Chapter 1 The Impending War

The enormous space fortress floated in the cosmos, surrounded by wormhole transit stations. Wormhole tunnels opened and closed from time to time, fleets of ships flying out.

Seberte Fortress, located in the Carter Star Cluster on the border of the Flickering World, was the strategic command headquarters of the Interstellar United Army in the Flickering World.

To resist the World Tree civilization, the three major civilizations established the Interstellar United Army during the war preparations, integrating the power of the explored universe, and strategically dividing the major star regions of the explored universe into numbered military regions, carrying out varying degrees of transformation.

For more than a decade, the Flickering World had been completely transformed. The five border star clusters were fortified, leaving only countless mutually supportive defense lines and strongholds, armed to the teeth.

Not only the First United Military Region, represented by the Flickering World, but even the hinterland star regions were prepared for war.

After all, the situation of the World Tree invading the homeland was different from the interception circle war. During the interception circle battle, because the rear was a large area of depth, there were limited worries. Now, the Flickering World was the homeland, and there was no way to retreat. They had to defend, and the pressure was completely different.

At this moment, in the top-floor conference room of Seberte Fortress, countless people gathered with solemn expressions, including not only the commanders of the Interstellar United Army, but also some high-level members of the Beyond Grade A Association.

A three-dimensional projection of a strategic star chart of the Flickering World's border floated on the table.

"According to frontline reports, the World Tree's vanguard is not far from the Flickering World's border. It is expected to arrive at the outermost defense circle in ten days. All departments are ready to meet the enemy. What are your thoughts?"

As Simon spoke, he operated the star chart, zooming in on the outermost border area and marking each location in red, representing the areas most likely to suffer the first wave of the World Tree's impact.

Although the World Tree had only one directional coordinate, it would not take only one route. It was divided into a large number of vanguards, bypassing different arcs and advancing all the way, eventually invading the Flickering World from different directions. However, the three major civilizations had long anticipated this situation and had already transformed the Flickering World into an iron bucket.

"We have been preparing for more than ten years, isn't it just to welcome the arrival of this day? Let's fight."

"That's right, what should be prepared and what should be discussed has been done in these ten years. Next is to test our results."

"The World Tree's current actions have not deviated from our pre-set situation. Just act according to the strategy, and adjust randomly when they really hit us."

Many officers spoke, full of fighting spirit.

Simon nodded and turned to look at Han Xiao. "Your Excellency Black Star, what do you think?"

Han Xiao supported his cheek with his palm and pondered, "We have fortified our walls and cleared the fields, and the World Tree cannot snowball for the time being, so they will not blindly advance. They will probably build bridgehead bases in the border area, stabilize the jump points, and prepare to fight a protracted war with us."

Compared to more than ten years ago, his appearance had not changed at all. With his Transcendent Grade lifespan, this little time could not leave any traces on him.

"Not bad," Simon agreed.

"So the test of endurance has arrived. A war of attrition is inevitable. It depends on who can withstand it, and see if we are killed first, or the World Tree's main body is found by us first." Han Xiao shrugged.

Currently, the World Tree's reincarnation mechanism was still unresolved. Han Xiao felt that Transcendent Grades should have the power to attack informational states, but he had never been able to unlock it, and could only attribute it to the fact that some preconditions had not been met.

In recent years, the secondary dimension expeditionary army had made some progress. Although they had not found the main body of the World Tree, they had figured out the sphere of influence of the World Tree in the secondary dimension, and had met with the other party's garrison many times.

Fortunately, with Harrison's aura blessing, they had not exposed their coordinates and were safe and sound. However, their actions had finally been detected by the World Tree civilization. Currently, batches of dependents were searching for the expeditionary army of the three major civilizations in the secondary dimension.

However, this was unavoidable. The World Tree's main body was guarded by countless dependents, and strictly defended. The closer the expeditionary army got to the main body, the easier it was to trigger the alert. It was basically impossible to find the main body of the World Tree without alarming any guards. The same was true in his previous life. The team that spontaneously searched for the main body of the World Tree was hunted down by the World Tree dependents all over the world. In the end, Harrison was lucky enough to break through the alert network and hit the jackpot.

"When is the Beyond Grade A Association preparing to join the war?" Simon asked.

"They can join the war at any time, but that doesn't include me." Han Xiao narrowed his eyes. "I won't act until the World Tree sends out a Tree King again."

His advancement to Transcendent Grade was still a secret to the World Tree. He wanted to take this opportunity to launch a surprise attack and seal another Tree King. If he rashly appeared to fight the small fries, he would probably scare the Tree King away, which would be counterproductive.

Before attracting the Tree King, he did not want to use his cannon to kill mosquitoes.

Everyone had no objection. After discussing it, they quickly finished the meeting, logged off, and prepared separately.

Han Xiao closed the remote projection and returned his gaze to the square of the training base. In front of him was a dark crowd. All the training students were gathered here, all looking at him expectantly.

"You all know that the World Tree is about to invade. Let's end the training today. It's time for you to use what you have learned."

As Han Xiao spoke, he scanned everyone.

More than ten years of high-pressure training, coupled with his guidance, had given rise to a batch of new Beyond Grade As, and the number was very considerable. There were more than forty people. Apart from the exploration era, there had never been a period in history when Beyond Grade As were born so frequently.

Among them, the Black Star Mercenary Group members accounted for nearly half. Jodina successfully advanced, and Ni Aotian also entered Beyond Grade A half a year ago. Even Laji, the salted fish, had successfully advanced.

Karot had already advanced to Beyond Grade A early on, but Han Xiao did not let him appear. He was still receiving special training, constantly accumulating insights, and striving to re-trigger [Martial Arts Unrestricted] to quickly soar to peak combat power.

The many training students stirred for a while, and suddenly, as if they had agreed in advance, saluted Han Xiao in unison.

Regardless of whether they had advanced to Beyond Grade A, or whether they were members of the mercenary group, everyone at this moment had a solemn expression and said in unison:

"Thank you, Your Excellency Black Star, for your guidance over the past ten years. We will remember this kindness in our hearts!"

Regardless of Black Star's motives, at least they knew how much they had benefited in these ten years, and their gratitude to Han Xiao at this time was from the bottom of their hearts.

Han Xiao accepted it calmly and waved his hand. "Go to the army to report."

Everyone saluted again, boarded the prepared spaceships, turned into streams of light, and disappeared from everyone's sight.

At this time, Kessuye came forward from behind and sighed:

"I don't know how many of these Calamity Grade seeds will survive the next time we meet."

"We have given them the opportunity. They were unable to obtain a sanctuary ticket in more than ten years. They can't blame others."

Han Xiao shook his head.

Kessuye nodded. "We should also report. Remember to bring Aurora back. We don't feel confident without her."

"Got it."

Han Xiao nodded and watched the members of the Beyond Grade A Association leave.

In contrast, the many Beyond Grade As were not nervous, with Black Star's Sanctuary Revival as their foundation, their lives were guaranteed.

With more than ten years of training, many Beyond Grade As had also made some progress. Han Xiao would spar with them from time to time, and also scraped some abilities from some people.

After sending everyone away, Han Xiao changed into the Emperor Suit and teleported to the Land of Lost Souls.

As soon as he arrived here, Hela, Aurora, and Fording, who were in closed-door training, noticed.

"You're here?"

Hela stopped absorbing soul fragments, her body rippling with an inexplicable aura, very powerful.

"You have made great progress in these years." Han Xiao glanced at her, revealing a satisfied expression.

The Land of Lost Souls was a leveling treasure land for Hela and Fording. After more than ten years of closed-door training, Hela had successfully entered the peak Beyond Grade A stage. This could be considered a cheat-like speed in history. Her combat power had greatly increased, and she had steadily entered the first echelon.

Fording had absorbed an unknown amount of soul energy using the Soul Transfer Device, and had also steadily reached a high-level Beyond Grade A level.

As for Aurora, she could not use the resources of the Land of Lost Souls, but she had received Hela's special training and her abilities had also increased. Although she could not compare to the two freaks, Hela and Fording, she was still quite good.

"You're here to ask us to go back, right? Counting the days, the World Tree should be arriving soon." A trace of fighting spirit flashed in Hela's eyes. "I can finally meet a Tree King."

Han Xiao ignored this battle maniac and turned to Aurora and said, "You are our core figure. Are you ready?"

"Don't worry, I will never miss this time!"

Aurora clenched her small fist, her face firm.

Although that erotic dream still lingered in her mind, she had vowed not to be tricked again, causing huge casualties to her companions.

Han Xiao smiled and rubbed her head, then looked at Fording and nodded:

"You are already a high-level Beyond Grade A. Using this power to activate the Soul Transfer Device is enough to cause a large-scale killing of the World Tree members. You have a lot of room to play in this area."

The Soul Transfer Device was a mass-killing weapon, its power was no less than the Psionic Storm. It was also a treasure for armies. When he was not convenient to take action, Fording could replace him and cause a large-scale killing of countless fleet crew members.

"I understand." Fording stroked the mirror surface of the Soul Transfer Device and nodded lightly.

Although he did not like killing, it also depended on the situation. He would not be soft on invaders like the World Tree.

Han Xiao exhorted everyone a few words, then changed into another Emperor Suit and teleported to the Underworld, and immediately saw Evans, as well as Yi Shen, who was teaching him combat skills on the side.

As soon as he saw Han Xiao, Evans immediately stopped practicing and greeted him.

Han Xiao did not exchange pleasantries and went straight to the point: "The World Tree has attacked. You and I will go to meet them together."

"Okay." Evans' heart tightened, and he nodded steadily.

Yi Shen paced over with his hands behind his back and said, "Don't die on the battlefield. I'm still waiting for you to fulfill my dream. Although Sanctuary Revival is good, once you die, you will lose your abilities and will never be able to set foot in the Transcendent Grade. Don't blame me for giving up on you then."

"Don't worry, teacher, I won't die so easily."

Evans replied solemnly, his tone contained a steady confidence.

As the saying goes, an old person in the family is like a treasure. Yi Shen had roamed the universe for many years and had incredibly rich experience. With his wholehearted teaching, Evans had accumulated very rich combat skills.

If Evans at the time of his initial advancement and obtaining the [Energy Manipulation] ability was at best an ordinary person holding a gun, now, after receiving Yi Shen's guidance, he was like a soldier king who had completed all the special forces elite courses, proficient in all weapons, and his actual combat ability had increased countless times.

After more than ten years of getting along, Evans had regarded Yi Shen as his teacher. Although Yi Shen had not admitted it, he had not rejected this title either.

"Let's go."

Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, did not say much, and teleported away with Evans.

Yi Shen watched the two disappear, a faint smile appeared on his face.

...

The three major civilizations were preparing to meet the enemy in full swing. Ten days passed in a flash, and the World Tree's vanguard finally arrived at the border of the Flickering World and engaged in fierce fighting with the outer defense circle.

As the staff department had expected, the World Tree invaded from different directions, but all were within the coverage of the defense circle. Battles broke out simultaneously in multiple areas.

In all battlefields, the individual power of both sides remained restrained. The Beyond Grade A group of the three major civilizations only made a few probes, and the World Tree civilization had never sent out Beyond Grade A powerhouses to fight.

With the example of the Heart Tree King, the World Tree had great fear of Black Star. The first wave of probing attacks did not use Beyond Grade As.

In the first confrontation in more than ten years, the three major civilizations, which had been preparing for a long time, successfully gave the World Tree army a head-on blow, preventing the World Tree from entering their homeland. The two sides were deadlocked on the border of the Flickering World.

But even if they had won a battle, the three major civilizations did not have any joy, because this was only the first probing attack. The World Tree had not consumed much military strength, and the situation was still grim.

And as Han Xiao said, the World Tree was prepared for a protracted war. The first thing was to build a batch of bridgeheads outside the border of the Flickering World, and hoard troops on a large scale, watching covetously.

Because the World Tree controlled the jump points all the way, the three major civilizations could not replicate the space anchor orbit of the interception circle war. They could not drive away the enemy, they could only guard the territory and withstand the waves of impact from the World Tree. This was the future war situation, and it was also a situation that the three major civilizations had long been psychologically prepared for, exchanging time with the strategic depth of the entire explored universe.