by <unknown>
Oathkeeper shut his mouth, his brain whirring as he tried to guess Han Xiao’s intelligence source.
Under the sudden mental impact, he had temporarily lost his senses. He had almost thought that the problem lay with himself, but after recovering his senses, his reasoning told him that this possibility was slim, and it was likely because of other reasons.
The Great Reboot and Iterations were top-secret information, only known to those who had been in contact with the Sanctums. The only more plausible reason he could come up with was that Black Star had interacted with the Sanctum under certain circumstances and thus had learned of this intelligence by chance.
Beyond Grade A Supers had a very low probability of coming into contact with the information generated by the Sanctums, thus obtaining random revelations. The earliest information about the Sanctums in the Holy Accord was obtained in this manner as well, which was the basis for the establishment of said organization.
But when Oathkeeper thought of the previous exchanges he had with Han Xiao, he felt that things might not be that simple. Black Star must have had some means that outsiders were not aware of.
He could not think of an explanation that could convince himself, so he felt that Han Xiao was veiled in mystery.
At this moment, Han Xiao put his hands behind his back, putting on a profound image. “Your little thoughts can’t be hidden from me. I don’t like others trying to fool me, and I hope this is the last time, otherwise… Since we’ve all laid our cards down, I think we can be more honest with each other.”
Oathkeeper could only reluctantly push down his inner turmoil and carefully ask, “How do you plan to go about it?”
“Firstly, I hope that you will tell me the actual intelligence. This is the basis for our mutual trust.” Han Xiao raised his eyebrows.
Hearing this, Oathkeeper struggled for a few seconds before speaking truthfully on the intelligence without tampering.
He knew that he had already lost the initiative. Black Star had likely acquired the most important secret, so it did not matter if he revealed it. He did not dare play tricks anymore.
Han Xiao patiently listened and smiled. “You know how to admit your wrongs. Not bad.”
This time, Oathkeeper’s recount was the same as Jayz, obediently telling him the true mechanism of the Sanctum.
Having finished speaking, Oathkeeper paused for a while before saying, “I’ve told you all that I know. Now that you know the true situation of the Sanctum Revival, you should also know what this means for the Beyond Grade As. You will not try to monopolize it, right?”
Han Xiao did not directly answer but changed the topic to ask, “Do you think that the Sanctum will be monopolized by anyone?”
“What do you mean?” Oathkeeper could not understand Han Xiao’s sudden question.
Han Xiao took two steps as he slowly explained, “Let’s put it this way. The existence of the Sanctum is independent and should not be controlled by anyone, just like a public library… Since we can borrow the functions of the Sanctum as such, others will definitely be able to. Have you ever thought about what will happen when the advanced civilizations like the three Universal Civilizations master a stable method of Sanctum Revival?”
Oathkeeper thought about it before speaking uncertainly. “They will continuously resurrect their direct lines, maintaining the scale of their high-level combat power and using this as a bargaining chip to recruit allies.”
“That’s right, and in the long run, this is inevitable. What will happen is that once the advanced civilizations master the method to enter the Sanctum, they will begin a period of rapid development, widening the gap between the strength of a civilization and the free Beyond Grade As. By that time, the Beyond Grade As will come to a forked path in their destinies.”
Han Xiao looked at the pondering Oathkeeper.
“Imagine, if there was no Beyond Grade A Association, no Holy Accord, no stable Beyond Grade A group that can stably perform Sanctum Revivals. The Beyond Grade As will be forced to sell themselves to a civilization. Those who choose to be free will not be revived by the civilizations, while those who are disobedient will be eradicated. In this manner, there will only be the obedient Beyond Grade As left in the universe, quietly being dogs for the advanced civilizations. They will forever be trapped in faction disputes, having to kill each other with no choice…”
He explained the situation of the Celestial Star Alliance in a hypothetical manner. The more Oathkeeper listened, the more frightened he became, realizing that the situation Han Xiao spoke of could likely happen.
“That’s right. This possibility has to be guarded against. I did not expect you to see that far. You indeed have foresight!”
Oathkeeper let out a gasp of amazement.
That’s not the case. You thought I was predicting, but I’m actually spoiling it for you!
Han Xiao secretly grinned, but he revealed a solemn expression on the surface as he heavily spoke again. “In order to prevent such a future, we have to let the Beyond Grade A Association master the method of stably reviving all the Beyond Grade As, so I said we have a common goal. This is for the entire class; every Beyond Grade A is a beneficiary, and no one can monopolize this.”
His words went straight to Oathkeeper’s heart, which coincided with his thoughts. A burst of heroism rose from his heart as he recognized Han Xiao as someone similar to him.
“So, you’re proposing to cooperate in this manner?” Oathkeeper’s eyes lit up.
Han Xiao nodded.
“We’ll do it this way. You are in control of the Holy Accord, while I’m in control… well, about to control the Beyond Grade A Association. We’ll unite a part of the Beyond Grade As together and produce different resources. As long as we become strategic partners, we can work together to complete this important task sooner, allowing the Beyond Grade As to completely unite to rewrite their fate.”
Oathkeeper helplessly shook his head. “Actually, I have no choice. You’re the second insider, so we can only cooperate… but who is going to control the channel, the Holy Accord or the Beyond Grade A Association?”
Hearing this, Han Xiao laughed.
“Naturally, both of us will control the channel. The Beyond Grade A Association will be the main force on the surface, striving for the recognition of the advanced civilizations, while the Holy Accord will take in those Beyond Grade As who wish to stay hidden as secret insurance. After all, the advanced civilizations will not easily accept the fact that the Beyond Grade As can constantly revive themselves. They are likely to do something to the Association, so it’s best to hide a portion of Beyond Grade A strength under the surface and prevent them from seeing our full strength.”
If possible, Han Xiao would have wished to have the Association monopolize the Sanctum Revival, but now that Oathkeeper was an insider, he could only form a partnership with him instead of doing things separately. There was not much conflict of interest, and their goals aligned.
Furthermore, it was not a bad thing to allow the Holy Accord to stay hidden. Both sides could form a mode of complementary and mutual assistance. Beyond Grade A could go to the Holy Accord if they wished to stay hidden, whereas if they wanted a place in the universe, they could proceed to the Beyond Grade A Association. They could switch at will, just like staying at the office or going out to the field.
Oathkeeper nodded in acceptance.
Seeing this, Han Xiao made his tone a little more serious. “We’d better finish this business before the advanced civilizations come in contact with the Sanctums. Do not reveal the truth of the Sanctum Revival to anyone. Only the two of us should know.”
Kasuyi was also in the know, but Han Xiao would naturally not reveal this detail, or else it would reveal too much about his process. He would rather leave the mysterious impression of himself on Oathkeeper.
“Oh, I naturally will not reveal anything.” Oathkeeper knew of the importance behind this matter and solemnly nodded.
The
two of them discussed specific cooperation projects for a while, reaching a united direction.
Oathkeeper also divulged his method of entering the Sanctums, claiming that the method used for all six Sanctums were different. The Holy Accord only knew of the method to enter the Third Sanctum, which consumed Primal Esper Ability Entities as keys to enter and would need to recollect them from scratch.
As for the ideation behind the method, Oathkeeper said that it was a vague revelation obtained by some of the Beyond Grade A members during the exploration era, while the rest was derived from Destiny’s Child. He mentioned how Destiny’s Child was special and might reveal the keys behind each Sanctum. However, the possibility was very low and completely random.
Han Xiao was more interested in the First Sanctum, but at present, entering the Third Sanctum would be the faster route. The Holy Accord had prior experience, and with its resources, it would greatly shorten the time needed for Han Xiao to gather the keys again.
However, if one wished to resurrect more Beyond Grade As, then they would need to collect related information, and the descendants of the Beyond Grade As were the easiest targets.
“That’s right. Since we’ve decided to cooperate, I hope to meet with the revived Primordial Ones.”
“Why do you need to see them?” Oathkeeper subconsciously replied. He still did not completely trust Han Xiao.
Han Xiao smiled. “I remember you told me that you cannot force the revived Primordial Ones. There should be many of them who wish to occupy a place in the universe and re-develop their own organization. In this case, the Beyond Grade A Association is the best backer for them. I hope to get in touch with them and convince them to support me after joining the association.”
The first batch of Primordial Ones definitely had their own goals. Being previous Beyond Grade As who could call on the winds and rains, forcing them to remain anonymous was basically impossible. Some of them would do things in the universe like what happened in his previous life, shocking the galactic society and becoming the fuse of the Calamity of the Supers.
With the Beyond Grade A Association now, Han Xiao felt that he could absorb some of them to strengthen his own faction.
With the association intervening, the situation of the Calamity of the Supers could also be greatly changed… Han Xiao thought.
Hearing this, Oathkeeper thought for a while before he eventually nodded.
“I’ll arrange for you to meet with them as soon as possible. However, you have to be mentally prepared. They died early and have not experienced the generations of changes in the Beyond Grade A realm. They are not as low key as I am and might be a little… arrogant.”
“It’s alright.” Han Xiao’s lips curled. “I specialize in treating such negativity.”
Chapter 1214: Times Have Changed |
After sending away Oathkeeper, who was still dazed, Han Xiao relaxed and let out a sigh.
“Huff, acting is pretty tiring, but I’ve managed to pin him down.”
The Holy Accord was a powerful force, completely hidden in the dark during his past life. However, he had now established a stable relationship with it, indirectly holding a secret power in his own hands. Furthermore, he would also know the whereabouts of the Revivors, which was an important move in this game to complete the key layout.
In this manner, he could interfere in the Calamity of the Supers event to become a chess player, rather than passively waiting for the situation to occur like in his past life.
This was only the general layout. There were still other more specific issues, such as the impact of the Primordial Ones revealing their identity, the shockwave it would cause upon entering the Beyond Grade A Association, and so on. Since he would be the President, such details had to be dealt with.
“It seems like I have more things to do during the Version update. Visiting and helping all these old people integrate into the present times gives me the impression of a neighborhood committee member…”
Han Xiao shook his head and chuckled.
Based on what Oathkeeper said, the Primordial Ones were taken from the warring era, and their blood and fire had yet to dissipate. They were basically a rebellious generation. Now that they had been put into an era that did not belong to them, most of their mentalities had yet to be adjusted.
If he wanted these people to accept and support him, it was not enough to just use his mouth. They had to be convinced. It was best for them to accept severe beatings of the society, allowing them to recognize their reality and understand the meaning of ‘the new will constantly replace the old’.
However, the other party was still a future partner, so it was not good to be too violent. It was better for him to first be courteous, only giving them ‘education’ if they failed to behave.
In this regard, Han Xiao was quite confident. The Primordial Ones were the first generation of Beyond Grade As, and while he could not rule out the fact that there might be super geniuses who had reached the peak of Beyond Grade A, that number would not be huge. The average strength of the Primordial Ones was likely to be the same as the modern Beyond Grade As, and this was because of the long fighting that they did. Otherwise, their strengths might not even match up to the Beyond Grade As of today.
However, he did not have a complete advantage as well. There was a problem that could not be avoided, namely because he was still second place in the Association. Old Man Manison was holding onto his position tightly, which could mean that some of the Primordial Ones would end up supporting Manison.
However, the problem was not too big. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that he himself was thriving potential stock, whereas Manison was old stock that was bleeding internally. The choice was simple.
“As for the specifics, it’s best to talk about it only after contacting the Primordial Ones. I’ll wait for Oathkeeper to arrange it. Before that, I’ll study their characteristics…”
As the saying went, ‘know thyself and your enemy, and you’ll win all your battles’. Han Xiao took out the Revivor name list, and based on the information on the internet and his memory, he began to construct a data model for these Primordial Ones.
…
In the spaceship of the Holy Accord, Oathkeeper dismissed the remote projection. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw the Primordial Ones looking at him.
“How was it? What did Black Star say?”
Everyone was concerned about the attitude of the other insider.
“I’ve already communicated with him and reached an intention to cooperate. He mentioned that he will not disclose any secrets. Furthermore, he commands the Beyond Grade A Association and has expressed his hope to get your support. You can check the information about the Association through the internet. Finally, he has proposed a request to see all of you,” Oathkeeper recounted.
“He wishes to see us?”
Everyone looked at each other, and many of them showed off weird smiles.
“That’s good as well. We would like to see what sort of intentions he has for helping to resurrect us.”
There was no love without reasoning in this world, so no one believed Oathkeeper’s description of Black Star, thinking that Black Star wished for more than just an increase in the number of Beyond Grade As. There should be some ambition and scheme involved in his plan.
In their eyes, Black Star likely wished to use them. While they had positive feelings toward him for his kindness, they did not intend to be used by him.
Everyone had on relaxed expressions as they talked about it.
“Black Star knows of our resurrection. Do you think he wishes to use this as a threat to force us into doing something for him?”
“Hehe, if he really thinks of it this way, he’ll soon find that his thoughts are wrong. Want to use us? Laughable!”
“He might have asked to meet because he wishes to foster a good relationship with us. It’s just as well. We can take this opportunity to pull him down a peg, dispelling his thoughts about trying
to use us.”
“There’s also that Beyond Grade A Association. He seeks our support on that matter. In my opinion, we can totally set up another organization. There’s no need to listen to the orders of another. Even if we wish to join it, we don’t need to support Black Star or any others. Why don’t we just aim for the top by ourselves?”
“I checked up Black Star’s deed on the internet, and it’s actually pretty ridiculous. He broke the record for the fastest promotion to the Beyond Grade A realm, and he has even repelled the attacks of more than a dozen Beyond Grade As.”
“Oh? To think that the Beyond Grade A strength of this era has regressed so much, that more than a dozen people failed to kill a newcomer who has only been promoted for a few decades. Tsk tsk… it seems like each generation is inferior to the last.”
“Don’t look down on them. If it wasn’t for his capabilities, he would not dare to have designs on us.”
By the side, Oathkeeper quietly listened to their idle chatter, with no intention of correcting their misguided notions.
It was too common for the Primordial Ones to look down on newcomers, especially since they were the ‘founders’ of the Beyond Grade A realm. Their statuses were lofty, with the mentality that the descendants today were able to achieve what they had because of them, the trailblazers.
But from his viewpoint, this bunch of fools would need a lesson in order to quickly adjust their mentality.
This is also for all of your own goods…
Oathkeeper shook his head as he secretly sighed.
…
After half a month, on a certain barren planet in the Ancient Star Desert, six figures stood on the ground, Oathkeeper and five other Primordial Ones. Because they did not wish for Black Star to know the total number of people resurrected, they selected five people as representatives who had the best combat power.
The other Revivors did not show up but stayed in a fleet that was two days’ distance away, remotely monitoring the area.