Manison was not angry. He sized Han Xiao up and nodded.
"You're quite humorous. I'm the president of the development union. Even if you're absent, I won't be absent."
"What you're doing as the president is not right. Everyone supports you, not for you to gamble with everyone's interests." Han Xiao stood with his arms crossed and clicked his tongue.
Previously, Han Xiao had praised the old dragon to the skies, but the moment they met, he had completely thrown away the idea of not provoking the Mecha Empire. Now, whenever he saw Manison, he would want to stroke the tiger's whiskers.
Knowing the attitude of the association, he deliberately squeezed Manison to provoke dissatisfaction in the hearts of many people present. The results were great, and many people looked at Manison with even more unfriendly eyes. They were all big shots, and no one was willing to let others make decisions for them.
The two of them had already drawn a clear line and resumed their competitive relationship. Damaging the other's reputation was secondary, and the main point was his own bad taste … Sigh, it seemed like it was the other way around.
Radiance's allies present were the most embarrassed. Now, Manison was still Radiance's ally in name, but they could not and did not want to speak from the standpoint of the Mecha Empire. Those who supported Manison before were more or less unnatural now.
Manison ignored the gazes of the people around him and calmly said, "Through this incident, I've seen through you. Our original intention of establishing the association was to gain more speaking rights and not be controlled by the advanced civilizations. However, although you say you're thinking for the Beyond Grade As, you're actually just a lackey of the three Universal Civilizations. Everything I've done is for the sake of the Beyond Grade As, of course, it's impossible not to take the risk … Unfortunately, you want to please the three Universal Civilizations, but you don't want to lose your reputation and credibility among the Beyond Grade As, so you chose to destroy our hope. In my eyes, it's just a selfish act of speculation. I won't have any more hope for you. "
"Yo, who would have thought that the insufferably arrogant Mecha Empire would have moments of sophistry. As expected of someone who has lived long enough to know so much. Even your posture of twisting the truth is so proficient." Han Xiao did not take it seriously and said, "Unfortunately, justice is in the hearts of the people. Your slander of me is not valid. What the truth is, everyone has their own opinion. As the vice president, I have the obligation to stop you from leading everyone to the dark side."
"Heh … Do you really think you're a hero just because you put on the public opinion that the three Universal Civilizations created for you?"
"You're speaking eloquently now, but I'm very curious. Will you have the face to attend the award ceremony for the entire universe in a while?"
"Why not? If not for me, would the three Universal Civilizations have discovered the virus so early? How could they develop an anti-virus program so quickly? Without me, the Intelligent Plague would still be spreading. In terms of contributions, I'm not much less than you, but the three Universal Civilizations didn't mention it at all. Their intentions are obvious. "
As soon as the conversation started, the two of them were at each other's throats.
They're arguing, they're arguing … The Beyond Grade As watched from the side excitedly, wishing they could bring a small stool over to sit and watch the show.
After a few words, Manison looked around and coldly said, "I'm not here today to quarrel with you today.
"I'm not here to quarrel with you today. The purpose of the association is to mediate the conflicts between Beyond Grade As. As the president, I need to set an example, so you can rest assured. Although we have our differences, I won't do anything to you."
"You make it sound so nice, but I think you're too busy dealing with the suppression of the three Universal Civilizations to continue provoking a strong enemy like me," Han Xiao joked.
Manison narrowed his eyes and slowly said, "You seem to have taken the result of a tie seriously? As for what exactly happened, we both know very well in our hearts, but you seem to have an illusion. Do you really think you're on par with me? "
"That's the truth, not an illusion." Han Xiao chuckled and eagerly said, "If you're not convinced, I'll entertain you anytime."
So far, he had drawn quite a lot of good things from Manison, even his core Exclusive Talents. He had already tasted the sweetness of it and wished he could do it a few more times with Manison.
"The purpose of the development union is to mediate the conflicts between Beyond Grade As. I won't lower myself to your level."
Manison was expressionless. He turned around and walked into the venue, too lazy to chat with Han Xiao anymore.
Seeing this, Han Xiao secretly curled his lips.
Old Manison really knows how to endure. If it was in the past, if I provoked him like this, he would definitely come over with a forty-kilometer-long machete to have a heart-to-heart talk with me.
However, the Mecha Empire should be feeling very depressed. They clearly felt that they could defeat me, but they were forced into a tie by the three Universal Civilizations. They even had to patiently wait for the opportunity to get back at me, watching their prestige weaken.
Not only did I obtain his core Exclusive Talent, but I also secretly obtained the incomplete map of the Domino Virus technology that he had been longing for. I even drew a new ability to restrain him … However, in Manison's heart, my combat strength is still the same as it was when we fought.
If I fight with old Manison again, I'll definitely give him a 'surprise'.
While Han Xiao was secretly laughing, Kasuyi walked over and said, "It's been a long time since I saw you lose.
"I haven't seen Manison suffer in a long time. You're one of the few guys who can make him suffer."
Han Xiao turned to look at him and said in surprise, "I thought you had a good relationship with Manison, but you seem to be quite happy."
Kasuyi narrowed his eyes and smiled.
"Hehe, don't misunderstand. Manison and I have known each other for many years. We're indeed good friends, but he's him, and I'm me. To be honest, I don't agree with his actions either. Even if you didn't stop him, I would have drawn a clear line with him after this. "
Han Xiao nodded. "I just happened to be there. If not for this, the Mecha Empire and I might still be friends. Unfortunately, we walk different paths. I only hope this matter doesn't affect our friendship."
"Don't worry, the conflict between you and him won't affect our relationship. I don't mind the difference in ideals, because everyone has something they want … However, although Manison's actions are criticized, he's right about one thing. The three Universal Civilizations are only using you to attack him. When the day comes when he's no longer useful … maybe what he has today will be your tomorrow."
"I know what I'm doing. You don't have to worry about this."
While the two of them were talking, a third voice interrupted them with a faint smile on his face.
"So … when you're being used by an advanced civilization, you have to realize the benefits as soon as possible. This is my experience."
The two of them turned around and saw that Sorokin had also come over. With his signature fake smile, he joined the conversation and gave a simple salute to the two shareholders.
"Oh, it's you." Han Xiao glanced at him. "What do you have in mind?"
"Your Excellency Black Star must be joking. I'm just an ordinary Beyond Grade A. How can I participate in such a topic? I don't have any good ideas. I'm just giving some suggestions from the perspective of a businessman, hoping to provide Your Excellency Black Star with some inspiration to deal with the current situation," Sorokin said enthusiastically.
Humph, one who is unaccountably solicitous is hiding evil intentions …
Han Xiao crossed his arms in front of his chest and pretended to size him up.
"You don't look like you're just here for a chat. Is there something wrong?"
"Haha, nothing can be hidden from Your Excellency Black Star's eyes." Sorokin smiled. "I hope to discuss cooperation with you …"
Han Xiao only understood what Sorokin meant after listening to him. He secretly sighed at how shameless this person was.
He had become the special consultant of the three Universal Civilizations and had the support of the three civilizations. Sorokin saw a business opportunity and wanted to look for him, this shareholder, to have a deeper cooperation.
This shareholder position was forced by Han Xiao. Sorokin was originally unwilling, but seeing that there was profit to be gained, he did not hesitate to put down his pride and shamelessly came to discuss cooperation. Furthermore, the grudge between the two of them had not been settled yet, yet he could act as if nothing had happened. His face had probably already left home on a spaceship.
In the past few months, Han Xiao had been busy dealing with the Intelligent Plague, while Sorokin had been dealing with the dissatisfaction of the three Universal Civilizations. He had put in a lot of effort and finally settled the impact of the matter.
Not only that, Sorokin had also shown that he was in line with the three Universal Civilizations' position through some fancy operations. He had also acted as a broker, sucking up to some of the officials with real power in Radiance and Ethereal. He had also used his seat as a director in the association to form new interests.
Han Xiao suddenly thought of something. "By the way, Manison is also a shareholder of the Wireless Financial Group. What he does should affect you, right? Can the three Universal Civilizations allow him to continue being a shareholder of the financial group?"
"It does affect me, but that won't stop me from continuing to work with him. The regular dividends won't be stopped either."
"The three Universal Civilizations allow it?"
"First, I'm a private and legal financial group, so I have the right to freely appoint personnel. Second, hehe …"
Sorokin smiled and did not say anything, throwing a 'you know what I mean' look at him.
Han Xiao immediately understood. No wonder the three Universal Civilizations did not mind the cooperation between them. They were using the Limitless Financial Group as a channel to obtain information about the activities of the Mecha Empire. This was one of the conditions that Sorokin had to suck up to the three Universal Civilizations.
Naturally, he did not want to work with Sorokin too deeply, so he gave a perfunctory answer to Sorokin's coaxing and pestering.
After chatting for a while, it was finally time for the meeting. They entered the venue one after another, found their seats, and sat down.
Han Xiao did not argue with Manison anymore. The two of them held the meeting according to the topics they had decided on, dealing with the matters one by one like normal meetings.
However, although the two of them were doing their own things, the atmosphere in the venue was still strange. After the incident outside the venue, most people had a knot in their hearts, and it was difficult for them to return to normal.
Very soon, it was time for the last topic. Manison looked around and said with a deep voice.
"Because of the sudden outbreak of the Intelligent Plague, the battle between the three Universal Civilizations and the Supercluster Alliance was delayed for more than half a year. Now that the disaster has been resolved, the two sides will start fighting very soon. The Beyond Grade A Association needs to choose a side.
As you all know, the three Universal Civilizations have been keeping the Ultimate Knowledge a secret. Their condition is for us to deal with the Supercluster Alliance. I don't plan to agree, so I suggest we stick to our original position and stay out of it, not participating in the battle between the advanced civilizations. "
Everyone nodded. Although they were dissatisfied with Manison, this was the consensus of most people, so there was no problem with it.
As for the direct members of the three Universal Civilizations, they usually would not express their opinions at such times. After all, there was no point in doing so.
However, this time, Manison turned to look at Han Xiao and suddenly said, "Vice President, what do you think?"
Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he pondered. He realized the intentions of the Mecha Empire.
He was now at the center of public opinion. The three Universal Civilizations had put him on a pedestal, hoping that he would become their spokesperson in the development union. Not only did they want him to compete with Manison, but they also wanted him to speak up for them in the association.
However, one of the original intentions of the association was to help the Beyond Grade As break free from the camp restrictions set by the advanced civilizations and not be used as tools to kill each other. On this issue, Han Xiao realized that there would be negative effects no matter which side he chose.
Sticking to the consensus of everyone was not a problem on the association's side. Although the three Universal Civilizations were not surprised, they would more or less feel disappointed, which would affect their support. The other allies could choose this way because they were the 'majority', but his identity was the 'role model'. The same action would have different effects.
If he spoke up for the three Universal Civilizations and instigated everyone to deal with the Supercluster Alliance together, the result would be worse. He would appear to be completely on the side of the three Universal Civilizations and really become the 'lackey' of the Mecha Empire, which would definitely cause dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the path he represented would change because of this. It would no longer be a peaceful coexistence but a fawning relationship. It would go against the original intention and return to the original path.
Han Xiao looked up and saw that everyone's eyes, including the direct members of the three Universal Civilizations, were focused on him. They clearly understood this and were waiting for his response.
Manison's question wasn't a ploy. It was just an honest attempt to borrow the enemy's strength.
"Of course, I agree with everyone's consensus. This is the reason we're gathered together … However, I want to deal with one of the Supercluster Civilizations, so I have some personal grudges."
Han Xiao spoke calmly. He was very realistic, so he naturally would not stand on the wrong side at a time like this.
When the three Universal Civilizations publicly supported him, Han Xiao knew that he would encounter this hurdle sooner or later. He had to be tested by the other Beyond Grade As to ensure that he did not 'change his mind'.
Hearing his answer, everyone looked away with satisfaction.
After discussing business, the regular meeting ended, and the Beyond Grade As went offline one after another.
Han Xiao did not leave immediately. He pulled Hella, who had been watching from the side, and found a room to close the door.
"You're back." Hella sized Han Xiao up. "You seem to have lost weight."
"I should be the one saying that to you. How's the Underworld?" Han Xiao smiled.
"It's already stabilized and is slowly recovering … By the way, I have something to tell you. It's about the Underworld."
"What a coincidence. I also have something to ask you about the Underworld, but you go first."
Hella nodded.
"Alright, have you heard of the Sanctum?"
“！！”
Han Xiao was shocked and subconsciously covered his heart.
At this moment, he suddenly understood how Oathkeeper felt …
—
Author's Note: Another year is about to pass. There will be a double event at the end of the year.
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