The Legendary Mechanic c1-1385

by Chocolion, 齐佩甲

  Hearing this, Heber closed his eyes and thought hard. After a few seconds, he reopened them as he lightly replied, “Ok. I agree.”

  Lovell breathed out in relief, her taut mental state relaxing. “In this entire deal, only Black Star will lose out, but for universal peace, he can only be wronged.”

  “Universal peace, huh…” Heber sneered to himself, but he did not show any expression as he said, “With the Federation of Light, Arcane Church, the Crimson Dynasty, and my Bloodshed Land, humph, the Limitless Financial Group is really making some big moves. This is akin to an anti-Black Star alliance.”

  “This is just business, and there are no personal grudges within.” Lovell smiled without minding it. “I just hope that he will recognize this point. Besides, he will still receive compensation from the dynasty.”

  Heber inwardly curled his lips. While he did not like Black Star, knowing his character, the probability of him compromising was infinitely close to zero, and that guy’s ability to resist pressure was terribly strong. Even if Lovell could upend everything, their plan still might not work.

  However… his Bloodshed Land did not stand to lose out. Heber was willing to cooperate with the Limitless Financial Group to develop himself, unwilling to sit back and watch Han Xiao throw him further and further away.

  …

  The next day, in the Black Star Army headquarters, there were still a few days before the actual party. Thus, many guests were walking with each other and expanding their social networks, a lively scene.

  Han Xiao visited Sorokin early in the morning and invited him to visit the headquarters of the Army. Sorokin readily accepted.

  The two hung around the headquarters chatting, and Han Xiao once again made a request to spar but was rejected firmly. Han Xiao was a little helpless.

  The other party just kept admitting defeat, without a single hint of a strong mindset.

  Just as Han Xiao was hesitating, Sorokin suddenly seemed to think of something.

  “I heard that Aesop is over here.”

  Han Xiao’s brows rose. “You know that d*mned… cough, that old man?”

  “In the past, when he was part of the Ancient Ones, I met him a few times. I also invited him to join the Limitless Financial Group but was rejected.” Sorokin shook his head.

  Aesop, that old man, was really a social butterfly. To think that people recognize him everywhere he goes… Han Xiao’s mouth twitched.

  “That’s right. I also seem to have heard that you and Ames are a couple.”

  Han Xiao froze. “Now where did you hear that?”

  “The rumor is being spread everywhere, and I just happened to chance across it.” Sorokin sighed. “The union between two Beyond Grade As is just too rare. I don’t even remember who the previous couple was.”

  “The head of the Limitless Financial Group actually has time to pay attention to gossip, huh?” Han Xiao helplessly shook his head.

  “It’s precisely because I’m the leader that I need to pay attention. Sometimes, business opportunities can be hidden within.” Sorokin smiled.

  Han Xiao thought a bit and decided to probe further. “If I’m not wrong, you seem to be the successor to the group and not the original owner of the financial group, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “There are few records of you in the Universe, so I’m a little curious about your experiences before you became a Beyond Grade A.”

  “Haha, are you so curious about my childhood?” Sorokin laughed.

  In the eyes of many Beyond Grade As, their lives before they reached their current realms were as good as their childhood years.

  “I’m just curious.” Han Xiao waved his hands.

  “That was a long time ago. Be it training or combat, there’s nothing really worth talking about.” Sorokin shook his head and changed the topic. “I wonder, do you have any ambitions, Your Excellency?”

  “Ambitions? Does universal peace count?” Han Xiao cracked a joke.

  “What a coincidence, me too.” Sorokin laughed.

  As they continued to chat, Han Xiao split his consciousness and slipped into the quantum network, hacking into Aesop’s communicator.

  An old face surfaced in his field of vision within the quantum network, obviously frightened out of his wits.

  “Black Star, I’m watching a show now. Why did you hack into my communicator‽”

  “Old man, I have something to ask you. Do you know Sorokin?”

  Aesop stopped before suspiciously saying, “I do. Why are you mentioning him?”

  “He’s beside me now, and I’m quite curious about this guy. What was he like when you met him in the past?”

  Hearing this, Aesop fell into silence for a while before finally saying, “Sorokin… tsk, an old sly fox. You’ll never know if the words coming out of his mouth are truth or lies. It’s better for you to be cautious when dealing with him.”

  “Oh… then how’s his battle strength?”

  “I don’t know, definitely stronger than me.” Aesop spread his hands out.

  “Isn’t that as good as not saying anything?” Han Xiao was speechless.

  “Alright, stop bothering me. Put my communicator back to normal. I want to continue watching my show.”

  Resigned, Han Xiao could only retreat out of the quantum network. Turning over to glance at Sorokin, he suddenly made up his mind, sending a quick punch over.

  “Hmm?”

  Sorokin’s reaction was impressive, and he raised his hand to block the punch.

  Peng!

  There was not much force behind the punch, but a loud noise sounded, and a shock wave rippled out from the point of contact.

  “… Your Excellency Black Star, what is the meaning of this?” Sorokin narrowed his eyes.

  “You mentioned that your skills have regressed, but I didn’t believe you, so I decided to test it out for myself.” Han Xiao smiled, not hiding it at all.

  Sorokin frowned, but that turned it into a smile as he shook his head. “As a Beyond Grade A, how could I not have basic reactions and awareness? It’s just that if you were a Pugilist, I would not have been able to block this punch. Please don’t scare me, Your Excellency Black Star. I’m really not your opponent.”

  “Alright, it was my fault. I was too reckless.” Han Xiao immediately pulled his hand back, as though he had given up.

  Seeing this, Sorokin heaved a sigh. He did not expect Han Xiao to move against him and thought that Han Xiao was going to force him to spar. But the latter only dealt a punch before restraining himself, making him a little surprised.

  Thinking about it, Sorokin was relieved. Because Black Star had displayed tempestuous behavior all this while and was quite reckless. For him to suddenly attack like this was in line with his character.

  However, he did not know that this blow he received had already activated his combat information, and it was enough for Han Xiao to see his true strength.

  Stealthily opening the interface, Han Xiao swept across the notifications, and his pupils narrowed.

  He did not guess wrong. Sorokin’s level was actually unknown, only having ‘???’.

  When I was Level 280, Manison’s information was unknown too. Now that I’m Level 300, Sorokin still appears as unknown to me. This means that his combat strength is at the peak of the Beyond Grade A! He actually hid it for so long, letting all Beyond Grade As think him weak… This guy, playing the pig to eat the tiger, what is he planning?

  Han Xiao’s thoughts spun, and his eyes narrowed.

  Chapter 925 - Hila“s Farewell

  Similar to Manison, most of Sorokin's abilities were masked, and only some of them were revealed.

  Sorokin was a Psychic Esper, which was evident in that most of his abilities were geared toward the soul and mind. He had strengthened his mind invasion, mind reading, and mind manipulation abilities, and Han Xiao even saw some special talents and skills.

  _____________________

  [Immortal Soul]: Your powerful spir
itual energy has blessed your soul with immortality, and even if you lose your fleshly body, you can still survive with your soul.

  When the HP value reaches 0, your soul can survive from the destroyed body. In this case, you transform into a soul lifeform with an energy body, and you will obtain a new HP bar, which will not decay.

  You will also obtain immunity to all Physical Attacks, extremely high resistance to Status Effects, and can phase through a majority of obstacles.

  You can also invade and parasitize the mental domains of other living creatures.

  Only Energy-Based or Mind-Based attacks will cause damage to you.

  [Fleshly Body Reconstruction]: The fleshly shell is the carrier as well as the protector of the soul.

  If your body is destroyed, you can consume Soul Energy to reshape it. The HP of the reconstructed body will be 30% of the original.

  [Multidimensional Energy Absorption]: You can absorb any ownerless multidimensional energy in your surroundings to replenish your energy.

  [Spiritual Energy Foundation]: Exclusive Talent. Your soul is akin to the cells in the body and can store and release energy as needed.

  [Eternal Life]: Your Soul Resistance is slightly enhanced.

  [Swindler—Sorokin]: Exclusive Talent. +75% to all Psychic Esper Abilities, +20% INT and MYS, +4 to all Psychic related abilities (This effect can break through the upper limit).

  _____________________

  What OP abilities… Han Xiao's expression was grim.

  [Immortal Soul] and [Fleshly Body Reconstruction] could be regarded as divine skills for those with psychic abilities. General, psychic users would experience soul decay without a fleshly body, but for Sorokin, no fleshy carrier was needed, which might be a change brought about by his Race Evolution.

  Just based on these two strengths, as well as the talent [Eternal Life], Han Xiao had developed some conjectures.

  Could it be… that Sorokin was actually living life as an alternate identity before this?

  No wonder there was almost no information about him!

  If that's the case, then his age likely exceeds my imagination!

  Han Xiao was secretly guarded and sneaked a glance.

  If not for his combat information, the way Sorokin acted would make it difficult to believe that he had such a great secret.

  This guy is very strong, but he puts himself in a weakened position and does not care about being bent to the will of others, so it's easy to underestimate him. Although he has lived a long life, he's completely different compared to Manison… totally two extremes!

  Sorokin naturally did not know that his true strength had been revealed, nor did he know what Han Xiao had discovered. He was a little unhappy over the sudden attack and did not speak for a while.

  The duo walked in silence for a couple of minutes before Sorokin's eyes brightened. He had received news from Lovell, and a smile appeared on his face as he opened his mouth to speak.

  "Your Excellency Black Star, may I ask if you have any intention to freely sell the Evolutionary Totem?"

  Han Xiao returned to his senses.

  "I'm not really bothered. It depends on the dynasty."

  "Alas, if the Evolutionary Totem could be sold to all civilizations, then the market value of the Black Star Army would be stabilized at an extremely high level after being listed due to the profit from the monopoly. It's a pity we can't cooperate regarding this…"

  Sorokin's expression looked regretful.

  Han Xiao smiled and did not reply, but he was wary, as Sorokin seemed to imply something else.

  After observing his headquarters, the two separated. Han Xiao sent Sorokin back to his room, standing at the spot for a few seconds before he left toward his office.

  On the way, he contacted Sylvia and ordered, "Check all movements related to the Limitless Financial Group after they entered the Shattered Star Ring."

  "Understood."

  …

  After a few days, the Black Star's Party officially started, and everyone came into the banquet hall. The scene was full of noise and chatter.

  Han Xiao made a simple speech, summing up the results of their cooperation last year, before announcing the opening of the banquet amid the applause.

  The emissaries of many civilizations and cooperative organizations were present, and they were all partners of the Black Star Army, covering many business areas.

  A few years ago, Han Xiao had begun rolling out the plan for the 'Pan Star Field Profits Consortium', and after developing it for a few years, the prototype had become more and more perfect. These partners shared various business channels with the army so that it could have its current industry scale today. This plan was one of the cornerstones of the future development for the army, so Han Xiao attached great importance to it.

  Han Xiao was surrounded by people, talking enthusiastically. Sylvia stood by his side, helping him cope with the crowd. There was a lot of laughter and cheers, and all the representatives showed a lot of face to him. The atmosphere was harmonious.

  In the other corner of the banquet, there were people around Sorokin as well. The Limitless Financial Group was the wealthiest party there, so many people wished to take this chance to have dealings with him.

  Sorokin held a wine glass, smiling as he chatted with the rest. He took in the scenes of this gathering and the guests, his gaze masking his thoughts and only carrying an interested look.

  At the same time, his consciousness had arrived in Bloodshed Land and possessed a follower beside Lovell.

  The Tyrant's Party and Black Star's Party were held at the same time, but it was much colder compared to Black Star's Party. Only a few people were whispering, and most people were only focused on dealing with the drinks and food.

  While Heber remained expressionless, his mood was obviously no better than the chilly atmosphere.

  As Lovell walked around the banquet with wine in hand, she suddenly noticed that her follower had signaled toward her with his eyes. She immediately understood that it was Sorokin and quietly moved to a corner.

  "What's the matter?" Lovell whispered.

  "You'll be staying at Bloodshed Land, responsible for the work of the financial group here. The resources of the financial group over here will be handled by you," Sorokin said.

  "Okay."

  Joy flashed through Lovell's eyes. Due to the intense competition among Sorokin's children, to have such an important task given to her by her father meant that her father appreciated her talents.

  Suppressing her excitement, Lovell asked in a small voice, "What are the specific action plans? Are there any issues that require special attention?"

  "I'll hand the details to you later. To suppress Black Star Army's businesses, the first goal should be to start with his business partners." Sorokin coldly laughed. "I can see that Black Star has deliberately created a huge net of interests for his organization, so the first thing to do will be to cut the net he's formed. I don't need to teach you how to do it."

  "I understand." Lovell nodded.

  "When the resources of the financial group arrive, you can take action when you see fit."

  …

  The party this time also ended on a successful note. The next day, Sorokin bade farewell and left.

  At the dock of the headquarters, Han Xiao sent the Limitless Financial Group's fleet off into the universe. His brows then furrowed tight, and he revealed a heavy expression.

  He left just like that… I really can't tell what he's up to.

  While he had already seen through the hidden power of Sorokin and made himself more alert, he still knew nothing about Sorokin's plans.

  Han Xiao had a hunch that Sorokin might be planning something in the background. If the Black Star Army encountered any abnormal issues, it would probably be Sorokin's doing.

  And according to his speculations, it likely had something to do with the Evolutionary Totems.

  "Troublesome…" Han Xiao snorted.

  He knew early
on that the matter of the Evolutionary Totem would not go away easily. Without satisfying everyone, there would still be complaints and grumbles.

  The dynasty was shouldering the majority of the pressure, but it seemed like the pressure on the Black Star Army was about to arrive as well.

  If that's the case, then it would be better for me to stay within the dynasty for a period of time and leave behind some Apostle Weapons and mechanical hosts in the headquarters.

  Han Xiao made up his mind. He was still worried about the long-distance teleportation that the Federation of Light had.

  Ta, ta, ta!

  He heard the footsteps of someone drawing near. Han Xiao did not need to turn back to know that it was Hila.

  "Han Xiao, there's something I need to discuss with you."

  "What is it?" Han Xiao put away his thoughts, staring at Hila's cold and delicate face.

  "I'll be leaving for an extended period of time. Please take care of Aurora."

  Han Xiao raised a brow. "Where are you headed?"

  "I'll be following my teacher, Ames, to other Star Fields to gain experience. I might not be able to perform my duties as the Black Star Guard Captain," Hila lightly replied.

  Han Xiao was surprised. "Following Ames?"

  "That's right. It was Teacher who invited me."

  Both sides stared at each other for a while before Han Xiao broke out into laughter.

  "This is a good opportunity. I approve of this. Leave Aurora to me."

  "Thank you." Hila nodded.

  "There's no need to say thanks between us." Han Xiao walked up and grasped her shoulders, solemnly saying, "I hope that when you return, you'll be at Beyond Grade A."

  "You really have a lot of confidence in me." Hila let out a smile and hesitated for a while before punching Han Xiao's chest. "Take care."

  "Relax, I'll have Feidin assume the role of Captain for now. He's reliable. As for you… eh, don't go, I haven't finished speaking."