Antares was visibly agitated. Even his usually still wings began to flap, stirring up violent winds. As he ranted, he couldn't stop cursing Lin Moyu—and his absurdly good luck. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⟡𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦⟡𝘯𝘦𝘵 Lin Moyu found it both funny and frustrating, “What’s this guy’s problem?” “Antares, can you calm down?” Lin Moyu shouted, but his voice was barely a whisper against the gusts. Only after letting off steam did Antares finally settle down. He exhaled sharply, “Kid, how the hell is your luck this ridiculous?” “Not only did you awaken a hidden class I’ve never even heard of, but your talents are incredibly powerful. You've also acquired two Primordial Runes, as well as two mid-tier Godheads and God Slots." “And now, you’ve run into the Soul-Devouring Beasts…” Lin Moyu was speechless. This guy just kept rambling to himself, never getting to the point. “Can you get to the point already?” He asked, exasperated. “But if not... well, it could be a total catastrophe.” Lin Moyu nodded, “The human race suffered a massive disaster because of them a thousand years ago. You know the history.” “This time, we won’t let that happen again.” “I’ve already spoken with my teacher. That’s why I’m here, to get your guidance. Do you know how to deal with them?” Antares chuckled, “Of course I do. But…” Lin Moyu frowned, expecting more games. But Antares just shook his head, “No more jokes.” “There are two ways to deal with the Soul-Devouring Beasts. The first is the Soul Fusion Potion. If everyone takes it, the Soul-Devouring Beasts hiding in their souls will die, their soul power becoming a powerful tonic for the host.” “This method benefits the human race greatly—but not you.” Without thinking, Lin Moyu said, “Isn’t that a good thing?” “Sure.” Antares replied, leaning in, “But let me ask you, what’s more powerful: a hundred peak-level level 85 class users, or one level 90 God-level powerhouse?” The answer was obvious. “A God-level powerhouse.” If a hundred peak-level class users ganged up on a God-level expert, they might pose a threat. But that assumed the God-level expert would stand still and do nothing. At level 90, God-level class users underwent massive attribute boosts. Against peak-level class users, their speed and strength were on another level entirely. With some effort, a God-level powerhouse could wipe out all one hundred. Antares locked eyes with Lin Moyu, “For any race, a top-tier powerhouse is vital. Even if the entire human race reached God-level, that wouldn’t compare to one Transcendent God-level powerhouse.” “After all, the higher the level, the wider the gap between consecutive levels. You should understand that.” Lin Moyu pondered these words, “You’re right.” “But reaching the Transcendent God-level is insanely hard. Of the three known paths, none are easy.” From Antares' expression, Lin Moyu began to understand where this was going. Antares said, “Actually, it’s not as difficult as you think. Right now, there’s an opportunity—your opportunity.” “If you can grasp it…” The meaning was clear: Seize this chance, and you might become a Transcendent God-level powerhouse. Lin Moyu’s heart pounded. This was his pursuit, his ultimate goal. Antares could see that Lin Moyu was intrigued. The lure of becoming a Transcendent God-level powerhouse had hooked him completely, and a faint smile flickered in his eyes. "The second method to handle the Soul-Devouring Beasts is to set up a Soul Fusion Grand Formation." "Don’t you humans have a God-level Formation Master? Let him construct the formation, with you as the core." "Once activated, the formation will annihilate all the Soul-Devouring Beasts inside. Their soul power will flow into you, becoming your nourishment." Lin Moyu understood now: by using the Soul Fusion Grand Formation, he could harvest all of the soul power for himself. The chance for hundreds of potential God-level powerhouses would be condensed into a single path—his. It might seem unjust to others, robbing them of their potential. But for humanity as a whole, it would be a net gain. Antares went on, "Your Primordial Rune has a cap on its attribute boost, doesn’t it? That cap isn’t just determined by your body, but your soul as well." "To reach Transcendent God-level, both must be refined to a high degree." "Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue until after your third class awakening. But… I’m feeling generous. Consider this a head start." Antares looked oddly satisfied, though only he knew why. Lin Moyu had already memorized every word. Without hesitation, he spoke, "Tell me how to set up the Soul Fusion Grand Formation." Antares cast him a sideways glance, "What’s the point? You’re not a God-level Formation Master." The message was clear: You don’t know squat—explaining it to you would be a total waste of breath. Now that Lin Moyu had taken the bait, Antares finally revealed his true motive. "Something this valuable... don’t you think it deserves a price?" "Three transactions. Complete them for me, and I’ll tell you how to build the formation." "I’ll even throw in the formula for the Soul Fusion Potion. Generous of me, isn’t it?" This was the allure of becoming a Transcendent God-level powerhouse. Antares’s eyes gleamed with mischief, confident Lin Moyu couldn’t resist the bait. Lin Moyu paused thoughtfully, “You make a good point. Telling me would serve no purpose, and that stuff’s way too expensive. I can’t afford it.” Antares blinked, startled, “What do you mean?” Lin Moyu replied, “Exactly what I said. I can’t afford it, so I’ll pass. I’ve read about the Soul Fusion Potion in ancient records. I’ll figure it out myself, no need to trouble you.” “Thanks for answering my questions.” He turned as if to leave. “Wait!” Antares called out instinctively. Something was off. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. With a stern tone, he said, “Don’t you want to become a Transcendent God-level powerhouse?” Lin Moyu nodded, “Of course. But your price is too high. I can’t pay it.” Three transactions... Just the mission in Lightning Burial Canyon had shown how dangerous they could get. Antares’s deals weren’t simple. Most people wouldn’t survive completing even one. Lin Moyu had picked up on something in Antares’s words. In truth, he did want the Soul Fusion Grand Formation, as well as the Soul Fusion Potion. After all, no such potion existed in human records. The ancient texts only spoke of a potion capable of killing Soul-Devouring Beasts, but the actual formula was long lost. And sure enough, the moment he pretended to walk away, Antares stopped him. Lin Moyu caught a flicker of panic in his eyes. Antares spoke coldly, “Three transactions. That shouldn’t be difficult for you.” Lin Moyu shook his head, “But it is. I could die. And if I’m dead, reaching the Transcendent God-level is just a fantasy.” Antares hesitated, “What about two transactions?” “Still too dangerous. I nearly died in Lightning Burial Canyon.” Antares’s voice tightened, “Think it over. Two is my bottom line.” But Lin Moyu heard it—a trace of guilt. There was room to negotiate. And so the back-and-forth began. Lin Moyu kept pretending to leave, Antares kept stopping him. Antares’s bottom line dropped further each time. When they finally reached an agreement, Antares’s nostrils flared with frustration. Lin Moyu walked away satisfied, clutching both the Soul Fusion Potion formula and the method to set up the Soul Fusion Grand Formation. Only then did it hit Antares: he’d been played. Lin Moyu clearly wanted both items, and the human race most likely didn’t possess the formula for the Soul Fusion Potion. He’d been outmaneuvered. “Where did I slip up? Just where did I slip up…” Antares muttered, baffled.