C242 Adams's Recommendation!

Chu Yi regarded Adams with a keen interest gleaming in his eyes. Adams's maneuvers were so unexpected that even Chu Yi hadn't anticipated them. After all, Adams was the one who had been sent to kill him, effectively making him an enemy. Typically, Chu Yi would dispatch his enemies swiftly, without hesitation. Villains often perished due to their verbosity, while the good hesitated to their demise. Chu Yi had seen enough TV dramas in his past life to know that villains should be given no quarter—just eliminated swiftly and decisively.

Yet, at this moment, Chu Yi found himself intrigued by Adams. "What's really going through your mind?" he asked, his soul force beginning to stir. A mere Diamond could not remain concealed before a determined Chu Yi. Previously, Chu Yi hadn't paid much attention to Adams's words, merely giving them a cursory sense. But now... it was time to get serious.

Adams, unaware of Chu Yi's reasoning for the question, sensed the gravity of the situation. Over the past four hours, he had contemplated a great deal, even considering escape on several occasions. But the grim fate of the traitorous humans, the uncertainty of the future, his years of hard work, and his own talent ultimately convinced Adams to stay. After all, fortune favors the bold. Without significant risk, how could one expect to reap astonishing rewards?

So, Adams stayed. And now, facing Chu Yi, he couldn't shake the feeling that his very soul was being scrutinized. As a Diamond Level Great General, Adams was not one to dismiss such sensations as mere illusions. Had it been anyone else, he might have simply laughed it off. A Gold attempting to probe a Diamond? Ridiculous. But with Chu Yi...

In Chu Yi's presence, Adams had no other thoughts. Having witnessed Chu Yi's formidable power, Adams would readily believe him if he claimed to have ascended beyond the status of a War God. Indeed, after seeing Chu Yi's dazzling might and his array of overwhelming trump cards, Adams felt a profound awe deep within his soul.

"Young Master," Adams said, "the Terran Federation is on the verge of advancing to a Second Level Civilization."

"As you're aware, once we achieve Second Level status, the so-called protection for civilizations will cease to exist."

Lee Zi and the elder had both discussed this with Chu Yi.

This is why, as the human race neared the threshold of becoming a Second Level Civilization, they decided to transform the traditional arena of the college entrance examination into a test of actual combat.

First Level civilizations benefit from a protective system.

Consider it a welcome package for all civilizations joining the grand cosmic family!

Once you're part of a First Level civilization, you'll enjoy the protection of all forces until your civilization ascends to the Second Level.

Should anyone dare to strike against you, they would face severe punishment.

Thus, despite their lower rank, First Level civilizations are, in fact, the safest compared to their higher-level counterparts.

Some civilizations, lacking ambition, even intentionally suppress their own advancement.

Naturally, most civilizations prefer to progress quickly. It's better to have the strength to defend oneself than to depend on others for protection.

The universe is rife with countless natural disasters.

Terrifying interstellar beasts, apocalyptic events, and various cosmic calamities are all inevitable.

With sufficient strength, you can avoid these threats, but without it...

Destruction!

That is the tragedy of lower-level civilizations.

Hence, despite their protection, numerous civilizations are eager to advance and break free from their constraints.

"Once we lose the protection afforded to lower-level civilizations, our Terran Federation will be exposed to the onslaught of innumerable civilizations within the Milky Way Galaxy."

"When that happens, the dynamics will undergo a massive shift!"

Chu Yi acknowledged this reality.

Currently shielded, the full impact is not apparent, but once protection is lost, facing the onslaught of other civilizations is an absolute certainty.

"In such times, even a War God would seem insignificant..."

Adams spoke, his head bowed, a hint of bitterness on his face.

If even a War God could not stem the tide, and might be at a loss within it, what chance would he stand as a mere Diamond?

Self-preservation is key!

Indeed, it's about finding a strong ally to support you!

While the common folk may not feel the full brunt of such impacts, for cultivators and rulers, it would be an upheaval beyond imagination.

"Even for us, deemed powerful within our own race, we are but Diamonds, easily shaken when faced with the vast civilizations of the entire Milky Way."

"Therefore..."

Adams gazed intently at Chu Yi, his eyes reflecting a newfound seriousness.

"I wish to align myself with you!"

Chu Yi took the declaration much more seriously this time. He had fully unleashed the power of his primordial spirit, confirming beyond doubt that Adams was sincere in his desire to join him.

"A Diamond pledging loyalty to a Gold like myself?"

Chu Yi's eyebrows raised ever so slightly, while Adams sported an enigmatic expression.

His eyes seemed to question whether Chu Yi was truly unaware of his own Gold status.

"For other prodigies and even Invincible Geniuses, the Terran Federation's ascension to a Second Level civilization will pose a significant challenge."

"However, for the truly elite Invincible Geniuses, and even those exceptional talents, this is not a setback but an opportunity!"

"Because a genius of Young Master Chu Yi's caliber should never be constrained by such arbitrary civilization rankings!"

"Therefore, I am convinced that you are destined to ascend to that supreme existence!"

Adams was forthright, his candor a response to sensing a shift in Chu Yi's demeanor—all because he had spoken the truth.

Adams was aware that although he didn't know what methods Chu Yi possessed, Chu Yi could discern the truth of his words.

At this juncture, Adams harbored no illusions. If he were to lie, he was well aware of the likely repercussions...

Chu Yi remained contemplative for a short while before lifting his gaze to meet Adams's, his expression a mix of amusement and scrutiny that left Adams feeling unsettled.

"Before, we were adversaries, and you were intent on killing me for a reward."

This was an undeniable hurdle.

Adams had no desire to make excuses, nor could he find any.

Silence was his best recourse.

"And yet..."

Adams looked up, keenly aware that the crux of the matter was about to unfold.

As expected, Chu Yi's expression took on a grave seriousness. "I forgive you, and I'm even willing to let you follow me, but what's in it for me?"

Adams inhaled deeply, recognizing the gravity of the moment.

His fate—whether he would survive or even secure a place at Chu Yi's side—hinged on demonstrating his worth.

Just hours before, he had been attempting to slay Chu Yi, and now he sought to serve under him. Without proving his indispensable value, the prospect was unthinkable.

Adams had already pondered this issue.

Money?

Chu Yi, as the young master of the Chu family, was a topic Adams had learned much about from the minister.

The Chu family was a formidable dynasty. While not infinitely wealthy, as the sole direct heir and the future of the Chu family, Chu Yi had access to far greater resources than his peers. His exceptional talent was the icing on the cake.

Provided the Chu family's leader wasn't foolish, Chu Yi could essentially have anything he desired.

Martial arts techniques?

That went without saying.

Military support?

Indeed, that was another aspect!

Beyond these, there was yet another crucial point!

These were the leverage points Adams had identified to sway Chu Yi.

"First off, I'm aware of your capabilities, but it seems you prefer to keep your power under wraps," Adams began.

Chu Yi nodded in agreement.

"For situations where you'd rather not intervene directly, having me on your side makes things much simpler."

"After all, I may not be a War God capable of contending with the elite, but against the average contender, they're no match for me!" Adams said with a hint of pride.

In comparison to government heavyweights, he would indeed be outmatched at the same level. Against someone like Zhang Zhongqi, he'd likely be overwhelmed.

But against an ordinary Diamond? Adams could easily best them at the same level. He was confident in that.

Chu Yi acknowledged Adams's self-assessment as accurate.

Adams had indeed grown stronger compared to the guardians Chu Yi had encountered in the third trial.

"Is that everything?" Chu Yi asked.

He wasn't one to seek out trouble, and on the rare occasion he did, it was significant.

Now that everyone knew Chu Yi was the young master of the Chu family, Adams's accurate points were, in reality, not of much necessity to him.

"Moreover, couldn't the Chu family muster a few Diamonds if needed?"

Adams felt a touch of embarrassment. He knew that if Chu Yi required it, Patriarch Chu could summon several, perhaps even a dozen, Diamond Level Great Generals to guard Chu Yi around the clock.

Adams was well aware that a single argument wouldn't sway Chu Yi. At best, it was a minor point in his favor. His ace up the sleeve, however, was something else entirely.

"Young Master, you don't plan on staying on Earth indefinitely, do you?" Adams posed the question with a hint of inquiry, yet his tone was laced with conviction.

Staying on Earth might be the preferred choice for other extraordinary beings, given the relative safety and the backing of powerful allies that would ensure steady progress. But Adams was confident that Chu Yi had no intention of lingering on Earth any longer than necessary. The reason was simple: limitations.

Adams, perhaps second only to Lee Zi, had a clear understanding of Chu Yi's current capabilities. The sheer power Chu Yi possessed, even before tapping into his ultimate reserves, was beyond imagination. Adams had witnessed the entire ordeal.

Chu Yi, at Gold status, had managed to subdue not only two titans but also a being of the Sky War God Level. What truly astounded Adams, however, was the tactic Chu Yi deployed to prevent the Gold Horn King and Sol War God from escaping—a technique that was nothing short of miraculous. In the presence of such devastating lightning, all of Adams's strategies were rendered futile.

Adams recognized that this was Chu Yi's final trump card, the source of his true, unbeatable strength. With such formidable power, Chu Yi was even more fearsome than when he had overpowered the two behemoths. On Earth, Chu Yi stood among the elite, a top-tier force to be reckoned with. Only the emergence of a mythical War God could possibly challenge him.

As a warrior himself, Adams understood the warrior's path. Without a worthy adversary, Chu Yi's presence on Earth would lose its significance.

Chu Yi regarded Adams with a wry smile. Unperturbed, Adams spoke with earnest conviction, "This is where I come in. I have devoted the majority of my years to the study of civilizations beyond our own."

"The Milky Way Galaxy is vast, home to innumerable civilizations. It would be impossible to fully comprehend them all in just a few decades. However, when it comes to the more renowned civilizations within the Milky Way, I may not know them inside out, but I can confidently say they are far more advanced than 99.9% of Earth's mightiest."