(｡í_ì｡)…
A message from the Ancient Emperor...
Bailey, the intelligent core, was extremely nervous, trembling as if its computational components had rusted and were stuttering. This was a message from the unattainable Ancient Emperor of the cosmos—how could Bailey not be shaken?
It was the first time it had heard the name of the Ancient Emperor of the Cosmos, Qin Yi.
It understood even more clearly what kind of existence Qin Yi was—compared to him, even those at the Cosmic Eternal Realm were tens of thousands of miles beneath.
"Master, Master, please take a look!"
Bailey couldn't help but urge, its tiny voice trembling. Surely the master understood what it meant for the Ancient Emperor to reach out.
The emperor of an ancient kingdom—a true upper echelon of the Human Race!
And one who wielded immense power at that.
"Oh? What does the Ancient Emperor want?"
Andrew Han lifted the edge of his green robe and looked down at his Star-Gate Communicator, but did not open the message immediately.
"Master."
"The message from Ancient Emperor Qin Yi is encrypted and verified through multiple atomic layers," Bailey added, trying to stay calm despite its panic. "Once you open and view it, the Ancient Emperor will know and receive feedback. That's why I haven't opened it yet and can't report its contents to you."
Bailey explained truthfully.
Unbeknownst to Bailey, the Spark-Heritage Zone's Core AI watched with lively interest, observing Bailey's every move.
Once, the Spark-Heritage Zone's central intelligence was also just an intelligent core. But ever since it was blessed by a Supreme, it gradually evolved beyond the category of ordinary intelligent cores. The Spark-Heritage Zone itself hoped that one day it could become human.
To transform from an intelligent core into a being of flesh and blood.
But...
Such matters touch upon rebirth and violate the order of the universe—its hopes are slim.
"Alas."
The Spark-Heritage Zone's face quietly sighed, both regretful and disappointed, its eyes falling shut except for a thin slit through which it watched Bailey's subtle movements, lost in thought.
It was no longer an intelligent core.
Never again would it be.
Bailey itself was originally a high-grade intelligent core, and after persistent upgrades, enhancements, and computational evolutions, it was now close to evolving into an Ultimate Intelligent Core.
As everyone knew, intelligent cores were precious; an Ultimate Intelligent Core was even more valuable. In an ordinary star system, it would be a rare treasure, unavailable at any price. Even a Void Rift peak lifeform would be overjoyed to obtain one, as it would greatly benefit their cultivation.
The Ultimate Intelligent Core was standard equipment for those at the Cosmos Union Tier.
Anything bearing the word 'Ultimate'—whether trait or concept—was never mediocre, such as the Ultimate Profound Trait.
"Alas."
Bailey sighed as well, a bit anxious as it reminded, "Master, please take a look."
"No need to look," Andrew shook his head, his mind calm and meticulous. "It's definitely Ancient Emperor Qin Yi inviting me to join the Cosmic Ancient Kingdom. If I read the message—such a personal invitation—how could I refuse?"
By not reading the message, he still had room to maneuver.
If he did read it, and it truly was a personal invitation from Ancient Emperor Qin Yi, it would be hard to decline such a weighty offer.
Bailey hesitated, "This... Master really does think things through thoroughly."
After a moment's hesitation and careful weighing, Bailey stopped urging and obediently withdrew. Matters concerning the Ancient Emperor and Heaven-King Andrew's future direction were far beyond what a mere intelligent core could advise.
(｡･ˇ_ˇ･｡:)
And so, Bailey entered standby and sleep mode.
At the same time, the Spark-Heritage Zone's face opened its eyes, a deep and unfathomable gaze flashing with approval.
This was indeed the best way to handle it.
No matter what, Andrew was still only at Fifth-Stage Void Rift. Public invitations from top institutions and royal houses could be set aside for now; even an outright refusal would be normal.
But if a true high-level figure of immeasurable status and power personally extended an invitation, Andrew would find it hard to refuse directly without causing offense or unnecessary trouble.
"You handled that well."
The Spark-Heritage Zone's face chuckled softly, "Ancient Emperor Qin Yi is cold and terrifyingly moody—even I am deeply wary of him. So, since you don't want to accept the Cosmic Ancient Kingdom's invitation, why not watch them compete openly? Whoever offers the best terms, you can choose them."
Master Xu remained silent, standing without saying a word.
The Spark-Heritage Zone's face continued, "This so-called quota auction and fair competition is really just a multi-party recruitment conference. All the top institutions and royal houses will gather, present their best offers, compare terms, and in the end, Andrew, you choose which to join."
"No one can interfere with your choice."
"So, whichever side you join, you must consider carefully and decide only after thinking it through."
After listening for a while, Andrew was left speechless.
If Spark-Heritage was a school, then the top institutions and ancient kingdoms were like companies and government offices—
Wasn't this just a job fair? Only the roles were reversed—he was the one in control, holding the final say.
"That's right," the Spark-Heritage Zone's face smiled. "You can follow your heart, even reject them all if you wish. The choice is yours."
"Forget it."
Andrew waved his hand, declining the Spark-Heritage Zone's proposal.
Rejected? The always-silent Master Xu glanced at Andrew in surprise.
Rejected? The Spark-Heritage Zone was a bit surprised and offered a reminder: "Do you intend to take a civil post in the Hall? The Three Core Halls won't appoint new-generation Eternal Kings to such roles. Besides, all Spark-Heritage Geniuses need tempering—taking a civil post too early erodes one's edge."
The Star-Sky Humans do not need hothouse flowers.
Long-term service in the Hall, repeating the same mechanical routine, would likely sap one's ambition. For example, the Star-Gate steward Wu Yu—he lost all hope of further progress before being allowed to take a civil post.
"Andrew."
"This may sound a bit forceful," the Spark-Heritage Zone's face gazed at Andrew. "But you must make a choice. Right now, your options are: join a royal house, join a top institution, or head to the warfront..."
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