C243 Soul Contract
Adams believed he had found the key to truly influencing Chu Yi.
His edge was his breadth of experience.
Despite only venturing off Earth a handful of times, the unique nature of his work granted him considerable access within the Alliance. With such access, Adams could easily acquire vast amounts of data—though strictly non-technological in nature.
For decades, Adams had dedicated himself to studying this information.
A flicker of confusion crossed Chu Yi's eyes; he recognized the truth in Adams's words.
Yet, why would Adams forsake cultivation to study these matters?
Sensing Chu Yi's bewilderment, a touch of melancholy momentarily displaced the pride in Adams's eyes. "You must be questioning why I've abandoned cultivation to pursue these matters..."
Chu Yi remained silent, his stance clear.
Adams inhaled deeply before continuing, "You can sense my aptitude, I presume."
Chu Yi nodded in affirmation.
"With my level of talent, reaching the pinnacle of High Order Diamond is about as far as I can go. To break through, I'd need a stroke of luck or a mountain of resources—otherwise..."
Otherwise, it was a dead end.
The simple truth was that Adams's talent had its limits.
"I'm aware of my lack of connections. Advancing through conventional means is exceedingly difficult for me."
Difficult was an understatement—it was virtually impossible.
Even those in high-ranking positions with ample resources struggled to progress, which spoke volumes.
"Therefore, I've pinned my hopes on extraterrestrial civilizations, on those advanced societies..."
That was the crux of it.
Adams had invested all his hopes in the higher civilizations beyond our planet, tirelessly seeking a path to them. To avoid recklessness, he needed to understand the local contexts; the extraterrestrial realms were far from the relative safety of Earth.
"These are the capabilities I bring to the table."
Adams's gaze met Chu Yi's with earnest resolve.
A guide—this was the true role Adams envisioned for himself.
It might seem laughable for a High Order Diamond Great General to serve merely as a guide, but Adams was acutely aware of the disparity between his and Chu Yi's strengths. Thus, he embraced his role as a guide wholeheartedly.
Chu Yi paused, seemingly contemplating the potential advantages of this revelation.
Ultimately, Chu Yi turned to Adams and asked, "How can you convince me to trust you?"
This was crucial.
Adams had been truthful, and his actions conveyed genuine sincerity to Chu Yi.
But that was now.
Who could predict whether Adams might betray him in the future?
Upon hearing Chu Yi's question, Adams seemed to have anticipated this concern.
He was an intelligent man, having considered all possibilities.
"Quite simple, take a look at this..."
While speaking, Adams produced a contract from within his clothing.
Chu Yi's gaze took on an odd cast.
"You don't seriously think a mere piece of paper will convince me, do you?"
The idea that a contract alone could inspire trust was laughable.
Adams let out a heavy sigh.
Indeed, Chu Yi was correct; Adams intended to rely on this contract to gain Chu Yi's trust.
Yet, the contract wasn't the kind Chu Yi had expected.
"I've invested over a decade's worth of savings and a substantial number of contribution points to obtain this."
Adams's eyes held a complex mix of emotions as he regarded Chu Yi.
Originally meant for others, he found himself using it on his own behalf.
"This is known as a soul contract, apparently crafted by Divine Psychics from a High Order civilization."
"They weren't initially created for contract signing purposes..."
Soul contracts could only be crafted by Divine Psychics from High Order civilizations.
They weren't designed for contract signing; their true purpose was to tame Demonic Beasts.
Naturally, the level of the soul contract determined the caliber of Demonic Beasts it could tame, and success wasn't guaranteed. The process also required meeting various stringent conditions.
Despite its significant limitations, it remained exceedingly sought after across the Cosmic Civilization.
Without spending a major portion of his contribution points and decades of savings, Adams wouldn't have been able to acquire such an item.
"Young Master Chu, once this soul contract is signed, the signee will become the master's—"
Though the words were difficult to express, Adams had no opportunity for second thoughts at this juncture.
"Slave!"
Indeed, a slave!
Once the contract is signed, one becomes bound as a vassal, a slave to the other party.
Initially, the soul contract targeted Demonic Beasts, as subjugating them was inherently risky.
The Demonic Beasts might temporarily submit to overwhelming martial power, but the moment they sense weakness or an opportunity, they will retaliate.
This isn't just a possibility; it's a certainty!
Such scenarios are all too common across the universe.
But with a Soul Contract, it's a different story.
Signing this contract means the signee's life and death are at the mercy of a single thought from the holder.
A mere activation of the mark within the soul can end the signee's life in an instant!
Many regard this as a slave contract, though the term itself...
Despite Adams's decision to serve under Chu Yi, being merely a subordinate isn't sufficient!
Adams is a man of ambition, and he believes that if he remains just a subordinate, Chu Yi will eventually cast him aside.
Chu Yi's rate of growth is alarmingly rapid and frightening.
In no time, he could become one of the elite few who stand at the pinnacle of the Milky Way.
When that happens, legions will clamor to pledge their allegiance to Chu Yi.
In the grand scheme of the cosmos, Adams would be insignificant in comparison.
Having resolved to follow Chu Yi, and with no ulterior motives, Adams is determined to commit fully!
Indeed, this is the extent of Adams's resolve.
He's harsh with others, but even harsher on himself!
Adams possesses all the makings of a powerful individual, yet his talents fall short of his ambitions.
After hearing Adams's explanation, Chu Yi infused a trace of his psychic force into the contract and quickly identified several issues.
His eyes gleamed with insight.
Chu Yi sensed that within the delicate contract lay a minute yet intricately complex array!
This array was entirely crafted from psychic force, and no other approach would suffice.
Hence, only those endowed with psychic force, the Divine Psychics, are capable of crafting such a masterpiece.
The effect was astonishing...
Despite its diminutive size, the array was intricately complex, surpassing even the High Order Arrays within Chu Yi's extensive knowledge.
Chu Yi stood as a peerless master in the realm of array formations. Throughout the countless years of the Immortal Demon Era, not a single soul could match his prowess in this field.
Without such expertise, Chu Yi could never have erected a superluminal teleportation array single-handedly.
Yet, even with his profound understanding of arrays, Chu Yi needed several moments to fully grasp this particular formation.
For anyone else...
Decades would be required, at the very least.
They would need the array's design meticulously explained to them, face-to-face!
It would be an insurmountable task.
To attempt to decipher the soul contract on their own...
Only the most elite masters could entertain such an endeavor, but even for them, the time investment would be astronomical. Chu Yi estimated that several centuries would scarcely suffice.
This formation's brilliance was unparalleled, and it was this very intricacy that rendered the soul contract capable of truly binding a soul.
Chu Yi's gaze upon Adams grew increasingly enigmatic.
"Are you prepared to relinquish your freedom?"
Suddenly, Chu Yi realized that Adams was far from foolish; he was exceptionally astute!
Indeed, regardless of past actions or future intentions, once the soul contract was signed, Adams would become his servant.
A servant akin to a true slave, whose life Chu Yi could extinguish with a mere thought. After mastering the contract's nuances, Chu Yi wouldn't even need to resort to death; he could inflict a torment worse than death with a single thought.
This was the essence of absolute control.
But was Adams truly ready to make such a sacrifice?
Having revealed such an artifact, Adams had no intention of concealing his motives, sharing his entire plan with Chu Yi.
Chu Yi fell into a contemplative silence.
Wisdom!
This was the epitome of wisdom!
Should Adams sign a soul contract with Chu Yi, he would become an unwavering ally, perhaps even more trustworthy than kin.
One day—
And it wouldn't be long—Chu Yi would ascend to the zenith of power, becoming an unrivaled being.
By then, he would be surrounded by a plethora of followers.
Even if Adams attained the status of War God, he would likely find no place at Chu Yi's side.
However, by signing the soul contract, the dynamic would shift entirely. Adams would be unequivocally his, earning Chu Yi's utmost trust.
Even if Adams lacked the necessary strength when the time came, Chu Yi would certainly not forget him. Recognizing this was a sign of wisdom, and the ability to act on such a realization was a mark of great wisdom. Indeed, one might even say that Adams was a man of ruthless determination.
As Chu Yi remained silent, Adams grew increasingly anxious, aware that his destiny hung on Chu Yi's decision. After what seemed an eternity, Chu Yi approached Adams and solemnly placed one end of the soul contract before him, holding the other end himself. Words were unnecessary; the gleam of understanding in Adams's eyes spoke volumes.
He understood Chu Yi's intent.
He consented!
Chu Yi had given his agreement!
And with that, the pact was sealed.
