Chapter 1029: The Empire's Plan

Chapter 1029: The Empire's Design

Compared to his three hundredth tier, the surge in his attributes was pronounced, though it stemmed chiefly from the twenty-first tier's vitality bonus, a quiet accumulation Han Xiao had cultivated during the era's shifting tides.

As one's realm ascended, the vitality bonus swelled in proportion, a vital cornerstone of any transcendent's combat prowess.

This ascension granted a ninety-point surge in endurance, twenty points greater than the last; in these late stages, climbing the ladder grew ever more arduous, yet each breakthrough yielded compounding fortitude. The violent leap in energy tier also elevated his S-rank class bonuses, and with every attribute intricately woven into a single tapestry, a ripple in one corner sent a wave of comprehensive reinforcement coursing through Han Xiao's entire being.

A mere routine breakthrough had yielded such a ferocious leap; Han Xiao felt a deep, quiet satisfaction settle in his chest.

"As for these two thousand spare attribute points..."

Han Xiao pondered for a moment, leaving them untouched for now. With his intellect and endurance already towering, he resolved to allocate them with fluid adaptability, waiting to see how the winds of fate blew.

His potential points, however, would continue to feed his professional lore, with the ultimate disciplines taking precedence.

The ultimate disciplines currently maxed out remained the three he had mastered during his three hundredth tier trial: [Eternal Energy], [Virtual Creator], and [Trans-Spatial Theory]. The remaining three belonged to non-core branches, burdened by a triple penalty; elevating them from first to fifth rank demanded a staggering two hundred and eighty-eight potential points in total.

During the recent shifts, Han Xiao had gathered a considerable hoard of potential points, raising those three ultimate disciplines slightly. The twenty-eight points currently resting on his interface were precisely enough to push [Mechanical Life Spark] to its zenith.

Yet, after a moment's reflection, he chose otherwise. Instead, he diverted his focus to the martial branch, investing a single point into [Ultimate Mechanical Engineering], elevating it to the third tier.

This discipline governed his crafting prowess. Eager to bolster the success rate of forging the Sovereign's Regalia and the Emperor's Mantle, he prioritized its advancement.

"Plans are but shadows when reality shifts. I had intended to linger in the shadows, but now I must labor while I wait," Han Xiao murmured, shaking his head.

Stranded alone in the wilderness, he could not access the sovereign workshops within his base. He would have to make do with a secondary dimensional arsenal for the time being, and he still needed to arrange for raw materials to be delivered to his doorstep.

By his calculations, completion before the emergence of the Chaos Secret Energy seemed unlikely. Crafting artifacts of cosmic treasure grade demanded immense labor, particularly for a monolithic masterpiece like the Emperor's Mantle.

"At three hundred and twenty, with my combat prowess sharpened once more, I truly feel how the closer I draw to the echelons of the Mechanized Dominion and the Void Sovereign, the more profoundly their might resonates..." Han Xiao sighed, a note of reverence in his voice.

Watching the chasm between him and those titans narrow step by step, a quiet joy bloomed within him.

Yet, following this breakthrough, the cost of further ascension had skyrocketed once again. In these late stages, each leap yielded extraordinary dividends, but the price tag climbed in equally staggering jumps.

"It will likely take a long while to amass enough experience for the three hundred and fortieth tier," Han Xiao nodded to himself. "And I must find an opportunity to inquire into the nature of the Divine Metamorphosis and the First Sanctuary."

...

The Constellation Corridor, the crimson empire's homeworld, the political heart of the realm: the Tyrenhamil Palace.

Bekelodi, a paramount leader of the hardline faction, sat in the council chamber with his eyes closed, resting in quiet meditation. After a while, a remote projection flickered into existence within the room, revealing Gao De.

"You have arrived," Bekelodi said, opening his eyes.

"I trust you summoned me to deliver good tidings," Gao De replied, his expression placid.

"Indeed, it is good news," Bekelodi's voice grew grave. "Your petition has been approved. The imperial high command has decided to entrust the Chaos Secret Energy to your care... provided your unique ability truly functions as you claim, capable of mastering the chaos."

The empire had placed its wager on Black Star, viewing him as the most crucial pillar to uphold the nation's future. Yet, they harbored no objection to cultivating a second titan of such caliber. Gao De's ability was exceedingly rare, and the empire was willing to invest in his extraordinary potential, all the more so because he was a direct imperial scion, not a distant ally who ignored summons and defied decrees.

"I know precisely the limits and depths of my power. So long as the empire extends its trust, I shall not let it down," Gao De said with a faint, composed smile.

"So long as you prove your worth, the empire will not withhold the resources needed to nurture you, just as it does for Black Star now," Bekelodi remarked. His tone darkened slightly at the mention of Han Xiao.

Han Xiao's outright rejection of the one-for-three evolution cube proposal had left Bekelodi deeply displeased.

Hearing this, Gao De offered a half-smile, neither confirming nor denying anything, and smoothly steered the conversation onward.

"The day of the Chaos Secret Energy's emergence draws near. How are the empire's preparations faring?"

Bekelodi nodded. "The empire has already dispatched forces to every location indicated by our intelligence. Simultaneously, we have detected anomalous movements from numerous factions. It is confirmed they possess relics of the alien deities as well; they are our rivals for the chaos..."

"What manner of factions are they?"

"Not many in number, but their composition is complex, spanning every conceivable type. However, the Radiant and the Ethereal seem to be making no moves. It is unclear whether they are aware..."

"It sounds as though there are many variables. Can the empire guarantee securing the Chaos Secret Energy?"

"The situation remains murky. The empire's seers have caught only fragmented visions, suggesting the Emerald Star Cluster is the most likely locus for the energy's appearance. Fortunately, the Shining World falls within our sphere of influence, so the empire has resolved to enlist the aid of several super-A-rank allies," Bekelodi said, narrowing his eyes.

"Black Star?"

"He is not the empire's chosen instrument," Bekelodi replied, shaking his head.

The Black Star Legion wielded the most formidable influence in the Shining World. Logically, enlisting his aid would be the most reliable course, yet the empire had chosen otherwise. Bekelodi offered no explanation.

A subtle shift passed through Gao De's mind. He gleaned a fragment of truth from those words and allowed a quiet smile to touch his lips.

Tsk, tsk. It seems the evolution cube dispute has indeed sown discord between the empire and Black Star... roughly the equivalent of a lovers' quarrel, perhaps?

His eyes flickered slightly, and Gao De spoke calmly. "In that case, I have a suggestion. It would be prudent to keep Black Star occupied elsewhere, lest unforeseen complications arise."

"I lack the authority to command Black Star," Bekelodi said, waving a hand. "Recent whispers suggest his guards are stationed at his summer palace, and Emrys of the Shattered Star Ring has also paid him a visit. It is highly likely his true form remains at his main stronghold. By all appearances, he is not privy to our plans and will not interfere..."

Pausing, Bekelodi's expression hardened. "Even if Black Star does intervene, the empire can negotiate with him. Given his current circumstances, the likelihood of him rejecting our proposal again is slim. He should understand the necessity of proactively mending our ties."

"So much the better. I harbor no desire for this operation to encounter mishaps," Gao De said, his eyes narrowing slightly.

The empire wished to shield this unique talent from danger until he had fully matured, hence their decision to keep him entirely out of the fray.

All Gao De needed to do was remain obediently at home, waiting for the empire to deliver the seized Chaos Secret Energy into his hands.

To have the empire wield its power on my behalf... how exceedingly convenient. Gao De chuckled silently to himself, shaking his head.

——

(I have been swamped with matters these past few days and lacked the time, so this chapter is slightly shorter than usual. I will return to my normal schedule once I am back home on the eighteenth. (:?:))