Chapter 1 The Gathering

As the big shots arrived at the Shattered Star Ring, this starfield became increasingly lively. As the face of the Beyond Grade A community, each one of them drew the attention of countless interstellar citizens and forces, making them special idol stars, so to speak.

Aside from their own deeds, another important source of the Beyond Grade As' fame was Wayne Cards. Each big shot had their own set of cards, and there were too many people in the universe playing cards and slacking off, so they knew these big shots like the back of their hand.

This psychology was similar to a collector's obsession, like collecting Water Margin hero cards when eating snacks.

On this day, spaceships circled far away from the Black Star Army headquarters. Most of them were media reporters who had heard the news. Eighty to ninety percent of the media in the entire Shattered Star Ring had come.

These reporters had been squatting here for many days, witnessing the fleets of one Beyond Grade A after another entering the Black Star Army headquarters, and the surprise in their hearts grew stronger and stronger.

"How many people have arrived?"

"Twenty-seven! And more Beyond Grade As entering the Shattered Star Ring are on their way."

"So many Beyond Grade As gathered together, there must be a big move!"

"Are they planning to rebel?!"

Everyone was itching to know, and they wanted to rush into the Black Star Army headquarters to uncover the truth immediately.

Since the first Beyond Grade A, Ames, arrived, these paparazzi had been kicked out and were not allowed to enter Black Star's headquarters, so they could only circle around and watch from the outside.

Unable to satisfy their curiosity, these reporters seemed to have turned into manic baboons, unable to sit still for a moment.

Although the Federation of Light had released some information, it only revealed ambiguous news. In order to maintain a sense of mystery, it did not explain why these Beyond Grade As were gathering at the Black Star Army, just to let the outside world speculate and discuss.

It had to be said that this method, which was similar to leaving suspense in literary works, was very effective. The Shattered Star Ring had already received too much attention because of the Flickering World issue, and the news of the Beyond Grade As gathering at the Black Star Army had attracted the attention of the entire universe after spreading.

Everyone's heart was filled with questions.

About eighty percent of the Beyond Grade As in the entire universe suddenly gathered together for a meeting. What was their purpose?

The circle of Beyond Grade As was too far away for ordinary people. Without inside information, too many mysteries filled their minds.

Among them, the discussion about Black Star was the most. The entire universe's interest in Han Xiao was once again piqued.

Why did all the big shots choose the Black Star Army as their meeting place?

Why was Black Star able to command such a response?

Over the years, Han Xiao had implemented a low-key policy and had not made many headlines. It was not until recently that he had created a new sensation. Many people had the illusion that Black Star had secretly done some secret things over the years, which had suddenly elevated his status to such a height.

The Black Star Army had a second Beyond Grade A not long ago, and now it had gathered seventy to eighty percent of the Beyond Grade As in the universe. There must be a big move!

Almost everyone guessed this way.

At this moment, two more fleets warped in from afar, arriving one after the other. The outer armor was engraved with the marks of the Arcane Nation and the Void Sovereign, which were actually Manison's and Kothariye's fleets.

"Quick, record it quickly!"

"Manison and Kothariye, such heavyweights, have actually come. Black Star's reputation is too great!"

The two fleets passed over these media ships and landed toward the Black Star Army headquarters. Many reporters recorded this process in a flurry.

Since they could not enter, all these reporters could do was record the list of Beyond Grade As who arrived and wait expectantly for news to come out.

...

The two fleets entered the army's dock. Manison and Kothariye's avatars stepped off the spaceship. The two were old acquaintances and quickly started chatting.

"You're here too. It seems that the Void Spirit is also supporting Black Star this time." Manison smiled softly.

"Didn't your Federation of Light send someone too?"

Kothariye's tone was indifferent, and his voice sounded as if it came from the void, very ethereal.

"The Federation of Light is the Federation of Light, and I am me. The goals of this trip are different." Manison's tone was indifferent.

"You're drawing a clear line so simply. Aren't you afraid that the Federation of Light will be dissatisfied?" Kothariye shook his head. "Then what are your goals?"

"Do you remember the last time so many Beyond Grade As gathered together?"

"Forgot."

"I guess the three Universal Civilizations have also forgotten. I'll just help them remember." Manison's tone was casual.

Kothariye paused for a moment, noncommittal. "This may not be a good thing for us. The more attention we get, the more we'll be feared. Maybe it'll be another Age of the Gods."

"Good and bad always coexist. Although we Beyond Grade As belong to different forces, we are all the same class and have always been a sheet of loose sand. Now that we're acting together, it has attracted the attention of the entire universe. I believe that other Beyond Grade As can see how much energy we have when we unite. If we can use this power, we can demand more things." Manison said slowly.

"You haven't changed. You're still using this rhetoric." Kothariye's tone was emotionless. "The Ancient Ones, the Mechanic Race, the Infinite Financial Group… you have a lot of resources in your hands, but… at your stage, you can't rely on yourself anymore. You have to use everyone… tell me, what kind of 'group' are you going to create this time?"

"It's just mutual use. It's not just me who benefits. Every Beyond Grade A benefits. Isn't that a good thing?" Manison smiled.

"Anyway, you know me. Unless you can help me complete the final Divinity Transformation, don't come to me for this kind of thing again." Kothariye waved his hand.

Manison did not mind and changed the subject. "Then let's not talk about this for now. The Void specialty you sent me last time was good. Give me some more."

"Sure, but you have to return the All-God Scepter first."

"Are you dreaming?"

The two casually bickered with each other. At this moment, more than a dozen Beyond Grade As who were waiting at the dock walked over. They were basically Beyond Grade As from the Federation of Light and the Void Spirit.

These people had arrived earlier. Because the people had not arrived yet, they could only temporarily stay at the army headquarters and wait. They had already stayed for a while. Today, their respective big brothers had arrived, so they came to pick them up.

There was only one exception, and that was Sorokin, who stood alone outside the crowd with a smile on his face.

"What are you doing here to pick us up?" Manison glanced at him.

"Although this is Black Star's territory, the two of you are important shareholders of the Financial Group. It's my duty to welcome you." Sorokin said sincerely.

In everyone's opinion, this tone was like a bootlicker, which was very consistent with their long-standing impression of Sorokin.

At this moment, Han Xiao walked over, attracting everyone's attention, and said with a smile, "Welcome to the Black Star Army. Follow me, the rooms have been arranged."

"Black Star." More than a dozen Beyond Grade As turned their heads and greeted him. Their eyes were a little complicated and meaningful.

Some of them had only heard of Black Star's name before and had not actually met him. During this period of time staying in the Black Star Army, they had already gotten to know Han Xiao.

In fact, most of the Beyond Grade As present did not want to come to support him, but because of the orders of the higher-ups of the Federation of Light and the Void Spirit, they reluctantly came to visit.

However, even if everyone was unwilling in their hearts, since they had arrived at someone else's territory, they did not dare to be arrogant. Otherwise, they would completely offend Han Xiao, and it was naturally unwise to anger a very powerful Peak Beyond Grade A.

Manison nodded to Han Xiao. "It's been a while. If I remember correctly, this should be the second time I've come to your territory."

"It's three times." Han Xiao raised his eyebrows. "You forgot the time we fought."

"Alright." Manison shook his head and laughed, not minding.

Ever since the last time they played together, Han Xiao had not made any moves for more than ten years. Manison had already determined that Han Xiao had admitted defeat and would no longer challenge his position, so he did not have any prejudices.

He had defeated many mechanics over the years. As long as they surrendered, he would not continue to target them… He still had to maintain the image of the Mechanic God.

"This is Void Sovereign Kothariye. If I'm not mistaken, this should be your first time meeting, right?" Manison turned his head and introduced Kothariye.

"It's indeed the first time we've met, but I've admired you for a long time." Han Xiao smiled and took the initiative to extend his hand. "It's an honor to meet Your Excellency Kothariye."

Kothariye shook Han Xiao's hand and said, "I often hear about Black Star's reputation. You're also a legendary figure. It's my honor to meet you too. I heard that you also have Void bloodline. I think we'll have a lot in common."

After exchanging some pleasantries, Han Xiao led everyone back to their respective rooms. After the people from the Federation of Light and the Void Spirit settled down, only Sorokin was left beside him.

"Your Excellency Black Star, your reputation really amazes me. So many big shots have come to support you." Sorokin praised sincerely, but it sounded hypocritical to Han Xiao.

Han Xiao curled his lips. "I thought you wouldn't come."

"How is that possible! I'm also developing my business in the Shattered Star Ring. You're the leader of this starfield, how dare I not give you face? I know you have some misunderstandings about me. We have some competition in business, but I'm full of respect for you." Sorokin forced a smile. "Maybe we'll have a chance to cooperate in the future."

Han Xiao knew that this guy's shamelessness was on par with his own, so he was already used to it. He clicked his tongue and said, "Didn't Heber come with you?"

"He said he wanted to come over on the last day. Hehe, he's clearly very close to you, but he's acting like a child and arguing with you." Sorokin sold Heber out in a blink of an eye.

"Hmph, I see."

Han Xiao waved his hand, abandoned the fake smiling boy Sorokin, and turned to leave, secretly pondering.

Aside from those allies of the three Universal Civilizations who had come to support him on orders, the others basically had their own thoughts. For example, this guy Sorokin had come over to pretend to be one of them and take the opportunity to interact with these Beyond Grade As, while that old guy from the Arcane Nation seemed to have other plans…

The Beyond Grade As who came to the Black Star Army could be divided into three categories. The first were his own allies, such as Ames, Austin, and others. The second were the allies of the other two Universal Civilizations who had come to support him on orders. The third were the other factions and neutral Beyond Grade As. Most of these people had come to make friends.

However, the impact of these people's respective intentions on this event was not great, and Han Xiao did not care.

In Han Xiao's opinion, the key point of this Beyond Grade A gathering was the waiting stage before the official meeting. These Beyond Grade As would have to wait in his territory for about ten days, which would build a platform for communication and make it easier for these Beyond Grade As who usually could not meet to interact with each other—usually, due to the limitations of the region and camp, there was no such public occasion for so many big shots to gather together.

This would allow everyone to play together and make it easier for him to test out so many Beyond Grade As he was meeting for the first time… Not only himself, but everyone's network of contacts could be expanded, which would help strengthen the connection of the entire Beyond Grade A circle.

Han Xiao not only wanted to increase his reputation and maintain the security of the starfield, but also to allow other Beyond Grade As to interact with each other, providing an opportunity to help these people improve their relationship with each other.

Although there might be conflicts and grudges between Beyond Grade As, if the World Tree War broke out, everyone would be comrades fighting side by side. He wanted to do some good deeds in advance.

Moreover, if the Beyond Grade A class continued to maintain a sheet of loose sand, it would also lead to some serious consequences.

'The Superpower Calamity has both a trigger and a general trend. I hope my meeting can bring about some changes…' Han Xiao thought to himself.

...

"Your Excellency President, nearly thirty Beyond Grade As have settled in the Black Star Army headquarters. The estimated final number is between seventy and eighty."

On the Federation of Light's mother planet, Bader listened to the report of the Chief Elder of the Council, frowned, and looked thoughtful.

Considering various factors, he chose to let his allies go to support him, but he suddenly realized that so many Beyond Grade As gathered together, this power was too terrifying. Just meeting each other shook the entire universe and triggered a frenzy of public opinion. The influence was really scary, a little beyond expectations.

"There are too many Beyond Grade As…"

"That's right. In a few days, the Black Star Army headquarters may be the most dangerous place in the universe." The Chief Elder of the Council's expression was not very good either.

"You misunderstood." Bader raised his head and glanced at him. "What I mean is… there are too many Beyond Grade As in the universe."

The Chief Elder of the Council's expression suddenly changed.

Bader stood up, came to the window, looked out, and said slowly, "Beyond Grade As have long lifespans. If they don't encounter accidents, the shortest lifespan is several hundred or thousands of years, and there are even super long-lived people whose lifespans have no end in sight. Even if the probability of a Beyond Grade A appearing is very low, according to the normal ratio of death and rebirth, the total number of Beyond Grade As in the universe will only continue to increase, one hundred… two hundred… one day, there will be thousands upon thousands!

At that time, individual power… will be out of control!"

The Chief Elder of the Council's expression became extremely serious. "Are you saying… to carry out a new purge? Like the Age of the Gods?"

Bader shook his head. "The Age of the Gods was just an accident, but it revealed to us how to deal with the problem of Beyond Grade As. Although the number of Beyond Grade As is still under control, if we don't prepare for a rainy day, there will be a day when top-level individual power will flood… so purging Beyond Grade As is necessary. However, I don't plan to do this during my term."

"Mm, the Flickering World is very important to the entire universe. Now is indeed not the time to purge." The Chief Elder of the Council nodded.

If there were too many individual powers that exceeded common sense, order would be on the verge of collapse. In his eyes, purging Beyond Grade As had nothing to do with personal grudges, but was only to maintain the stability of the universe. However, this behavior would inevitably cause short-term turmoil and cause pain, so it was a hot potato for any Universal Civilization leader. No one wanted to do this dirty work during their term.

In his opinion, this was like maintaining the ecological balance of the universe. It was not to eliminate Beyond Grade As, but to control the total number of Beyond Grade As and keep the ratio of individual power to collective power at a safe value.

In a peaceful era without external enemies, once this ratio was out of balance, the consequences would be unpredictable.

This was not an idea that he had suddenly come up with. In fact, the three Universal Civilizations had similar plans in private many years ago, but the Beyond Grade As had not exceeded control, so this plan had never been implemented. This was the common understanding of the three Universal rulers.

"I wonder if Black Star had this intention when he held this meeting…" Bader thought of Manison's attitude, paused slightly, and pondered, "The Arcane Nation probably guessed the inevitability of the purge, so he wants to gather the Beyond Grade As to show us his strength? Or to improve the status of the Beyond Grade As? Tsk… two cunning old fellows."

He had to admit that he did have more fear of the Beyond Grade A class, but it was impossible to launch a purge now, so he could only turn his fear into attention.

"Black Star, Manison… do you really want to integrate the power of the Beyond Grade As…" Bader's eyes were deep.