Inside the small pagoda, Ye Xuan spread his right hand open, then slowly clenched it. As his fist tightened, the space-time in front of him began to distort.
Folding!
Ever since witnessing Qing’er’s folding of the cosmic starry sky, he had been deeply fascinated by this technique. Folding an entire universe’s starry sky, how terrifying was that? Of course, he knew with his current strength, he couldn’t achieve what Qing’er did, casually folding a cosmic starry sky. But he could start small, bit by bit. He believed that one day, he could fold an entire cosmic starry sky with a wave of his hand, just like Qing’er.
Gradually, the spiritual energy around Ye Xuan began to burn fiercely, and the space-time in front of him started to change. Moments later, the space-time began to compress. But at the same time, the spiritual energy around him burned frantically, sweat appeared on his face, and his complexion turned pale.
It was exhausting! This folding technique was incredibly draining, not only on his spiritual energy but also on his soul. Folding just a small area already felt overwhelming, almost unbearable.
Soon, the space-time in front of him was compressed into a single line. But the moment it formed, Ye Xuan collapsed, utterly drained. The space-time returned to normal but remained unstable, trembling as if it might shatter at any moment, an alarming sight.
Lying on the ground, Ye Xuan gasped heavily, completely exhausted. The toll on his soul was immense. He felt devoid of strength, his body so fatigued he could pass out at any moment. Yet, he gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay conscious.
Moreover, he noticed his Dao God Crystals were nearly depleted. When performing the folding technique, he burned through millions of them every second. It was like burning money! Ye Xuan shook his head with a sigh. He needed to make money, and ordinary Dao God Crystals wouldn’t do. He needed the God Knowledge Crystals of the God Knowledge Civilization.
After resting briefly, Ye Xuan left the small pagoda and returned to the God Knowledge Mysterious Realm, seeking out Zhantai Ling’er.
“You want to borrow God Knowledge Crystals?” Zhantai Ling’er looked at Ye Xuan, visibly surprised.
Ye Xuan nodded. “Yes.”
Zhantai Ling’er hesitated before saying, “I don’t have many myself.”
Ye Xuan said earnestly, “I’ll pay you back.”
Zhantai Ling’er glanced at him, silent. She didn’t believe him. Repay? What a joke. She knew human civilizations still used low-grade spiritual crystals. God Knowledge Crystals were so rare that the entire human civilization likely didn’t have any. Ye Xuan’s promise to repay was clearly a bluff.
“You don’t trust my character?” Ye Xuan asked seriously.
Zhantai Ling’er blinked. “How could I? I trust you, of course. It’s just that I don’t have many God Knowledge Crystals to lend you. Really, I swear on your character.”
“Swear on *my* character?” Ye Xuan looked puzzled. “Why would you swear on my character?”
Zhantai Ling’er said solemnly, “Because I’m not human.”
Ye Xuan countered, “Then you should swear on your own character.”
Zhantai Ling’er replied, “I won’t.”
Ye Xuan’s expression froze, and the two stood in a stalemate.
Borrowing money, no matter the world, could always make things awkward.
Suddenly, Zhantai Ling’er said, “You want God Knowledge Crystals? I know a place that has them, but it’s a bit dangerous. I can take you there.”
Ye Xuan asked, “Where?”
Zhantai Ling’er replied seriously, “The Illusory Crystal Realm.”
Ye Xuan frowned. “Illusory Crystal Realm?”
She nodded. “A special world with places rich in God Knowledge Crystals. But it’s dangerous because it’s guarded by creatures called Illusory Demons. They hoard the crystals and are quite nefarious.”
Ye Xuan hesitated, then said, “Hoarding… that term doesn’t seem quite right, does it?”
Zhantai Ling’er grinned. “Close enough.”
Ye Xuan shook his head. “Are these Illusory Demons strong?”
She thought for a moment. “Some are strong, some are weak.”
Ye Xuan said, “Let’s go check it out.”
Zhantai Ling’er nodded eagerly. “Alright, let’s go.” She pointed, and two blue circles appeared beneath their feet. The next moment, they vanished.
Ye Xuan felt dizzy, and when he opened his eyes, they were in a starry sky. Not far ahead was a massive crystal-blue gate.
Zhantai Ling’er said solemnly, “That’s the Illusory Crystal Realm.”
Ye Xuan glanced at it. “It’s the territory of the Illusory Demons?”
She nodded. “Yes. They’re very powerful, so we need to be careful.” After a pause, she added, “Should we call your sister? With her, we’d be safer.”
Ye Xuan glanced at her. “Her temper’s not great. One misstep, and the entire God Knowledge Civilization might vanish.”
He walked toward the Illusory Crystal Realm. Zhantai Ling’er shrugged after a moment. “My temper’s not great either.” She hurried after him.
Upon entering the Illusory Crystal Realm, Ye Xuan noticed the world was filled with dazzling, colorful light. He frowned.
Zhantai Ling’er explained, “The deeper you go, the more God Knowledge Crystals there are, and the purer their energy. It’s said the deepest parts hold the legendary God Knowledge Crystal King, with terrifying energy.”
Ye Xuan scanned the surroundings. “I’ll talk to them.”
Zhantai Ling’er looked at him. “Talk about what?”
Ye Xuan said, “Borrow some God Knowledge Crystals or trade for them.”
She said seriously, “Borrow? Just kill the demons and take the crystals. The law of the universe is that the strong rule and claim the best resources.”
Ye Xuan looked at her. “This is their territory. Killing and taking their crystals is banditry.”
Zhantai Ling’er fell silent.
Ye Xuan continued, “I mean to negotiate with them, maybe reach a cooperative deal for long-term benefits.”
She nodded. “Fine, I’ll follow your lead.”
Ye Xuan nodded slightly and led her deeper into the realm. Soon, he sensed several powerful auras. His brows furrowed.
Zhantai Ling’er’s expression turned cautious. “They’ve probably noticed us.”
Ye Xuan adjusted his clothes, smiled slightly, and said, “I am Ye Xuan, a super-advanced civilization being. I’m here today to discuss something with you.” He waved his right hand, and the Qingxuan Sword flew out.
*Buzz!* A sword hum shot into the sky, resounding through the Illusory Crystal Realm.
Zhantai Ling’er looked at Ye Xuan, silent. This human was quite the braggart.
Suddenly, a powerful force swept away the Qingxuan Sword. Ye Xuan remained calm, watching quietly.
Moments later, a terrifying aura surged toward them, bringing an overwhelming pressure that made breathing difficult. Yet Ye Xuan stayed composed, his gaze calm as still water.
Soon, a massive illusory demon appeared before them. Zhantai Ling’er’s expression grew grave. “That’s the king of the Illusory Demon clan. They have three demon kings, each at the peak of the Life Mysterious Realm, with terrifying strength.”
Ye Xuan smiled faintly, saying nothing, appearing profoundly enigmatic.
The Illusory Demon King looked at Ye Xuan and spoke in a strange tongue. Ye Xuan couldn’t understand and turned to Zhantai Ling’er.
She said gravely, “He’s insulting you.”
Ye Xuan frowned. “Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
Ye Xuan glared at her, then said, “Teach me how to understand the Illusory Demon language.”
Zhantai Ling’er hesitated, then pointed at his forehead. Soon, the entire Illusory Demon language vocabulary appeared in his mind.
Ye Xuan looked at the Demon King. “What did you just say?”
The Demon King stared at him. “Human, you don’t seem like an advanced being. You look more like a low-level civilization being. The lowest kind.”
Ye Xuan’s face darkened.
Zhantai Ling’er chuckled. “See, he’s insulting you.”
Ignoring her, Ye Xuan said to the Demon King, “Have you seen this sword?”
The Demon King nodded. “It’s impressive, but you’re average. Are you selling it? If so, I can offer a generous price.”
Ye Xuan said, “This sword is mine.”
The Demon King replied, “I know. I’m asking if you’re selling it.”
Ye Xuan hesitated, then said, “This sword is mine, understand?”
The Demon King frowned. “Yours, I get it. So, are you selling? You’re from a low-level civilization, but you should understand me, right?”
Ye Xuan was utterly speechless.
Zhantai Ling’er blinked, staying silent.
The Demon King pressed, “Selling or not?”
Ye Xuan, after a pause, said, “Not selling.”
The Demon King’s brows furrowed. “Not selling?” He clenched his fist and raised it. “Ever seen a fist this big?”
Ye Xuan was dumbfounded. Was this creature threatening him?
The Demon King raised his fist again. “Get my meaning? If not, I can demonstrate further.”
Ye Xuan remained silent.
