Translator: CinderTL
"I never imagined this Civilization Construct would possess intelligence."
"And such advanced intelligence at that."
After a brief exchange lasting over ten minutes, everyone on the floating orbit wore expressions of astonishment, their eyes wide as they stared at the blue-robed phantom hovering in the sea of clouds.
Though it resembled a young girl from the Red Nation, a third vertical eye was embedded between its brows. Its cold, dignified expression radiated a human-like presence, demanding respect and caution.
"Lord Star Spirit? An intelligence left behind by the Ancient Taiduo Civilization?"
Behind Nangong Ling, her silver wings fluttered slightly as she stood at the center of the cannon turret on the floating orbit, her gaze fixed intently on the movements of the Inverted Pyramid and the phantom.
Why had it suddenly appeared?
Could it be related to their earlier exploration?
As these questions arose, she even recalled some obscure rumors.
Chairman Li Yun, the highest-ranking officer present, stood before her, having been engaged in conversation with the Star Spirit for some time.
"Lord Star Spirit, what kind of trade do you propose?" Chairman Li Yun asked respectfully, addressing the being as a junior.
Behind him, the senior military officers maintained their composure, showing no surprise.
Although the intelligent humanoid projection appeared remarkably young, they knew it was a relic from a civilization that had vanished millions of years ago, making it far older than humanity itself.
In fact, it was entirely possible that this being had existed before humans even evolved.
"You're quite agreeable for such a little old man," the Star Spirit remarked with an air of ancient authority, glancing at the crowd before briefly locking eyes with Chen Feng in the crowd.
"The terms are simple. I will trade you technology left behind by our civilization."
"However, before we proceed, I wish to meet your leader."
Her calm voice carried an inherent weight of authority. Chairman Li Yun paused, startled, before recovering his composure.
Without outright refusing, he ordered his forces to remain on high alert as a holographic light screen began establishing a communication link with Red City.
Chen Feng paid little attention to these proceedings. He and Nangong Ling stood on opposite sides of the group, feigning vigilance while secretly opening their minds to each other.
"That's my Intelligent Avatar, but it's essentially me," the Star Spirit explained.
"I had no choice. Repairing the ark requires vast resources. If I didn't take a firm stance, they'd think I was easy to push around, and we'd definitely suffer later."
The Star Spirit's voice echoed in Chen Feng's mind, her petite figure reflected within his consciousness.
Her pitiful expression was clearly feigned. Chen Feng shook his head, saying nothing more.
He had no intention of interfering in this negotiation.
Without revealing his dream power, he couldn't explain to others why the Star Spirit was more drawn to him.
Moreover, Red City's leaders were elites capable of making their own decisions. He could also sense that the Star Spirit had her own plan.
Now that the two parties had made contact, further intervention was unnecessary.
"What about the Platinum Federation?" Chen Feng asked, knowing that even if today's events were kept secret, they couldn't remain hidden for long.
Besides, the Platinum Federation also possessed Secret Realm Ruins. If resources from there were needed...
"Not under consideration for now," the Star Spirit replied.
The Star Spirit smiled, her petite form floating within Chen Feng's mind. Sensing his aversion to the Platinum Federation, she deliberately remarked, "You seem to dislike them."
Chen Feng shot her a deep look, sensing the difference in her attitude toward him compared to others. The power of the Dream Realm might be even more special and crucial than he had imagined.
Footsteps echoed behind him as Han Chao and the others hurried over. Their faces were pleading, hoping he would stay the night with Nangong Ling until reinforcements arrived from Red City, in case of unforeseen events. After all, the sudden anomaly of a Civilization Construct warranted utmost caution.
"Alright," Chen Feng nodded, agreeing to their request.
Tap, tap!
That day, on a Sky Island within Radiant Light Inner City, in a traditional red sandalwood pavilion, footsteps echoed through the corridors, leading to a grand hall.
"Master, the initial exploration of the civilization ruins has concluded," Wu Zong reported solemnly, clad in his Flying General Combat Suit. His gaze fell upon a figure with snow-white hair, seated in a grand master's chair with his back turned.
"What's the situation?"
Cang Sang's weathered voice remained calm as Wu Zong bowed his head slightly and replied truthfully.
"I've heard they discovered some high-level technical blueprints, but there seems to be a special situation that arose unexpectedly."
"The exact details are unknown; the security lockdown is extremely tight."
"Oh?"
The old man in the grand master's chair showed a hint of surprise before ordering Wu Zong to continue investigating.
Wu Zong nodded, but then remembered something else.
"By the way, Master, what about Prince Shiwen?"
"Let him do as he pleases."
Xia Jingcheng's tone was indifferent, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
"This world respects only the strong. Even the noblest bloodline requires sufficient power to maintain its prestige."
"It's time he experienced some trials and tribulations."
Hearing this, Wu Zong lowered his head even further and tactfully withdrew, backing out of the hall until he closed the door behind him before turning to leave.
The hall fell silent once more, until new footsteps echoed within.
"Master, are you truly going to let Prince Shiwen run wild?"
"I heard he went to Gold City in the west. That's Platinum Federation territory, after all. If—"
"My lineage has no room for weaklings."
The weathered voice turned cold. The elderly steward, who had been about to offer further counsel, paused, then sighed inwardly and retreated silently.
The hall returned to silence. Xia Jingcheng, seated in his grand master's chair, gazed alone at the distant sky beyond the mahogany window.
The outer electromagnetic interference and the sealing barrier had fused into one, the Inverted Pyramid flickering faintly within.
"Let's wait a little longer."
The old man's face had a hint of rosiness, a faint vitality seeming to stir within his withered frame.
The night passed without incident.
Chen Feng, temporarily residing in a steel structure along the floating orbit, opened his eyes, emerging from the Dream Realm.
The room was spartan: silver-gray alloy walls and ceiling, with a clean gray iron table and chair to one side.
A narrow gap in the curtains revealed a welded-shut, explosion-proof floor-to-ceiling window.
"You're awake?"
A crisp voice echoed in his mind, and the black wristband in his pocket vibrated gently.
This was a special technology mastered by the Star Spirits, allowing them to transmit voices directly into Chen Feng's mind via electromagnetic waves and even project a phantom-like humanoid figure into his consciousness.
"It's strange. Your individual strength already rivals that of a legendary-grade modified human, yet you slept for so long."
"Could it be due to that special artifact, or perhaps the power of the Fragment of Divinity?"
The black-haired girl, clad in a long blue leather coat, floated directly into the room, hovering close to Chen Feng's face.
Her three large eyes, filled with suspicion, peered at him intently.
Without offering an explanation, Chen Feng's eyes flashed, confirming his suspicion.
Only the world containing Qinggang City was the true Dream Realm, a place of extraordinary uniqueness.
During a Dream Incursion, Chen Feng's physical body appeared no different from one in ordinary sleep. Even the highly advanced intelligence before him couldn't detect any anomalies.
"Aren't you afraid of exposing yourself?" Chen Feng subtly changed the subject, his Perception sweeping the surroundings.
The room was part of a floating structure, equipped with numerous monitoring devices that would immediately detect any fluctuations in the Magnetic Field or energy field.
"These are just ordinary devices," Star Spirit replied confidently, taking a half-step back and patting her small chest proudly. "I can easily block them."
Chen Feng wasn't surprised, recalling his own experience.
When he entered the Inverted Pyramid, the bio-wristband the Military had given him malfunctioned wildly. Yet, after investigating, he discovered that no one had noticed the anomaly—not even the experts and researchers monitoring the exploration from the Warship.
It was clear that Star Spirit had deliberately concealed his tracks, wanting to hide the Fragment of Divinity or his unique nature.
Or perhaps it was about their conversation and relationship.
"When are you planning to visit our civilization's world?" Star Spirit quickly steered the conversation back, asking proactively.
This was precisely what Chen Feng had been wondering. He seized the opportunity to ask her how she would accompany him.
He could enter Dream Incursions and travel to other Secret Realm Worlds, but how would she follow?
"I am essentially a source of consciousness," Star Spirit explained. "Naturally, I can accompany your spiritual consciousness wherever it goes."
The Star Spirit circled him, briefly explaining the principles involved.
"And I won't be troubling you for nothing," she added.
"Each world ark carries a certain amount of resources. If you can help me find them, we can share those resources."
"If we can repair the Database, I can also help you with other matters."
Worried he might refuse, the Star Spirit moved closer, her eyes widening in a pleading expression.
If Chairman Li Yun and the others could see her now, they would likely doubt this was the same intelligence.
"Then let's do it in three days," Chen Feng said after a moment's thought, deciding not to refuse.
He already had an idea.
Heaven's Fall Mountain in the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm was likely a world ark called Heaven's Fall.
And the Star Spirit had touched on something that resonated with him.
Red City's resource support was fixed and required time to wait for.
But the resources from a world ark offered a new, unrestricted channel.
If he could explore Heaven's Fall, find any remaining resources, and convert them into nourishment, he could advance his awakening method sooner.
"Alright, let's settle on that then."
The Star Spirit nodded repeatedly, her face brimming with anticipation.
Seeing her eagerness, Chen Feng said no more. He closed his eyes slightly and focused his mind.
Stone Statue No. 2, connected through their mental link, had transmitted numerous images, which he briefly reviewed.
After their sudden teleportation from the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm, Molly, Olon, and the others had lingered briefly, worried about his safety.
Only after he instructed Stone Statue No. 2 to relay a message did the Holy City group finally depart.
However,
Given Heaven's Fall Mountain's strategic importance, the Serpent God Temple and the Five Great Tribes could dispatch troops at any moment to encircle and eliminate them.
Before leaving, Chen Feng had specifically instructed the Small Stone Statue to remain as his sentinel, observing the surroundings.
Now, its purpose was about to be fulfilled.
His promise to the Star Spirit to return to the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm in two days was, of course, a precaution—to assess the situation and prepare countermeasures in advance.
Immediately, through their mental link, he gained access to the Small Stone Statue's shared vision.
(End of the Chapter)
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