Chapter 1 Waiting

After waiting for a while, the screen of the communicator in Han Xiao's hand flashed, displaying the figure of Su Yi, the special envoy of the Crimson Dynasty.

Han Xiao raised his eyebrows.

The Crimson Dynasty's embassy did not reject his request for communication, indicating that the other party was interested in talking to him, which was a good start. In his plan, allying with the Crimson Dynasty was a crucial step.

With a slight smile, Han Xiao said, "It's been many years, Special Envoy Su Yi."

"Indeed, the last time we met was more than a decade ago. You were following Dragon Emperor when attending Overlord's gathering. I remember you once tried to persuade Ames to join the Crimson Dynasty. Although it didn't work out in the end, I was very impressed with you at the time." Su Yi had a smiling expression.

His attitude towards Han Xiao was good, not only because Han Xiao was a Super A-grade, but also because when the two first met more than a decade ago, Han Xiao showed a pro-Crimson Dynasty tendency.

"So you still remember." Han Xiao smiled lightly, "At the time, I believed that the Crimson Dynasty had a high chance of taking the Shattered Star Ring, and now it has proved that my guess was correct."

Hearing this, Su Yi's smile became even more obvious.

More than ten years ago at Overlord's gathering, Black Star predicted that the Crimson Dynasty would successfully take the Shattered Star Ring, and Su Yi's evaluation of Han Xiao couldn't help but increase.

"Your vision is very long-term, I admire it very much."

Of course, I guess no one's vision can be longer than mine... Han Xiao secretly complained.

The benefit of being familiar with the plot is that even if you haven't eaten yet, I know what you'll poop tomorrow.

After a pause, Han Xiao then brought up the purpose of his visit today.

"My thoughts are still the same as they were ten years ago, and now, the Black Star Army has left Longtan. I don't need to persuade anyone anymore, I can make my own decisions."

Su Yi's eyes lit up, "If I understand correctly, you want to join the Crimson Dynasty?"

"That's exactly what I'm here for today."

Han Xiao nodded.

Due to his advancement, the Black Star Army was qualified to become a Super A-grade force, but the upper limit of the force still depended on resources, connections, and other factors. In the Star Sea, the three Universal Civilizations were the biggest backers. As long as he allied with one of them, he could obtain an unimaginable amount of resources.

Similarly, he also needed a strong partner to protect the Evolution Cube. Sisko and the Arcane Church would not give up, and the Shining Federation might also get involved. Countless large forces in the vast universe would cast their covetous eyes, not to mention lawless thugs like the Otherworldly Deities. The Black Star Army, whose current level was at the Star Cluster grade, could not withstand so much malice.

Among the three Universal Civilizations, the Crimson Dynasty was the most suitable ally in Han Xiao's mind. He could obtain an early ticket to the Shattered Star Ring, invest in the future, and disrupt Klent's plan through the Crimson Dynasty's high-level route, and win the Secret War.

These were all important factors related to his vital interests.

Of course, there were other reasons besides that.

Han Xiao was a member of the Crimson Dynasty camp in his previous life, and he remembered more of the Crimson Dynasty's plot and opportunities. Moreover, among the three civilizations, he admired the Crimson Dynasty the most.

The history of the three civilizations could be traced back to the Era of Exploration, and the three were not civilizations born at the same time. Among them, the Shining Federation was the oldest, the Arcane Church was second, and the Crimson Dynasty was the youngest, with the time of their rise separated by thousands to tens of thousands of years.

The Era of Origins was a chaotic and poorly documented period. At that time, there were no powerful civilizations to unify the Star Sea, and there was no connection between the various star systems. All civilizations were lonely, groping and developing on their own in the dark forest.

The three civilizations at that time were far from reaching their current heights. In the star systems where they were located, the strength of other civilizations exceeded them. After years of development and war, the three civilizations finally eliminated their opponents in their respective star systems, gained hegemony over a star system, and began to explore the outside world across the desolate universe belt.

The Central Star Sea, where the three stand today, was the starting star system of the three civilizations. It was only natural that they discovered each other. As the saying goes, "How can others be allowed to snore on one's own couch?" All three wanted to kill each other, so the universal war of the three civilizations broke out—this was the turning point in the historians' writings from the Era of Origins to the Era of Exploration. The three parties joined hands to usher in a new era.

In the early stage of the Era of Exploration, the three civilizations fought wars while exploring the outside world. Taking the Central Star Sea as the center, the flames of war spread outward, and more and more star systems were discovered. In the process of exploring the star systems, more civilizations were forced to participate in this great war. The war intensified, and countless civilizations perished as a result.

The war that swept the entire universe was extremely tragic. Today, there are several desolate universe belts in the Star Sea Map, which were originally normal star systems—they were forcibly turned into desolate universe belts in the long-lasting war!

At that time, the three civilizations did not have the overwhelming power they have today, and there were several powerful civilizations of the same level, the Evolutionary Civilization being one of them. If these civilizations had survived to this day, they might have developed into universal civilizations and possessed the status of the three civilizations... But unfortunately, they had already been destroyed in the Era of Exploration. Only the Shining Federation, the Arcane Church, and the Crimson Dynasty survived, seized hegemony, ceased fighting each other, gave the era a breather, and entered the peaceful Star Sea Era, and the universe became the pattern it is today.

After years of peace, the development of the Shining Federation and the Arcane Church in terms of technology, systems, and races has stagnated more or less, and their sharpness has decreased to varying degrees. Only the Crimson Dynasty has not fallen into depravity in peace and has always maintained its ambition and enterprising spirit.

Therefore, Han Xiao was optimistic about the Crimson Dynasty. A civilization full of ambition would always create more opportunities for development, and allying with it had broad prospects.

"Hmm..."

Su Yi heard Han Xiao's confirmation and did not respond immediately, but pondered.

He originally planned to contact him for a tentative exploration, but he did not expect Black Star to take the initiative to ask to join.

It was not new for a Super A-grade to join a universal civilization, but it undoubtedly exceeded the scope of his authority, and he had to report to a higher level.

Su Yi secretly estimated Han Xiao's value.

'Black Star's strength and potential are beyond doubt. He was a pro-Crimson Dynasty party more than ten years ago, so he is not a fence-sitter. The Black Star Army's power in the Shattered Star Ring is considerable. After the alliance, it can become a new layout point for the empire in this star field, which is conducive to the development of the Shattered Star Ring, and he also has the Evolution Cube in his hands... That's right, we need to talk about the Evolution Cube carefully.'

The Evolution Cube originally belonged to Sisko and was protected by the Arcane Church. Now that it was in Han Xiao's hands, it was an important bargaining chip.

With this in mind, Su Yi asked directly, "There is a question I need to clarify. How do you plan to deal with the Evolution Cube?"

Han Xiao smiled.

"This thing is of course among our alliance conditions. We can deal with it in a shared cooperative manner, that is, the Crimson Dynasty supports me in retaining the Evolution Cube, and you send people to use it here, with no limit to the number of people."

What he said was exactly the cooperative method between Sisko and the Arcane Church, but he did not intend to exclusively share the benefits of the Evolution Cube with the universal civilization like Sisko.

Sisko used the exclusive agreement to exchange for the Arcane Church's over-support for the Star Pupil Divine Race, but Han Xiao had no race to support and did not have too many burdens. It would be more beneficial for him to use the Evolution Cube to attract other civilization allies.

"Hmm... not bad." Su Yi nodded, which was within his acceptable range, "The empire's high-level executives should accept this condition, and we can help you solve some external resistance... Besides this, what other needs do you have?"

Han Xiao's eyes lit up, which meant that he was starting to negotiate the interests.

"I have a few requests." Han Xiao restrained his smile and said seriously, "First, I want the Crimson Dynasty to provide resource support to me and the Black Star Army."

"No problem." Su Yi replied without thinking, and added, "With the Evolution Cube, we are willing to give you more resources."

"Second, I hope the Black Star Army can join the team to develop the Shattered Star Ring."

"Haha, even if you don't say it, I think the empire will ask you to go." Su Yi joked.

Han Xiao nodded.

That's right, the Shattered Star Ring was the closest to the Shattered Star Ring. If the Crimson Dynasty needed a pioneering vanguard, the power of the Shattered Star Ring would be the first choice...

The ticket to the Shattered Star Ring was basically no problem.

"Third, I hope the Crimson Dynasty will not speak for Klent in the Secret War."

Hearing this, Su Yi frowned immediately.

"This is a high-level decision and is not within my authority. I cannot guarantee it."

This question was both beyond his expectations and reasonable.

The Secret War had been fought for so many years, and it was not strange that Black Star wanted to win. However, Klent was also an ally of the Crimson Dynasty. This was a choice to measure the value of both parties, and Su Yi could not guarantee the decision of the high-level executives.

"It's okay." Han Xiao waved his hand, "These three are my biggest conditions."

"Hmm, I will report it."

Su Yi knocked on the table and suddenly said, "By the way, do you need us to mediate the conflict between you and Herber?"

Since Black Star was also going to join the Crimson Dynasty, Overlord and Black Star were allies, and the conflict between the two was a conflict between one's own people.

Although the declaration of a public duel could not be revoked, as long as the news of Black Star joining the Crimson Dynasty was announced, the two would naturally not be able to fight.

"No need." Han Xiao refused.

Su Yi thought for a while, then suddenly understood and laughed, "You're right, I didn't think it through."

If the Crimson Dynasty came forward to resolve the conflict between the two parties, it would be detrimental to Black Star's image. People would understand that Black Star was seeking refuge in the Crimson Dynasty in order to escape Overlord's pursuit. If he couldn't beat him, he would join the enemy.

"If there is nothing else to add, then I will report your conditions to the higher-ups."

"That's right." Han Xiao suddenly remembered something, "I have a small request. I hope to get some of the most advanced mechanical knowledge within twenty days."

The Crimson Dynasty naturally had a complete set of professional knowledge. The most advanced knowledge was not that precious to them. He might be able to activate all of the Emperor Mechanic's skills before the duel began.

With Han Xiao's current manufacturing speed, twenty days was enough time to use the new knowledge to create a large number of machines.

Su Yi nodded. If it was the ultimate knowledge, the higher-ups would still consider it, but the most advanced knowledge was given casually. After all, he was a Super A-grade who was preparing to join. This was basic treatment.

"Okay, wait for my news."

Su Yi nodded. This was the initial negotiation between the two parties. The specific result still depended on the opinions of the Crimson Dynasty's high-level executives.

...

At the same time, in a certain area of the Shattered Star Ring, Sisko was driving his spaceship to the Colton Star Cluster.

"Dragon Emperor actually intervened. Tsk, it seems things won't be so smooth..."

At this time, Sisko was in a very bad mood.

Herber wanted to duel with Black Star and rejected his invitation to join forces. Sisko could only propose a duel to Han Xiao himself, but he also found a good opportunity from it.

Speaking of which, he still had to thank Black Star for keeping the Evolution Cube in a portable state. Black Star would carry the Evolution Cube with him. On the day of the duel, once he fought with Overlord, he would definitely reveal a flaw, and he would have the opportunity to take advantage of the fire and rob the thing back from Black Star.

At that time, even if Overlord refused to join forces, it would be useless. As long as they fought, he could intervene at any time, and no one could stop him.

Taking advantage of the fire to rob him did not require him to fight Black Star head-on, and the success rate was very high. Sisko's goal was always the Evolution Cube, not dealing with Black Star. He did not care what others thought about this. For the development of the race, what was it for him to lose some fame?

Originally, there was nothing wrong with this plan. Black Star was fighting alone and was being dragged down by Overlord. He would definitely be overwhelmed by the second Super A-grade.

However, Ames's intervention ruined his plan.

Black Star had a teammate. If he wanted to sneak attack, Ames would definitely stop him, so there was no way for him to take the Evolution Cube while Black Star wasn't paying attention.

Unless... someone could restrain Ames.

Originally, the best candidate was Austin, but this old man had to watch the show and refused to help no matter what, making Sisko's eyes hurt... all seven of them hurt.

There was no way, so he had to find another helper.

Fortunately, he still had a powerful ally.

"It seems that I can only ask the Arcane Church's garrison in the Shattered Star Ring for help. If it's just to restrain a Super A-grade, they should be willing to send troops, right..."

Sisko's eyes flashed, just like a light bulb.