Sun Shiyu nced at Tao Yu and then at the scrutinizing gaze that traveled up and down his form; her ruby-like eyes flickered momentarily.


    "Tao Yu, right? I remember your profile."


    Sun Shiyu''s voice was pleasing to the ear but carried a coldness, which, paired with those crimson pupils, held a unique charm.


    Despite her aloof demeanor and speech, she somehow evoked risqué imagery upon first nce.


    Tao Yu tensed, realizing it might be some Skill or Talent, and quicklyposed himself, lowering his head in gratitude, he said with thanks,


    "I haven''t had the chance to thank you, Miss Sun, for your sponsorship and this mission terminal; they''ve been of great help to me."


    The wristwatch Tao Yu wore was a gift from her, along with a startup fund, and there were perks like free slots worth over ten thousand Yuan Force at Wan Liu Dojo as well as half-price discounts.


    At least for now, Tao Yu had indeed benefited greatly from them.


    Thepany''s exploitative nature was one thing, but these two individuals had, for the time being, made a favorable impression on Tao Yu.


    Of course, their high attractiveness was a bonus.


    The West City Trio, witnessing such high-profile individuals remembering someone like the man beside them, couldn''t help but feel utter respect.


    Sun Shiyu was beautiful, yet they dared not even steal an extra nce, much less strike up a conversation.


    The disparity in status was simply too vast.


    "It''s nothing, you''ve earned it. It doesn''t even count as an investment," said Sun Shiyu.


    She nced at Little ck who was on guard and praised in amendable tone,


    "You''ve controlled it very well. Among the tamed Aliens so far, this one is the most outstanding; a Yuan Force Skill?"


    "Yes, but the Skill consumes quite a bit, so I can''t train too many at the same time," said Tao Yu, a bit wary of being conscripted, and quickly added.


    This made Sun Shiyu look at him thoughtfully, and then a slight, attractive curve formed at the corner of her mouth,


    "I know you. Despite having excellent Talent, you choose a partner to avoid trouble. In fact, you don''t have to worry too much. If you''re unwilling, we won''t force you to train."


    "Ah, you''ve seen right through me, but I''m telling the truth," Tao Yu replied, not overly embarrassed. After all, from what these two had done thus far, they indeed seemed to be more inclined toward enticing with rewards, showing a much broader vision than people like Joseph and his group.


    Stimting initiative with money.


    As for the Inner City Pioneers, they exerted some pressure.


    "Well now, since you''ve also tamed an Alien, I''d like to ask you something. If your information is valuable, there will be a reward," she said.


    "Please go ahead," responded Tao Yu.


    "An Alien Queen has died nearby, has your Alien had any reaction?"


    At this, Tao Yu understood what had brought the two of them here.


    Even though he was wearing ratty battle clothes that were dirty and ragged, hiding Fei Ge''s equipment underneath, Tao Yu maintained hisposure as he said,


    "No reaction. I''ve fought ordinary Aliens a few times, but I haven''t encountered anytely. Lately, I''ve been gathering information on a ''Chosen One''."


    While diverting the topic, Tao Yu also began to "sell out" Jack.


    This was always his n to sell to them, and running into them was even better; it was a direct transaction, with no fear of middlemen taking a cut!


    "The Chosen One?"


    Indeed, Tao Yu''s words immediately captured their attention.


    Even Sun Shiqing, who had been hovering on her floating motorcycle seemingly ready to leave right after the inquiry, also descended gracefully to the ground. She had a set of equipment simr to her sister''s but with some differences in style.


    Afternding, she said nothing, just stood aside.


    "Uh, yes, a Chosen One," Tao Yu continued.


    "How do you know about the ''Chosen One''?"


    Tao Yu had intended to steer the conversation toward this topic, but Sun Shiyu''s casual question sent a chill down Tao Yu''s spine, knowing that the seemingly innocent query might not be easy to deflect.


    "When I first entered, I was with Brother Joseph and his group," Tao Yu reasoned that the truth would serve best in such situations.


    If the Chilin could so easily tell him, it probably wasn''t much of a secret among Inner City people, nor had there been any instruction to maintain secrecy.


    Indeed, he had also asked Joseph many questions.


    "Joseph?"


    Sun Shiyu''s pretty face showed a nuanced expression, as if she too remembered the unlucky one who died on their first mission return. She then gazed at Tao Yu with those gorgeous red pupils for a moment longer,


    "You''ve done well, with good Talent and decent abilities, and it appears your luck is also in your favor. I like dealing with people who have good luck."


    After finishing, she didn''t rush to ask about the ''Chosen One'' but said in an even tone,


    "We like clear rewards and punishments in our dealings, preferring to incentivize through rewards rather thanpulsion. The ''Chosen One'' is a crucial part of the new settlements. You can state your desired reward and demands first."


    Tao Yu really liked their way of doing things!


    Of course, being so direct was the best.


    Simrly, Tao Yu didn''t bring up the matter of rewards first; instead, he slowly exined Jack''s situation and said with a tone of regret,


    "...I didn''t realize how important a ''Chosen One'' was, so feeling that he was carrying too many burdens, I didn''t dare follow him. I don''t even know if something might happen to him on the way..."


    "A military base with a water source? Very good."


    Sun Shiyu then picked up on another piece of intelligence from Tao Yu, her slender fingers lightly stroking her delicate chin, pondering for a moment before she chuckled,


    "A ''Chosen One'' is not so easily troubled in their world. We''ll go there now. Alright, you little slicker, say your demands. Tch, it really isn''t quite enough to give less."


    Although Sun Shiyu was only eighteen years old, an age that should be characterized by innocence and cheerfulness.


    But as a scion of a great family in the Floating City, she had to learn more than justbat skills.


    From their current interactions, even with the experience of being a corporate drone in his past life, Tao Yu could feel a certain pressure.


    And although they were the same age, even sharing the same year, month, and day of birth, she still called him a little slicker in a somewhat condescending manner, which left Tao Yu somewhat speechless.


    But since he couldn''t fight against a greater power, especially when he needed favors, Tao Yu could only speak meekly,


    "I''m in great need of Yuan Force, lots of Yuan Force, uh, and it would be even better if there were some skills..."


    For ordinary Pioneers, Yuan Forces actually have a limit to their use. Of course, the best were excellent skills that matched one''s talents and could form a system with extraordinary effects, followed by special-effect Yuan Force items which were also very practical.


    Like the collection of odds and ends Tao Yu currently had in his clothes.


    Prioritizing Yuan Force was somewhat unexpected to Sun Shiyu.


    If it were an Inner City person, they definitely wouldn''t negotiate for rewards like this.


    "Alright, you Outsiders really have less insight after all."


    Sun Shiyu thought for a moment, casually pulled out a maic card, then tossed it to Tao Yu.


    "Is one hundred thousand enough? You probably wouldn''t digest more."


    Taking the obviously high-quality Yuan Force maic card and feeling the amount within, Tao Yu''s heart also thumped wildly.


    It felt as if someone was pping his face with a wad of cash.


    Jack could actually sell for so much? I''ve struck it rich!


    Not personally escorting him was my mistake!


    However, even though one hundred thousand Yuan Force was more wealth than Tao Yu had ever possessed, he still spoke softly, seizing this rare opportunity,


    "It would be even better if there were a bit more."


    "You really don''t know how to make demands, even after I''ve reminded you."


    Sun Shiyu wasn''t annoyed but instead almost couldn''t keep a straight face, andughed,


    "Yuan Force will be one hundred thousand. If the ''Chosen One'' and the base are as you describe, then I can grant you one small request. Let''s go."


    After saying that, Sun Shiyu agilely leapt up, and the floating motorbike automatically sped over andnded beneath her. She mounted it, waved her hand, and then sped away.


    Sun Shiqing, who had been standing there with her arms crossed, now allowed a faint smile to appear on her previously expressionless face.


    She nced at Tao Yu and shook her head,


    "My sister is right, you really are a fool."


    Having said that, she too mounted her floating motorcycle.


    "For us, even moving your entire family into the Inner City is just a matter of a few words. Think it over carefully and make your request again; the opportunity is rare."


    Though Sun Shiqing wasn''t very talkative, she actually offered Tao Yu a kind reminder before she followed her sister.


    Tao Yu absorbed the Yuan Force from the card like crazy and couldn''t help but purse his lips as he watched them leave.


    For him, the use of Yuan Force was indeed no less important than skills.


    If he had enough Yuan Force, deifying a couple of skills would bring everything together...


    But since they had already pointed it out, he couldn''t be too obvious about it.


    A normal Outsider indeed could not rapidly use up arge amount of Yuan Force in a short time — were they all to strengthen the Basic Breathing Technique?


    Eventually, it would lead to diminishing returns.


    As for moving into the Inner City, Tao Yu thought that with his own abilities, it would eventually be possible, so he wasn''t in a hurry.


    Forcing his way there without sufficient strength seemed like puffing up his face to look imposing. Or should he ask for another skill?


    "Ah, what a rich and beautiful woman..."


    After fully absorbing the Yuan Force from the card and contemting the unprecedented amount of Yuan Force, Tao Yu suddenly found Sun Shiyu to be the most beautiful woman in the world, the number one rich woman, beyond argument...


    ————