The metal bulkhead of the battleship was covered in ridges and holes, with exposed energy lines sparking uncontrollably. The cabin resembled a scene from a fierce battle—flames crackling inside, and the ground was littered with the charred remains of crew members. A group of warriors in full body armor surveyed the bodies, firing energy guns whenever they found a survivor. The killed crew were all Rock Sprites, an older race with rough, tawny skin, standing around three meters tall, and covered in coarse hair. Though made of flesh and blood, they had naturally rock-hard skin and excelled at uncovering rare ores. With their metal resources, they were a relatively powerful star system-level civilization in the Sea of Star Spirits. The uniforms of all crew members bore the symbol of their civilization, confirming this was a regular unit under their official government. Yet, it had been attacked and the entire crew annihilated. At the far end of the battleship stood a massive metallic warehouse door. The leader of the attackers stood before it, using a specialized tool to crack the code. The disc-shaped device was pressed against the door’s control panel, and a high-pitched beep echoed.
Buzz!
The door swung open with a loud creak. The leader strode inside and saw hundreds of Evolutionary Totems neatly arranged in the warehouse.
"We’ve secured the goods. Clean up and deliver them." The men nodded, satisfied, and led their subordinates over.
The Rock Sprites had purchased a batch of Evolutionary Totems from the Black Star Army. When this news leaked, their attackers had set an ambush to steal these Totems. To infiltrate and clear out the guards of a star system-level civilization so easily... it was clearly not a small bandit group. These attackers were also interstellar mercenaries, but their modus operandi differed. Mercenaries were categorized into three types: registered ones under the Mercenary Alliance (like the Black Star Army), independent operators, and black market mercenaries.
‘Black Jobs’ referred to criminal operations violating interstellar law, typically posted only on the black market. These included looting, kidnapping, and assassinating officials. Black market mercenaries were usually criminals—many originally on wanted lists. This group belonged to a top black market mercenary organization, the Blood Gold Organization. The Blood Gold Organization operated around the Sea of Star Spirits, Ancient Star Desert, and Primeval Star River, with their members’ identities, ships, and bases kept secret. Their actions were low-key, making their exact size a mystery, but it was obvious they were a gigantic force to conduct business across three star fields. At the same time, the Blood Gold Organization ranked high in the black market hierarchy. Wherever there was trade control, black markets would emerge, breeding into vast networks. Different levels existed within the black market, categorized by region and business scope—from planetary to star system-level and finally galactic. The highest level black market dominated all others. And this top-tier black market knew how to make a fortune—or else they wouldn’t have named themselves the ‘galactic black market’. Those unfamiliar might still think it was just a term, but it was an actual organization. Of course, not all black market operations followed the galactic black market’s hierarchy, like how some gang leaders didn’t acknowledge a central kingpin. The galactic black market was colossal, covering the entire universe. It served as a communication hub for underground societies. However, not all criminals existed for evil; many were simply in it for profit, requiring order and credibility. Hence, administrators emerged, representing mercenaries, intelligence agencies, smuggling trades, and other gray industries. The Blood Gold Organization was one of these administrators, equivalent to a tyrant in the underworld. The Fallen Ark was not an administrator, as the galactic black market’s rulers typically fell under Lawful Evil. They also disliked EsGod, a Chaotic Evil faction. While both were criminals, they did not align. After Fallen Ark collapsed, the Blood Gold Organization absorbed many of its criminals, helping them reintegrate. An officer approached the leader, eyeing the crew carrying away the Totems. "The price of Evolutionary Totems on the black market is sky-high now. As far as I know, several civilizations are secretly buying them. How much do you think we can get for this batch?" "Don’t even think about it. This is our employer’s order—we just need to deliver. To think of hoarding the goods... are you losing your mind?" The leader shook his head. After a year and a half of operations, the Evolutionary Totems’ market had stabilized. Some civilizations dependent on the Federation of Light or the Arcane Church couldn’t deal with the Crimson Dynasty directly and began purchasing now. No one had forgotten the Black Star Army’s battle records a year and a half ago, so stealing from them was too risky. They focused on other organizations transporting Totems, targeting civilizations willing to pay. This violated Galactic Laws, so the Blood Gold Organization—a key player in the black market—was uniquely positioned. The Evolutionary Totems were nearly priceless on the black market and always in short supply. After stealing the Totems from the Rock Sprites, they destroyed the spaceship entirely before departing. Such incidents had occurred frequently in recent months across the universe. ...
"Another buyer got robbed halfway?"
In his office at the Black Star Army headquarters, Han Xiao closed the player forums, studying Sylvia’s long-distance projection with a frown. "Thirteen star system civilizations have been robbed. Thousands of Evolutionary Totems now flood the black market. Where did this happen?"
"In the Sea of Star Spirits. The perpetrators’ identities are unknown, but preliminary analysis suggests they’re connected to past attacks."
Han Xiao stroked his chin. "Monitor the black market. If Evolutionary Totems disappear for a while, it’s likely the black market mercenaries’ handiwork. They usually deliver quickly."
"Teacher, do we need to intervene?"
"No need. I’m not in charge of after-sales. Whether they protect their purchases is their problem... though if they hire my mechanical troops, things could change." Han Xiao waved his hand. "What’s the Rock Sprites’ response?"
"They’re hoping you’ll send another batch."
"Send? Not buy?"
"Correct. They know Evolutionary Totems have low base costs and refuse to buy more at inflated prices. They want you to gift them a batch. You’ve known their directness before." Sylvia helplessly sighed.
"Tell them I don’t run an insurance business. If they want to buy, they can purchase another batch. There’s no such thing as a replacement batch. This is a matter of principle."
Han Xiao shook his head. If he agreed, who knew if some civilization would resort to ‘self-theft’ to get a replacement? He wouldn’t risk it. This kind of unpredictability was hard to manage. He didn’t mind Totems being stolen—the more they were robbed, the more he’d sell, easing market pressure. He wasn’t losing money anyway. The only issue would be the dynasty, not him. As long as it didn’t escalate to the Black Star Army, he didn’t care.
Sylvia understood. Over the past year and a half, the Black Star Army had stabilized operations, expanded influence, and refined their business model. His style of doing things had become akin to a mechanic—staying behind the scenes to build machinery while his mechanical army handled looting missions for random rewards, using them to earn Mission Completion Cards. His experience reserves had slowly accumulated, and part of his Potential Points went into upgrading his Ultimate Knowledges. During this period, he gained his fifth Ultimate Knowledge, [Ultimate Mechanical Engineering], from the Dynasty for 6,000 Contribution Points.
This knowledge focused on machinery manufacturing, greatly enhancing production efficiency and line capacity. He also unlocked the talent [Ultimate Manufacturer], boosting base performance by 25–30% and production speed by 300–500%. As for [Inspirational Creation], an inactive ability requiring max-level 5 for [Ultimate Mechanical Engineering], it allowed unlimited blueprint combinations for refinement. While not directly useful for Han, it was irreplaceable for synthesizing Universal Treasure blueprints. One could focus on attack, defense, or other aspects, creating more stable blueprints than random ones. Leveling up this ability required vast experience—a mountain of it. For players unable to manually refine blueprints, this ability acted like magic. However, Han could refine blueprints himself, making this skill less critical but still valuable.
Currently, Han Xiao had two Universal Treasures but definitely wouldn’t complain about more. Synthesizing them wasn’t easy, as even identical blueprints yielded different results due to randomization. In his past life, some players had created Universal Treasure blueprints, but two issues limited this: opacity in combinations and the high entry requirement (only available to Beyond Grade A). Most players couldn’t even meet the prerequisites. Thus, Han Xiao temporarily set aside [Inspirational Creation]. To reach max-level 5 for [Ultimate Mechanical Engineering], he needed too many Potential Points, and he reserved some for version upgrades. He dared not waste experience.
...
The overall situation in the Gulal Civil War had stabilized, and they were progressing step by step. No issues arose during the process as the Pioneer Party approached victory. However, players’ attention had shifted to the Pro League. With more players, this version’s Pro League gained popularity, attracting significant interest. The schedule had been fine-tuned: heats and qualifiers started earlier, allowing more participation and time for wildcard selections and regular season lineups.
Han Xiao watched qualifiers via the forums, appreciating the players’ absurd antics and idiocy. Official matches included three formats: Capture the Flag (free-for-all with infinite respawns), team dungeon challenges, and survival battles (referred to as ‘holding pee the longest’ by players in his past life). The Pro League aimed to boost competitiveness and engagement. Adding dungeon battles attracted more PVE players. The rules were stricter, with a ‘Prohibited Items List’—and the [Black Star Army Badge: Evolution] topped the list!
Black Star Army players didn’t care much—everyone in their faction used it—but other clubs heaved a sigh of relief. This equipment was too overpowered; if the Shattered Star Ring all had one, they’d just surrender outright! However, Han Xiao didn’t think this was the reason. He believed it was because the badge’s appearance was too ‘aberrant’ and might scare off potential users... If one was ugly, they’d have no rights. What an accurate saying!
The metal bulkhead of the battleship was full of ridges and holes, and its exposed energy lines were badly damaged, constantly sputtering sparks. The cabin looked like it had experienced a fierce battle, where flames crackled and raged inside, and the ground was covered in the broken bodies of the crew members.
A group of warriors wearing full body armor carried energy guns around to examine the bodies, and whenever they found a survivor, they would fire.
The killed crew were all Rock Sprites, an older race with rough, tawny skin, an average height of about three meters, and covered in hair. Although they were made up of flesh and blood, they had naturally rock-solid skin and were good at uncovering rare ores. With their metal resources, they were a relatively powerful star system level civilization in the Sea of Star Spirits.
The uniforms of all the crew members had the symbol of their civilization, proving that this was a regular unit belonging to their official civilization. Yet, it was attacked, and the entire crew was annihilated.
At the very end of this battleship was a huge metallic warehouse door, and at this moment, the leader of the attackers stood in front of the closed warehouse door and took out a specialized tool to crack the code. The disc-shaped device was pressed on the operation panel of the door, and a high-frequency beep sounded.
Buzz!
The next instant, the door rang loudly and released its locks, slowly swinging open.
The leader strode in and saw hundreds of Evolutionary Totems neatly arranged in the warehouse.
“We’ve got the goods. Clean up and bring them back.”
The people nodded in satisfaction, waving their hands as they brought their subordinates over.
The Rock Sprites had purchased a batch of Evolutionary Totems from the Black Star Army, and when this news was leaked, their attackers set an ambush, with the goal of snatching these Evolutionary Totems.
To be able to clear out the guards of a star system level civilization so easily... it was obviously not a small bandit group.
These attackers were also interstellar mercenaries, but their nature was different. Mercenaries were separated into three types: regular mercenaries registered under the Mercenary Alliance, such as the Black Star Army; independent mercenaries, who are not registered; and the last belonged to black market mercenaries, who worked to supply the galactic black market.
‘Black Jobs’ referred to criminal jobs that violated interstellar law, and these were normally posted only on the black market. They included looting, kidnapping, and assassination of officials. Black market mercenaries were usually criminals... In fact, the majority of people in the industry were originally wanted criminals.
This group of attackers belonged to a black market mercenary group that was one of the top organizations in the black market—the Blood Gold Organization.
The Blood Gold Organization was a black market mercenary group that operated around the Sea of Star Spirits, Ancient Star Desert, and Primeval Star River, and the whereabouts of its members, spaceships, and bases were kept secret. Their style of action was also low-key, which led to their exact size being a secret, but it was obviously a behemoth to be able to conduct business in three different star fields.
At the same time, the Blood Gold Organization was also one of the upper echelons in the black market.
Wherever there were controls for trade, there would exist black markets, which would continue to breed and eventually form a huge chain.
There were also different levels within a black market, distinguished by one’s region and business scope. From planetary level to star systems to star fields, slowly increasing in scope until the highest level, which was the galactic black market that practically dominated all other black markets.
And this black market of the highest level knew how to make a fortune, or else they would not have given themselves the name ‘galactic black market’. Those who did not do this might still think it was a term and not an actual organization.
Of course, not all independent black markets followed under the orders of the galactic black market, just like how some hooligans did not know who the kingpin of their underworld was.
The galactic black market was humongous, and its business covered the entire universe. There were always some civilizations that wished to obtain certain restricted technology and would turn to the black market. Thus, everyone turned a blind eye to its actions, which acted as a cover for it. The galactic black market also acted as a communication platform for a huge underworld society.
However, not all criminals existed for the sake of being evil; a large number were only in it for the benefits, so they also required order and credibility, and they required someone to formulate rules for them. Therefore, the administrators of the galactic black market came into being, with representatives from the mercenaries, intelligence organizations, smuggling trades, contraband production, and other gray industries.
The Blood Gold Organization was one of the administrators of the black market, and they were equivalent to one of the tyrants of the underworld.
The Fallen Ark was not an administrator of the black market, as the administrators typically fell on the Lawful Evil side. They also disliked EsGod, who was a Chaotic Evil. While both of them were criminal forces, they did not belong on the same side. After Fallen Ark fell apart, the Blood Gold Organization accepted a large number of criminals and helped them achieve re-employment.
An officer came to the side of the leader, and watching his subordinates carry away the Evolutionary Totems, he could not help but smirk.
“The price of the Evolutionary Totem on the black market is extremely high now. As far as I know, there are many civilizations that are secretly purchasing. How much do you think we can get if we swallow this batch?”
“Don’t even think about it. This is what our employer wants, and our job is to deliver it. To think of swallowing the goods, are you thinking that you’ve lived too long?” The leader shook his head.
After a year and a half of sales, the business of the Evolutionary Totem had basically stabilized. Some civilizations that relied on the Federation of Light as well as the Arcane Church could not have a relationship with the Crimson Dynasty, and so, they could only start moving now.
No one had forgotten Black Star’s battle records a year and a half ago, so the difficulty of stealing from the Black Star Army’s spaceships was too high. As such, they aimed at the other organizations that transported the Evolutionary Totems, focusing on the civilizations that purchased them.
Because this violated Galaxy’s laws, the black market mercenaries represented by the Blood Gold Organization now came in handy. The Evolutionary Totem was near priceless on the black market and always in short supply.
After stealing the Evolutionary Totems from the Rock Sprites, they destroyed the spaceship completely before they left.
In recent months, such scenes had taken place many times in various corners of the universe.
...
“Another buyer got robbed midway?”
Within his office in the Black Star Army headquarters, Han Xiao closed the player forums, looking at Sylvia’s long-distance projection as he frowned.
“Yes, if we count the Rock Sprites, then there are already thirteen star system civilizations that have been robbed. Thousands of Evolutionary Totems have now appeared on the black market.”
“Where did this happen?”
“Sea of Star Spirits. The identity of the robbers is unknown, and preliminary judgment points toward it being under the same organizations as the previous few.”
Han Xiao stroked his chin. “Pay attention to the black market. If there are no Evolutionary Totems on the black market for some time, it should be the black market mercenaries. They usually hand things over to their employers.”
“Teacher, do we need to deal with this problem?”
“No need to care. I’m not in charge of after-sales. Whether they can protect what they bought, it is not my problem... of course, if they choose to hire my machinery troops, then it would be a different problem.” Han Xiao waved his hand. “What did the Rock Sprite tribe say?”
“They’re hoping that you’ll give him another batch?”
“Give? Not buy?”
“That’s right. They know that the Evolutionary Totem has a low base cost, and they are unwilling to buy another batch at high costs, so they hope you can send them a batch. You also know that the Rock Sprites are direct with their words.” Sylvia helplessly shrugged.
“Tell them that I don’t run an insurance business. If they want to buy, they can buy another batch. There’s no such thing as a replacement batch. This is a matter of principles.”
Han Xiao shook his head. If he agreed to this, who knew if some civilization would choose the method of ‘robbing oneself’ to obtain a replacement. He would not do anything that would bring him a loss.
This sort of thing was hard to predict. There might be civilizations privately reaching agreements with other civilizations who were not close to the dynasty, indirectly helping them to purchase these Evolutionary Totems.
Moreover, Han Xiao did not mind the Evolutionary Totems being stolen. The more they were robbed, the more he would sell, and a larger market would help to ease the pressure off him. He was not losing money at this rate anyway.
The only problem would be the dynasty, not him. As long as it did not reach the Black Star Army side, he did not really care.
“Understood, I’ll relay the message to them.” Sylvia then switched off the projection.
Han Xiao spat out a sigh, leaning back in his chair as he pondered.
In the past year and a half, the Black Star Army had gradually stabilized and consolidated their businesses and operations. They had been developing well. His style of doing things was finally akin to a mechanic. He stayed at home to build machinery and expand his legion while his mechanical army went around to hoard missions for random rewards, using them to draw his Mission Completion Cards.
His experience reserve had also slowly accumulated, and a part of his accumulated Potential Points were used to upgrade his Ultimate Knowledges. During this period, he got his fifth Ultimate Knowledge, [Ultimate Mechanical Engineering], from the Dynasty for six thousand Contribution Points.
This knowledge was related to the manufacturing of machinery, greatly improving one’s manufacturing technology and production line capacity. He also unlocked a large number of blueprints, giving him the talent of [Ultimate Manufacturer] as well as an ability [Inspirational Creation].
[Ultimate Manufacturer]’s effect was simple and practical, increasing the base performance of his machinery by 25 – 30%, as well as his production speed by 300 – 500%. Obviously, this was the talent needed for creating an explosive number of soldiers.
As for [Inspirational Creation], it was an inactive ability. The activation condition was for [Ultimate Mechanical Engineering] to achieve the max level of five. Its effect was to combine an unlimited number of blueprints in any combination to undergo Blueprint Refinement, creating new improved or merged blueprints. One could also choose advanced settings such as focusing on certain aspects such as attack or defense, which was more stable than random blueprints.
Levelling up this ability just needed experience... an ocean worth of experience.
For players who were unable to change their blueprints manually, this skill was akin to magic, but Han Xiao could improve his own blueprints, so this skill was not very useful. However, it was not completely worthless, as it had an irreplaceable role.
[Inspirational Creation] had a slight chance to synthesize the blueprints of Universal Treasures and was the only way for a Mechanic to create Gold Equipment!
Right now, Han Xiao possessed two Universal Treasures, but he would definitely not complain about having more. It was just that synthesizing a Universal Treasure was not that easy, as it was not like gambling for blueprints. There was no fixed combination, and even if two people combined the same blueprints, the synthesized final blueprint would still be different due to randomization.
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