Chapter 1 The Arrival

The area where the exploration team was annihilated had been equipped with a stargate device by Han Xiao's mechanical forces. The channel was activated, and a spatial vortex slowly rotated. Before long, batches of fleets from the three major civilizations sailed out of the stargate.

Simon spotted the mechanical base suspended in space outside the window at a glance – a temporary stronghold built by Han Xiao.

"We're here," Simon messaged Han Xiao.

"I see it. Here's the exploration team's trajectory. The next step is up to you."

Han Xiao replied casually and sent the intelligence to the various commanders.

Simon nodded without exchanging pleasantries and turned to order the fleet to begin operations.

The combined legions of the three major civilizations immediately dispersed, with engineering teams building the rudiments of a defensive perimeter on the spot. The mobile forces, meanwhile, retraced the exploration team's route, deploying spatial stabilization devices along the way. The World Tree could only extract coordinates from the exploration team's route to open wormholes, and the three major civilizations were countering this.

Watching the fleets of the three major civilizations begin work in an orderly manner, Han Xiao nodded.

Although the two sides had made contact ahead of schedule, the three major civilizations were in a much better situation than in his previous life. The World Tree had not yet grasped their details and had not prepared itself, so it could not invade from the secondary dimensions. Thus, the three major civilizations only needed to focus on the main universe front for the time being, saving a lot of energy. Moreover, they currently had the upper hand, intercepting the enemy outside their territory. The situation was quite good.

Everyone worked diligently for a long time. Suddenly, an anomaly in the space-time coefficient occurred at a certain point on the exploration team's route, immediately attracting everyone's attention.

A wormhole vortex generated out of thin air, but as it was forming, the wormhole's nascent form was disturbed by the nearby spatial stabilization anchors. The process was interrupted, and it was extinguished in an instant.

"The World Tree's teleportation failed."

Upon seeing this, many officers of the three major civilizations were delighted. This was obviously an attempt by the World Tree to dispatch the next batch of troops after the exploration team was annihilated. It proved that the scheme they were currently implementing was effective, successfully preventing the World Tree from teleporting a troop deployment.

In this way, the World Tree could only choose more distant coordinates for teleportation, constantly trying until it succeeded. At that time, the well-prepared three major civilizations would naturally encircle and suppress it, and a firefight would begin.

Since the plan was effective, Han Xiao did not keep staring at it. He could leave this aspect to the three major civilizations; with more people and greater momentum, their efficiency would be higher.

Leaving behind a throne, Han Xiao switched to Emperor's Return and went to the explored universe. There were still many things to do.

…

Fein Star, Super-A Grade Association headquarters.

After Han Xiao returned, he immediately convened an emergency meeting. The association members received the news and attended one after another.

Since the three major civilizations lifted the ban, Black Star had not summoned everyone so urgently. In the conference hall, the projections of many Super-A Grades descended upon their respective seats, curiously watching Han Xiao.

"Black Star, why did you call us together so urgently? Is something wrong?" Kuxiu asked, turning his head.

Han Xiao glanced around and said in a deep voice, "I know you've all been curious about the inside story of our truce with the three major civilizations. Previously, due to confidentiality agreements and some strategic considerations, I didn't reveal it to the outside world. But now, the situation has changed, and I can tell you... The three major civilizations discovered an alien civilization that lives by invasion, threatening the safety of the entire interstellar society, so at a critical moment, they chose to compromise and concede, hoping to unite our strength to fight the foreign enemy together."

Hearing this, the expressions of the many Super-A Grades present changed. Some suddenly understood, some were doubtful, and some were unsurprised.

Many had already vaguely anticipated this possibility and did not show much reaction at this time.

Maneyson's eyes flashed, and he slowly said, "Is this the three major civilizations' condition for giving us independent status?"

"That's right," Han Xiao nodded.

"What is the strength of this foreign enemy?" Kuxiu asked curiously.

"For some reasons, it's temporarily inconvenient to reveal the details, but overall they are very strong..." Han Xiao briefly described the scale of the World Tree's forces.

After hearing the introduction, many people present looked at each other, frowned, and became wary of the powerful enemy Han Xiao described.

"I didn't expect that we would be fighting alongside the three major civilizations in the blink of an eye."

"Are the three major civilizations able to win against such a powerful enemy?"

"Even if they can win, it will probably be a pyrrhic victory."

Many people whispered to each other, discussing in low voices, worried.

Dillon frowned, "So, we still have to work for the three major civilizations?"

Han Xiao waved his hand, "It's just a transaction. Besides, we are also the prey of the foreign enemy, and our relationship with the three major civilizations is one of mutual dependence."

"Nonsense! The three major civilizations can't even take care of themselves. We can completely protect ourselves and leave. They wouldn't dare to stop us at this juncture. But staying to fight is just using our lives to maintain the rule of the three major civilizations!"

Dillon's tone was dissatisfied. His hostility toward the three major civilizations was firm.

"If we participate in the war, I don't know how many people will die. Even if there is the Sanctuary to revive us, I guess it will also…" Bai Ge'er stopped talking.

Most people were willing to work with the three major civilizations for the treatment of the Super-A Grade class, because there were historical reasons, but if they were fighting for the three major civilizations, many people would not be happy.

Among them, the Resurrected accounted for the largest proportion. They felt that they could no longer enjoy the Sanctuary's revival, and they did not think it was worth losing this life for the three major civilizations.

The problem of protecting the people was not considered by a part of the Super-A Grades. After all, individual power was different from civilization. If they did not start by relying on the people, they naturally did not have much obligation to protect them.

Now that the problems of the Super-A Grade class had been basically solved, many Resurrected had achieved their goals of leaving the mountains, and their mentality had inevitably turned to taking care of themselves.

Han Xiao took in everyone's expressions and said, "This is a condition of the transaction. If you don't participate in the war, the association's independent status and other agreements will be void."

Dillon snorted dismissively, "Come on, it's not certain whether the three major civilizations can win. We are fighting at the risk of our lives, but if the three major civilizations lose, these agreements will still be useless. It's a blood loss for us… This is obviously a trick to get something for nothing!"

"What you said is right, but everything has two sides. This is also an opportunity. Besides, we were all born in interstellar society. It's not time to abandon our homeland yet. Running away is not the first option," Han Xiao shook his head.

"Okay, let's say we win against the foreign enemy, but after that, if the three major civilizations take the opportunity to cleanse us again, will we still have the power to resist as we do now?" Dillon questioned.

"Of course I've considered this. Don't worry, the main force against the foreign enemy won't be us. The losses of the three major civilizations will only be greater than ours. By then, the association will still be able to retain enough power, even stronger than it is now."

Dillon snorted coldly, "It's easy to say. I can't control others, but I won't agree anyway. Don't even think about me fighting for the three major civilizations!"

Han Xiao ignored him and turned to look at the others, "What do you think?"

Listening to the two people's argument, the many Super-A Grades had different expressions. Some were hesitant, and some were calm.

"Black Star is right. This is a transaction. There are risks and benefits. We are not fighting for the three major civilizations, but for our homeland. At least for me personally, I've been living here for so long and have gotten used to it. If it's not necessary, I don't want to sit idly by and watch the interstellar society be destroyed," Kant slowly spoke up.

Kuxiu nodded and said, "No matter what, it's too early to discuss running away before the war even starts. I believe Black Star doesn't mean to fight to the death. If the situation is really irreversible, with his style, he won't take us down a dark path."

"That's the way it is," the Secret Master nodded expressionlessly.

Most Super-A Grades other than the Resurrected understood Han Xiao's approach. After all, not everyone was willing to abandon their homeland. Moreover, as Super-A Grades, they still had the confidence to protect themselves even in the face of a cosmic-level war. There was no reason to panic. Being scared away by the enemy was not within the scope of most people's considerations. They had to fight to know if they could win.

Hearing this, Han Xiao nodded to everyone, then looked at Dillon and others, and slowly said:

"The war hasn't broken out yet, and you still have plenty of time to consider. The association respects the opinions of every member and cannot force anyone to participate in the war... Of course, if you change your mind one day, I also welcome you to fight alongside us."

"Hmph, even if the interstellar society is gone and I have to retreat into seclusion, I won't regret my attitude today!" Dillon hummed.

Han Xiao's expression was calm, and he was not angry. It was normal to have differences. He had considered this point a long time ago.

However, in his previous life, the explored universe was universally militarized, which shows that most people were still contrary to their words and deeds. Moreover, in his previous life, the Oathkeeper persuaded many Resurrected to take action and participate in the war at a critical moment. Obviously, it was not just about reasoning with emotions. He probably used Sanctuary revival as a bargaining chip, which is why all the Super-A Grades were moved.

When the truth about the unlimited Sanctuary revival is exposed, he believed that these aloof war-avoiders would be truly pleased.

Han Xiao gave some instructions before announcing the end of the meeting. Everyone left with their own thoughts, leaving only Maneyson behind.

"Is there anything you want to say to me?" Han Xiao glanced at him and asked.

Maneyson clasped his hands on his legs and said lightly, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Do you want to reconsider my route?"

"What, do you want to replace the three major civilizations?" Han Xiao said with a smile that was not a smile.

"Isn't that possible?" Maneyson glanced at Han Xiao. "If we are defeated, then pretend I didn't say anything. If we win, this is a great opportunity. Perhaps that will be the weakest moment for the three major civilizations so far. The Virtual Rebellion Virus in our hands can come in handy."

"You're still unwilling to give up, and even the things you're plotting are even more exaggerated," Han Xiao shook his head.

Maneyson was expressionless, "After the three major civilizations recover, they will still regard us as a thorn in their side. As long as they stay on top of us for a day, we will not have true peace for a day. Your balance route is effective, but isn't it better to solve the threat once and for all?"

"It's too early to say this. Let's focus on dealing with the foreign enemy now."

Han Xiao remained noncommittal and waved his hand.

…

For the citizens of the interstellar society, this was an ordinary day, but on this day, the peaceful life in their eyes was easily broken by the interstellar decree jointly issued by the three major civilizations.

On this day, the three major civilizations announced that a powerful alien civilization was planning to invade the interstellar society. From today onwards, the entire universe would enter a state of war, and the Shining World and other marginal star fields were required to begin large-scale population migration.

This earth-shattering news swept through every star field like a hurricane. All the interstellar citizens and civilian forces who saw the news could not believe their eyes and thought it was fake news.

However, the subsequent actions of the three major civilizations proved that this was not a joke. Large numbers of official fleets forcibly migrated the population in various marginal star fields. Civilizations in various regions cooperated extremely well. Ships carrying interstellar citizens of different races were packed and sent to transport ships, heading towards the hinterland of the explored universe.

The Super-A Grade Association, which had gained amazing reputation recently, also issued a statement at the same time, proving that what the three major civilizations said was true. They would jointly resist the foreign enemy and began to recruit superhumans throughout the universe without restriction.

This series of actions occurred almost without any interval, as if they had been prepared long ago. The efficiency was extremely high, and the tense atmosphere of the coming storm instantly swept through the entire interstellar society.

There was no relevant news before, and the situation came too suddenly, like a calm sea being hit by a meteor falling from the sky, setting off huge waves. Public opinion exploded instantly.

However, the characteristics of the interstellar era were that the people were used to all kinds of strange things, and their adaptability and acceptance were strong enough. Although the long-term peaceful life had slowed down the reaction of many people, on the whole, the interstellar citizens quickly accepted the fact that a foreign war was about to break out. They had no time to think wildly and hurriedly responded.

Fortunately, the conflict between the three major civilizations and the Super-A Grade Association some time ago gave quite a few interstellar citizens experience. At this time, they almost seamlessly switched to the mindset of escaping, without any hesitation.

Without the three major civilizations forcing them to migrate, most interstellar citizens consciously left the marginal star fields, forming a huge migration wave. Public stargates were blocked, and the fleets could extend to the end of the line of sight, boundless.

While migrating the population, the group armies of the three major civilizations were marching towards the marginal star fields, requisitioning most of the regions, and starting the war mode.

In daily life, all star fields were living areas. Once a foreign war broke out, the entire explored universe would be the strategic depth in the eyes of the three major civilizations, and all star fields would be war zones with different functions.