Chapter 369 To the Glimmering World

"Your Excellency Black Star, you are welcome to visit the academy anytime."

At the spaceport terminal, the Dean and his entourage were seeing Han Xiao off. The morning's lecture had been remarkably effective. Not only had the students of the academy benefited, but he himself had found it insightful. At this moment, he sincerely expressed his closeness to Han Xiao.

"Mm, let's keep in touch in the future." Han Xiao nodded in acknowledgment, leading his group onto the Blacklight Lurker behind him. The spacecraft activated, turning into a streak of light as it shot into the dark, vast universe along the spaceport's rails.

With the data in hand and the promised lecture to the Dean completed, he had achieved his goals for this trip and did not linger, bidding farewell to the Terra Civilization.

As for the impact of his dalliance with the Terra Civilization, he was not too concerned. The Terra Civilization was a neutral civilization in the Shattered Star Ring, powerful and rarely provoked by other forces, nor did it actively provoke others. The aftermath of the Black Star Army's large-scale expansion had not yet subsided, and this news would not cause much of a stir, at most eliciting some reaction from Star Cluster civilizations of the same level.

He was somewhat surprised by the excited Mechanic players on the forums. After reading the posts, he realized that the public lecture had triggered a random event of a high-level NPC imparting knowledge, bringing unexpected benefits to many Mechanic players.

Players could gain experience in various ways, and passively receiving experience from a high-level NPC was one of them. However, it was relatively rare. Apart from luck, the probability depended on the difference between the NPC and the player, as well as the content the NPC was discussing. Martial arts and magic players were no strangers to this. Martial arts players could eavesdrop and secretly learn skills at some dojos, but it was risky and not guaranteed to succeed. This was mainly to avoid farming Faction Contribution Points, and the same was true for magic players.

"I didn't expect it to be such a coincidence, and it solidified my image as a Mechanic-type mentor." Han Xiao shook his head helplessly. It wasn't a bad thing, though.

Sinking his consciousness into the quantum network vision, he poked Phillip:

"How is the research on that set of data going?"

"Too complex, buzzing, I can't estimate the time required to crack it."

The wormhole positioning data had been handed over to Phillip for computational analysis, requiring a large number of experiments and measurements. It was unknown how long it would take to produce results.

However, Han Xiao was not in a hurry. Since the Terra Civilization knew that he and the Heterogeneous God were eyeing this set of data, they would definitely think it contained some secret and would certainly organize professional scientists to study it secretly. The research speed of a Star Cluster civilization would naturally not be slower than his and the Heterogeneous God's. His friendship with the Terra Civilization was also with the intention of borrowing a chicken to lay eggs. If the Terra Civilization discovered any clues, he would also have the opportunity to enjoy the results, which would be very comfortable.

He also planned to send the data to the Crimson Dynasty at some point to leverage the dynasty's technological power to crack the secret of the data. With such a powerful ally, he would be foolish not to use them.

...

The journey was smooth, and the Blacklight Lurker returned to the Army Headquarters.

After resting for a few days, the dynasty's official assembly order was finally issued, instructing the Black Star Army, the Realm of War, the Klent, and other allies of the Shattered Star Ring to immediately proceed to the Glimmering World through the dynasty's Stargate Station on the outer edge of the Star Field.

After so much preparation, the dynasty was finally about to officially begin the first phase of the Glimmering World's development!

Han Xiao immediately issued a mobilization order.

On the departure date, the entire Army Headquarters echoed with Phillip's broadcast notifications:

"All Army members participating in the Glimmering World development, please board your ships immediately. We will depart in thirty minutes! Repeat, all..."

Many players couldn't wait to set off, entering the spaceport and boarding the troop transport ships with their doors wide open.

After the Secret War ended, the Glimmering World had been hyped up for several months and was already seen by the players as the next version's main storyline.

Exploring an unfamiliar Star Field—this was the grandest main storyline event they had ever encountered!

Millions of players were thrilled!

Moreover, with the example of the limited-edition title 【Secret War Conqueror】, the vast majority of Army players had accepted the Glimmering World main storyline mission. The number of participants was unprecedented, and many players were already excited just thinking about it.

The players from the Star Cluster Sea were especially excited. The players from the Shattered Star Ring had at least had similar experiences before, but the players from the Star Cluster Sea had participated in large-scale collective missions only a handful of times. They had only just arrived in the Shattered Star Ring and were already participating in such a terrifyingly large-scale Faction event. Many of them felt like country bumpkins entering the city.

They had only heard of the benefits of the Black Star Army before, but now that they were personally experiencing it, the foreign 700,000-plus players once again raised their evaluation of the Army.

The personnel at the Army Headquarters were quickly assembled and boarded the ships. With a command from Han Xiao, the fleet set off in a mighty formation, beginning its long voyage.

Several months ago, Sylvia had deployed all the teams. At this time, as the main fleet at the Army Headquarters set off, the standby forces at the various Army branch bases in the Colton Star Cluster also set off one after another, heading straight for their destination. According to the plan, the detachments would gradually approach the main fleet during the journey and rendezvous with Han Xiao.

The number of ships and personnel the Army sent out this time was extremely large, taking almost all the idle forces that could move freely. It was the largest operation in the Army's history, an unprecedented spectacle.

When exploring a new Star Field, no amount of manpower was enough. The exploration forces sent out this time would build strongholds in the Glimmering World and would not return for a long time, and the same was true for Han Xiao himself.

Now, the Black Star Army had already gained a firm foothold in the Shattered Star Ring, managing the Colton Star Cluster as its impenetrable base, with stable business. Moreover, with the support of the Crimson Dynasty and the Purple Crystal Civilization as allies, as well as the protection of its status as a member of the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council, there was basically nothing to worry about.

The Glimmering World was the central stage for the next version, and developing the Glimmering World was a key part of the Army's next stage of development.

And the dynasty, his ally in the Shattered Star Ring, was the first force to explore it. Han Xiao had worked in many ways to gain this advantage, and the opportunity could not be missed. Only by gaining a greater head start and laying a solid foundation could he cope with the countless forces vying for territory in the future.

...

Somewhere in the Shattered Star Ring, the Dragon Emperor's Floating Island, the Dragon Seat Palace.

"Is that so? Black Star has already set off..."

The communicator displayed the message sent by Han Xiao. Ames retracted her gaze and glanced at the Dragon Emperor's cadres on both sides of the Dragon Bone Throne, speaking softly:

"Set off for Aquamarine Star."

...

In the Central Star Sea, the Abyss of Stars, the mother planet of the Federation of Light.

President Bader O'Hozid of the Federation of Light put down the intelligence in his hand and looked around at the Council of Elders in the room, slowly speaking:

"The Crimson Dynasty is finally going to officially explore the Glimmering World... The dynasty's main focus in the future will be on this. It is expected that the exploration of the Glimmering World will last for decades or even centuries."

The Chief Elder paused, tapping his cane, and said in a hoarse voice: "The Glimmering World was the area first discovered by our probes. We traded the ownership of the Glimmering World to the Crimson Dynasty in exchange for many benefits. It will take them a long time to recoup their investment and profit from developing the new Star Field."

Compromising with the Crimson Dynasty in the past was both to exchange benefits, avoid the dynasty's sharp edge, and quell the Crimson Tide, but there were also more plans hidden in secret.

"Mm..." Bader said faintly, "To develop the new Star Field, the dynasty will inevitably invest a large number of personnel and resources. The Glimmering World will become a quagmire that holds back the dynasty's forces for decades to come. The dynasty will find it difficult to compete for other things for a long time and will be unable to cause trouble, which is very beneficial to us."

The Chief Elder caressed the light crystal at the top of his cane and said in a deep voice: "The dynasty exchanged the ownership of the Glimmering World from us and made an agreement stipulating that only the Crimson Dynasty can build stargates during the initial exploration process. Other civilizations are not allowed to build stargate channels to the Glimmering World without authorization. Forces that intrude without permission will be regarded as enemies by the dynasty... However, agreements are just a bunch of words after all."

Bader: "We don't need to come forward. Those ambitious Super Star Cluster civilizations that have always wanted to challenge our position are smart enough. They understand our and the Arcane Church's positions and know that this is an excellent opportunity to profit in the cracks. Not many will give up the resources of the new Star Field. Although these pawns usually act against us on the surface, as long as they see extremely low risks and huge benefits, they will act according to our wishes without us doing anything, becoming obedient."

After a pause, Bader continued: "With so many eyes watching, the dynasty does not have the ability to monopolize the new Star Field. For the sake of political influence, trade circulation, and other factors, it is estimated that after creating a complete star map, the dynasty will open the Glimmering World to the entire universe, perhaps under pressure or by actively opening it, thereby obtaining countless foreign labor and resources, and recovering a large number of directly affiliated military and manpower."

The Chief Elder nodded, "The dynasty has the ownership of the Star Field, but the greater the benefits, the greater the pressure they will face. Let the dynasty bear it. Only by owning something can one have the concept of loss. We can take a huge bite of profits by retreating."

Bader clasped his hands together and lowered his eyelids, "Since the dynasty is willing, then let their pressure be even greater."

...

In the Central Star Sea, Star Cluster Sea, the Crimson Dynasty's mother planet.

After reading the intelligence on the deployment of the Black Star Army and the Realm of War, Empress Ulan Riel put down the information in her hand and looked up. Those in attendance were all top dynasty officials.

"Your Majesty, the allies in the Shattered Star Ring are the first troops to explore. We will continue to deploy more directly affiliated dynasty troops and dynasty allies afterward. Although the Federation of Light has nominally conceded and compromised, they will definitely secretly violate the agreement. The Federation of Light, the Arcane Church, and those Super Star Cluster civilizations will definitely act secretly."

"I know." Ulan Riel's tone was calm. "Since entering the Star Sea Era, the Federation of Light has lost its edge and is unwilling to bear pressure. Why should they swallow the greatest benefits? I never expected them to abide by the agreement from the start. We may have a harder time in the next few decades, but history will eventually prove that those who abandon the future will also be abandoned by the future."

Everyone nodded silently.

"The guys who are secretly causing trouble won't reveal their identities. With such an opportunity, it's a good chance to deter those Super Star Cluster civilizations that are becoming more and more unruly."

Ulan Riel's eyes narrowed, and she spoke firmly.

"Let them have a good reminder of the dynasty's style!"

...

The Ark of the Fallen.

Harrison flicked his tongue and awakened the sleeping Heterogeneous God.

"The Arcane Church has responded."

The Heterogeneous God woke up, took a breath, and said slowly, "What did they say?"

"They said they don't know anything."

"That means they agreed." The Heterogeneous God narrowed his eyes. "Tell the fleet to turn around and approach the desolate universe zone near the Arcane Church. See where they've prepared the temporary stargate for me."

...

The edge of the Shattered Star Ring, the border of the explored universe.

In a desolate darkness, a huge stargate station stood in the universe. The massive Black Star Army slowly approached.

This was the Crimson Dynasty's dedicated stargate station connecting to the Glimmering World. Currently, this was the only channel to the Glimmering World. The station was stationed with a large number of dynasty battleships, not allowing anyone to stow away.

After reporting their identity, the Black Star Army fleet entered the stargate in batches, disappearing into the blue spatial vortex.

"We're going to explore!"

"Brothers, I'm a little excited!"

The players on the transport ships were eager to try, their faces full of anticipation.

As the main ship was about to enter the stargate, Hela, Fording, Hardaway, and other close guard cadres subconsciously turned around and looked at the bright starry sky behind them, the direction of the Shattered Star Ring.

Seeing this, Han Xiao also turned around and glanced at it, his heart slightly moved.

He probably wouldn't be back for a long time after this departure...

The penalty period of more than ten months of experience seemed like it would be spent in the Glimmering World.

When he returned to the explored universe, his level should far exceed the current level 240.

And the universe treasures in his hands might not be just the Evolution Cube.

Retracting his gaze, Han Xiao looked at the blue stargate vortex in front of him. The other end of the stargate was a vast world full of opportunities.

Dong!

The next moment, the main ship drove into the stargate, and the hull shook.

In an instant, the field of vision was filled with dazzling blue light.