Chapter 927: [Shining World] First Ring Completed

Chapter 927 [Shining World] First Ring Completed

A luminous blue three-dimensional star map hovered before Han Xiao, displaying the landscape of the Khur Star Cluster, where most regions were marked in green, signifying available star systems for selection.

Han Xiao gazed thoughtfully at the star map, its faint blue glow casting shadows across his face.

Beside him, T'Lurokov’s remote projection smiled warmly at the star map.

"Have you made a decision?"

"Of course. Though I have a question... After the first phase of exploration, the Empire has mapped out the resource distribution of every star system. While you allowed me to choose freely, the systems I selected differ from yours, so your attitude must be different as well." Han Xiao turned to glance at him.

"Ha, I know what you mean. You’re worried that if you choose star systems that are strategic strongholds and resource-rich areas, the Empire might object, right?" T'Lurokov shook his head with a laugh. "Rest assured, since the Empire has granted you this, they won’t mind your appetite. The Empire isn’t that stingy."

"Good then." Han Xiao nodded.

"Moreover, the Emperor herself sent me to inform you..." T'Lurokov’s eyes flickered with a knowing glint, his voice laced with hidden meaning. "She suggested you choose star systems that are as significant as possible."

"Is it because I’m a direct appointee of the Emperor?" Han Xiao replied with interest.

"Mmm, that may be one reason... Anyway, here’s some insider information. Not everyone in the Empire’s upper echelons agrees with dividing seven star systems to you. Some believe those critical areas should remain under Imperial control and not be given to any alliance. Empress Ulansky overruled them, allocating the Khur Star Cluster’s direct control zones to you for selection. As she put it, since a promise has been made, one shouldn’t play tricks on allies—it would only cool their hearts."

"She’s right. It seems the Emperor does care for me." Han Xiao smiled and nodded.

"The Emperor’s suggestion for you to secure strategic strongholds also has another implication. She hopes you’ll gain greater influence and status within the Empire, indirectly dampening some internal discord." T'Lurokov said.

Upon hearing this, Han Xiao understood—he was referring to the evolution block issue.

When a super-A-level ally carries a strategic-level cosmic artifact, such conflicts inevitably arise, just as the former Sisco endured pressure from the Vulcan Church.

Within the Empire, some hoped to voluntarily surrender their evolution blocks, and Han Xiao had heard whispers of this. But in the face of cosmic civilization’s protocols toward allies and his own achievements, such voices were faint.

Forcing allies to surrender cosmic artifacts was impossible; cosmic civilizations wouldn’t resort to such desperate measures. Yet the desire for evolution blocks among certain factions within the Empire would never truly fade.

Ulansky sought to increase my influence, while another faction coveting evolution blocks didn’t want me to gain too much importance, making it harder to suppress me... From another angle, this was an internal power struggle within the Empire.

Reflecting on this, Han Xiao felt a tinge of sorrow. He didn’t wish to involve himself in the Empire’s political conflicts, but there was no choice. Any valuable asset became a bargaining chip in the eyes of these factions, and super-A-level allies were no exception. Others saw him as a crucial piece on the board—there was no avoiding it.

"Regardless of their thoughts, I’ll develop my own path." Han Xiao shook his head, pointing seven times on the star map. "These seven star systems are mine."

T'Lurokov glanced at the map, his eyes flickering, then laughed. "You truly don’t mince words."

"It’s because of you that I don’t." Han Xiao shrugged.

The systems he chose were all critical areas in the Khur Star Cluster. Two were portals adjacent to nearby clusters, strategic chokepoints. Two others were future transit hubs in the Khur Star Cluster, bustling with activity. The final three were at the cluster’s center, richest in resources, with immense development potential.

"Very well. I’ll report to the Emperor. Construction will begin soon—prepare in advance. I’m leaving now." T'Lurokov cut the communication, and his projection vanished.

Han Xiao withdrew his gaze, staring at the seven glowing regions on the star map, slowly exhaling.

"Seven star systems... These will be my future territories."

...

Days later, the Crimson Empire announced the successful completion of Phase One of the Shining World project to the entire universe, cautiously sharing the exploration results.

Throughout time, countless eyes had watched the Shining World’s progress. New domains were both the Crimson Empire’s territory and the universe’s wealth. Smooth development would enhance the Empire’s reputation.

This news invigorated many forces, especially conglomerates. The Empire had long hinted that Phase One’s follow-up construction would allow conglomerates to invest. Though only large cosmic conglomerates could gain entry, it was a surefire profit.

Every allied force was a good investment target. The Empire’s announcement listed the territories each ally had secured. The Black Star Legion topped the list with seven star systems, far ahead of second-place Krent’s four.

Interstellar powers took notice, sensing the Empire’s regard for the Black Star Legion.

...After all, the Black Star Legion was young, growing rapidly, becoming a cornerstone for the Empire’s future hundreds or thousands of years. The Empire couldn’t afford to neglect them.

After the announcement, major conglomerates began acting. They contacted prominent allied forces, with the Black Star Legion most welcomed. Cooperation applications flooded in to Philip.

Though seven star systems were vast, countless conglomerates eyed the Shining World. Investment meant profit, but territory was limited—Han Xiao personally filtered applicants, first excluding weaker conglomerates, then negotiating with major ones.

This was a massive undertaking. Han Xiao assigned staff from various departments, led by Xiweya, to handle negotiations with different conglomerates.

The cooperation model was straightforward: conglomerates invested gold, purchasing resources and engineering equipment to build the territory. Investors promised future rights to manage or mine certain planets, or enjoy business privileges post-development. These rights spanned industries, so terms varied greatly per conglomerate’s focus.

Countless derivative rights stemmed from jurisdiction—beyond tangible planets, many tradable assets existed. Since the territory was fully under their control, civilizations could negotiate their own deals without citizen constraints, adding flexibility.

Though wary of Soloman Gold, Han Xiao honored prior agreements, sending a message to finalize terms. Soloman’s investment fell far short of expectations, hinting at financial strain.

"No reason. The Infinite Conglomerate only invested a pittance—looks like they don’t care."

In the Legion Commander’s office, Han Xiao reviewed contract terms, frowning.

"Xiweya, I asked you to investigate the Infinite Conglomerate. Any results?"

"Yes. After entering the Broken Ring, they split into a smaller team, joining the War Domain’s Warlord Summit. They were likely assessing investment targets, only making a token investment in us, focusing on the War Domain."

Han Xiao frowned. "That’s odd. My territory is three times larger than Harber’s, yet Soloman’s focus is on Harber. Did Harber offer him better terms?"

After a moment, Han Xiao dismissed it. Many conglomerates eyed this opportunity; he had ample choices. If the Infinite Conglomerate wasn’t interested in deeper cooperation, it didn’t matter—he lacked no partners.

After handling his affairs, Han Xiao set down his communicator, opened the panel, and checked the task bar.

[Shining World] Main quest’s first ring goal was to explore the Khur Star Cluster. Upon the Crimson Empire announcing Phase One’s success, the first ring task showed as completed, ready for settlement.

Players also had this main quest but had to wait for the update to settle.

Han Xiao glanced at the task description, his accumulated exploration points already maxed out in evaluation.

"After years of exploration, I’ve finally completed this S+ main quest’s first ring." Han Xiao mused. "With such a high evaluation, the reward should suffice to exchange the final ultimate knowledge."

He selected to settle the task.

[Shining World] First Ring Completed

[Your task evaluation: S+]

[You gained 20e experience, random reward x3, 3000 Crimson Empire contribution points, blank character card x2]

[Milestone activated in [Explorer’s Pioneer]]

[Milestone requirements: Achieve at least 3 A-level exploration evaluations in the Shining World quest chain]

[Current progress: 1/3]

"Oh, a milestone quest." Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.

Such milestones granted unique titles or legendary status. Some titles were merely cosmetic, others offered bonuses. Han Xiao recalled an unfinished [Legendary Hunter] milestone, which increased damage against beasts. The [Explorer’s Pioneer] seemed to boost dungeon and random reward drop rates.

The highest evaluation granted 20 billion experience—trivial for him, but enough to level up many times for a level 120 player. Under standard conditions, this reward was generous. His past 200-300 billion experience rewards were all from super-A-level tasks, far exceeding Shining World’s difficulty.

Shining World’s second ring appeared, requiring completion of all basic infrastructure in the Black Star Legion’s territory.

This main quest was flexible, with requirements varying by faction and circumstances. Han Xiao and Legion players’ tasks were based on the Crimson Empire and Black Star Legion’s dual-faction stance. The second ring involved building their territory—Han Xiao wasn’t surprised.

Alas, players had logged off, missing the task.

After some thought, Han Xiao refocused, checking the faction interface. The most useful reward for him was the Empire’s 3000 contribution points. Combined with this, Empire contribution points surpassed 12,000, enough to exchange the final ultimate knowledge.

"Hmm, finally gathering enough for the ultimate knowledge." Han Xiao exhaled.

...

Meanwhile, in the War Domain.

After the Infinite Conglomerate and Harber reached cooperation, Lophel became their envoy, stationed in the War Domain. Soloman Gold transmitted secret orders via possession to her.

Shortly after the Empire announced allies’ territories, Lophel contacted Soloman Gold, expressing shock.

"The Empire treats the Black Star Legion so generously—seven entire star systems. Father, did we not prioritize investing in the Black Star Legion?"

Soro Jin also furrowed his brow. He knew the Empire valued the Black Star, but the Empire's excessive favor had still caught him a bit off guard.

The Black Star Legion had amassed more wealth and popularity than expected, which was unfavorable to their plans.

Hmph, those collaborating Imperial factions had promised to operate internally, preventing the Black Star from securing too favorable a foothold, but now it seems they failed, allowing the Black Star Legion to gain such a vast expanse of development space—this isn't just making my suppression work more difficult…

These teammates of this generation are useless!