Looking at the solemn expressions of the three of them, Han Xiao shook his finger.
"You're not willing?" Marbruce's eyes narrowed.
"No, what I mean is … it's not enough."
Han Xiao's expression was calm, but he curled his lips in his heart.
If we're talking about thick-skinned, you guys are the thick-skinned ones. Not long ago, you guys were still targeting the Beyond Grade As, but now, you guys changed your attitude just like that. Although your motive is right, isn't this kind of behavior treating us Beyond Grade As like chamber pots that can come and go as you please?
Ever since the ban was issued, the association had suffered a lot of losses. Even though everyone was on the same side, the World Tree had not attacked yet. If the three Universal Civilizations wanted to get the association's help without offering substantial benefits, it would not be such a good thing.
His identity was multi-faceted, and it was his duty to fight for the interests of the association members. He could not accept the 'righteous kidnapping' of the three Universal Civilizations.
"Then, what are your conditions?"
The three of them narrowed their eyes and leaned forward slightly.
Personal opinions were personal, business was business. When it came to substantial benefits, even if the three of them admired Han Xiao's contributions, they would not allow him to ask for an exorbitant price.
Perhaps, seeing that they were on the same side and that Black Star was actively sharing information about the World Tree, they could give in. However, if the conditions were too excessive, the three of them would not agree.
Han Xiao nodded and said, "Working together is the trend, but I hope you can understand. After all, I'm the president of the association, and I have to give the members an explanation … The ban has caused quite a lot of losses to many Beyond Grade A members. First of all, the ban needs to be lifted and the losses of the Beyond Grade A members will be compensated. What do you think?"
"Sure."
The three of them nodded. This was in the plan.
Han Xiao continued, "Secondly, the association needs to be compensated with additional resources such as lost time, mental damage, and so on. In the subsequent cooperation, the three Universal Civilizations also have to continue to provide resources. Although we have a common enemy, you guys are the rulers of the explored universe. We'll help you protect your territory. We can't work for free."
"That's not a problem. The number can be negotiated."
The three of them pondered for a moment, but did not object.
Han Xiao paused for a moment before slowly saying, "Lastly, the three Universal Civilizations have to recognize the authority of the Beyond Grade A Association. It will no longer be a civilian organization but an official Super organization. They will recognize our independence and the sanctity of our territory. They will allow us to openly teach all Super knowledge. They will be on equal footing with the advanced civilizations in terms of political status and enjoy the same rights. This will be written into the universal law of the galaxy … In addition, the association will have a territory with a high degree of autonomy at the edge of the explored universe."
Hearing this, the three secretly frowned.
One of the important reasons they could openly suppress the Beyond Grade A Association was that the nature of the association was that it was a civilian organization and did not enjoy the rights of a series of galactic universal laws such as the 'Peace Treaty'. No civilian organization had ever enjoyed the same political treatment as the advanced civilizations, not even the powerful Beyond Grade A organizations. This request was unprecedented.
This was not a verbal agreement, but a written law. The Beyond Grade A Association wanted to become a true Super authoritative alliance. Once they recognized it, the association's skyrocketing reputation would almost be able to monopolize the civilian Super community. Furthermore, they would be protected by the universal law, so many suppression methods could not be used on the association, which was very troublesome.
At the same time, the Beyond Grade A Association also requested an autonomous territory that was different from the territory of the Beyond Grade As. It was almost like establishing a country. Furthermore, it would be located at the edge of the explored universe, probably with the strategic intention of being able to advance and retreat, in order to prevent a possible cleansing in the future.
Han Xiao waited for a moment. Seeing that the three of them were deep in thought, he clicked his tongue and added, "Don't misunderstand, I don't mean anything else. This is the association's request for its own safety. I believe the three Universal Civilizations should be willing to satisfy the association's wish to protect itself, right?"
He almost said the unspoken words. You guys have been hesitating for so long. Are you guys thinking about getting rid of the hound after the rabbit is dead?
The three of them looked at each other and quickly exchanged opinions in the private channel.
Very soon, Marbruce knocked on the table and said,
"If the World Tree's information is correct, we will agree to this condition. At the same time, if a war breaks out, the association will need to fully contribute. We will draft the detailed terms later."
"That's good. When you fulfill your promise, we will have more foundation for cooperation."
Han Xiao nodded. He knew very well that this was a potential exchange of benefits and a game of risk.
Even if they knew about the existence of external enemies, life had to continue. The three Universal Civilizations would definitely plan for the situation after defeating the external enemies. At that time, they would still have to solve the problem of the expansion of the number of Beyond Grade As. Agreeing to this request would increase the difficulty of the cleansing in the future.
However, due to the pressure of the external enemies, the three Universal Civilizations had no choice but to stabilize the association and compromise to a certain extent. If they did not agree to this condition, their intentions would be too obvious. Even if they worked together with the association, there would be a lot of unstable factors. This request was equivalent to Black Star's scheme, making it difficult for them to reject it even if they knew the consequences.
Most importantly, Black Star was an unexpected insider, which disrupted the pace of the three Universal Civilizations. Stabilizing Black Star himself was even more important than stabilizing the association.
The three of them thought for a while and finally agreed. Other than compromising, they were also gambling on another possibility. Compared to an internal cleansing, letting the external enemies reduce the number of Beyond Grade As was a more suitable way.
The Beyond Grade A Association suffered heavy casualties in the external war. This was the most ideal result, far better than internal strife. Not only did it temporarily alleviate the problem of the imbalance of individual strength, but it also made the deaths of these Beyond Grade As the most valuable. This way, the aftereffects of agreeing to Black Star's request would be greatly reduced. Before the next imbalance of individual strength occurred, they would have plenty of time to think of a solution.
Han Xiao also knew what the three Universal Civilizations meant. This was where the game was. Because the threat of the World Tree was too great, he did not plan to not put in any effort. Making the Beyond Grade A Association suffer heavy casualties was also his goal.
The core reason was that there was no limit to the Sanctum Revival. He claimed that he only had one chance, and only by exposing the truth would he be able to complete the deterrence of the three Universal Civilizations.
If he wanted people to die, he would either have to fight a civil war or an external war. It was impossible for the Beyond Grade As to collectively commit suicide.
In comparison, fighting an external war would naturally maximize the benefits. He would not waste the key, would not exhaust his internal strength, and would also show his fist.
As long as they saw the effects of the Sanctum Revival, the three Universal Civilizations would understand the importance of it without experiencing it personally. They would have a strong fear of taking action … Not only would he be able to fight against the World Tree, but he would also intimidate the three Universal Civilizations.
At the same time, he planned to mix in some Sanctum key materials that were difficult to find into the list of compensation. With the wealth of the three Universal Civilizations, they would definitely be able to take them out.
It was equivalent to using other people's materials to build his own 'weapon' and then using it to threaten them. This was very impressive.
It was already a foregone conclusion that the World Tree would come into contact with him in advance, so Han Xiao adapted to the situation and flexibly adjusted his plan to maximize the benefits. The three leaders in front of him naturally did not know this, and they probably still thought that he was pursuing the guarantee of peace.
Both sides had their own thoughts and reached a temporary consensus.
"Also, don't reveal anything about the World Tree Civilization to the outside world for the time being. The fewer people who know, the better. Otherwise, it will cause chaos," Marbruce instructed.
"Of course."
Han Xiao nodded.
In his previous life, the battle with the World Tree had been fought with the advanced civilizations, armed forces, and Supers. The ordinary people were basically protected, and their use was limited. It was not yet at the level where everyone was a soldier, and even if they knew, it would only add to the trouble.
As he spoke, Han Xiao paused and said, "By the way, since you've invited me to be the Special Security Consultant, I have to check on this matter. I need to share your exploration report on the World Tree Civilization."
"No problem."
Marbruce agreed very readily this time. After all, he did not have as much information as Black Star, and this was one of the help they needed.
Han Xiao quickly received the research report on the wormhole data from the dynasty's Academy of Sciences and immediately began reading it.
He had returned to being the Special Security Consultant to supervise the progress of the three Universal Civilizations' exploration and obtain first-hand information. Currently, he was the only outsider who had the right to interfere with the three Universal Civilizations' exploration of the World Tree.
After quickly browsing through it, Han Xiao's gaze locked onto the first report. Next to the conclusion of 'Confirmed existence of an unknown Universal Civilization', there was a doubtful comment from the audit department. He then looked back at the data and realized that it did not seem like he could directly come to this conclusion.
"Hmm, what's wrong with the researcher who wrote this conclusion? This data can't prove that the other party is a Universal Civilization. Although he guessed correctly, it's too arbitrary." Han Xiao raised his brows.
"That's why we suspended him. It's too careless." Marbruce nodded.
Han Xiao had a guess.
Did this guy do it on purpose?
'Even a minor character can change the era.' He sighed softly and lamented in his heart.
After sorting out his emotions, Han Xiao pretended to be joking and said, "No matter what, he has made a contribution by chance. We can't let him down."
Marbruce glanced at him and did not say anything.
Seeing this, Han Xiao smiled, changed the topic, and got down to business.
"Based on the current progress, I have a few suggestions …"
…
This meeting lasted for a few hours. After the two sides reached a consensus to 'keep in touch frequently', Han Xiao deactivated the remote projection and returned to his office.
Han Xiao exhaled, rubbed his cheeks, and muttered, "Luckily, the three Universal Civilizations have avoided the crisis.
"Luckily, we managed to avoid a civil war. The three Universal Civilizations have finally stopped targeting us …"
He knew that the three Universal Civilizations would not completely let go of their hostility, but at their level, there was basically no one who would not turn back until they hit a wall. They all knew their priorities. As long as everyone came to an agreement, they could stop fighting and make peace today. The relationship between them was not important at all. It only depended on whether there was a need, and external enemies had always been a factor in shifting internal conflicts.
The two sides had not turned enemies into friends. At most, they had become temporary partners, working together to solve their common main conflict.
In fact, the biggest obstacle for the three Universal Civilizations to make peace with the association was Han Xiao, the president with real power. Now that he had agreed to cooperate, most of the resistance had disappeared. It could be said that he had single-handedly pushed for the alliance between the two sides.
"From today onwards, the situation has entered a new stage of being united against the outside world. The enemy is in the light, and we are in the dark. We have to start preparing for the World Tree Civilization."
Han Xiao pulled himself together and felt a chill in his heart.
This hidden danger had troubled him for nearly a hundred years. Now, it was as if a huge stone had been lifted from his heart. It was finally time to face it.
(End of Chapter)
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