Chapter 1 A-Grades Gather

As more and more Super-A Grades arrived at the Black Star Army headquarters, Han Xiao's territory became more lively. In just a few days, a force of seventy or eighty Super-A Grades had gathered here.

The Purple Crystal Civilization, which governed this star cluster, gradually became nervous, secretly dispatching troops and making some defensive deployments.

Not only the Purple Crystal Civilization, but all the star cluster-level civilizations in charge of the Shattered Star Ring, as well as the garrisons of the three major Star Field civilizations in this star field, began to deploy secretly. Fleets moved quietly, preparing for a rainy day.

So many peak Star Field combatants were enough to easily subvert an entire star field, and what controlled this great power were independent individuals with free thought, with the risk of being out of control. These civilizations couldn't help but be on guard.

As for the Godora civilization, which directly governed the star system where the Black Star Army headquarters was located, they were now facing a formidable enemy, gathering their fleets and hoarding them all in the star area where the Black Star Army headquarters was located.

The undercurrents of the outside world did not affect the mood of the many Super-A Grades. With Herber's last arrival, the meeting was held as scheduled.

The meeting place was a large hall in the headquarters, with a dome a hundred meters high. Dozens of floating thrones were arranged in a circle, quietly floating five meters above the ground.

The door opened, and the Super-A Grades who had been staying at the army headquarters these days entered one after another. The tallest was the Beast Ancestor Gorutan, and the shortest was the finger-sized Sun Chaser, each with its own characteristics.

Everyone chose a seat and sat down. The allies of the three major civilizations were clearly separated, each gathered together, and the Super-A Grades of other factions were sandwiched in the middle.

After taking their seats, everyone noticed that there were three empty seats next to each other. Seeing that Han Xiao had not yet arrived, they casually chatted, all sizing each other up.

During the days of waiting, many Super-A Grades interacted with each other. Some people had only heard of each other's names before, but had never met. Taking advantage of the opportunity brought by Han Xiao, these people got to know each other and made some new friends.

Among them, the most visited were the peak Super-A Grades with high status and powerful influence in the circle, such as Manison, Kexiu Ye, Kant, Gorutan, etc., while Klose and a few other Super-A Grades did not come to the Shattered Star Ring, so naturally they did not participate in the meeting.

At this moment, the most scrutinized were the newcomers in the circle, the newborn Super-A Grades who had been born for less than ten years, such as the Glorious Heidis, the Imperial Silver Shadow, and the Void Spirit Tolain.

After a while, three figures walked in. Everyone stopped chatting and turned their attention to the door. It was Han Xiao, Hela, and Ames.

Han Xiao strode forward, came to the mechanical throne, slowly rose into the air, turned around, and sat down, facing all the Super-A Grades.

At the same time, Ames and Hela sat on the empty seats next to him, one on the left and one on the right.

Many people looked at Hela, their eyes revealing curiosity—many people were interested in this newborn Super-A Grade of the Black Star Army.

Rumble...

The door finally slowly closed.

Han Xiao smiled, looked around, and slowly said, "Everyone is here. Sorry for the wait. Thank you for your support and willingness to participate in this meeting..."

While saying polite words, he observed everyone.

While he was speaking, some people sat upright, with solemn expressions, some were expressionless, indifferent, some had smiles on their faces, expressing friendliness, and some leaned lazily on their chairs, nonchalantly. From this, one could see some people's attitudes.

More than seventy Super-A Grades were present, including more than forty who were allies of the three major civilizations. Most of the remaining people were freelancers, and a few were allies of the Star Cluster civilizations.

Many people had multiple identities. For example, several of the ancient ones came, and several were shareholders of the Infinite Financial Group. "Beast Ancestor," "Secret Master," and other protectors of the interstellar black market also came, all with a lot of weight and worth noting.

There was a complex network of interpersonal relationships between these people. Some had good relationships with each other, some had feuds with each other, some were brothers on the surface but actually plotted behind their backs, and some seemed at odds on the surface but were actually mutual support.

During the days of waiting, Han Xiao also walked around and made friends with everyone, and by the way, completed the probing. The battle information of everyone present was collected by him. Only a few people had higher levels than him and could not see complete information. The abilities of the others were completely under his control, and the intelligence gained was quite fruitful.

And these people were still in the dark, not knowing that their secrets had been exposed.

"No matter what your reasons are for supporting me, I thank you all for coming..." At this time, Han Xiao finished his polite remarks and got to the point. "I believe everyone has already communicated their feelings, so I'll save some saliva and not introduce you."

Everyone smiled politely, their eyes fixed on Han Xiao, waiting for what he would say next.

Han Xiao gently patted the armrest of the seat and said, "The main reason I'm holding this meeting is to discuss the Shattered Star Ring..."

Before he could finish speaking, a discordant voice rang out.

"Hmph, can you represent the entire Shattered Star Ring?"

Everyone's eyes changed slightly, and they looked in the direction of the voice. The speaker was Seraron of the Radiant Federation, also a member of the ancient ones, with a disapproving expression on his face.

Han Xiao's expression remained unchanged, and he smiled: "There are so many civilizations and organizations in the Shattered Star Ring, of course I alone cannot represent the position of the entire star field."

"Then why are you talking about this kind of issue?" Seraron questioned. "Don't forget, our Radiant Federation is the actual ruler of the Shattered Star Ring. We are the only ones who can speak for this star field. It's not your turn."

The other allies of Radiance did not stop Seraron. Coming was giving face, but as competitors, they would not let Han Xiao achieve his goal too easily. It was inevitable to make things difficult for him. Even if they didn't stop him, they couldn't let him feel too good.

"I don't agree with that." Han Xiao said slowly: "I am a local of the Shattered Star Ring, representing the Empire here, and I am also the strongest Super-A Grade in this star field. Although I cannot represent the position of the entire star field, I still have the right to speak for it in my personal capacity. Moreover, I am not unilaterally announcing any decree. Today, I am just looking for everyone to discuss."

"The strongest Super-A Grade in the Shattered Star Ring, not necessarily, right?" Seraron sneered.

Han Xiao raised his eyebrows and spread his arms slightly, "You doubt my record?"

"Don't worry, Herber, Sisko, and Ames have all been defeated by you, I won't deny the facts. As for Hela... she's a newborn, and she's probably not your opponent either."

Hearing this, Herber's expression was a little unsightly. He didn't like outsiders mentioning his defeat in front of so many Super-A Grades.

Sisko glanced at Seraron coldly, then glared at Han Xiao. As the saying goes, don't expose people's shortcomings. He was quite annoyed.

Ames didn't care, with a half-smile, indifferent. Hela was expressionless, like a stone, deaf to everything.

Han Xiao: "Then what different views do you have?"

"It's very simple, there is still one person who has not been defeated by you head-on—Curse Sorcerer Austin!" Seraron shook his head, "He's just too low-key, and he may not be your opponent. If you don't defeat him, you won't be able to sit firmly in the position of the strongest in the star field."

Austin was stunned, why did I get involved for no reason.

With a turn of his mind, he understood that people wanted to put him on the fire and roast him, with the suspicion of provocation. Although the other party probably knew that he had a good relationship with Black Star, it didn't cost anything to try. As long as they could leave a little knot in the relationship between the two, it would be a profit.

"I admit Black Star's position as the strongest in the star field, and I admit that I am not his opponent." Austin curled his lips. He could only say that, he couldn't possibly spar with Han Xiao on the spot.

Hearing this, Han Xiao nodded to Austin, then asked Seraron, "Do you have any other opinions?"

"No more." Seraron closed his eyes and stopped talking after seeing Manison give him a look.

Han Xiao glanced around and saw that no one else had any objections, so he said in a deep voice:

"Okay, since everyone admits that I have the right to speak for the Shattered Star Ring, let's get down to business... Since the Flickering World is about to open, everyone has come to the Shattered Star Ring to stand by, I can understand. But I believe everyone knows that so many Super-A Grades gathered in one star field will bring many unstable factors. As the leader of the Super powerhouses in the Shattered Star Ring, I have a word, please listen quietly."

"I developed in the Shattered Star Ring, and naturally I also bear the responsibility of maintaining the stability of the star field. I welcome everyone to visit the Shattered Star Ring, but I have a small request... I hope that during your stay, you will not damage the public order of the Shattered Star Ring, and do not cause trouble. If everyone is willing to give me this face, I would be very grateful."

At this time, Han Xiao changed the subject, his tone slightly sinking:

"But... if anyone treats my request as wind in their ears, I will regard it as a challenge to me, and I will never let it go. Remember, there is still a long time before the Flickering World opens, and I don't want to have any unpleasantness with anyone."

Hearing this, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense, and everyone's eyes were different, some indifferent, some approving, some serious, and some dignified.

Although Han Xiao was very polite, the essence was a threat and a warning, meaning very domineering—no matter where you are from, when you meet me, the local tyrant, you have to coil up like a dragon and lie down like a tiger, otherwise I will make you suffer!

If you want to cause trouble in the Shattered Star Ring, you have to weigh the consequences of offending me!

Everyone present was a big shot in their respective regions, and there were many spokespersons for the star field. Many people found these words a bit harsh.

However, Black Star's current status and strength were there, able to suppress a star field, and he was already qualified to say such things, and no one felt it was inappropriate.

At this time, Austin smiled: "I am also a local Super-A Grade in the Shattered Star Ring, and I don't want the star field to be in chaos. What Black Star said is also what I mean."

"Hmph, me too." Herber said reluctantly.

Immediately afterwards, Ames and Hela also expressed their positions. Seeing this, Sisko could only pinch his nose and agree.

At this moment, the local Super-A Grades in the Shattered Star Ring all supported Han Xiao, expressing their joint maintenance of the stability of the star field, which was a disguised admission of Han Xiao's leadership position.

Han Xiao paused for a few seconds, taking in everyone's reactions, and suddenly smiled, "Of course, if you are willing to give me this face, I am willing to cooperate with you to a certain extent in the development of the Flickering World. Now, the Black Star Army occupies the most territory in the Flickering World, and I believe I can provide you with a lot of help."

Many people's eyes lit up.

Everyone knew that the Black Star Army had a large business in the Flickering World, and everyone's goal was the Flickering World. If they could get Han Xiao's help, they could naturally gain convenience. Before they came, they thought that Han Xiao was just intimidating this time, but they didn't expect him to be willing to provide cooperation opportunities, which was a small surprise for them.

"We will remember your words." Manison said lightly: "Radiance also doesn't want to see anyone causing trouble here."

Seeing the Machine Country express its position, many Super-A Grades also spoke up.

"Since Black Star and the Machine Country have both said so, then no one should cause trouble in the Shattered Star Ring."

"Wait peacefully for the opening of the Flickering World, there will be plenty of time in the future."

"Anyone who dares to mess around here is an enemy of all of us."

"Black Star, we've given you this face, remember to fulfill your promise."

Hearing this, Han Xiao smiled, "I'm very happy that we have reached a consensus."

Just then, Manison suddenly changed the subject, "Black Star took the lead in holding this meeting for the sake of star field stability, which is worthy of respect, but I want to say, you summoned us, it's not just for this kind of trivial matter, right."

Han Xiao's eyes flashed, he turned to look at him, and stretched out his hand, "Say what's on your mind."

"Okay, then I'll be straight."

Everyone looked at Manison, their faces curious, not knowing what he meant.

Manison pondered for a moment, and slowly said: "High-level civilizations use us, and we also use high-level civilizations. The friends present serve different camps, kill and fight each other, this is very normal, but I think, we should not be completely limited to the separation of camps, that is the game rules set by high-level civilizations. Sometimes, we should jump out of this rule and plan for ourselves."

Hearing this, everyone's faces changed slightly, and they fell silent.

This topic has always been very sensitive, and everyone did not expect Manison to publicly say it on today's occasion, without avoiding the direct descendants of the high-level civilizations present.

From the moment they stepped into the Super-A Grade field, everyone was a member of the same class, and even if they belonged to different camps, they could not change the class nature of everyone.

Manison looked around and continued: "You understand that high-level civilizations need us and are also afraid of us. They don't want us to have too much private contact. Opportunities for large-scale meetings like today are rare. Everyone has seen that we have only met once and have stirred up a storm in the entire universe. There must be countless fleets pointing their guns in the direction we are in now. You understand that I am not alarmist."

"We don't need you to emphasize our situation." Kant frowned and said, "I don't think now is the time to discuss this topic, it's too early."

"It's always better to prepare early than to have no preparation." Manison said lightly.

"So what are you doing bringing this up, do you want us all to form an alliance?" Gorutan said in a muffled voice.

"Remind you, forming a full alliance is no different from rebellion." Kexiu Ye interjected, and he didn't say another sentence, their three major civilizations' mainstays were basically safe, so he didn't want to get involved.

Everyone spoke up one after another, expressing their opinions and arguing fiercely. Usually, there were not many opportunities to talk about this kind of thing, and the event organized by Han Xiao became a platform for exchanging opinions.

"Don't worry, the time is not ripe yet. What I want is just a tacit understanding..." Saying this, Manison looked at Han Xiao, his tone curious, "You are the organizer of this meeting, and you have been listening for a while without stopping us, so what is your attitude?"

Everyone turned to look at Han Xiao. Now Black Star has a high status in the circle, and his opinion is also key.

Han Xiao spread his hands and shook his head:

"I have no other opinions, I just think that there are still too few Super-A Grades..."

"Yes, too few." Manison sighed.

Han Xiao glanced at him.

What we mean by "too few" is definitely not the same thing.