"That is truly an unheard-of marvel!"
Jing Yuan couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. He immediately grasped the underlying significance.
Didn't this mean that the universe itself possessed consciousness—and its own sense of morality?
Before this moment, he had occasionally entertained a whimsical thought: Wouldn't it be wonderful if every weapon in the universe only harmed villains and beasts?
But he also knew all too well the old truth: 'Heaven and Earth are unkind, treating all beings as straw dogs.' If the universe truly understood ethics and compassion, how could there be so many tragedies in existence?
Yet this Curio's appearance had opened a door for that impossible dream.
Perhaps the universe was not only conscious—but also communicable!
Jing Yuan spoke gravely. "The combat power of this Curio itself is not important. The consequences it brings, however, might completely redefine everything sentient life has ever understood about the universe! From that perspective, it is a treasure beyond price!"
"Indeed."
Herta nodded slightly, pleased that he could comprehend her point.
She continued, "I plan to conduct deeper research on this Curio. The Luofu only needs to ensure financial support—or even half the investment will suffice. The results of my research will be fully shared with the Xianzhou."
Hearing such words from the legendary genius before him, Jing Yuan was momentarily stunned.
W–What?
He must have misheard, right? Was this really the Herta he had heard so much about?
The potential of this research was limitless. If Herta merely raised her hand, countless factions across the cosmos would line up, offering every resource imaginable to help her complete the study.
And now, she was voluntarily proposing joint research with the Luofu, where the Xianzhou merely needed to invest and wait to reap the benefits?
That was practically a gift falling straight from the heavens!
He instinctively wanted to agree at once—but forced himself to suppress the impulse.
Jing Yuan exhaled slowly, calming the storm in his heart.
As the Arbiter-General of Divine Foresight, his mind could never afford to fixate on one path alone.
Herta's reputation, to put it bluntly, could be summed up as 'arrogant beyond measure'. For her to concede so much now—she clearly had a need of her own.
And judging by how large a concession it was, it must involve something that affected the entire Luofu.
Understanding this, he no longer rushed. He spoke in an even tone, "Lady Herta, let us not speak in riddles. If there are other conditions, please state them all."
Herta's shoulders relaxed as she let out a soft sigh.
If Jing Yuan had agreed right away, her next words would've been easier to deliver—after all, when one has already taken another's favor, one must be ready to return it later.
But such small tricks were far too simple for someone of Jing Yuan's level. No wonder they didn't work.
"Then I'll be direct."
Herta's eyes sharpened, her entire demeanor returning to the domineering brilliance she had displayed when she first arrived on the Luofu.
Now, there was no need for humility—continuing to play modest would only make her pay an even steeper price.
With the pride of an Emanator of Erudition and a member of the Genius Society, she declared coldly, "Jing Yuan of the Luofu, Arbiter-General of Divine Foresight. I, Herta, Member No. 83 of the Genius Society, hereby propose a formal collaboration with the Luofu—to conduct research on the power of Conceptual Force. I will integrate the results into the Simulated Universe to perform more precise extrapolations on the Aeons. I'm sure you understand the scope of the benefits this entails."
"I will likewise share all research results with the Luofu Xianzhou. In return, the Luofu must provide every necessary resource for this study—particularly those Curios infused with Conceptual Force!"
So that was the reason!
Jing Yuan's eyes lost their earlier ease, replaced by the solemn authority of a battle-hardened commander of the Cloud Knights.
Herta's ambition was nothing short of madness.
To uncover the secrets of the Aeons? Surely it wasn't that simple.
Was the Simulated Universe truly meant only for extrapolation?
He suspected its ultimate purpose might be something far more audacious—to create an Aeon itself!
And therein lay the danger. If Herta failed, all would be well enough. But if she succeeded?
Would such a being, one of such infinite might, ever submit to mortal control? The thought was perilous beyond measure.
Yet the potential rewards… were equally staggering.
Setting aside the matter of the Aeons, if the Luofu could fully unravel the mysteries of Conceptual Force, how immeasurably would their strength grow?
His disciple Yanqing, wielding the [Massacre Ruler], could already force the formidable Feixiao to fight in earnest. Though defeating her was but a dream, he had nonetheless attained the power to strike down an Emanator!
Just as Herta said—he understood the profits too well. And the more he understood, the deeper his desire became. The harder it was to say no.
"This will be… difficult," Jing Yuan finally said, his face taking on an expression of polite hesitation. He rubbed his palms together lightly, as though preparing to decline.
"You may not know this," he began, "but the Luofu possesses only two divine weapons imbued with Conceptual Force. One is held by my unworthy disciple Yanqing, and the other by General Huaiyan's granddaughter. To wrest such treasures from the hands of juniors would greatly tarnish the honor of the Xianzhou."
He drew out his words meaningfully. "This matter, alas, is most difficult indeed."
Jing Yuan did not reject her outright—but his meaning was obvious. He wanted… compensation.
The future of the research was uncertain, yes—but the Luofu held the decisive advantage.
And if one was holding the bamboo rod, why not give it a good shake?
If there was ever a time to demand sincerity, this was it!
Herta instantly understood as soon as he offered such an absurd excuse.
Tilting her head to gaze up at the tall, white-haired general, she cursed inwardly.
This smiling giant might look amiable—but he was merciless to the core.
Still, she had no choice. She was the one at a disadvantage here.
But for the sake of her ideals, she had to stand her ground.
She said coldly, "Everything!"
"I will offer all my knowledge in exchange—including the Herta Sequence and the truth behind Imaginary Overflow! All I ask is the chance to witness the true nature of Conceptual Force! My words are final—if General Jing Yuan still refuses, then there is nothing more to say!"
"Excellent!"
To Herta's astonishment, Jing Yuan clapped his hands with no hesitation whatsoever, laughing heartily. "The weapon of the Zhu Ming ship is not mine to command. But my beloved disciple Yanqing has always been one to value the greater good. If it is merely for research and not confiscation, he will surely agree. I'll make the decision myself—this matter is settled!"
Although she had received the answer she wanted, Herta did not feel the slightest relief.
Instead, her expression turned bitter.
Damn it… I overpaid!
The way he looked so eager to seal the deal—there was no way it required that much in exchange!