Boom!
The fist with fingers curled up like the claws of a leopard was entwined in a black energy glow, and it directly connected with the abdomen of a body. The skin and muscles ripped in a ring due to the tremendous force, and the resulting shock wave blew the target away like a cannonball, hitting the wall of the training ground heavily with a bang.
Schneider withdrew his fist, and the toxic energy circling him also faded. He indifferently said, “Let’s stop here.”
He did not even look at his opponent from the loyalist faction, who had challenged him to a spar but gotten easily defeated. He only picked up the windbreaker he threw to the side before walking out of the training ground.
Ordinarily, Schneider would not even bother to respond to the challenges of others, but right now, he was in a bad mood and was venting his frustrations.
Schneider lamented the fact that everyone was now controlled by the Secret Master and forbidden to leave the stronghold.
Beep beep!
At this moment, his communicator rang. He saw that it was a call from his elder sister Jotina.
The moment he connected, Jotina yelled in dissatisfaction, “When I invited you to leave the Beast Ancestor Organization together, you said to wait and see. Now, even after so long, you haven’t brought your team and left yet‽ What’s going on‽”
Schneider revealed an expression of resignation, and he softly replied, “Big Sis, it’s not that I don’t wish to leave. There’s been a small incident.”
“What incident?” Jotina frowned.
“It’s His Excellency Secret Master…” Schneider hesitated upon recalling the imprint that Secret Master put on them, but he resolutely decided to speak the truth. “He has expressed his intention to help manage the Beast Ancestor’s troops, and make us work for him. Now, none of us can leave the stronghold, and I’ve also been trapped.”
Jotina was furious as she expected better from him. “I told you to leave sooner, but you just refused to listen. Now look what happened! You’re useless! A shame to me!”
She ranted on and on, and Schneider could only mutely accept her cursing.
Because the rebel faction’s source of hatred was based on the miserable experiences of their birth mothers, they appeared far more humane compared to the other two factions. There was a true brother-sister bond within the people of the faction, and it was the case for Schneider and Jotina. They had grown up together, and Schneider had been afraid of her since he was a child.
Jotina continued to curse for a while before finally holding back when she saw Schneider’s sullen look. She asked, “If you’re unwilling to work under Secret Master, you should find a chance to escape.”
Schneider shook his head and sighed. “The Secret Master has already said that escaping without authorization will be regarded as betrayal, and he has also left a magical imprint on us. Even if we could escape, how could we outrun a Beyond Grade A?”
Toward the siblings that she recognized, Jotina had a soft heart and could not bear to see Schneider’s plight. After struggling for a while, she suddenly said, “Are you willing to join the Black Star Army?”
“Of course, but there’s no more chance for me now.” Schneider sighed.
Hearing this, Jotina gritted her teeth. “Don’t lose hope yet. I’ll go and beg the Army Commander for help!”
After she spoke, she did not even wait for Schneider to reply, immediately hanging up.
Schneider held onto the communicator with the busy dial tone, a helpless expression on his face.
“Beg Black Star for help? How is that possible/”
He sighed, not holding any hope at all.
Just thinking about it, as people previously under the flag of the Beast Ancestor, defectors at that, why would Black Star offend another pinnacle Beyond Grade A for Calamity Grades like them?
…
The former palace of the Beast Ancestor was now converted to a resting place for Secret Master.
Gorutan’s huge throne had been placed in the Secret Master’s alchemy storage bottle as a war prize, and he had replaced Gorutan’s seat with his own throne.
At this moment, Secret Master sat on the throne, browsing the information regarding the officers in the organization, whilst Byram stood at the side, ready to answer a question if needed.
His communicator rang, and when Secret Master glanced at it, his facial expression turned solemn.
His expression as though he had met with a life-threatening situation stunned Byram, and he secretly began guessing who was on the line to cause the Secret Master to show such a drastic expression.
At this moment, Secret Master waved his hand and coldly remarked, “Leave.”
Hearing that, Byram could only bid his farewell in resignation and leave despite his curiosity. While he considered himself the new confidant of the Secret Master, he did not dare step beyond the rules.
When he was left alone in the room, Secret Master connected to the communication channel with a solemn expression.
“Black Star, what are you calling for?”
Han Xiao’s hearty laughter came from the communicator.
“Hahaha, Secret Master, you seem to be a little nervous.”
“You’re thinking too much.”
Secret Master’s brain was overclocking at the moment. While he wished to befriend Black Star, he could not help having a somewhat guilty conscience.
Han Xiao smiled. “While we had a conflict on the issue of the Primal Chaos Mysterious Energy, the matter has been resolved. Furthermore, there’s no enmity between us. If we must say, I also gave you quite a big boon.”
“What boon did you provide?”
“You still need to ask? It’s the Beast Ancestor. Didn’t you warn me the other time so that I would get rid of Gorutan? Both of you were Protectors, so there would definitely have been a conflict of interest. Helping you get rid of him means that you can take over his markets. Isn’t that doing you a favor?”
“Indeed, you have indirectly helped me.” Secret Master did not refute it.
“Since I’ve helped you, you can help me with a favor that I require now.” Han Xiao blinked before saying in a meaningful tone, “I heard that you’ve taken over the Beast Ancestor’s troops. Don’t worry, I’m not interested in them. As a twisted melon will never be sweet, I leave it to you to handle them. However, it seems like there are a few who wish to defect. I’d like you not to restrict those who wish to defect to me.”
Secret Master’s eyes changed slightly. He was a little unwilling to part with these Calamity Grade officers just like that.
Furthermore, if he chose to give such a concession, there would definitely be other officers who used defecting over to Black Star as an excuse. At that time, should he let them go as well? In this way, his gains from taking over the Beast Ancestor’s organization would be reduced substantially, and many of the Calamity Grade talents would also be lost.
But since Black Star had called, it meant that he knew of him detaining the Beastmen. If he did not agree, he would end up offending Black Star, and with the latter’s current tough stance, it might result in conflicts. He still wished to befriend Black Star, but he was not willing to lose too much for it.
While he found it a pity in his heart, Secret Master did not hesitate much. He was not willing to offend Black Star for a few Calamity Grades. “Alright, I’ll only release those who wish to defect to you.”
“That’s great!” Han Xiao burst out into a genuine laugh.
The two of them suppressed their inner emotions, pretending to be good friends and brothers, chatting for a while more before hanging up.
The moment he put down the communicator, Secret Master’s expression collapsed. He summoned Byram and ordered, “Bring Schneider’s group over.”
Byram was a little confused, but he did as he was told.
Very quickly, Schneider and the rebels were gathered in the palace, staring at Secret Master on the throne with a complicated, helpless, and u
nhappy expression.
Secret Master was expressionless. “Who here wishes to defect to the Black Star Army?”
A commotion occurred in the crowd. Everyone looked at each other. What was Secret Master trying to do?
Could this be a test, to kill the chickens in an attempt to warn the monkeys, in order to ward off further rebellious thoughts?
Everyone suddenly turned vigilant, feeling that they had stumbled onto the truth, and rushed to show their loyalty.
“How could that be? We’re willing to accept the protection of Secret Master.”
“We’re all siblings and can communicate easily. I love this place so much, so how could I defect elsewhere?”
Seeing this scene, Secret Master only felt a growing headache.
If it was someone, he could use their current words as an excuse to give a perfunctory response, but Secret Master did not intend to play any tricks on Black Star, so he was currently a little depressed.
The current situation could be described as akin to a drama.
Underlings: “Secret Master Father, we really do not wish to go to Black Star.”
Secret Master: “No, think about it again. Quickly scram to acknowledge your true father.”
Taking a deep breath, Secret Master regained his calmness. A surge of momentum was released from him, and he solemnly said, “Less bullsh*t. Those who wish to defect to Black Star, I will not stop you, nor am I toying with you. Those who wish to leave, hurry up and scram.”
Those people who were still professing their loyalty suddenly felt an irresistible pressure and discovered that the Secret Master was not trying to test them. They all stopped in their tracks, stunned.
What’s the matter? Didn’t you restrict everyone a while ago. Why are you suddenly freeing us?
Is Secret Master that fickle?
Byram’s eyes flickered, and he thought about the call that Secret Master had received previously. He came to the conclusion that it was likely Black Star.
To actually sway Secret Master with just a few words, could it be that Secret Master was that afraid of Black Star?
Byram was secretly surprised.
Within the crowd, Schneider suddenly thought of his call with Jotina two hours ago.
“It can’t be wrong. Black Star must have played a part in this, or else there’s no other way to explain it…”
He discovered that Secret Master’s expression was quite ugly, as though he was unwilling to do so.
In Schneider’s view, Jotina had just joined the Black Star Army, and she could not have much sway. For Black Star to help her so unhesitatingly, it had to be because he placed some importance in them.
While he did not know if his conjecture was right, Schneider could not help but feel moved, and he had the urge to even die for Black Star.
It seems like Jotina’s right. Black Star is indeed a worthy figure to defect to.
…
Because it was a private deal, the departure of Schneider and the rest did not cause any waves.
It was only seven to eight days later, when the government of the Crimson Dynasty issued a decree without warning, that the entire universe suddenly erupted!
The content of the decree was simple. The dynasty had decided to open up the right to purchase Evolutionary Totems to the entire universe, starting in one year!
The fight between the three Universal Civilizations for the Evolutionary Totem was not a matter that had happened a day or two ago. Thus, when this news was released, it caused massive waves and an uproar. Countless civilizations went crazy.
The dynasty had finally thought it through!
The entire universe, however, knew that the Crimson Dynasty would not make such a move without any motives behind them. For them to come out with such a decision, it likely had to do with the recent matters.
And everyone knew that the recent major matter at the universe-level was Black Star’s Godlike Battle!
Everyone understood the cause and effect of the two events.
Being shocked by Black Star’s record, the dynasty had finally compromised and actively given in, allowing Black Star to control the Evolutionary Totem business with his Evolution Cube!
A Universal Civilization, especially a stubborn boss such as the Crimson Dynasty, actually compromised for a Beyond Grade A!
When had this last happened‽
When they figured this out, the countless Galactic Civilizations and residents were shocked beyond words.
But on the other hand, the Arcane Church and the Federation of Light were delighted.
By showing his prestige, Black Star had moved the Crimson Dynasty to open up the Evolutionary Totem sales. For this reason, it was worthwhile for them to have lost a few Beyond Grade As.
We were walking on the wrong path all along!
If they had known that putting pressure of the dynasty would not be of use, they would have just sent a bunch of people over to Black Star, allowing him to rack up an incredible battle record. Then, they would have gotten their desires that much earlier!
The dynasty’s decree set off a wave of public opinion across the universe, further skyrocketing Han Xiao’s records and personal prestige. He alone now overwhelmed the rays given off by all Beyond Grade As.
While the news and rumors were spreading like wildfire throughout the universe, the Limitless Financial Group’s branch within the Flickering World welcomed an unexpected guest.
Chapter 1067 - An Offer You Can“t Refuse
1067 An Offer You Can“t Refuse
This was a large commercial planet located in the Dawn Star Cluster. The sky was filled with anti-gravity flying vehicles, like a river of steel diagonally hanging in the air.There were many tall buildings located at the center of the planet’s capital city. One of the buildings stood out from the rest, towering into the clouds, and its structure was akin to the double helix structure of a gene sequence. The outer wall of the building was pure white, and its corners would occasionally flash with blue lights. It exuded a sense of technological advancement and art.
At the top of the building, there were eight anti-gravity suspensions holding up a helipad, similar to a floating island, shielding the ‘∞’ shaped signboard in the middle. It was the emblem of the Limitless Financial Group. This was a subdivision of the Limitless Financial Group. Unlike armed forces, unless there were special circumstances, commercial organizations would not build bases everywhere like the warlords.
A small aircraft from the atmosphere slowly descended on the helipad of the Limitless Financial Group branch. Han Xiao got out of the cabin, stepping onto the platform.
“Welcome, Your Excellency Black Star.”
Not far away, the receptionist who had been waiting for a long time quickly came up to greet him. Black Star had notified the Limitless Financial Group of his impending visit. Thus, they had arranged for a receptionist to guide him.
Han Xiao hummed in response, his face remaining expressionless. “Where’s Sorokin?”
“His Excellency Sorokin is already awaiting you in the reception room. Please follow me.”
The reception staff respectfully responded, leading the way.
Han Xiao followed him into the subdivision of the Limitless Financial Group, taking a private elevator to a certain floor.
When the elevator doors opened, a spacious area came into view. In the center of the room was a sofa and a table, and the four corners of the room were surrounded by exotic blue and green plants. The walls were completely made up of floor-to-ceiling windows. No other furniture was present, as though this entire floor was only used as a reception room.
Sorokin sat on the sofa, waiting. As Han Xiao approached, he stood up with a smile on his face. “Your Excellency Black Star, please have a seat.”
The elevator doors then closed, leaving only the two of them in the room.
Han Xiao sat down opposite Sorokin, and only then did Sorokin return to his seat. He smiled. “What a rare visitor. When you spoke of visiting me,
I still didn’t dare believe it. For someone as busy as you, why would you suddenly come over to my place?”
“Why, am I not welcome?” Han Xiao tilted his head.
“Haha, you must be joking. Of course, I welcome you.” Sorokin maintained his smile, but he was secretly sizing up Han Xiao. It was a pity that he failed to notice anything.
On the surface, he put on a warm and hospitable look, but Sorokin was full of suspicion and doubt in his heart, speculating about Black Star’s intention to visit.
Recently, the rumors of the dynasty’s concession to Black Star had spread madly. Sorokin had naturally heard about it. Although he was surprised, there was no shock, as he had already anticipated this would happen the moment Han Xiao repelled the others in the rescue of Hila. His surprise came more from the fact that the dynasty really did concede.
Right now, Black Star was extremely popular within the universe. For this guy to suddenly run over at this juncture, he most likely had some scheme prepared. Could it be that he wished to cooperate on the issue of the Evolutionary Totem?
It was unlikely, and the dynasty also had no reason to let outsiders intervene. Furthermore, the Limitless Financial Group and the Black Star Army had been having commercial struggles for so many years. Even though both sides never mentioned it, they definitely remembered it in their hearts.
Sorokin was thus very vigilant at this point.
Han Xiao’s behavior was very relaxed, as though he had come to reminisce about the past. He softly smiled. “This is the first time I’ve come to visit you, and it’s very prosperous. It seems that the Limitless Financial Group has developed very well in the Flickering World.”
“This is all thanks to the business partners.” Sorokin picked up the liquor bottle on the table, opening it before pouring a glass for Han Xiao.
“Wow, good wine. This seems to be a high-end product from the federation, only given to select people.” Han Xiao raised the glass, swirling the amber liquid within and hearing the pleasant clink of ice cubes. He casually said, “Speaking of which, we can also be considered business partners in certain territories.”
The Legendary Mechanic c1-1385 Page 746
