“Hehe, the three Universal Civilizations have really done it now. Looks like they’ve made up their minds…”

In the guest meeting room of Black Star Palace, more than a dozen Beyond Grade As gathered and looked at the virtual screen on the wall of the room that was playing the news about the three Universal Civilizations’ announcement.

They were all looking worried except for Han Xiao, who was holding his chin and had a poker face.

Bang!

Someone suddenly slammed the table. The others looked over and saw Kant had a gloomy expression, and his fist was planted into the cracked table.

“Manison is forcing us to waste our one chance at the Sanctum Revival!”

The people present all had hostile expressions on their faces.

The two sides’ military forces had made frequent movements. These were all core members of the association invited by Han Xiao to gather in Black Star Palace.

At the start, they thought this was another trick played by the three Universal Civilizations, till Han Xiao briefly explained what had happened when Manison was attacked. They were shocked both by the fact that Manison really produced the Virtual Mutiny Virus and Manison leaking the lab records deliberately.

With the Sanctum Revival backing them up, they were not afraid of fighting. However, being willing to fight and being forced to fight were two different things.

Initially, after the three Universal Civilizations invaded Manison’s database, the association standing up for him would be normal. However, with the Virtual Mutiny Virus’ appearance, the nature of the matter changed. The association became the side in the wrong. Furthermore, Manison most likely did it on purpose to drag them down.

At this time, they were all very unhappy with old Manison. After all, there was only one chance to use the Sanctum Revival, and no one wanted to use it too early.

“Black Star, what are we going to do? The three Universal Civilizations brought this matter up. Will the association still back Manison up?” Kasuyi asked. He did not react much to it as Han Xiao had told him long ago.

Han Xiao rubbed his chin and said with a deep voice, “Based on my speculation, after the three Universal Civilizations found out about the Virtual Mutiny Virus’ existence, there were a few possible paths they’d take, and what they’re doing now is one of them. After announcing it to the galactic civilization, they sent an army to surround the Mechanical Race’s territory, threatening and trying to force Manison to give up the technology.

“If the association backs the Mechanic Emperor up and holds onto the virus technology, the three Universal Civilizations will only have to push the public opinion slightly, and the neutral image and reputation the association has built will collapse instantly. At the same time, an all-out war might erupt, and the three Universal Civilizations are probably ready for it.”

“How about we give up Manison?” someone asked. “The situation is different now. I believe most members understand. After all, we really had no idea about the Virtual Mutiny Virus. The Mechanic Emperor did it on his own, so it’s not our concern.”

Han Xiao shook his head and said, “The three Universal Civilizations have already shifted the public opinion against us. They created a sense of fantasy and fanaticism the Supers have in us. At this point in time, if we back off like this, even if it is sensible and logical, it’ll mean we have lowered our heads to the three Universal Civilizations. We’ll very likely lose our special guiding position among the Supers, which will be very difficult to regain in the future… To the three Universal Civilizations, eradicating the Supers’ admiration and fantasy for the association will be a good result.”

“Is the association really going to take the blame for Manison? Why not insist that this is the three Universal Civilizations framing us and is nothing but a lie, or could we say they were the ones who created it first and Manison only stole it?” Sun Hunter widened his eyes.

Han Xiao cut him off and said, “They have a ton of evidence in their hands. It’ll be tough to push it back to them, and it might make our situation even worse. Also don’t forget, in many people’s eyes, the civilizations can touch some things, but civilian organizations can’t. Even if we claim the three Universal Civilizations created it first, they don’t have to explain much. Plus, they can totally say that if not because the Mechanic Emperor had ulterior motives, why would he have stolen this technology? It’s too easy to find such reasons.”

Then, he paused before continuing. “The moment the Mechanic Emperor gave them this leverage, we were already in a dilemma. At this point, the matter has exceeded the verbal argument stage, and the public opinion is only an add-on. Either they step back, or we do; there’s no way any of us can dodge the core of the issue by playing tricks. It all depends on if we protect Manison or not, or if we give them the technology… I’ll say this, we are going to protect Manison, and we are also not going to give up the technology to them. At most, we’ll make what we do sound better in words.”

They exchanged looks.

“What do we need to do now?”

“I’ve already spoken to Manison about sending your troops in the Primeval Star River to the Mechanical Race territory to form a line of defense, stopping the three Universal Civilizations’ joint fleet. As for yourselves, stay here for now. I’ll go to the Primeval Star River with the King. If a fight breaks out, then I’ll bring you guys over to help.” Han Xiao shook his head.

Hearing this, the others had nothing to say and left the room with a lot of things on their minds. They needed some time to digest the sudden changes.

Han Xiao leaned back in his chair, took out his communicator, and looked at what was going on online. The terror of the Virtual Mutiny Virus was carved deep in everyone’s heart. The entire galactic society was in a panic. Almost all the messages were scolding Manison for how ambitious he was and how what he did threatened the universe once again.

After the virus incident, Manison’s reputation had been poor. His goal of developing this technology was clearly to weaponize it. Almost all galactic residents were terrified and furious.

Even Han Xiao was dragged into it. His act of destroying the virus core was doubted by countless people. Many people felt that if Black Star still had the same mindset as before, he should once again destroy or give the virus technology to the three Universal Civilizations. Otherwise, what he did back then might be an act of destroying the technology on the surface to avoid the three Universal Civilizations’ attention while working with Manison behind the curtains. “Tsk…”

Han Xiao curled his lips and did not say anything. He then closed the tabs and called Manison.

Very soon, Manison appeared on the screen.

“Black Star, when will you be coming?” Manison cut to the chase.

“Wait for a while.” Han Xiao said with a poker face, “Are you really not going to migrate the Mechanical Race?”

“No, leave them be.” Manison was unconcerned.

“… Wait for me to go over then.”

Han Xiao did not want to say anything else to Manison. He ended the call, stood up, and left the room.

Over the next few days, the explored universe remained stormy. The three Universal Civilizations’ joint fleet advanced toward the Mechanical Race’ territory without hiding their movements at all, while the troops the association had in the Primeval Star River also started to gather around the Mechanical Race’s territory.

Fleets from Beyond Grade A organizations were stationed at half a day’s distance from the Mechanical Race territory around it, forming a spherical defense formation, and blocked all routes toward the Mechanical Race territory, allowing no one to pass. They did not hide their intention. They were clearly blocking the three Universal Civilizations’ joint fleet’s path.

At the same time, responding to the three Universal Civilizations’ announcement, the association also made an announcement to the galactic society.

“The association did not know about the Mechanic Emperor developing the Virtual Mutiny Virus before this and is now investigating it. As everyone knows, solving conflicts between Beyond Grade As and restraining the actions of Beyond Grade As are the purpose of the association’s founding. If the Mechanic Emperor is found to possess the Virtual Mutiny Virus technology, the association will certainly take actions and ensure this technology won’t damage the order of the galactic society.

“However, the association won’t interfere with one’s freedom to research and grow, nor does it agree with how all dangerous technology must be controlled by the three Universal Civilizations. If the Mechanic Emperor does indeed possess this dangerous technology, the association will restrain him and tell him to seal this technology up and never use it, ensuring the safety of the galactic society all the same.

“Also, the association strongly opposes the military actions the three Universal Civilizations are currently taking against Manison’s people. This is an immoral act. The association hopes the three Universal Civilizations will remove their troops immediately and not escalate the issue. When the association completes the investigation, it will give the galactic society an answer. There’s no need for the three Universal Civilizations to interfere.”

As soon as this announcement was made, it shocked the galactic society once again.

Many people originally thought the association would back away this time for sure; they did not expect them to be this firm.

Although the Beyond Grade A Association said that they were investigating, their attitude of not backing down was clear. They directly expressed the fact that this was an internal matter, and they would not let the three Universal Civilizations interfere. Plus, their point was sensible…

The three Universal Civilizations can monitor things, so can we.

The galactic residents trusted the three Universal Civilizations more, but since the association claimed to ensure that the galactic society would not be damaged, though many had doubts, as onlookers who knew nothing about the truth, they could not accuse the association of having ulterior motives.

After all, the Beyond Grade A Association was no ordinary civilian organization, it had a certain authority. At the same time, the outside world could not find out if Manison’s personal research was done with the association’s support. Therefore, at least the reason the association gave made sense… As for whether their monitoring would really work, words could not prove it.

The Super Star Cluster Alliance that was watching earlier jumped out again at the sight of opportunity, supporting the association’s decision. They questioned on what grounds could one guarantee that giving the technology to the three Universal Civilizations would be safe and that it was just an excuse to rob the technology from others.

It was not weird for them to do this. The Super Star Cluster Alliance was probably the last group that wanted to see the three Universal Civilizations have the Virtual Mutiny Virus technology. If not because they were not in the position to, they would have suggested to be the third party to ‘monitor’ this technology.

To countless galactic residents, the situation of the world changed way too rapidly. It felt like only yesterday when everything was peaceful, and suddenly, a war was about to break out.

When the intense atmosphere spread throughout the entire universe, the joint fleet of the three Universal Civilizations finally came into contact with the defense circle the Beyond Grade A Association had built up around the Mechanical Race territory.

Inside the bright night sky, the enormous joint fleet slowly advanced. The exterior defense circle outside the Mechanical Race’s territory was already in sight. The defense circle was formed by fleets, temporary fortresses, and portable satellite bases. From one look, it appeared to extend infinitely. Psionic protective shields were set up in a formation and formed an enormous protective shield, extending all the way out like a wall made of energy, dividing the two areas.

Inside the main fleet’s command room, Fleet Commander Simon Tagman stood in front of the porthole and stared closely at the defense circle that was getting closer.

He was a high-level military commander of the Federation of Light who was appointed as the main commander of this joint fleet.

The aide-de-camp looked at the radar and whispered, “Commander Simon, we’ve already reached their defense circle. They’re blocking the way. Should we stop?”

Without even turning around, Simon calmly said, “What’s the order?”

“Surround the Mechanical Race’s territory.”

“Is this the Mechanical Race’s territory?” Simon asked.

“N-no…”

“Then why stop?”

“Understood!” The aide-de-camp took a deep breath and ordered in the communication channel with a deep voice, “All ships, continue to advance and get ready for battle. If anyone tries to stop us, fire at will!” The order was quickly passed down. Cannon barrels extended from the battleships of the joint fleet and aimed forward, ready to fire any time.

The front of the joint fleet gradually entered the attack range of the defense circle. The distance between the two sides kept reducing, and the atmosphere kept becoming more and more intense. Almost every crew member held their breath.

Ding!

At this time, a remote projection suddenly appeared in the command room. It was a military officer of the combat command department.

“Order from above, all fleets stop advancing immediately.”

“Stop.” Simon raised his hand.

The aide-de-camp immediately passed the order down.

Very soon, the joint fleet slowly stopped only a short distance from the defense circle. The battleships at the front could almost see the crews of the other side through the portholes.

Seeing this, the atmosphere in the command room relaxed a little. Everyone was relieved.

Seemingly not surprised at all, Simon looked at the remote projection of the military officer and asked, “Any other orders from above?”

“… Spread out, surround them, and standby. Wait for the results of the negotiation.”

In the Mechanical Race’s territory, Manison’s Lord’s Avatar looked at the remote surveillance screen and smiled.

“You guessed right. The three Universal Civilizations are not willing to start a war right away.”

Han Xiao sat opposite him with his eyes narrowed and casually replied, “The three Universal Civilizations definitely did not send a fleet so openly here to start a fight. If they really wanted to attack the Mechanical Race territory, they would have used the Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device long ago. Plus, your original isn’t here, so attacking the Mechanical Race won’t do much. This should be their last test.”

This had already become the center of the storm, and the attention of the entire universe was focusing on the situation here. He had arrived not long ago. He and Manison were the only Beyond Grade As there at the moment.

“Although they’ve made up their minds, they’re sadly not decisive enough.” Manison shook his head.

Han Xiao glanced at him and said, “Things have become like this because of you. Don’t you have anything to say?”.

“… What are you trying to say? You want to get off the boat now?” Manison paused.

“Nothing, but now that I’m backing you up, at least act like the one who’s being helped.”

“Humph, what a strange thing to say. Do you like to see me put down my pride that much?” Manison was not in a bad mood now, so he did not mind it. “Alright, help me settle this matter, please.”

Han Xiao’s eyes moved subtly and glanced at the interface. He then grinned faintly for a short instant.

He slowly stood up.

“Let’s go. It’s time for me to meet my old boss.”