of distance as the Machinery Country, and was more popular. Most people were willing to befriend him, feeling closer to him than respectful.

Ksyuye smiled wryly and asked, "Black Star, it's said that you seized the Machinery Country's troops. Did you find out the origins of those two Beyond Grade A individuals?"

Han Xiao shook his head and casually revealed Menierson's background, giving a rough explanation of the Criminal technology and emphasizing, "Menierson messed up their brains, and they can barely remember any of their past experiences."

"Alas, the two people you captured should be Solett and Kane. I used to have a good relationship with Kane, a long time ago…" Milizaus sighed, feeling a sense of pity.

As a rare and exceptionally talented creature, he was most disgusted by live modification experiments. Before he became a Beyond Grade A, dragon whelps would occasionally go missing, being captured by interstellar hunters and sold for money, mostly to research institutions to study their racial characteristics, so he was quite sensitive about this.

Everyone chimed in, introducing the life stories of Solett and Kane. The former was Second Treasure, while the latter was Fourth Treasure. Both were once quite powerful Beyond Grade A powerhouses, who had offended the Machinery Country for different reasons and ultimately disappeared in defeat. Unexpectedly, when they met again, the old friends had become puppets, causing many present to feel a sense of sorrow.

"Speaking of which, not long ago, you weren't the Machinery Country's… uh, at most, you were on par with him. How did the Machinery Country use his trump card this time, only to be taken advantage of by you? Do you have some secret?" Hunter-of-the-Sun asked.

"Nothing, just lucky."

Han Xiao subconsciously said modestly, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he noticed that the eyes of everyone present had become rather strange.

Everyone glanced sideways at the Master of Mystery, nodding their chins, signaling that it was his turn to perform.

However, the Master of Mystery remained unmoved, as if he hadn't heard Han Xiao's words.

Seraon couldn't help but move closer to the Master of Mystery and whispered, "Why aren't you refuting him like you did just now? Aren't you the professional?"

The Master of Mystery glanced at him. "I'm giving him face."

"I see…"

Seraon nodded, but suddenly realized something.

"Wait, why didn't you give me face just now?"

"Unnecessary."

Veins popped out on Seraon's forehead.

We're all peak Beyond Grade As, yet you're blatantly treating us differently!

"So you're afraid of offending the Black Star, but you're not afraid of offending me?!"

"Yes," the Master of Mystery said with a puzzled expression. "Where did you get the confidence to ask that question?"

He only felt inexplicable. Black Star was an unlucky fellow whose luck couldn't be shaved off any further, but you, a guy with such prosperous luck, don't you have any self-awareness?

Seraon was immediately choked, pointing at the Master of Mystery, unable to speak, his face full of resentment.

You, you're too much, couldn't you pretend and humor me a little!

After a few words of casual chat, it was soon time for the meeting to begin, and everyone filed into the venue and took their seats.

Just then, Menierson's remote projection arrived late, just in time. After arriving, he didn't look at anyone, ignoring the strange gazes of the crowd, and walked straight into the venue.

He arrived on time because he didn't want to meet Han Xiao in advance. He could guess with his ass how Black Star would show off in front of him.

When passing Han Xiao's position, Menierson deliberately ignored him, thinking that Han Xiao would take the opportunity to ridicule and satirize him. However, he didn't expect Black Star to act as if he had changed his personality, ignoring him completely.

This made Menierson, who had been mentally prepared, feel a sense of frustration, not quite used to it, and even had the urge to take the initiative to talk.

Noticing Menierson's gaze, Han Xiao didn't even look at him… You think I'm going to satirize you, but I'm deliberately ignoring you, which is still a form of satire.

Suppressing the urge to talk, Menierson coughed and said in a deep voice, "I announce, this regular meeting begins, everyone…"

Before he could finish speaking, Han Xiao stood up and said slowly, "I have something I want to inform everyone."

Everyone's eyes turned to him.

Han Xiao leaned forward, pressing his hands on the table, and said, "Regarding my experiences some time ago, some friends here may not know the inside story. I'll explain it here first. I have a personal grudge against the Modo Civilization, which originated from the Kunde Clan incident during the second exploration era. Modo induced the indigenous civilization to ambush the Crimson Empire, leading to the outbreak of war. My Black Star Army also participated at the time, and suffered heavy losses. Later, the Kunde Clan joined my command and accepted protection, so I also took over the mission of pursuing the mastermind behind the scenes.

"Originally, this war could have been completely avoided, but Modo's conspiracy robbed us of the opportunity to coexist peacefully. My grudge against Modo is partly a personal vendetta for the damage to my troops, and partly out of morality.

"It's understandable that I and Modo are enemies and hurt each other. I also accept the casualties that Modo caused to my troops on the front lines. However, Modo used conspiracies behind the scenes… Even if it's a conspiracy, after all, it's also a viable means, but he shouldn't have involved another unrelated Beyond Grade A in this matter."

As he spoke, Han Xiao pointed to Ames in the room. Seeing that everyone was listening quietly, he said:

"The Dragon Emperor originally had nothing to do with this matter, but Modo wanted to achieve the purpose of threatening me by kidnapping her adoptive father. Some people present even provided assistance to Modo…"

As he spoke, Han Xiao glanced at Menierson. Before Menierson could speak, he immediately continued, saying:

"This kind of behavior is very despicable, and it simply ignores the others present. Therefore, the Dragon Emperor decided to intervene in the war and teach Modo a lesson. I also decided to personally take the field to crusade…"

Han Xiao paused, looked around the room, and said in a low voice:

"I've finished speaking. Who agrees? Who opposes?"

The room fell silent for a moment, and everyone looked at each other with strange expressions.

Because before the Flickering World War, the agreement that everyone had settled on in this room was that the Beyond Grade As should stay out of it. Their subordinates could have some soup, or some special cases could take revenge, but everyone had agreed not to personally take the field. However, Black Star's request was obviously to be the first to violate this agreement.

Menierson narrowed his eyes and began to find fault. "I don't think it's right. You're the Vice President. If you take the lead in violating the agreement that was made, wouldn't the principle of our united front lose its binding force? Today, you find a reason to personally take action, and we agree. Tomorrow, I'll also find a reason to attack you, and you have to agree? As long as you find a reason, anyone can act recklessly. Then, is there still a need for the association to exist?"

"People who are getting on in years are indeed somewhat inflexible." Han Xiao smacked his lips. "How long has our association been established? And it's already showing signs of institutional rigidity? That's very much in line with the style of you as a leader."

Menierson's eyelids twitched, but he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It was still the same familiar recipe, still the same familiar taste. Black Star was indeed still that Black Star, the old yin-yang man.

Han Xiao ignored him, looked around, and said, "My proposal is not only because of personal grudges, but also for the sake of the association's prestige and the principle of a united front."

"What's the explanation for that?" Kant, who was beside him, consciously played the role of a sycophant.

"Machinery Country's words do have some truth, but we must analyze the specific issues specifically. We must first understand the nature of this matter. Modo calculated an unrelated Beyond Grade A in order to deal with me, and this Beyond Grade A is also a member of the association… What kind of behavior is this? Let me make an assumption. Hmm, let's take the Infinite Financial Group as an example. For example, I want to swallow the assets of the Infinite Financial Group, and I know that Menierson is a major shareholder, so I go to kidnap Menierson and torture him in every possible way, demanding that Sorokin sign some unequal agreements. What would your reaction be?"

Sorokin was suddenly cued and was a little confused.

You guys talk about yours, what are you calling me for?

If that were really the case, I'm afraid I'd be extremely happy. There'd be one less bastard to split the money with…

"Cough cough, I would feel very angry."

Han Xiao then looked at Menierson and said, "If you escape… I mean, if you do, after all, everyone knows that if you fall into my hands, there's no way you can escape… Anyway, you'll definitely take revenge afterwards, right?"

"…That's right." The corner of Menierson's mouth twitched imperceptibly.

"See, this is human nature, and it's extremely similar to the situation I encountered." Han Xiao clapped his hands and said in a deep voice, "But why does the association want to stop this kind of behavior? Wasn't the original intention of establishing the association to allow the Beyond Grade A class to obtain a better future and a higher status? How come we've put shackles on ourselves instead?"

As he spoke, Han Xiao walked behind Menierson, put his hands on his shoulders, and said loudly:

"The principle of a united front is naturally that if one member is in trouble, help will come from all directions. The Modo Civilization attacked an unrelated Beyond Grade A first, destroying the rules first. If we don't deal with it, what will others think? Will they think that the association restricts the Beyond Grade As' retaliation afterwards, so they'll be more willing to attack the Beyond Grade As? What is this!

"We want a higher status. In addition to formulating our own order to make the interstellar society feel safe, we must also make outsiders maintain awe of the Beyond Grade As. This is the way to control the right to speak, not the other way around.

"Therefore, although the purpose of the association is to mediate, we must immediately impose sanctions when faced with the Modo Civilization's behavior, which can be described as provocative. Otherwise, what will be lost is the prestige of the entire Beyond Grade A class. This is the true meaning of our united front! The slogan of 'sharing weal and woe' is not only for us to 'retreat', we must also 'advance' together!

"We are now a collective. If other people don't want to suffer an undeserved disaster like the Dragon Emperor this time, they should not only agree to the action, but also provide assistance and deal with Modo together. Don't forget how the Peak of the Beyond Grade A came about. Unity is very important. The association should make a serious statement to Modo and launch a thunderous counterattack, so that the entire universe will know that the Beyond Grade A class is already different, and we are united."

Although he felt that something was wrong, many people couldn't deny that Black Star's words spoke to their hearts, and they sounded very reasonable.

"Of course, our association must have freedom. I won't force anyone to deal with Modo together, but I will definitely help Ames, because I always remember how I made my fortune. Now, let me ask the question I asked just now again…"

Han Xiao stared at the entire room, word by word.

"Who agrees? Who opposes?"

The room was quiet for two seconds before Biondi raised his hand high, breaking the silence.

"I agree!"

"Me too." Kohler was not to be outdone.

With someone taking the lead, the Crimson Empire's forces, except for Heber, who was still arrogant, all voted in favor. The neutral Beyond Grade As who had joined Black Star in the association also expressed their approval, and the crowd responded enthusiastically!

Ames propped her chin up and watched this scene. Her curved eyes were full of smiles. She loved watching Han Xiao calmly talk eloquently in front of everyone.

The Machinery Country's forces looked at Menierson. Seeing that Menierson was silent, they didn't object. Seeing this, a group of council members such as Ksyuye also voted.

"What Black Star said makes sense. We can't control the Modo Civilization's personal grudges with him, but even wars have war laws, and we can't use too insidious methods without restriction. Modo calculated the family of another Beyond Grade A who was not involved in this matter, which has crossed the line." The old dragon echoed.

"That's right, that's right. I especially agree with Black Star's true meaning of a united front just now. If the Machinery Country captures me for live modification one day, you must come and save me." Hunter-of-the-Sun joked.

Menierson glanced at him lightly. "Don't worry, you're too small, I'm not interested."

Everyone made a fuss for a while. At this moment, a neutral Beyond Grade A who had been quietly diving suddenly spoke up and said, "Black Star said that he wants to deal with Modo, but the Machinery Country is also an accomplice. Why don't you take revenge on him? I think we should treat them equally."

Hearing this, the room fell silent again, and many people's faces turned strange.

This must be inciting trouble! Good kid, you have guts!

Han Xiao glanced at him and was immediately amused.

Oh, I remember that this guy seemed to be one of the Super Star Cluster Alliance's "mercenaries" in his previous life. Maybe he's the same as the Traveler, and is actually a direct descendant of a certain Super Star Cluster civilization.

Wanting to shift hatred and confuse the public here, could this guy be Modo's secret direct descendant?

This thought flashed through Han Xiao's mind. Seeing that everyone was looking at him, he waved his hand generously and deliberately sighed:

"After all, one of the purposes of our association is to mediate conflicts between the Beyond Grade As. Although Menierson is unkind, I can't be unjust. I'll just take a loss and not pursue the matter."

As soon as he finished speaking, Menierson's whole body shook. The state of mind that had finally stabilized in the past few days almost exploded again.

Can you speak human language?!

You took the Soul Transfer Device and snatched my two Criminals. You call that taking a loss?

I want to take that kind of "loss" too, and I want to take it every day!

Seeing Menierson's twitching face, many people hurriedly raised their hands to stroke their beards, in order to hide their frantically rising lips, struggling to hold back their laughter.

Menierson closed his eyes and used a few seconds to suppress his anger, saying expressionlessly, "Black Star, even if you take my samples, you won't be able to learn my technology."

He had this confidence. Whether it was the Criminal technology or the Undying Mechanical Soldier technology, he had incorporated original techniques into them. This was the essence he had grasped after quietly innovating the virtual technology.

Without the prerequisite knowledge of virtual technology innovation, he was sure that even if Black Star researched some results, he would at most get something that was similar but not the same. It was impossible to restore all the details of the two technologies.

"Don't worry, I won't stop you from comforting yourself," Han Xiao chuckled.

"Hmph, you're stubborn. If I'm not mistaken, you've encountered a bottleneck as soon as you started your research, right?"

Han Xiao hesitated for a moment and didn't reply.

Seeing this, the corner of Menierson's mouth curled up slightly. He felt that he was right and his mood finally improved a little. He said slowly, "I guessed it right, and you don't dare to answer?"

Han Xiao shook his head and said hesitantly:

"I just think that you're old after all, and you don't have many years to live. I'm afraid that if I tell the truth, you'll have a heart attack and be sent away on the spot. That way, the credit for killing you won't be on my head, wouldn't that be a waste?"

"…Get out!"

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ps: (py recommends a reverse routine novel, Xin Yi's "I Am the Mythological Creator", the protagonist is very unrestrained, a new popular Di Hua (overthinking) stream novel, it's refreshing throughout, interested brothers can go and take a look)