Chapter 1 Han Xiao's Visit

Han Xiao's remote projection descended into the conference room. His eyes swept over the assembled leaders of the Super Star Cluster Alliance, taking in their solemn expressions. He couldn't help but chuckle and said jokingly,

"Gentlemen, what were you discussing just now? The atmosphere seems so heavy."

"We were naturally discussing how to deal with the World Tree's invasion," the Star Arc leader said in a deep voice.

"Is that so? But as far as I know, the World Tree Civilization's army doesn't seem to be harassing your territories much. Most of your forces are still on standby," Han Xiao said, shrugging.

"The entire interstellar society is united against a common enemy, as one entity. Attacks on other regions will also affect our safety. While ensuring the security of our own territories, we will naturally lend a helping hand," the Star Arc leader said righteously.

Han Xiao's expression became subtle. "It's quite strange to hear those words coming from you."

"With the World Tree's invasion, our fates are intertwined." The Star Arc leader nodded, his tone solemn, putting on an act as if it were the truth.

"If that's how you think, then that's for the best."

Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, knowing that the Star Arc leader was mostly speaking platitudes, not from the bottom of his heart.

A Super Star Cluster leader next to him coughed and took over the conversation, asking,

"Your Excellency Black Star, are you here to discuss the World Tree invasion with us?"

Han Xiao glanced at him and nodded. "You could say that, but mainly I'm here for you."

The others exchanged glances secretly. The Star Arc leader pondered and said, "We hope you can be more specific."

Han Xiao raised his arm, folded it across his chest, and said casually,

"The World Tree's invasion is a foregone conclusion. How much do you know about the cause of this incident?"

"We're not very clear on the details. The World Tree was originally blocked by the three Universal Civilizations outside the borders of the Shattered Star Ring. The situation was very stable, but the enemy suddenly launched a full-scale invasion. They must have obtained our regional intelligence through some means, but we don't understand how they did it." The Star Arc leader frowned and shook his head.

"I can tell you the inside story. This wasn't the World Tree's initiative. Someone deliberately leaked the explored universe's intelligence, brazenly colluding with the enemy. This kind of behavior is like opening the gates and inviting the World Tree in to plunder and kill!" Han Xiao's tone sank.

As soon as he finished speaking, the faces of the many Super Star Cluster leaders present changed drastically. Astonishment, horror, disbelief, and other emotions were revealed in their eyes, shocked by the news.

Shock flickered in the Star Arc leader's eyes. He emphasized his tone and confirmed again, "Are you saying that there's a traitor within the interstellar society?!"

"That's right." Han Xiao nodded slowly and said softly, "We're still investigating the traitor's identity."

A slight commotion immediately arose in the room, and the people whispered to each other, discussing the matter.

The Star Arc Civilization was also quite puzzled, and they muttered,

"To be able to successfully deliver intelligence to the World Tree, they must have considerable technical strength. To choose betrayal in this critical situation, what are they after..."

However, halfway through his words, he suddenly stopped, abruptly raised his eyes, and looked at the expressionless Han Xiao with suspicion.

Many leaders also suddenly came to their senses, anticipating Han Xiao's true intention, and their faces changed drastically.

Wait, Black Star came to our door at this time, and deliberately brought up this topic. Don't tell me he thinks we are the traitors who leaked the intelligence?!

Indeed, our Super Star Cluster Alliance has always been at odds with the three Universal Civilizations and are the biggest suspects, but this matter really has nothing to do with us!

"Are you suspecting us?!" the Star Arc leader asked, his eyes widened.

Han Xiao looked around without answering directly. Instead, he summoned a virtual screen and said to himself,

"According to the information I've found, you initiated a plan called 'The Great Migration' more than ten years ago. The specific content is probably to take advantage of the war to leave the explored universe with all your people and resources, and find another homeland. And the execution of this plan requires an opportunity. Only when the three Universal Civilizations and the World Tree are in a stalemate will you have a chance..."

He only spoke halfway, but the expressions of the many Super Star Cluster leaders became even more serious.

They believed that this plan was quite secretive. The gathering of people and resources was ostensibly for war considerations, and on the surface, it had a reasonable disguise motivation. At most, people would think that they were leaving a way out in case of war failure, and would generally not associate it with their intention to run away before the battle.

"You already know... No wonder, with your ability, as long as you become suspicious of us, it won't be difficult to find these things." The Star Arc leader was taken aback, but when he thought of Han Xiao's abilities, he accepted reality and said helplessly, "So you think we deliberately lured the World Tree to launch a full-scale invasion in order to disrupt the situation and facilitate our withdrawal?"

"What do you think?" Han Xiao tilted his head.

Hearing this, everyone knew that Han Xiao's visit was probably to question them, and they all felt a chill in their hearts.

The Star Arc leader gritted his teeth and said, "I know you think we have a motive, but we didn't do it. We're not the traitors who leaked the intelligence!"

Although they wanted to run away, they didn't want to be scapegoated as internal spies. Otherwise, if the three Universal Civilizations targeted them, many twists and turns would inevitably occur in the "Great Migration" plan, and the three Universal Civilizations would never allow them, the "traitors", to escape easily.

"What evidence do you have to prove that you didn't do it?" Han Xiao's tone was neither happy nor sad, making it impossible for people to discern his emotions.

Hearing this, the Star Arc leader's thoughts raced, but his mind was in a mess, and he couldn't think of any reason... How much evidence would be needed to prove that the matter had nothing to do with them?!

However, before he could answer, Han Xiao pressed on step by step and continued,

"Maybe this wasn't your intention, but can you guarantee that none of the civilizations present did it?"

The Star Arc leader was stunned, his face changing unpredictably. He knew that Han Xiao was right. He could only guarantee that he was not a traitor, but he didn't dare to guarantee that other Super Star Cluster Civilizations didn't have any tricks up their sleeves in private.

He slowly turned his head, looking at the other alliance members with inquiry in his eyes, and everyone understood his meaning and spoke one after another.

"It wasn't me, I didn't do it!"

"It wasn't me either, I didn't know anything about it!"

Soon, the Star Arc leader's gaze turned to the last person. He remembered that it was this Super Star Cluster leader who proposed helping the World Tree during a meeting some time ago, making him the most suspicious.

This civilization leader immediately flared up. "What are you looking at me for?! I didn't do it! We all share the same honor, I wouldn't disregard the collective interests of the alliance!"

The Star Arc leader bit his lip and turned to look at Han Xiao. "You see, this matter has nothing to do with us..."

Han Xiao didn't speak, just tilted his head, looking at the Star Arc leader with a strange look, as if his expression was saying, "Are you kidding me?"

Seeing this, the Star Arc leader stopped speaking, his face uncertain.

He also knew that just asking around like this wouldn't lead to anyone admitting it. Everyone denying it together was simply ridiculous and had no persuasive power at all. No one knew if the alliance members were lying.

However, the Star Arc leader was very clear in his mind. Regardless of whether a Super Star Cluster member had done it or not, they must not admit it, otherwise, they would be branded as "traitors."

Han Xiao narrowed his eyes and emphasized his tone, "Don't say I didn't warn you, I'll give you one more chance... Are you sure you didn't do it?"

The Star Arc leader was sweating a little, his tone becoming slightly anxious as he said, "Black Star, we can't produce any evidence for the time being, but we really didn't do it."

"Alright, then I believe you."

"I hope you won't jump to conclusions. If you keep staring at us, you'll let the real traitors escape. I..." The Star Arc leader subconsciously said halfway before suddenly coming to his senses, raising his voice in surprise. "Wait, you believe us?!"

He had just racked his brains, preparing to spend a lot of effort to persuade Han Xiao, but he didn't expect Han Xiao to change his tune, leaving him somewhat stunned, as if he had stepped into thin air.

But at this moment, Han Xiao spoke again, slowly and methodically, "However, it's useless for me to believe you. You need the three Universal Civilizations to believe you. You have to find a way to prove your innocence."

"You mean..."

"Of course, to stay and fight hard." Han Xiao spread his hands and said, "Think about it, the three Universal Civilizations are now suspecting internal spies. If you leave, you'll be branded as traitors. The only way is to give up your so-called migration plan and concentrate on fighting the World Tree. This is the only way to clear your name."

Hearing this, the eyes of the many Super Star Cluster Civilization leaders focused.

The Star Arc leader frowned, no longer flustered, and said slowly, "Your Excellency Black Star, I'm afraid this is your real intention, isn't it?"

He wasn't a complete fool either, and he immediately realized the true goal of Han Xiao's visit.

There were priorities. The Super Star Cluster Alliance didn't want to become traitors, but the migration plan was even more important. They wouldn't give up the migration in order to prove that they weren't traitors.

The Star Arc leader even suspected at this time that the so-called suspicion of treason was just a threatening excuse that Han Xiao came up with after finding out about their migration plan.

Han Xiao didn't care and smiled lightly, saying casually, "Hehe, I know what you're thinking. Traitors are real, and it's also true that the three Universal Civilizations suspect you. However, I didn't think you were the traitors from the beginning."

"Why do you think so?" The Star Arc leader was a little curious.

"We've known each other for decades, and I know your decision-making style pretty well. Moreover, given your situation, the possibility of you daring to collude with the enemy is not high. However, due to past history, you are the most suspicious, which is very much like a frame-up. My intuition tells me that this matter has little to do with you... Of course, this doesn't mean you are not suspicious. I can't confirm whether you have done the opposite."

Han Xiao didn't intend to eliminate all the pressure on the Super Star Cluster, so he didn't reveal the third party revealed by the 【Bold Explorer】, only inferring in his personal capacity that their suspicion was limited.

In fact, Han Xiao knew that the Super Star Cluster Alliance couldn't easily give up the migration plan. This trip was to have an open and honest chat, and the initial use of the suspicion of treason as an excuse, making a threatening attitude, was just to preemptively put the Super Star Cluster Alliance in a state of tension and make them understand the situation.

"It seems that even though the good situation has been ruined, you still maintain your sanity and haven't been blinded by anger." The Star Arc leader's mood was a little complicated, and he nodded. "I really don't know about the traitors, but it's impossible for us to give up the migration plan and stay to fight. Since you've found the information, you should know what this plan means to us."

Han Xiao hmm'ed and said, "The existence of the three Universal Civilizations restricts your development ceiling. For many years, they have been suppressing you with various excuses, preventing you from entering the era of technological explosion. The top talents and resources of the interstellar society flow into their pockets, and with constant accumulation, the gap between you is getting bigger and bigger..."

"That's right! Thinking back to when the Exploration Era war had just ended, the three Universal Civilizations established the order, but they didn't have the strength to beat all the civilizations at that time. But what about now? So many years have passed, they have been enjoying the top resources and the biggest development dividends of the entire interstellar society. A generation gap has already appeared in our technology... Now we still have some resistance, but the longer the time, the bigger the gap. Sooner or later, we will completely lose the qualifications to challenge the three Universal Civilizations, and we can only become vassals."

A Super Star Cluster leader said in a deep voice, his tone full of helplessness.

The Star Arc leader nodded and added, "It's precisely because we have seen the distant future that we must seize the opportunity to change our fate while we can still resist. The Shattered Star Ring was an attempt, but it failed, and the current migration is a better opportunity. We won't give up."

"I understand your demands, really... But if you'll allow me to be blunt, your approach is just a slow death. What you think of as interdependence is just superficial. You think you'll be safe if you leave the war zone, but in reality, you have nowhere to escape. After the World Tree kills the three Universal Civilizations, they will definitely find you. They have extraordinary abilities in information states..."

Han Xiao explained in detail the World Tree's ability to track prey through information states, ensuring that everyone present was clear about the real situation. Then he paused and continued,

"So, your only way out is to stay and destroy the World Tree Civilization with us... This is a very simple multiple-choice question. In this way, your development may not be free enough, but at least your civilization can continue."

The many Super Star Cluster leaders looked at each other, half believing and half doubting, and discussed in low voices.

The Star Arc leader pondered for a while and slowly said, "You've put in a lot of effort to get us to put our troops into the battlefield. You even personally acted as a lobbyist... Assuming what you said is true, I have a concern that needs your answer."

"Say it."

"Will the three Universal Civilizations let us go so easily?" The Star Arc leader leaned forward and asked in a volley, "Let me be clearer, if we defeat the World Tree and regain peace, how do you guarantee that the three Universal Civilizations won't settle accounts afterward? How do you guarantee that they won't put the identity of 'traitors' on us again and attack us in a justifiable way?"

Everyone also stared at Han Xiao, their eyes pressing.

This wasn't the first time the three Universal Civilizations had used the trick of "trumped-up charges" against them, so the Super Star Cluster Alliance didn't have any hope of clearing their names at all. Whether they were "traitors" or not depended on what the three Universal Civilizations said. If they were labeled with a "colluding with the enemy" hat afterward, it would be almost impossible to turn over, and it might even lead to a catastrophe.

"Regarding this..." Han Xiao touched his chin and said calmly, "If we win this war and you don't migrate, I can stand on your side and prevent the three Universal Civilizations from using this kind of method. And I'll try my best to break the development restrictions that the three Universal Civilizations have imposed for a long time, so that you don't have to abandon your homeland and can have the opportunity to develop freely."

"You?" The Star Arc leader narrowed his eyes. "You may have such power, but why do you do this?"

"Don't forget, war is a great reshuffle, and the post-war pattern and ecology will inevitably be overturned. It's rare for the three Universal Civilizations to weaken and lose their control over us. This is a great opportunity for change... In addition, helping you is also helping myself. Without the invasion of foreign enemies, we are still thorns in the side of the three Universal Civilizations. We have a lot of room for cooperation."

Han Xiao said slowly.

The Star Arc leader was unmoved and said lightly,

"Sounds good, but how do you guarantee that you won't go back on your word like before? You know, your credibility isn't very good."

"I don't need to guarantee anything to anyone." Han Xiao didn't take the bait at all and said casually, "I'm just telling you which path is a dead end and which path is a path to survival, helping you analyze the pros and cons, and giving you a better choice, but I can't make decisions for you after all."

"...What if we don't accept your suggestion?" The Star Arc leader's tone was solemn.

"If you insist on going your own way, I'll express my regret. Losing the armed forces of the Super Star Cluster will put more pressure on us, and our combat losses will be more exaggerated, but our winning rate is still very high."

Han Xiao stroked his chin, paused, and said softly,

"As for you... Do I need to say more about the fate of deserters? With me around, you can run as far as you want, and I'll still find you. Don't blame me when that time comes. I've given you a chance."

Everyone's faces changed, hearing the naked threat.

"Black Star!" One of the Modo Civilization leaders spoke up in a low voice, annoyed. "We know you're very powerful. Maybe no one is your opponent in terms of individual strength, but do you really think you're invincible after entering the Beyond Grade A realm? Do you think you can sway the joint decision-making of so many civilizations with your words alone?!"

Han Xiao shook his head and said frankly, "No, there's no real invincibility in the world. The so-called invincibility is just invincibility in the current technological level and environment. The world is dynamically developing. With the changes of the times and the progress of civilization, there will always be more new technologies. Maybe one day, the principles of all the universe wonders will be discovered, and Beyond Grade A will no longer be unsolvable. It may even be possible to mass-produce Grade A and Beyond Grade A. The individual achievements that seem incredible now will eventually be replicated by collective civilizations, creating fission."

Everyone was slightly stunned. They thought Han Xiao would refute, but he unexpectedly agreed with this statement. For a moment, they didn't know how to respond, and they thought Han Xiao was trying to ease the atmosphere and retract his threat.

However, in the next moment, they knew they were wrong.

Han Xiao looked around at everyone, his tone changing, and said coldly,

"But those are things that may happen a long time from now. At least in the foreseeable future... I am an unsolvable existence! You can regard my words as a threat, or you can regard them as a final warning. In short, take care of yourselves and don't make choices that disappoint me, otherwise, I don't mind exterminating the civilizations of everyone present. At that time, you will know that I am more dangerous than the World Tree!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the room fell silent.

After a while, the Star Arc leader seemed to have made a decision and slowly said,

"If the situation is as you said, we can temporarily shelve the migration plan and put more troops into the war, but if the losses are too great, we will definitely migrate and withdraw, no matter how much you threaten us."

Han Xiao's expression returned to calm, and he nodded.

"That's enough. I hope you won't go back on your word. I'll be watching you."