Chapter 1 A Journey Beyond the Stars

A mechanical legion warped into existence above a desolate, salt-white planet in a remote star sector. The surface was an endless expanse of white desert.

Youzu led the forces as they slowly descended onto a patch of white wasteland. A small black dot hovered a meter above the ground – a mechanical throne.

Han Xiao's true body sat upon it, eyes lightly closed, focused on controlling the Sovereign Avatar and the remote forces. Blue-gold lightning crackled around him, dissipating a meter away, entering the quantum entangled transmission channel, remotely buffing the forces.

The dark mass of troops landed on the ground, and Han Xiao opened his eyes simultaneously.

"Back already?"

"Sovereign, we did not fail our mission."

Youzu walked to the front, planted his war spear in the ground, and presented a spherical container sealing the Chaotic Secret Energy with both hands.

Han Xiao glanced at it. Within the translucent crystal sphere, the Chaotic Secret Energy was sealed, shrunk countless times, resembling a hazy red mist, constantly changing shape.

"Well done."

Han Xiao reached out and took the sealed sphere, playing with it in his hand, then looked up at the troops before him.

This force had fought Ravenlaude at his peak, and it hadn't been an easy victory. A large number of ordinary troops had been lost, and almost every mechanical soldier bore the scars of battle. Many had their outer armor shattered, exposing the internal structure, still sparking with electricity.

Of the dozen or so Apostle Weapons, four had been disabled by Ravenlaude. Their comrades carried them before Han Xiao, where they lay motionless on the ground, as if only Han Xiao's affectionate touch... cough, only his personal repairs could restore them.

Apostle Weapons possessed self-repair capabilities, but there was a limit. When the damage exceeded a certain level, or the Flame energy fell below the alert level, they would enter a state of paralysis or dormancy. These four Apostle Weapons were primarily melee types, reckless brutes like Mad Sky Hunter and Town Sky Banner. Though they hadn't died at Ravenlaude's hands, they had taken a ton of damage.

"You've worked hard."

Han Xiao nodded. With a wave of his hand, four streams of silver-white nanites surged out, merging into the four Apostle Weapons, causing their bodies to vibrate. Their external damage slowly began to repair.

"This is just temporary. To fully repair them, they'll need to be thrown into the Secondary Dimension Armory for a major overhaul." Han Xiao casually explained, then stared at Youzu and smiled slightly. "So, any gains?"

Youzu nodded. "Our neural networks and memory banks have collected all combat data. The database of Beyond Grade A combat patterns has a new case study, even more complete. The next time we face Ravenlaude or other Beyond Grade A mages, we can formulate more targeted tactics, reduce casualties, and improve efficiency."

Apostle Weapons were evolving mechanical lifeforms with powerful learning abilities. Constantly fighting against all kinds of powerful enemies, the stored combat data could be converted into practical experience, making them stronger, even allowing them to comprehend special combat skills.

"Excellent. This is the first time you've directly defeated a fully-powered Beyond Grade A without the help of a Sovereign Avatar. I'm very satisfied with your results."

Han Xiao offered a few words of encouragement, then had the mechanical forces deploy spatial stabilization traps. He exerted force with his hand, instantly crushing the sealed sphere.

Ravenlaude had just sealed the Chaotic Secret Energy when it was snatched away by Secret Master. He hadn't had time to set up any magical restrictions. Now, simply destroying the container with brute force was enough... However, while that was true, only a Beyond Grade A could replicate this kind of simple, crude operation; a Calamity Grade wouldn't be able to destroy it.

*Crack!*

The crystal sphere shattered, turning into glittering dust.

*Rumble!*

The Chaotic Secret Energy broke free, instantly expanding. It immediately tried to escape using Secondary Dimension Travel, but the mechanical forces had already set up the traps, preventing it from escaping.

At that moment, Han Xiao raised his hand, spread his five fingers, and grasped at the Chaotic Secret Energy, then made a sudden pulling motion.

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—*

A powerful suction force erupted, and the Chaotic Secret Energy, unable to resist, surged toward Han Xiao, directly pulled into his body. The red energy cloud was quickly absorbed completely.

"Hiss..."

Han Xiao gasped, his eyes projecting a bright, almost blinding red light.

According to the research of universe-level civilizations on Original Secret Energies, only Espers and ordinary people could become hosts. But as Old Ma said, practice yields truth. Han Xiao intended to personally test the veracity of the intelligence. After all, his first choice was naturally to use it himself, to see if he could adapt to it.

He wasn't worried about failure. The backlash could kill a Calamity Grade, but at most, it would only injure a Beyond Grade A... Speaking modestly, he felt that his recovery ability was barely passable, so he wasn't afraid at all.

Cells were the dwelling place of Original Secret Energies. Once inside the body, the Chaotic Secret Energy automatically merged into every cell. Intense pain instantly erupted within Han Xiao!

Han Xiao could clearly feel that, due to the different attributes of Qi-Force, the Chaotic Secret Energy clashed violently with his own Qi-Force, creating a feeling similar to a rejection reaction. The more Chaotic Secret Energy the cells absorbed, the more intense the erosion-like pain became.

However, compared to the pain of advancement, this was child's play. Han Xiao frowned slightly and opened the status bar on his interface.

`[Your body has been invaded by an Original Secret Energy. Due to conflicting Qi-Force attributes, you are taking 30,000~50,000 Erosion Damage per second.]`

`[You have entered the [Cell Suppression (Energy Conflict Type)] state. Due to energy erosion, the cells providing you with Qi-Force are restricted. Your HP, Qi-Force, and Stamina recovery rate -30%.]`

`[You have entered the [Mild Weakness] state. Energy erosion has weakened your body. All Attributes -15%, HP and Qi-Force limit -15%.]`

`[You need to use additional Qi-Force to suppress the Original Secret Energy. Your Qi-Force Limit is temporarily reduced by 40%.]`

"Whoa, a whole bunch of negative statuses." The corners of Han Xiao's mouth twitched.

His original plan was that, even if he couldn't adapt, he could try to rely on his own recovery ability to forcibly bear the burden of the Chaotic Secret Energy, thereby utilizing it. However, seeing this pile of negative statuses, he knew that this path was impassable.

"Looks like I can't become a host."

Han Xiao shook his head. The Qi-Force in his body vibrated, directly expelling the Chaotic Secret Energy from his body. Immediately, he felt refreshed, and the negative statuses disappeared, returning him to a lively and vigorous state.

Before the Chaotic Secret Energy could react, Han Xiao produced a containment device for restraining energy bodies. Its appearance was a mechanical tube sixty to seventy centimeters long, with translucent yellow nanoglass in the middle. Without a word, he used mechanical creations to re-contain the Chaotic Secret Energy.

Inside, the miniature version of the Chaotic Secret Energy charged left and right, unable to pass through the specially made energy constraint field. Han Xiao shook the tube, watching the Chaotic Secret Energy stumble several times, and couldn't help but reveal a *hehehe* smile.

"Although I can't become a host, it's not difficult to utilize the Chaotic Secret Energy with my technology. The magic system can seal it in a special magic puppet, turning it into a combat golem. I can also create a special mechanical shell, turning it into a carrier for the Chaotic Secret Energy, artificially creating a mechanical host. However, comprehensive testing is needed to research the manufacturing method of the carrier..."

Han Xiao secretly pondered how to handle the Chaotic Secret Energy, like a master chef contemplating a precious ingredient, wondering whether to steam it or braise it.

At that moment, a weak mental wave was released from the container, conveying an emotion of helplessness. A neutral voice suddenly rang in Han Xiao's mind.

"Esteemed stranger Beyond Grade A powerhouse, may we have a chat?"

Hmm? The Chaotic Secret Energy could speak? That's right, after all, this fellow was an independent lifeform that hadn't given up on thinking.

Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, looking at the container in his hand with interest. He released his mental barriers, forming a mental communication link with the Chaotic Secret Energy, and asked:

"Are you the Chaotic Secret Energy?"

"That is merely what you call me. My true name is Mossanil Card Piroye Red Spirit Dieter..."

After listening to several dozen words, with the name still unfinished, Han Xiao couldn't bear it anymore and interrupted its self-introduction. "Stop, too troublesome. I'll just call you A'Hun."

"A... A'Hun..."

The Chaotic Secret Energy's tone was stiff. It probably had never heard such a pleasant name.

"Don't mind these details. What do you want to chat about?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.

"What do you plan to do with me?"

Han Xiao thought about it and told the truth. "Create a carrier that can accommodate you, so you can fight for me. If that doesn't work, maybe I'll find you a new host."

"As expected." Surprisingly, the Chaotic Secret Energy wasn't angry. "I've met many Beyond Grade As. When I merged with you just now, I knew that you were a rare powerhouse among Beyond Grade As. I'm powerless to resist. Just do whatever you want with my body. Be gentle, okay? Don't be too rough."

Why does this sound so strange...

Han Xiao coughed and asked curiously, "You're becoming my puppet. Aren't you angry?"

"My life is longer than you can imagine. I've experienced everything. You're not the first person to want to control me. I'm just another passerby in your life." The Chaotic Secret Energy's tone was light and breezy.

"...I didn't expect you to be so open-minded."

The corners of Han Xiao's mouth twitched. He didn't know how to describe it. Had it already been trained by its predecessors?

"If you lived as long as I have, you would know the taste of loneliness. It's the most terrifying feeling in the universe. So most of the time I'm asleep. On the contrary, the experiences of fighting alongside each host are some of the few wonderful memories in my life."

The Chaotic Secret Energy spoke honestly. As an ancient energy lifeform that spent most of its time asleep, it disdained to hide its true thoughts.

Han Xiao suddenly thought of Evans' recent experience and had an idea. "So you actually want to meet a host?"

"While I'm asleep, I'll have my sub-bodies look for suitable candidates everywhere. When I'm interested, I'll find a host and start a new adventure."

Han Xiao's face twitched.

The world is going to the dogs. Even Secret Energies know how to find a backup?!

*Ptooey!* Slutty Secret Energy!

But this did explain Evans' problem. It was just a story of a backup turning into the real thing.

There were too many things to complain about... Han Xiao tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"You're so cooperative now. Why did you still run earlier?"

"I prefer to take the initiative... But I don't mind being passive either." The Chaotic Secret Energy hummed.

In the end, it was just a matter of lowering your head under the eaves. This cowardly thing was quite pragmatic... Han Xiao rolled his eyes.

He originally thought that the Chaotic Secret Energy would resist fiercely and unyieldingly, but he didn't expect its true nature to be so fresh and refined.

But thinking about it, an energy body that had lived for so long probably didn't care about many things anymore. It must have resisted the first time it was captured, but once it broke through the bottom line, it would gradually slide into the abyss of *zhen xiang* (suddenly finding something appealing after initially rejecting it).

Han Xiao understood a little why the Chaotic Secret Energy had this kind of personality. Don't look at how ancient it was, but it wasn't strong enough. No matter how ancient it was, it couldn't get hard.

As someone said, if you can't resist, you can only enjoy it. Over time, the Chaotic Secret Energy gradually developed a sense of ease and serenity, exuding a sense of salted fish.

At that moment, the Chaotic Secret Energy took the initiative to strike up a conversation, asking curiously, "I haven't woken up in a long time. What's the situation in the universe now? What major events have happened in recent years? And what's your identity? Tell me quickly."

"Since you're so cooperative, I'll tell you..." Han Xiao shook his head and quickly transmitted a large amount of data to the Chaotic Secret Energy through the mental link.

The Chaotic Secret Energy looked at the data with great interest. "It seems that a lot of major events have happened in the universe while I was asleep. I remember when I fell asleep, the Beyond Grade As weren't this batch of people, and there weren't so many of them."

"How long have you been asleep?" Han Xiao couldn't help but ask.

"Hundreds of years or a thousand years? Ah, how would I remember? Time has no meaning to me."

The Chaotic Secret Energy sighed and said in a tone of "back in the day":

"Before the birth of Beyond Grade As, we Original Secret Energies already existed. Not to brag, but think about it. In the era when individual power hadn't developed to the Beyond Grade A level, we represented the peak combat power. Countless people pursued our power... Our era only ended after Beyond Grade As appeared."

Original Secret Energies were extremely ancient. In the distant ancient universe, they must have had a glorious history of invincibility, and maybe even been the "protagonists" of a certain era.

This seems to be a group with a lot of stories...

Han Xiao had an idea. "Then do you know where the other Original Secret Energies are?"

"It's been so long, I don't know where they went..." At that moment, the Chaotic Secret Energy paused, its tone changed, and suddenly filled with energy. "But I might know where one fellow is. If you're interested, I can help you catch him."

"...Why are you suddenly so excited?"

Han Xiao was suspicious.

Could it be that you also like to beat up your teammates?

"To be honest, that fellow and I are enemies. I've always disliked it. We used to fight every day, and I don't know how many hosts died. If you have any ideas about it, I'm very willing to help." The Chaotic Secret Energy was impatient.

Hearing this, Han Xiao was a little surprised.

Not only did he capture the Chaotic Secret Energy, but there was also an unexpected harvest, a buy-one-get-one-free deal?

Awesome, I didn't bring Fording here!

Could it be that Secret Master pitied me just now and secretly gave me a wave of luck?

Hmm, it's possible that this is a pit.

Han Xiao stroked his chin and asked, "What's it called?"

"Its name is Na... Oh, according to what you call it, it should be called the Holy Light Particle."

Holy Light Particle?

Han Xiao's eyes flashed.

This was also a familiar name. It served one master together with the Chaotic Secret Energy and was the second Secret Energy mastered by Evans.

As an important figure in the storyline of the Otherworldly Deity, Evans had many protagonist-like opportunities. The Chaotic Secret Energy wanted him to help recover a part of the body stolen by the Otherworldy Deity, so it spared no effort to increase his strength. It probably took the initiative to reveal the existence of the Holy Light Particle, just like today.

And Evans' physique was special, and he actually adapted to the Holy Light Particle as well. The two Original Secret Energies didn't know what agreement they had reached, dispelled their grievances, and chose to share a host. At that time, Evans was the first case of a multiple host in the entire universe, achieving a harem-like protagonist's fate.

--Speaking of which, this little brother is really a talent. Even if he can't become a host, recruiting him into the legion can increase our luck.

"No problem, I don't mind having more Original Secret Energies. Where is the Holy Light Particle?" Han Xiao became interested.

"As far as I know, it has been entrenched in a Secondary Dimension for a long time. It's a world where light is materialized. Everything is made of colorful light. Solid light is like dazzling gemstones, and liquid light is like thick, viscous milk..."

The Chaotic Secret Energy described it in detail, showing its deep hostility toward its enemy.

At the same time, Han Xiao's interface moved.

`[You have triggered the mission [The Chaotic Secret Energy's Nemesis]!]`

`[Mission Introduction: You have captured the Chaotic Secret Energy. It is a very casual guy. If you can help it solve a small problem, it is willing to fight alongside you.]`

`[Mission Requirements: Defeat the other Original Secret Energy, "Holy Light Particle".]`

`[Reward: 2.4 billion experience, Character Summon Card x2, unlocks the special milestone mission - [Original Secret Energy Collector].]`