200: Asroth returns

One month later, in a pavilion on a certain planet.

"I must say, Mr. Zhang, your luck is quite good."

A Thin Youth spoke with a somewhat emotional expression.

"Why do you say that, Mr. Song?"

Zhang Huaiyuan's expression remained unchanged.

Ever since a month ago, when the members of the 'Blood Shadow' team suddenly attacked and killed two exhausted Outsiders, and the 'Ghost Hand' captain escaped using some mysterious item.

This group then acted as promised, hunting down the remaining Outsiders.

Now, out of the original twenty teams with over a hundred people, fewer than five remain.

And this strategist of 'Blood Shadow' has been staying here during this time, whether to keep an eye on him or because he's interested in him.

Zhang Huaiyuan also learned that his surname is Song.

"I've experienced dozens of worlds, without exception, all ending in destruction, awaiting a reset."

The Thin Youth turned his gaze back to Zhang Huaiyuan, as if trying to see what was different about him.

"This is the first time I've seen a sect favor a native from a low-level world."

"Perhaps, as you said, my luck is just good."

Zhang Huaiyuan smiled noncommittally.

"Luck doesn't favor anyone without reason, but, Mr. Zhang..."

The Thin Youth suddenly became serious: "Few natives have the chance to change their own fate, especially being valued by a powerful force like the Xuanjian Sect. Have you considered your future path?"

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan slightly raised an eyebrow; it seemed the other had misunderstood.

He guessed that the reason for the mission change was that someone in the Xuanjian Sect had taken a liking to his potential.

But from the other's perspective, this was indeed the most reasonable explanation.

After all, no matter how clever the other was, he couldn't possibly imagine that someone could directly steal their home base.

"As you can see, our Blood Shadow team is the final winner of this trial. Our captain will also become a high-ranking member of the sect after this mission is completed."

The Thin Youth showed a sincere expression:

"After the captain returns, he will inevitably establish his own faction. Mr. Zhang, since we have some connection, I'll speak frankly."

"The faction I belong to is filled with strong experts, standing tall among the stars for countless ages. You might have talent in some aspect, but if you choose to join existing factions, it's hard to break into the core layer."

"But if you choose to cooperate with us, when the captain advances further, you'll be a founding elder of the faction, and becoming a sect elder is within reach. Just like this world you're in, if the boss is happy, he might even grant it to you directly."

The Thin Youth painted a rosy picture without changing his expression.

He genuinely wanted to recruit the other.

From the sudden change in the sect's mission, to the appearance of so many weapons and experts beyond the limits in this world.

In his speculation, without a doubt, this native before him should be the one behind these changes.

This kind of genius with a clean background and no entanglements was exactly what the captain needed after returning.

Thinking this, the Thin Youth's eyes grew more eager:

"What do you think, Mr. Zhang?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Song. It's just that I... well... I'm afraid I'm not worthy of your high expectations."

Zhang Huaiyuan originally intended to refuse, but suddenly a sound echoed in his mind, so he changed his words.

"No matter, I believe in my own judgment. So, what is your answer?"

The Thin Youth pressed on.

"Since you value me so highly, and since you don't mind, I'm not one to refuse a good offer. If things are as you say, Mr. Song, I'm willing to join."

Zhang Huaiyuan smiled, but silently added in his heart:

"Of course, provided you can return to the Xuanjian Sect alive."

The Thin Youth naturally didn't know what the other was thinking. Just as he was about to say more, he suddenly looked down at his mission wristband.

"Second final mission unlocked: A certain ruin in this plane is about to open. Obtain the mission item within it within the time limit to return."

"Mr. Zhang is indeed a smart man."

The Thin Youth showed a satisfied smile.

In his view, the other had directly accepted, giving a pledge of loyalty, so the second mission was unlocked.

"Don't worry, the other teams have all been eliminated, only Ghost Hand is still fleeing in panic. He's like a startled bird now and won't dare cause trouble in the short term. But..."

As he spoke, his expression showed slight regret:

"This latest mission seems to be time-limited, so there's no time to continue hunting him down now..."

"I understand, Mr. Song. You go ahead and complete the mission; I believe with your strength, it won't take long."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded understandingly.

"That's good."

Seeing the other so cooperative, the Song youth felt a bit embarrassed. He took out a talisman from his pocket and said:

"But after all, we didn't fulfill our agreement. This is a one-time random spatial talisman; using it can teleport you randomly to a safe location a hundred light-years away. I'll give it to you as a precaution."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony."

Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes flickered slightly as he accepted the talisman.

He was quite interested in this kind of cultivation-side teleportation item.

"Good, I'll share a drink with you when I return from the mission. I'll take my leave now."

Mr. Song nodded with a light laugh, took out another spatial talisman, activated it, and disappeared on the spot.

The next moment, the screen on his left wrist suddenly lit up.

"Hey, Master, I'm back, I missed you so much!"

"Long time no see, Asroth."

The fake smile on Zhang Huaiyuan's face faded, and a flicker of excitement flashed in his eyes. Just as he was about to say more, he suddenly paused.

"Huh... your main body has actually grown so much stronger?"

"You noticed, Master. I wanted to give you a surprise."

Asroth chuckled and explained:

"Master, look, my 'spatial topology server' count has increased fivefold."

"So, those rare materials aren't precious in their world?"

Zhang Huaiyuan keenly grasped the key point and asked curiously:

"But even so... how did you manage all this in such a short time?"

"It's a long story, but it mainly comes down to a genius from their own sect."

Asroth's tone was somewhat strange as he briefly explained:

"A disciple from their sect used some method to mobilize over ten thousand fellow disciples, mortgaging all their salaries for the next hundred years. In just two months, they borrowed enough funds from all the merchant organizations in the Xuanjian Great World to build tens of thousands of servers..."

"That's quite a talent."

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but laugh and shake his head, saying:

"So, you've already taken control of their system for transmitting to various worlds?"

"Yes, Her Ladyship is doing her best to delay discovery. I returned first to deliver some of the collected items to you."

Asroth's tone held a hint of mystery:

"I believe you'll like them."