by <unknown>
“… 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 spiritual 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 wer
e 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."
Looking at Hila's unfriendly back as she walked away, Han Xiao facepalmed and swallowed his words.
It was a good opportunity for Hila to go out and gain more experience, and this should help her stimulate her potential, allowing her to reach Beyond Grade A faster.
He just did not expect Ames to also go out and train. He had heard that Ames had thrown herself into training two years ago after losing to him, but it seemed that she wished to take it further.
With Ames by her side, Hila would naturally be safe. However, to be on the safe side, Han Xiao equipped their spaceship with some mechanical troops and hosts for insurance.
Since they had already started working, he could not sit idly by…
Han Xiao entered the quantum network, summoning Phillip.
"How goes the collection of the Energy Training Techniques?"
"Master, hum… I've screened out the more valuable options for you. Please check the results, hum…"
A list appeared in front of him, all of which were exquisite Energy Training Techniques that could be bought on various galactic markets. They came from different civilizations and races, with all sorts of flowery names.
Sweeping over them with a glance, Han Xiao quickly came to a decision.
"Buy them all."
Chapter 926. First Phase of Development |
The ability of having Enas might not be the strongest, but it was definitely the best to use. The joy of having a lot of money was something unimaginable.
After buying a lot of Energy Training Techniques, Han Xiao slowly inserted the experience, increasing his energy.
Time is money, and the life span of a Beyond Grade A was long. This long lifespan gave them plenty of time to learn more knowledge and skills, so each Beyond Grade A had a ridiculous number of Energy Training Techniques. While Han Xiao required less time compared to the other Beyond Grade As to raise his energy, it was still a chore for him.
The next day, Han Xiao brought Aurora to the restricted dock to send off Hila.
A black, reflective spaceship was parked there. This was an advanced spaceship that Han Xiao had given to Hila. Under the gangway where the cabin door was, Hila stood without her uniform.
Hila still maintained her cold expression, with her long red hair spread out around her, only loosely tied at the ends, hanging around her waist level. With bangs covering her forehead, her temperament appeared a lot more refreshing than her usual cold self.
She wore a lightweight and tough soft alloy jacket, similar to a windbreaker, coupled with black tights that were made by Han Xiao for defense. A small rucksack was on her shoulder/. She looked like a traveler.
“Sis, when are you coming back?” Aurora had a look of reluctance. Over the past few years, both sisters had stayed together, and now that they were separating, she was a little unused to it.
“When I reach Beyond Grade A.” The corners of Hila’s mouth curled up slightly as she glanced at Han Xiao.
Aurora let out a despondent “Ah…”
“How long would that be…”
“You’re my motivation. In order to return home to see you, I’ll be quick.” Hila ruffled Aurora’s hair.
Aurora helplessly grabbed at her hair before sighing. “After so many years, you still treat me like a kid.”
In my heart, you’ll always be the kid that needs protecting… Hila gently squeezed Aurora’s cheeks, a touch of love in her eyes.
By the side, Han Xiao coughed and interrupted them. “I’ve equipped the spaceship with a nano-maintenance robot as well as some good mechanical equipment. There are also two mechanical hosts and some mechanical soldiers within the warehouse. If necessary, let me know and I’ll activate them.”
“Ok.” Hila was different from her past self. While she enjoyed solitude, she no longer rejected the help of others.
“While Ames will be travelling with you, it is training, and she will not purposefully protect you. Furthermore, she’s a Beyond Grade A, so some dangers that might seem like nothing to her could be lethal to you. You have to be careful,” Han Xiao advised.
While those of the Calamity Grade could already walk unhindered in the universe, if one wished to train, they would have to deliberately wander around the danger zones. There were still many such places in the universe, where dangers abound. It could be experimental planets undergoing biochemical experiments or places filled with viruses, huge beasts, aberrations, and many more. Otherwise, they could attempt to hunt some powerful galactic beings. Even if they could not find such areas, wandering around to challenge people would also serve as a form of practice.
Hila nodded, expressing her understanding, but she did not think this way.
Only at the border of life and death could one explode with all their potential. Staying in the army has no life-and-death fight, so her progress was stalling. Her threshold to breakthrough into a Beyond Grade A was still far, and while Ames might be whimsical and take this trip as an adventure, Hila herself treated this as real life or death training.
Han Xiao was one of the few people she trusted, so only by handing Aurora over to Han Xiao would her mind be at ease.
After turning back to glance at them one last time, Hila turned around to board to spaceship.
The next moment, the spaceship shuddered, and the thrusters jetted out orange flames that quickly turned blue.
Whoosh!
The spaceship sped up and rushed out of the port. In the blink of an eye, it entered hyperdrive and vanished from sight.
“Sigh… I don’t even know how many years Sis will need before she can achieve Beyond Grade A and return… It’s the Beyond Grade A realm, how could it be so easy?”
Aurora’s spirits were low, and she tugged at Han Xiao’s sleeve.
“Er… actually, I think it’s pretty easy.” Han Xiao’s lips curled up teasingly.