Many star-sector governors were waiting, closely monitoring the situation. When they saw Governor Hanson return with a smile, everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing the matter was likely settled, though they still wanted confirmation.
"How did the discussion go?"
"Did Inspector Envoy Andrew Han agree?"
"This welcome banquet will have every star-sector governor attending. I can't even remember how many years it's been since we've all gathered together."
Hundreds of split virtual screens flickered as the governors sighed and spoke one after another.
In truth, there was no need to ask in detail. None of the governors present were fools; after countless years, their ability to read expressions was unmatched. By observing Hanson's demeanor, they could already guess the outcome.
Sure enough, Hanson smiled and said, "The Inspector Envoy has agreed."
This was a temporary virtual meeting convened through the interstellar network. A pitch-black long table sat in the center, surrounded by governors—some were ordinary Commonline Humans, others were special-type Humans with wings or three heads and six arms. Hanson was among them, seated with a gentle smile, appearing rather inconspicuous.
It felt like an illusory space designed to accommodate everyone.
Soft halos dotted the surface of the black table, scattered glimmers like stars at night, reflecting the varied expressions of the governors present.
"This is truly a good thing."
Hanson smiled, tapping the table lightly. "No matter how lofty the Inspector Envoy's status, facing all the governors together must be daunting."
His voice carried far, echoing through the virtual conference room.
"Hmph."
Someone shook their head and snorted, "Don't forget where Andrew Han comes from, and what his status is."
Inspector Envoys were one thing, but Andrew Han was also respected as a Human Heaven-King, possibly watched by Archaic Hall itself—no one would dare make a move lightly.
"Make a move?"
Hanson widened his eyes. "I've never considered making a move—everything can be negotiated. Besides, the Awakened Beasts Race, a third-rate life race, was collectively expelled just because Andrew Han was attacked in their territory. I don't know the details, but you must have heard about it."
The Awakened Beasts Race once occupied the border between the South-Sage Ancient Kingdom and the Shen-Huang Ancient Kingdom. Now, they're likely adrift in the darkest reaches of the starry sky.
"Hiss!"
Countless people drew sharp breaths.
Hearing Hanson speak in a low voice, everyone present was shaken, their faces changing color. "Is this true? Did this really happen?"
The Human Territory is vast, so it's inevitable that some regions are cut off from news. Information gaps—disparities in what people know—are common.
Moreover—
The Awakened Beasts Race is a subordinate race and so far away—who would pay special attention to matters outside the Ancient Kingdoms? Even just handling a single Ancient Kingdom or the Mory Sector keeps one busy enough.
"It's true."
Hanson's expression grew solemn, his voice heavy.
He was both reminding and warning, subtly advising certain people not to confront Andrew Han head-on. The loss of a governor is just an Ancient Kingdom's problem, but if Andrew Han suffers harm, it's a loss for Archaic Hall and even the entire Human Race. If Archaic Hall is enraged, what does a governor count for?
"This..."
Everyone couldn't help but look at each other.
Archaic Hall's expulsion of the Awakened Beasts Race was like thunder out of a clear sky, leaving the governors present speechless with shock.
That was a whole life race—a third-rate race with many Eternal powerhouses. Compared to them, star-sector governors were far less significant.
——
Time flew by. Six days later, the Mory Sector hosted a grand banquet—though it was kept relatively secret, not publicly announced.
After Andrew Han finished his daily affairs, he discussed many times with his disciple Finch Huang and decided to rebuild the Green Mountain Sect's new mountain gate directly in the Grand Epoch Sect Zone. He then set out, also contacting several Sector Guardians along the way.
At the same time—
Governors from every major star sector also set out, departing from all corners of the starry sky. Each arrived on time, gathering on a temporary pure-white crystal island, all waiting for Andrew Han to arrive.
The White Crystal Island radiated mysterious harmonics, floating in the dark vacuum near the Law-Enforcement Pavilion. Although temporary, its luxurious and dignified aura was undiminished. The island was vast, with endless crystal palaces rising in succession, their bizarre designs and interconnected structures all highlighting the splendor of the central black palace, which soared tens of thousands of kilometers high.
The most dazzling, extravagant palace of all.
Starlight shimmered in the sky; distant stars gleamed. The palace's surface refracted countless colors, like a brilliant kaleidoscope.
"Has he arrived?"
"The Inspector Envoy must be arriving soon." More than a thousand governors from the Mory Sector waited at the grand palace's main entrance.
Through the entrance, one could vaguely see a vast glass round table, seemingly carved from ancient celestial jade. The table spanned over ten thousand meters in diameter, laden with fine wines and delicacies.
The array of colorful dishes stretched imagination to its limits, each like a precious treasure, radiating fragrance and a soft glow.
Beyond the food, there were also thousands of beautiful women—some alluring and seductive, others gentle and pure, most of them Commonline Humans, since Andrew Han himself was Commonline Human. Even the special-type Humans—those with white wings or striking features—had to possess some unique trait to be selected.
Their attire was equally varied and extravagant.
Some wore revealing, provocative outfits; others were dressed in elegant, cheongsam-like garments.
"I wonder what that lord looks like."
"Appearance doesn't matter—as long as he's a man, haha. Even the high-and-mighty governors are eager to please him, promising us all kinds of benefits. That lord must be truly unattainable. If he takes notice, we'd never have to worry for the rest of our lives."
"That's true, but with that flashy outfit of yours, you've got no chance."
"Hmph."
"We'll see whose skills win out."
The gazes of countless maids met in midair, each harboring her own thoughts. Though there were no blades or swords, their silent rivalry crackled like electricity, nearly sparking in the air.
Outside the palace, a few governors glanced back and surveyed the scene for a moment.
Satisfaction flickered in their eyes.
Looking out across the scene—
Splendid scenery, exquisite food, beautiful company—everything was prepared to perfection.
"Such grandeur should be enough."
"Let's hope Andrew Han knows how to read the situation. No matter how high his status, he should understand the art of compromise—Ancient Kingdom politics is all about compromise." Hanson, dressed in purple robes with a square face, muttered quietly as he gazed into the distant starry sky.
Moments later—