Chapter 1 The Sanctions

Within days, the three great civilizations' sanctions ignited public opinion throughout interstellar society, affecting ordinary people, espers, civilized forces, and civilian powers alike!

The Super-A Grade Association had partners in various fields, and the sanctions were so far-reaching that they touched almost every aspect of interstellar society. Abruptly terminating cooperation with the entire Super-A Grade Association would, without exaggeration, affect the operation of the entire explored universe!

Having ruled for many years, the three great civilizations, as maintainers of order, had inevitably become corrupt and conservative. Many people feared the three great civilizations more for their ruling position and vast power, gradually forgetting the ferocity in their bones. The decree awakened many civilizations' memories of the past, reminding them of the bloody history of the three great civilizations' rise.

In the eyes of many civilizations, the three great civilizations seemed to be wiping off the rust and slowly regaining the ruthlessness of their rise. Many secretly worried about how much of their former sharpness the three great civilizations could recover.

On the quantum network, public opinion exploded. The esper class was in uproar, expressing extreme resentment and injustice towards the decree, feeling that the three great civilizations' excuse for launching sanctions was utter nonsense.

In their view, the association had not done anything heinous so far. The three great civilizations' motive was nothing more than overbearing control, which made countless espers extremely disgusted, seeing it as an infringement on the freedom of all espers.

For a time, the association's popularity among the esper class rose again, with countless espers supporting the association, believing it was an unfair sanction, and the public debate continued to heat up.

However, it was unrealistic to say that the three great civilizations' measures had no effect. The support of the esper class was mainly limited to slogans, and no one wanted to take risks. Seeing the three great civilizations' firm attitude towards sanctions, some espers who originally wanted to join the association were deterred by the terms of the sanctions…

Seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages was human nature. They could complain online, but their bodies were still very honest.

However, these measures had little effect on the players, but instead aroused widespread dissatisfaction, not only among the Super-A Grade power players, but even some neutral factions and even players in the three great civilizations' own camps were annoyed.

For the players, it was fine to work for others and do tasks, but you couldn't force them. The three great civilizations' actions forced people to choose sides, which stimulated the rebellious psychology of some players.

--So what if it's the three great civilizations? They should take a look at who owns this version. Did they think we were all afraid of them?

The players themselves were part of the esper class, naturally close to the association. The sanctions indirectly strengthened some players' determination to join the association and accelerated the transfer of players from various forces to the association… Anyway, they weren't afraid of death, so they would just go head-to-head!

While the outside world's public opinion was running wild, the Super-A Grade Association held an emergency meeting under Han Xiao's call.

…

Fein Star, the association's assembly hall.

This time, no one was late. The projections of many Super-A Grades had already arrived, looking solemn and sitting upright.

But the personnel were not all present. Some seats around the round table that should have been occupied were now empty.

At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Han Xiao in the main seat.

Han Xiao looked around the room, put his hands on his nose, met everyone's eyes, and slowly opened his mouth:

"I think everyone is clear about the purpose of this meeting. The three great civilizations have announced sanctions against us, and we must reciprocate with a counterattack."

Saying that, he pointed to the empty seats in the room and said calmly:

"Everyone has seen it. The direct members of the three great civilizations have not come to the meeting. I have temporarily terminated their membership rights. At the same time, we will no longer provide any form of assistance to the three great civilizations, including but not limited to Super-A Grade military support, technical support… Anyone who has any objections can stand up now."

As soon as the words fell, a chorus of "seconded" rang out in the room,

The key to these two orders was to obtain the consent of the three great civilizations' Super-A Grade allies, after all, not every ally had a bad relationship with the civilizations.

But this time, the three great civilizations did not make an exception, treating even their allies as targets, in order to force them to withdraw from the association, and most of the allies felt dissatisfied.

Only a few allies hesitated because of different concerns, but before the situation became clear, they could not immediately withdraw from the association to escape sanctions, because they were already in a dilemma. If they did not advance and retreat with the association, they would not be able to survive in the Super-A Grade circle in the future, and the three great civilizations' current attitude towards the Super-A Grades was not worth their high hopes.

Moreover, the Sanctuary Revival involved a second life, and in everyone's eyes, their own interests were of course more important than external forces.

The core of most Super-A Grade forces was the leader's strength. As long as their fists were still strong, even if the forces were hit in various ways, they could make a comeback at any time. They were all people who relied on their abilities to make a living, so they were not panicked.

Most people were clear that the current goal of unity was for the benefit of the class. The three great civilizations had revealed their sharpness. If they did not unite to resist now, they might not have the opportunity in the future. Temporary gains and losses were not important at the moment. Only those with extremely short-sighted vision would think of withdrawing from the association now to protect themselves.

Now, the association had achieved its original purpose, becoming the bond of the Super-A Grade united front. Even if someone had different ideas, they could only stand on the association's front for the time being, closely united around Han Xiao.

"Since everyone agrees, then these two orders will be implemented until the three great civilizations withdraw the sanctions." Han Xiao narrowed his eyes.

To be honest, he had long wanted to remove the three great civilizations' direct members, but he had never had a good opportunity. Now, they had handed him an excuse.

Old Dragon stroked his beard and said in a deep voice: "In any case, sanctions are a trouble for us. Black Star, what are your plans next?"

Han Xiao tapped the table and said slowly: "Channels, territories, manpower, funds… these are the entry points for the three great civilizations to contain us. Resisting pressure will be the focus next. Retracting business and streamlining the scale are imperative. The biggest hit is the channels. This sanction almost deprives us of our normal trading rights. Even if we have money, we can't buy resources, so the interstellar black market is an important area for us to lay out… Secret Master, this requires your help."

The Secret Master nodded slowly.

The behind-the-scenes managers of the interstellar black market were all Super-A Grades. In the future, the interstellar black market would probably serve as the association's logistics core, and a new round of expansion and integration would inevitably occur in the black markets throughout the universe, which would be both beneficial and harmful to the Secret Master and other black market managers.

Han Xiao paused and continued: "Also, not everyone in the universe will implement the sanctions. These forces are also our partners."

"Such as the Beyond Grade A Association?" Someone asked tentatively.

Han Xiao glanced at him and smiled, "If the chips are right, the Beyond Grade A Association is also an option."

Hearing that, some Super-A Grades of the Beyond Grade A Association who pretended to be neutral lit up their eyes, and they were secretly delighted.

At this time, Klossius pondered: "The Beyond Grade A Association… They can cause trouble, but will they be willing to cooperate with us?"

"That depends on whether both sides can come up with chips that satisfy each other. Moreover, from a standpoint, the Beyond Grade A Association also needs us to fight with the three great civilizations. Although the two sides cannot be said to be dependent on each other, they also take what they need." Han Xiao said.

At this time, Manison snorted softly, "I had cooperation with the Beyond Grade A Association alliance in the past, and the reaction of the three great civilizations was not small. If we reach a deal with the Beyond Grade A Association, the three great civilizations will definitely be greatly stimulated and will not simply end."

Han Xiao turned his head to look, raised his eyebrows and said, "Are you afraid?"

"Humph, what am I afraid of?" Manison disagreed, "I am reminding you of the consequences of this move."

Han Xiao waved his hand, "It doesn't matter. Since the three great civilizations have publicly sanctioned us, they must have assumed the result of our contact with the Beyond Grade A Association, but they don't care about this, which proves that they are mentally prepared, maybe they have the idea of ​​catching everything in one go… But even so, we have to contact the Beyond Grade A Association alliance and let the three great civilizations know that we are not so easy to handle."

"I thought you would always be loyal to the three great civilizations." Manison snorted coldly, still remembering the grievances of the smart plague incident.

"I am just maintaining order. I have never had any loyalty to the three great civilizations. As long as order can be maintained, anyone can do it." Han Xiao said casually.

Manison said lightly: "It sounds nice, aren't you taking my old path now? It seems that I was right in the end."

Han Xiao didn't care, and smiled: "You use the safety of the interstellar society to threaten, I just make the rulers afraid of our power, the two are different in nature, I am much better than you."

"Humph, it's all excuses." Manison moved his eyes away and stopped speaking.

Things have developed to this point, and the virtual betrayal virus that has been imitated for many years is estimated to be useless. Manison can't help but feel a little regretful.

But in his opinion, this is a secret insurance. If the association really can't withstand the pressure of the three great civilizations, he doesn't mind taking out this killer weapon to support the association and turn it into the situation he originally envisioned.

Han Xiao didn't care about Manison either. He carefully talked about the next action plan. Now the association needs everyone to cooperate and not fight separately. His current right to speak can make everyone obediently follow his orders.

At the end, Han Xiao paused and instructed:

"If we want to resolve the situation, we either have the three great civilizations withdraw the sanctions on their own, or the association opens up new forms of development. We will advance on both routes at the same time… But we must grasp the scale of action, do not involve too many innocent people, the purpose of the counterattack is to make the three great civilizations feel tricky, not to intensify the conflict to the point of death, and try to avoid direct armed conflict. The three great civilizations are giving us pressure, and they also want to force us to go astray. If we pose a great threat to the interstellar society, then they will be even more justified, so don't get carried away."

Everyone nodded, they also understood this principle. It's normal to fight and gamble, but if you break through the bottom line, you will lose your reason.

This meeting lasted for most of the day. Many members received their respective assignments. The association was originally a loose alliance, but now it feels more and more like a whole.

The meeting ended, and one projection after another disappeared, leaving only Han Xiao and Klossius in the room.

Klossius relaxed his tense expression and smiled: "When are you going to show your cards to the three great civilizations? They seem to completely believe that the Sanctuary Revival has only one restriction, otherwise they might not be so radical."

His confidence in this struggle was greater than anyone else. He had the secret of unlimited Sanctuary Revival, and he was not afraid of the three great civilizations' sanctions at all.

At the same time, Klossius also felt that Han Xiao's approach of hiding this secret was right, otherwise the three great civilizations might not have adopted this radical probing method. In his opinion, this could lure the three great civilizations to make wrong decisions.

"Don't worry, wait for the opportunity." Han Xiao waved his hand.

"Anyway, you know what you're doing, I believe you." Klossius nodded and canceled the projection.

Han Xiao shook his head and smiled, his eyes flickering.

"It is estimated that those Super-A Grades of the Beyond Grade A Association who are pretending to be neutral have already brought my meaning to the Beyond Grade A Association alliance…"

…

On the other side, in the Beyond Grade A Association alliance, many civilization leaders gathered together to listen to the report.

"Are you sure? Black Star said he wanted to contact us?"

Many civilization leaders of the Beyond Grade A Association showed joy on their faces and secretly became excited.

"The association is now in a difficult situation, in urgent need of new channels, and wants to fight back against the three great civilizations. Cooperating with us is naturally a very good choice."

The leader of the Star Arc civilization opened his mouth in a deep voice, his eyes shining.

Although Black Star had friction with them in the past and disliked each other, this was one time and another. If they could get the help of the Super-A Grade Association through Black Star, what would that little grievance be?

The more persistent the Super-A Grade Association is, the more uncomfortable the three great civilizations will be. The Beyond Grade A Association alliance is most willing to see a new variable in the universe pattern.

As for violating the sanctions and offending the three great civilizations, the Beyond Grade A Association alliance doesn't care at all. The two sides are already at odds with each other. Even if there is no reason for this, the three great civilizations will suppress them every day. What are they afraid of?

However, the association has now turned to cooperate with them, which is like quarreling with the three great civilizations, the official boyfriend, and then turning to the Beyond Grade A Association, a spare tire…

Thinking of this, many leaders of the Beyond Grade A Association felt a little awkward in their hearts.

But they didn't struggle for too long, and everyone soon let go.

Forget it, as long as we can have a kiss, a spare tire is a spare tire!

Anyway, we are happy!