“I see… It’s a little troublesome…” Austin retracted his finger and placed his arms behind his back. He then revolved around Han Xiao and asked, “What do you know of Psyker?”
“I don’t really know much about him…” Han Xiao pondered for a while. He tried to recall the information that the players from his previous life had gathered. However, there was too little information about Psyker. Furthermore, the players were not able to reach the upper echelons, and there was plenty that they did not know.
“Alright, I have to first tell you that this psychic toxin’s official name is called Soul Embryo, and I do not have the ability to purge it for you.”
Han Xiao was startled. “Even a Beyond Grade A Mage like you can’t do it?”
“Magic isn’t omnipotent.” Austin shook his head with resignation.
Lagi had also said the same thing.
Han Xiao muttered under his breath.
“Let me explain it to you. Just like how I occasionally make magic scrolls myself, Psyker also uses various techniques to store his psychic attacks. Our Beyond Grade A disposable weapons are sold on the black market for a sky-high price. This time, the attack that injured you was a psychic weapon that Psyker created.
“More accurately speaking, not just Psyker’s psychic energy is included. Another type of energy is also included within the attack.
“According to my knowledge, Psyker once roamed the Ancient Star Desert before he became a Beyond Grade A Super. That is an ancient Star Field, and he obtained a Universal Treasure there called the Evolution Cube. It was an item from some lost civilization.”
Hearing that, Han Xiao was stunned for a moment.
It’s actually that item?
At this moment, Feidin asked with curiosity, “What’s the use of that Evolution Cube?”
Austin looked at Feidin and felt as though he was pleasing to the eye. “Psyker hid the Evolution Cube extremely well, and I have never seen what it looks like. I also don’t know its exact usage. I only know two of its uses.
“First, the Evolution Cube can stimulate the potential of a living being, allowing it to evolve greatly in a short period of time. It can automatically adjust the gene structure of an individual to ensure that it is the optimum gene structure. Psyker relied on this method to become a Beyond Grade A Super. He activated the bloodline of his ancestors, and this was the contribution of the Evolution Cube.”
Marian’s breathing became heavy. “Does this mean that this treasure is able to lower the barrier to become a Beyond Grade A Super?”
“Not just that,” Austin said slowly. “Psyker also used the Evolution Cube to influence all the members of his race and aided an entire race to evolve and easily complete a journey that would take other civilizations a million years to complete. The genes of his entire race have reached perfection. Their body, lifespan, intelligence, and so on all exceed an ordinary species. The combat capability of a newborn infant is almost that of a Grade C Super.”
Feidin’s eyes widened with shock. “Such a treasure actually exists? This is too unbelievable. Won’t other organizations eye such a powerful treasure with greed?”
“Of course, there will be some who are greedy. The Arcane Church also approached him, and Psyker came to an agreement with them. He was willing to serve the Arcane Church with the Evolution Cube in exchange for their protection.
“Originally, Psyker’s civilization was only an ordinary Star System Civilization and grew rapidly because of this incident, looking as though it is about to become the next Star Cluster civilization. Although a Star Cluster civilization already existed in the region that he was born in, Psyker had the support of the Arcane Church, and his competitor wouldn’t dare suppress him openly. They could only watch as he slowly rose to prominence.”
Han Xiao nodded secretly. This was pretty much the same as the information that he had. Psyker’s attention was fully devoted to leading his civilization, and he did not like to participate in the conflicts of other regions.
He felt that it was extremely unlikely for Psyker to participate in the secret war.
“He sounds like a hero of his civilization,” Feidin said respectfully.
Austin did not deny those words and continued. “The second ability of the Evolution Cube was to increase one’s mental strength. The upper limit is still unknown. Thus, Psyker’s psychic energy is unbelievably powerful, and his mental strength is even higher than mine. Most importantly, the strength of the Evolution Cube had mixed together with his own psychic energy to form a special reaction, causing his sentient psychic energy to have a terrifying life force.
“The toxin in your body is actually the embryo of a new soul. In other words, your other personality. This soul that had yet to be born has taken root in your mental world and is connected with your own soul. While I am able to destroy it, your body will suffer irreversible damage in the process.”
“Irreversible damage means…” Han Xiao pushed carefully.
“Not sure. I don’t mind if you want to try.” Austin chuckled.
Han Xiao felt his head ache. “Are there any other ways?”
Austin then smiled mysteriously and said, “If Ames or I suffered such an injury, we would be able to recover very easily.”
Han Xiao’s eyes lit up, and he seemed to have understood something. “You mean…”
“While Psyker’s psychic energy is powerful, it is only at the Beyond Grade A level, and it isn’t incurable. The mental strength of a Beyond Grade A Super is extremely stable. As long as you become a Beyond Grade A Super, you don’t need to receive help from anyone and can recover on your own.”
Austin looked at Han Xiao with excitement and added, “You know that I would not say such words to anyone else. However, you are different. I have great expectations for your potential, and you may be able to become a Beyond Grade A Super before being eroded.”
“Actually, there is an even easier method.” Han Xiao could not help but say, “You can ask Psyker to help me. He will definitely understand his own attack. Your relationship with him should be pretty good, right?”
“Nonsense, I don’t know him, and I am not familiar with him.” Austin denied it without even thinking
Han Xiao rolled his eyes in response.
There’s no way I’ll believe you. You darn old man. That isn’t what you said when I first asked you for help.
Chapter 731 - Return
Chapter 731 Return
Seeing that Han Xiao did not believe him, Austin said, “Psyker is only concerned about his own Civilization and will not be interested in helping you. Even if I request his assistance, he might not give me face since we don’t have any relationship.”
Your face isn’t worth much, and to think you’re a Beyond Grade A… You’re also someone who likes socializing, just like me… Han Xiao inwardly complained.
As though reading Han Xiao’s thoughts, Austin coughed and changed the topic. “Even if he was willing, if you don’t become a Beyond Grade A Super, you won’t live for long.”
“Oh?” Han Xiao narrowed his eyes.
“You killed so many Grade A Supers from Bloodshed Land, but because of the rules of war, the Tyrant has been unable to make a move against you,” Austin replied serenely. “However, once the secret war comes to an end, what do you think he will do?”
Han Xiao frowned in response. “He’ll praise me for all my kills.”
Austin was rendered speechless, an incredulous expression hanging on his face. He shook his head.
“If you manage to reach the Beyond Grade A level before the end of the secret war, the Tyrant will enter the war to deal with you, but you at least will have some hope of surviving. However, if you end up being unable to break through to Beyond Grade A, you will not be able to resist, and even if you try to drag the death sentence, the day will come when you two battle!
“Thus, to say that advancing into a Beyond Grade A Super is your only choice was not me lying to you. Furthermore, the time you h
ave left isn’t great.”
Han Xiao stroked his chin, not speaking. However, Marian, who was at the side, was already dazed, and Feidin also had on an expression of worry. He glanced toward Han Xiao from time to time, his eyes showing his concern.
Become a Beyond Grade A in two to three years? That’s impossible! Feidin could not even imagine how low the possibilities were.
He knew very well that Han Xiao had already reached a very high realm at this point. If he wished to take another step forward, how difficult would that be? In the past seven years, he had practically not improved a single step, and compared to his previous speed of progression that was akin to flying, even his close friends were hypothesizing that Black Star had finally met a bottleneck.
At that time, if the Tyrant went knocking, Black Star would likely die. The huge Black Star Army would also collapse along with his death.
Even if Black Star could seize the slim possibility and advance into the Beyond Grade A realm, he might not survive under the hands of the Tyrant. The Tyrant had long since advanced to Beyond Grade A, and his reputation had been earned through fighting. Thus, his combat capability could definitely crush a newly promoted Beyond Grade A.
With this in mind, Feidin was pessimistic about the future. He reached out and squeezed Han Xiao’s shoulder, hoping to give him some comfort.
Deep in thought, Han Xiao must have been feeling very depressed at this moment.
“Where did you get your news from?”
“I naturally have my own sources.” Austin smiled.
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes as he pretended to sigh. In actual fact, this news was not out of his expectations. Since he dared to participate in the secret war, he was already prepared for the enemy and did not leave anything to fate.
Originally, he was only considered an ordinary member of Section Zero, but he had turned into one of their trump cards, successfully attracting the attention of the Tyrant. Han Xiao had also always been wary of Heber’s involvement in the war. He was not scared, however, as he still had the backing of Floating Dragon, and if the Tyrant wanted to move against him, he would have to face the wrath of the Dragon Emperor. Both sides already had a prior grudge, so Ames would never take this matter lying down.
Moreover, once the Tyrant decided to intervene, the Purple Crystal Civilization would also explode and send troops regardless of the cost to surround Heber. A Star Cluster Civilization was sufficient to threaten the life of a Beyond Grade A Super. At that time, Klent would also use this as an excuse to send troops, and the nature of the secret war would become a large-scale war of two civilizations.
Both warring parties wished to control the scale of the war, so the Tyrant had not appeared. However, Han Xiao was not too aggressive. It was okay to take a piss on someone else’s head, but sh*tting would go too far.
In fact, after he carved out a name for himself, he had reduced the frequency of his appearances. Having successfully formed an alliance with Purple Crystal, he had obtained a lot of development opportunities and had completed his original intention of participating in the secret war. Thus, he wanted to avoid the situation where the winds howled around the highest peaks.
Although he might have affected the process of this secret war, just based on the strength and status of the Calamity Grades on both sides, it would be hard to change the outcome of the war. He had acted within his means and did not slave away to complete each objective the Purple Crystal set for him.
As such, Austin’s words only allowed Han Xiao’s speculations to turn into reality, so he was not too surprised.
However, on the surface, Han Xiao still had to thank Austin for reminding him.
“I can only help you so much. The enchantment that Lagi has given you is pretty good. I don’t need to improve it. You may leave.”
Austin waved his hands, telling his subordinated to send off his guests.
Seeing the situation, Han Xiao did not stay any longer as well, taking the concerned Feidin and Marian, leaving the Palace of Hidden Spells.
Austin returned to his throne, and on his round face, there was an expression as though he was watching a fascinating show.
He never involved himself in disputes, as he liked to be in the position of a bystander, watching the fights across eras even as the seas themselves turned into mulberry fields.
Pressure could be a form of motivation, and he had purposefully stated the intentions of the Tyrant to see how Black Star would behave before this looming disaster. Would he rise against it, or would he be extinguished within? Would he be a defeated dog, leaving the Shattered Star Ring to escape the pursuit of the Tyrant?
Whichever outcome it was, Austin looked forward to it.
Of course, the scene that he wished to see most would be Black Star breaking the situation of the Shattered Star Ring that had been fixed for decades, injecting new vitality into this remote Star Field.
The trio boarded the spaceship, leaving the Palace of Hidden Spells.
There was only silence on-board.
Feidin could not resist opening his mouth after a while to ask, “Do you have any hope of breaking past your bottleneck in the next two to three years?”
Bottleneck? What bottleneck? Han Xiao did not respond immediately. He only glanced at him in confusion. Suddenly, it clicked as to what he was talking about, and Han Xiao could only shrug.
“I don’t know.” He naturally did not mention the matter of his interface.
“What then? The Tyrant is sure to come and kill you.” Feidin was a little panicked.
“Maybe we can obtain the Evolution Cube from Psyker himself,” Marian suggested. “Isn’t that thing capable of lowering the threshold of entering Beyond Grade A?”
“I think there’s no chance of that.” Han Xiao shook his head.
Austin might have been able to discuss the matter with Psyker, but he had no intention of helping Han Xiao. As for Ames, because she was probably not familiar with Psyker, she could not use her face to talk to Psyker. The Evolution Cube was Psyker’s treasure. Even if he wanted to use it, he did not know the other party. There was an eighty percent chance that Psyker would just ignore him.
Furthermore, he himself did not have any real bottlenecks and merely lacked experience.
“Then, what are you preparing to do?” Feidin asked.
“Improvise.”
With the players returning in Version 3.0, Han Xiao was confident that he would reach Beyond Grade A, but he was unable to explain that to Feidin.
Feidin pressed on the shoulders of Han Xiao, speaking with a solemn expression. “If this really does not work, we’ll just abandon the Black Star Army and escape to another Star Field. Our influence can be rebuilt; our lives are more important.”
“And you’ll come along with us?” Han Xiao jested.
Feidin paused for a moment before seriously nodding. “I will.”
Feeling the genuine intentions of Feidin, Han Xiao was a little touched.
But he shook his head and changed the topic, smiling as he said, “Don’t be frightened by what has not come. Let’s talk about the issue of the Tyrant next time. Right now, I still have a more urgent problem. I need to find a way to suppress the parasitism in my mental territory. This psychic toxin… oh, I should call it the Soul Embryo. With this thing here, I can’t even exert any energy.”
“A pity that the Magus was unable to help.” Feidin sighed.
“He just didn’t want to help. Don’t look at him having an amiable expression. In actual fact, that old chicken is extremely sly. Do you think he told me all that intelligence to help me?”
Han Xiao pursed his lips. He was not as easily manipulated as Herlous. To make him go all the way there, only to see him flap his lips a little and send them off, not even reimbursing them for fuel costs, what nonsense was this?
In the end, he still had to find his own method. If he had known this, he would not have relied on Austin at all. This was a wasted trip.
As Han Xiao thought
about it, he suddenly discovered a path.
Since the reason reaching Beyond Grade A could allow him to automatically recover was their strong mental strength, this meant that each time he levelled up, his spirit should increase. Thus, even if he did not reach Beyond Grade A, he should be able to suppress the Soul Embryo.
Because the NPCs did not have an interface, they could only subtly improve themselves through grinding and training. However, Han Xiao’s leveling up was an instantaneous process, and the effect displayed was significant. Although upgrading would not allow him to clear away his negative state, it should be able to inhibit the growth of the Soul Embryo.
Han Xiao opened his interface. This trip had taken more than half a month, and the players had long returned to the Black Star Army and made their purchases. He had already accumulated a reasonable amount of experience to raise his level. This would serve to test his theory.
He did not hesitate, immediately raising his level by one.
[Apostle Mechanic) leveled up to Lv.23.
+240 Energy, +3 STR, +4 DEX, +5 END, +10 INT.
You have received 8 Free Attribute Points and 1 Potential Point.
Han Xiao connected to his mental territory, and looking down, he saw that the area of purplish black mist where the Soul Embryo was had further shrunk. It had reduced from six percent to four percent.
Leveling up is indeed effective. The stronger the mental territory, the more the Soul Embryo will be suppressed.
As he withdrew his spiritual probing, he immediately came up with an idea. It was not as though he was incapable of attacking. As long as he reasonably upgraded himself, controlling the Soul Embryo to remain below thirty percent, there would be no possibility of a troublesome sub-personality rising.
He sighed in relief. Since there was a long-term plan to suppress it, the threat of the Soul Embryo had decreased. Indeed, enchanting and stuff were all external means; the most reliable path was still to strengthen himself. A matter that a Beyond Grade A could not deal with could be resolved simply by levelling himself.
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