Chapter 908: Old Friend (Thanks to alliance leader Yu Jian Qianxun for the 120,000 reward!)

Chapter 908: Old Friend (Thank you, Fish's Thousand-Sight Chieftain, for the twelve thousand reward!)

The amount of experience rewards was nearly the same as the Berserker's Battle Task, and completing all requirements, exceeding two hundred billion, was the standard reward for most direct confrontations with tasks above the A-level.

With the political asset bonus, Han Xiao's actual experience gains doubled, and his experience savings increased significantly.

In addition to these two rewards, there were a Legend Degree and a Character Card.

[Stellar Legend Degree (Shattered Halo): [Constellation War]—Your record book will include your battle with Constellation Emrys, and your fame will be celebrated across the stars.]

[Character Arrival Card—"Constellation" Emrys: [Force Field Dragon Body]—Your body is covered by a force field, granting an additional layer of 300,000 shield value for a rigid defensive force field, with defense at 3,500 and a shield recovery rate of 30,000 per second. When this defensive force field is completely destroyed, it will regenerate after a 10-second cooldown. Simultaneously, each of your melee attacks deals an extra 20,000 to 260,000 physical damage. When making a strength check, you gain an additional 1,500 bonus, lasting for 30 minutes, with a usage limit of 0/3.]

"The effects are pretty good, useful in close combat," Han Xiao nodded, closing the panel.

After cleaning up the battlefield, Dragon Tank returned to the base, and Han Xiao followed suit.

The training ground was not far from the Azure Star, and it didn't take long to reach there. Dragon Tank returned to the Azure Star, parking in the outer space orbit.

Ships came and went on this blue planet. Thanks to the interstellar conglomerates' opportunities, the Azure Star's civilization rapidly advanced, now resembling an interstellar metropolis.

Back on his homeworld, Han Xiao decided to take a look at the changes in the Azure Star, and invited Emrys to join him.

Though Emrys seemed indifferent about her defeat, Han Xiao needed to eliminate negative factors and maintain the alliance, so he took this opportunity to spend time with Emrys, reinforcing their relationship and minimizing the negative impact of their encounter.

Emrys often gazed down on the Azure Star from the sky, but rarely ventured into the planetary cities. Since Han Xiao invited her, she had no objections.

New Capital City, the former capital of the Star Dragon Nation, one of the six kingdoms of the Azure Star.

Black Star City, where Beniteh was located, served as the Legion's base and the political core of the Azure Federation. It had expanded beyond the original Gostre Wilderness, attracting countless people, now reaching saturation. Later, the interstellar conglomerates focused on other cities with looser controls, developing multiple economic-type cities. New Capital City was developed in this way, a first-tier city of the Azure Star.

Just after noon, the bright sunlight injected vibrant energy into the city. The bustling streets teemed with people, voices echoing, not just Azure Star humans, but occasionally other interstellar species. Hovercars floated overhead, their anti-gravity engines humming softly as they passed. Public trains carried citizens along the city's aerial tracks, weaving through the sky. Everywhere was a peaceful scene.

Han Xiao and Emrys concealed their energy, deliberately lowering their presence to avoid notice from outsiders.

They walked side by side through the streets, casually observing the city, stopping and starting, chatting as they went.

Children ran past them, their faces beaming with carefree joy.

Han Xiao pulled back his gaze, feeling a touch of nostalgia:

"The Xenization Disaster was over a decade ago, and the Azure Star people have emerged from the shadows, embracing new life with open hearts, nurturing a new generation. It's a wonderful feeling."

"This is all your achievement, isn't it? Doesn't that feel fulfilling?" Emrys smiled lightly.

"Well, there's that."

Han Xiao had no problem admitting it. Though he chose to rescue his homeworld, it was entirely from self-interest, purely because the Azure Star players would do so. Yet seeing the current results, he was indeed quite satisfied. Few people disliked such wonderful things.

"When the Xenization Disaster happened, you invited me to visit your homeworld. Back then, the Azure Star felt full of despair and tension, people were confused about the future, unsure if they could survive until tomorrow. That was the polar opposite of now." Emrys shook her head. "You've brought new vitality to this planet."

"Probably I'm the so-called turning point in history, haha."

Han Xiao chuckled twice. When among close friends, he wasn't so modest or formal.

As they walked, chatting, they unknowingly reached the city center. A towering building rose above the rest, its presence unmistakable. It was the old Dragon Horn Tower of the Star Dragon Nation, now converted into a new structure—a branch office of the interstellar conglomerate.

Seeing this building, Han Xiao's foot halted, memories surged to his mind, evoking a faint sense of detachment.

At that moment, Emrys noticed something, turning to look, her eyes brightening with interest. She reached out and tugged Han Xiao's sleeve:

"Look, what's that shop?"

Han Xiao pulled back his gaze, following her line of sight. A storefront on the street bore the sign "Black Star Relics Exhibition Hall."

"I've become a relic... that's less than twenty years ago."

Han Xiao couldn't help but grumble, curiosity piqued, following Emrys inside.

The automatic glass doors slid open, revealing a small three-story building. Glass display cases lined the interior, each holding various items. The exhibition hall was eerily quiet, no one in sight. A counter at the entrance bore a sign listing ticket prices. A woman sat behind it, apparently an employee, her upper body leaning on the table, napping in the afternoon. She didn't hear them enter.

With ultra-A-level perception, Han Xiao instantly took in the entire interior, seeing the contents of the glass cases. His mouth twitched in horror.

"What are these strange things..."

The exhibition displayed all manner of oddities: "A chair sat on by the Black Star," "Slippers walked over by the Black Star," "Bread bitten by the Black Star"... even "A toilet used by the Black Star."

Han Xiao swore he'd never seen that toilet in the glass case before!

Emrys blinked, pointing at a display case. "Did you really like wearing diapers back then?"

"You were the one wearing them!"

"Who hasn't worn diapers as a baby?" Emrys spread her hands.

Their voices startled the napping woman at the counter. She lifted her head, rubbing her sleepy eyes, and rose from behind the counter, walking toward them with a yawn.

"Our shop is small, we don't accept Ianar payments. Tickets are 400 Azure Star credit points. I'll introduce the history of each relic. Interested... Huh?"

The woman suddenly noticed their appearance, her mouth still open from yawning, her face erupting in shock.

Han Xiao felt a flicker of recognition. "Wait, I think I know you..."

Before he could finish, the woman's expression shifted to excitement. She thrust her arms out, as if to embrace him.

But just as she made the gesture, her face paled, her hands hanging mid-air, not moving to embrace.

In the next moment, she stammered, placing her hands awkwardly: "Han... No, Lord Black Star, do you remember me?"

Han Xiao furrowed his brow, scrutinizing the woman before him. Fine lines marked her eyes, suggesting age, yet her charm remained. She should have been quite beautiful in her youth. Her figure was well-maintained, tall and slender...

But to his ultra-A-level eyes, such surface beauty held no allure.

At the ultra-A level, advancement meant refining one's constituent substances, elevating one's life level. Ultra-A beings could perceive the finest structures. Most creatures were filthy to them, covered in grime. Only other ultra-A beings were "clean," untouched by dirt and dust.

Han Xiao compared her face to memories, instantly finding a match. His eyebrows lifted in surprise:

"You're... Li Ya Lin?"

The woman before him was his former teammate from the Star Dragon Nation's Special Operations Unit.

Upon recognizing him, Li Ya Lin became excited, nodding eagerly.

"It's me, it's me! You really do remember me!"

"I'm just forgetful these days, more so than remembering things." Han Xiao explained, then curiously asked, "I thought you died in the Xenization Disaster. Why didn't you come to the Black Star Legion base to find me?"

"I barely survived, then the six kingdoms were dissolved by you. I lost my job, got a severance pay. I didn't want to fight anymore, so I bought a house here and opened an exhibition hall."

Li Ya Lin suddenly remembered the items in the hall, blushing. "Umm... that stuff, I bought them from an old market. Fake items pretending to be used by you. I'm sorry if you don't like it..."

"...Don't worry about it. I won't hold it against you."

Meeting an old friend lifted Han Xiao's spirits.

"Old friend?" Emrys stood quietly beside him, then spoke.

"Yeah, a companion from over twenty years ago." Han Xiao nodded.

Li Ya Lin had been fixated on Han Xiao, utterly stunned. Only then did she realize Emrys, quickly bowing. "Lord Constellation, I'm sorry, I didn't notice you earlier. Please forgive me."

Emrys smiled lightly, nodding. "No problem."

"Come on, old friend, no need to be so formal." Han Xiao waved his hand.

"How could I? You're a real big shot now." Li Ya Lin seemed uneasy.

Twenty years had passed. Their former friend had ascended to a level she couldn't fathom, frequently appearing in news as a planetary celebrity. Han Xiao's sudden realization of their vast difference in status made Li Ya Lin stop her attempt to embrace.

Han Xiao also sensed this, feeling a pang of nostalgia. He smiled:

Chapter 908: Old Friend (Thank you, Fish's Thousand-Sight Chieftain, for the twelve thousand reward!)

The amount of experience rewards was nearly the same as the Berserker's Battle Task, and completing all requirements, exceeding two hundred billion, was the standard reward for most direct confrontations with tasks above the A-level.

With the political asset bonus, Han Xiao's actual experience gains doubled, and his experience savings increased significantly.

In addition to these two rewards, there were a Legend Degree and a Character Card.

[Stellar Legend Degree (Shattered Halo): [Constellation War]—Your record book will include your battle with Constellation Emrys, and your fame will be celebrated across the stars.]

[Character Arrival Card—"Constellation" Emrys: [Force Field Dragon Body]—Your body is covered by a force field, granting an additional layer of 300,000 shield value for a rigid defensive force field, with defense at 3,500 and a shield recovery rate of 30,000 per second. When this defensive force field is completely destroyed, it will regenerate after a 10-second cooldown. Simultaneously, each of your melee attacks deals an extra 20,000 to 260,000 physical damage. When making a strength check, you gain an additional 1,500 bonus, lasting for 30 minutes, with a usage limit of 0/3.]

"The effects are pretty good, useful in close combat," Han Xiao nodded, closing the panel.

After cleaning up the battlefield, Dragon Tank returned to the base, and Han Xiao followed suit.

The training ground was not far from the Azure Star, and it didn't take long to reach there. Dragon Tank returned to the Azure Star, parking in the outer space orbit.

Ships came and went on this blue planet. Thanks to the interstellar conglomerates' opportunities, the Azure Star's civilization rapidly advanced, now resembling an interstellar metropolis.

Back on his homeworld, Han Xiao decided to take a look at the changes in the Azure Star, and invited Emrys to join him.

Though Emrys seemed indifferent about her defeat, Han Xiao needed to eliminate negative factors and maintain the alliance, so he took this opportunity to spend time with Emrys, reinforcing their relationship and minimizing the negative impact of their encounter.

Emrys often gazed down on the Azure Star from the sky, but rarely ventured into the planetary cities. Since Han Xiao invited her, she had no objections.

New Capital City, the former capital of the Star Dragon Nation, one of the six kingdoms of the Azure Star.

Black Star City, where Beniteh was located, served as the Legion's base and the political core of the Azure Federation. It had expanded beyond the original Gostre Wilderness, attracting countless people, now reaching saturation. Later, the interstellar conglomerates focused on other cities with looser controls, developing multiple economic-type cities. New Capital City was developed in this way, a first-tier city of the Azure Star.

Just after noon, the bright sunlight injected vibrant energy into the city. The bustling streets teemed with people, voices echoing, not just Azure Star humans, but occasionally other interstellar species. Hovercars floated overhead, their anti-gravity engines humming softly as they passed. Public trains carried citizens along the city's aerial tracks, weaving through the sky. Everywhere was a peaceful scene.

Han Xiao and Emrys concealed their energy, deliberately lowering their presence to avoid notice from outsiders.

They walked side by side through the streets, casually observing the city, stopping and starting, chatting as they went.

Children ran past them, their faces beaming with carefree joy.

Han Xiao pulled back his gaze, feeling a touch of nostalgia:

"The Xenization Disaster was over a decade ago, and the Azure Star people have emerged from the shadows, embracing new life with open hearts, nurturing a new generation. It's a wonderful feeling."

"This is all your achievement, isn't it? Doesn't that feel fulfilling?" Emrys smiled lightly.

"Well, there's that."

Han Xiao had no problem admitting it. Though he chose to rescue his homeworld, it was entirely from self-interest, purely because the Azure Star players would do so. Yet seeing the current results, he was indeed quite satisfied. Few people disliked such wonderful things.

"When the Xenization Disaster happened, you invited me to visit your homeworld. Back then, the Azure Star felt full of despair and tension, people were confused about the future, unsure if they could survive until tomorrow. That was the polar opposite of now." Emrys shook her head. "You've brought new vitality to this planet."

"Probably I'm the so-called turning point in history, haha."

Han Xiao chuckled twice. When among close friends, he wasn't so modest or formal.

As they walked, chatting, they unknowingly reached the city center. A towering building rose above the rest, its presence unmistakable. It was the old Dragon Horn Tower of the Star Dragon Nation, now converted into a new structure—a branch office of the interstellar conglomerate.

Seeing this building, Han Xiao's foot halted, memories surged to his mind, evoking a faint sense of detachment.

At that moment, Emrys noticed something, turning to look, her eyes brightening with interest. She reached out and tugged Han Xiao's sleeve:

"Look, what's that shop?"

Han Xiao pulled back his gaze, following her line of sight. A storefront on the street bore the sign "Black Star Relics Exhibition Hall."

"I've become a relic... that's less than twenty years ago."

Han Xiao couldn't help but grumble, curiosity piqued, following Emrys inside.

The automatic glass doors slid open, revealing a small three-story building. Glass display cases lined the interior, each holding various items. The exhibition hall was eerily quiet, no one in sight. A counter at the entrance bore a sign listing ticket prices. A woman sat behind it, apparently an employee, her upper body leaning on the table, napping in the afternoon. She didn't hear them enter.

With ultra-A-level perception, Han Xiao instantly took in the entire interior, seeing the contents of the glass cases. His mouth twitched in horror.

"What are these strange things..."

The exhibition displayed all manner of oddities: "A chair sat on by the Black Star," "Slippers walked over by the Black Star," "Bread bitten by the Black Star"... even "A toilet used by the Black Star."

Han Xiao swore he'd never seen that toilet in the glass case before!

Emrys blinked, pointing at a display case. "Did you really like wearing diapers back then?"

"You were the one wearing them!"

"Who hasn't worn diapers as a baby?" Emrys spread her hands.

Their voices startled the napping woman at the counter. She lifted her head, rubbing her sleepy eyes, and rose from behind the counter, walking toward them with a yawn.

"Our shop is small, we don't accept Ianar payments. Tickets are 400 Azure Star credit points. I'll introduce the history of each relic. Interested... Huh?"

The woman suddenly noticed their appearance, her mouth still open from yawning, her face erupting in shock.

Han Xiao felt a flicker of recognition. "Wait, I think I know you..."

Before he could finish, the woman's expression shifted to excitement. She thrust her arms out, as if to embrace him.

But just as she made the gesture, her face paled, her hands hanging mid-air, not moving to embrace.

In the next moment, she stammered, placing her hands awkwardly: "Han... No, Lord Black Star, do you remember me?"

Han Xiao furrowed his brow, scrutinizing the woman before him. Fine lines marked her eyes, suggesting age, yet her charm remained. She should have been quite beautiful in her youth. Her figure was well-maintained, tall and slender...

But to his ultra-A-level eyes, such surface beauty held no allure.

At the ultra-A level, advancement meant refining one's constituent substances, elevating one's life level. Ultra-A beings could perceive the finest structures. Most creatures were filthy to them, covered in grime. Only other ultra-A beings were "clean," untouched by dirt and dust.

Han Xiao compared her face to memories, instantly finding a match. His eyebrows lifted in surprise:

"You're... Li Ya Lin?"

The woman before him was his former teammate from the Star Dragon Nation's Special Operations Unit.

Upon recognizing him, Li Ya Lin became excited, nodding eagerly.

"It's me, it's me! You really do remember me!"

"I'm just forgetful these days, more so than remembering things." Han Xiao explained, then curiously asked, "I thought you died in the Xenization Disaster. Why didn't you come to the Black Star Legion base to find me?"

"I barely survived, then the six kingdoms were dissolved by you. I lost my job, got a severance pay. I didn't want to fight anymore, so I bought a house here and opened an exhibition hall."

Li Ya Lin suddenly remembered the items in the hall, blushing. "Umm... that stuff, I bought them from an old market. Fake items pretending to be used by you. I'm sorry if you don't like it..."

"...Don't worry about it. I won't hold it against you."

Meeting an old friend lifted Han Xiao's spirits.

"Old friend?" Emrys stood quietly beside him, then spoke.

"Yeah, a companion from over twenty years ago." Han Xiao nodded.

Li Ya Lin had been fixated on Han Xiao, utterly stunned. Only then did she realize Emrys, quickly bowing. "Lord Constellation, I'm sorry, I didn't notice you earlier. Please forgive me."

Emrys smiled lightly, nodding. "No problem."

"Come on, old friend, no need to be so formal." Han Xiao waved his hand.

"How could I? You're a real big shot now." Li Ya Lin seemed uneasy.

Twenty years had passed. Their former friend had ascended to a level she couldn't fathom, frequently appearing in news as a planetary celebrity. Han Xiao's sudden realization of their vast difference in status made Li Ya Lin stop her attempt to embrace.

Han Xiao also sensed this, feeling a pang of nostalgia. He smiled:

“I seem to have forgotten that I still owe you some money.”

Li Yaolin paused, then quickly waved her hands, “That was all so long ago, I’ve long since gotten over it, you really don’t need to…”

“Alright then, I’ve already transferred the money to you, take a look.” Han Xiao interrupted her.

Ding! A sound from the communicator echoed in the room.

“Hey, I didn’t tell you my account number, how did you know…?” Li Yaolin stared in surprise, then hastily pulled out her communicator, glanced at the message, and froze completely.

“Th-this…”

“1 million Inari—this amount should be enough to compensate for over twenty years of interest.”

Han Xiao smiled, feeling the golden flush of satisfaction spreading through his body.

“Too much!” Li Yaolin stammered helplessly.

“It’s nothing to me, just pocket money. You can count it as settled, don’t worry about it anymore…” Han Xiao glanced around, coughed lightly, “So, let’s find a time to shut down this place.”

Emperor couldn’t help but laugh:

“You look just like those Star Pirates who used to pay me protection fees back then.”

“No one takes you for a mute when you don’t speak.” Han Xiao snapped.

Seeing Li Yaolin still in disbelief, Han Xiao glanced around again, then pulled a slip of paper from behind the counter, scribbled his communicator number, and handed it to her.

“You can call me anytime, and if you face any difficulties, you can come to me.”

Li Yaolin quickly regained her composure, carefully tucked the note away, then, with utmost sincerity, said, “Thank you.”

“No need, it’s just a small sum.”

“I’m not talking about that.” Li Yaolin took a deep breath, bowed deeply, “I’m thanking you for the entire Azure Star. Your actions have saved everyone, including me. I never had the chance to tell you this face to face… you’ve always been a hero in my heart.”

Emperor chuckled softly:

“And you’re a hero in mine as well.”

At that moment, several patrons entered together, glanced at the scene, then, after a moment of recognition, erupted into excitement.

“Lord Black Star?!”

“Goodness, it’s really him!”

These people surged forward, their faces flushed with joy.

“May we take a photo with Lord Black Star?!” one cried, pulling out his communicator.

“Of course.” Han Xiao smiled, since he had nothing better to do, he didn’t mind taking time out.

The crowd eagerly lined up to pose with Han Xiao, their voices ringing with excitement. Passersby drawn by the commotion soon joined the throng, and soon a long queue formed outside. The small exhibition hall swelled with people, its noise and energy rivaling a fan convention.

Han Xiao, without hesitation, posed with the jubilant citizens of Azure Star, the camera flashes popping endlessly, each photo released with pride onto the social networks of Azure Star.

The news of the “Great Leader” appearing spread like wildfire, igniting the fervor of Azure Star’s netizens. Countless people surged toward the scene.

From the side, watching Han Xiao constantly occupied with photos, Emperor’s eyes lingered on him, admiration never leaving his gaze.