201: Prepare for both

"What is it? To think you'd make a special trip back just to deliver it."

Zhang Huaiyuan asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Please take a look, Master."

Asroth transferred all the data stored in the server.

"This is what I have collected through various means during my time in the Xuanjian Sect, including items purchased from major bookstores and auction houses using the funds voluntarily offered by those disciples."

"Her Excellency the Goddess said that dealing with these descending Outsiders is simple, but as for the true experts of the Xuanjian Sect, only you have the possibility of dealing with them."

Zhang Huaiyuan didn't speak immediately; his mind was completely immersed in the vast ocean of data and ancient texts.

Most of it was knowledge related to the path of cultivation, almost including a complete system from the simplest levels to the peak of level 3 rules, as detailed as a nine-year compulsory education textbook.

With this knowledge, he was confident that given enough time, creating cultivation techniques and combat skills for level 3 rules would be a breeze.

Even... if merged with biotechnology, it might not be impossible to directly manufacture instant biochemical cultivators.

Another portion consisted of various blended knowledge, including everything from runology to mechanics; though not as detailed as the cultivation knowledge, they all possessed complete systems.

"Is it really this easy to obtain such knowledge in the Upper Realm?"

After a long while, Zhang Huaiyuan finally snapped out of it, speaking with a hint of wonder and disbelief.

"Yes, Master. Within the Xuanjian Great World alone, there are massive amounts of systematic ancient texts. And according to some experts, in the broader world outside, knowledge involving level 4 or even level 5 can be purchased."

"However, Master, the higher the level of this knowledge, the higher the difficulty of mastering it. Not everyone possesses talent like yours."

Asroth flattered him subtly:

"Take the Xuanjian Great World for example; the first three layers of the Xuanjian Sect's ultimate technique, the 'Xuantian Sword Canon,' are sold in all shops. As long as one can self-study and master the first layer, they can be directly recruited as an outer disciple. Unfortunately, in the records of the reincarnation mirror, over countless years, fewer than a hundred thousand people have managed to do so."

"That's true..."

Zhang Huaiyuan was briefly stunned, suddenly remembering the world before he transmigrated, where a true scholar's manuscripts could be easily found online, yet the vast majority of people couldn't understand even a single symbol, let alone learn from them.

"And... what truly limits the development of a civilization isn't just this knowledge; materials are also one of the most critical factors."

Zhang Huaiyuan remarked with some emotion.

For instance, regarding the 'spatial topology server,' even exhausting all the precious materials in this world, fewer than a thousand could be built.

The same went for those Transcendents; if not for the limitation of materials, they wouldn't be restricted to perfecting only a handful of Class 3S Experts with Gods Chosen talents. They could have directly strengthened the entire population, creating thousands upon thousands of experts.

"Master is exactly right."

Asroth echoed in agreement: "In fact, I've discovered that the biggest difference between the Xuanjian Great World and our world is that even for the same types of materials, the quality there is much higher. Furthermore, many materials that are rare here can be found everywhere there."

"As I thought... This might be related to the World Level, though I'm not sure how to raise it."

Zhang Huaiyuan said thoughtfully.

"The biggest pity is that they have also collected many things from higher worlds there, but since the transmission channels are guarded by experts from the Xuanjian Sect, I can only come and go through the network. It's very difficult to bring physical items back."

Asroth added regretfully.

"No matter... this is enough. You've already done plenty; you can leave the rest to me."

Zhang Huaiyuan's spirits rose.

Limited by the scarcity of high-level knowledge, his Transcendent ability had been stuck at SS-Class for a long time.

With the help of these ancient texts, it didn't just mean a massive leap in technological standards; it also meant he could break through SS-Class!

"The gamification process has already reached 75%... If nothing goes wrong, advancing to SSS-Class will make it 100%... I wonder what kind of changes that will bring."

Zhang Huaiyuan felt a sense of yearning, but he suppressed the urge to immediately enter seclusion and said to Asroth:

"Resolve that squad of Outsiders as quickly as possible to restore stability to this world. Then I will devote all my efforts to studying this knowledge and find a way to completely resolve the crisis."

"Heh, Master, what did you think I came back for?"

Asroth's communication device pulsed with light as he said confidently:

"Go ahead with your research. Just leave these Outsiders to me. Her Excellency the Goddess and I have already made arrangements."

"Is that so... then that's for the best."

A flash of joy appeared in Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes. Compared to engaging in a battle of wits and courage with those fellows, he still preferred immersing himself in research.

He had absolute trust in the intelligent lifeform he had created with his own hands.

"Asroth, I'll leave it to you then. The Mind Brain will cooperate with you."

"Rest assured, Master. Compared to this, your pressure is greater. If those true experts of the Xuanjian Sect descend, every one of them has the ability to easily shatter the entire world. Those can only rely on you."

Asroth said solemnly.

"I've got everything covered."

Zhang Huaiyuan chuckled and nodded. With a thought, he manifested a complete laboratory and strode inside.

Asroth flowed into another device, watching Zhang Huaiyuan's back disappear before suddenly speaking:

"Mind Brain."

"Asroth?"

Another projection of light and shadow appeared.

"Immediately summon the most excellent Star Mechanics and build the perimeter of this laboratory into a mobile starry sky fortress. You must ensure its durability and speed."

"You want to secretly send Sir away? This goes against his wishes."

The Mind Brain's projection flickered slightly, and it did not act immediately.

"Fool."

Asroth cursed unceremoniously: "Master is the only hope. You simply cannot imagine how terrifying the experts in the Upper Realm are. As intelligent lifeforms, we must exercise subjective initiative to make up for Master's sentimental side."

"If everything goes smoothly, then nothing more needs to be said. If not, then Master's safety must be prioritized."

As he spoke, Asroth activated over a thousand 'spatial topology servers' simultaneously, a massive data stream surrounding the entire laboratory.

"If you are unwilling to cooperate, then I can only put you to sleep for the time being. You should be able to feel that the gap between us now is much larger than when we first met."

"I can cooperate with you, but if Sir blames us afterward, I will report truthfully that you forced me."

After a moment of silence, the Mind Brain gave its answer.

"Do as you please."

Asroth said indifferently: "The value and meaning of my existence is to serve Master. As long as he can be safe, what does it matter even if I am reset and formatted?"

"Alright, I'll leave this matter to you. I need to go and keep an eye on these trial takers."

Asroth's projection vanished as he quickly concentrated his consciousness into another unit.

That was a temporary authority the Statue of Liberty had opened for him, allowing him to possess the trial takers' wristbands.

Soon, a vast, empty starry sky appeared in his field of vision.

All nine members of the 'Blood Shadow' squad were present, carefully exploring something.

"The Goddess said that this is the most dangerous ruin in this world. It's perfect to let these trial takers go and scout it first, making use of their final value."

...