Chapter 1007: Talks (Revised)

Chapter 1007: The Summit (Revised)

As more and more Beyond Grade A entities arrived at the Black Star Army headquarters, Han Xiao's domain grew increasingly bustling; within a mere handful of days, a host of seventy or eighty Beyond Grade A forces had gathered there.

The Amethyst Civilization, which held jurisdiction over this star cluster, grew steadily uneasy, secretly mobilizing its armies and laying down defensive arrangements.

Nor was it Amethyst alone; every cluster-level civilization holding power within the Shattered Star Ring, along with the garrisoned fleets of the three Universal Civilizations stationed in this sector, began their own covert preparations, warships slipping through the void like shadows, bracing for the storm.

Such a concentration of the cosmos's pinnacle combat power could effortlessly overturn an entire star sector, and since this terrifying might rested in the hands of free-thinking, independent individuals prone to unpredictability, these civilizations dared not lower their guard.

As for the Gedora Civilization, which directly administered the star system housing the Black Star Army headquarters, they stood as though facing a mortal foe, recalling their fleets and massing them entirely within the headquarters' designated zone.

The undercurrents churning beyond these walls did little to dampen the spirits of the gathered Beyond Grade A elites, and with Heber's arrival as the final guest, the summit commenced precisely as scheduled.

The venue was a grand hall within the headquarters, its vaulted ceiling soaring a hundred meters high, while dozens of levitating thrones formed a silent circle, hovering steadily five meters above the floor.

The massive doors swung open, and the Beyond Grade A guests who had been residing at the headquarters filed in one by one, ranging from the towering Beast Ancestor Gorutan to the finger-sized Sun Hunter, each a spectacle unto themselves.

Each chose a seat, the allies of the three great civilizations drawing clear lines as they clustered together, while Beyond Grade A figures from other factions settled in the spaces between.

Once seated, they noticed three adjacent thrones remained vacant; seeing that Han Xiao had yet to appear, they fell into casual conversation, their eyes quietly sizing one another up.

During the days of waiting, many had paid visits to one another; those who had previously known only each other's reputations now seized the opportunity Han Xiao provided to finally make acquaintances and forge new alliances.

The most frequently visited were naturally the pinnacle Beyond Grade A elites, those of exalted status and formidable influence, such as Manison, Kesuye, Kant, and Gorutan, while Clotti and a handful of others had not journeyed to the Shattered Star Ring and thus abstained from the gathering.

Yet at this very moment, the eyes lingered most upon the circle's newcomers, the fledgling Beyond Grade A entities born less than a decade ago, such as Radiance's Heitis, the Empire's Silver Shadow, and the Void Spirit's Tolaine.

After a short while, three figures strode through the entrance, drawing an immediate end to the chatter as all gazes shifted toward the doorway; it was Han Xiao, Hela, and Ames.

Han Xiao advanced with measured strides, halted before his mechanical throne, and ascended slowly into the air before turning to take his seat, his gaze sweeping across every Beyond Grade A present.

Simultaneously, Ames and Hela took the vacant seats at his left and right.

Many eyes drifted toward Hela, gleaming with quiet curiosity, for the Black Star Army's newest Beyond Grade A had drawn considerable interest.

Rumble...

At last, the great doors groaned shut.

A faint smile graced Han Xiao's lips as he surveyed the room and spoke in a measured tone, "Now that everyone has arrived, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I am deeply honored that you have deigned to attend this summit and lend me your presence..."

Even as he offered these pleasantries, his eyes carefully studied the assembly.

As he spoke, some sat rigidly upright with solemn expressions, others wore masks of indifference, a few offered polite smiles of goodwill, and still others lounged lazily against their chairs with an air of casual detachment, each posture betraying their underlying stance.

Of the seventy-odd Beyond Grade A elites present, over forty, himself included, were allied with the three great civilizations, while the remainder operated largely as independents, with a handful serving as allies to super-cluster civilizations.

Many bore multiple identities; several Ancient Ones had attended, alongside a few shareholders of the Infinite Financial Group, and even patrons of the interstellar black market such as the "Beast Ancestor" and the "Secret Lord," all figures of considerable weight demanding careful attention.

Between them lay a labyrinth of intricate relationships; some shared genuine camaraderie, others harbored bitter grudges, some played the part of brothers while plotting in the shadows, and others maintained a facade of discord while secretly bolstering one another.

During those days of waiting, Han Xiao had made his own rounds, befriending every attendee while quietly conducting his probes; he had gathered combat data on everyone present, and though a handful outranked him, obscuring their full profiles, the abilities of the rest lay completely within his grasp, yielding a rich harvest of intelligence.

Yet these individuals remained entirely in the dark, utterly unaware that their deepest secrets had already been laid bare.

"Regardless of what motives brought you here to honor me with your presence, I thank you all for coming..." Having concluded his formalities, Han Xiao steered the conversation toward its true purpose. "I trust you have already exchanged pleasantries, so I shall spare my breath and forgo the introductions."

The assembly offered polite smiles, their gazes locking onto Han Xiao as they awaited his next words.

Han Xiao tapped the armrest of his throne lightly and spoke, "I convened this summit primarily to discuss matters concerning the Shattered Star Ring..."

Before he could finish, a discordant voice cut through the air.

"Hmph. Do you truly believe you can speak for the entire Shattered Star Ring?"

Eyes shifted subtly as the crowd turned toward the source; the speaker was Selaon of the Radiant Federation, also a member of the Ancient Ones, his face etched with open disdain.

Han Xiao's expression remained unshaken as he replied with a smile, "With so many civilizations and organizations within the Shattered Star Ring, one man like myself could hardly claim to represent the stance of an entire star sector."

"Then what right do you have to broach such a subject?" Selaon challenged. "Do not forget that the Radiant Federation holds actual authority here. We alone are entitled to speak for this sector, not you."

Selaon's allies from Radiance made no move to stop him; their attendance was merely a gesture of courtesy, but as rivals, they had no intention of letting Han Xiao achieve his aims without friction. Obstruction was inevitable, and even if they did not intervene, they would certainly not make his path comfortable.

"On that point, I must disagree," Han Xiao replied steadily. "I am a native of the Shattered Star Ring, stationed here on behalf of the Empire, and I stand as the strongest Beyond Grade A in this sector. Though I cannot claim to represent the entire region's official stance, I certainly possess the right to speak for it in a personal capacity. Moreover, I am not here to unilaterally decree policies; today is merely a consultation."

"The strongest Beyond Grade A in the Shattered Star Ring? I doubt that," Selaon sneered.

Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, his arms spreading slightly. "Do you question my combat record?"

"Rest assured, Heber, Cisco, and Ames have all fallen to you, and I will not deny the facts. As for Hela... she is but a fledgling, and likely no match for you either."

At these words, Heber's expression darkened; he harbored no fondness for outsiders airing his defeats before such an assembly.

Cisco cast a frigid glance at Selaon, then shot a glare at Han Xiao; as the old saying went, one does not strike a man at his weakest point, and his irritation was palpable.

Ames, however, remained utterly unfazed, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on her lips as she watched in silence. Hela's face was as impassive as stone, deaf to the provocation.

Han Xiao asked, "Then what alternative view do you hold?"

"It is simple. There remains one man you have never defeated in direct combat—the Sorcerer Austin!" Selaon shook his head. "He merely keeps a low profile, which hardly means he is inferior to you. Until you best him, your claim as the sector's strongest remains unproven."

Austin blinked in surprise, wondering why his name had been dragged into this fray out of nowhere.

A moment's reflection revealed the truth: they were trying to roast him over an open flame, clearly attempting to sow discord. Though the instigator likely knew of his amicable ties with Black Star, testing the waters cost nothing, and planting even a minor seed of doubt between them would be counted as a victory.

"I acknowledge Black Star's status as the sector's strongest, and I readily admit I am no match for him," Austin replied with a slight curl of his lip. It was the only sensible response; he certainly had no intention of sparring with Han Xiao on the spot.

Hearing this, Han Xiao offered Austin a respectful nod before turning back to Selaon. "Any further objections?"

"None," Selaon replied. Catching a subtle signal from Manison, he closed his eyes and fell silent.

Han Xiao swept his gaze across the room, noting no further dissent, and spoke in a grave tone:

"Very well. Since you all acknowledge my right to speak for the Shattered Star Ring, let us return to the matter at hand... With the opening of the Glowing World imminent, I understand why you have gathered here to await deployment. Yet I trust you are all aware that concentrating so many Beyond Grade A elites in a single sector breeds instability. As the leading supernatural authority in the Shattered Star Ring, I have a word to say, and I ask for your quiet attention."

"Having risen to power within the Shattered Star Ring, I naturally bear the responsibility of maintaining its stability. I welcome you all as guests, but I have one modest request... I ask that during your stay, you do not disrupt the peace or stir up trouble. If you are willing to grant me this courtesy, I shall be deeply grateful."

At this point, Han Xiao's tone shifted, growing noticeably heavier:

"However... should anyone choose to treat my request as mere wind past their ears, I will regard it as a direct challenge to me, and I will not let it rest. Remember, the development of the Glowing World is a long endeavor, and I have no desire to foster animosity with any of you."

The atmosphere in the hall instantly tightened, eyes flashing with varied emotions—some indifferent, some approving, some earnest, others deeply solemn.

Though Han Xiao's words were draped in courtesy, their core was a stark threat and warning, carrying an unyielding dominance: no matter what mighty dragons you may be in your own territories, before this local serpent, you will coil your bodies and sheathe your claws, or you will leave here broken and burdened!

Anyone wishing to stir chaos in the Shattered Star Ring would do well to weigh the consequences of crossing him!

Every soul seated here was a paramount figure in their respective regions, many the very voice of their star sectors, and quite a few found his words grating to the ear.

Yet the Black Star of today commanded both status and strength undeniable enough to pacify an entire sector; he had long since earned the right to speak thus, and none dared deem it inappropriate.

Breaking the silence, Austin smiled and said, "I, too, am a local Beyond Grade A of the Shattered Star Ring, and I have no wish to see this sector descend into chaos. Black Star's words echo my own sentiments."

"Hmph. I feel the same," Heber grumbled, his tone laced with reluctance.

Swiftly following, Ames and Hela voiced their agreement, leaving Cisco with no choice but to swallow his pride and echo their stance.

In that moment, every local Beyond Grade A of the Shattered Star Ring threw their weight behind Han Xiao, pledging to jointly uphold the sector's stability, a tacit acknowledgment of his leadership.

Han Xiao paused for a few seconds, drinking in their reactions, before a sudden smile broke across his face. "Naturally, if you are willing to extend me this courtesy, I am prepared to offer a degree of cooperation during the development of the Glowing World. At present, the Black Star Army controls the largest territory there, and I trust I can provide you all with considerable assistance."

Many eyes instantly brightened.

It was common knowledge that the Black Star Army's holdings in the Glowing World were vast, and since that realm was everyone's ultimate objective, securing Han Xiao's aid would naturally smooth their path. Before arriving, they had assumed this summit was merely a display of deterrence; his offer of cooperation came as a pleasant, unexpected boon.

"Your words will be remembered," Manison stated coolly. "Radiance, too, has no desire to see troublemakers operate here."

Seeing the Machine Empire's patriarch voice his stance, numerous other Beyond Grade A elites promptly followed suit.

"Since both Black Star and the Machine Empire have spoken, let no one stir trouble in the Shattered Star Ring."

"Wait peacefully for the Shining World to open; there will be ample time in the days to come."

"Whoever dares to run rampant here shall be the enemy of us all."

"Black Star, we grant you this courtesy. Remember to honor your word."

At these words, Han Xiao offered a faint smile. "I am glad we have reached a consensus."

Just then, Manison abruptly shifted his tone. "Black Star deserves respect for spearheading this summit to stabilize the sector, but I must ask—you did not gather us merely for such trifles, did you?"

A flicker passed through Han Xiao's eyes as he turned to face him, gesturing with an open hand. "Speak your mind, then."

"Very well. I shall not mince words."

One by one, the assembly turned their gazes upon Manison, curiosity etched upon their faces, unsure of his intent.

Manison pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. "The advanced civilizations use us, just as we use them. It is only natural that those seated here serve different factions, clashing and bleeding for their causes. Yet I believe we must not confine ourselves entirely to these factional divides. Those are merely the rules of engagement dictated by the higher powers. There are times when we must step beyond their board and plot for our own sake."

At his words, expressions shifted subtly across the room, and a heavy silence fell upon the gathering.

The subject had always been a delicate one; none had expected Manison to voice it so openly on this occasion, showing no regard for the direct descendants of the advanced civilizations present.

From the moment one stepped into the Super A-Class realm, all belonged to the same stratum; no matter how their allegiances diverged, it could never alter the fundamental nature of their station.

Manison swept his gaze around the circle and continued. "You know as well as I that the advanced civilizations both require us and fear us. They would rather we keep our distance from one another. An assembly of this scale is a rare privilege, and as you have all witnessed, our mere meeting has sent shockwaves across the cosmos. Even now, countless fleet cannons are undoubtedly trained upon our coordinates. You know I do not speak in idle threats."

"Our predicament needs no further emphasis from you," Kant interjected, his brow furrowed. "I do not believe this is the time to broach such a subject. It is far too soon."

"Better to prepare early than to be caught unprepared," Manison replied coolly.

"Then why raise this matter at all? Do you expect us all to form an alliance?" Gorutan's voice rumbled like grinding stones.

"Let me remind you that a total alliance is little different from open rebellion," Kesuye cut in, leaving unspoken the thought that pillars of the three great civilizations like themselves were essentially secure, and thus he wanted no part in it.

Voices rose from all sides, each airing their views in heated debate; such topics were rarely discussed in ordinary times, and Han Xiao's gathering had unwittingly become a forum for exchanging these dangerous thoughts.

"Rest assured, the hour is not yet ripe. All I seek is a tacit understanding..." As he spoke, Manison turned his eyes toward Han Xiao, his tone laced with curiosity. "You are the host of this summit. You have listened for some time without intervening. What, then, is your stance?"

Every head turned toward Han Xiao; Black Star's standing within their circle was no longer insignificant, and his opinion carried equal weight.

Han Xiao spread his hands and shook his head.

"I have no further objections. I merely feel that there are still far too few Super A-Classes..."

"Indeed. Far too few," Manison sighed with feeling.

Han Xiao cast him a sidelong glance.

The "too few" we speak of certainly do not carry the same meaning.