The enormous space fortress floated in the universe, surrounded by wormhole hyperdrive base stations. From time to time, the wormhole channels would open and close, and fleets would fly out.
The Siebert Fortress was located in the Carter Star Cluster at the border of the Flickering World. It was the strategic command headquarters of the Galactic Alliance Army in the Flickering World.
In order to fight against the World Tree Civilization, the three Universal Civilizations had established the Galactic Alliance Army during their preparations for war, unifying the forces of the explored universe. They had also divided the various Star Fields of the explored universe into numbered military regions and modified them to varying degrees.
Over the past ten years, the Flickering World had been completely modified. The five border Star Clusters had hardened their defenses, leaving only countless defensive lines and strongholds that were armed to the teeth.
Not only the first military region represented by the Flickering World, even the Star Fields in the hinterland were prepared for war.
After all, the situation of the World Tree invading their territory was different from the interception war. During the interception war, because there was a large area behind them, they had limited worries. Now that the Flickering World was behind them, there was no way to retreat. They had to be on guard, and the pressure was completely different.
At this moment, in the conference room on the top floor of the Siebert Fortress, countless people were gathered with solemn expressions. Not only were there the various commanders of the Galactic Alliance Army, but there were also some upper echelons of the Beyond Grade A Association.
A strategic star map projection of the Flickering World's border floated on the table.
"According to the frontline report, the vanguard army of the World Tree is not far from the border of the Flickering World. It is estimated that they will arrive at the outermost defense circle in ten days. The various divisions are already prepared for battle. What do you all think?"
As Simon spoke, he operated the star map and enlarged the border area. He marked the locations in red, representing the areas that were most likely to be attacked by the World Tree's first wave of attacks.
Although the World Tree only had one directional coordinate, it would not only take one route. It would split into a large number of vanguards and advance in different arcs, eventually invading the Flickering World from different directions. However, the three Universal Civilizations had already expected this and had already built the Flickering World into an iron bucket.
"Didn't we prepare for more than ten years for this day? Let's just fight."
"That's right. We've already completed the preparations and discussions over the past ten years. Next, it's time to test our results."
"The World Tree's current actions have not deviated from our preset situation. We just have to follow the strategy. When they really attack, we'll adjust according to the situation."
Many officers spoke, filled with fighting spirit.
Simon nodded and turned to look at Han Xiao. "Your Excellency Black Star, what do you think?"
Han Xiao rested his face on his palm and pondered for a moment. "We have a strong defense, and the World Tree won't be able to snowball for the time being, so they won't be rash. They'll most likely build a bridgehead base at the border and stabilize the jump point, preparing to fight a protracted battle with us."
Compared to more than ten years ago, his appearance had not changed at all. With his lifespan as a Transcendent, this amount of time could not leave any traces on him.
"That's right." Simon agreed.
"So, it's time to test our endurance. A war of attrition is inevitable. Let's see who can withstand it. Let's see if we'll be killed first, or if we'll find the World Tree's main body first." Han Xiao shrugged.
Currently, the reincarnation mechanism of the World Tree was still unsolvable. Han Xiao felt that a Transcendent should have the power to attack an Information Form, but he could not unlock it. He could only attribute it to the fact that some prerequisites had not been met.
Over the years, the expedition army in the secondary dimensions had made some progress. Although they had not found the main body of the World Tree, they had figured out the range of the World Tree's influence in the secondary dimensions and had met the other party's garrison many times.
Fortunately, with the protection of Harrison's halo, they did not expose their coordinates. However, their actions were finally noticed by the World Tree Civilization. Currently, batches of Blessed Race were searching for the expeditionary army of the three Universal Civilizations in the secondary dimensions.
However, this was inevitable. The main body of the World Tree was guarded by countless Blessed Race members. The closer the expeditionary army got to the main body, the easier it was to trigger the alarm. It was basically impossible to find the main body of the World Tree without alerting any guards. It was the same in his previous life. The team that spontaneously searched for the main body of the World Tree was chased all over the world by the Blessed Race of the World Tree. In the end, it was Harrison who was lucky enough to pass through the warning net.
"When is the Beyond Grade A Association planning to join the battle?" Simon asked.
"They can join the battle at any time, but not me." Han Xiao narrowed his eyes. "Before the World Tree sends out the Tree King again, I won't make a move."
His advancement to the Transcendent Grade was still a secret to the World Tree. He wanted to use this opportunity to launch a surprise attack and seal another Tree King. If he rashly appeared to fight the small fries, the Tree King would most likely be so scared that he would not dare to show his face.
Before luring out the Tree King, he did not want his cannon to kill mosquitoes.
No one had any objections. After discussing for a while, the meeting quickly ended and they went offline to prepare.
Han Xiao turned off the remote projection and looked back at the square of the training base. In front of him was a black mass of people. All the trainees were gathered there, looking at him eagerly.
"As you all know, the World Tree is about to invade. The training will end today. It's time for you to use what you've learned."
Han Xiao scanned everyone as he spoke.
After more than ten years of high-pressure training, coupled with his own guidance, a new batch of Beyond Grade As had been produced. The number was considerable, more than forty of them. Other than the exploration era, there had never been a period in history where Beyond Grade As were born so frequently.
Nearly half of them were members of the Black Star Corps. Jotina successfully advanced, Niao Tian had also stepped into the Beyond Grade A realm half a year ago, and even Lagi had successfully advanced.
Carrott had advanced to the Beyond Grade A realm a long time ago, but Han Xiao did not let him appear. He was still receiving special training and accumulating comprehension, trying to trigger the [Everlasting Martial Path] again and quickly soar to his peak combat strength.
The trainees were in an uproar for a while. Suddenly, as if they had agreed to it, they bowed to Han Xiao in unison.
Regardless of whether they had advanced to the Beyond Grade A realm or not, regardless of whether they were army members or not, everyone had a solemn expression and said in unison,
"Thank you, Your Excellency Black Star, for your ten years of guidance. We will remember this kindness in our hearts!"
Regardless of what Black Star's motive was, at least they knew how many benefits they had obtained in the past ten years. Their gratitude to Han Xiao came from the bottom of their hearts.
Han Xiao accepted it calmly and waved his hand. "Go report to the army."
Everyone bowed again and walked onto the spaceships that had long been prepared. They turned into streams of light and disappeared from everyone's sight.
This time, Kasuyi walked up from behind and sighed.
"I wonder how many of these Calamity Grade seeds will survive the next time we meet."
"We've given them a chance. They can't blame others for not being able to obtain the entrance ticket to the Sanctum in more than ten years."
Han Xiao shook his head.
Kasuyi nodded. "It's time for us to report. Remember to find Aurora. We don't feel confident if we don't see her."
"Got it."
Han Xiao nodded and watched as the Beyond Grade A Association members left.
In contrast, the Beyond Grade As were not that nervous. With Black Star's Sanctum Revival behind them, their lives were guaranteed.
After more than ten years of training, many Beyond Grade As had made some progress. Han Xiao would spar with them from time to time and obtain some abilities from some of them.
After sending everyone away, Han Xiao changed into the King and teleported to the Soul Terminal.
As soon as he arrived, Hella, Aurora, and Fu Ding, who were in seclusion, noticed him.
"You're here?"
Hella stopped absorbing the soul fragments, and an inexplicable aura rippled from her body.
"You've improved a lot over the years." Han Xiao looked at her with a satisfied expression.
The Soul Remnant Terminal was a great training ground for Hila and Feidin. After more than ten years of seclusion, Hila had successfully stepped into the peak Beyond Grade A realm, which could be considered a cheat-like speed in history. Her combat strength had greatly increased, and she firmly stepped into the top echelon.
Fu Ding had used the Soul Swapper to absorb an unknown amount of soul energy, and he had also reached the level of a high-stage Beyond Grade A Super.
As for Aurora, she was unable to use the resources of the Soul Terminal, but after receiving Hella's special training, her ability had also increased. Although she was not as strong as Hella and Fu Ding, it was still quite good.
"You're here to bring us back, right? Counting the days, the World Tree should be here soon." Hella's eyes flashed with fighting spirit. "I can finally meet the Tree King."
Han Xiao ignored this battle maniac and turned to Aurora. "You're our core member. Are you ready?"
"Don't worry, I won't fail this time!"
Aurora clenched her fists with a determined expression.
Although she still remembered that wet dream, she had already sworn that she would not fall for it again and cause huge casualties to her companions.
Han Xiao smiled and rubbed her head. He then looked at Fu Ding and nodded.
"You're already a high-stage Beyond Grade A. Using this power to activate the Soul Swapper is enough to deal a large amount of damage to the members of the World Tree. You have a lot of room to shine in this aspect."
The Soul Swapper was a weapon of mass destruction, and its power was not inferior to psionic waves. It was also a military treasure. When it was not convenient for him to attack, Fu Ding could replace him and deal a large amount of damage to the crew of countless fleets.
"I understand." Fu Ding stroked the mirror of the Soul Swapper and nodded.
Although he did not like killing, he would not show mercy to invaders like the World Tree.
Han Xiao gave everyone a few instructions, changed into another set of King, and teleported to the Underworld. He immediately saw Evans and EsGod, who was teaching him combat techniques.
As soon as he saw Han Xiao, Evans immediately stopped practicing and walked over.
Han Xiao did not exchange pleasantries and went straight to the point. "The World Tree is here. Come with me."
"Okay." Evans' heart skipped a beat, and he nodded.
EsGod walked over with his hands behind his back. Hearing this, he said, "Don't die on the battlefield. I'm still waiting for you to fulfill my dream. Although the Sanctum Revival is good, as long as you die once, your ability will be lost, and you will never be able to step into the Transcendent Grade. Don't blame me for giving up on you then."
"Don't worry, Teacher. I won't die so easily."
Evans replied solemnly, his tone filled with confidence.
As the saying went, having an old man at home was like having a treasure. EsGod had roamed the universe for many years and was extremely experienced. Under his teachings, Evans had already accumulated a lot of combat techniques.
When he had just advanced and obtained the [Energy Control] Esper Ability, Evans was at most an ordinary person with a gun. Now that he had received EsGod's guidance, he was like a soldier king who had completed all the elite special forces courses. He was proficient in all weapons, and his combat ability had increased by countless times.
After more than ten years of interaction, Evans had already treated EsGod as his teacher. Although EsGod did not admit it, he did not reject this title either.
"Follow me."
Han Xiao raised his brows and did not say anything else. He teleported away with Evans.
EsGod watched the two of them disappear with a faint smile on his face.
…
The three Universal Civilizations prepared for battle. Ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and the World Tree's vanguard finally arrived at the border of the Flickering World.
Just as the General Staff had expected, the World Tree invaded from different directions, but they were all within the range of the defense circle. Battles broke out in multiple areas at the same time.
In all the battlefields, the individual strength of both sides was restrained. The Beyond Grade As of the three Universal Civilizations had only probed a few times, but the World Tree Civilization had never sent out any Beyond Grade As to fight.
With the example of Heart Tree King, the World Tree was extremely wary of Black Star. They did not send out any Beyond Grade As in the first wave of probing attacks.
In the first clash after more than ten years, the three Universal Civilizations, who had been preparing for a long time, successfully dealt a heavy blow to the World Tree Army. They did not let the World Tree step into their territory, and the two sides were in a stalemate at the border of the Flickering World.
However, even though they had won a battle, the three Universal Civilizations were not happy at all. This was only the first wave of probing attacks, and the World Tree did not consume much of its troops. The situation was still grim.
Just as Han Xiao had said, the World Tree was prepared for a protracted battle. The first thing it did was to build bridgeheads outside the border of the Flickering World and station troops on a large scale, eyeing them covetously.
Because the World Tree had advanced all the way and controlled all the jump points, the three Universal Civilizations were currently unable to replicate the spacetime anchor orbit during the interception war. They could not chase the enemy away and could only defend their territory and endure the impact of the World Tree. This was the situation of the war in the future, and it was also a situation that the three Universal Civilizations were already mentally prepared for. They used the strategic depth of the entire explored universe to exchange for time.
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