And this kind of consumption, running up to tens of thousands of Civilization Points, is something that cannot be achieved, at least not in the short term.

More critically, this civilization that was conquered cannot rely on Blue Star for support due to a lack of extra Anchor Points.

"No wonder the Conquering King invaded so many civilizations but still hasn’t developed."

Thinking of this, Chu Xiu understood the situation. He wasn’t too concerned and just let this civilization develop freely on its own.

Without overthinking it, Chu Xiu moved and appeared near Zhao Jie.

At this point, the shackles on him had already been severed by Jiang Miaoyin.

"Thank you, Brother Qin, for your help," Zhao Jie saluted with clasped fists, while Jiang Miaoyin, full of curiosity, also saluted and thanked Chu Xiu.

"No need for formalities. How is your health, Brother Zhao?"

"I’m fine," Zhao Jie shook his head. "It’s just a human skin, nothing serious."

After speaking, he solemnly saluted again, "This time, Brother Qin, not only did you slay the Murder Ghost, but you also brought important intelligence to Huaxia. I will report to the government and make sure you are duly rewarded."

"What kind of reward would you like, Brother Qin?"

"Cause and Effect Points will suffice," Chu Xiu said, then curiously added, "By the way, Brother Zhao, what exactly was the secret that the Murder Ghost mentioned? Can you tell me?"

Zhao Jie smiled, "Of course, since you were the one to retrieve this secret, how could I hide it from you?"

Then, he turned to Jiang Miaoyin, "Miaoyin, I’ll need you to step aside for a moment."

"Oh..." Jiang Miaoyin was a bit disappointed but understanding and did not say much, her body started fading away.

Before her figure disappeared, she looked eagerly at Chu Xiu and said in a drawn-out voice, "Big Brother Qin—this time I’ve lost many Curse Spirits again, when will we go to the Hundred Ghosts Melting Furnace again? I can take a smaller share."

Chu Xiu smiled and said, "Once I’m done with some tasks, I’ll go. I still need some preparation to explore the bottom of the furnace."

Zhao Jie replied irritably, "Stop complaining, wouldn’t the government ensure you won’t suffer?"

Having gotten promises from both of them, Jiang Miaoyin smiled contentedly and disappeared from sight.

Zhao Jie shook his head amusingly, "Miaoyin truly has incredible talent, but her temperament still needs honing. Who knows, perhaps that collateral child will achieve even more in the future."

"Jiang Xue?" Chu Xiu was caught off guard.

"Correct, although she’s from the collateral line, she’s the youngest daughter of the Longevity King." Zhao Jie nodded.

"So the Longevity King is from the Jiang Family?" Chu Xiu was astonished.

"Not really, the Longevity King’s surname is Li. Although Jiang Xue didn’t even inherit his surname, he treats talented children really well," Zhao Jie said.

Good to talented children... which means not so good to those without talent?

This reminded Chu Xiu of the rumors about the Longevity King having hundreds of children, which now seemed quite plausible.

This time, Zhao Jie seemed to think of something and smiled, "Speaking of which, didn’t you two once meet?"

Chu Xiu raised an eyebrow slightly, "As expected of the Investigation Bureau to find out even this."

Zhao Jie continued, "The progression of Jiang Xue, Song Lichuan, Bian Guanyue, and other top family members in clearing dungeons is always recorded to provide learning material for future generations. Your divine technique features are rather distinct, so it’s not difficult to match them up and find clues."

"It’s just that these geniuses probably never expected that the Dark Night Monarch, who participated in trials with them, could grow so quickly, far outpacing them."

Zhao Jie’s words made Chu Xiu smile faintly.

His clone in Abyss City still stayed in contact with Song Lichuan and others’ "group chat," where many family members also sent Chu Xiu invitations multiple times.

But Chu Xiu never responded, and later Song Lichuan and the others stopped seeking further contact.

At first, Chu Xiu thought these were top family members, and there might be opportunities for cooperative development, but unexpectedly, his power increased so quickly that he almost stood on par with their patriarchs.

No more small talk, Zhao Jie brought the conversation back to serious matters.

"These three secrets are indeed of great importance, and each one is more astonishing than the last, especially the third one, which you also need to pay attention to, Brother Qin," Zhao Jie said.

Chu Xiu replied, "I’m willing to hear the details."

"The first secret is that there is an Outer Realm Demon skilled in deception that has transformed into a Demigod and has infiltrated the Huaxia Government, planning a second descent!"

This first secret made Chu Xiu’s eyelids twitch!

A skilled Outer Realm Demon has already transformed into a Demigod and infiltrated the government, planning a second descent!

Chu Xiu was well aware of the terrifying power of an Outer Realm Demon, but their greatest trait was the extreme caution developed over countless ages. To them, even if they miss the opportunity for Blue Star, waiting a century or even a millennium would bring the next suitable world.

Therefore, they do not easily leave their world, risking their lives. Previously, the Celestial Kings’ success in ambushing them in Peng City was the result of perfect timing, environment, and people. It could be said that without Chu Xiu’s unexpected actions at the end, it would have been impossible to force out the Outer Realm Demon.

But once the Outer Realm Demon gives up its cautious nature, the pressure Blue Star will face will suddenly increase!

This time it was the Celestial Kings who preemptively set up a trap, but what about next time? Can we be so lucky again?

And without Celestial King-level combat power stationed, if the true form descends, the Outer Realm Demon could sweep away the city’s defensive power in just minutes!

"This is only the first secret?" Chu Xiu smiled bitterly.

Zhao Jie’s face was also serious, and he continued, "The second secret is that there is a traitor among the Celestial Kings!"

This statement made Chu Xiu break out in a cold sweat.

Compared to the true form’s descent of an Outer Realm Demon, Celestial Kings not only possess formidable combat abilities in their own right but also have harrowing influence permeating every aspect of Blue Star. The damage a traitorous Celestial King could cause is incalculable.

Noticing Chu Xiu’s somewhat distressed expression, Zhao Jie said, "You needn’t be too tense; trust the government, trust our three Celestial Kings of Huaxia. These matters will have dedicated personnel developing countermeasures."

"What you need to focus on more is the last secret."

"This secret is summarized in a single sentence: The Path to Divinity will open at the depth of the Great Ocean Trench!"

This statement left Chu Xiu momentarily stunned.

He knew what the so-called Great Ocean Trench referred to—the Mariana Trench.

However, since the Abyss’s invasion, Blue Star experienced significant changes. The Mariana Trench has now reached a depth of nearly 50,000 meters, and the pressure at the ocean floor is such that even some King Tier Awakened find it hard to withstand.

It’s said that at times, deep sea giant beasts of unknown origin suddenly appear there, so governments worldwide have been monitoring the area.

But what exactly is the Path to Divinity?

Facing Chu Xiu’s puzzled gaze, Zhao Jie elaborated, "The Path to Divinity is actually one of Huaxia’s top secrets. Generally, only Demigod cultivators are privy to this information."

"You’ve already heard about the World Law, I presume?"

Chu Xiu nodded, and Zhao Jie continued, "Assembling the World Law and absorbing it completely would enable someone to become the God of Blue Star, which is what the Outer Realm Demons are after."

"The Path to Divinity, then, represents the ’natural eruption’ after the World Law has matured to a certain extent."

"This is not a specific path but rather a euphemism. Each opening of the Path to Divinity differs in form, and no one knows what challenges it might present."

"But one thing is certain: each occurrence of the Path to Divinity brings forth a plethora of treasures, most importantly a vast number of World Law Fragments, as well as numerous Artifacts and Equipment born from the Power of Civilization."

"The Power of Civilization?" Chu Xiu found Zhao Jie’s words somewhat abstract.

Zhao Jie smiled and explained, "The Power of Civilization doesn’t require a Master of Civilization to coalesce. It reflects the past and future of a civilization manifested in the Abyss’s [datafication]. Having or not having a Master of Civilization doesn’t affect its congregation."

"And if this force isn’t controlled by someone, it naturally fosters various precious items."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiu roughly understood. The Power of Civilization is a very mystical thing. No one knows what it truly is, yet it possesses incredible might—constructing wonders, unlocking future technology, altering the genes of clansmen... any one of these is beyond ordinary comprehension, currently lacking a scientific explanation.

With such divine power gathered together, it’s not surprising what might be born from it.

"However, what does this have to do with me?" Chu Xiu wondered, "Surely the treasures that appear on the Path to Divinity will be firmly controlled by the eight Celestial Kings."

Even though his strength had grown by leaps and bounds, Chu Xiu wasn’t conceited enough to think he could challenge the eight Celestial Kings to vie for those treasures.