by <unknown>
“The Dragon Emperor, Ames, I know her.”
“The old man beside looks familiar too… Hey, that guy seems to be one of you guys, the Ancient Ones in the past. The one that knows prophecy.”
“It is him. I remember.”
“Hehe, this new ally seems quite interesting.”
“The Evolution Cube is in his hands. Don’t be excessive tomorrow. I still want to borrow it.”
Chapter 799. “Dynasty Ruler“ Urranrell and “Dark Lord“ Clotti |
The interior reception center of Tarunamir Palace had multiple independent villas.
Han Xiao and the others followed the receptionist into one of them. This would be the temporary accommodation for them.
After settling down, Han Xiao locked himself in his room and pondered about the next day.
“I will be meeting the dynasty’s leader and those Beyond Grade As tomorrow. I wonder what the dynasty’s leader will talk to me about… Hmm, other than the customary welcome of me being a new ally, the dynasty’s leader might request to use the Evolution Cube here on a large scale, as well as invite me to some events…
“As for those Beyond Grade As, they will take me into their circle as an ally. Since we’re all on the same side, we will have to help each other…”
He knew the Beyond Grade A members list of the dynasty very clearly, and he knew some of their personalities and likings. However, at this moment, he did not know who the seven who had come were.
“Many of the Beyond Grade As of universal civilizations are seniors who have lived a very long time. They have a ton of talents, abilities, energy, and are very strong…”
He felt that his meeting with the Beyond Grade As tomorrow would most likely not be just a simple meeting.
Beyond Grade As were all individuals with extreme power; strength was their fundamentals. When a newcomer joined their circle, some people might want to test him. If he was weak, even if he would still be accepted into the circle, he would be marginalized—only the strong would be respected.
The three strongest individuals were at the top among the Beyond Grade A allies of the dynasty. Han Xiao wondered how many of them were in attendance this time.
“Although I’m not weak, I’m just barely over the Beyond Grade A doorstep, and some of my attributes are not high enough. The Heber Stellar Furnace Cultivation is already halfway done, which gave me close to 10,000 energy… as for the machinery aspect, it’s also more complete…”
Lately, other than dealing with the army’s matters, Han Xiao had spent a lot of time building machinery and had stocked up quite a lot of inventory.
Through all the Cutting-Edge Knowledges he obtained, Han Xiao had fused many new machinery blueprints. Other than adding new units into the mechanical army, he also built many other high-level machines that could be used for multiple purposes. He had been increasing his strength through the Mechanic way.
Han Xiao’s eyes lit up suddenly.
“Since I know some information about these Beyond Grade As… maybe I can make use of that tomorrow.”
…
After sleeping for the night, in the early morning the next day, one dynasty emissary came to Han Xiao’s doorstep.
Hila opened the door. The emissary was standing outside with a respectful expression.
“Greetings, the Dynasty Ruler has invited His Excellency Black Star to a meeting.”
“Let’s go.” Han Xiao walked out of his room and nodded.
Hila and the others wanted to follow, but Han Xiao waved his hands and told them to stay. Seeing this, the emissary, who was about to stop them, swallowed the words he wanted to say.
Flying was not allowed above Tarunamir Palace, so the two of them boarded the long-awaited land carrier and drove toward the city center.
The city center was the office area for the people at the highest positions in the dynasty. It was a marvelous and enormous palace.
The closer they got to the center, the tighter the security was. The areas were covered with all kinds of mechanical detection devices and teams of dynasty elite patrols. With just a brief feel, Han Xiao could sense the presence of more than ten Calamity Grades, and that was just from one direction. The defense of the dynasty’s capital was extremely powerful.
Not only did universal civilizations control the Central Galaxy—they also controlled some other Star Fields to a certain extent. They had rich talents and resources, as well as all kinds of high-level Super schools to raise talents within. Their ratio of Calamity Grades far exceeded anywhere else in Galaxy. With those factors, the universal civilizations had plenty of powerful members.
The carrier stopped outside the palace, and Han Xiao followed the emissary inside. They passed by checkpoint after checkpoint before boarding the hovering lift inside to the top floor. This entire floor was the office of the dynasty’s leader.
After passing by the guard and secretary area, the emissary pushed a door open and gestured for him to enter.
Han Xiao nodded and walked right in. The room entered his sights.
This was a wide office. The room was rectangular, the walls were deep red, and there were floor-to-ceiling windows on every wall.
The floor was covered in a red carpet, and at the edge was a green potted plant. It looked like it was carefully looked after and was giving off a calming aroma. A filled bookshelf stood against one side of the wall, and on the other side was a white stone circular coffee table and a red sofa used to seat guests. There was no furniture in the middle of the room. A huge chandelier hung from the ceiling. Further in, there was an office desk, and a person sat behind it. Another person stood beside the desk.
With just one look, Han Xiao recognized the dynasty’s leader who was sitting down.
Her long and white hair was coiled up. The dignified vibe and her serious eyes could make people ignore her looks.
Urranrell Shin Rybet, the Crimson Dynasty’s ruler!
Yes, the dynasty’s current leader was a woman!
The Crimson Dynasty only admired the strong; sex was not a factor.
The succession of the dynasty’s leader had nothing to do with the bloodline. During the term of the previous leader, the training for the candidates for the next leader would have already started. There was more than one candidate. They were all top-notch elites that the upper echelons and the various factions selected through negotiations.
The emissary closed the door from outside.
“Black Star, I’m the Crimson Dynasty Ruler, Urranrell. Please, take a seat.” Urranrell stood up, approached him, and reached out her hand.
The man behind her followed tightly after. His sharp eyes were fixed on Han Xiao as if no movement could deceive his eyes.
“Hi.” Han Xiao shook her hand. The two of them then sat opposite each other on the guest sofa, while the man behind Urranrell still stood behind her.
“This is Clotti, the captain of the Dynasty Ruler Personal Guards.” Urranrell introduced the man behind her.
Clotti raised his head a little with an expressionless face as a greeting.
Han Xiao looked calm, but he had a lot of thoughts in mind.
In his previous life, the leaders of universal civilizations changed quite a number of times throughout the versions. Urranrell was the Crimson Dynasty Ruler during one stage. During her term, to the players, the most famous achievement she made was the battle and the development of the Flickering World. She obtained a new Star Field for the dynasty.
The players in his previous life did not know much about this Dynasty Ruler. That was because, during her reign, the main stage of the players were the Flickering World and their own Star Fields. They had yet to have much contact with the upper echelons of universal civilizations. To them, the leaders of universal civilizations were just a few lines of words in the background introduction.
Now, however, Urranrell was right before his eyes. This woman was one of the three most powerful people in the entire universe. It could even be said that they ruled th
e universe. What she represented had completely overshadowed her appearance or sex.
Clotti, who was behind her, was her bodyguard, a senior Beyond Grade A nurtured by the dynasty. He was an Esper, and his ability was the control of dark energy and dark matter. Among his nicknames were ‘Dark Emperor’, ‘Lord of Dark Matter’, and ‘Cosmic Distorter’.
This person was one of the three strongest Beyond Grade As in the dynasty!
“Firstly, on behalf of the Crimson Dynasty, we welcome you as an ally.” Urranrell cut to the chase and stared at Han Xiao’s eyes.
“This is my honor,” Han Xiao replied.
“For the initial stages of the Flickering World exploration, the dynasty needs Heber and your power,” Urranrell said slowly. “According to our agreement, other than the resources the dynasty gives you as support, after everything is done, you will receive an area in the Flickering World…”
Han Xiao nodded. “I know.”
“You’re the dynasty’s ally. As long as you make contributions to the dynasty, the dynasty will certainly not hold back on our resources,” Urranrell said with a very serious tone. “The more tasks you’re willing to take on, the more resources the dynasty will provide you. Sometimes, the dynasty might send out an announcement to dispatch the Beyond Grade As including you and carry out some missions. Of course, if you encounter difficulties, you can also request backup from the Beyond Grade As of the dynasty. Remember, you’re one of the dynasty’s National Pillars. At the same time, the dynasty has your back.”
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes and was quite satisfied. Duty and power were associated. By becoming the Crimson Dynasty’s ally, he became their power, and they became his. The various Beyond Grade A allies were not just the dynasty’s resources, but he had the right to borrow them as well.
“As for the Evolution Cube in your hands, you don’t have to worry. By all means, we welcome you to hand it to us willingly, but even if you’re not willing to, the dynasty will certainly not snatch it away from you. However, I have a request. The dynasty doesn’t oppose you to use the Evolution Cube to negotiate with other organizations, but the evolution allocation for the dynasty must be unlimited. We will send people to the Black Star Army anytime for evolution.”
“Of course.” Han Xiao nodded. He limited allocations for the other civilizations, but he would not set a limit for his biggest ally, the Crimson Dynasty.
Furthermore, the Crimson Dynasty’s population was way too high. There was no way they would make the outrageous request of having their entire race go through evolution. They would not do that even if they had the Evolution Cube themselves.
“Since you’ve come to the dynasty’s mother planet, you might as well stay here for a few days and transform the teams on the mother planet,” Urranrell said.
As expected, this is one of the main reasons you called me here, Han Xiao thought.
Compared to selecting elites and sending them to the Shattered Star Ring for evolution, it was clearly more convenient to call him over to the Crimson Dynasty.
Furthermore, the mother planet’s troops could not casually be moved around, so summoning him there to use the Evolution Cube was the best solution. This way, the various factions also would not have to negotiate for allocations.
Chapter 800. Pressure |
After the two of them talked about business for some time, Urranrell changed the topic. “One more thing. The dynasty is willing to help the Black Star Army build a division in the Central Galaxy to aid communication between both sides. I know you already planned to do this since you brought your portable base here. The dynasty supports this.”
“That would be great.” Han Xiao nodded.
“As for the details, I will let someone settle them with you,” Urranrell said. “If you have any other requests, you can tell me now.”
Han Xiao caressed his chin. “I hope to obtain the Ultimate Knowledge of the Mechanic class as soon as possible. I’m wondering if there are any chances.”
Without changing her expression at all, Urranrell said, “The resource rewards of the dynasty are given to allies who’ve made contributions. If you want to obtain it as soon as possible, I suggest you help the dynasty do some things. I will have someone make a list of the matters that the dynasty requires aid with and notify you.”
Then Urranrell stood up, extended her hand, and signaled the end of this meeting. Han Xiao did not continue to speak. He stood up as well and shook her hand before bidding farewell and leaving.
The emissary had been waiting outside the door. He guided him out of this palace.
After Han Xiao left, Urranrell leaned on the chair and said slowly with her eyes closed, “Crowell, when you guys meet him later, remember to keep the situation under control.”
Clotti grunted in assent and left.
…
Han Xiao boarded the ground carrier. The driver did not head in the direction they had come from but toward another direction.
“Your Excellency Black Star, the National Pillars have been waiting. I’m taking you to meet them,” the emissary explained.
Han Xiao did not reply and was still thinking of his meeting with Urranrell earlier.
The meeting was short. Urranrell had plenty of matters to deal with every day, so she would not have time to have a casual chat with him. Hence, everything they had talked about was business. The terms and agreements of the Flickering World partnership were mentioned. After the pioneering of the entire Star Field was complete, as the leading exploration team, he would receive one area that he would be able to develop freely. It was like land awarded by the government.
He would rule that area and own all kinds of rights to it as long as he paid taxes to the dynasty every once in a while.
This was one of the most important terms in their agreement, it would make the Black Star Army even stronger. This was also something very important to Han Xiao. As for the location and size of that area, it would depend on his achievements during the development of the Star Field.
The use of the Evolution Cube and creating a new division of the Black Star Army were his rights and duties as an ally of the dynasty. If he wanted to obtain Ultimate Knowledge personally, he would have to do some dynasty missions. With Urranrell having already spoken about this, he would not have to trigger them himself. The dynasty’s men would make a mission list and give it to him, which was much more convenient.
Urranrell… Dynasty Ruler… doesn’t show her emotions, not easy to read…
Through the conversation earlier, the image Urranrell gave to him was filled with prestige and the vibe of someone in a high position. Compared to an individual with flesh and blood, this Dynasty Ruler felt more like a symbol, making people ignore her personal traits. Han Xiao basically gave up on wanting to farm her Favorability.
The ruler represented the dynasty. Urranrell had most likely cut off all her personal desires, so she would not have any weaknesses, would be able to maintain rational at all times, and would never let her emotions take over. Her personal feelings would never affect her decisions.
To someone like this, farming Favorability was basically a high-cost, low-reward act, so Han Xiao did not want to waste his efforts.
Comparatively, it would be easier to bond with the Beyond Grade As.
Very soon, the carrier stopped before a villa. This was not a villa in the reception center but the residential area of the internal members.
Clotti stood in front of the door with an expressionless face. He nodded and said, “Black Star, follow me. Everyone’s waiting.”
Han Xiao walked out of the car and looked at Clotti with a strange expression.
The two of them had just met back at Urranrell’s place not long ago. He had traveled there by carrier, while this guy had sprinted over so that he could be waiting for him in advance. Although Beyond Grade As’ speed would be much quicker than land carriers, visualizing that image in his mind still felt quite comical.
They opened the door and entered.<
br />
As soon as they entered the house, the eyes of six different Beyond Grade As all looked over and stared at Han Xiao with curiosity.
Clotti looked for a seat and sat down, leaving Han Xiao standing alone.
Han Xiao scanned around. He was not unfamiliar with all six of them. They were all known Beyond Grade A allies of the Crimson Dynasty. There was even a member of the Ancient Ones.
However, among the three strongest people in the dynasty, only Clotti was present.
The seven people there all had different looks in their eyes. Some were filled with anticipation, some were cold, and some were curious. These Beyond Grade As all had different dynasty factions behind them, so their personal stand was not the same.
“So, you’re Black Star from the Shattered Star Ring?” One of them sized Han Xiao up. When his eyes looked past the Evolution Cube, a tint of hostility seemed to have flashed for an instant.
“Who else did you think I was?” Han Xiao raised his brows and did not respond politely. Everyone there was a Beyond Grade A; he did not plan to keep a low profile. He would only be respected if he showed his strength.
“Of the four… oh, five Beyond Grade As in the Shattered Star Ring, both you and Heber have joined the Crimson Dynasty. Which one of you is stronger?” someone beside asked with curiosity.
“If you’re so curious, why don’t you try it out yourself?” Han Xiao shrugged. He did not want to be questioned while standing up, so he found a random seat and sat down.
These Beyond Grade A had no idea that although this was their first meeting, Han Xiao knew about them quite well and had a very clear idea of the situation in this room.
Among the seven people, Clotti was above all and looked calm and cold. He represented the ruler’s confidant faction, so he only watched but did not interfere. Another Beyond Grade A who was close to the dynasty military’s Youngsters Faction looked very interested in him and seemed to have the intention of wooing him. The other five more or less wanted to test him.
Seeing how Han Xiao did not take any steps back at all, they exchanged glances and saw a little bit of surprise in each others’ eyes.