Chen Gu maintained a consistently calm demeanor, but when he heard "Celestial Number 00-00," he skillfully wore a slightly mocking expression, just like senior Rainbow.
Then, he quietly listened as the elder spoke about the origins of this initial-number artifact, and afterward, a nearly certain guess formed in his mind: "Four Hundred People's Past" is Celestial Number 00-00 artifact.
Everything's inception; no wonder it allowed him to virtually use any profession.
Rainbow couldn't hold back and asked, "What did you see to confirm this artifact's existence?"
This was also what everyone else present was most concerned about.
Nie He, with a solemn face, slowly said, "I saw an omnipotent Mutant!"
"That Mutant could almost perform all occupational skills, something I had never seen before. According to past theories, such a Mutant should not exist at all."
"It was treated as a creature with a similar threat as a super lifeform, hence why I was invited, along with another Ninth Power Level and two Eighth Energy Levels, to eliminate it."
"This prey was very tricky; it took us ten days to finally kill it completely, but both Eighth Energy Levels were seriously injured, their mental purity levels dropped to a dangerously low standard, then immediately got restricted by the Ninth Power Level to return for self-purification."
"Though the Mutant was dead, it polluted an entire star region!"
"And yet, the client retained me. They revealed this secret to me: this Mutant likely morphed due to contacting [Celestial Number 00-00]. They offered substantial compensation for me to recover this artifact."
"They gave me some clues; the artifact's appearance is like a magic cube but it's not always in the activated state."
"They are a group of incredibly influential figures who have been tracking this artifact for a long time and made reasonable assumptions about some of its traits: it likely has a dormant cycle."
"During dormancy, it appears like an ordinary toy but possesses the trait of [indestructibility]. When awakened, it releases power, and the Mutant must have coincidentally stumbled upon its power release moment."
"Afterward, this initial artifact presumably fell back into slumber, no longer posing any danger."
"Based on the intel they provided, I tracked it down and discovered this artifact was treated as trash sent to the waste processing facility, then underwent waste recycling, classified as a toy, and eventually ended up in [Flame Soar]'s hands, possibly planning to use it as a disguise for smuggling."
Rainbow couldn't help but ask, "Did you find this initial artifact?"
Nie He shook his head: "No. The clue broke off after reaching [Flame Soar]. I rummaged through all of [Flame Soar]'s warehouses but didn't find the artifact."
"Thus, I interrogated their senior members."
"Besides, I secretly investigated all [Flame Soar] members who had contact with these toys — suspecting someone saw the 'magic cube' and casually took it home for their child to play with."
"But even that didn't yield anything."
Nie He concluded, "I speculate that this artifact likely possesses its own consciousness, sensed the danger of being tracked, and thus self-concealed."
Many Celestial Number artifacts have incredible abilities; Nie He's suspicion was reasonable.
Rainbow expressed doubt: "Why would those people feel secure revealing this secret to you? Aren't they worried that if you found such a powerful initial-number artifact, you'd keep it for yourself?"
Chen Gu truly pondered that as well.
Nie He sported a peculiar grin: "Because I was suppressed by that Ninth Power Level who compelled me to swear an oath about one Celestial Number artifact. If I find this item yet fail to hand it over, I'll immediately mutate!"
Then he pointed his finger at everyone present: "But now, all of you are aware of this secret, haha, you're doomed. Those people won't let this secret leak; they'll soon come for each of you, one by one to eliminate!"
"Even those closest to you won't escape!"
"Those people can deploy the Ninth Power Level!"
Rainbow frowned and asked, "Those people you mentioned, who exactly are they?"
Nie He didn't conceal: "They are the most influential ancient families of the Freedom Alliance!"
Chen Gu nodded quietly; indeed, this sounded like a deed the Freedom Alliance might commit.
Possibly due to state character, if the news about [Celestial Number 00-00] were heard by those Confederation elders, they'd probably laugh lightly, utterly disbelieving it.
Yet the Freedom Alliance folks, since ancient mother star times, have been passionate about exploring the mysterious; bizarre faiths abound.
For historical reasons, the Freedom Alliance's facade powers are mostly puppets, manipulating behind the scenes are those ancient families, whose legacies span unknown years.
Legend has it, during mother star times, they were nobles.
Rainbow couldn't help but furrow her brow, finding it troublesome though not really fearing it. This is Confederation territory, plus she clings to Aviloya, even if the Ninth Power Level arrives...in most likelihood, it won't return.
A chance to profit with a Ninth Power Level from the Freedom Alliance.
But others' faces changed; while strong, being covertly attacked by a Ninth Power Level would be catastrophic.
Chen Gu snorted coldly: "Arrogant and boastful, this is Confederation territory!"
Qiao Shuangmu and others slightly exhaled, feeling less panic in their hearts. Chen Gu was correct; this is the Confederation—would the Freedom Alliance truly dare send a Ninth Power Level here? The principal isn't merely ornamental.
In unison, they resolved internally: never to go abroad again!
Chen Gu had a question in mind: If the [Heavenly Position Code 00-00] has truly fallen into slumber as they speculated, how did it proactively transfer to the old curator and eventually come to reside within himself?
Could it really be a self-awareness seeking fortune and avoiding misfortune?
Yet, its one eruption created a mutant of all professions, so why was the old curator unharmed? And why was he himself unharmed?
These questions are currently without answers.
Nie He, possibly trying to save face, stared at Chen Gu with a hostile gaze: "You will pay the price for your cleverness. Among everyone present, you are the most dangerous."
"For people like us, the most important thing in doing business is to know oneself and one's enemies, not only regarding our prey but also our partners."
"Take you, for example, I have already investigated thoroughly, you are one of the principal's most valued students. If I were the Ninth Power Level of the Freedom Alliance, the first thing upon entering the Confederation would be to capture you and blackmail the principal to the point of being unable to intervene.
Regardless of what fate befalls others, your outcome is evidently unfavorable."
Then, Nie He grinned triumphantly.
You're coercing me to "confess," aren't you? Fine, I'll confess, do you think you have won? No, you'll be played by me until you're dead!
However, despite his smugness, Nie He did not observe any panic or unease in Chen Gu. Chen Gu simply hesitated for a moment, then resumed his usual demeanor.
Nie He did not derive satisfaction, which left him feeling dissatisfied. It was like secretly unveiling one's most cherished toy, ready to show off before friends, only to be met with a lukewarm response, leaving one extremely disappointed.
Chen Gu recalled that even if the Ninth Power Level came, so what? He himself could already exert the combat power of the Eighth Energy Level, indeed no match for the Ninth Power Level, but he was always accompanied by a super lifeform!
Even if the Ninth Power Level did come in truth, together with Milgray, they could certainly hold off the threat temporarily, allowing time for the principal and Aviloya to rush over.
The principal needs no mention; Aviloya, if not for rescuing him, would likely not tolerate the Ninth Power Level of the Freedom Alliance flaunting their prowess within the Confederation.
So, what is there to worry about?
Moreover, if the Ninth Power Level arrives at an inopportune moment, right when Milgray is about to heal, although Milgray could not fully sever her symbiotic relationship with him, her actual combat power would already be on par with an average Ninth Power Level. Maybe they could directly subdue that Ninth Power Level without needing the principal or others to act.
Chen Gu displayed his "generosity," lightly forgiving Nie He's affront, and waved his hand saying: "Alright, official business is over. Now let's discuss our deal."
Nie He adjusted his attitude, the action was on!
Although previously suppressed through interrogation, losing some momentum, hunting super lifeforms was his expertise. He still maintained confidence to regain the initiative.
As long as he partakes in the project, Nie He is confident that everything will eventually be under his control!
He placed both hands on the table, demanded dominantly: "Now, can we discuss what species this super lifeform is?"
There were actually no representatives from the [Supra-Life Research Institute] present in the meeting room. Chen Gu assigned Milgray the identity of a senior researcher.
Let her pose as someone from the research institute; after all, no one knew better than Milgray about the super lifeform.
Qiao Shuangmu and others chuckled secretly, finding Nie He's inability to accept the reality and still attempting to seize the upper hand audaciously rebellious.
Chen Gu turned to Milgray, for by this point, all of Chen Gu's objectives had been accomplished, and he was not particularly invested in the upcoming hunt for the super lifeform.
If the hunt succeeded, gaining some hyper-material and remains would provide needed resources for advancement to the Eighth Energy Level, which would be ideal.
Other matters were not of much interest.
Milgray spoke indifferently: "It is a Myriad Forms Heavenly Dragon."
Despite her calm tone, to Nie He and others, it was like an explosive clap.
Nie He pressed his hands on the table, excitement gleaming in his eyes, standing up immediately: "Really? Truly a Myriad Forms Heavenly Dragon!"
Qiao Shuangmu and the General were equally elated.
Suddenly, a thought struck Chen Gu, recalling he once assimilated part of a Myriad Forms Heavenly Dragon's remains—a sacred relic of the True Knowledge Sin, informed by intelligence from the ape, leading to a perilous clash with the Angel Envoys of the [True Knowledge Sin], barely escaping with his life.
Now, Chen Gu found himself interested in this hunt.
Milgray nodded: "There is no mistake."
"Fantastic!" shouted Nie He and others in unison: "A Myriad Forms Heavenly Dragon is one of the utmost apexal existenecs among super lifeforms, with mysterious and unfathomable powers, every part a treasure!"
Chen Gu's expression grew peculiar, still recalling from his previous life how the livestock industry often boasted about certain animals being "treasured from head to hoof."
The most famous example was... pigs, known as 'shi' in ancient times.
...
On the interstellar net, 0Genesis's account suddenly received a message from account 21: The Myriad Forms Heavenly Dragon has appeared.
Having been offline for quite some time, 0Genesis instantly logged in: Folks, our opportunity has arrived. This time, we must ensure flawless execution, as it is pivotal to our Purification cause!
One by one, digital members emerged, articulating their excitement and determination through words.
