Chapter 1 A Newcomer's Challenge

A small, high warp-speed spaceship was rapidly traversing the universe, like a white light tearing through the dark curtain.

The spaceship was set on autopilot, and there were only two people in the cabin: Ames and Hela.

Hela sat upright, eyes slightly closed, her fingers spread out on her lap. Her fingers twitched continuously, manipulating strands of death energy that danced nimbly between them, honing her control over her abilities.

Opposite her, Ames reclined on the sofa, one hand propping up her head, the other resting on her waist. The sleeve of her dress had slipped down, revealing a wrist as white as snow. Two beautifully curved legs extended from the slit in her black dress, crossed lazily.

"You really are diligent. Even after reaching Beyond Grade A, you're still training at every moment," Ames remarked, her eyes following the death energy between Hela's fingers.

Hela opened her eyes, her tone indifferent. "Beyond Grade A isn't the end. There's no limit to the path ahead. I can't be satisfied with temporary achievements."

"I think you should rest a bit. You know, balance work and rest."

Ames shook her head helplessly. She was satisfied with her beloved disciple in all aspects, but she was just too driven. By comparison, she, the teacher, was practically a salted fish.

"There will be plenty of time to rest later," Hela replied, shaking her head. "After returning, I'm definitely going to spar with Han Xiao to test my current strength, so I can't afford to slack off. Every little bit helps."

"Don't worry. Knowing Black Star, he won't let you lose too badly and crush your confidence," Ames said with a chuckle. Then, she swiped her finger and opened a virtual star chart, glancing at the route. "We'll reach the cross-starfield star gate in the Ancient Star Desert in two days. We can go straight to the Star Cluster Corridor, then use Black Star's identity to take the Empire's military express route. That will save a lot of time, and we'll be back in the Shattered Star Ring soon…"

Before she could finish speaking, the communicator beside her suddenly beeped, displaying the caller's information.

"It's Black… Oh, it's Old Izo." Ames turned her head to glance. She had assumed it was another of Han Xiao's urgent calls, but it turned out to be Izo's call.

Sitting up, Ames used her force field to grab the communicator and answer the call. Izo's image appeared on the screen.

"What do you want?"

"Where are you now? When are you coming back to Longtan?" Izo asked.

"Still in the Ancient Star Desert, almost at the star gate."

"There's still time, so hurry up," Izo said calmly. "I've foreseen that a new Beyond Grade A from the Arcane Church will come to Longtan to issue a challenge in a while. You need to step in."

How convenient. Tolaine hadn't even taken action yet, and Izo had already sensed the changes in the timeline. The old geezer's rogue ability was working again.

Ames' eyes flashed with amusement. "A new Beyond Grade A is looking for me? I see. They want to establish their reputation with a victory, right? Heh, out of the five Beyond Grade As in the Shattered Star Ring, they chose me, thinking I'm the easiest to bully, huh?"

Longtan was currently stationed near Aquamarine Star, supporting each other with the Black Star Army. However, this was a challenge between Beyond Grade As. The other party had specifically challenged Longtan. Although the Black Star Army was an ally, they couldn't rashly interfere without Ames' permission. Besides, she could handle this small matter herself, and she didn't plan to ask Black Star for help.

Hanging up the call, Ames noticed Hela staring directly at her.

"What, are you interested?" Ames glanced at her, instantly understanding Hela's meaning.

"You're my teacher. Let me help this time," Hela said, nodding. A cold glint flashed in her eyes.

She had originally planned to go straight to the army to share the good news with Han Xiao after returning to the Shattered Star Ring, but when she encountered this situation, she immediately changed her mind and decided to go to Longtan first.

The other party was also a new Beyond Grade A. Such opponents were rare.

It was the perfect opportunity to test her current combat strength.

…

On one of Longtan Floating Island's subsidiary islands, a group of newly recruited crew members were training in the plaza, supervised by Virna, the current commander of Longtan's field force.

More than twenty years had passed since Longtan had established itself on Aquamarine Star. It had developed rapidly in these years, with the floating island expanding continuously and the troops and personnel increasing significantly. Although its operations were far inferior to those of the Black Star Army and the Crimson Dynasty, it was now a qualified Beyond Grade A force compared to its former salted fish scale.

Correspondingly, Longtan's cadre size had also expanded, and the workload on each person had become increasingly heavy. Virna had taken over Han Xiao's position and had been serving Longtan diligently ever since.

Although she had a gentle personality, she was quite serious when she put on a stern face, making the group of training recruits afraid to slack off and focus on their hard training.

"Beep beep."

Just then, the miniature communicator on her wrist rang. It was a call from Izo.

As soon as she answered, Izo didn't beat around the bush and directly gave the order:

"Gather the fleet and set up a defensive array."

"So suddenly?"

Virna muttered to herself, but didn't hesitate. She loudly summoned her subordinates to board the ships and gather the fleet to take off.

Ames had specifically instructed that when she wasn't around, Jenny and Izo were the bosses, and the troops would follow their commands.

Under Virna's command, Longtan's armed forces quickly assembled and surrounded Longtan, forming a tight defensive array.

Originally, many crew members thought something was about to happen, but after a while, everything was calm and there were no new orders from above.

"Why isn't there any movement? What's going on?"

"Is it a drill?"

Just as everyone was wondering, an unexpected change occurred!

"Buzz buzz buzz—"

The intelligence of all the spaceships simultaneously issued a warning beep. A massive fleet appeared on the detection radar, rapidly approaching!

In the next moment, streams of light shot from the distance, hovering in the outer space of Aquamarine Star, revealing the true form of an armed fleet. Every spaceship bore the Arcane Church's mark.

"The Arcane Church?!"

Virna's expression changed drastically as she was taken aback.

If she was like this, other Longtan members were even more shocked. Everyone immediately became nervous, their nerves stretched taut, as if facing a great enemy.

After all, Longtan was different from transcendent forces like the Black Star Army that often dealt with universe-level civilizations. They didn't have many opportunities to come into contact with universe-level civilizations, so they couldn't help but have many thoughts when they suddenly saw one.

Not only Longtan, but the observation stations on Aquamarine Star were also alarmed!

The observers frantically transmitted the news back to headquarters. The information was quickly uploaded, skipping several levels and directly sent to the decision-making level where Bennett was located.

"The Arcane Church suddenly visited?!"

In the Aquamarine Star's government building, Bennett was equally shocked.

As a civilization leader protected by the *Peace Treaty*, the Black Star Army, the Crimson Dynasty, and Longtan Floating Island, he wasn't afraid that the Arcane Church had ill intentions. However, this uninvited and ostentatious attitude was very inconsistent with diplomatic etiquette and clearly showed that the other party wasn't friendly, which made him feel worried.

With this in mind, Bennett didn't hesitate to issue orders.

"Quickly invite Black Star's clone!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed two figures quickly soaring into the sky outside the window. He turned his head to look and saw that Nilo and Mia had already disappeared into the sky, taking the lead to check the situation.

At the same time, in the main ship of this Arcane Church fleet, Tolaine looked at the Longtan fleet, which was waiting in full battle array outside, and curled his lips in disappointment.

"Tsk, I thought I could scare them and see them flustered… It seems they already knew we were coming. Did the stealth fail? Or is it that legendary Izo's predictive ability?"

Shaking his head, Tolaine simply didn't think about it. This sudden appearance was just his bad taste, and he didn't really want to carry out a sneak attack. In the end, he still wanted to challenge them openly and fairly.

He turned his head to look at the fleet commander beside him and pursed his lips. "Issue a broadcast and announce my intentions."

The fleet commander nodded and instructed his subordinates to do so.

…

The Arcane Church's fleet was aggressive, and Longtan and Aquamarine Star were on high alert. After some negotiation, the two sides reached a consensus. The Longtan fleet made way for a passage, allowing Tolaine to board Longtan on a spaceship.

Whoosh—

The spaceship landed at the Longtan main island's pier. The hatch opened with a swoosh, and Tolaine strode down the ramp, stepping onto Longtan's soil.

Surrounding him were a group of Longtan warriors holding weapons, each looking quite nervous.

There was no choice. The other party's identity and intentions had already been announced in the previous broadcast. Now that Longtan didn't have Ames around, most people were afraid in the face of an unfriendly Beyond Grade A.

Tolaine glanced around and said coldly, "The person in charge, come out and speak."

There was a commotion in the crowd. Izo and Jenny led their subordinates out of the crowd.

Jenny said expressionlessly, "I am Longtan's Grand Butler. Lord Dragon Emperor is not at home. Your timing is bad."

"I don't care if she's here or not. You just need to give me an answer. Does she dare to accept my challenge?" Tolaine stood with his hands behind his back, adopting an arrogant expert posture.

"I can't decide," Jenny replied, shaking her head.

"Then you bald guy should stop talking nonsense and contact Ames. Let her answer me," Tolaine said impolitely.

His temperament was different from most Beyond Grade As. Although he had reformed, he still had the banditry of a wanted criminal. He was arrogant, flamboyant, and spoke directly.

"B-Bald guy?!"

Jenny was stunned, then immediately flew into a rage.

My hairline is just a little high. I'm not bald! I have hair!

At this time, Izo said calmly, "I've already notified Ames. She said she accepts your challenge."

"Oh, so you're Izo?" Tolaine turned his head to look at him, revealing an interested look. "I've heard of your name. They all say you're an immortal old monster with pretty good abilities. How about it, want to work for me?"

"You're not qualified," Izo replied with a smile. Although he wasn't a Beyond Grade A, his aura was much more composed than Tolaine, the new Beyond Grade A. He seemed more like a big shot.

"Tsk." Tolaine snorted coldly, ignoring him. He raised his voice and said, "Since Ames agreed, then I'll wait here until she comes back… What are you glaring at? Aren't you going to arrange a room for me?"

Just then, figures flew in from afar from Aquamarine Star, landing on the pier with a clang.

Two of them were Nilo and Mia. The others were all mechanical troops that Han Xiao had left on Aquamarine Star, including a Sovereign's Avatar.

Seeing that Black Star's people had arrived, the surrounding Longtan warriors immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Han Xiao's prestige in Longtan had continued to this day. In the eyes of many Longtan members, the ally Black Star was more reliable than their direct superior, Lord Dragon Emperor.

Han Xiao's consciousness had descended on this Avatar. He pushed through the crowd and sized up Tolaine, his tone puzzled.

"What's up? Are you tired of living?"

He knew that a new Beyond Grade A might cause trouble, but he didn't expect him to be so daring, actually running to his home planet. Was he looking for death?

His current identity was different from the past. If he actively provoked him, he wouldn't mind killing an Arcane Church's Beyond Grade A. It just so happened that the Empire wanted him to maintain order. Killing someone to establish his prestige was the best way to do it.

"It's you." Tolaine glanced at him and said indifferently, "Your Excellency Black Star, I'm not here to target you today. This has nothing to do with you."

Ho, this guy's attitude is quite arrogant. I don't know how many guys as arrogant as you I've killed… Han Xiao thought to himself.

He had read all the new Beyond Grade A information that the Empire had shared with him and recognized that the guy in front of him was "Red Devil" Tolaine, who had joined the Arcane Church. In his previous life, he was considered a big shot, neither strong nor weak among the Beyond Grade As, but he always had a mysterious confidence. His style was extremely flamboyant and he was very capable of causing trouble. It was lucky that he hadn't been beaten to death yet.

Beyond Grade As had different personalities. There were big shots like the Mechanic Emperor and Dark Emperor, old foxes like Sorokin, salted fish like Ames, people who cared about face like Herber, handsome men like himself who couldn't even hide their low profile, and hillbillies like Tolaine who were high-profile and flamboyant.

"Lord Dragon Emperor is my ally. Since she's not here, should I play with you?" Han Xiao tilted his head.

"No need." Tolaine raised his palm, his face full of arrogance. "I can't beat you."

Han Xiao was stunned for a moment.

With that expression, I thought you were going to say something ruthless!

Could this be saying the most cowardly words in the most ruthless tone?!

Resolutely admitting defeat, directly blocking me. You really are a smart little ghost!

Han Xiao had originally planned to teach Tolaine a lesson, but he didn't expect the other party to be extremely straightforward, directly "arrogantly" admitting defeat.

Although Tolaine was very jumping, he knew his limits in his heart. He knew that Aquamarine Star was Black Star's home planet and didn't dare to anger the peak Beyond Grade A Han Xiao, so he insisted on only challenging Longtan and refused to fight Han Xiao.

With this kind of rogue behavior, Han Xiao couldn't directly deal with him. There were still rules for challenges between Beyond Grade As. Although they were allies, he couldn't rashly overstep his bounds.

Just then, ripples suddenly appeared in the space not far away, and the Temple of Mystics leaped out of the void.

Seeing this scene, Han Xiao was shocked.

Austin?

It's you again?!

Why are you everywhere? You're really good at joining in the fun!

However, this time Austin wasn't just here to watch. After the Temple of Mystics teleported over, a small teleportation gate appeared beside it, and a small spaceship flew out, landing at the Longtan pier.

Whoosh—The hatch opened, and fair, long legs stepped out. Ames and Hela walked out of the spaceship one after another.

"It was a little too late to just travel by spaceship, so I asked Austin to help teleport us."

Ames smiled and nodded at everyone.

Han Xiao couldn't help but look up. He saw Austin, who looked like a little doll, sitting cross-legged in the air at the top of the Temple of Mystics. He put two fingers together and casually waved them in front of his forehead, giving Han Xiao a teasing salute.

"Showoff," Han Xiao muttered to himself.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ames finally looked at Tolaine, putting away the smile on her face.

"You're the one who wants to challenge Longtan?"

"You know, why ask?" Tolaine snorted.

Ames nodded, then suddenly took a step back, highlighting Hela beside her. She chuckled and said, "If you want to fight me, sure, first win against my student. She's also considered one of Longtan's people."

Hela directly took a step forward, standing in front of Ames.

Although Han Xiao's Avatar was also present, she didn't even glance at him after landing. Her eyes were locked on Tolaine, her expression indifferent and extremely focused.

"Her?"

Tolaine was a little surprised. He sized her up and remembered the Black Star Army's information he had read not long ago. He immediately felt a little dissatisfied.

"I recognize her. She seems to be a cadre of the Black Star Army, just a mere Calamity Grade. Are you trying to send her to her death, or are you trying to humiliate me?"

However, before he could finish speaking, a surging wave of death energy suddenly erupted from Hela's body, accompanied by intense energy fluctuations that soared into the sky!

Rumble—

The shock wave spread out, like muffled thunder echoing. The ground at the Longtan pier cracked, and the surrounding crowd was blown off their feet.

Everyone quickly steadied themselves and looked back at the field. Their eyes were focused on Hela, who was overflowing with red energy. Everyone's eyes were filled with shock and astonishment.

This level of energy fluctuation… A new Beyond Grade A!!