Hearing this, Sorokin also put down this topic. He asked, “Then, what does Your Excellency Black Star think of my proposal?”
Han Xiao thought about it before asking, “It’s not just myself that has a territory in the Flickering World. Based on normal circumstances, the financial groups will only move when the territory gets divided, so why are you guys approaching me for cooperation when everyone still has not chosen?”
“Haha, I have inside information because I have contacts within the Crimson Dynasty. Even without these connections, thanks to your contributions in the battle of Planet Lighthouse and the Fall of EsGod, plus the Evolution Cube that is in your hands, the territory given to you by the dynasty will be the best. In this case, why should I hesitate?”
Sorokin had a big smile on his face.
There were no falsehoods in his words. Even if he had no relationship with the dynasty, the best choice would still be the Black Star Army. With Han Xiao’s current record and importance, everyone knew that the Black Star Army would be given the largest and best piece of meat.
A pity…
“Is that so?” Han Xiao deeply looked at Sorokin.
This guy’s words were sincere and aligned with their interests. He seemed like he sincerely wished to work with him…
However, because of Sorokin’s involvement in the Gulal civil war, Han Xiao was already alert to him. He hesitated a while before asking, “If I agree to work with you, are you prepared to sign the contract now?”
“That’s not the case.” Sorokin shook his head and chuckled. “I’m just here to reach a preliminary arrangement. The specific details can only be formed after the site is confirmed. Of course, the main reason I came over was because you insisted on me coming to attend Black Star’s Party. Such big business needs me to be here in person, and I also admire what you’ve done so far.”
To say such flattering words so easily, there’s no air of a Beyond Grade A about him, Han Xiao thought.
At this moment, Han Xiao thought of something and said, “Ok. Then I have no objections.”
“Then, I wish our cooperation a success.” Sorokin laughed.
Han Xiao did not laugh and changed the topic. “That’s right. I heard that the Limitless Financial Group has many Beyond Grade A shareholders, and there are even Ancient Ones among them, such as the Mechanic Emperor Manison and even allies from the dynasty.”
“That’s right.”
“The Limitless Financial Group trades its shareholder position for resources and protection, am I right?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, since you wish to cooperate, a verbal promise is unsuitable. In the future, since the Flickering World still has a long time ahead for development, if I become a shareholder of the Limitless Financial Group, then I can naturally cooperate fully with the financial group… I think that my name, Black Star, still has some weight in the universe. Your Excellency Sorokin, do you think that I have the qualifications for a shareholder position with my current status and resources?”
Through the Gulal civil war, Han Xiao had discovered the Limitless Financial Group’s attempt to steal his ‘food’, so he wished to break into the Limitless Financial Group and find out who was trying to snatch his rice bowl.
“This…” Sorokin had an awkward expression.
Han Xiao’s eyes gleamed, and he purposely deepened his voice. “Oh? It seems you think that I don’t have the qualifications.”
“Of course not.” Sorokin shook his head, but he was laughing coldly to himself.
I’m afraid you don’t have the qualifications.
To want a shareholder position the first time we meet, your appetite is really big. It seems like your battle records have made you proud and reckless…
While Sorokin thought this, he displayed a helpless expression on his face.
“Your Excellency Black Star, you have the qualifications, but with the size of the Limitless Financial group, the shareholder position is not given out easily. Even if I’m willing, the others may not be willing, and there’s only one shareholder for each of the three Universal Civilizations. The dynasty already has someone occupying a seat… You understand what I mean.”
“Ah, so it’s like that.” Han Xiao nodded. Another method for the three Universal Civilizations to keep each other in check.
This reason seemed to be easy to use, with no way to figure out their thoughts.
“If that’s the case, then let’s not talk about such things for now. No matter what, to be able to meet another Beyond Grade A today, I’m really happy.” Han Xiao glanced at Sorokin. “Are you interested in a spar?”
“I’ll give it a miss. I’m not good at combat.” Sorokin waved his hands while laughing.
“Haha, come on, a Beyond Grade A saying that they are not good at combat? You must be joking.”
“I might be a Beyond Grade A, but I don’t like to fight and have not exchanged blows with anyone for a long time. My skills have long regressed, and besides, with Your Excellency Black Star’s renown in the universe, I admit that I will not be your opponent.”
Saying this, Sorokin stood up and smiled. “If I’m not wrong, you still need to meet others, right? I’ve also just arrived and need to arrange my subordinates. Let’s stop here for the day. I’ll come and visit again tomorrow and chat more. How about that?”
“Alright.” Hearing this, Han Xiao could only nod. The guest had come from afar, so he could not forcibly make Sorokin stay.
Sorokin smiled, and after exchanging communicator numbers, he left the room.
After he left, Han Xiao frowned.
“This guy has a seamless defense. If he doesn’t agree to spar, then I’ll need to think of another idea…”
Sorokin was also a person of influence, and he came all the way to discuss a possibility of cooperation, so Han Xiao could not show any hatred. He did not know the intentions of the other party, and if he ended up antagonizing them, that would be bad.
While Sorokin seemed very sincere on the surface, Han Xiao felt that the other party did not really want to work with him.
Recalling their conversation previously, Han Xiao found it difficult to read Sorokin’s personality, as though he was wearing a mask the whole time.
“I don’t even know what he’s thinking…” Han Xiao rubbed his temples, helplessly sighing.
Conversing with such people was the most taxing.
…
This year, the Tyrant’s Party and Black Star’s Party were held at the same time. The civilizations of Shattered Star Ring could not afford to snub either one, so they also sent messengers to follow the habits of previous years to attend the Tyrant’s Party.
On the top floor of the Bloodshed Land’s palace, Heber stood in front of a huge window. Outside the window was a black and gray fortress, as well as stars that spanned across the entire universe. His gaze was fixed toward the residences of the emissaries.
In recent years, these messengers would take advantage of the time before the party to network with the others, but now, there was almost no movement from these emissaries. Most of them stayed within their rooms, and the hall appeared cold and deserted, like stagnant water.
Because Black Star’s Party was livelier, the civilizations of the Shattered Star Ring all regarded Black Star’s Party as the main stage of communication, and the Tyrant’s Party was a secondary occasion. Matters to be discussed could be done on one side, and they did not need to move on the other.
Right now, these people participated in Tyrant’s Party more as a way to show their face, rather than as a grand and lively occasion.
“Humph, Black Star.”
Heber’s expression was tense, and the fist behind him was clenched tight.
At this point, his Chief Staff Officer Jorde walked in. Walking behind Heber, he whispered, “Your Excellency Heber, the emissary from the Limitless Financial Group has arrived. She’s waiting outside.”
“Let her in.” Heber did not even turn back.
A moment later, Lovell walked into the room. Gazing at the huge figure in front of the window, a wave of pressure assaulted her.
She calmed her mind and whispered, “I greet Your Excellency Heber.”
She was not even at the Calamity Grade and could not maintain the bearing her father Sorokin had in front of Han Xiao.
“I heard the Limitless Financial Group wants to work with us.” Heber indifferently glanced at Lovell.
“That’s right. It’s regarding the Flickering World. We…”
“You wish to be an investor, right? Such small matters need not be discussed with me. You may look for the respective officer.” Heber withdrew his gaze, uninterested.
Lovell gritted her teeth before taking out a letter. “His Excellency Sorokin tasked me with delivering this to you.”
“Letter?” Heber’s brows furrowed.
In this age where electronic communication was so convenient and efficient, a handwritten letter only meant that there was a need for secrecy. Heber was suspicious; he did not have any dealings with Sorokin, so why would the latter send him a letter? What did he mean? It was definitely not going to be a love letter.
Heber then turned to face Lovell, and with a gesture, the letter landed in his hands. The moment he opened it, his pupils shrank, and his expression became solemn.
“No wonder…”
Heber waved his hands, and the letter turned to ash before disintegrating into atoms. He gazed at Jorde. “Leave for now.”
Jorde was surprised, but he bowed and left, closing the door on his way out.
With only two of them in the room, a ray of light flashed past Heber’s eyes, and energy rushed out, filling the room and isolating any external detection.
“You guys wish for me to deal with the Black Star Army?”
“That’s right.” Lovell nodded.
“Humph, ridiculous!” Heber coldly replied. “While I have issues with Black Star, we’re still allies of the dynasty, and I can’t do anything about him. You’ve come to the wrong person.”
Lovell took a deep breath. Recalling what Sorokin had taught her, she said, “Black Star has only been around for twenty years, but how many years have you already been in the Shattered Star Ring? Black Star came later, but his business is flourishing, and his influence has surpassed yours. Your Excellency, are you willing to watch this continue?”
Heber’s expression was indifferent, but he did not refute.
“As for your ally, the Crimson Dynasty, they have always been biased toward the Black Star Army. Have you thought about why that’s so…”
Heber cut in. “He has the Evolution Cube, and I don’t have anything. It’s that simple.”
“Yes!” Lovell’s voice rose a notch. “That’s the crux!”
“Humph, so you want me to help you take his Evolution Cube?” Sarcasm laced Heber’s words.
“Of course not. We just need to come out with a way to make him lose the Evolution Cube. There’s a difference between the two.”
“Oh? What is that?”
“It’s almost impossible to rob, and the federation as well as the church will not rashly act. So, what we want is for Black Star to willingly give up his Evolution Cube.”
Heber almost burst into laughter. “Pass the Evolution Cube to an outsider? Do you think Black Star is a fool? I understand that b*stard Black Star. It’s easier for your Limitless Financial Group to go bankrupt tomorrow than for him to pass over his Evolution Cube.”
“No, I did not mean it that way. What if… we could make Black Star surrender the Evolution Cube to the dynasty?” Lovell replied.
Heber narrowed his eyes, seemingly interested.
“Go on.”
Chapter 924 - True Colors
“The value of the Evolution Cube need not be emphasized. Today, this Universal Treasure coveted by all organizations is in the hands of Black Star, and its risk to the dynasty is huge. However, the Universal Civilizations will not force their Beyond Grade A allies to hand over their Universal Treasures, so while they acquiesce to Black Star’s ownership of the Evolution Cube, it does not mean that the dynasty will be at ease.”
Heber nodded. “Indeed. Continue.”
“Only when the Evolution Cube is held in the hands of the dynasty can the risk be eliminated. Although he came out victorious in the battle of Planet Lighthouse, it has also sounded an alarm within the dynasty. Rather than simply believing in Black Star’s strength, it’s always better to prevent such things from happening. The Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device of the Federation of Light will forever remain a threat. Think of what will happen if a group of Beyond Grade As suddenly raid the Black Star Army headquarters.”
“If the federation could do it, they would have done so long ago.” Heber remained unmoved.
“That’s right. If you take into account various factors, the Federation of Light will not take such a risk, so it takes a roundabout approach to put pressure on the dynasty and Black Star… But if all means fail, then the risk will only get higher.”
Heber neither agreed nor disagreed, only indifferently replying, “Even if there are external threats, Urranrell still attaches importance to Black Star. The dynasty will not force him, so the success rate of your plan can be ignored. I advise you to give up as soon as possible.”
“We have to try,” Lovell insisted. “Black Star is close to the faction of the Ruler and has gained a lot of protection, but you also know that there are many factions inside the dynasty. Ever since the Evolutionary Totem appeared, there have been more cries to make Black Star turn in the Evolution Cube. Black Star’s refusal to settle in with the cube on the mother star also convinced more factions.”
Heber frowned. “You seem to know a lot.”
Hearing this, Lovell mysteriously smiled. “That’s because… I’m not just representing the federation and church by coming this time.”
“Hahaha…” Heber burst into laughter, and his tone was playful. “Your appetite is so big, to think you want to gobble up all three players. No wonder. I was doubting what you said, because if Black Star hands over the Evolution Cube, then the last chance for the federation and the church would also disappear. Turns out it’s actually like this…”
Lovell smiled without answering, but inside, she secretly praised Sorokin’s courage.
While Sorokin appeared to agree with the deal between the federation and the church, he secretly contacted a few of the factions within the dynasty to change the plan to suppress the Black Star Army, saying that he would make the Black Star Army willingly pass the Evolution Cube over to them. The second deal made it obvious that the Limitless Financial Group’s plan was to suppress Black Star.
Not only did it leave him with a way to retreat, it also allowed him to reap the most benefits. Sorokin was not someone who listened to orders quietly; he had himself to think about.
The scale the Limitless Financial Group had developed not just by profiteering from war. The battle at Planet Lighthouse had resulted in the market becoming volatile, which in turn affected the stocks of the Limitless Financial Group, causing them to eat quite a loss.
In order to prevent such a situation from happening again, Sorokin would rather become a pacifist, completely removing the possibility of the Evolution Cube provoking a war by cutting off any chance for the other two civilizations to obtain the cube, solving the conflict between the three Universal Civilizations.
If the Evolution Cube fell into the hands of the dynasty, it would eliminate any risk of turbulence in the universe.
Thus, on the surface, he made a deal with the federation and the church, but he was actually thinking from the view of a third party.
Lovell paused for a moment before speaking in a low voice. “The moment the dynasty obtains the Evolution Cube, they will also seize all the profits from the Evolutionary Totems. Black Star will thus be kicked out of the scene, and the dynasty can now increase the possibility of opening this purchase to the outside world so t
hat they can pacify the growing pressure from the federation and the church. Since the latter two do not wish to take any risks if possible, completely severing their desires would be best.”
“Sorokin… this guy is interesting.” Heber narrowed his eyes. “So, after saying all that, the premise lies in Black Star surrendering the Evolution Cube. If it fails, these will all be empty words. What do you plan to do?”
Hearing this, Lovell was happy. Heber asking for the details meant that he was interested.
“Very simple, exert pressure on Black Star internally and externally so that he sees that there are greater benefits in handing over the cube rather than keeping it.”
“Elaborate.”
“In the battle of Planet Lighthouse, Black Star obtained huge battle records and shut the mouths of those that insisted he turn in the Evolution Cube, but the number of casualties in the battle for the dynasty were also high. As long as the dynasty continues to suffer losses due to the Evolutionary Totem, Black Star will encounter more pressure within the dynasty. Even Urranrell will not be able to suppress them all… but this part will be the work of the federation and the church, and I cannot disclose more.”
“What about the external side?”
“We have to target Black Star Army, so we require your help.”
“If you want me to betray the dynasty, then we can stop here.”
Lovell smiled. “Rest assured, there is no harm done to you. Even if we do not particularly aim at the Black Star Army, the Bloodshed Land will still benefit from it.”
“What should we do?”
“Simple, my Limitless Financial Group will first come out with the investments to support the Bloodshed Land and recapture those business markets that the Black Star Army has taken from you. This will suppress his business. While developing your site in the Flickering World, we will use our influence in the dynasty for you to obtain a better site.
“Since you also belong to the dynasty, it is nothing but legitimate commercial competition. Thus, the dynasty will not have any issues. The strength of my Limitless Financial Group is also clear to Your Excellency. With our capital injection, regardless of success or failure, the Bloodshed Land will not make any losses.”
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