Translator: Fate Translation Checker: Silavin The Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit floated in Chu Lian’s mind, resembling a flickering ball of light that glowed with a mysterious aura. Its voice was very cold and indifferent, with barely any fluctuation whatsoever. However, there was a trace of nearly undetectable fear lingering in its voice. <If I had not severed all contact with the outside world in time, neither you nor I would have been able to leave that place alive. I’ve only encountered such a terrifying aura from the strongest person I know. He was the mightiest being from the Civilisation that originally created the Sphere of Ambition. In other words, the original owner of the Sphere of Ambition… I have no idea why there was such a terrifying being is in such a weak Civilisation.> “Do you think the terrifying existence you mentioned noticed anything unusual about us?” Hearing those words, Chu Lian worriedly blurted out this question. He was feeling scared now. If he had not resolutely decided to leave at that time or had decided to stay for longer, he might actually have been targeted by that unspeakably terrifying existence. Be that as it may, he did not forget to question the Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit about the current safety aspect of the Talent Gathering Village. He was actually extremely worried about the mysterious and enigmatic Young Master Gu. Not to mention, the Black-Robed Elder beside Young Master Gu, who constantly made him apprehensive and uneasy. <Probably not. If the owner of that terrifying aura had noticed us, he would not have allowed you to leave safely.> The Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit explained. If they were captured by the unknown existence, then the Artifact Spirit could only be destroyed together with the Sphere of Ambition. The remaining power currently stored within the Sphere of Ambition was not enough for the Artifact Spirit to bind with another host. Besides, according to the rules determined by the Civilisation that originally created the Sphere of Ambition, once a Supreme Treasure recognised an owner, then its main priority was to protect the life of its host at all costs. All other trivial matters could be disregarded and ignored. As the Artifact Spirit of the Sphere of Ambition, it could not interfere with the process in which the Sphere of Ambition selected its master. It could only be considered a guide for the host at most. In addition, its existence was tied to the Sphere of Ambition. They were bound together as one. Unless it could truly repress the Sphere of Ambition, it was fated to be destroyed along with its host according to the predetermined rules. To the Sphere of Ambition, the Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit was an independent and intelligent consciousness that had gone through many different hosts over the years. If everything went smoothly, Chu Lian would be its final host. The previous hosts had collapsed and perished before they could develop to the level of its original owner. At the same time, the Sphere of Ambition also experienced unimaginable damage that was practically irreversible. <I’ve already perceived the situation in the Talent Gathering Village, and the possible dangers that you were worried about do not exist. As for Young Master Gu, he certainly is mysterious. He probably possesses some sort of rare treasure that can conceal his cultivation. Even I have difficulty seeing through his disguise.> <As for the Black-Robed Elder… Judging from the aura emanating from him, he is probably on the verge of entering the Dao Realm… To have an existence who is only one step away from the Dao Realm as his servant… I’m afraid Young Master Gu’s background may not be that simple. I suspect that he might not be a living creature from this Civilisation. On the contrary, he might have come from a different but more ancient and powerful supreme Civilisation. To subdue an existence who had nearly achieved the Dao Realm as his servant at his age… Even the Successor of that Civilisation that created me might not have received such treatment.> The Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit answered with an explanation. It might not be able to activate the power within the Sphere of Ambition, but it could take advantage of its inherent wisdom to deduce, perceive, and determine the strength of Gu Changge and the Black-Robed Elder. For the Artifact Spirit, wisdom was indeed the most mysterious and powerful force in the world. Still, that did not mean its estimates were always correct. After Chu Lian heard the explanation, he could not help feeling slightly taken aback. It was a direction and possibility that he had never even imagined before. “Artifact Spirit, are you saying that Young Master Gu probably came from another more ancient and powerful Civilisation? Does that mean he is not from the Spirit Ruin True World?” He could not help asking. The revelation was so shocking that he could barely believe what he heard. If that were truly the case, then it was the first time he came into contact with a living being from another Civilisation, with the encounter had taken place in such a manner. He had previously learned about the other Civilisations from his Master, who had adopted him. It was just that these Civilisations had only existed in ancient books, so he never even imagined that he would encounter another Civilisation himself. The Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit responded affirmatively. <There’s more than a ninety per cent chance of the possibility. If he is from the Spirit Ruin Civilisation, no matter how great his background, it would have been impossible for him to have an existence who had almost reached the Dao Realm as his personal bodyguard. Even the Spirit Ruin Royal Family you plan to overthrow does not have such a background and qualifications.> The Artifact Spirit was rather perplexed. During its brief period of slumber, Chu Lian had actually managed to accidentally come into contact with such a person. Was it the amazing luck of the so-called Variable that allowed him to meet such noble people by pure coincidence? At this moment, Chu Lian was completely stunned. He never imagined that the mysterious Young Master Gu would have such a terrifying background. Compared to Young Master Gu’s background, the Spirit Ruin Royal Family was not worth mentioning at all. He swallowed nervously. All of a sudden, he understood why Lady Huang had said such things to him. She probably knew about Young Master Gu’s origins. Be that as it may, she was pretending that Young Master Gu was her Cousin for some inexplicable reason. Chu Lian abruptly figured out many things in that brief moment. Nevertheless, there was another question in his heart. He was unable to resist his curiosity and asked, “Artifact Spirit, if Young Master Gu’s background is as terrifying as you claim, why did he appear in the Spirit Ruin Civilisation? Not to mention, it seems as though he plans to stay here for some time.” That was the most puzzling aspect of the entire equation. The Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit was not surprised by the question and simply answered calmly. <Host, your vision is too narrow. You only know of the Spirit Ruin Civilisation and remain ignorant about how many terrifying and ancient Civilisations have been nurtured in the Boundless Expanse. In front of these Civilisations, the Spirit Ruin Civilisation is not worth mentioning at all.> <The territories under the jurisdiction of the giant Forces in those Civilisations span countless latitudes and Spacetimes. It is absolutely unimaginable. Even the Ancient True Worlds have no choice but to submit to them. More importantly, the Successors or the disciples of those giant Forces will often be dispatched to many locations through various means for training before they inherit their position…> After hearing the explanation, Chu Lian seemed to understand the situation. He nodded and spoke as though he had received a revelation. “I understand now. There’s a high possibility that Young Master Gu appeared in the Spirit Ruin Civilisation because of the training prepared by the Forces behind him, and the Black-Robed Elder is the guardian responsible for his safety.” The Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit replied, <You’re quite lucky to catch the attention of such a person. Furthermore, the other party is not only very young but is also expected to enjoy a bright future. If you’re highly valued by him, then you might obtain the opportunity to leave the Spirit Ruin Civilisation and traverse the Boundless Expanse in the future. That can also be considered a favourable turn of circumstances.> Chu Lian understood what the Artifact Spirit meant. However, his current purpose was simply to overthrow the rule of the Spirit Ruin Royal Family and return peace to the world. Besides, how should he put it? He always felt slightly uncomfortable around Young Master Gu. The other party had the kind of tone and expression that seemed to indicate he was calmly looking down on the world. It was almost as though he stood at an extremely high place and overlooked the common people. Moreover, his tone was always so calm and nonchalant. Nothing in the world seemed capable of causing any emotional fluctuation in him. Furthermore, even Chu Lian fancied appeared to greatly admire and respect him. [If I get the opportunity one day, I will definitely leave the Spirit Ruin Civilisation to visit the other Civilisations…] Chu Lian secretly thought to himself with a look of longing and yearning in his eyes. Thanks to the Sphere of Ambition’s explanation, he finally relaxed with complete relief and stopped thinking about leaving the Talent Gathering Village. “It is also for the sake of my Junior Sister that I have to stay and become an Honorary Guest.” Once he made his decision, Chu Lian moved quickly and went to inform the Spirit Empress about his intentions. Nevertheless, he pretended to have considered for a long time before he reluctantly decided to stay as a follower of Young Master Gu. “My Cousin has many followers under him, and there are innumerable talented people among them. Based on their strengths and means, they can be divided into three levels: Heaven, Earth, and Mortal. The salary and benefits that the Honorary Guest of each level receive are different. In fact, the disparity can be said to be as different as day and night. “According to the rules, you must go through several trials when you become an Honorary Guest. Once you pass these trials, then an Honorary Token will be issued to you. However, since you and I are relatively familiar with each other, my Cousin made an exception for you. He has authorised your designation as a Heaven-Class Honorary Guest so that you can enjoy the highest salary and resources.” Inside the courtyard, the Spirit Empress arrived with a large number of people behind her. Her figure was graceful, and her skin was as fair as jade. Moreover, she seemed to glow with an enchanting lustre. Smiling slightly, she introduced the rules and requirements of an Honorary Guest to Chu Lian. She also explained about his salary and benefits. At the same time, she instructed her subordinates to hand an ancient token engraved with the word ‘Heaven’ to him. While she was speaking, the people she brought with her brought out countless boxes of exotic treasures and placed them in the courtyard. There were Artifacts, secret cultivation techniques, and jade bones… The entire courtyard instantly steamed with celestial light and surged with treasure mist. It was almost as though they had stepped into a secret treasure trove, and the entire place was illuminated by dazzling divine light. Furthermore, when some of the treasure chests were opened, an aromatic medicinal fragrance permeated the air , which tempted one to open their pores and spread their wings. “These items are the initial portion of your salary…” the Spirit Empress said with a smile. These valuable treasures were not only extremely rare and precious Artifacts in the Spirit Ruin Civilisation but also absolutely priceless. Any cultivator in the Immortal Realm would fight for these treasures with their lives. Staring at the courtyard that was overflowing with divine light and medicinal fragrance, Chu Lian found himself speechless for a moment. He had already prepared himself mentally, but he was shocked beyond words. Even his head was buzzing from amazement. What did it mean to be wealthy and generous? This display of decadence was the prime example! Despite having a Supreme Treasure like the Sphere of Ambition in his possession, he could not help secretly swallowing greedily with his gaze glued to the sight in front of him. He finally understood why the Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit said such things to him earlier. The salary bestowed to him alone was astounding. In that case, how terrifying would the treasures and wealth in Young Master Gu’s possession be? He did not even dare to imagine. Furthermore, this was just the tip of the iceberg revealed by Young Master Gu. “Senior Brother…” Inside the courtyard, Ming Xiu, who was also watching the same scene, had trouble recovering from her shock for some time. It was her first time seeing such wealth, so much so that she was wondering whether she was hallucinating. Especially since there were many treasures suitable for her cultivation among them. At this moment, she was envious of her Senior Brother. It was only his first day of becoming Young Master Gu’s follower, yet he was already receiving so many treasures. If he were highly regarded by the other party, how much more astounding would his reward be? She did not even dare to imagine. “Lady Huang, I would like to know what is required of me as Young Master Gu’s follower. It is impossible to receive so many treasures for no reason,” Chu Lian abruptly asked. Although he finally composed himself with difficulty, there remained a trace of shock in his eyes. He did not believe that Young Master Gu would act purely out of goodwill to reward and support the followers with such generous salaries without any other intentions. “You will soon learn about the details, Young Master Chu Lian. Unfortunately, I am unable to share the particulars with you right now. You can just focus on cultivating and improving your strength for now. Of course, as his follower, you will need to act according to the instructions of my Cousin from now on. The rules are clearly written within the token. If you accept the conditions, then you may refine the token… but, refining the token means that you will be bound to the contract within the token. Young Master Chu Lian, please make sure to read the terms carefully.” The Spirit Empress continued to smile as she explained to Chu Lian and even gave him a kind reminder. Chu Lian had long expected the situation. It was impossible for the contract to not have the corresponding restrictions. Therefore, he immersed his mind into the token and quickly read the contents of the agreement. The terms were fair, and there was nothing that would force him to act in violation of one’s morality and justice. Nevertheless, he remained cautious and vigilant. He even asked the Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit to help him check whether there was anything wrong with the contract. It was only after he received confirmation that he refined the token with peace of mind. His actions were regarded as a tacit agreement to the contract, and then a vague restrictive force came into existence. After everything was done, the Spirit Empress went back to make her report with satisfaction. Chu Lian originally wanted to ask her to stay and talk for longer but looking at her satisfied expression, it left him feeling sad and regretful instead. <I suggest that you do not have any ideas about that woman. She is not that simple either. Not to mention, she seems to be highly valued by Young Master Gu. Getting too close to her will inevitably upset Young Master Gu. That will only cause unnecessary trouble, which is not beneficial to your current development. Now that you are under their care, it would be best if you did not cross that line. The hierarchy of superior and inferior should not be ignored.> The voice of the Sphere of Ambition’s Artifact Spirit sounded in Chu Lian’s mind, warning him. Needless to say, Chu Lian was already aware. He was not a person who would forget about everything else just because of personal feelings. “With these resources, my strength will probably grow by leaps and bounds again. It won’t take long for me to break through to the Immortal Realm…” With a fiery look in his eyes, he turned around and stared at the piles of wealth brimming with divine light. On the other side, the Spirit Empress returned to Gu Changge’s side and reported to him about Chu Lian’s recruitment. “You did well. Gather some men later and create some trouble for him. We must not let him become too comfortable. It’s only reasonable for us to arrange something that will slap him in the face, lest he becomes suspicious. After that, you can arrange for some powerful cultivators to accompany him outside to train and hone his skills. If the timing is right, you can even bring him into the army and let him fight the soldiers.” Gu Changge nodded and gave further instructions.