Chapter 1 New Beginnings

The Underworld was reorganized, Evans stayed behind temporarily to receive guidance from the Other God, while Han Xiao returned to the training base to enter seclusion. He planned to use his new level of power to upgrade all models of his machinery, and to study some advanced blueprints.

The Empire had been tricked, but it made no moves. It swallowed its anger and remained silent. Information about Hodd’s whereabouts was also blocked. Han Xiao didn't know how the Empire would handle Hodd in the future. Perhaps they were trying to restore his abilities, but it was impossible for him to appear outside in the short term.

The uproar caused by his advancement to Beyond Grade A gradually subsided. After the initial shock, the three Universal Civilizations accepted the reality and returned to normal, maintaining a state of peace.

Several days later, in the Black Star Army's private mechanical factory.

Han Xiao stood in front of a laboratory table, gazing at a suspended hourglass-shaped device. Dense Mechanical Force emanated from his body, connecting to the device like chains. The space around both ends of the device showed subtle vibrations.

"So, this is the principle of psionic waves. Tsk tsk, the destructive power of this technology is no joke. It's indeed black technology. If it's paired with a cosmic treasure-level transmitter, it's practically a strategic weapon of mass destruction. I've really found a treasure this time…"

Excitement flashed in Han Xiao’s eyes.

After studying it for days, he finally understood the psionic wave technology. In his eyes, this thing was an absolute godsend for group battles. First, it would automatically absorb external energy to increase its attack range, and given enough time, it could even cover an interstellar battlefield, but it was more controllable and wouldn't spread indefinitely.

Secondly, like the original psionic energy, it was difficult to resist and clean up. Moreover, because the psionic wave's form of eruption was a shockwave, rather than the solid energy mass of the original psionic energy expanding, its speed of diffusion was much faster, making it more difficult to stop. Also, it could largely ignore matter, giving it incredible penetration.

Third, it could selectively destroy different forms of energy… Any energy could activate the transmitter, and the form of energy inputted would be the type of energy the psionic wave targeted, and multiple types could be mixed. If dark energy was inputted, the psionic wave would feed on dark energy and destroy shields, entities, and energy cores made of or sustained by dark energy, without affecting other forms of energy – the reason why the psionic wave destroyed all electrical appliances of the Aesop Civilization was because the researchers had inputted electrical energy.

In addition, no matter what energy the psionic wave targeted, it was highly lethal. Life forms that were not strong enough would be instantly annihilated when swept by the psionic wave. The entire Aesop Civilization was wiped out because of this.

"The fleets of advanced civilizations basically use dark energy and psionic energy as power. If we specifically attack these two types of energy, even the largest fleets would be paralyzed. The number of troops would lose its meaning in the face of this technology, and it's enough to serve as a main weapon."

Han Xiao’s eyes gleamed.

The power of psionic wave technology was too strong, like a more powerful version of a universal EMP. He didn't plan to let others use it, or it would threaten him in return.

Mechanics possessed many powerful weapons, but most of them were technologies owned by advanced civilizations. Thus, most Mechanics seemed to lack particularly representative means of destruction, and psionic wave technology could serve as this trump card.

If he installed this thing on the Emperor's Splitting Edge, Han Xiao believed that even without summoning the mechanical army, he could still go head-to-head with enemy fleets on a frontal interstellar battlefield of billions.

With one slash, millions of warships would be paralyzed. How terrifying!

Han Xiao couldn't help but imagine this unparalleled scene, and he felt much better.

Tiersius was really a great guy. He not only provided Beyond Grade A remains, helping him advance, but also indirectly gave him such a powerful black technology weapon. What a generous spirit of dedication! It was truly moving the universe!

After being happy for a while, Han Xiao waved his hand, and the psionic wave transmitter floating in front of him instantly blurred and disappeared.

This was not a physical object that had been built, but a temporary product transformed using [Virtual Creation (Pseudo)].

During this time, he had discovered a new use for this move: research.

Originally, Han Xiao only had a damaged prototype of the psionic wave transmitter that he had dug up from the Aesop Civilization, making it difficult to reverse engineer the technical principles. However, after he disassembled the prototype, figured out the general structure and materials used, he used [Virtual Creation (Pseudo)] to create a temporary product. He then reverse-engineered the technology on the intact temporary product. This made the efficiency hundreds or thousands of times higher than studying the prototype!

It was through this trick that he deduced and improved the principles step by step, and quickly grasped all the essentials, reverse-engineering the complete technology.

"Although this technology is powerful, it still needs to be debugged and is not suitable for use in actual combat yet."

Han Xiao mentally reviewed the data and nodded to himself.

Although the mechanism of psionic waves was black technology, it still depended on power and intensity. Difficult to resist didn't mean it was unsolvable. After all, it wasn't an unreasonable cosmic wonder and could still be resolved and countered. For example, even if Kroti's manipulated dark energy was targeted, at most her control and intensity would be weakened, and it wouldn't be directly disintegrated by the psionic wave. The same went for other situations.

Therefore, in Han Xiao's opinion, the various parameters of this technology still had room for improvement. He planned to strengthen it to the extreme, and only use this trump card when the time was right.

Han Xiao exhaled. With a flick of his finger, the experimental table floated away on its own, returning to its original position.

He raised his hand, and the refrigerator in the corner opened, a bottle of iced beverage flying into his hand. He gulped down a large mouthful, his nerves slightly relaxing. He then opened the forums to browse and adjust his mood.

Now that the front lines were in a fierce war, 80% of the forums were filled with war reports. Han Xiao quickly scrolled through the posts, suddenly noticing a popular post quickly being artificially pinned to the top. It was actually another new video released by Rou Bao.

He went in to take a look and saw that the post was being refreshed at a rate of hundreds of posts per second.

Han Xiao clicked on the video and found that this episode was a bit short, and a lot of comments quickly flashed across the screen.

"First!"

"Here, brother!"

"That's it? Too short!"

"Can this episode be released into the wild?"

"I just managed to pinch off my poop, and the video's already over."

"Trash Rou Bao, making filler videos again. Hurry up and cross-dress to apologize?"

"Honestly, Rou Bao's cross-dressing is really good. It gives me a feeling of twilight love."

"Thanks, brother. I've already thrown up, and my stomach feels much better."

Han Xiao glanced at the comments and felt much happier. Only then did he cheer himself up and look at the content of the video.

Rou Bao used a dazzling array of cuts and used skillful video language to talk about two news items. One was that Black Star was suspected of breaking through the limits of Beyond Grade A and secretly entering a higher level. The second was that Black Star was suspected of kidnapping an Imperial direct descendant with unknown intentions.

These two pieces of news were very sensational, and Rou Bao didn't waste the material. He paired it with a lot of rumors, creating a feeling similar to "Approaching Science." There was even a short interview clip of an Imperial officer providing information, and he thoughtfully put a mosaic on the officer's face, making it look very convincing.

The video wasn't long and ended quickly. Han Xiao scrolled down the replies and found that many players were surprised by this, mainly focusing on his progress in strength.

"Has the leader of the legion already broken through the Beyond Grade A limit? Why isn't there any news about it outside?"

"Could it be kept secret?"

"Is there any brave warrior who will go to Black Star to verify the rumors? We will pay our respects to you on your seventh day."

"I feel like it's true. The legion commander only took twenty or thirty years to become Beyond Grade A, and now he's stayed at this level for seventy or eighty years. It's normal for him to break through another level."

"Upstairs, it's obvious that you haven't studied the history of superpower evolution in the universe. Beyond Grade A and above Beyond Grade A are not the same concept. This is the first case. If it's true, then it's creating history."

"Speaking of which, the name of this version is Black Star Era. It actually refers to this, right? I definitely won't guess wrong this time!"

Although the player group also felt shocked, Black Star had created too many miracles after all. The player group's resistance to this was already very high, and the reaction wasn't "He's so awesome," but "He's still so awesome."

Han Xiao didn't pay too much attention to the players' reactions. He was just a little surprised that Rou Bao could get this news. The Empire had blocked the news, and many large intelligence organizations were unaware. It could only be said that the players were indeed ubiquitous.

"Fortunately, this news is only circulating among the players, and there is no absolute evidence. They're all just some rumors and guesses, so the impact is limited."

Han Xiao shook his head. He didn't want too many people to know about his advancement for the time being, but he didn't plan to block or disguise it. If the players knew, so be it.

After browsing the forums for a while and looking at the rainbow farts of the legion players, Han Xiao closed the panel with a smile and prepared to continue researching technology.

At this moment, Phillip suddenly popped out.

"Master, Rhysda wants to see you, buzzing!"

Han Xiao then remembered that he had this person under his command.

"Oh, let him come over."

After a while, a humanoid light appeared in the room, and Rhysda bowed to Han Xiao in greeting.

"Your Excellency Black Star."

"It's been a while since we last met. As you know, I've been busy lately. How are the compatriots I rescued last time?" Han Xiao asked with concern.

"Thank you for your care. My compatriots have already reproduced many new clansmen, and the AI Civilization has also been rebuilt. They've been recuperating for decades."

"That's good. What brings you here this time?"

"Your Excellency Black Star, although our civilization has been rebuilt, most of our compatriots are still controlled by the Machinery Nation, living in dire straits. You are now a highly respected figure, so I would like to ask for your help again."

Hearing this, Han Xiao raised an eyebrow and remembered this mission that had been accumulating for many years, which required him to liberate the AI Civilization members under Manison's control. It had not been completed yet.

"That matter… Well, it's time to solve it."

Han Xiao thought for a while and agreed. He was a little sorry for making Rhysda wait for so many years.

Rhysda's compatriots had been transformed into Undying Mechanical Soldiers, which were Old Man Manison's trump card. It was impossible for him to hand them over easily. He couldn't handle this problem before, but now that he had advanced to Beyond Grade A, he had a way to solve it.

In front of Rhysda, Han Xiao took out his communicator and directly dialed Manison.

After a while, the communication was connected, and Manison's figure appeared on the virtual screen.

"…What is it?"

Good fellow, this jerk was too lazy to even say hello now.

Han Xiao's mouth twitched. "I want to make a deal with you."

"Speak."

How did this aloofness come back? Which of us is the Beyond Grade A, anyway?

Han Xiao secretly slandered, too lazy to bother, and slowly said, "I want to exchange for the intelligent life civilization you captured."

"You want me to release the Undying Mechanical Soldiers?"

Manison narrowed his eyes.

If someone else made this request, he would be too lazy to even acknowledge them, but Han Xiao was different.

Manison thought for a moment, didn't refuse immediately, and nodded. "Then use the method to advance to Beyond Grade A to exchange for them."

"…Are you still dreaming?"

"It doesn't hurt to try." Manison's tone was calm. "Then what are you going to exchange? This is my hard work."

"Don't expect a complete advancement method, but I can tell you one of the conditions for advancement. Also, I'll give you another group of intelligent life forms for you to transform into the Undying Mechanical Nation again."

"Okay, deal. Also, you have to pay for the money for me to rebuild the Undying Mechanical Nation."

Manison nodded.

"Are you broke recently?" Han Xiao curled his lips.

"Anyway, I'm not as rich as you. I'm just an ordinary Peak Beyond Grade A Mechanic. How can my family fortune compare to the first Beyond Grade A Mechanic in history?" Manison's mouth curled into a subtle arc.

Han Xiao: "…"

Damn it, Old Man Manison has also learned to be sarcastic. My youth… oh, it's already over.

After finalizing the details of the agreement, Han Xiao put away the communicator and looked at Rhysda, nodding.

"He has already agreed. Once I go to the Mechanical Nation, I can bring your compatriots back."

"Our entire race will always remember your kindness."

Rhysda was grateful. He secretly sighed that his investment was too correct. He only looked at him once in the crowd, and he accurately hugged the thickest thigh in the interstellar society today.

The problem that had plagued him for many years was solved with a few words. Rhysda only felt that it was indeed the right decision to silently wait for Black Star to grow up over the years, and it wasn't a waste of effort.

…

One hour later, the Mechanical Nation's territory.

Han Xiao had a King's Seat in the nearby sub-base and quickly teleported over. Flying to the territory of the Mechanical Nation, Old Man Manison's Overlord clone was already waiting at the landing platform.

"I'm here. Where are your Undying Mechanical Soldiers?"

Han Xiao looked around but didn't see the target.

Manison shook his head. "Give me what I want first."

He remembered the last time they fought, Black Star used a virtual purification and directly awakened a large number of intelligent life forms, causing him to fall into the gutter. Therefore, he didn't dare to call out the Mechanical Soldiers at this time, fearing that Black Star would directly hit him with one, take away the target by force, and make the transaction invalid. He had no ability to find trouble with the other party now and could only suffer.

Han Xiao thought for a moment and understood Manison's concerns, and couldn't help but laugh.

"Why are you so wary of me? With our relationship, would I trick you?"

Manison almost said, 'Have you tricked me less?', but after thinking about it, he didn't dare to open his mouth.

"Tsk, fine, I'll give you the things first." Han Xiao didn't mind, anyway, Manison didn't dare to go back on his word now.

"Let me see the intelligent life forms you prepared to replace the Undying Mechanical Soldiers first." Manison was still not at ease.

Han Xiao secretly rolled his eyes. "Alright, summon some mechanical life forms."

"What for?"

"Hey, did you think I would kidnap an intelligent civilization and send it to you? Of course, you provide the raw materials, and I'll conjure them up for you. This time, I'll let you see the means of a Beyond Grade A, just consider it a benefit for you."

Manison's eyes moved slightly. He opened the secondary dimension barracks and pulled out a large number of mechanical life forms, which were all clansmen of the mechanical civilization he had created.

Seeing this, Han Xiao raised his hand, and Mechanical Force flashed, lightning instantly sweeping across all the mechanical life forms.

In the next moment, all the mechanical life forms' bodies changed at the same time, gradually becoming transparent and illusory.

Manison's expression changed. He clearly sensed that the mechanical life forms were undergoing a magical change, gradually transforming from mechanical bodies to intelligent life forms at the existence level.

"What ability is this?!" Manison was shocked.

Although he could also do similar things, it was to extract the intelligence of mechanical life forms and carry out a series of complex operations, which was the conventional method of a Mechanic.

But Black Star directly changed the mechanical life forms in their physical state, and the mechanical bodies directly became intelligent layer data. Only Mechanics knew how incredible this was, and it was almost a miracle in his eyes!

"Don't look so surprised. I can directly change life forms into virtual intelligent life forms. They are the bargaining chips I will use to exchange." Han Xiao smiled.

"Is this the method of a Beyond Grade A…"

Manison muttered to himself, his heart burning.

His desire for Beyond Grade A became more and more intense, and he couldn't wait to ask, "Tell me, what is one of the conditions for advancement?"

Hearing this, Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he smiled slightly.

"Then remember this, one of the conditions for advancing to Beyond Grade A is… to use the Void Nation's Divine Treasure!"

Electric light flashed in Manison's eyes.

In that instant, seventeen or eighteen plans against the Void Nation faction flashed through his mind, and he almost wanted to return to his old business and become a behind-the-scenes sh*t-stirrer again.