Chapter 920: Outlook and Version Update (Part 2)

Chapter 920: Vistas and Version Updates (Part Two)

"The first phase of the Red Empire's development of the Radiant World is drawing to a close, and soon we shall begin construction. When that time comes, it will demand vast sums of capital and immense effort. Fortunately, our legion's coffers are ample, and with the Empire's support, I need not worry about resource constraints during the version update—I can proceed with bold ambition..."

Han Xiao nodded in the shadows. The Evolutionary Totem was a monopolized enterprise, a specialty of the faction that brought him immense financial gains. Among all the super-A-level allied forces jointly developing the Empire, he was likely one of the least strapped for funds.

In his planning, the mechanical civilization and the Shadow Race were the primary targets for development. The former served as a high-quality source of military strength, while the latter—a clan with tremendous potential—could be supported and expanded freely within his domain. No longer content to watch the Shadow Race evolve naturally, he chose to personally intervene in their civilization's trajectory, imparting knowledge. The Shadow Race's greatest strength lay in their extraordinary exchange efficiency and unparalleled assimilation capacity. Once they aligned with the correct path, their civilization's advancement would soar like a rocket, rather than crawl incrementally.

The gulf between the 3.0 and 4.0 versions spanned decades. When players entered the competitive phase of external openness, they would face a landscape already shaped by nascent powers. The early development of the Radiant World served as background context, yet he would personally traverse this blank phase of development, wielding considerable maneuvering room.

With the experiences of past lives, he understood all the competing forces arriving in the Radiant World intimately. This was a colossal advantage.

During this version update period, the galaxy's overall tone would lean toward development and expansion. The Red Empire might endure significant pressure, and he himself could encounter some turbulence due to the Evolutionary Blocks. Yet with his standing and strength, direct external threats would be few.

The Black Star Legion had only existed for two decades. The decades-long version update would allow it to accumulate gravitas, completing its metamorphosis from a "newly emergent force" to a "veteran power," laying a more stable foundation.

"Hala continues to grow. Though her pace lags behind her past self, with my assistance, her potential has risen. Over the decades of this version update, she may well ascend to become a new super-A-level..."

Han Xiao's eyes flickered.

In that case, his own top-tier combat strength would gain another pillar, bolstering the legion's influence. Even if Hala eventually broke away, referencing the relationship between Longtan and himself, they would inevitably remain allies.

By then, the Broken Ring would boast six super-A-level entities, offering the legion abundant benefits, elevating its status and influence immeasurably.

—The days of Sisco would only grow worse...

Throughout the entire 3.0 version, he had amassed a treasure trove of experiences from major event quests and player interactions, all catalogued in his panel. During the version update, players would log off, and major events would be scarce. These accumulated insights formed the strategic reserves sustaining him through the update phase.

At this level, leveling up demanded nearly a hundred billion experience points, with each leap spanning hundreds of millions. Though his reserves were vast, expending them all for upgrades would outpace his capacity. Decades was a long time—he had to economize.

In his plans, after reaching level 300 and unlocking a new vocation and species transcendence, his focus would shift to refining skills, acquiring potential points, and elevating all career knowledge to perfection, thereby enhancing this domain of combat prowess. Beyond that, the experience required for further ascensions would only balloon, necessitating the cultivation of new "cash crops" to boost experience-harvesting efficiency. The 4.0 version's world server would host competition, simultaneously presenting an opportunity to gather a legion of new "cash crops."

Recently, players had resolved the Gralan War, and Han Xiao's panel had settled the [Gralan Civilization: Pioneer's Flame] quest accordingly.

This quest was evaluated based on personal performance, which he had delegated to players without direct involvement. The assessment was low, yielding only a modest experience reward. Yet the quest's prize was but a fraction—the real windfall came from the experience players gained, which flowed back to him through the purchase of faction products, multiplying the initial reward manifold. This was the true bulk.

Three versions of struggle had forged the Black Star Legion's current stature. Having endured so much, Han Xiao's attitude toward version updates had grown increasingly serene.

"All things are now prepared. We await the conclusion of the first phase and the Empire's territorial delineation."

...

As the league's finale approached, the version update drew nearer, and the legion's players' focus gradually shifted from defending their championship to preparing for the update. Many had stockpiled vast experience reserves, waiting for the next version to unlock higher level caps.

At the Black Star Legion's headquarters, countless players gathered in one place, chatting idly with friends while awaiting logout, the throng resembling a chaotic marketplace.

In a corner of the square, a seasoned professional glanced at the endless crowd, engaging in half-hearted conversation.

"This version's influx of new players is staggering. The first two versions couldn't even glimpse such numbers."

Flashy Fried Rice shook his head.

"Only with such crowds can the league draw viewership." Ling Ge smiled.

Ma Yu expressed curiosity: "I wonder how long this update's duration will be."

"Shouldn't be too lengthy. Our Radiant World quests aren't finished yet; the next version will surely continue the exploration." Knife Slash chimed in.

"Hmm, I'm curious—what will the Black Star Legion become in this version?"

As they chatted, they noticed a group of nobles and generals approaching, waving them over. Knife Slash and others marched over.

The crowd gathered, and the nobles smiled warmly: "Everyone's here. Let's have a gathering during this break—let's celebrate the championship."

"I'm in." Ling Ge was first to agree.

"I recall we had a gathering after last year's league finale." Bright Moon Long nodded.

"Indeed. Let's treat this as a customary post-championship event. The champions should treat everyone to a feast, inviting all Han ethnic players for a trip together."

"Enjoy some good food. At least we've won the championship prize money—unlike Long Kong, who treated us with street food last time."

"Street food's the cheapest." Hou Tian muttered.

The group erupted in cheers, and the nobles sighed in resignation, agreeing.

Soon, all players logged off in quick succession, their forms dissolving into streams of white light, leaving the once-crowded square eerily quiet.

Han Xiao, monitoring the square from his office, received a panel notification.

[3.0 Version Update Initiated]

[Data Saving... Save Complete!]

[Player Forum Closed]

[Update Time Unknown—Please Wait Patiently]

Han Xiao glanced upward, noticing the player forum option had turned gray, inaccessible.

"The players have all logged off..." Han Xiao inhaled deeply. "It's time to preposition for the 4.0 version."

...

Meanwhile, at the Broken Ring's entrance portal...

A trade fleet emerged from the portal, their vessels egg-shaped, silver-armored, and sleek as polished mirrors, exuding strong technological aura. Each bore the infinite wealth conglomerate's Möbius ring symbol etched upon their hulls.

At the fleet's helm stood a massive silver saucer, its command chamber occupied by a tall man gazing silently at the cosmic vista beyond the viewport.

He was tall and lean, skin as pale as snow, features refined and handsome, with gentle brows and eyes that lacked the bearing of a leader. A small patch of stubble adorned his jaw, and wisps of silver scales curled at his temples. His luxurious attire exuded an aura of affluence.

This was Sorun Jin, the current head of the Infinite Wealth Conglomerate—one of the universe's wealthiest individuals, a man who had pushed monetary power to its absolute extreme.

"Sorun Jin Lord, we have arrived."

A secretary-dressed subordinate whispered beside him.

"Indeed..." Sorun Jin nodded faintly. "Per itinerary, proceed to the Black Star Legion's headquarters. Have the Broken Ring branch compile the past five years' operational data and transmit it to me."

"Understood."

The Infinite Wealth Conglomerate invested across the universe, maintaining operations everywhere, the Broken Ring included. Yet due to the region's harsh conditions, they'd long neglected it, their operations minimal. Only by accepting proposals from three super-A-level shareholders had Sorun Jin considered large-scale operations here.

Though this visit was meant to cause trouble for Han Xiao, business competition rarely turned directly hostile. Sorun Jin had a keen interest in meeting the Black Star.

In his estimation, the Black Star would welcome his presence. After all, his subordinate force had once been annihilated by the Black Star, yet their identity remained concealed. The Black Star likely remained unaware that the Infinite Wealth Conglomerate was the true mastermind behind it all.

In the Black Star's recollection, this was their first encounter.

This gave the Black Star the upper hand through ambiguity.

Perfect—an opportunity to meet and greet the Black Star Legion's undead army, fulfilling his original objective...

Sorun Jin pondered thus, when the cabin door slid open, admitting a tall woman. She wore the conglomerate's executive attire, her long white hair cascading in soft waves, her face adorned with delicate makeup, her features radiant.

Approaching Sorun Jin, she bowed slightly.

"Father, what are your commands?"

—Lou Fier, Sorun Jin's daughter.

Saron Kain had many offspring, each groomed to perfection, taking their places in the corporate hierarchy like pieces on a chessboard.

He glanced at her, his gaze lingering just a moment, then activated his communicator and dispatched an invitation.

“You’ll carry the Baazer gathering’s invitation to Hobel’s. I’ve tasked you with standing in for me in case we’re to meet.”

Lofel’s eyes widened. “I’d assumed your visit was to invest in the Black Star Legion.”

“That decision awaits what I learn from the Black Star. Until then, other ventures must not be overlooked.” Saron Kain’s tone remained deliberately ambiguous.

His dealings with the three shareholders were shrouded in secrecy; beneath the surface, the entire conglomerate believed he sought to dismantle the Ring’s standard investments. They were all kept in the dark.

Though his funds clashed with the Black Star Legion’s, his approach was calculated. Saron Kain did not seek open confrontation—his financial clout could sway markets, yet he detested losing propositions.

The three shareholders’ offers, the chance to invest in Dazzling World—Saron Kain coveted them all.

With the right investment, even a single stroke could yield monumental results.

He needed to challenge the Black Star openly, yet avoid provoking the Empire. After careful analysis, he settled on a local project within the Shattering Ring as the ideal entry point.

For, in truth, the force capable of erecting Dazzling World was not solely the Black Star Legion.