Chen Gu didn't stand on ceremony and cut straight to the chase. "Help me find a generator. I want to advance to the Third Energy Level."

The gorilla didn't ask any questions and readily agreed. "Alright, I'll go ask around."

It wasn't long before Chen Gu received an answer from the gorilla. "Wuning Temple has a secret generator. Its facilities are a bit outdated, but it's definitely usable. They're willing to provide it to you on one condition: you accept their price."

Wuning Temple was one of the three largest freelancer organizations. When first established, the organization was incredibly radical, proclaiming "death before lack of freedom."

Then, it was severely pummeled by the official forces of the four major Star Nations, and all the founding members with radical views were wiped out.

Thus, the organization instantly adopted a more detached, philosophical approach.

They quickly reconciled with the major Star Nations. Ever since, they have been the most cooperative freelance organization, their enthusiasm in this regard far surpassing that of the other two.

If Wuning Temple knew how the Bureau of Mystic Security views me, they probably wouldn't dare lend me the generator, Chen Gu estimated. They must be lagging in their intelligence; I need to capitalize on this time difference.

"What's their price?"

The gorilla said, "Of course, it's an exorbitant price. Twenty grams of supermatter, or two hundred kilograms of a super lifeform's remains; or items of equivalent value—they don't want cash."

Chen Gu pondered for a moment, then said, "First, help me pressure them to lower the price, and I'll figure something out."

"Okay."

After the gorilla left, Chen Gu entered the game pod and, using the method Qing Ruyan had taught him previously, entered the decadent, dilapidated Divine Realm.

With practiced ease, Chen Gu located the Taoist temple, its walls almost completely collapsed, leaving only a lonely gate standing.

But this time, the old Taoist was fast asleep, reeking heavily of alcohol.

"Senior?" Chen Gu called out, but the old Taoist didn't respond. Chen Gu called out twice more, but the old Taoist still snored thunderously. Frowning, Chen Gu shook him a few times. "Senior?"

The old Taoist refused to wake up, and Chen Gu grew irritated. He made a fortune off me last time, and now he thinks he can just ignore me? No way!

He wandered around the temple and suddenly noticed a silver bell on a table in the half-collapsed main hall. "Senior, I really like this. It seems you don't use it, so why not gift it to me? I'll even buy you a few more later."

As he spoke, he reached for it. The old Taoist continued to snore loudly, seemingly unconcerned. Go ahead, take it if you can!

Chen Gu's hand was already extended, mainly to force the old Taoist to wake up, but he found himself hesitating.

Chen Gu gritted his teeth and decisively snatched the bell.

DING-A-LING-A-LING...

To his surprise, he actually managed to grab the bell. He stuffed it into his pocket and ran off without looking back.

Sure enough, just as he ran behind the temple gate, his vision blurred, and the old Taoist was already standing before him. Chen Gu, with a cheeky grin, said, "Yo, Senior, you're awake."

The old Taoist stared at him coldly, silently extending his hand.

Chen Gu, holding the bell, was somewhat reluctant to return it. The old Taoist values it so much; it might be a treasure.

However, the old Taoist's gaze was icy. Chen Gu judged that if he didn't hand it over, he might get beaten... Mostly, I'm afraid this old codger will feign injury and try to extort me if he makes a move. With feigned magnanimity, Chen Gu handed the bell back. "Why so stingy today, Senior? It's just a small bell."

The old Taoist carefully placed the bell back, ensuring it was in the exact same position as before, down to the millimeter. Then he walked back to his spot, ready to lie down and continue sleeping. I clearly don't want to deal with you. Can you still shamelessly linger here?

But before lying down, the old Taoist glanced at the bell, a thought stirring. Finally, he asked coldly, "You need something?"

"Yes!" Chen Gu quickly nodded. "I need a substantial amount of supermatter."

"How many kilograms?" asked the old Taoist.

Chen Gu was speechless.

Indeed, my definition of 'a substantial amount' differs greatly from that of a powerhouse like him. It was the first time Chen Gu learned that supermatter could even be measured in kilograms.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "0.02 kilograms."

The old Taoist couldn't help but glare at him. "Cheeky!"

Chen Gu gave a sheepish smile. "Old Master, could you perhaps think of a way to help?"

"What do you have to trade?"

Chen Gu replied, "I have money."

"Starshield isn't useful here," the old Taoist stated, his tone still cold.

This was precisely Chen Gu's predicament. Acquiring a full twenty grams of supermatter on the outside wasn't something Starshield alone could achieve, and right now, he truly had nothing else of value to trade.

The old Taoist glanced at the small bell again and finally said, somewhat reluctantly, "Wait a moment." He closed his eyes, his actions unclear. After a short while, he said, "Someone will contact you tomorrow. Have that pet of yours cooperate with them for some experiments. Then, transfer two hundred million Starshield to them, and they'll give you twenty grams of supermatter."

Chen Gu frowned deeply. "You mean Combat Rooster? But he's locked up at headquarters; I can't get him out..."

The old Taoist coldly interrupted, "They will take care of everything."

He then lay down to sleep, his snores booming, no longer paying any attention to Chen Gu.

Chen Gu cautiously backed out, feeling somewhat bewildered. The supermatter issue seemed resolved, but who exactly would contact me tomorrow? Would they expose my secret plan to seek advancement? If my secret got out and Aviloya intervened, what would I do then?

Chen Gu mentally reviewed various contingency plans as time slowly passed. Soon, it was the next day.

He reported to the Bureau of Mystic Security as usual. At 8:30 in the morning, a high-ranking internal affairs officer arrived with several people to see him. None of them wore Bureau of Mystic Security uniforms.

The high-ranking internal affairs officer introduced them. "This is Lord Shangguan Yuxie, and these are researchers from Tsunami Lab. They require your cooperation."

The officer specifically added, "This collaborative project has been approved by the Director-General herself."

Chen Gu inwardly marveled. Shangguan Yuxie truly is well-connected to get Aviloya's approval for this. But at the same time, my anxiety about the secret leaking has intensified.

With the high-ranking internal affairs officer present, Chen Gu didn't want to mention their clandestine deal. He smiled and asked, "How can I assist?"

Shangguan Yuxie acted as if he knew nothing of other matters. "We need your pet to assist us with some tests. For this, Tsunami Lab is willing to pay you three million Starshield. It's just some basic data collection, and we assure you, it won't cause any harm to your pet."

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