Chapter 1 Meeting Again

The two walked into Heber's palace, arriving at a huge circular hall. Five suspended thrones each occupied a position. Heber sat on one of them, while two others were already occupied by Sisko and Austin.

"Heh, it seems we meet again soon enough," Austin said with a smile.

*Damn old coot*… Han Xiao cursed inwardly, glancing at Sisko on the other side.

Sisko almost never attended the Overlord gatherings, so his presence was quite unexpected.

*Perhaps because the Evolution Cube is gone, he doesn't have to stay at home guarding it, so Sisko is no longer a shut-in?*

Han Xiao mused to himself.

"Black Star," Sisko nodded, his face calm. No emotion could be discerned in his seven eyes, as if Han Xiao wasn't the enemy who had stolen his treasure.

Unsure of Sisko's intentions, Han Xiao didn't speak, only nodded in response.

Although everyone had conflicts of interest and grudges, they were all Beyond Grade As from the Shattered Star Ring. They would inevitably run into each other, so in this kind of setting, they wouldn't start fighting the moment they met.

Ames floated up and sat on the empty seat. All four pairs of eyes gathered on Han Xiao, waiting for him.

Han Xiao smiled, rose into the air, and landed on the last empty seat, also the newly added fifth throne.

At this moment, he could be considered to have formally entered this small circle.

The five of them sat facing each other, forming the new structure of the Shattered Star Ring's peak combat power.

"Now that everyone is here, let's have a good talk," Heber said in a deep voice, turning his head to look at Han Xiao. "First, there's the issue between you and me. The choices before us are just two: continue to be hostile, or temporarily reconcile."

"Hmm, you talk, I'm listening," Han Xiao said noncommittally.

"Since you've also joined the Crimson Dynasty, we have to become allies and stand on the same front. This is the Dynasty's intention, and it's also my intention," Heber said slowly. "During the ten years of the Secret War, you killed many of my subordinates, and many of your warriors died at the hands of my people. The grudges between us run deep. You certainly aren't willing to compromise, and neither am I. How about we put aside the disputes for now, and settle the past grudges later?"

"You mean, after we complete the exploration of the Flickering World, we'll slowly settle this score?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.

The two sides could be considered to have deep-seated hatred. Too many comrades had died at the hands of the other in the past decade. It wasn't something that could be resolved simply by saying they would reconcile. For either side, it no longer depended solely on the leaders' will. If they were forced to ally, the subordinates would find it difficult to accept, which would be detrimental to the cohesion of the faction.

Heber nodded, then shook his head. "We don't need to join forces. The Flickering World is vast. We can cease fire, live in peace, and explore separately. Neither of us will interfere with the other. This way, we can both fulfill the Crimson Dynasty's requirements and not force each other."

Han Xiao stroked his chin. This suggestion was quite reliable.

The two sides wouldn't ally, but would instead explore the Flickering World separately. As far as the Crimson Dynasty was concerned, as long as the two sides didn't hold each other back, they would be able to accept it. Even the Dynasty couldn't force a Beyond Grade A to abandon old grudges and shake hands with their enemy.

His eyes flickered, and he roughly understood what Overlord meant. Exploring the Flickering World was a very important matter to the Crimson Dynasty, and as an unexplored new Star Field, the Flickering World had too many regions to explore.

The exploration results of these allies would not only be the foundation for the future development of their own forces, but the Crimson Dynasty would also issue additional rewards for their exploration results.

In other words, although the two sides were allies, they were actually in competition, comparing the exploration abilities of their respective forces in the Flickering World.

*No, the competitor isn't just the Warfare Domain. The Crimson Dynasty will mobilize allies from various Star Fields to explore together. There will be even more forces vying for resources.*

Han Xiao's heart stirred, but he was pleasantly surprised instead.

Because his advantage in this area was too great!

For all explorers, the Flickering World was an unfamiliar and unexplored area, requiring luck to explore. However, in his eyes, the map of the Flickering World was almost crystal clear. He knew the resources contained in each region like the back of his hand. Other competitors couldn't compare to him!

"Alright, I agree to this plan. We'll settle the grudges later. Let's temporarily cease fire and mind our own business. When exploring the Flickering World, let's rely on our own abilities, and no one should hold anyone back," Han Xiao nodded.

The Flickering World was the greatest benefit. At this juncture, there was no need to hold each other back. The Overlord thought the same way, and the other party's suggestion was exactly what he wanted.

After the Crimson Dynasty completed the initial exploration, occupied a large amount of resources, and consolidated its Star Field's dominance, it would then open the Flickering World to the entire Star Sea. Only then would the various non-ally forces move into the new Star Field, and the forces would be reshuffled amidst the turmoil, competing for territory and resources, forming the power structure of the Flickering World.

The players from the entire Star Sea also poured into the Flickering World on a large scale during this stage.

Counting up, the period from Version 3.0 to 4.0 in his previous life was the initial exploration stage of the Crimson Dynasty. And now, due to his actions, most of the players in the Shattered Star Ring could come into contact with the Flickering World in advance, which was a considerable leading advantage.

As the world server in the eyes of the players, many guilds occupied barren planets and built their own guild strongholds. In that version, guild wars were very frequent, and the players were more active and lively. The players in the Shattered Star Ring would take the lead in seizing territory, giving them more time to manage their strongholds.

However, the current players didn't know that the Flickering World would become a world server in the future.

"Good," Heber responded slowly.

Since Han Xiao had become an ally of the Dynasty, he had also dispelled the idea of using Han Xiao to establish his authority, knowing that it was impossible. Thus, he changed his attitude toward Han Xiao, treating him as an equal.

With the truce agreement settled, Han Xiao nodded secretly. The main goal of attending this Overlord gathering had been achieved.

Although it was impossible to truly reconcile, it was enough for now.

At this moment, Sisko spoke slowly.

"Next, it's our turn to talk."

Han Xiao looked over, staring at Sisko, and said slowly, "The Evolution Cube is in my hands. If you don't plan to give up, do you want to continue to be my enemy?"

"The Crimson Dynasty has taken a fancy to the Evolution Cube and is willing to be your backer. I know you can't possibly return the item to me. The only way is to snatch it back from you."

Sisko didn't hide his intentions toward the Evolution Cube. He said calmly, "However, can the Crimson Dynasty protect you at all times? Even if they can protect you, can they protect your Black Star Army? … Don't glare at me like that. I'm not threatening you, I'm just stating a fact. Even if I'm willing to give up, the Arcane Church won't give up, and even the Federation of Light will take action."

Han Xiao raised an eyebrow. "You don't need to be alarmist. The Evolution Cube is a relic of a quasi-Universal Civilization during the Age of Exploration. It's indeed a good thing, but you've kept it for so long, and no one has snatched it away, right?"

"My situation is different from yours." Sisko glanced at Heber and suddenly said, "You'd better be careful of the Crimson Dynasty's allies."

"Hmm?" Han Xiao frowned.

"The forces that go to develop the Flickering World are all allied forces of the Crimson Dynasty in various Star Fields. The Dynasty can withstand external pressure for you, but the hostility from within… heh." Sisko narrowed his eyes. "What the Crimson Dynasty values is the Evolution Cube itself, but the owner isn't necessarily important. The significance of the Evolution Cube to a force is extremely great. Perhaps someone will take the risk and attack you. As long as you die… guess what the Crimson Dynasty will choose?"

"I understand what you mean. Save the boring provocations," Han Xiao shook his head.

What Sisko meant was that the Crimson Dynasty's allies weren't of one mind. Perhaps a Beyond Grade A from another Star Field would take a fancy to the Evolution Cube and find an opportunity to kill and snatch the treasure. As long as they acted first and reported later, the Dynasty wouldn't stand up for a dead person, but would instead pinch their noses and accept this behavior in order to cut their losses… But Han Xiao had mixed in the Crimson Dynasty for many years and was quite clear about the Dynasty's way of doing things. The probability of this happening was very small.

The Federation of Light might do such a thing, but the Crimson Dynasty wouldn't.

The Dynasty would only use this as an excuse to directly take the Evolution Cube into its own hands. Even if it was a Beyond Grade A ally, as long as they violated the important rules, they would still be beaten without hesitation. From the Crimson Tide incident, it could be seen that the Dynasty's style was very tough and overbearing.

Hearing this, Sisko didn't have any expression. He didn't intend to use this to intimidate Han Xiao today, he was just chatting casually. He said faintly, "Don't forget, the Heterochromatic God is also plotting for the Evolution Cube. If he comes looking for you, you'd better pray that you can run fast enough."

*The Heterochromatic God, huh…*

Han Xiao thought of the Heterochromatic God's number in his contact blacklist, and his expression was a little strange.

"I'll take care of the Evolution Cube's matter myself, I don't need your help."

Han Xiao sized up Sisko. "I'm a little curious, what exactly did you come here to do today? Could it be just to scare me?"

"Who said I came for you?" Sisko shook his head.

He had participated in the Overlord gathering after a long time, and it wasn't really for Han Xiao. Because he had to guard the Evolution Cube at home before, he rarely left the territory of the Star Pupil Civilization. Moreover, with the Evolution Cube in his possession, the support of the Arcane Church was endless. He possessed a transcendent status and didn't need to attend such high-level gatherings.

But now, the Evolution Cube had been taken away, and he was like a man who had shed a layer of shackles, preparing to become active in the Star Field. This was not only because he had been quiet for too long and wanted to move around, but also because without the Evolution Cube, the Arcane Church's attention would inevitably decline. He planned to come out and walk around, attend the Overlord gathering to build connections, and strive to develop into a Star Cluster level Civilization.

After saying that, Sisko closed his eyes, not wanting to talk to Han Xiao anymore.

Then, Han Xiao turned his head and looked at Austin. Seeing that the old coot was staring at him with piercing eyes, he immediately said in an unpleasant tone, "Do you have something to say to me too?"

Austin stretched out his slender finger and pointed to the Evolution Cube hanging around Han Xiao's neck, grinning, "Let's make a deal, let me use it once, and I'll grant you a request."

"Heh," Han Xiao said without any smile.

He didn't help when I was in trouble before, and only jumped out to make a deal after the storm had passed. He believed that with his personality, there would be plenty of opportunities to exchange for the qualification to use the Evolution Cube in the future.

*You old coot, you calculated it really accurately…*

Han Xiao was helpless. He was holding the Evolution Cube to begin with to use it for trading, exchanging it for a promise from a neutral Beyond Grade A, which seemed very worthwhile, and there was no reason to refuse.

"Anything I request?" Han Xiao snorted and pointed at Sisko. "Then you join forces with us now and beat this guy to death."

Sisko was unmoved, maintaining his eyes closed to rest his mind.

"Don't be silly, you know I can't possibly agree to that request." Austin smiled wryly, his tone full of seduction, like a goldfish peddler tricking a little girl, coaxing her patiently, "Let's change it to something else. How about I let you play with my Secret Magic Hall? I can lend it to you for a few months."

"Lend it to me? You might as well just give it to me."

"Hey, we're acquaintances, after all. Don't be too greedy."

"If this won't do and that won't do, then what can you help me with?"

Austin thought for a while, then simply spread his hands. "I don't know, but you definitely won't lose out."

Han Xiao's forehead bulged with veins. *Nonsense, there's no cost for me to let you use the Evolution Cube once, of course I won't lose out. But you'll make a killing!*

He suddenly had an idea.

"How about you help me deal with the Heterochromatic God?"

"…Let's talk about beating Sisko to death."

Sisko couldn't help but twitch his eyelids.

The two bickered for a long time, and Ames even yawned as she listened. Only then did Han Xiao and Austin reach a condition.

Beyond Grade A mages traveled through multiple dimensions and planes, and often obtained some extremely rare materials. Austin had to provide him with some high-level Void Creature genetic items for free every year.

Secondly, the Scarlet Robe Hermitage and the Black Star Army were semi-allied. Every year, the Scarlet Robe Hermitage had to send high-level mages to the army to train some mages, and teach some rare magic books.

Finally, Austin needed to help him with something within his power and not violating his principles… and the final interpretation of "principles" belonged to Austin.

Han Xiao couldn't do anything about it. The two had a good relationship, and Austin had helped him a few times before. He naturally didn't want to fall out with Austin because of the Evolution Cube.

"By the way," Han Xiao suddenly remembered something and threw an observation mark at Austin.

"What are you doing?" Austin was baffled and crushed the observation mark at will. As a Beyond Grade A mage, breaking this application of Void Energy was just a piece of cake, even if Han Xiao was a Beyond Grade A. After all, he was a mage specializing in controlling multi-dimensional energy.

Han Xiao wouldn't give up and threw another observation mark. Austin glared and crushed it again.

The two stared at each other, repeating this process more than a dozen times. Finally, Austin was helpless and gave up resisting, letting the observation mark sit on top of his head.

Only then did Han Xiao nod in satisfaction, feeling much happier.

*Today, I just want to put a big eye on your head in front of your face!*

Heber suddenly had a headache, regretting bringing the two together.

*The atmosphere was so somber, how did it suddenly become so unserious!*

Seeing Han Xiao and Austin reach a deal, Heber suddenly froze, realizing something.

Among the five people present, it seemed that only he didn't have a chance to use the Evolution Cube?

Heber looked at the Evolution Cube, then at Han Xiao's face, and the corner of his eye twitched slightly. He didn't even need to guess that Black Star would definitely not agree to lend him the Evolution Cube for a use.

Suppressing the inner longing, Heber adjusted his mood and slowly said, "Black Star and I will stay behind alone. You three, please leave first."

"Looks like you guys talked very smoothly, Black Star. I'll head out first." Ames stood up and stretched.

She wasn't very concerned about what was being discussed here, and seemed to only be here to make up the numbers. But as Han Xiao's ally, her coming along represented her support for Han Xiao.

Of the five people present, only she and Han Xiao were in a solid alliance. Although the other three didn't mention this, they were all well aware of it. In terms of strength, Han Xiao and Ames were on the same front, completely overwhelming the other three.

Ames and the other three left, and the hall door closed again. Only Han Xiao and Heber remained in the room.

At this moment, the side door opened, and Sui walked out with a smile.

"I'm glad the two of you have reached a consensus."

"Special Envoy," the two nodded slightly in greeting.

Sui was also followed by a Klent representative. Now that everyone in the room was nominally on the same side, closing the door to talk was clearly about discussing serious matters.

As Han Xiao expected, Sui pointed at his wrist, and a three-dimensional star map projection floated in mid-air. In the vast universe map, a new glowing area was delineated, marked with the name "Flickering World".

Sui said loudly, "Taking this opportunity, I'll introduce the current situation of the Flickering World, so that everyone can understand the general exploration progress first. You can all prepare your own exploration plans. When the official development begins, we will all be assigned tasks."

*It seems that this is to give us a heads-up first, giving us time to consider our respective exploration areas…*

Han Xiao's eyes lit up.