Chapter 320 Marriage and Chaos

Having reached a consensus on the matter of the Modo Civilization, the two discussed the exploration of the Flickering World for a while before gradually transitioning to casual conversation.

"Recently, the Empire's Academy of Sciences has been studying the Space Cutting technology. Some of my old friends at the academy tell me that this will be a new direction in the study of space-time theory, capable of producing extremely powerful application technologies, giving us a new trump card in the space-time field. We owe this to you," Tarrokov said casually, taking a sip of tea.

"That's a good thing, but even without me, the Empire would still be able to seize this technology." Han Xiao lowered his head, casually sweeping across the cup, watching it pass through the palm of the remote projection. He couldn't help but glance helplessly at Old Tar who was drinking water.

Noticing Han Xiao's gaze, Tarrokov put down his teacup, coughed lightly, and said, "In terms of space-time, the Glorious Federation has strategic-level technologies like the High-Dimensional Apocalypse Transporter, while our Empire's research on space-time is inferior to theirs. The Space Cutting technology we obtained this time, given time, may well become another representative technology of the Empire… so implementing the confidentiality regulations is unavoidable."

"I know, this technology won't leak from me," Han Xiao hummed in agreement.

In his previous life, the Space Cutting technology was exclusively enjoyed by the Empire. Now that he had gained it himself, the Empire couldn't monopolize it and could only grit their teeth and accept it, only asking Han Xiao not to leak the secrets.

During this period, Han Xiao's level and attributes had not increased much, but he had obtained many powerful abilities and talents. If the Machinery Nation were to make a comeback and try to invade his database like last time, he wouldn't be afraid, and wouldn't repeat the mistake of having a bunch of information stolen.

Tarrokov suddenly thought of something and smiled. "Speaking of which, the Space Cutting technology is the greatest wealth of the Kunder Clan, this native civilization. The Modo Civilization was one step ahead of us, but in the end, because they wanted to use a knife to kill, they missed out on the technology. They're still in the dark, not knowing what they missed."

"If the Modo Civilization knew that their plan not only backfired but also gave the Empire a huge fortune, they would probably regret it to death."

Seeing that the Modo Civilization's attempt to gain an advantage had backfired, both of them laughed, feeling happy.

After laughing for a while, Tarrokov moved on from this topic and suddenly changed the subject. "Given my position, it might not be appropriate for me to say what I'm about to say, but I still want to ask you… what are your plans for marriage?"

Han Xiao's expression suddenly turned strange.

What's this? Are you trying to set me up?

With our positions, it's not very appropriate for you to ask me such a private question.

Tarrokov's expression was also a bit awkward, but he continued, "The Empire values its alliance with you and also pays close attention to your life. You may not know, but you're very popular in the circles of the Empire's high-ranking officials' children. Many daughters of high-ranking officials want to get to know you."

Seeing his helpless expression, Han Xiao's mind raced, and he immediately understood.

Cosmic-level civilizations generally don't interfere with the private lives of Beyond Grade A powerhouses, but the Black Star Army and the Crimson Empire are currently in a honeymoon period of cooperation. The potential Black Star has shown has made countless high-ranking officials place high hopes on him. Plus, Han Xiao has always been a diamond bachelor, so the idea of marriage has become active, but it can't be forced.

The Empire doesn't have a royal system, but marriage is still a timeless means of building connections. Some high-ranking nobles have this idea, and others are happy to see it happen—having a marriage relationship can qualitatively change the bond between Black Star and the Empire. In this way, the problem of the Evolution Cube will also be slightly easier to handle. Allowing Black Star to continue to keep the Cube after marriage will be less unacceptable to some opposition factions.

On the other hand, cosmic-level civilizations have always valued Beyond Grade A races, as they are the cradle of Superhumans. The Empire also wants Han Xiao to leave behind his own offspring with a Beyond Grade A lineage as soon as possible…

In short, they're urging him to get married.

The idea of marriage might not be Ulan Riel's idea; it's probably that many high-ranking nobles approached Old Tar, asking him to pass on the message, wanting to give their daughters to him… Han Xiao thought to himself.

Seeing that Han Xiao didn't speak, Tarrokov had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue, "If you have time, you can also attend some banquets held by high-ranking Empire officials. Many children of high-ranking officials want to get to know you."

Just want to get to know me?

More like they want to sleep with me!

Hmph, boys have to protect themselves when they're out, I won't give you the chance.

"Let's talk about that later," Han Xiao said with a laugh, changing the subject. "What other movements has the Empire been making recently?"

"Let me think…" Tarrokov pondered for a moment. "Oh right, one of the Beyond Grade A powerhouses from the Arcane Church hasn't appeared in a long time, which is unusual."

"Who?" Han Xiao hadn't been paying attention to this aspect recently.

"Nijia, remember him? He was also a member of the attack on Lighthouse Star. He was the only one who escaped back with the Everlasting Scepter."

"Oh, him." Han Xiao remembered. The group of Beyond Grade A powerhouses was basically all sealed in amber, and only Nijia escaped.

"Over the years, Nijia hasn't publicly appeared, and the Arcane Church claims that Nijia has been recuperating. However, as time goes on, the situation has become increasingly suspicious. Even if he was recuperating, there's no reason not to show up for nearly ten years. There may be a hidden story…"

"The Arcane Church is lying?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, I think Nijia may have disappeared, or even died. If we infer from this, I think Nijia may not have returned to the Arcane Church with the Everlasting Scepter. Someone intercepted and killed him." Old Tar's tone was solemn.

"You mean… the Everlasting Scepter isn't actually in the hands of the Arcane Church, but they're putting on an act, pretending that they have it?"

Han Xiao stroked his chin. "That makes sense. Over the years, I've gradually unsealed those Beyond Grade A powerhouses from the Arcane Church, but they haven't applied to unseal the Everlasting Scepter, saying that they believe the Empire would never agree. But thinking about it carefully, this statement is very strange."

"Yes." Tarrokov shook his head. "However, it doesn't matter who has the Everlasting Scepter. Without your help, no one can use the Everlasting Scepter and pose a threat to us."

"Hmm…" Han Xiao's eyes flickered, and he said thoughtfully, "If that's the case, the Empire has become the only possible user. Maybe there's a chance to exchange the Everlasting Scepter from someone else's hands. That way, one of the Arcane Church's trump cards will become our weapon."

"It's not that easy; it still depends on what the higher-ups think," Old Tar said pessimistically.

The two chatted for a while, but Tarrokov had a routine meeting to attend, so Han Xiao didn't bother him any longer.

Ending the remote projection, his vision returned to his own room. Recalling the conversation just now, Han Xiao muttered to himself, "The retaliation against the Modo Civilization will have to wait until the fourth exploration phase, before the opening of Version 4.0. I should try to prepare as much as possible."

With that, Han Xiao opened Phillip's database and checked the current scale of the Black Star Army's forces.

After these years of development, the Black Star Army has firmly established itself as the leader of the Shattered Star Ring. Although it has encountered some challenges, as long as he is around, the position won't be easily shaken. In the Flickering World, the army has also obtained a territorial foundation, with a broad space for future development.

In other star systems, the Black Star Army has also established branches to varying degrees, but their scale cannot be compared with the Shattered Star Ring and the Flickering World. The main forces are still based in these two star systems.

Now that the second exploration phase has returned to the right track, although the third phase will see more manpower pouring in, there are no obstacles like the Kunder Clan. The entire universe will develop steadily for more than a decade, and it won't be until the fourth open phase that it will become restless again.

"During this time, the army has enough time to engage in construction in the Flickering World, gradually improving all aspects of the territory. The Mechanical Civilization and the Black Spirits can also develop significantly, as well as the transformation of the Kunder Clan."

Han Xiao thought to himself that these were all important bargaining chips for the army's development to the next stage.

He couldn't help but sort out the sources of external pressure he was currently facing.

The Machinery Nation goes without saying, as their conflicting interests are difficult to reconcile. The Endless Financial Group has been fighting for market share, and probably won't stop. The problem of the Evolutionary Totem is one where the Empire is bearing the pressure, but he isn't relaxed either, and there may be variables. The World Tree coordinates are also a ticking time bomb, which could overturn the entire universe at any time.

"Now there's another Modo Civilization on the list. There are really a lot of problems to deal with."

Han Xiao shook his head and exhaled.

There are many enemies, and they are very powerful. To deal with them, both the faction's strength and personal strength are indispensable.

"When the players return, my combat power can once again rise rapidly. Only then will I be able to deal with these problems more safely." Han Xiao nodded to himself. Although his efficiency in earning experience points wasn't low now, it couldn't compare with the terrifying speed of harvesting leeks.

He didn't plan to just wait idly. Since he couldn't level up, he planned to use this time to explore the manufacturing methods of Universe Treasures more. Mechanics always have ways to improve their strength.

Usually, a Beyond Grade A powerhouse having one Universe Treasure is already very good. Han Xiao, on the other hand, has two. The more of these things, the better, and he wouldn't mind having a third.

"Speaking of Version 4.0, the next batch of Beyond Grade A newcomers will also gradually be born… Heh, before I knew it, I've become a senior."

Han Xiao shook his head and smiled. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but think of Hela, who was currently in secluded training.

It had been a while since he had seen her, and he missed her a little. Since leaving the small place of Aquamarine Star, the two of them had always been separated more than they were together.

"By Version 4.0, she should be able to step into the Beyond Grade A realm and let the Goddess of Death reappear in the universe."

Han Xiao had high hopes for Hela. Among the cadres, only Hela had the greatest chance of becoming a Beyond Grade A powerhouse.

Hadaway, Rother, Fording, and Lajak also had potential, but they were still too far from the Beyond Grade A realm.

"Perhaps I can think of some ways to strengthen the army's cadres."

Han Xiao thought for a moment and retrieved a piece of information—the legacy of the Heteromorph, the information about the [Chaos Secret Energy].

According to the information, the time the Chaos Secret Energy appeared was exactly during Version 4.0. Although he couldn't use this special ability himself, it didn't prevent him from capturing it and slowly searching for a suitable host.

The opportunity was rare, and he didn't plan to miss it.

…

Crimson Empire territory, a transit hub station in the Constellation Corridor.

A strip club was lively and noisy, with music deafeningly loud, but in a secluded booth in the corner, the atmosphere was completely opposite.

Two people sat opposite each other. One of them was wearing a hooded cloak, making it impossible to see their face, while the other was an intelligent being covered in bumps, looking a bit like an upright toad, and wearing glasses.

"This is what you want." The toad-man took out a small storage chip and pushed it in front of the other party, whispering, "The information is all inside. Find a matching machine to view it yourself."

"Mm." The hooded man accepted the chip and made to leave.

At this moment, the toad-man couldn't help but stop him, asking in a deep voice, "I don't understand. I've been clean for many years and long ago cut off contact with the intelligence organizations. There are very few people who know my identity. Why were you able to find me? Who exactly are you?"

The hooded man's voice was hoarse, and he said faintly, "Don't you think it's redundant to ask for the identity of someone who's covering their face?"

After speaking, he strode away from the transaction site, winding his way through the hub station and quietly boarding an interstellar flight, leaving the place.

In the cabin room, he lifted his hood, revealing a pale face. It was none other than Gaud.

Taking out a machine, disconnecting from the network, and inserting the storage chip he bought from a special person, a document quickly appeared on the screen.

After looking at it for a couple of seconds, a hint of a smile appeared on Gaud's lips.

"That's right, it's the information on the Chaos Secret Energy…"