Chapter 1 Black Star's Methods

"How did Black Star block my psychic perception of the Evolution Cube..."

*Di di!*

Cisco's face turned green as he was filled with shock and doubt. Suddenly, his communicator rang. He took it out and his eyes narrowed, gritting his teeth.

It was a call from Black Star!

"Hello, hello, is that Cisco?" Han Xiao's head popped up on the screen.

"Black Star! What did you do?!" Cisco shouted.

Seeing this, Han Xiao feigned surprise. "Yo, it's been a while. Why has your skin turned green?"

After teasing him, seeing Cisco's angry expression, Han Xiao laughed to himself without waiting for a response and hung up the call, no longer in the mood to tease Cisco.

In order to verify the effect, Han Xiao took the initiative to call Cisco. Hearing the other party's tone, he knew that blocking the psychic positioning was successful. He no longer had anything to discuss with old Cisco. Saying another word would be a waste of saliva.

Originally, Cisco's perception of the Evolution Cube had always been a hidden danger, with the enemy in the dark and him in the light. Now that he had finally dismantled Cisco's advantage, preventing Cisco from tracking him, Han Xiao felt much more at ease.

The Arcane Church did not have an intelligence network in the Shattered Star Ring. If they wanted to deal with him, they would probably rely on Cisco's perception of the Evolution Cube to track him. Now this move had reduced the Arcane Church's reliance on Cisco.

The Arcane Church's obsession with the Evolution Cube stemmed in part from Cisco's psychic positioning, believing that they had a good chance of snatching it back. Once they lost this trump card, they would have to weigh the consequences before attacking the Evolution Cube again.

Although he had decided to stay at the empire's outpost, Beacon Star, for a while to avoid the limelight, he couldn't hide forever. Moreover, the Arcane Church would not naively believe that the empire couldn't guess their intentions. If there was no opportunity for a sneak attack, directly attacking the empire's outpost was not impossible.

Due to the exploration of the new Star Field, the empire was currently at a disadvantage among the three great civilizations. The other two were watching covetously. The Arcane Church might not dare to engage in a direct conflict with the empire... Although, given the Arcane Church's style, it was unlikely that they would adopt such a radical plan, Han Xiao did not rule out this possibility.

After all, he had changed the storyline. Compared to the same period in his previous life, the power balance between the forces had undergone subtle changes. He did not know what lengths the Arcane Church would go to in order to seize the Evolution Cube.

It was better to be safe than sorry. If he could make the Arcane Church back down this time, he would not always be on the defensive in the future.

As for whether Cisco would still follow the Arcane Church to deal with him without his sensory abilities, there was no need to worry. Even if it was just to check why his psychic positioning was blocked, Cisco would still come. The Evolution Cube once belonged to Cisco. The Arcane Church would not leave this previous owner aside, so he could still indirectly obtain some information about the Arcane Church's actions by monitoring Cisco's movements.

"You..." Just as Cisco wanted to continue questioning, he realized that the call had been disconnected. He felt a mouthful of air stuck in his throat, causing his heart to twitch in anger.

After a pause, Cisco, with a stinky face, turned around and contacted the higher-ups of the Arcane Church.

"The situation has changed. I can't locate Black Star's position."

"What?" The Arcane Church's higher-ups were shocked and troubled. "The action plan has already been set. How could such an accident happen… Since we can't grasp Black Star's exact location, we have to change our action plan."

The Arcane Church originally planned to quietly gather overwhelming Super-A Grade combat power, sneak into the Shattered Star Ring, and launch a sneak attack when Black Star was out exploring, killing him in one fell swoop. The premise of this plan was Cisco's positioning of Han Xiao.

Cisco's positioning had never had any problems, but at this point in time, Black Star had suddenly found a way to cut off Cisco's perception of the Evolution Cube, immediately disrupting the Arcane Church's plan.

Originally, they had planned to have a group of Super-A Grade combatants attack Black Star when he was alone, allowing Black Star to face them all alone, so that they could achieve a quick victory, crush and kill Black Star, and then everyone could immediately return to the Shattered Star Ring through the secret Star Gate.

Now that they could not directly determine Black Star's location, they might have to abandon the assassination plan and instead capture Black Star alive to force him to reveal the whereabouts of the Evolution Cube. In that case, their Super-A Grade combatants might be delayed in the Shattered Star Ring for a long time.

In this new Star Field, the Arcane Church had almost no foundation. Every second these Super-A Grade combatants stayed increased the risk. If their secret Star Gate was discovered and destroyed by the empire during the operation, these Super-A Grade combatants would not be able to escape the Shattered Star Ring and would become turtles in a jar.

"I need to report to the Pontiff and the Bishop Council and let them re-decide." The higher-up's face was hesitant.

Because of this change, the risk of this operation had greatly increased, exceeding his decision-making authority.

However, he also secretly rejoiced that this change occurred before the operation. At this time, the sneaking squad was still detouring to the Gaul Star Cluster and had not yet established the exit of the Star Gate channel. The Arcane Church's Super-A Grade combatants were naturally still waiting at home, giving them a chance to change their plans.

"Okay." Cisco said helplessly. Although he was extremely anxious, he also knew that he could not order the Arcane Church around.

…

Through the Star Gate channel, Han Xiao only beat up Hada Wei for a few days before the fleet returned to the empire's outpost, Beacon Star, in the Morning Star Cluster.

Tarrokov had already spoken to Han Xiao and knew that Han Xiao would be staying on Beacon Star to avoid the limelight during this period. He personally led people to the dock to welcome him.

The fleet landed. Han Xiao led his officers off the spaceship and greeted Tarrokov.

"Commander-in-Chief."

"Your Excellency Black Star."

After shaking hands, the two took a car to Beacon Star's base and chatted in the vehicle.

"I wonder who the second batch of empire allies participating in the exploration are?" Han Xiao asked casually.

Tarrokov had an expression that said, "I knew you would ask this." He pressed his wristband and projected the information of eleven forces.

Han Xiao glanced at it roughly and nodded secretly. He knew all of these forces. They were all famous forces from different Star Fields, including Super-A Grade allied forces and Star Cluster-level civilizations like the Klent that had defected to the empire. They were all people on the empire's side.

"The Arcane Research Institute of the Star Cluster Corridor, the Flame Demons of the Old Star River, the Dragonblood Kingdom of the Black Hole Boundary, the Giant Ship Ring City of the Astral Spirit Sea... A total of four Super-A Grade forces. Oh, three of them are acquaintances."

During his trip to the empire's mother star a few months ago, Han Xiao had met seven Super-A Grade empire allies, three of whom were participating in this exploration team.

The leader of the Arcane Research Institute was Ravenlaude, one of the ancient ones, a member of the universe's famous old-age group.

The leader of the Flame Demon Race was an old acquaintance, Beoni, whom he had once fought against the Heteromorph with. The leader of the Giant Ship Ring City was also a Super-A Grade member he had met once, and also a mechanic.

The only one he had not met was Milizaeus, the leader of the Dragonblood Kingdom. This person was also one of the three strongest Pillar of the Nation, on the same level as "Dark Emperor" Clotti, and was the strongest in this exploration team.

Among the four, Han Xiao was more concerned about Ravenlaude, because this guy was exploring the same area as him, the Gaul Star Cluster, and was a direct competitor. Ravenlaude was also the first owner of the Amber of Time in his previous life.

Of course, Han Xiao had taken the lead this time, and Ravenlaude had already missed out on the Amber of Time.

Han Xiao thought for a while and asked, "The empire said it would send a direct Super-A Grade to protect me and prevent the Arcane Church from attacking. Who is it?"

Tarrokov waved his hand. "The plan has changed. Milizaeus and Beoni have taken the initiative to apply to protect you. This is a better choice."

Han Xiao was stunned, then understood something and laughed.

"They must have made a condition."

"That's right." Tarrokov also laughed. "They want to exchange for the opportunity to use the Evolution Cube."

Han Xiao had already expressed his attitude that he would not use the Evolution Cube for other empire allies for free. If they wanted to borrow it, they would need to exchange something for it. Milizaeus and Beoni both planned to take this opportunity to trade with Han Xiao.

"What do you think? Should we agree to their conditions?"

Han Xiao thought for a while and nodded. "Yes."

This added one more helper than originally planned, and it was an even more powerful expert. Naturally, he had no objections and could py with them along the way.

He remembered that the Dragonblood Kingdom's faction specialty was various Dragonblood potions, which could permanently increase attribute points. Perhaps he could get some this time. Han Xiao didn't have any big goals, just a few dozen or hundreds of tons would do.

The second batch of exploration teams had different routes. The faster ones would arrive in ten days or so, and the slower ones might take a month, but they had already assembled their troops, so it wouldn't delay too much time.

Along the way, they arrived at the base. Someone had already arranged accommodation. Han Xiao and a group of officers moved in.

He would stay here for this period, temporarily stopping his excursions. He would only remotely command the Black Star Army to explore on its own. Normal exploration didn't require him to do it himself. He could rest and watch the players work, which was very satisfying.

…

Central Star Sea, Barren Universe Belt.

The enormous Fallen Ark fleet was slowly moving in the universe, like an ocean composed of battleships.

"The Arcane Church said they want to postpone the operation?"

The Heteromorph was awakened and narrowed his eyes when he heard Hakeson.

"Reason?"

"The Arcane Church said that there was a problem with the construction of the smuggling Star Gate, and the Crimson Empire sent out the second batch of exploration teams in a timely manner, which increased the risk of the operation. They need to adjust the plan, so they want us to wait patiently," Hakeson reported.

Hearing this, the Heteromorph nodded slowly.

"Then let's do as they say."

"There's one more thing." Hakeson sneered. "The Arcane Church said that there might be a possibility of a strong attack at that time and hopes that we can send out more fleets."

"Because the risk has increased, they want us to send more people to reduce their losses… Their style is becoming more and more like the Federation of Light." The Heteromorph's tone was indifferent, not taking it seriously. "Just agree to them."

As long as he could get the Evolution Cube, he didn't care about the casualties of his subordinates.

Because he had been tricked by Black Star with a fake Evolution Cube last time, the Heteromorph's intention in cooperating with the Arcane Church was to use the Arcane Church as an intermediary to borrow Cisco's psychic positioning to avoid repeating the same mistake.

This was also the important link between the two sides' cooperation.

But at this time, Cisco's psychic positioning had already failed. If the Heteromorph learned of this, he would probably reconsider the cooperation…

However, although the Arcane Church had not yet finalized a new plan, it still did not want the Heteromorph, this vanguard, to withdraw from this operation, so it deliberately concealed the information that Cisco's positioning had failed and found another reasonable reason to explain the reason for postponing the operation, without mentioning Cisco's problem.

Because of the deep hatred of Avitan Star, the Arcane Church would naturally not tell Cisco that the Heteromorph was also involved in this operation.

Therefore, the Heteromorph did not know about the change on Cisco's side and was still kept in the dark, waiting for the operation to begin.

…

After staying on Beacon Star for two days, Han Xiao had already read all the information on the Chrono-Sealers collected by Phillip and learned about his resume and life.

As expected, after reading it, the panel popped up with a notification, and the first ring mission was completed quite easily.

With the reward in hand, the Soul Connection to the Amber of Time increased by one point, and Han Xiao immediately felt a different feeling.

In the dark, his spirit seemed to have established a connection with the Amber of Time. He no longer needed auxiliary devices and could directly use his spirit to activate the effect of the Amber of Time.

At the same time, a special energy poured into his body along the Soul Connection. His whole body felt warm, and Han Xiao couldn't help but sigh comfortably.

This energy lasted for a while before disappearing. Han Xiao's perception of his body was very sensitive at this time, and he immediately felt that this energy had strengthened him to a certain extent. He immediately opened the panel to check the new notification.

[You have established a Soul Connection with [Amber of Time], current level: 1/5]

[[Amber of Time]'s quality is golden. Item Type: Cosmic Treasure]

[You have obtained the Buff [Feedback of Amber of Time]]

[[Feedback of Amber of Time (Level 1)]: Your Stamina Limit +10%, Your Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance +50, Your Intelligence +100, Your Mystery and Charm +25, Your Basic Space Resistance +50%, Your Basic Mental Resistance +20%, all your space-related skills gain an actual effect of 12%~24%]

[Buff Duration: Constant]

"The effect of the first level is so good." Han Xiao's eyes lit up.

Just like the Evolution Cube strengthening Cisco's psychic power, he would also gain strength after establishing a Soul Connection with the Amber of Time.

Han Xiao took out the Amber of Time and tried to use it. He found that the energy output power had increased, and the speed of manufacturing the Amber had obviously increased, about 20% to 30% faster.

"It seems that the deeper the Soul Connection, the faster the speed of manufacturing Amber with this thing."

Han Xiao looked at the second ring mission. The reward was also Soul Connection +1. The mission requirement was to find the whereabouts of the Chrono-Sealer's bloodline and contact his descendants that had been passed down to this day.

"Uh, this requirement…"

Han Xiao's face was strange.

It wasn't that he couldn't find the descendants of the Chrono-Sealer, but that it was too easy to find them.

He had already read all of the Chrono-Sealer's information and knew that this guy's bloodline still existed and had always been affiliated with the civilization that the Chrono-Sealer once served.

The only problem was… every Super-A Grade bloodline basically had extraordinary talent. The proportion of Supers was extremely high. They had always been regarded as important resources by various civilizations and were raised to cultivate warriors.

The Chrono-Sealer's bloodline was also protected by the civilization to which it belonged, and basically no outsiders were allowed to contact them.

This civilization had survived the Exploration Era war and had become a behemoth today…

It was one of the three major Cosmic Civilizations, the Federation of Light!

As a Super-A Grade affiliated with the empire, if I rashly ran to the Federation of Light's territory…

"Am I going to sneak in again? If I get exposed, I'm afraid I'll be beaten to death by a group of people in the Federation of Light's territory…"

Han Xiao's mouth twitched. He was in the Shattered Star Ring and didn't have time to leave. The second ring mission was obviously impossible to complete in a short time, so he simply put it aside.

Anyway, he had the treasure in hand, so there was no rush for the time being. He still had another thing to do.

Seven days had passed since the last time he used [Audacious Explorer], and the cooldown had ended.

This skill was like an alternative divination. It looked very metaphysical, but after testing, the effect was indeed outstanding.

Han Xiao took out the set of wormhole data that the Heteromorph wanted and grinned.

"I can finally see what secrets are hidden in this set of data!"

Although this set of data had already been shared with the empire, and the empire's Academy of Sciences would most likely decipher it in the future to obtain accurate clues.

However, today, he chose to believe in metaphysics.