Chapter 157 The Infinite Ambition

Thinking about Sorokin's information, Han Xiao's expression remained as usual. He picked up on Sorokin's words and asked with interest, "I wonder how you plan to cooperate?"

"The Shattered Star Ring is a rare business opportunity. I've heard that the Crimson Dynasty will allocate territory to allied forces that participate in the development. Once the new Star Field opens up in the future and the Shattered Star Ring is integrated into the circulation system of the entire universe, countless interstellar citizens will flood in. This Star Field will experience explosive growth, and the dynasty allies who own these territories will be the biggest winners. Therefore, we hope to invest heavily in the Black Star Army and work with you to build up our territories in advance."

With that, Sorokin smiled faintly. "Our Infinite Consortium invests throughout the universe and doesn't miss any business opportunities. I believe Black Star also knows our financial strength. With our help, building territories will be much easier."

"Yes, the market value of the Infinite Consortium... is indeed astonishing. I won't doubt your strength," Han Xiao nodded.

The Infinite Consortium had many subsidiaries, which were listed on various interstellar stock markets early on. The market value was transparent and public, easily checked. That number would make uninformed people suspect that Enas were an incredibly cheap currency.

Resources often gather in the hands of a few. In the interstellar era, the gap between rich and poor is as great as the difference between a surface beast and a citizen of a galactic civilization.

The Crimson Dynasty's allies developing territories in the Shattered Star Ring inevitably require the support of various consortia. This is also a means of sharing costs and commercial cooperation. The Crimson Dynasty itself tacitly allows these allies to sign contracts with consortia to build together.

Listening to it, it doesn't seem to be a problem. It is indeed a normal demand for profit by the consortium forces, but Sorokin, this guy... Han Xiao didn't change his expression, but he was secretly muttering in his heart.

Seeing that Han Xiao didn't reveal his attitude, Sorokin narrowed his eyes and continued, "The Black Star Army now has a huge business and dominates the Shattered Star Ring. In terms of financial strength alone, it is not inferior to first-tier large consortia. Because of its strong background, wide network of contacts, and the dynasty's support, its position is very stable. If the Black Star Army goes public and issues credit bonds, it will definitely attract countless interstellar citizens to invest, and its market value will not be a problem to double dozens of times."

"What do you mean?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.

Sorokin smiled. "Coincidentally, our Infinite Consortium is experienced in this area. If the Black Star Army has any ideas, we are very happy to help the Black Star Army go public and raise funds..."

"We'll talk about that later." Han Xiao interrupted Sorokin. This thing is the real way to harvest leeks, but for now, there are advantages and disadvantages. He doesn't have this idea for the time being.

Hearing this, Sorokin also stopped this topic at the right time and asked, "Then what does Black Star think of my proposed cooperation requirements?"

Han Xiao thought for a while and asked hesitantly, "I'm not the only one who can develop the Shattered Star Ring. Logically speaking, after the territory allocated to each family is determined, those consortia will move upon hearing the news and choose high-quality territories to cooperate with. But now that the allies haven't chosen their territories, you're so sure to bet on me?"

"Haha, I also have some connections in the Crimson Dynasty and received some inside information. And even without this relationship, based on your merits in the Beacon Star battle and the Fallen Ark incident, and the strategic-level Evolution Cube in your hand, I know that the territory the dynasty gives you will definitely be the best. In that case, why should I hesitate?"

Sorokin's face was full of smiles.

These words were not false. If there were no behind-the-scenes conflicts of interest and he had to choose a dynasty ally to invest in, he would also choose the Black Star Army. With Han Xiao's record and importance, everyone knew that the Black Star Army would definitely be allocated the largest piece of meat.

It's just a pity...

"Is that so..." Han Xiao took a deep look at Sorokin.

This guy's words were sincere, his face was full of sincerity, and his words were in line with the demand for profit. He seemed to sincerely want to cooperate with me...

However, because of Sorokin's attempt to interfere in the Gular Civil War, Han Xiao had never let down his guard against him. After hesitating for a while, he asked, "If I agree to cooperate with you, are you prepared to sign a contract with me now?"

"Not really." Sorokin shook his head and chuckled. "I'm just here to reach a preliminary intention. The specific contract details can only be perfected after the territory is determined. Of course, the main reason I came here in person is that you specifically asked me to participate in the Black Star gathering. This kind of big business really needs me to talk about it in person. On the other hand, I also admire Black Star's achievements."

He's just saying flattering words. He really doesn't look like a Super A's style... Han Xiao thought to himself.

At this moment, Han Xiao's heart moved, and he said, "In that case, I have no objections."

"Then I wish us a happy cooperation," Sorokin chuckled.

Han Xiao didn't laugh. He changed the subject and slowly said, "By the way, I heard that the Infinite Consortium has many Super As as shareholders, some of whom are ancient ones, such as Manison of the Machinery Country, and a Super A ally of the dynasty is also one of your shareholders."

"That's right."

"The Infinite Consortium uses the position of shareholder in exchange for resources and protection, right?"

"...Yes."

"Well, you want to cooperate with me, but verbal promises are still unstable. The development of the Shattered Star Ring will be a long process in the future. If I become a shareholder of the Infinite Consortium, I will naturally cooperate fully with the Infinite Consortium... I ask myself, my name, Black Star, still has some standing in the universe. Sorokin, I wonder if I am qualified to get a shareholder position with my level and these chips?"

Through the Gular Civil War, he knew that the Infinite Consortium had the intention to steal vegetables. If he could infiltrate the Infinite Consortium, who knows who would be prying whose corner.

"This..." Sorokin looked embarrassed.

Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he deliberately said in a deep voice, "Oh? Do you think I'm not qualified?"

"Of course not." Sorokin shook his head, but sneered in his heart.

*I'm afraid you're really not qualified.*

The first time we met, he wanted to plot the position of a shareholder in the Infinite Consortium. What a big appetite. It seems that the achievements of Beacon Star and the Fallen Ark have made Black Star arrogant... Sorokin thought to himself.

Thinking this way, Sorokin put on a helpless look on his face.

"Black Star is of course qualified, but the consortium is so large that I can't give the shareholder position if I want to. Even if I'm willing, other shareholders may not be willing. Moreover... each of the three galactic civilizations only has one shareholder. The dynasty already has one... You understand what I mean, right?"

"Oh, so that's how it is." Han Xiao nodded. It was the three great civilizations checking and balancing again. Their shadows were everywhere.

This reason is quite useful. It seems that it's difficult to find out anything verbally.

"In that case, let's not talk about these serious matters for the time being. In any case, I'm very happy to see another Super A today." Han Xiao stared at Sorokin. "Are you interested in sparring with me according to the usual practice of Super As?"

"No, I'm not good at fighting." Sorokin waved his hand and smiled.

"Haha, don't be ridiculous. A Super A saying that he's not good at fighting, are you敷衍 me?"

"Although I'm a Super A, I don't like to use force. I haven't fought with anyone for a long time, and my fighting skills have been abandoned. Moreover, Black Star's record has spread throughout the universe. I admit that I'm not your opponent, and there's no need to spar."

With that, Sorokin stood up and said with a smile, "If I'm not mistaken, you'll have to see other guests later, and I'm new here and need to settle down my subordinates. Let's end here today. I'll come to visit again tomorrow. We'll talk then. What do you think?"

"Alright." Hearing this, Han Xiao had no choice but to nod. Guests come from afar, so he couldn't force Sorokin to stay.

Sorokin smiled, exchanged communicator numbers, and left the reception room.

After he left, Han Xiao frowned.

"This guy is impervious to reason. If he doesn't agree to spar, I'll have to think of other ways..."

Sorokin is also a big shot. Since he came to talk about cooperation, he couldn't just go up and怼 him. If the other party's attitude is unclear, it would be bad to rashly make an enemy.

However, although Sorokin seemed very sincere, Han Xiao always felt that he didn't really want to cooperate with him.

Recalling the conversation just now, Han Xiao found it difficult to see through Sorokin's personality, as if he was wearing a mask the whole time.

"I don't know what he's thinking..." Han Xiao rubbed his temples and sighed helplessly.

Dealing with this kind of person is the most tiring.

...

At the same time, Shattered Star Ring, headquarters of the Faction of Conquerors.

This year's Gathering of Conquerors and Black Star's gathering were held at the same time. The civilizations of the Shattered Star Ring would not neglect either side and also sent envoys to participate in the Gathering of Conquerors according to past habits.

On the top floor of the palace of the Faction of Conquerors, Herber stood in front of a huge hanging window. Outside the window was a black and gray surface fortress and the starry sky of the universe. His eyes were fixed on the residences of all the envoys.

In previous years, these envoys would take advantage of the time before the Gathering of Conquerors to interact and make friends with each other. But now, these envoys hardly moved at all. Most of them stayed in their rooms, and the hall seemed deserted, like a pool of stagnant water.

Because Black Star's gathering was more lively and involved more forces, the various civilizations of the Shattered Star Ring regarded Black Star's gathering as the main stage for social interaction, while the Gathering of Conquerors became a secondary occasion. Matters that needed to be discussed could be discussed at Black Star's gathering, so there was no need to interact with each other here.

Now these civilizations participate in the Gathering of Conquerors more to show respect and give face, and there is no longer the lively scene of the past.

"Hmph, Black Star."

Herber's expression was tense, and the fist behind his back was clenched tightly.

At this moment, Chief Consultant Jod walked into the room, came behind Herber, and whispered, "Your Excellency Conqueror, the envoy from the Infinite Consortium has arrived. She is waiting outside."

"Let her in." Herber didn't turn his head.

After a while, Lophil walked into the room and looked at the tall figure in front of the window. With just one glance, she felt a sense of oppression.

She slightly stabilized her mind and whispered, "Greetings, Your Excellency Conqueror."

She wasn't even a Calamity Grade, and she couldn't be as calm as her father Sorokin when facing Han Xiao.

"I heard that your Infinite Consortium wants to cooperate with me?" Herber turned his head and glanced at Lophil faintly.

"That's right, it's about the Shattered Star Ring. I..."

"You want to invest as a consortium, right? You don't need to talk to me about this kind of small matter. Go find a cadre who is specifically responsible for commercial cooperation." Herber withdrew his gaze and lost interest.

Lophil bit her silver teeth lightly and took out a letter. "His Excellency Sorokin instructed me to bring you a letter."

"A letter?" Herber frowned.

In this era, there are convenient means of information transmission such as quantum communication. Handwritten letters are more for confidentiality. Herber was a little puzzled. He and Sorokin had no relationship. What does it mean to bring me a letter? It can't be a love letter.

Herber turned around to face Lophil, guided his strength, grabbed the letter in his hand, and opened it to take a look. Suddenly, his eyes shrank and his expression became serious. He carefully read the contents of the letter.

"So that's how it is..."

Herber pinched his hand, and the letter turned into powder, which then disappeared from the crumbs into atoms. He then looked at Jod, "You go out first."

Jod was stunned, but had no choice but to retreat first, and closed the door by the way.

Only two people were left in the room. A bright light flashed in Herber's eyes. His thick strength surged out, filling the entire room and isolating external detection. Then he slowly said:

"You want me to deal with the Black Star Army?"

"Yes," Lophil nodded.

"Hmph, absurd!" Herber said coldly, "Although I have a grudge against Black Star, we are both dynasty allies, and I can't do anything to him. You've come to the wrong person."

Lophil took a deep breath, recalling what Sorokin had taught him, and said in a deep voice:

"Black Star has only risen for more than twenty years, and how many twenty years have you been operating in the Shattered Star Ring? Black Star has come from behind, and his business is booming. Now his influence has exceeded yours, Your Excellency Conqueror, are you willing to accept this?"

Herber's expression was indifferent, but he didn't refute.

"As dynasty allies, the Crimson Dynasty has always been partial to the Black Star Army and focused on supporting them. Have you ever thought about why..."

Herber interrupted her and said slowly, "He has the Evolution Cube, and I don't. It's that simple."

"That's right!" Lophil's tone rose. "This is the crux of the matter!"

"Hmph, so you want me to help you奪走 the Evolution Cube?" Herber remained unmoved, and a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes.

"Of course not. We just want him to lose the Evolution Cube. There is still a difference between the two."

"Oh? How do you say that?"

"It's almost impossible to snatch it. The Arcane Church and the Ancient Ones won't act rashly, and you, as a dynasty ally, have to help each other with the Black Star Army and will never sit idly by our actions. So what we hope is that Black Star will take the initiative to hand over the Evolution Cube."

Herber almost laughed. "Handing over the Evolution Cube to outsiders? Do you think Black Star is crazy or stupid? Hmph, I know that bastard Black Star, a pure profit-seeker. If you want him to voluntarily give up the treasure of the universe, unless your Infinite Consortium goes bankrupt tomorrow."

"No, I didn't say that." Lophil paused. "But if the object of Black Star handing over the Evolution Cube... is the Crimson Dynasty?"

Herber's eyes narrowed, and he became a little interested.

"...Tell me in detail."