Chapter 772 Negotiations and Hidden Currents
After waiting for a while, Zoel’s figure appeared on his communicator.
Han Xiao raised his brow.
Since the Crimson Dynasty embassy did not reject his communication request, it meant that they were interested in negotiating with him. This was a good opening as the Crimson Dynasty was an important part of his plans.
With a smile, Han Xiao said, “It has been many years since I last saw you, Envoy Zoel.”
“That’s right. It has been more than ten years since we last met, and you were participating in the Tyrant’s gathering beside the Dragon Emperor back then. I still remember you trying to persuade Ames to join the Crimson Dynasty. Although you didn’t manage to succeed, I have a very deep impression of you,” Zoel said with a smile.
His good attitude toward Han Xiao was not only because Han Xiao was a Beyond Grade A Super but also because of how Han Xiao seemed to lean toward their dynasty.
“It turns out that you still remember.” Han Xiao smiled. “Back then, I felt that it was extremely likely for the Crimson Dynasty to win the Flickering World, and history has proven my prediction correct.”
Zoel’s smile became brighter upon hearing that.
Over ten years ago, Black Star had predicted that the Crimson Dynasty would successfully take control of the Flickering World; Zoel’s impression of Han Xiao immediately rose.
“You are truly able to see far ahead.”
Of course, I doubt anyone can look further into the future than me... Han Xiao thought to himself.
This was the benefit of being familiar with the storyline. Before even eating today, he knew what kind of sh*t he would have tomorrow.
After pausing for a while, Han Xiao got to the purpose for his call.
“My thoughts have not changed since ten years ago, and the Black Star Army has already left Floating Dragon. I do not need to persuade anyone, and I can make the decision myself.”
Zoel’s eyes lit up, and he said, “If I didn’t understand those words wrongly, you wish to join the Crimson Dynasty?”
“That is the reason for my call today.”
Han Xiao nodded.
Because of his advancement, the Black Star Army had the right to be called a Beyond Grade A organization. However, the upper limit of his organization would be dependent on his resources and network. In the galaxy, the three Universal Civilizations were the largest possible backers, and he would be able to obtain a huge amount of resources as long as he joined one of them.
At the same time, he also needed a strong ally to protect the Evolution Cube. Psyker and the Arcane Church definitely would not give up on the Evolution Cube, and the Federation of Light might even choose to intervene. All the large organizations in the universe would have their eyes set on the Evolution Cube, and it was impossible for the Black Star Army, which was still at the Star Cluster level, to defend against all these ill intentions.
Among the three Universal Civilizations, the Crimson Dynasty was the most ideal ally to Han Xiao. He would be able to gain early access to the Flickering World and also foil Klent’s plan to obtain victory in the secret war.
Those were all important factors affecting his benefits.
Of course, there was another reason beside this.
Han Xiao had been part of the Crimson Dynasty faction in his previous life, so he had more information regarding the storyline and chance encounters in the Crimson Dynasty. Among the three Universal Civilizations, he admired the Crimson Dynasty the most.
The history of the three Universal Civilizations could be traced back to the origin era, which was before the exploration era, and these three civilizations were not born during the same period. The Federation of Light was the oldest, followed by the Arcane Church, and then the Crimson Dynasty. The time period of their uprising was separated by a few thousand years.
The origin era was the most chaotic era and lacked historical records. At that time, there was not a single powerful civilization to unite the galaxy, and the different Star Fields were not connected to each other. All the civilizations were alone and explored the dark universe on their own.
At that time, the three Universal Civilizations had not reached their current heights, and there were other civilizations in their Star Field that exceeded them in terms of strength. After many years of development, they finally eliminated all their opponents in their various Star Fields and obtained the rights to rule over a Star Field. They then began to explore the desolate universe belts.
The Central Galaxy where the three Universal Civilizations were located was the starting point of these three civilizations, and they were all neighbors of one another. They naturally discovered each other’s presence and wanted to get rid of each other. As such, war broke out between the three Universal Civilizations, and this became a turning point between the origin era and exploration era. The three Universal Civilizations then worked together to start a new era.
During the exploration era, the three Universal Civilizations fought each other while exploring the outside world. With the Central Galaxy as the core, the flames of war spread toward the outside with more and more Star Fields being discovered. During the process of exploring these new Star Fields, more and more civilizations were forced to join the battle, and the war became extremely ferocious. Many civilizations were destroyed because of this war.
The war that spread throughout the entire galaxy was extremely miserable. In fact, a few desolate universe belts in the present galaxy were originally Star Fields. They were Star Fields that had been reduced to a desolate universe belt because of the flames of war.
Back then, the three Universal Civilizations did not have their current strength, and there were a few powerful civilizations at the same level as them. The Evolutionary Civilization was one of them. If these civilizations had survived, they would very likely have become Universal Civilizations as well. However, it was a pity that they were wiped out during the wars in the exploration era. Only the Federation of Light, the Arcane Church, and the Crimson Dynasty had managed to survive. They then consolidated their authority and stopped the war to allow themselves to catch their breath.
After many years of peace, the Federation of Light and Arcane Church had begun to display signs of stagnation in their development. Only the Crimson Dynasty did not fall in times of peace and maintained their ambition and development.
Thus, Han Xiao thought highly of the Crimson Dynasty. A civilization full of ambition would always create the opportunity for development. Forming an alliance with the Crimson Dynasty would definitely give him a brighter future.
“Hmm...”
Upon hearing Han Xiao’s response, Zoel did not reply immediately but fell into a deep thought.
He had originally intended to probe Black Star to understand his intentions but never imagined that Black Star would immediately request to join the alliance.
It was not anything new for a Beyond Grade A Super to join a Universal Civilization, but it was definitely a matter out of his authority. Thus, he had to report the matter to his superiors.
Zoel secretly estimated Han Xiao’s value.
Black Star’s strength and potential are undeniable. Since more than ten years ago, he’s leaned toward the dynasty and definitely isn’t an opportunistic individual. Furthermore, the Black Star Army has a sizable influence in the Shattered Star Ring, and it would be advantageous to the exploration of the Flickering World. Furthermore, he still has the Evolution Cube in his hands... Right. I need to have a good talk with him about the Evolution Cube.
The Evolution Cube originally belonged to Psyker and was protected by the Arcane Church. Now that it was in Han Xiao’s hands, it was an important bargaining chip.
Thinking about this, Zoel said, “I need to be clear about something. How are you going to deal with the Evolution Cube?”
A bright smile could be seen on Han Xiao’s face.
“This item will naturally be a part of the conditions. We can use a sharing method to deal with the Evolution Cube. The Crimson Dynasty will support me in keeping the Evolution Cube, and you guys can send an unlimited number of individuals to use the Evolution Cube.”
This was the cooperation method that Psyker and the Arcane Church had opted for. However, he was not prepared to have an exclusive contract with a Universal Civilization like Psyker.
Psyker used the exclusive contract to get the Arcane Church to give more support to his Star Pupil Holy Race, but Han Xiao did not have a race to bring up. The benefits from sharing the Evolution Cube with other civilizations would be greater.
“Hmm, not bad.” Zoel nodded. This was within an acceptable range. “The upper echelons of the dynasty will probably accept this condition. We can help you deal with some obstruction on the outside. Apart from this, do you have any other conditions?”
Han Xiao’s eyes sparkled. This was the time for them to negotiate about benefits.
“I have a few requests,” Han Xiao said with a serious expression. “First, I hope that the Crimson Dynasty will provide resources to me and the Black Star Army.”
“No problem,” Zoel replied without any hesitation. “With the Evolution Cube, we will be willing to provide more resources.”
“Second, I hope that the Black Star Army can join the Flickering World exploration squad.”
“Haha, I think that the dynasty would have requested that you go even if you didn’t mention this matter.”
Han Xiao only nodded.
That’s right, the Shattered Star Ring is the nearest to the Flickering World, and if the Crimson Dynasty needs a vanguard force, the organizations in the Shattered Star Ring will be their first choice.
The entrance ticket to the Flickering World definitely would not be a problem.
“Third, I hope that the Crimson Dynasty will not speak on behalf of the Klent Kingdom with regards to the secret war.”
Zoel frowned upon hearing that.
“This is a decision for the upper echelons and not within my authority. I cannot give you any assurance on that.”
This request was not something that he had expected but was still reasonable.
After fighting for so many years, it would not be strange if Black Star wanted to obtain victory. However, Klent was also an ally of the Crimson Dynasty, and this was a question of which party had greater value. Even Zoel could not guarantee what the upper echelons would decide.
“No problem.” Han Xiao waved his hands. “These are my three greatest conditions.”
“Hmm, I will report the matter up.”
Zoel then suddenly said, “Right, I heard about the conflict between you and Heber. Do you need me to mediate on your behalf?”
Since Black Star was about to form an alliance with the Crimson Dynasty, the Tyrant and Black Star could be considered allies as well. Their battle was akin to friendly fire between both parties.
Although the public challenge could not be rescinded, they only needed to announce that Black Star had joined the Crimson Dynasty. At that time, both parties naturally would not fight.
“That isn’t necessary,” Han Xiao rejected.
Zoel thought for a while and came to a realization. He then said with a smile, “You’re right. I was the one who lacked consideration.”
It would not be good for Black Star’s image if the Crimson Dynasty came out to resolve the conflict between the two. The outside world would think that Black Star had chosen to join the Crimson Dynasty because he could not escape the Tyrant.
“If you don’t have anything else to add on, I will report your conditions to my superiors.”
“Right.” Han Xiao suddenly thought about something, “I have a small request. I hope to obtain some Mechanic Cutting-Edge Knowledge within twenty days.”
The Crimson Dynasty naturally had the entire set of class knowledge, and Cutting-Edge Knowledge was not that precious to them. Perhaps he would be able to activate the skills of the Emperor Mechanic before the battle.
With Han Xiao’s current construction speed, twenty days was enough for him to build a large number of machines with his new knowledge.
Zoel nodded. If it was Ultimate Knowledge, the upper echelons might still need to consider the matter, but Cutting-Edge Knowledge was nothing to them. After all, the other party was a Beyond Grade A Super who was about to join their alliance. This could be considered basic treatment.
“Alright, await my reply.”
This was only their initial negotiation, and the exact outcome would be determined by the upper echelons of the Crimson Dynasty.
...
At the same time, in some region of the Shattered Star Ring, Psyker was rushing toward the Colton Star Cluster.
“Since the Dragon Emperor has decided to intervene, it seems like this matter won’t go so smoothly...”
Psyker was not in a good mood.
Heber insisted on fighting Black Star alone and refused to join hands with him. Thus, Psyker could only issue a separate challenge to Han Xiao. However, Psyker had also found a good opportunity from this.
Since Black Star was maintaining the Evolution Cube in its portable form, Black Star would definitely take the Evolution Cube around with him. During the day of the battle, Black Star would reveal some flaws when fighting Heber. At that time, he would have an opportunity to snatch the item back from Black Star.
At that time, it would be useless for the Tyrant to reject him. As long as the Tyrant and Black Star began their battle, he would be able to join the battle anytime, and no one would be able to stop him.
He would not have to clash head on with Black Star if he wanted to seize such an opportunity, and the odds of his success were pretty high. Psyker’s final objective was the Evolution Cube, not dealing with Black Star. He was not bothered about the views of others. For the development of his race, losing a bit of reputation was nothing.
Originally, this plan of his could not have gone wrong. Black Star was due to be fighting alone, and while his focus was on the Tyrant, he would definitely not be able to deal with another Beyond Grade A Super.
However, Ames’ interference had foiled his plans.
Since Black Star had an ally, Ames would definitely stop him if he wanted to launch an attack. It would then be impossible for him to snatch the Evolution Cube from Black Star using such a method.
Unless... someone could restrain Ames.
The best candidate was Austin, but that darn old man only wanted to watch the show by the side and refused to help.
Thus, he could only look for other helpers.
Thankfully, he had a powerful ally.
“It seems like I can only seek help from the army that the Arcane Church stationed in the Shattered Star Ring. They should be willing to take action if it is to restrain a Beyond Grade A Super...”
Psyker’s eyes lit up brightly like a lightbulb.