Chen Gu feigned meticulous interest, inquiring about the specific details of the test. After some consideration, he reluctantly agreed, "Alright, since the Director-General approved it, I'll cooperate."

They proceeded to an independent floor of the building. Pang Yifan, Dr. Oubayang's 'senior disciple' and the middle-aged researcher who often communicated with Chen Gu, had already been informed and came over to assist.

As he operated various instruments, he asked, "What exactly are we testing?"

The experts accompanying Shangguan Yuxie quickly reeled off a string of professional jargon. Pang Yifan nodded in approval. Chen Gu didn't understand any of it and looked at Shangguan Yuxie. The latter shrugged and said to Chen Gu, "It seems there's nothing for you or me to do here—let the professionals handle professional matters. They've worked hard in their studies precisely so they can play such an irreplaceable role, right?"

Chen Gu smiled and nodded. Shangguan Yuxie scanned the area, complaining discontentedly, "Doesn't Dr. Oubayang have any pretty female graduate students? No one's even offering a cup of coffee..."

Chen Gu laughed heartily and, with familiar ease, got himself some coffee. Then the two of them drank their coffee while observing the tests. However, right from the start, Chen Gu realized there was an issue: all the tests being conducted by Shangguan Yuxie's people were aimed at the red glow within Combat Rooster's body.

Chen Gu couldn't help but glance at Shangguan Yuxie, who seemed oblivious to everything.

As the final few tests commenced, the other party's intentions became increasingly apparent, prompting Chen Gu to whisper to Shangguan Yuxie, "Is your target also super life forms?"

Shangguan Yuxie, smiling, replied, "We know you have an agreement with Qiao Shuangmu, so we won't ask you any questions."

Of course, it wasn't Chen Gu they were wary of, but Qiao Shuangmu.

"But as you see," Shangguan Yuxie lightly lifted his coffee cup and gestured to Chen Gu. "As long as we circumvent things a little, we can easily obtain what we want."

Then he took a sip of his coffee. "Rest assured, we will give you your compensation very soon."

Chen Gu frowned internally, feeling that something was amiss. After pondering, he still sent a message to Qiao Shuangmu to inform him of the situation.

However, the message seemed to vanish like a stone dropped into the sea—there was no response from Qiao Shuangmu.

Chen Gu found it oddly astonishing.

The group bustled about for the entire day, finally completing all the tests. Combat Rooster, having been prodded and poked all day, was extremely disgruntled; if Chen Gu hadn't constantly placated it, it would have already gone berserk.

After the tests concluded, Chen Gu didn't see Shangguan Yuxie and his team off but stayed to accompany the agitated Combat Rooster. Shangguan Yuxie took no offense. He even left his phone number and said, "Your pet is quite impressive. If you ever consider selling it, please contact me first. I'll be more generous than Qiao Shuangmu."

Chen Gu took down the number but replied as before, "I'm not selling it."

After finally calming Combat Rooster, Chen Gu returned to his residence alone, only to find Qiao Shuangmu waiting at the door!

He had sent a message to Qiao Shuangmu, who hadn't replied all this time, so he'd thought Qiao Shuangmu truly didn't care about the matter.

Qiao Shuangmu began with a wry smile, then nodded at Chen Gu. "Notifying me was thoughtful of you. I've taken note."

Chen Gu asked, "Why didn't you stop them?"

Qiao Shuangmu shook his head. "Because of the rules. Our ancestors said that without rules, there can be no order."

Chen Gu still didn't understand.

Qiao Shuangmu elaborated, "Our Qiao Family, the Bai Family you're familiar with, and Shangguan Yuxie's Shangguan Family have all attained the status of first-class families within the Confederation through the struggles and accumulations of countless generations.

"However, since everyone's strength is roughly equal, if we all covet the same thing, we might fight and both sides could suffer heavy losses, potentially ruining generations of hard work in an instant.

"Therefore, everyone gradually formed a tacit understanding, which is this rule."

"First come, first served, unless you can find a loophole."

"For instance, with this matter of the super life forms, I came to you first, and normally others shouldn't trouble you anymore. But that damn Shangguan Yuxie found a loophole in how I handled this: he could still get a lot of information about super life forms through your pet, without directly asking you like I did."

Chen Gu understood. "He played by the rules, and you have to as well, without interfering with him."

Qiao Shuangmu nodded. "Although I can't interfere, being informed in advance allows me to take precautions sooner." He paused, then added, "I heard your friend has sought out Uncle Delos. If needed, I can make an introduction for you."

This was to repay a favor, Chen Gu was well aware. But since Tao Tao had already begun cooperating with Marshal Bai, she probably wouldn't seek out General Delos anymore.

He nodded. "Alright, I will tell my friend."

After Qiao Shuangmu finished speaking, he took his leave. Just before departing, he made a telephone gesture with his hand. "Stay in touch."

Chen Gu smiled and agreed.

To Chen Gu's surprise, no sooner had Qiao Shuangmu left than a delivery robot arrived at his door with the super-substance promised by Shangguan Yuxie.

The timing was impeccable; Qiao Shuangmu had been gone for less than three minutes!

These scions of the great families... they're all the most outstanding people of this era. Anyone who truly believes they are all profligates is making a grave mistake.

Shangguan Yuxie was clearly using this small gesture to inform Chen Gu that he was aware of Qiao Shuangmu's visit.

Chen Gu quickly transferred two billion Starshields to Shangguan Yuxie. When dealing with people like them, he had to be extra careful. It was best to maintain a purely transactional relationship, with no outstanding debts on either side.

Having received the super-substance, Chen Gu quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Reflecting on his previous two promotions, each time it had taken an enormous effort to gather the necessary materials.

This time, though the Bureau of Mystic Security's stance had caused some complications, it was much easier than on previous occasions.

The key reason was that his network of relationships was now drastically different.

However, this convenience was likely limited to the lower Energy Levels. As one advanced, the required resources would become more precious and rarer; it wouldn't be as easy as this time.

Chen Gu immediately contacted the Gorilla, who was quite surprised. "You've obtained twenty grams of super-substance so quickly?"

Chen Gu said, "Please arrange the contact as soon as possible."

"Alright."

Chen Gu still felt somewhat uneasy. If Aviloya knew about this, she would certainly try to stop it. If Wuning Monastery received a warning from Aviloya, they would likely call off the deal immediately.

Can I somehow get Aviloya to tacitly consent to this? Chen Gu pondered.

But after much thought, Chen Gu decided to stand pat. If Aviloya was completely unaware, my own proactive approach might instead reveal the matter.

If, in the end, Aviloya remained unpersuaded and insisted on stopping me—wouldn't I be caught in a bind right there and then?

The next day, the Gorilla had arranged everything and informed him, "You'll need to take a trip to Maoshi Star."

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