Chapter 923: Old Fox and Persuader

Chapter 923: The Old Fox and the Orator

With Soros Jin’s dossier lingering in his mind, Han Xiao’s expression remained unchanged as he picked up the thread of Soros Jin’s inquiry, his tone laced with keen interest:

“Do you have any ideas about how you’d like to proceed with cooperation?”

“Shining World is a rare opportunity, a golden goose. I’ve heard the Crimson Empire will allocate territories to its allies who help establish the domain. Once the New Star Sector opens, Shining World will be integrated into the universal circulation system. Countless interstellar citizens will flood in, and this sector will experience explosive growth. The Empire’s allies who control these territories will be the biggest winners. That’s why we want to heavily invest in the Black Star Legion, to build the territory ahead of time with you.”

As he spoke, Soros Jin offered a faint smile. “Infinite Corporation invests across the cosmos, never missing a chance. I’m sure you’re aware of our strength. With our support, building a territory will be half the effort, double the result.”

“Yes, Infinite Corporation’s market value… it’s truly staggering. I won’t doubt your power,” Han Xiao nodded.

Numerous subsidiaries of Infinite Corporation had long since listed themselves across various interstellar markets, their valuations transparent and public. A glance at the figures would make one suspect that Inara wasn’t even a cheap commodity.

Resources often clustered in the hands of a few, and in the age of stars, the chasm between rich and poor mirrored the divide between surface-dwelling beasts and cosmic-level citizens.

The Empire’s allies developing Shining World’s territory inevitably required the backing of various corporations. Like Han Xiao, they sought to share costs and pursue collaboration. The Crimson Empire itself permitted these allies and corporations to sign agreements and jointly build the domain.

On the surface, it all seemed reasonable—corporate interests in their normal pursuit. Yet Soros Jin, that sly creature, Han Xiao mused internally, his expression unchanged.

As Han Xiao showed no overt reaction, Soros Jin narrowed his eyes, continuing: “The Black Star Legion now operates on a grand scale, holding sway over the Broken Ring. In terms of resources, they’re nearly equal to one of the top-tier corporations. Their deep roots, extensive networks, and the Empire’s backing have secured their position. If the Black Star Legion were to issue credit bonds, they’d surely attract countless interstellar investors. Their market value could skyrocket by orders of magnitude.”

“Your meaning?” Han Xiao arched a brow.

Soros Jin smiled. “Exactly. We at Infinite Corporation have ample experience in this. If the Black Star Legion has any inclinations, we’d be more than happy to assist them in going public…”

“We’ll discuss that later,” Han Xiao interrupted. This was the crux of the matter—the real deal. For now, it was a mixed bag, and he had no such plans.

Hearing this, Soros Jin shifted topics smoothly: “Then, what’s your take on the cooperation terms I proposed?”

Han Xiao pondered, his voice heavy with thought: “Others besides me can develop Shining World. Naturally, once the territories are finalized, those corporations will act on the market, choosing high-quality plots. But you’re betting solely on me before any territory has been assigned. Why so certain?”

“Haha, I have connections within the Crimson Empire too. I’ve received insider intel. Even without that, your record in the Lighthouse Star Campaign and the Fall of the False God event, coupled with the strategic-level evolution blocks in your possession, means the Empire will surely grant you the finest territory. Why hesitate?”

Soros Jin’s face beamed with smiles.

Yet his words carried no pretense. Without the underlying entanglements, he’d choose the Black Star Legion too. Han Xiao’s achievements and significance were well known; the Black Star Legion would inevitably claim the largest share.

Alas…

“Is that so?” Han Xiao fixed Soros Jin with a deep gaze.

The man’s words were earnest, his demeanor sincere, his motives seemingly aligned with mutual benefit. It almost seemed he genuinely sought partnership…

But Soros Jin had long ago exposed his ambition during the Gathering of the False God, and Han Xiao’s wariness of him never waned. After a pause, he asked, “If I agree to cooperate, are you ready to sign a contract now?”

“Not yet,” Soros Jin shook his head, chuckling. “This visit is merely to establish preliminary intent. Only once the territory is confirmed can the contract details be finalized. My coming here personally was mainly to attend the Black Star Gathering, as such a grand venture warrants my presence. Additionally, I also admire your exploits.”

Flattery came too easily from him, Han Xiao mused internally.

At that moment, Han Xiao’s thoughts shifted. “Then I see no objection.”

“Then let’s wish each other a pleasant cooperation,” Soros Jin smiled.

Yet Han Xiao didn’t smile. His words turned, steady and deliberate: “By the way, I hear Infinite Corporation has many A-level shareholders, including some from the old ways, like the Mechanized Nation’s Manning, and an A-level ally from the Empire—your shareholder.”

“Indeed.”

“Infinite Corporation trades shareholder positions for resources and sanctuary, correct?”

“…Yes.”

“Hmm. If I agree to cooperate, I’d prefer a verbal commitment—it’s unstable. Shining World’s development is ongoing. If I become your shareholder, I’d naturally align with Infinite Corporation fully. After all, my reputation in the cosmos as the Black Star… does it grant me the right to a shareholder’s seat?”

Through the Gathering of the False God, he knew Infinite Corporation had plotted mischief. If he could infiltrate their ranks, who knows what walls might crumble?

“This…” Soros Jin’s face showed hesitation.

Han Xiao’s eyes flickered, his voice dropping: “Oh? You think I’m not qualified?”

“Of course not,” Soros Jin shook his head, his heart a cold smile.

—*Perhaps you truly aren’t.*

To meet me face-to-face, seeking a seat in Infinite Corporation… your appetite is vast. The victories at Lighthouse Star and the Fall of the False God have made the Black Star arrogant.

Yet his expression remained one of regret.

“You certainly qualify, but the corporation is vast. Shareholder seats aren’t granted freely. Even if I wished to, other shareholders might resist. Moreover… each of the three cosmic-level civilizations has only one shareholder. The Empire already has one… you understand, yes?”

“Ah, I see. The balance of the three great civilizations.” Han Xiao nodded, their shadow evident everywhere.

This excuse was useful, at least for now.

“Then, let’s not dwell on these matters. Meeting an A-level individual today is a pleasure. Would you be interested in sparring, as per A-level custom?”

“Not for me—I’m no fighter,” Soros Jin waved dismissively.

“Come on, an A-level saying they can’t fight? You’re just brushing me off.”

“I’m A-level, but I dislike combat. I haven’t sparred in ages, my skills are rusty. Plus, your record precedes you across the cosmos. I don’t see the need.”

When he rose, Soros Jin smiled: “If my guess is right, you’ll meet other guests later. I’m new here and need to settle my subordinates. Let’s end for today. I’ll visit again tomorrow, and we can continue then.”

“Very well,” Han Xiao conceded, nodding. A guest of honor shouldn’t be detained.

After Soros Jin left, Han Xiao furrowed his brow.

“This one’s too smooth. If he won’t spar, I’ll need another angle…”

Soros Jin, a figure of high stature, couldn’t just confront him outright. The other’s intentions remained unclear, and antagonizing him prematurely would sow unnecessary enmity.

Yet something about Soros Jin’s demeanor felt off. Han Xiao couldn’t quite read him, as if he wore a mask throughout.

“Not knowing what he’s truly after…” Han Xiao rubbed his temples, sighing heavily.

Dealing with such people was the most exhausting.

…

Meanwhile, in the Broken Ring, the War Domain’s headquarters.

This year, the Dictator Gathering and the Black Star Gathering occurred simultaneously. Civilizations across the Broken Ring dispatched envoys, adhering to tradition and attending the Dictator Gathering.

On the palace’s upper floor, Hober stood before a vast window. Beyond it loomed a black-and-gray fortress bastion, beneath a sky strewn with stars. His gaze fixed on all the envoys’ quarters.

Traditionally, envoys would mingle before the gathering, forging connections. But now, they barely moved, most confined to their rooms. The hall felt desolate, like stagnant water.

The Black Star Gathering was livelier, drawing more factions. The Broken Ring’s civilizations treated it as the social arena, relegating the Dictator Gathering to a secondary affair. Matters worth discussing were settled at Black Star’s, making the former redundant.

These envoys attended merely to show respect, their gatherings long since faded.

“Hmph. The Black Star.”

Hober’s jaw tightened, his fist clenching against his back.

At that moment, Chief of Staff Joe entered, approaching Hober. “Dictator, Infinite Corporation’s envoy has arrived, waiting outside.”

“Let her in.” Hober didn’t turn.

A moment later, Loifel entered, her eyes meeting the towering figure before her. Instantly, a pressure hit her.

She steadied herself, whispering, “I’ve met the Dictator.”

She wasn’t a calamity-level threat, unable to match Soros Jin’s composure with Han Xiao.

“Did you hear? The Infinite Corporation wants to cooperate with me?” Helber glanced back at Lofel with a faint, dismissive glance.

“Yes, regarding the Radiant World, I—”

“As a corporation seeking investment, is that so? This is such a minor matter; there’s no need to discuss it with me. Go find the official in charge of commercial cooperation.” Helber withdrew his gaze, losing all interest.

Lofel bit her silver teeth lightly, pulling out a letter. “My lord Soros Gold instructed me to deliver this letter to you.”

“A letter?” Helber furrowed his brow.

In this age, quantum communications made information transfer convenient, yet handwritten letters were often used for secrecy. Helber, who had never formed any bond with Soros Gold, wondered what this meant. Could it be a love letter?

Helber turned to face Lofel, his energy surging as he snatched the letter and glanced at it, his eyes narrowing and his expression turning grave as he read its contents carefully.

“So that’s how it is…”

With a firm press of his hand, the letter crumbled into pulp, dissolving into atoms. He then fixed his gaze on Jode. “You leave first.”

Jode blinked, reluctantly stepping aside, and closed the door.

The room was left with only the two of them. Helber’s eyes flashed with a bright light, his thick energy surging forth, filling the room and blocking all external detection. Only then did he speak, his voice low and deliberate:

“You want me to deal with the Black Star Legion?”

“Yes,” Lofel nodded.

“Nonsense!” Helber scoffed coldly. “Though I have grievances with the Black Star, we are both allies of the Empire. I cannot act against them. You’ve mistaken your man.”

Lofel inhaled deeply, recalling Soros Gold’s teachings, and spoke in a low, steady tone:

“The Black Star rose only twenty years ago, yet you’ve operated in the Broken Nebula for how many twenties? The Black Star later ascended, its business flourishing, and its influence now surpasses yours. Lord Dominant, are you content?”

Helber’s expression remained indifferent, yet he offered no reply.

“As allies of the Empire, the Red Empire has always favored the Black Star, consistently supporting them. Have you ever wondered why…”

Helber cut her off, slowly saying: “He possesses an evolution block. I do not. It is that simple.”

“Exactly!” Lofel’s voice rose with fervor. “That is the crux!”

“So you want me to help you seize the evolution block?” Helber remained unmoved, a flicker of mockery in his eyes.

“Of course not. We merely want him to lose the evolution block. There is a difference between the two.”

“Oh? How so?”

“Seizing it is nearly impossible. Radiant and Wraith would not act rashly. As an Empire ally, you cannot ignore our actions either. We hope the Black Star will surrender the evolution block willingly.”

Helber almost laughed. “Give the evolution block to outsiders? Do you think the Black Star has gone mad or is foolish? Hah. I know that bastard well—a pure profit-driven man. To make him surrender a cosmic treasure, unless your Infinite Corporation collapses tomorrow.”

“Not at all,” Lofel interrupted, her tone steadier. “But if the evolution block were to be surrendered… to the Red Empire?”

Helber’s eyes widened slightly, a hint of interest flickering within them.

“…Tell me in detail.”