Chapter 924: Seeing Through the Old Tricks (Thanks to Gu Yizhou Ya's alliance leader 100,000 reward!)

Chapter 924: Seeing Through the Roots (Thank you, Gu Yihou, for the ten thousand reward for the leader!)

"The value of the Evolution Block hardly needs emphasizing. Now, this cosmic treasure coveted by countless factions on Black Star carries significant risk for the Empire. Yet a civilization of cosmic scale would never force a Super A-level ally to surrender such a relic, so they have tacitly allowed Black Star to hold the Evolution Block. But this does not mean the Empire has grown complacent."

Hopper nodded faintly. "Indeed. Proceed."

"With the Evolution Block in the Empire’s hands, such risks vanish. The Lighthouse Star Campaign, though victorious, sounded a stark warning within the Empire. Better to avoid believing Black Star’s strength than to risk repeating such an incident. The High-Dimensional Divine Teleporter of the Radiant Federation remains a threat. Consider this: the Radiant could amass a force of Super A-level raiders to strike Black Star’s headquarters at any moment—a perilous scenario."

"The Radiant would have acted already." Hopper remained unmoved.

"True. Given the circumstances, the Radiant Federation avoids direct confrontation, opting for indirect pressure to compel the Empire and Black Star. But if these measures fail, their willingness to take risks will only grow."

Hopper offered no assent, his voice cool. "Even with external threats, Oran Reyer values Black Star, and the Empire will not force him. Your plan’s success rate is negligible. I advise you to abandon it early."

"There must be a trial." Lovell spoke slowly. "Black Star has cultivated close ties with the Empire’s ruling faction, earning protection. Yet you know well that internal factions within the Empire have swelled since the emergence of the Evolution Totem. Calls for Black Star to surrender the Evolution Block have grown louder. Their refusal to relocate with the block to the Empire’s homeworld has only strengthened other factions’ resolve."

Hopper’s brow furrowed. "You know more than that."

Lovell smiled mysteriously.

"Because… I do not represent merely the Radiant and the Void Spirit."

"Hahaha—" Hopper burst into laughter, his tone teasing. "You’re greedy, wanting to feast on three courses. No wonder I doubted earlier—if Black Star handed over the Evolution Block, the Radiant and Void Spirit would lose their final chance at adventure. Now I understand…"

Lovell smiled without replying, his mind quietly admiring Sorokin’s audacity.

On the surface, Sorokin had agreed to the Radiant and Void Spirit’s bargain. Yet behind the scenes, he contacted Imperial factions, reframing the campaign to suppress Black Star’s forces as a bid to force Black Star to surrender the Evolution Block. In secret, he orchestrated a second deal, ensuring the Infinite Corporation’s intent to crush Black Star aligned with the interests of all three parties.

It was a way to leave himself an exit, and to maximize his gains. Sorokin was no obedient servant; he had his own agenda.

The Infinite Corporation, now a behemoth, had long ceased funding wars. The upheaval from the Lighthouse Star Campaign had battered its stock and market value. To prevent such turmoil again, Sorokin chose to embrace pacifism, severing any chance of war sparked by the Evolution Block. By doing so, he eliminated the Radiant and Void Spirit’s need to take risks, resolving the conflict among the three cosmic civilizations.

With the Evolution Block in Imperial hands, the risks of cosmic chaos would subside.

On the surface, he had acquiesced to the Radiant and Void Spirit, but in truth, he stood as a third party.

Lovell set down his cup, his voice heavy. "When the Empire holds the Evolution Block, the Totem’s profits are seized entirely. Black Star is cast out, becoming a mere collaborator turned beneficiary, enjoying all gains. This opens the door to public purchase rights, fulfilling the Radiant and Void Spirit’s goal of exerting pressure… They too sought to end the adventure, to extinguish such thoughts, perhaps even breathe a sigh of relief."

"Sorokin…Hmph." Hopper squinted, his tone sharp. "You’ve said much, but all hinges on Black Star surrendering the Evolution Block. If it fails, these are empty words. What exactly do you intend to do?"

Lovell’s heart leapt. Hopper’s question meant he was intrigued.

"Simple. We apply dual pressure on Black Star, making clear that yielding the Evolution Block benefits them more than holding onto it."

"Elaborate."

"During the Lighthouse Star Campaign, Black Star secured great victories, silencing factions demanding the block’s surrender. But the Empire’s losses were real. By escalating Imperial sacrifices over the Evolution Totem issue, Black Star will face increasing internal pressure from the Empire—even Oran Reyer cannot suppress it all. This is where the Radiant and Void Spirit’s work comes in, though I cannot disclose details."

"And external pressure?"

"That requires targeting Black Star’s military itself, which is why we need your aid."

"If I betray the Empire, we’re done."

Lovell chuckled. "Rest assured, this is harmless. Even if we don’t strike Black Star’s forces, the War Domain profits. No conflict with the Empire."

"How?"

"Straightforward. The Infinite Corporation funds expansion into the War Domain, reclaiming markets seized by Black Star’s forces. We’ll suppress their business, while jointly developing the Shining World territory. Leveraging our influence in the Empire, we’ll secure you a better domain. You’re an Imperial ally too—the Radiant and Void Spirit are rivals in commerce, and the Empire has no objection. The Infinite’s power, Lord Dominant, you know well. With our investment, the War Domain remains profitable regardless of success or failure."

Hopper closed his eyes, pondering. After a moment, he opened them, his voice cool.

"Very well. I agree."

Lovell relaxed, his tense features easing into a smile. "In this deal, only Black Star loses. But for cosmic peace, we must be a little harsh with them."

"Cosmic peace, hmm…"

Hopper internally scoffed, though his face remained neutral. "The Radiant Federation, the Void Spirit Sect, and factions within the Crimson Empire, along with my War Domain—Hmph, the Infinite’s moves are clever. They’ve forged an anti-Black Star alliance."

"This is business, not personal." Lovell waved it off, smiling. "Hope they’re reasonable. After all, they won’t hand over the block for free—the Empire will compensate them sufficiently."

Hopper muttered under his breath. He disliked Black Star, but in his view, their capitulation odds were near zero. That insufferable Black Star’s resistance was terrifyingly strong. Even Lovell’s grand schemes left him unconvinced.

Yet… the War Domain would not lose. Hopper welcomed the partnership, using it to advance his own interests. He refused to let Han Xiao cast him further aside.

…

The next day, at the Black Star Military Headquarters.

Days remained before the formal assembly, and guests mingled, expanding their networks in the bustling hall.

Han Xiao visited Sorokin early, inviting him to tour the headquarters. Sorokin agreed gladly.

As they wandered the halls, chatting, Han Xiao reiterated his challenge. Sorokin still declined, Han Xiao sighing.

Strengths like that never surrendered easily.

While Han Xiao hesitated, Sorokin suddenly recalled something.

"I hear Isaiah is here?"

Han Xiao raised an eyebrow. "You know that… uh, old man?"

"When he was a Ancient One, I met him a few times. I once invited him to join the Infinite, but he refused." Sorokin shook his head.

Isaac was quite the social butterfly, known everywhere he went. Han Xiao winced.

"By the way, I’ve heard you and Emmerich are lovers?"

Han Xiao blinked. "Where did you hear that?"

"Whispers everywhere. I heard it by chance." Sorokin sighed. "Romantic unions among Super A-levels are rare. The last pair I can’t even recall."

"A leader of the Infinite, keen on gossip. How… human." Han Xiao shook his head.

"As a leader, I must monitor all channels. Opportunities often hide in such chatter." Sorokin smiled.

Han Xiao’s eyes lit up. He suddenly recalled something. "If I’m not mistaken, you’re the successor to the Infinite, not its founder."

"Indeed."

"Records about you before reaching Super A-level are scarce. I’m curious about your past."

"Haha, does Black Star care so much about my childhood?" Sorokin laughed.

To most Super A-levels, life before ascension was like childhood.

"Just curiosity." Han Xiao waved it off.

"All in the past. Training and battles—nothing worth mentioning." Sorokin smiled, then asked, "What are your ambitions, Black Star?"

"Ambitions? Cosmic peace, perhaps?" Han Xiao joked.

"How coincidental. I feel the same." Sorokin chuckled.

As they chatted, Han Xiao covertly accessed the Quantum Network, contacting Isaac. He quickly breached Isaac’s comm device.

An old face materialized in the Quantum Network view, startled.

"Black Star? What are you doing hacking my comm?!"

"Old man, I need to ask you something. Do you know Sorokin?"

Isaac blinked, confused. "Know him? What about him?"

He was right beside me, and I couldn't help but be curious about him. When you knew him before, what kind of person was he?

Upon hearing this, Iso took a moment to ponder, then said, "Suo Ro Jin... *sigh* what a cunning and deceitful fellow. You can never know which of his words are true. If you deal with him, you'd better be cautious."

"Hmm... then, how about his combat prowess?"

"Don't know, but he's stronger than me." Iso spread his hands.

"You're just talking nonsense." Han Xiao sighed in exasperation.

"Alright, stop bothering me. Get my communicator back to normal—I need to get back to the show."

With a sigh of resignation, Han Xiao severed the connection, exited the quantum network's view, turned his head and forgot all about Suo Ro Jin at a glance, and made up his mind to directly punch him—his fist shot out like lightning.

"Huh?"

Suo Ro Jin reacted swiftly, raising his arm to block the punch.

*Thud!* Though the punch carried little force, it still boomed with a heavy thud, and a ring of air pressure wave rippled outward.

"... Black Star Lord, what do you mean by this?" Suo Ro Jin squinted.

"You say you've been wasting your combat abilities, and I still don't believe it. Let's test your reflexes." Han Xiao smiled, unabashed.

Suo Ro Jin frowned, then broke into a smile, shaking his head. "As a Super A-level, I do have some reflexes. If you're a martial artist, I'd have no trouble blocking that punch. Black Star Lord, don't scare me like that—I'm not your match."

"Well then, it's my fault for being reckless. My apologies." Han Xiao casually retracted his hand, pretending it was nothing.

Upon seeing this, Suo Ro Jin let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He hadn't expected Han Xiao to go on the offensive even if it meant offending him, and had thought it was a forced spar. Yet Black Star only threw one punch and then stopped. Such a reasonable fellow surprised him.

Upon reflection, Suo Ro Jin felt relieved. Black Star had once ruthlessly annihilated his allied forces, and in his view, the man was bold and decisive. Though the sudden attack was unexpected, it aligned with his image of Han Xiao.

However, he didn't know that the combat data triggered by this punch was enough for Han Xiao to see through his facade.

Han Xiao quietly opened the panel, glanced at the combat prompt, and his eyes suddenly narrowed.

Indeed, just as I thought. I hadn't guessed wrong—this scoundrel is no ordinary one... His level is a question mark!

"Back when I was at level 280, I saw Madison as a question mark. Now I'm at 300, and Suo Ro Jin is also a question mark. This guy's combat strength is indeed at the peak of Super A-level? How he's been hiding all this time, making all Super A-levels think he's weak... What's this pig pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger getting at?"

Han Xiao's thoughts raced, and his eyes narrowed sharply.