Chapter 1404 Victory and Calculation

Ka-cha, ka-cha…

A gigantic Hub Serpent was coiled around the World Tree, tearing at it bite by bite.

Although it was only a phantom-like virtual lifeform, generally unable to harm physical matter, the Hub Serpent’s method of damaging the World Tree was through an informational channel, targeting only the Mother Tree’s will.

Roots flailed wildly as the World Tree itself struggled madly, trying to shake off the Hub Serpent. However, the waving roots could not touch the virtual body of the Hub Serpent at all, striking only emptiness.

Although the World Tree was strong, the reason the Hub Serpent was its nemesis lay in its unsolvable counteractive nature. The Mother Tree’s will had no time to spare for Han Xiao, its mental impact fizzling out, rendered quite helpless by the Hub Serpent, struggling non-stop, like a maiden desperately clutching her clothes to prevent them from being taken off.

A constant stream of machinery poured out of the God Body Fortress, merging into the Supreme Heavenly Venerate, causing Han Xiao’s size to swell dramatically. His arms gradually could encircle the tree’s main trunk, as if trying to uproot the World Tree.

Taking advantage of the Mother Tree’s will being thrown into chaos, Han Xiao unceremoniously invaded the World Tree’s main body with his own energy, attempting to forge a soul link, staining it with his own color, turning it into his own shape.

To the World Tree’s dependents, this feeling was akin to the defilement of their faith. Countless people, eyes reddened, launched a new wave of suicidal charges toward Han Xiao, exploding in batches midway.

Because of Han Xiao’s actions, disorder inevitably appeared in the World Tree fleet. The Star Cluster Alliance naturally would not miss this opportunity, and the fleet quickly pierced through the defense circle, soon reaching the fourth layer, where they encountered even more intense counterattacks.

The advance main force was not far from Han Xiao and provided fire support, helping him intercept World Tree forces. Energy beams crisscrossed, detonating a series of warships in the battlefield.

On the other side, seeing Black Star successfully break through to the World Tree’s main body, the many military officers and commanders in the strategic command center were invigorated.

“Good! Black Star has stepped on the vital point of the World Tree Civilization!”

“We’re counting on him to damage the World Tree’s main body. We must protect him and let him focus on dealing with the World Tree.”

“Even with a conservative estimate, our chances of winning have reached over ninety-five percent!”

“The World Tree has no chance to turn the tables!”

The many officers were excited.

The goal of the three great civilizations in launching this war was to completely eradicate the enemy, hoping to achieve victory in one battle. Therefore, they had gathered most of the forces of the explored universe. While it wasn’t exactly a matter of sink or swim, if this battle were lost, the three great civilizations would also suffer a great loss of vitality, making it a losing proposition. Before the expedition, many officers had made military pledges, allowing only victory, not defeat.

However, the many officers did not want to deceive themselves. Their own confidence was not firm; their real confidence actually came from Black Star and the Hub Serpent. Without such trump cards, they would not dare to say they could definitely determine the outcome in one battle.

Seeing Black Star kill the Tree God, break through the encirclement, and uproot the Mother Tree, almost single-handedly pushing the war toward victory, everyone breathed a sigh of relief in addition to their excitement, feeling they had not trusted the wrong person… As expected, war still depended on Black Star to carry.

However, the leaders of the three great civilizations were not happy; instead, their faces were solemn, as if they had some concerns.

The Head of the Arcane Church hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a thoughtful tone:

“Why do I feel that Black Star doesn’t seem to be destroying the World Tree’s main body?”

Hearing this, many officers were stunned. They suppressed their inner joy and carefully observed Han Xiao’s actions toward the World Tree, and the more they looked, the more strange they found it.

“It seems that is indeed the case… He is not continuing to attack; he seems to be subduing the World Tree’s main body… Is he trying to control the World Tree?!”

Everyone’s minds were shaken, and they immediately understood that the situation had become complicated.

The officers turned their heads to look, and as expected, the faces of the three leaders had become extremely unsightly.

“What a Black Star! I guessed that he had other plans. With such a big appetite, isn’t he afraid of bursting?!”

Louis’s face revealed shock and anger.

“Our worries were indeed correct. He is using us to defeat the World Tree forces, creating an opportunity for him to subdue the World Tree’s main body. We must not sit idly by and let him achieve his goal!”

The Head of the Arcane Church spoke in an angry and decisive tone.

The World Tree was too powerful. No matter who it fell into the hands of, it would be a threat to the three great civilizations. The three great civilizations only wanted to destroy it directly and did not even dare to risk capturing it.

Black Star was already an existence beyond the norm, and the three great civilizations had long been unable to control him. If Black Star were to obtain the World Tree, it would be a qualitative threat, equivalent to him obtaining the power of a galactic civilization, enough to contend with the entire explored universe, even surpassing it to some extent, enough to shake their foundation of rule!

Although internal conflicts were temporarily suppressed by the invasion of foreign enemies, the three great civilizations had not forgotten their fear of the loss of control of individual power. There were still irreconcilable contradictions between them and Black Star. Once the war ended, these problems would resurface, and the three could not sit idly by as the Super-A Grade group controlled the World Tree.

Moreover, the war had lasted for more than a decade. As the most directly affected victims, the three great civilizations had been delayed for so long in the war, using up countless resources. Now that they were finally about to reap the fruits of victory, the three great civilizations were naturally unwilling to let Han Xiao do all the work.

We clearly mobilized a large army to resist the World Tree, suffering the most terrible losses, but in the end, we created opportunities for others. Who could tolerate this!

Even if Black Star had made great contributions, it was not allowed!

In their view, Black Star’s actions at this time were the exposure of his true intentions.

What common resistance to the enemy? That was just a superficial excuse. The real goal of Black Star staying behind to help them resist foreign enemies was to use the forces of the interstellar society to plot for the World Tree! It must be so!

The three had actually guessed at Han Xiao’s selfishness, but guessing was useless. The war still depended on Black Star, and reaching this point was almost inevitable.

“We can’t let Black Star succeed.”

“Then what should we do? Could it be that we should open fire on Black Star?”

“Are you crazy? We haven’t really won yet, and you dare to turn against each other when a great enemy is present. What are you thinking?!”

The many officers were agitated and began to argue.

Simon decisively shouted: “Notify the direct forces of the three great civilizations to stop providing fire cover for Black Star and launch a full-scale attack on the World Tree’s main body, making sure to destroy it before Black Star succeeds!”

They wanted to stop Han Xiao, but they could not turn against him. They could only temporarily change their tactics, race against time with Black Star, and quickly open fire to destroy the target.

But everyone knew that the World Tree fleet would desperately protect the Mother Tree, blocking their firepower. In addition, Black Star could not be unprepared and would definitely take some measures to hinder them.

“We can only do our best…”

Many officers had this thought, wearing stern expressions and not being optimistic.

The order was quickly transmitted, and the direct forces of the three great civilizations did not think too much and directly followed it, pouring firepower toward the World Tree’s main body, but most of the attacks were intercepted by the World Tree fleet halfway.

Just as the three great civilizations’ fleets took this action, the Black Star Army and all the Super-A Grade forces also reacted, immediately beginning to slack off and work passively, while also starting to move, deliberately blocking some of the attack directions of the three great civilizations’ fleets.

Many members of the Super-A Grade Association also took action. Some people used various movements to deliberately guide the World Tree fleet to attack the surrounding direct forces of the three great civilizations, while others opened up “indiscriminate” AoE tactics, attacking both the enemy and the fleets of the three great civilizations, indirectly disrupting the formations of the three great civilizations.

Because many “own people” were causing trouble, the cooperation of the Star Cluster Alliance was disrupted, the offensive suddenly slowed down, the advance stalled, and they were dragged into a melee by the berserk World Tree fleet, unable to extricate themselves for a while.

“Damn it!”

The Head of the Arcane Church was furious and wanted to slam the table, but the remote projection could not touch physical objects, and his fist directly passed through the table.

“I said Black Star was prepared.”

Marbrus also had an unpleasant expression.

Both sides were well aware of each other’s goals and were hindering each other, but on the surface, they still had to pretend to be united in battle, as if all their actions were to focus on attacking the World Tree. This situation could be described as sleeping in the same bed but dreaming different dreams.

The three leaders did not want to affect the war situation by burning bridges, but they felt they had no choice.

Because of the infighting on both sides, the Star Cluster Alliance was vaguely split into three factions: one was the direct forces of the three great civilizations who wanted to destroy the World Tree’s main body, and the other was the Super-A Grade forces providing cover for Black Star, mutually hindering each other.

Finally, there were the remaining allied forces who were fighting seriously. At this time, they were shocked by the “nonsense” of both sides and were very confused, not knowing what had happened. Why did they suddenly start pulling each other’s legs?

The military momentum of the Star Cluster Alliance was in turmoil, but the discord between the three great civilizations and the Super-A Grade forces did not cause much interference to Han Xiao’s process of subduing the World Tree.

Han Xiao’s energy continued to seep into the depths of the World Tree’s main body. The Mother Tree’s will had already been defeated by the Hub Serpent, unable to stop his invasion at all.

In the entanglement of spirits, illusions flashed before Han Xiao’s eyes, and he saw the history of the World Tree’s development and reproduction.

When it was weak, it was worshiped by a certain group, offering all kinds of sacrifices. The Mother Tree’s will slowly sprouted and formed in this process, providing various conveniences for the development of its subordinate group, while guiding them to expand outward.

After completing its primitive accumulation, the World Tree embarked on a bloody path of rise, becoming a cosmic hunter, one race after another becoming vassals, one civilization after another becoming food, gradually branching out, its abilities becoming more and more abundant.

Countless past events appeared before Han Xiao’s eyes. In a trance, he seemed to see a small sapling sprout and grow rapidly, eventually covering the sky and standing at the top of the starry sky. Countless wormholes appeared between the treetops, each leading to a different world. Endless cosmic radiation storms swept across, but they were like gentle breezes, only causing the lush leaves to shake slightly. Trillions of dependents and believers were spread across the roots, piously prostrating themselves in worship. This picture exuded awe-inspiring grandeur and mystery.

Buzz!

Suddenly, Han Xiao’s eyes cleared, and he retreated from the illusion. A new existence had been added to his senses, and it was the World Tree, with whom he had successfully forged a soul link.

At this moment, the Mother Tree’s will finally reached its limit and was bitten to pieces by the Hub Serpent, completely swallowed into its stomach.

In the next moment, the World Tree’s main body stopped struggling, losing any subjective independent ability to act, instantly becoming an inanimate object.

Han Xiao’s whole body shook, and a stream of information flooded into his mind, containing various abilities of the World Tree, as well as control permissions, as easy as moving his limbs.

The Tree King’s control permissions were high, but he was still a subordinate of the World Tree, while Han Xiao’s permissions were above the Mother Tree and were not controlled.

Surging new power flowed into Han Xiao’s body along the soul link, providing new blessings and pushing his energy level up a notch.

“Hiss…”

Han Xiao couldn’t help but gasp comfortably, his whole body filled with a sense of power.

He was about to recall the Hub Serpent, but he found that the Hub Serpent did not stop, but plunged into the World Tree’s main body, merging into it.

Han Xiao’s heart stirred, and he looked at the panel, only to see that the World Tree’s name had a new suffix:

[World Tree (Perfect Form)]!

“Oh, could it be that the Hub Serpent is not only a nemesis but can also merge into the World Tree and complete it?”

Han Xiao was secretly surprised.

This ability was not reflected on the Hub Serpent’s attribute panel; he only saw it now.

Just as the Hub Serpent merged into the World Tree, Han Xiao discovered the change. He had only just forged a soul link with the World Tree, only the shallowest first layer, which was still very fragile, but at this moment, the soul link was suddenly strengthened inexplicably, becoming many times more resilient.

If his previous progress in conquering the World Tree was 10%, then at this moment, it was as if it had suddenly soared to over 80%!

“Could it be that the Hub Serpent can help the controller better control the World Tree?”

Han Xiao’s heart stirred.

Suppressing the surprise in his heart, Han Xiao felt the power of the World Tree and couldn’t be more satisfied—the World Tree’s independent will had been cleared, turning it into a thoughtless tool, completely controlled by him, which could be used with confidence.

Due to the characteristics of devouring and transforming, the World Tree could be regarded as a growing cosmic treasure, but he did not need to start from scratch, because the current World Tree was already in a mature state… Controlling it was equivalent to obtaining the allegiance of the entire World Tree civilization!

The power of this thing was many times more terrifying than the Underworld legacy inherited by the Hela sisters!

“No wonder the three great civilizations wanted to sabotage my goal…”

Han Xiao turned his head to look at the battlefield, his eyes flashing, and suddenly activated the World Tree’s permissions, recalling all the World Tree fleets.

In the blink of an eye, the World Tree fleets, which were still fighting to the death, suddenly stopped fighting, turned around and dispersed without saying a word, flying into the roots and transforming back into information, entering the Mother Tree World.

For a time, the battlefield was much emptier, leaving only the Star Cluster Alliance forces, suddenly falling silent.

Originally, the World Tree members had the tragic mentality of fighting to the death, but at the moment when the Mother Tree’s will was extinguished and Han Xiao took control, everyone’s hostility suddenly disappeared without a trace. Just as they were confused, the new mission arrived. They would not disobey the World Tree’s orders and directly ceased fire and withdrew.

“Even if the momentum of the counterattack is tragic, they are just a group of puppets being manipulated. Changing a master, they will obediently obey…”

Looking at this scene, Han Xiao sighed secretly.

However, while he sympathized, he would not foolishly set the World Tree civilization free; these were all the background of the World Tree itself.

Seeing the enemy withdraw and disappear, the many Star Cluster Alliance members were stunned, then looked at Han Xiao beside the tree in unison, immediately becoming ecstatic.

“Did we win?!”

“Woohoo! We’re still alive!”

“Hahahaha—I knew we could trust Black Star!”

Countless soldiers were overjoyed, and the atmosphere of excitement and surprise quickly spread throughout the army. Even many players who had not used up all their resurrection times were infected and cheered along.

But when most of the fleets ceased fire, the direct forces of the three great civilizations still did not stop, continuing to pour firepower toward the World Tree’s main body.

Because there was no obstruction from the World Tree fleet, the direct forces of the three great civilizations advanced unhindered, and this scene immediately silenced everyone’s cheers, attracting the shocked gazes of countless comrades.

“Oh? Still not giving up, wanting to pretend to be unaware when I haven’t given the order, trying to destroy the World Tree one last time?”

Han Xiao narrowed his eyes, knowing the three great civilizations’ thoughts clearly.

He suddenly waved his hand, and a thick psionic barrier surrounded the World Tree’s main body, resisting the fleet’s bombardment, with continuous explosions.

At the same time, Han Xiao shouted in the channel:

“You can cease fire; I’ve taken control of the World Tree.”

After waiting for a few seconds, the solemn voice of the Head of the Arcane Church suddenly sounded in the channel:

“Since that’s the case, then destroy it. It remains a threat to the world!”

“There’s no need. I’ve subdued the World Tree.”

“Not enough! Only by destroying it can we completely guarantee the elimination of hidden dangers! We don’t trust even you!”

“So quickly burning bridges after crossing the river?” Han Xiao smiled noncommittally.

“You misunderstand. We’re just considering it from the perspective of maintaining interstellar peace. No one in the interstellar society wants to face such a disaster again!” The Head of the Arcane Church said in a deep voice.

Han Xiao shook his head. “Withdraw; don’t make the situation too ugly. We’ve only just achieved victory. Do you want to let the other allies see our infighting now?”

Before the Head of the Arcane Church could answer, Marbrus interrupted, speaking coldly:

“Black Star, only on this matter can we not compromise! The one who should withdraw is you. You’ve made enough contributions. Don’t be obsessed! Let go. You’re still the cosmic hero who ended the war!”

“It seems you won’t shed tears until you see the coffin…”

Han Xiao shook his head.

As soon as he finished speaking, the expressions of the three leaders and many officers suddenly became solemn and awe-inspiring.

They knew that Black Star would not give up easily and had prepared for a conflict, but their goal had always been to eliminate the World Tree’s main body. Although there was a suspicion of burning bridges, the starting point was to eliminate hidden dangers, which could be accepted by others… In their view, if Black Star killed them indiscriminately, it would inevitably arouse public anger, and the reputation accumulated during the war would immediately collapse. The other civilization allies present would also stand on their side, jointly resisting Black Star.

So while they were nervous, the three were not afraid of Black Star fighting back, and even vaguely looked forward to such a development.

However, the change in the next moment made Marbrus and the others widen their eyes.

Han Xiao did not attack; instead, he raised his hand and patted the World Tree. The enormous World Tree’s main body rapidly shrank, turning into a green stream of light that flew into Han Xiao’s palm, directly disappearing before everyone’s eyes.

“This…”

Marbrus and the others were immediately stunned.

The war with the World Tree fleet had given them the preconceived notion that the Mother Tree’s main body could not be moved. Therefore, they felt they had the upper hand, so the three were willing to risk angering Black Star and gathered a large force to destroy the World Tree on the spot.

But the three did not expect that Black Star could actually put the World Tree away, doing something that the World Tree dependents could not do before, catching them off guard… What destruction was there now? Their plans had fallen through all of a sudden.

In fact, Han Xiao could not do this at first. It was because the Hub Serpent had made his soul link degree soar, crossing several stages, that he unlocked more powers, including the ability to put the World Tree into a Super God Grade Inner Space.

Since, strictly speaking, the Inner Space was also a type of sub-dimension, it could also allow the World Tree to take root in it. In this way, the Inner Space would be greatly strengthened, becoming extremely resilient. In addition, he did not have to care about the enemy targeting the weakness of the World Tree’s main body. It was equivalent to carrying the Mother Tree with him, which was very convenient.

Han Xiao originally planned to use other methods to force the three great civilizations to withdraw, but a head-on conflict was inevitable and would somewhat damage his reputation. But now that he had this new operation, he temporarily changed his plan, directly causing the three great civilizations to lose their target, which was much easier.

Just as the three leaders were at a loss, Han Xiao’s remote projection suddenly appeared in the strategic command center, smiling noncommittally:

“The three of you, what do you say now?”

Marbrus and the others had uncertain expressions and did not respond.

Only when the World Tree’s main body was exposed in front of the army did they have an opportunity to take advantage of. Now there was no chance. As for letting Black Star hand it over… The three were still self-aware. No matter how inflated they were, they did not think they had such great influence.

“Black Star, you succeeded. You must be very happy now…”

Marbrus had a complicated expression, his tone somewhat sour, with a hint of unwillingness and ridicule.

“Yes, I am very happy. The war is finally over. Everyone is cheering. Aren’t you happy about this?” Han Xiao raised his eyebrows.

The three had stern expressions.

How could we be happy? Who knows if we just escaped the tiger’s den and entered the wolf’s den…

Seeing this, Han Xiao smiled faintly and did not continue to tease them.

Anyway, he had gained the benefits, so he would not act smug while still profiting. There would be plenty of time to settle the score in the future. He did not plan to argue with the three about what had happened just now; this was not a suitable time.

At this time, Han Xiao changed the subject and said, “Alright, I won’t say much more. Let’s talk about business. I have a plan, and I hope you will cooperate.”

“…What plan?”

The three were somewhat surprised.

We just achieved victory. What kind of trick is Black Star going to pull now?

“You should block the news about our defeat of the World Tree civilization and not let it leak out. This Star Cluster Alliance has a complex composition, so it’s best to temporarily control them.”

“Uh… What are you going to do?” Marbrus asked suspiciously.

Han Xiao smiled and said:

“Haven’t you been investigating who leaked the information all along? I said it was a third party, but you just didn’t believe me. I just happened to get the technology of the information state alert network from the World Tree. I don’t need to explain the effect; you’ve all experienced it. This might be able to discover the traces of the third-party forces. What do you think?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Marbrus and the others’ eyes lit up.