On the "Freedom," the Hong family's exclusive quarters received four aerial vehicles that settled onto the landing pad. The doors hissed open, and a grim-faced Hong Yuting was the first to descend. From the other craft, more than a dozen burly bodyguards disembarked with swift efficiency.

Hong Yuting strode toward the residence, his face tight and his eyes holding a chilling darkness. Hong San followed closely behind, his expression blank, though fleeting sparks of anger in his eyes betrayed his true feelings.

The security personnel stationed at the entrance dared not even breathe deeply. Only after the young master had entered the room did they let out quiet sighs, secretly wiping sweat from their brows. Inwardly, they were stunned; the young master, usually so lighthearted and irreverent, could be terrifying when enraged.

Hong Yuting walked directly into his private quarters. Everyone except Hong San was left outside, not daring to follow.

The moment the door clicked shut, Hong Yuting suddenly brought his fist down violently on the table, shattering the expensive Yu Xiang wood desk into pieces. Amidst the clatter, everything on the surface—including several of his most treasured porcelain pieces—scattered across the floor.

Hong Yuting didn't spare the debris on the floor a glance. He roared, "This is too much!" The sheer volume of his voice made the room hum. He paced back and forth, veins throbbing on his forehead, looking as if he were on the verge of a complete breakdown.

After two circuits, his anger only intensified. He snatched items from the cabinet and hurled them to the ground, cursing with every throw. "Damn it, damn it, damn it..."

The objects on the cabinet were priceless antiques he had collected over many years—treasures of his heart. But consumed by blind rage, his mind held only the urge to destroy. If he didn't vent this pressure, he felt he would explode.

After smashing perhaps a dozen pieces, he casually grabbed a spherical object and, without thinking, brought it down toward the floor.

"Young Master, no—" At that moment, Hong San thrust out a hand, and the sphere, moments from impact, froze in mid-air—a near disaster averted by the narrowest margin.

The instant the object left his hand, Hong Yuting regained a sliver of sense. His heart leaped into his throat. Seeing the sphere suspended harmlessly, he rushed forward and carefully took it into his hands. The reverence with which he held it revealed its immense significance to him.

"Thank you..." Hong Yuting meticulously inspected the sphere. Only when he confirmed it was entirely undamaged did he truly relax.

Hong San’s eyes flickered. Seeing the focus on his young master’s face, the previous rage had vanished completely. He sighed deeply to himself.

Hong Yuting cared so much for that sphere, yet it wasn't actually that valuable. It was a transparent, pigeon-egg-sized crystal ball known as a Memory Crystal. While rare to ordinary people, it was hardly a rarity for the Hong family's heir.

As its name implied, the Memory Crystal served as a medium to record images and sounds, much like a panoramic camera. However, a Memory Crystal of this size could record a maximum of ten minutes and was non-erasable, limiting its practical use severely.

But it possessed one unique characteristic: anything recorded within it could endure for millennia without degradation; with proper care, preservation for tens of thousands of years was not difficult.

It was this feature that made it wildly popular across the entire advanced civilization sphere. It was regarded as the symbol of love. Imagine, the fondest memories shared with a lover preserved for ten thousand years—could anything be more enduring? For young people pursuing eternal affection, its allure was irresistible.

Thus, it was also dubbed the "Love Crystal."

Hong Yuting wiped away dust that wasn't even there, then placed it back onto the cabinet with utmost care. By the time he settled back into his chair, his usual composure had returned.

"Call someone in to clean this up."

Just as Hong San was about to leave, Hong Yuting stopped him. "Also, send for Yun Zhongyu. Tell him I need to see him urgently."

Seeing that his master seemed fine, Hong San finally left the room.

The higher the level of civilization, the more people valued natural movement and genuine human interaction. They preferred returning to nature, to a more elemental way of life.

This was entirely different from what Zhong Yun had initially speculated. He had assumed that beings from advanced civilizations might be even more technologically saturated than those from intermediate civilizations, encased entirely in high-tech gear.

Yet, after interacting with people from the Ando Empire, he found the opposite was true. In fact, they often appeared more archaic than those from intermediate civilizations. Beyond essential communicators and personal computing devices, they carried almost no other technological products.

For items like clothing and footwear, many preferred purely natural materials over those synthesized from specialized compounds. They even showed a marked aversion to protective suits required for space travel.

Of course, those capable of being aboard the "Freedom," even a minor secretary, ranked among the high-income earners within the Ando Empire and could not represent the entire nation. But one could still glean some insights from them.

The swimming pool was crowded. Watching the figures of women moving through the water in their swimsuits was truly a magnificent sight.

Zhong Yun and his companions had changed into swimwear and were reclining on lounge chairs by the pool.

Zhong Yun found the experience bizarre; it had been a long time since he had visited a swimming pool. In Dawa, public swimming pools did not exist; its citizens were highly concerned with personal hygiene, rendering public pools entirely unnecessary because no one would use them.

Indeed, the interpersonal relationships in Dawa could be described as detached; people were not keen on social engagement. Even without stepping out to interact, one could earn enough through the virtual network to support a family. One could spend a pleasant day without leaving home, thanks to the endless stream of virtual games that allowed people to experience worlds far more exciting than reality.

For the full text version of this novel, updates, and more, visit Literary Net, PC site: [URL Placeholder]. Mobile site: [URL Placeholder]. Support literature, support [Placeholder]! Because the virtual network was simpler, many preferred to stay immersed within it. In fact, one could even find partners there through a type of simulation game that allowed for the nurturing of a completely customized significant other. They would never deceive you, never harm you, and could satisfy your every demand.

Due to these factors, the population of shut-ins in Dawa reached unprecedented levels, becoming a major concern for the civilization's development. (Zhong Yun was unaware that five years after his departure, the Dawa government implemented new virtual network management regulations, limiting time spent online and even banning nurturing-style games designed for 'partner cultivation.')

Qin Liuxing's eyes darted everywhere, critically assessing the physique of one woman, the looks of another. He was clearly ready to become garrulous.

Zhong Yun selectively filtered out his voice. He held little interest in the women in swimsuits, despite the extremely high quality of the women present. But the thought of the women waiting for him back home completely extinguished any inclination towards philandering. Whether due to advancing age or the enhancement of his Yuan, his desire for women was no longer as fierce as it once was.

"Oh?" Little Lu, lying beside him, suddenly let out a soft sound and looked to her right.

Zhong Yun followed her gaze and thought, So, it's him.

A tall, handsome young man walked in with an air of confidence, a faint smile playing on his lips—it was none other than Gu Yue. The old man from their last encounter was not by his side; he had only brought one attendant.

The moment Gu Yue entered, he instantly became the focus of attention. When Qin Liuxing entered earlier, he had also drawn stares, but the meaning behind those gazes was entirely different.

Compared to the dissolute Qin Liuxing, Gu Yue boasted superior lineage and outstanding capability, already managing major royal enterprises in his early twenties. Furthermore, his demeanor was impeccable; he offered a gentle smile to everyone. Because of this, he garnered widespread praise, being called the "Model of Nobility." His reputation even eclipsed that of the devastatingly beautiful Second Miss Qin.

Zhong Yun noticed the spark in Little Lu's eyes. In fact, it wasn't just Little Lu; Little Ru also regarded Gu Yue with unconcealed admiration.

Gu Yue swept his gaze across the area, his eyes finally settling on the four figures of Qin Liuxing and his group, causing his smile to widen. He approached them.

"Xiao Xing, accompanying friends here for leisure?" Gu Yue's elegance was flawless. Before he even arrived, he greeted Qin Liuxing, and the casual address of "Xiao Xing" suggested a close relationship.

"It's you," Qin Liuxing replied, clearly familiar with Gu Yue, showing a hint of teasing in his smile. "Why didn't you bring your personal assistant along?" He stressed the word "personal" when speaking.

Gu Yue showed no sign of displeasure, merely chuckling. "Assistants, naturally, have heaps of work to do. Do you think everyone is as idle as you?"

Without waiting for Qin Liuxing to respond, Gu Yue turned his attention to Zhong Yun. "Mr. Yun, we meet again."

Zhong Yun knew the other party would investigate him upon return, so knowing his name was not surprising. He nodded with a smile. "I didn't expect to run into you here."

"That suggests fate has brought us together," Gu Yue replied.

Since Gu Yue's arrival, Little Lu and Little Ru had become somewhat constrained, standing stiffly and daring not to speak.

Gu Yue's gaze fell upon them. "And who are these two lovely young ladies?"

Seeing Qin Liuxing about to introduce them, Zhong Yun interjected first. "Little Lu, Little Ru, introduce yourselves."

Little Lu and Little Ru instantly grew tense, their faces flushing with excitement. "I am Wang Lu, you can call me Little Lu." "I am Ye Ru, you can call me Little Ru."

Gu Yue responded with a perfectly modulated smile. "Ah, the young ladies of the Wang and Ye families. I am Gu Yue, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Zhong Yun secretly nodded. This Gu Yue was indeed impressive. Whether his demeanor was genuine or manufactured, the ability to make everyone feel as if basking in a spring breeze was, in itself, a form of charisma.

Just then, Hong San entered. His eyes swept the area, located Zhong Yun's figure, and he strode quickly toward him. Ignoring Qin Liuxing and Gu Yue entirely, he announced, "Mr. Yun, my master requires your urgent presence."

302 "The Golden Relic"

As the back of Yun Zhongyu disappeared through the entrance, Gu Yue’s brow furrowed slightly.

"What urgent matter could Hong Yuting possibly have with Brother Yun?" Qin Liuxing sounded displeased.

Zhong Yun was escorted to the Hong residence and entered Hong Yuting’s office. He noticed that the large desk centered against the wall was gone, and more than a dozen items were missing from the adjacent cabinet. He couldn't help but wonder if a thief had struck. He quickly dismissed the thought; if a thief had managed to enter here, it would be the biggest joke imaginable.

"You're here. Sit," Hong Yuting said, nodding as he saw Zhong Yun, then stood to lead him to the sofas nearby.

He poured a cup of tea. "Come, have some tea."

Looking at the cup of pale green, clear tea placed before him, Zhong Yun suddenly had a query: he wondered where tea originated, as this plant seemed to exist in every country he had visited.

He lifted the cup, inhaled the sharp fragrance, and took a sip, finding the lingering taste exquisite. "Excellent tea."

"This is tribute from a nation called Five Clouds. While Five Clouds is only a primary civilization, this 'Five Mist' tea they produce is superb," Hong Yuting added, pouring him another cup.

Seeing that Hong Yuting was not rushing the main topic, Zhong Yun leisurely sipped his tea, remaining composed. He was pondering why Hong Yuting had summoned him so urgently, though he had some idea. It must be related to those five raw stones.

The day he clashed with Qin Liuxing, Hong San had sought him out, delivered the five raw stones and a dossier. He knew Hong Yuting intended for him to deal with that Level Four expert named Hu Dong. The timing felt right.

Neither spoke, merely drinking cup after cup until the pot of tea grew weak.

Hong Yuting did not change the leaves. He downed the last cup and spoke slowly. "I invited you here because I need your help with a matter."

Zhong Yun’s demeanor shifted. "Please state it." With hands filled by the other party’s generosity, he was naturally obligated to assist.

"This matter is of paramount importance. If it weren't absolutely necessary, I wouldn't seek your aid," Hong Yuting sighed softly, his expression quite bitter.

Could this Hu Dong be one of the Hong family's own? Seeing his expression, Zhong Yun couldn't help but wonder. If it involved internal family struggles, even being asked to eliminate Hong Yuting's brother wouldn't surprise him.

"This involves significant danger. If you are unwilling, I will not press you," Hong Yuting stated sincerely.

Zhong Yun looked into his eyes, confirmed he wasn't feigning sincerity, and nodded. "Tell me first."

Hong Yuting paused in thought. "In your past adventures, have you ever heard of the 'Golden Relic'?"

Zhong Yun was slightly taken aback by the sudden shift in topic. "Of course, I've heard of the 'Golden Relic'." He recalled the lore. "The 'Golden Relic' specifically refers to the bases left behind by the four super-civilization nations of the previous Epoch. Rumor has it these 'Golden Relics' contain residual items from those super-nations, objects with incredible functions. However, risk usually corresponds to reward. 'Golden Relics' are inherently extremely perilous."

After explaining, Zhong Yun tentatively asked, "Is the favor you need related to the 'Golden Relic'?"

Hong Yuting nodded. "Precisely." Zhong Yun sucked in a sharp breath. After tens of thousands of years of exploration, few 'Golden Relics' remained accessible, but there were always one or two hidden in obscure locations.

A single 'Golden Relic' often represented era-defining technology. For super-civilization nations, especially the thirteen supreme Arbitrator nations, their value was incalculable.

The emergence of any 'Golden Relic' sparked competition among various advanced civilization states. Even setting aside these nations, the 'Golden Relics' themselves were rife with danger—relics of super-civilizations whose inherent threats were impossible to estimate.

As far as Zhong Yun knew, 'Golden Relics' were generally breached at the cost of human lives.

Hong Yuting continued darkly, "Our trip to the Red Feather Federation was merely a cover. The real objective is to explore a newly discovered 'Golden Relic.' I only learned this information recently."

Zhong Yun quickly understood the reason for Hong Yuting’s somber expression. Because he was unaware of this development, he hadn't brought many top experts. Entering the relic for exploration would put them at a significant disadvantage.

He glanced at the Qin, Gu, and Lan families, each accompanied by at least one Master-level expert. Hong Yuting, with only Hong San, looked comparatively barren.

Not to mention their elite-level subordinates. The Hong family, unprepared, would likely be left several leagues behind.

As for why the Hong family was unaware beforehand, that concerned the high-level political machinations within the Ando Empire, which Zhong Yun wasn't eager to delve into.

He now knew what favor Hong Yuting required. It was indeed exceedingly dangerous.

Zhong Yun made no immediate commitment, and Hong Yuting wasn't anxious; rushing wouldn't help now. He was quite confident that Yun Zhongyu would agree. He calmly began preparing a fresh pot of tea.

Just as the tea was steeped, Zhong Yun spoke up. "You want me to assist you during the exploration of this relic?"

"Correct. Right now, only you can help me," Hong Yuting stated directly, skipping any further pleasantries.

"I agree," Zhong Yun said. He paused. "However, there is one condition."

"What condition?"

Zhong Yun fixed him with an intense gaze. "During the exploration of the relic, I take half of everything obtained." Demanding half was certainly a lion's share.

Hong Yuting didn't hesitate. "Agreed. I accept."

Zhong Yun looked at him deeply. This man was decisive and sharp, making decisions without procrastination—a man capable of great things.

The two then began discussing the details, and Zhong Yun did not leave until the following day.

Although he had not slept all night, Zhong Yun felt invigorated. A 'Golden Relic' was an opportunity that might never come twice. While the danger within was immense, fortune favors the bold. Even gaining just one item would be monumental. Weren't everything inside a 'Golden Relic' potentially divine artifacts?

Returning to his quarters, he found a person standing by the door, seemingly waiting for him. Zhong Yun approached, and the man bowed respectfully. "Mr. Yun, my young master requires your presence."

"Your young master?" Zhong Yun rubbed his chin; his beard had sprouted again after staying up all night.

"My young master's surname is Qin," the man replied.

"Xiao Xing?" Zhong Yun was about to refuse, but his eyes suddenly darted, and he changed his mind. "Lead the way."

Having just left the first level, Zhong Yun was escorted upward once more. The difference in status was evident in the allocated residences; the Qin family's space was not only larger than the Hong family's but far more luxurious.

Inside a starship, a dwelling with sunlight, trees, and grass overhead was truly priceless; no property on any planet could compare. Only those at the apex of high-level civilization nations could afford such a structure.

Upon arriving at the Qin residence, Zhong Yun discreetly increased his vigilance. Although the middle-aged man surnamed Bai had promised not to cause him trouble, caution was always warranted on someone else's territory.

The attendant led Zhong Yun into an elegant reception hall and said to a middle-aged man who was clearly the steward, "This is Mr. Yun, whom the young master requested."

"Mmm, you may go," the steward dismissed the attendant, then politely invited Zhong Yun to sit, brought tea, and asked him to wait a moment. "I will inform the young master." He then departed.

A servant remained in the reception hall—a young maid in a cute maid's uniform. Zhong Yun, bored, struck up a conversation with her.

After a few exchanges, the maid's answers were standard and rehearsed. It seemed the strict rules of the Qin family prevented the servants from deviating. Zhong Yun found it uninteresting and stopped speaking, focusing instead on the decor of the reception hall.

Influenced by his wives, Zhong Yun had gained some understanding of interior arrangement. It was clear this hall was the work of an outstanding designer—exquisite and elegant.

About ten minutes later, the steward returned, profusely apologizing. "The young master is in his room. Please proceed there yourself."

Zhong Yun felt a surge of annoyance but showed none of it, mimicking Gu Yue’s gentle smile. "Kindly lead the way." Yet, inwardly, he was already planning how to teach the young man a lesson.

If he hadn't hoped to glean information about the "Golden Relic" from Qin Liuxing, he wouldn't have come. This Qin Liuxing actually dared to put on airs with him. The young man truly believed he was owed deference just for being offered a little courtesy.

The Qin family estate was vast. It took nearly four minutes of walking just to get from the reception hall to Qin Liuxing's rooms. Zhong Yun casually asked what the young master was doing.

The steward vaguely replied that he was engaged in conversation with other guests and couldn't disengage immediately.

Zhong Yun nodded, thinking that Qin Liuxing probably intended to introduce him to some friends. But his friends? Forget it. Associating with a bunch of spoiled layabouts would truly be shameful.

The steward led Zhong Yun into a room—a relatively spacious hall with a smaller side chamber. "The young master is in the room. I will call him out."

Zhong Yun walked to the sand and sat down, observing the arrangements in the main hall, and couldn't help but frown; the kid's room was truly a chaotic mess. After waiting a while and seeing no sign of the steward, a flicker of danger suddenly crossed his mind.

His heart tightened. From the moment he stepped inside, he had sensed that something was slightly off. At first, he had attributed it to the overly bizarre decorations in the hall.

Now, he finally understood the source of that uneasy feeling, and his heart sank. Without changing his expression, he called out, "Xiao Xing, I'm here, why aren't you coming out?" As if growing impatient, he started walking toward a nearby door.

Just two steps out, Zhong Yun spun around sharply, darting back toward the entrance he had just used. In just two powerful bounds, he reached the doorway. He swiftly wiped his hand across his chest, and an Ionic Vibration Blade materialized, humming to life with a "buzz" as it lit up. He raised it high, ready to cleave down toward the door.

"Too late." A cold snort echoed. Zhong Yun felt a sudden pressure bearing down on him from behind. Unable to continue his strike at the door, he retracted his hand and rolled to the side.

With a sharp "hiss," a smoking hole appeared in the ground where he had just been standing.