{What? He actually refused. }

The low voices rippled with disbelief.

{Do you even know what kind of beings those from the Eighth Layer are? }

{Even in the worlds of the past, the Skeleton-Spirits bearing the aura of the Eighth Layer were sought after by countless people. Every single one of them, since their birth into the human world, was granted the title ‘Centurion’ by humanity. It means they can fight a hundred alone—you didn’t think that was just a figure of speech, did you! }

“Every single one is a Centurion… ” Yang Zicang stared at the phantom before him.

The faint aura it emitted truly felt as though it could crush him with a single finger. Even facing off against Wu Zheng, its momentum was not in the least inferior.

The being from the Eighth Layer before him looked Yang Zicang up and down with keen interest.

{I want to know, for someone who derived the world’s current form from over seventy thousand rays of order, why on earth would you make such… an unprofitable choice? }

“Unprofitable? ” Yang Zicang repeated the word.

Feeling the multitude of gazes projected toward him from all sides, his look lingered for a moment on the towering, stalwart figure of Wu Zheng beside him, then wrenchingly shifted away.

“If my inference is correct, the deeper you go within the layers of the Moon Realm, the more dangerous it becomes, isn’t that right? “

Yang Zicang said, “So that’s why there are so few of you, the number of beings is so sparse on the eighth layer? “

Amid the rumbling hum from the venue, the phantom figure before him slowly nodded its head:

{You guessed correctly. That is precisely what the Moon Realm is like—a place that grows perilous step by step. Yet, we won’t truly die until we return to the Void Zero. }

“What! ” Even Yang Zicang, despite being mentally prepared for this news, was so shocked that he involuntarily took a step forward.

Guesswork churned and seethed within his mind in an instant.

Void Zero pertains to the system of their true death.

{Yes, upon arriving on our eighth layer of the Moon Realm, as you have said, one will encounter countless dangers. }

The phantom stepped forward a couple of paces. Its stature was not much taller than Yang Zicang’s, and unexpectedly, amidst the various bizarre silhouettes around it, it looked rather mediocre by comparison.

{_And the most intense dangers, other than the eighth layer itself, also come from the powerful Skeleton-Spirits scattered all over this entire world. Mm… I also have no intention of acting as some kind of mentor to teach you about the Moon Realm.

If you are unwilling, I won’t force you. After all, every awake person within our world is no weaker than him in strength. I merely had faith in the growth he could achieve after obtaining the bloodline. _}

The words had barely finished echoing when the phantom moved—as if it had simply never moved—only to reappear more than a dozen meters away at the edge of the venue in the blink of an eye, seeming as though it had resided there all along.

{Zicang! } People Bai’s voice pierced through the crowd.

She crossed her arms, her nostrils flaring as she exhaled two puffs of air. This little guy was starting to be stubborn again.

{If you miss out on that Noble of the Eighth Layer’s Moon, considering the trajectory of your fate, you might never encounter another chance like this. Why refuse? Do you really think those long-disfigured ‘things’ from the Ninth Layer would bother to come to a gathering like this? }

The Noble from the Eighth Layer merely gave a light smile, signaling that he didn’t mind the seller’s final decision.

“I…” Yang Zicang shook his head. “…not really.“

{Then for what reason? }

Someone couldn’t help but press the question further.

{Exactly! A full eighty-thousand Color Moonlight from the Eighth Layer! Just turning thirty-thousand of those Eight-Colors into cotton threads would net you several times the profit by exchanging them for Moonlight of the Sixth and Seventh Layers—need I even go on about the benefit from the lower layers? }

Voices of agreement erupted from every direction.

-｛Distributor Loki Tata Mingqi exudes an aura of anxiety.｝

Tata Mingqi…

Yang Zicang paid no heed to these murmurs. Over the past few minutes, one thought had been replaying nonstop in his mind: the words he had exchanged with Tata Mingqi before they signed that long-term contract.

— “As for signing a long-term contract with First-Level me… well, part of its advantage lies in the leverage of its duration… “

If that were indeed the case…

“As for me,” Yang Zicang said, looking around at the onlooking crowd of varied forms, all casting appraising glances.

He stated in a calm, steady voice:

“All I want is to give my friend a longer life and let him be able to make it through his days just a little bit easier.“

{…What did he just say? }

{Huh? No way… did I hear him right? }

{Friend? So that’s your reason? Truly a worthless—or perhaps a priceless—cause. }

Yang Zicang paid no heed to the buzzing murmurs around him, fixing his gaze on the astonished “Marquis Rocky ” before him.

“Marquis, may I ask about the extent of your influence on the First Layer of the Moon Realm? If my friend comes to your side, what treatment would you offer him? “

{Hah? Of course! I’m a Marquis of the Moon Realm; you needn’t worry about safety here. }

{Hold on, friend, } Sir Dead Sea appeared nearby Marquis Rocky.

{Our guild owns an entire nation on the Second Layer of the Moon Realm. Our investments in this orbital path are there for all to see—proof enough of our strength. Once it arrives, I’ll immediately secure a guardian-level seat and resources for it. }

{Hmph! }

Marquis Rocky cut him off with a cold snort.

{The guild’s days aren’t easy! They could go to war at any moment with other nations and lords on the Second Layer over resources and treasures. }

Before Marquis Rocky’s words even faded, another figure stepped forward: {Our king, a Grand Duke of the Third Layer. }

A slender figure performed a slight bow and said:

{The Grand Duke is surrounded by countless powerful warriors; it would have no chance there. Come to our Autumn Water Country on the Second Layer. We have an ancient artifact bloodline altar where it can attempt to attune its bloodline. }

Seeing Yang Zicang consider his friend’s “safety” and “future,” more and more attendees from the upper layers of the Lunar Realm vied to offer their terms.

Yang Zicang, meanwhile, watched Huan Bao’er working frantically with a device to record it all—as if these pledges would automatically converge into the auction’s bidding conditions.

{Don’t hesitate, let him come to me. }

Sir Loki’s voice cut through the crowd with an overbearing tone:

{Each descending layer of the Lunar Realm brings harsher conditions! And I can search for a lost bloodline that suits his nature, not just offer him the ‘Turbulent Flow’ bloodline littered across the First Layer for resonance. }

“Really?“

Yang Zicang’s eyes flew wide open. Though he still didn’t fully grasp the specifics of the Lunar Realm, even a fool could see how exceptional this offer was.

{I guarantee it by my title. }

-｛Distributor Loki. Tata Mingqi indicates “Confirmed!“｝

-｛Distributor February. Di’an gave me a Neutral Review.｝

At this point, a decision had to be made sooner or later. Since that kid Tata Mingqi—as an envoy of the Lunar Realm—still bore a human appearance and retained some of a child’s innocence, Yang Zicang chose to trust this so-called “Marquis” and “Noble” of the Lunar Realm.

Sir Loki, who holds a fondness for children, can’t be too harsh on his subordinates, right? At the very least, he still possesses a shred of “humanity.“

“Well then, Lord Chief Executive.” Yang Zicang, habitually performing an etiquette gesture commonly used in his illusion company, addressed Huan Bao’er. “For this bidding, I have already settled on the most preferable party.“

A wave of disappointed sighs echoed from the surroundings.

The gentleman from the eighth layer, in contrast, revealed a subtly perceptible look of relief in his expression, mingled even with a trace of appreciation.

{Are you certain you want to select Lord Marguis Luocq from the first layer as your direct transaction counterpart? }

“Yes, I am certain.“

Sparse and scattered applause arose, mostly from the attendees among the front layers. Those deeper within the assembly hall, more somber and elevated in rank, began silently exiting. They were truly like beasts of the hunt only concerned with the securing of prey.

{The transaction will be finalized after the fall of three gavels. }

Huan Bao’er announced in a clear voice:

{_Lord Marguis Luocq’s quotation is: one million units of monochrome Moonlight attuned, plus spools of cotton thread corresponding to this amount. Furthermore, during the existing sphere’s reign, they offer the gifts the assurance of treating the ‘Transcendent A-Class Deep Psionic Will: Wu Zheng’ with a dignity representative of the highest of a core squad’s mid-tier standard compensation.

Moreover, He has made a Pledge to personally seek out a resonance bloodline well fitted to Wu Zheng’s nature from outside the current chain to align within its circuits. Yes. This agreement will be consistently monitored by high authorities of the StarLight Mirage Fields to guarantee its assured fairness. _}

Dong!The first gavel hammer fell.

{Ah! A wasted journey, it would seem.}

Still heavier shadows trailed away accordingly as further spectators in the deeper ranks heaved final sighs of renunciation witnessed until They vanished.

Dong!Fainter upon echo felt immediate the next sure bound as close the second stroke right after.

{Part One: No contest nor dissent by the previous parties uttered from any area in the seats. Respect’s final guard is chosen clear for these obligations just recast. To Summaries Deliver ‘Term Archive of Visions?’, As Given Tomorrow Nothing more; Bring Each Existing Global Evolution At’L Save Cancel to Fully return Starting code’; these—The Consciousness Signature we sealed will be properly dispatched standard— “Upon. Receiving Acceptance from the hand of Day First Might Also Add Demanding Hall he R the Scrolls — And Deliver For The Given List with Marguis Land Luocq’s Third Seal Actually Saying the Marguis Keep‘ Confirmed Sign Nature Received by Air Notice marked’’ Here You will wrap in all sure again Ending form by Will Care A Standard Close _}.

-｛Distributor Loki Tata Mingqi expresses “cheers. “｝

Huan Bao’er raised her gavel, ready to bring it down for the third time.

Suddenly, Yang Zicang said, “Wait. “

Whoosh! All eyes instantly snapped to him.

{What’s wrong? }

A flicker of strange light passed through Huan Bao’er’s gaze as she asked, surprised:

{You’re not thinking of backing out now, are you? }

Even Marquis Loki tensed up.

{Is the price too low? Though the value differs, no matter the faction’s standing, scraping together a million is a massive sum for us! }

Even the figure from the eighth layer, who had yet to leave, shot him a look of confusion.

“No, it’s not that I’m backing out. “

Yang Zicang quickly waved his hands and said earnestly, his eyes pleading as he addressed the assembled silhouettes:

“I mean, don’t wait any longer. Let Wu Zheng be sent off now? “

{Now? }

Everyone was taken aback.

“I might stay in this evolving world for hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of years. I don’t want Wu Zheng to… “

{Ah, I see. }

Marquis Loki’s expression softened with sudden realization, his tone growing gentle.

{Truly a rare kind of human—to actually care so much about someone who wears our face. He’s gone through far too much pain indeed. }

Huan Bao’er’s form dimmed slightly as she said:

{If that’s the case, I’ll communicate with the King’s Court. }

A dozen seconds later, as everyone had gathered not far from Yang Zicang’s side, the woman’s voice rang out again:

{No problem. Once the evolution time flow returns to normal, the ‘Star of Azure and White’ will have him delivered instantly to the First Layer of the Moon Realm. Now, for the final confirmation… }

She raised the hammer.

{Please wait a moment longer. }

{Huh? Still waiting? } Everyone turned to look.

This time, it was the bidder from the Eighth Layer of the Moon Realm, who had been watching all along, that spoke.

Its imposing aura had become as steady and calm as gentle ocean waves. The figure stepped forward slowly, casting a glance at Wu Zheng, who seemed trapped within a temporal prison.

{I have asked myself, even if I were to endure the long and arduous span of the Holy Psychokinesis Field, I might not be able to do better than him, and might have even given up long ago, lost in myself. }

It extended an ethereal hand, pressing it slowly towards Wu Zheng’s chest.

{What do you think you’re doing? }

Gasps of shock and suspicion echoed around them.

The figure placed its phantom hand upon Wu Zheng’s chest and spoke with a faint smile:

{That so-called compatible bloodline you’re looking for, there’s no need for you, Marquis, to go seeking it elsewhere. }

{You… are you trying to awaken his potential bloodline? }

Marquis Loki stared at its action in astonishment.

{Wait, this is the Holy Psychokinesis Field. Can you even perform an exchange? He doesn’t even have a physical body anymore. }

“Exchange? ” Yang Zicang’s eyes snapped wide open.

{Hmph, } the figure before them let out a laugh of ambiguous meaning.

{Are you doubting the capabilities of us ‘Night Dukes’? }

{_ “…’Us Night Dukes’… Could it be… you are a Marquis, as well? No, wait. You must be a… ‘Duke’! }

Energy hummed and surged, a profound and majestic aura radiating from him, streaks of crimson light swirling around his body.

｛“Lord Final Silence,” the Duke of Decayed Eternity, revealed his identity.｝

The moment this aura permeated the venue, it erupted into an uproar.

{A Grand Duke! }

Some muttered in disbelief:

{Your Excellency “Lord Final Silence,” are you… are you planning to gift a share of your bloodline to it? }

{Obviously, } Lord Final Silence’s voice was calm and unruffled, {it is worthy of possessing this ‘fortune.’ }

{Fortune! }

Ripples of shock spread through the crowd’s hearts.

As his words fell, a halo of radiance bloomed before their eyes! It was as if a hazy moon, its edges tinged with an eerie blood-red, dimly materialized!

Countless strands of energy diffused from the void, converging like rivers returning to the sea, swirling around the moon and the figure!

Yang Zicang’s gaze instinctively averted, raising a semi-translucent phantom arm to shield the circle of moonlight manifested on the ground.

In the next second, he could no longer see any surrounding scenery, nor feel the existence of the earth or sky. Only the light piercing through his body remained.

｛Lord Final Silence bestowed a share of “fortune” upon the “Psionic Will, Wu Zheng.“｝

The sense of time warped; the clamor around him seemed to groan. All sensations became illusory and unreal.

When the gale-like energy storm finally eased, Yang Zicang regained his senses and looked ahead.

The standing Grand Duke’s figure became much clearer. He was draped in a black robe with hints of red, and a faint smile could just be discerned on his dim face before it returned to the translucent phantom shared by the others.

{Thank you for bringing me this long-lost emotion today. Consider this ‘Harmony’ Bloodline as my gift. }

{The ‘Harmony’ Bloodline? Is it related to law or rhythm? }

{I remember now! }

Sir Dead Sea to the side was so excited his voice cracked, his whole body trembling as he said:

{It’s a bloodline that can coordinate and command the combat power of subordinate warriors! One with a complete Five-Ring Bloodline can even command an entire legion as if it were their own arm. }

{Dear sir, could you sell us a share of this bloodline? }

Instantly, he felt it was impossible. Sir Dead Sea flashed before Yang Zicang, as if possessed by madness, and said:

{Let Wu Zheng come to the Chamber of Commerce. I will immediately apply for a maximum-level resource allocation for him. He will be appointed Vice Chief! The future Legion Commander! I am willing to offer a Moon Realm Secret Treasure in exchange! }

{How dare you! } Marquis Loki was both shocked and enraged. He anxiously looked toward the women in the distance who held up a hammer that never fell and said through gritted teeth:

{I, too, possess treasures from the Moon Realm. I will have Tata make ten accessories for you that can accommodate five to six Distributors simultaneously in communication! }

-｛Distributor Loki. Tata Mingqi expresses “Shock “!｝

{We can have treasures too! }

One man shouted, {Two ‘Substitute Contracts’! They guarantee that a friend or relative you designate will be taken into the Fourth Layer of our Lunar Realm at the moment of death! Our partners include the Holy Ring Council. }

The remaining crowd in the entire venue went wild!

Having an at least S-rank Psionic Will Warrior with the complete “Harmonic Bloodline, ” as long as they are reborn by your side, it equals directly reserving a godlike battle general who can command ten thousand troops, causing a geometric power surge!

He will coordinate the entire subordinate legion with his personal combat skill and experience. The more brilliant a person’s individual abilities are with this bloodline, the more exponentially the legion’s strength increases.

In that instant, Wu Zheng’s value had more than tripled, easily.

Yang Zicang finally understood—no wonder this Grand Duke could become a Grand Duke, no wonder in the dangerous Eighth Layer of the Lunar Realm he could maintain such clear human consciousness and even a physique similar to a normal human, albeit much broader.

It was all because he possessed this fearsome bloodline.

The person before him, this man, was a true Sovereign of the Moon, an angel walking the earth!