It was also impractical for Han Xiao to suppress his level. Even with all the experience he had saved up currently, it would not be enough to bring his Ultimate Knowledge to max level.
After thinking for a while, he decided to instead upgrade [Eternal Power Source], [Virtual Creator], and another from the Control Branch to the max level, as these three Ultimate Knowledges did not suffer from any experience penalties.
He directly opened the skills tab and invested some experience to upgrade his blueprint skills. After reaching the required amount of Potential Points, he immediately used them up, maxing out [Virtual Creator] and [Eternal Power Source].
His last required Ultimate Knowledge of the Control Branch had not been learned. While he had sufficient Contribution Points, in order to maintain the effect of his political assets, he needed to preserve at least six thousand points, keeping his relationship with the dynasty at [Reverence]. Thus, he could only wait until he reached twelve thousand Contribution Points to exchange for the Ultimate Knowledge. He was still lacking around three or four thousand.
After completing his operation of upgrading and learning skills, his reserve experience shrank greatly.
During Version 2.0, Han Xiao’s stored experience was only enough for him to increase from Level 170 to 207. In Version 3.0, due to the larger number of Black Star Army faction players, which allowed him to sell more of his products and grant higher rewards for missions, Han Xiao’s current experience reserve far outstripped Version 2.0.
But no matter how much he had, it was still finite. The cost of upgrading at this stage was much greater than that of the lower level, and he also needed to reserve a certain amount of experience to gamble on blueprints and improve strength training.
Han Xiao then entered the quantum network, ordering Phillip to purchase Energy Training Techniques in large quantities. With the current finances of the Army, this was a small matter and did not require him to worry about it himself.
Following this, Han Xiao collected his gains in the random reward. The two low-level skills drawn were relatively ineffective, but the foundation talent was not bad. It was called [Brain Enhancement], and the effect was an increased four percent Intelligence. At his current level, it would grant hundreds of Intelligence points, and since Intelligence was the core attribute for a Mechanic, there was some value in it.
Other than this, the more useful ones included a blank Character Summon Card as well as an ability enhancement card.
He had drawn one ability enhancement card long ago, and it had been sitting in his interface without him touching it. With this new card, he now had two.
Han Xiao scanned his skill bar as he muttered, “What should I enhance?”
Profession skills would not be able to trigger any skill mutations and could only be strengthened based on its basic values. At present, Han Xiao’s combat ability was quite well rounded, so it seemed like he could use it to strengthen any skill.
After thinking for a while, he decided to use it for the skill [Gene Liberation]. This explosive ability was still useful, and strengthening it would be no loss.
_____________________
Activating Ability Enhancement Card, target: [Gene Liberation Lv.10], undergoing enhancement…
Enhancement completed. [Gene Liberation Lv10]’s effect has been upgraded.
_____________________
There was no mutation, but Han Xiao was not surprised. [Gene Liberation] was already the mutated form of [Flaming Will], and in the past, there was a crazy guy who tried continuously enhancing only one skill, and he found out that the use of the enhancement card greatly dropped with each consecutive try. The success rate for the first time was twenty percent, followed by five percent, and a third time would be one percent.
The interface showed that [Gene Liberation]’s minimum damage bonus had increased from 220% to 240%, while the maximum increased from 480% to 520%. The continuous effect was upgraded from 2 to 2.4 seconds, while the cooldown reduced from seven minutes to six minutes and twenty seconds. The passive trigger was upped from 20% to 28%. Overall, it was an acceptable strengthening.
There was still one Ability Enhancement Card left over. After looking at it for a long time, Han Xiao decided that he had no other abilities worth increasing now and decided to leave it.
Players could also draw Ability Enhancement Cards, and the enhancement effect applied the same way. The more used, the higher the chance of transforming qualitatively. If one could increase the -90% Luck for the Luck Curse to -100%…
All card items such as the Character Summon Card or Ability Enhancement cards were character bound and could not be traded. Thus, the temporary character cards obtained through his juice extraction would be so sought after. If it was not for that, Han Xiao would have assigned a mission long ago to amass Character Summon Cards.
After finishing what he needed to do, Han Xiao closed the interface and left the training room. On the way, he took out his communicator and contacted Sylvia.
“How goes the preparation for the party?”
“The official time for the party has been set to be in a month, and it’s already arranged. By the way, I was paying attention to the trends of Bloodshed Land, and it seems like the Tyrant’s Party held this year has been adjusted to the same time as ours.”
Han Xiao let out a peal of laughter. “Little Ty-Ty is not very happy, I see.”
“If I were the Tyrant, I would be angry too.” Sylvia did not reply very nicely to him.
“There’s no rule saying that only he can hold a party. After all, we’re not good friends, so why would I care about what he thinks?” Han Xiao stroked his chin.
Sylvia lightly snorted and no longer bothered judging him. She instead continued speaking. “The number of Evolutionary Totem collaborators has increased, and there are more representatives attending this party, many of whom hail from different star fields. There are 11 Star Cluster civilization representatives and 413 Star System civilization representatives, which includes the Beyond Grade A allies that are friends with you.”
“Not bad, the business scope widened.” Han Xiao nodded.
Had the dynasty completely opened up his Evolutionary Totem trade, there would have been god knew how many times more organizations approaching him.
“Remember to provide good hospitality for the guests. Don’t neglect them.”
After casually leaving some instructions, Han Xiao hung up.
The follow-up plan needed to be started after the dynasty had divided the territories, so he could only make preparations for the time being.
…
A month passed by in a flash, and the day for the Black Star’s Party came as scheduled.
There were already precedents to this party, so the officers like Sylvia were familiar with the process as well as the routes their guests used to travel over.
Han Xiao also had to meet with the VIPs in person before the actual party and invited the local representatives of the Shattered Star Ring to gather.
“Haha, Black Star, long time no see.”
The representative of the Purple Crystal Civilization was the first to arrive and walked in laughing heartily. Han Xiao also smiled, walking forward to give him a hug.
The two of them were old friends. During the time when Han Xiao was still a Calamity Grade, he had borrowed the opportunity of the secret war to develop himself. While he was now allied with the Crimson Dynasty, he had always maintained a good relationship with the Purple Crystal Civilization.
The Purple Crystal Civilization maintained its neutrality and did not express their enthusiasm for the dynasty. Only because of Han Xiao’s request were they able to purchase the Evolutionary Totem. Thus, they were the only non-dynasty-ally customer of Han Xiao. The Purple Crystal Civilization also attached great importance to their Beyond Grade A supporting them, so both sides were harmonious.
Both of them sat down and started to chat. Ralph could not help reminiscing.
“Just now, when
I was outside, I saw a lot of other representatives in the Star Field. In just a few years, your organization has changed so drastically.”
“There was some luck involved.” Han Xiao smiled.
Ralph shook his head as though sighing.
A few years ago, the Black Star Army had been but a small armed organization that cooperated with the Purple Crystal Civilization. Over a few years, they had transformed into a behemoth that hundreds of civilizations now valued.
Even their Purple Crystal Civilization did not have such influence.
Looking at the small shrimp that once needed their support become a behemoth today, Ralph’s mood was a bit complicated.
After chatting for a while longer, the other representatives of the six Star Cluster level Civilizations in the Shattered Star Ring arrived. Now, there was no star cluster civilization that dared not give Han Xiao face. Even the neighboring Klent Kingdom also sent people to participate this time.
Seeing his old opponent, Ralph’s brows raised, and he joked, “Hey, why did the Klent Kingdom come too? I thought the Tyrant’s Party is being held around this time this year. Aren’t you afraid Heber will be unhappy?”
“Humph, there are other colleagues of mine that will go to the Tyrant’s side.” The Klent representative snorted.
The grudges of the secret war had not disappeared, but because of their interests, Klent could only wrinkle their noses and come to please Han Xiao. While they both were allies of the dynasty, if Black Star did not wish to sell the Evolutionary Totem to Klent, he could choose not to do so.
These seven Star Cluster level civilizations controlled the entire Shattered Star Ring, and Han Xiao had various business dealings with them. His network and influence could even be considered stronger than Heber’s, as people who attended Heber’s party did so to give him face; however, those who attended Han Xiao’s party all were connected by benefits, which meant a deeper level of relationship.
Just as Han Xiao was chatting with them, his communicator vibrated. It was a message from Sylvia.
“Teacher, Sorokin has arrived.”
Han Xiao told Sylvia to observe Sorokin. His eyes flashed, and he flashed a smile toward the other representatives.
“Gentlemen, excuse me for a moment.”
…
Sorokin’s fleet docked at the pier, attracting a lot of attention.
The Limitless Financial Group’s name had been heard by almost all the representatives of these civilizations, but after a few glances, they withdrew their gazes.
The Black Star Army was also a Beyond Grade A force and was allied to the dynasty. It was not surprising that the Limitless Financial Group had also arrived.
Sorokin got off the spaceship and saw their behavior. His eyes narrowed slightly, and he had a clearer understanding of the power of the Black Star Army.
While the partners of the army might not compare to those of the Limitless Financial Group, they still had a lot of say in the Shattered Star Ring.
This moment, Feidin, who was waiting by the side, came up with a smile.
“I’m a Black Star Guard, Feidin. I’m here to welcome the distinguished guests from the Limitless Financial Group to the Black Star Army. Your Excellency Sorokin, Black Star is waiting to meet with you.”
Hearing this, Sorokin withdrew his gaze and focused on Feidin. His breath caught suddenly, as confusion flashed across his eyes. He asked, “Are you… male or female?”
“I guess you could say both.” Feidin warmly smiled and added, “But mostly male.”
“Oh… I understand.” Sorokin coughed lightly. “Please lead the way. I’m also looking forward to seeing Black Star.”
The group left the dock and proceeded to another reception room.
Along the way, Sorokin glanced left and right, observing the situation of the Black Star Army, and could not help but say, “I heard that the Black Star Army has a unique Immortals troop. I wanted to see them during my trip here, but it seems like none of them are here?”
Feidin smiled. “Oh, you really came at the wrong time. They are not present.”
“… Oh, so that’s the case.” Sorokin’s mouth twitched.
A month ago, not long after he reached the Shattered Star Ring, he received news from his side that all the Immortals in his financial group had disappeared. Sorokin thought that it was a standalone case, but it seemed that Black Star Army’s group had also disappeared.
Indeed, no matter how far it is, the Immortals seemed to be linked…
Sorokin had always been observing the players, but he was unable to tell the circumstances behind their disappearances and could only admit that he was unlucky.
His idea of coming into contact with the Immortals here was wasted.
Arriving in the reception room, Sorokin sat for a while before the door opened, and Han Xiao walked over.
“How do you do? I’m Sorokin from the Limitless Financial Group. I’m honored to meet with the man who captured EsGod.” Sorokin smiled slightly, displaying nothing out of the ordinary.
“It is also my honor to meet you. Please, take a seat.” Han Xiao shook hands with him as well.
They sat down, and Sorokin smiled as he spoke.
“While I’m based in the distant Sea of Star Spirits, I’ve often heard about the deeds of Black Star. A long time ago, I was already thinking of cooperating. There is a business opportunity, so I came with sincerity and hope that our first contact today would be a good start for the future cooperation between the two parties.”
“… I hope the same.”
Han Xiao raised his brows, with a smile that was unlike a smile on his face.
First time in contact? You piece of sh*t. If not for the fact that I know you so well, I would really think that you’re such a sincere person…
In his previous life, the players did not have much information on Sorokin. In the eyes of the players, he was a Beyond Grade A without much sense of existence. He had no outstanding records at the Beyond Grade A.
Han Xiao had recently asked his friends in the Beyond Grade A circles and found out that Sorokin had never fought with any of his peers before. They mentioned that his combat power was not strong, and the ‘Beyond Grade A’ was used more as an identity to facilitate business negotiations.
Combining all the various accounts, Sorokin seemed to be a freak that deviated from all the normal Beyond Grade A evaluations. Compared to the others, his business attributes were far stronger.
However, those who could become Beyond Grade A would have experienced various difficulties and obstacles. Without strong mental will, it was impossible to get to Beyond Grade A. Han Xiao felt that Sorokin might not be as simple as he seemed on the surface.
Because there was limited information, he could only understand the opponent’s personality through personal contact.
Han Xiao’s mind was racing.
It’ll be best to find a method to poke him and force out all the combat information…
Chapter 923 - Old Fox and Lobbyists
Even as he thought about Sorokin’s information, Han Xiao’s expression was normal, and he commented on Sorokin’s words with a voice full of interest.
“How can we cooperate?”
As he spoke, Sorokin smiled. “The Flickering World is a rare business opportunity. I heard that the Crimson Dynasty will divide the territory of its allies that participated in the exploration. When the new Star Field opens in the future, the Flickering World will be integrated into the universe, which will usher in a period of explosive development. The dynasty’s allies who sit on these sites will be the biggest winners, so we hope to invest heavily in the Black Star Army and build the site ahead of time with you.
“The Limitless Financial Group invests in the entire universe and does not miss any business opportunities. Presumably, you know of our financial resources. Our help will make the construction more efficient.”
“That’s right. The market value of the Limitless Financial Group… is indeed f
rightening. I do not doubt your capabilities.” Han Xiao nodded.
Many subsidiaries of the Limitless Financial Group had been listed on the Interstellar Stock Market in different regions. Their market value was transparent and open, easily checked, and the amount of Enas they possessed made people who were unaware of it think that Enas were some inferior currency.
Resources were often gathered like this in the hands of a few. In the galactic age, the gap between the rich and poor was like the difference between a beast on a planet surface compared with a galactic resident.
The development of the territory in the Flickering World would inevitably be supported by various financial groups. This was also a means of cost saving and cooperation. The Crimson Dynasty tacitly agreed that the allies could sign contracts with financial groups to develop the territory together.
It sounded as though there was no problem, but this guy, Sorokin… Han Xiao did not show any changes in facial expression while evaluating the man before him.
Seeing that Black Star did not show any confirmation, Sorokin narrowed his eyes and continued speaking. “The Black Star Army is now a huge business and dominates the Shattered Star Ring. In terms of financial resources, it does not lose out to the first-tier financial groups due to its deep background and connections. With an extensive network, along with support from the dynasty, it will definitely attract countless galactic residents to invest. It is not difficult to multiple its market value.”
“Your meaning is?” Han Xiao raised a brow.
Sorokin smiled. “Our Limitless Financial Group has experience in this area. If the Black Star Army agrees, we are happy to help you…”
“We can talk about this in the future.” Han Xiao cut in. This idea was the real essence of growing leeks, but it came with its own disadvantages, and he temporarily did not wish to dabble in this.
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