Chapter 83: Redemption (Part 3)

Inside the ancient castle, a room was shrouded in darkness and chilling cold.

"You truly have remarkable skills—those little ones in the Interworld were all wiped out by you alone!"

A voice whispered beside Jiang Chen's ear. Clearly, the intelligent life within the castle was well aware of the events outside.

"Are you not going to grant me the qualification to exchange treasures?" Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow, looking at the sudden apparition before him—a phantom resembling an old man with a white beard.

"Of course, you can exchange! No matter who you are, as long as you have enough Thunder Stones, you can trade for treasures with me!"

With a wave of his hand, the white-bearded elder brought forth an exchange list that appeared before Jiang Chen’s eyes. “All the treasures are still here, untouched. If you wish to exchange, simply present enough Thunder Stones.”

No.1: Complete set of spatial secret technique inheritance crystal ball deposit bank accounts (Triple Account), each account requires ten million Thunder Stones. Unite the three accounts to retrieve the inheritance crystal ball from the Universe First Bank.

No.2: Master's deposit bank account, requires eight million Thunder Stones.

No.3: Domain Lord-level bloodline potion (one vial), three million Thunder Stones.

No.4: …

No.9: Fruit of Life (three pieces), each costs eight hundred thousand Thunder Stones.

No.32: D6-class orbital cannon (three units), each for two hundred ten thousand Thunder Stones.

No.68: Tier Five Origin Force Weapon, Skyfire Wheel (one piece), one hundred thousand Thunder Stones.

Line after line of items appeared before Jiang Chen, each marked with its exchange price.

Jiang Chen promptly opened his spatial wristband, pouring out a vast quantity of Thunder Stones into the room.

"Everything except the first two treasures, I want it all!"

His declaration left the white-bearded elder momentarily dumbfounded.

"So many Thunder Stones?! How long has it been since I announced the game’s rules? And you’ve already amassed such a fortune?!"

Naturally, the old man could not know that someone had learned of his plans in advance and had begun hoarding Thunder Stones long before the “game” started.

"My luck is simply better," Jiang Chen replied, offering no further explanation.

Watching Jiang Chen, the old man asked, "Are you sure you want to exchange for those lesser treasures? My master’s spatial secret technique inheritance crystal ball is coveted even by ordinary immortals! And the deposit account—are you not curious about how much is within?"

"Exchange the rest first. As for the first two, I’ll return once I’ve gathered enough Thunder Stones," Jiang Chen replied offhandedly.

In truth, the SCVs mining outside, although not yet recalled, were no longer focused on harvesting Thunder Stones. Their main task had shifted to scouring the Interworld for Universe Crystals.

While Universe Crystals paled in comparison to the legacy of Lord Kabu, such opportunities were rare. With all enemies in the Interworld eliminated, Jiang Chen intended to maximize his earnings.

Even if he mined a thousand cubic units of Universe Crystals, it would still amount to a fortune worth billions in Qianwu coins.

"Since you’ve decided, we’ll proceed as you wish."

Though the old man sensed something amiss, bound by Lord Kabu’s command, he could not break the “game” rules and could only fulfill Jiang Chen’s requests.

A vast number of Thunder Stones vanished in an instant, replaced by treasures appearing before Jiang Chen.

Bloodline modification potions shimmering with strange colors, fruits brimming with powerful vitality, technological weapons capable of annihilating domain lords with a single strike…

Each treasure stirred Jiang Chen, who was usually composed, with excitement.

Measured in units of Hunyuan, the total value of these treasures was unimaginable wealth for a star-level warrior like Jiang Chen!

—

Moreover, several items among these treasures could greatly aid Jiang Chen.

Even those he could not use himself could be sold through the Universe Galaxy Bank, exchanged for immense wealth to purchase what he needed.

Such a fortune could significantly elevate Jiang Chen’s strength and the speed at which he grew stronger.

—

Virtual Universe, Universe Galaxy Bank’s Black Dragon Mountain Island branch.

Inside a highly secure meeting room, Luo Feng sat negotiating with a bald man.

"Honored guest, many forces are now gathered on Canglan Star. Though our Universe Galaxy Bank fears none, offending so many at once is troublesome for our Black Dragon Mountain Empire branch. Especially since, according to our sources, a prince of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire perished within the Interworld."

The bald man smiled warmly, "Considering you require the service before payment and wish to compensate with treasures, the price must rise accordingly. One hundred Hunyuan units is already our best offer."

Luo Feng was silent for a few seconds, quickly consulting Babata in his mind.

Prompted by Babata, Luo Feng asked, "What caliber of expert will you dispatch to escort us out? How will you ensure our safety? One hundred Hunyuan units is no small sum—I need to be sure it’s worth it."

"Our bank’s principle is to provide superlative service that satisfies our clients. The fee is steep, but absolutely worth the value!"

The bald man continued, "At present, there are at least three realm lords and over ten domain lords on Canglan Star. An ordinary realm lord wouldn’t suffice. The name of Universe Galaxy Bank carries weight, but to guarantee your and your companions’ safety, we will send an immortal deity. Even the greatest backers behind the Black Dragon Mountain Empire’s organizations are but immortals—they would never dare offend us."

He paused. "With an immortal’s speed, we’ll reach Canglan Star within ten hours, minimizing the chance of incidents before our arrival."

"An immortal deity?" Luo Feng was startled.

With an immortal intervening, the hundred Hunyuan units were indeed justified.

After a quick discussion with Babata, Luo Feng made his decision. "Let’s sign the contract. I have treasures from the Interworld to sell as well—let’s handle both together."

"Certainly. As a distinguished five-star client, our bank will do everything possible to meet your needs." The bald man summoned the bank’s AI, drafting the contract.

—

The news of the annihilation of every force’s army in the Interworld could not be hidden from their leaders.

Though the star-level armies hadn’t uncovered Jiang Chen, the rumor of “numerous laser cannons” inevitably spread.

Some of the luckier, later casualties even captured footage of the drones, sending it to their respective organizations.

Virtual Universe, at a floating round table high above.

Twelve figures appeared around the table.

Days ago, a “Realm Lord Conference” had been held here, allocating slots for the two sanctuaries, four organizations, and sixteen families of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire to enter the Interworld.

They assumed that two million star-level warriors would easily sweep the Interworld, leaving the treasures to be fought over among their factions.

Yet, when the true treasure was revealed, their armies perished within half a day—none survived.

An unknown force had deployed a mechanical legion in the Interworld!

Mechanical legions are commonplace among the Machine Race.

As the second most technologically advanced race in the universe, humanity also conducts extensive research into such remotely controlled legions.

But within humanity, regulations are strict, especially for weapons above grade C—all strictly controlled and rarely seen on the market.

Across the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, only the twelve present factions could acquire large quantities of grade C weapons. None of the “underground forces” combined had such access.

Their investigations yielded no clues about the mysterious force hiding within the Interworld.

"Our Three Axe Mountain contingent was wiped out, and no valuable clues emerged. The only lead is the drone footage, but the drones bear no markings, and no matching models were found in the database," said a realm lord.

"We have no clues either."

"Nor does North Dragon City."

Each realm lord spoke, exchanging glances.

Despite the destruction of their armies, the twelve factions found not a single clue.

—

While star-level armies were easy to muster, with millions available at whim, the Interworld’s unique conditions made it difficult to organize a stronger force and retake control.

"Can we send powerful warriors to force entry? Judging by the footage, the laser cannons are grade C—sending a domain lord should suffice," suggested a woman in white, her hair nearly transparent, from the Sea of Ice Divine Kingdom.

Jiang Tianchen of Three Axe Mountain scoffed, "The gatekeeper in the Interworld is the disciple of the Third Army Lord, and a core genius of the Universe Mercenary Alliance. Are you unafraid of offending the Third Army Lord? Or the Mercenary Alliance?"

Qiniya’s strength was ordinary—a domain lord only.

But her background made everyone wary.

Her teacher, the Third Army Commander of the Qianwu Universe Kingdom, was a veteran immortal deity, formidable even among immortals.

Moreover, her faction was the Universe Mercenary Alliance, one of humanity’s five giants.

Qiniya wasn’t a peripheral member, but a core elite, having been sent to the Qianwu Universe Kingdom for training after initial cultivation.

Such talents, barring untimely deaths, were destined for greatness.

Provoking Qiniya now would yield no benefit.

"If we follow the Alliance’s rules, only star-level warriors without mercenary status may enter," said a burly, heavily armored giant. "But the enemy in the Interworld is formidable—ordinary star-levels would be slaughtered."

"If the enemy can use technology, so can we," Jiang Tianchen proposed. "Let’s reorganize an army, equip them with advanced tech, even send in ships and warships. I refuse to believe the enemy can withstand the combined might of our twelve factions! First, eliminate them, then compete for the treasure."

"Sending in warships? Isn’t that overkill? How large must a space ring be to fit warships?" exclaimed the female realm lord from the Sea of Ice Divine Kingdom.

"Facing an unknown enemy demands overwhelming force. I’ll dispatch Three Axe Mountain’s core genius, carrying a world ring."

"Can we use a world ring to smuggle powerful warriors inside?" someone suggested.

Ordinary space rings can’t contain living beings, but a world ring holds an entire world, no different from those created by realm lords—fully capable of housing life.

A star-level could carry a world ring, hiding domain lords and realm lords within, entering the Interworld to sweep the field.

Additionally, it would evade Qiniya’s attention.

Jiang Tianchen said gravely, "If we’re following the rules, don’t resort to tricks. If the Mercenary Alliance investigates, none of us could bear the consequences. I speak only for myself. If any of you intend to smuggle strong warriors into the Interworld, let me know now—I won’t send my men on a suicide mission."

Though Lord Kabu’s treasure was tempting, Jiang Tianchen felt it wasn’t worth offending a force like the Universe Mercenary Alliance—even just one unremarkable branch in the Black Dragon Mountain Empire.

"I agree. Either we break the rules openly or abide by them. Don’t underestimate the Mercenary Alliance," a short old man echoed.

"Let’s all follow the rules, join forces to eliminate outsiders, then compete for the treasure!"

"Seconded."

"Agreed."

The representatives confirmed their direction, then began discussing the details: how many to send, how much technology to carry, and their strategies after entering the Interworld.

The discussions were far more complex than the previous meeting, and couldn’t be settled quickly.

They debated for most of the day.

Suddenly, Jiang Tianchen received a message, interrupting the proceedings. "No need to discuss further—the treasures in the Interworld have already been taken."

"Hmm?" The others were about to ask when they too received the news, falling silent.

Jiang Tianchen scanned the room, a mysterious smile appearing on his lips as he murmured, "An immortal deity from Universe Galaxy Bank has arrived on Canglan Star… Tell me, are the Interworld’s inhabitants from the bank, or are they its clients?"

(End of Chapter)