Chapter 1449 Sea Blue Star's Choice

In the Civilization Council Hall of the Shattered Star Ring, the dome was still a miniature version of the flowing starry sky. The circular hall was filled with representatives of various Civilization members within the Star Field, and the meeting had been going on for some time.

"... Regarding the sanctions from the Three Great Civilizations, this is the content. In response to this joint decree, I suggest that the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council supervise the implementation of the decree within the Star Field to ensure that all Civilizations fully terminate their cooperation agreements with the various forces under the Super-A Grade Association..."

A Star Cluster Civilization representative sitting at the head table read out the proposal, threw out the issue, and then surveyed the entire hall, asking in a deep voice,

"This is the situation. Does anyone present have any objections?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent, and many representatives wore complex expressions.

The Black Star Army's power in the Shattered Star Ring was too great. This Star Field was almost like the Army's backyard. More than 80% of the Civilizations present had different areas of cooperation with the Black Star Army. The cooperation had always been pleasant, a win-win situation for both parties, and this sanction was a tall order for them.

However, they did not dare to disobey the Three Great Civilizations even more. In terms of vested interests, their ties with the Three Great Civilizations were even more deeply rooted.

Sure enough, the seven Star Cluster Civilizations in power in the Shattered Star Ring had chosen their stance, expressing support for the decisions of the Three Great Civilizations. It was unknown what agreements they had reached with the Three Great Civilizations behind the scenes, but the others had no choice but to agree, even if they were unwilling. You cannot argue with power.

"... Agreed."

"Seconded."

The crowd remained silent for a while before slowly opening their mouths one after another. Many people looked cryptically in the direction of the Sea Blue Star Civilization with complex expressions, filled with sighs, pity, and schadenfreude.

The admission requirement for the Civilization Council was a Star System Civilization, but Sea Blue Star was an anomaly, entering such an occasion at the level of a surface Civilization. Their status was all due to Black Star; the Super-A Grade raised a chicken and a dog to heaven.

All along, many Civilizations had been envious and jealous of Sea Blue Star Civilization. They could not cultivate a Super-A Grade no matter what, but Sea Blue Star had three in one go. They were simply lucky, and everyone was crazily eating lemons every day!

With the advancement of Hela and Aurora, the status of Sea Blue Star Civilization had risen in recent years. Even though the Civilization's strength was weak, its status within the Association was transcendent. Basically, all Civilizations in the Shattered Star Ring took care of Sea Blue Star Civilization on account of the Black Star Army. Without Black Star's protection, Sea Blue Star Civilization would be nothing in their eyes.

Now that Black Star had fallen out of favor, many people present wanted to see Sea Blue Star make a fool of themselves.

Soon, all the Civilizations present expressed their agreement or abstention, leaving only Sea Blue Star Civilization and Star Pupil Civilization without stating their positions.

At this time, a Star Cluster-level Director spoke indifferently, "Representatives of Sea Blue Star and Star Pupil Civilizations, you are the only ones left."

The Star Pupil Civilization representative looked conflicted, his lips moved, and after a few seconds, he replied in a low voice:

"... My side abstains."

The crowd could not help but glance at him, a hint of surprise flashing across their faces, but they soon understood the reason and revealed an expression of understanding.

With only Sea Blue Star left to state its position, everyone's attention was focused on Bennett.

"Sea Blue Star Civilization, what about you?" The Star Cluster-level Director asked again.

Bennett took a deep breath and slowly stood up, stating solemnly:

"My side strongly opposes this unfair sanction and will never accept unwarranted accusations and slanders... From this moment on, Sea Blue Star Civilization withdraws from the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council!"

His tone was firm and resolute, without hesitation.

As soon as he finished speaking, the many Civilizations present were in an uproar, looking at the expressionless Bennett in shock and uncertainty.

They thought that Sea Blue Star would adopt a more tactful attitude, but they did not expect them to be so firm, withdrawing from the Council without saying a word.

"Are you sure?" The Zijing Civilization Director could not help but ask.

"Black Star is one of the greatest figures in the history of Sea Blue Star. We will not allow anyone or any force to maliciously slander him. Even the Three Great Civilizations should not arbitrarily smear the great men of other Civilizations!" Bennett's tone was decisive.

With that, he directly canceled the remote projection and disappeared from the venue, using his actions to show his unwavering attitude.

Seeing this, the many Civilization representatives looked at each other with complicated expressions.

They did not expect Sea Blue Star to stand so firmly by Black Star's side, resisting the dissatisfaction of the Three Great Civilizations, going all the way to the end...

In fact, in the eyes of the crowd, Sea Blue Star had a better way to deal with this matter, and they believed that Black Star could understand, but they had to take such a tough attitude, openly confronting the Three Great Civilizations, and it was estimated that they would be treated as a typical example.

Many Civilization representatives shook their heads and sighed, and could not help but take another look at the Star Pupil Civilization representative.

In their eyes, the Star Pupil Civilization's approach was that of a smart person...

However, deep down, the crowd was dissatisfied with the Three Great Civilizations. Seeing someone stand up and fight against them, they actually admired him.

Almost every Civilization present wanted to oppose the domineering decrees of the Three Great Civilizations so clearly, but... they did not have the confidence.

In a place where no one could see, the Star Pupil Civilization looked at Bennett's empty seat and clenched his fists silently, a hint of shame flashing in his eyes.

...

Sea Blue Star Government Building, Leader's Office.

Bennett opened his eyes and returned to the room.

A group of senior officials had been waiting here, staring at him, waiting for orders.

Bennett gently exhaled and said in a deep voice:

"We have withdrawn from the Shattered Star Ring Civilization Council. Announce our decision to the entire Civilization."

"... Understood."

Many senior officials said nothing, took their orders, and left the room in single file.

Not long after, this matter spread throughout the entire Civilization through Sea Blue Star's official media and online channels.

Bennett stayed in the office, finished reading the news, took out the communicator, logged on to the network, and checked the public's attitude toward this matter.

Soon, messages jumped into view:

"Well done! I've long been unhappy with the Three Great Civilizations!"

"How dare they slander our great men? They're really not good people!"

"Real-name support for the decision of the Federal Government. The Three Great Civilizations are obviously bullying us. Do they think we're scared?!"

Looking at the messages from citizens who were united in their hatred and indignation on the Internet, Bennett's old face silently revealed a smile.

I hope this is the right choice...

...

Star Pupil Civilization's Home Star.

Xisco stood in front of the window, overlooking the bustling cityscape. The tail flames of the flying vehicles streaked across the street, also flashing across his seven pupils, like countless fleeting meteors.

At this time, several senior officials walked into the office.

"Has everything been taken care of?" Xisco asked faintly without turning his head.

"Yes... We have already expressed our attitude at the Council."

Several people responded in a low voice, their emotions seeming quite lost.

Xisco turned around and said slowly, "Prepare my resignation ceremony as soon as possible."

Hearing this, the expressions of several senior officials became even more somber, revealing a sense of helplessness.

Seeing this, Xisco smiled magnanimously, "You will soon take over my power. Don't be so depressed."

A senior official could not help but ask, gritting his teeth, "Is it necessary to do this? Can't we oppose the sanctions like Sea Blue Star?"

Hearing this, Xisco was silent for a moment.

"... I am not Black Star. He alone can make the Three Great Civilizations wary. I do not have such ability."

Xisco felt uncomfortable and shook his head gently, looking out the window again and whispering:

"If the Civilization wants to avoid the sanctions of the Three Great Civilizations, I can only step down... In the end, we are all people who cannot control ourselves in the torrent of the times."

Among the sanction clauses of the Three Great Civilizations, it was specifically stated that Super-A Grades could not interfere in Civilization politics in any form. Even if they had always been the leaders of Civilization, they would be subject to review. Xisco valued the Sanctuary Recovery and could not sit idly by as Star Pupil Civilization was sanctioned, so he decided to hand over power and retire to the wilderness.

As the saying goes, there are policies above, and countermeasures below. As long as he severed his political ties with Civilization, Star Pupil Civilization would not meet the sanction standards, and its political rights would not be downgraded. Everything would remain the same. After becoming a free man, he could also devote himself to the Super-A Grade class struggle alone.

At the same time, Xisco was not completely letting go. Retirement was temporary, to avoid the limelight. If the Association and the Three Great Civilizations reached a balance in the future, he would have the opportunity to return to power again.

Moreover, after leading Civilization for so long, he also wanted to let go for a while.

"... Understood."

Several senior officials nodded helplessly.

At this time, one person remembered something and asked, "By the way, the Shattered Star Ring Council passed a proposal to cooperate with the sanctions. What should we do?"

Xisco's eyes flashed, and his tone was playful:

"Handle it yourself. I will only remind you not to take it too seriously. The Civilizations in the Shattered Star Ring are cooperating, but no one will do their best... Everyone is smart. They can't afford to offend the Three Great Civilizations, but can they afford to offend the Super-A Grade Association? Leave a line for doing things, so that you can meet each other in the future. Don't worry, these Civilizations are very clever."

...

Super Star Cluster Alliance, Joint Conference Room.

The leaders of the various Super Star Cluster Civilizations gathered together, each with a serious expression, displaying their dignified demeanor.

The reason why everyone was so serious was that they were waiting for a distinguished guest to come to the door, namely Han Xiao.

A few days ago, after learning of the Association's attitude, the Super Star Cluster Alliance issued a private invitation, inviting Black Star to meet with them, and received a positive response from the other party. The date was set for today.

For today's meeting, the leaders of the various Super Star Clusters had rehearsed in advance, on the one hand, they wanted to show their sincerity in cooperation and treat it with respect, and on the other hand, they did not want to lose face because of some past grudges, and wanted to show the aura of the Super Star Cluster... In short, they wanted to act cool and lick, and it was all the fault of the idol baggage.

Time passed by, and suddenly, Han Xiao's remote projection descended into the room.

Han Xiao glanced around and greeted familiarly, "Yo, everyone's here?"

"Your Excellency Black Star."

Everyone nodded in greeting.

Speaking of which, this should be the first time that the entire high-level of the Super Star Cluster Alliance had a face-to-face conversation with Black Star. No matter what emotions they had in their hearts, the Civilization leaders present suppressed them at this moment.

In fact, the grudges between most Super Star Cluster Civilizations and Han Xiao were limited to the friction during the Flickering World War and were not considered deep-seated hatred, so most people's emotions were still stable at this time.

Only the Modo Three Kings clenched their fists secretly, so angry that their hands and feet were cold and their bodies were shaking.

They had the deepest grudges with Han Xiao, and were directly kicked out of the Flickering World War by the other party. Also, one of the leaders was suspected of dying in the Black Star Army's assassination, and even the Universe Treasure Soul Transfer Device was stolen and ended up in the other party's hands... Counting down, it was full of Modo's history of blood and tears.

If it were not for the overall situation, the Modo Three Kings would have liked to rush up and strangle Han Xiao to death.

Han Xiao glanced at them, not taking it seriously, and said slowly: "I have been busy recently, and I believe everyone understands. Then, let's make a long story short... I roughly understand the purpose of your invitation. From your position, you also hope that a force that can confront the Three Great Civilizations will emerge. Now that the Three Great Civilizations have turned against us, the Association needs new friends. As long as the price is right, there is no problem for us to cooperate."

"Very good, that's exactly what we mean." The leader of the Star Arc Civilization coughed and came out as a representative to express his position, "What do you want?"

"Channels, territory, resources, funds, intelligence network..." Han Xiao counted the things that the Association urgently needed, and also mixed in a portion of the rare materials for different Sanctuary Key formulas.

The leader of the Star Arc Civilization discussed with the others for a few words, and then nodded, "We can provide these things, and the share can also meet your conditions. Long-term supply is not a problem. To show our sincerity, we will let you see the real thing as soon as possible."

"Then what are your conditions?" Han Xiao's tone was calm.

"First, we hope that the Association will continue to confront the Three Great Civilizations and carry out more counterattacks." The leader of the Star Arc Civilization stretched out his finger.

"Alright."

"Second, we hope to get assistance from the Association's high-end power at certain times, including force and technology."

"Okay."

"Third, we hope that the Association will also take out its own channels and specialties, connect with the Super Star Cluster Alliance, and carry out closer cooperation to help each other and win together."

"Okay."

"Finally... we hope that you will use Sanctuary Recovery to revive all of our deceased direct Super-A Grades, especially the victims of the Peak of Annihilation!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes became even more eager, staring at Han Xiao.

The last condition was their most core need. As long as they could revive the direct descendants in history, the Super Star Cluster Alliance could turn around and overwhelm the Three Great Civilizations in terms of high-end combat power.

Moreover, the Peak of Annihilation was their eternal pain. If they could make up for it, it would be worth it!

Han Xiao was not surprised at all. He glanced at everyone, smiled playfully, and a cold light seemed to flash in his eyes like a sickle.

"The Three Great Civilizations once offered the same conditions and were rejected by me, but this is a different time, and it's not impossible to consider now... However, the chips you have taken out seem to be not enough."