Chen Guan thought to himself, "If it weren't for its powerful effects, allowing me to retain my Lifebound Talent, I'd have to find a way to refine it and consume it. Unfortunately, its effect is too strong."

The Copper Ox continued to babble, "For you humans, the Primordial Base is at most 1, but for the Secret Gods, the Primordial Base can exceed 1, possibly even 2. Some extremely terrifying Secret Gods' Primordial Base can even reach 3. After this Golden Core reshapes your body, it could potentially elevate your Primordial Base to over 2. Do you know what that means? It means that with every level you rise, you gain more than twice the Primordial Energy limit as others..."

Chen Guan's expression remained unchanged, thinking to himself, "What can you do with twice the Primordial Energy as others?"

"So... do you still want to give up refining the Golden Core now?" The Copper Ox turned its head to look at Chen Guan on its back and asked.

Xiu Jie Ming and Button Brother held their breath, waiting for Chen Guan's answer.

Though they knew in their hearts that no one could refuse such a Golden Core, they already had the answer in their minds.

"Of course, I've made my decision, and it won't change. Take me back." Chen Guan said calmly.

"You... you really don't want to consume the Golden Core... why..." The Copper Ox was filled with disbelief.

Xiu Jie Ming was even more shocked, unable to articulate, "How could it be... why would he give up such an opportunity... is he afraid the Copper Ox is plotting against him... right... it must be that... he's unsure whether everything the Copper Ox said is true or false... or maybe he's already spotted a flaw... seen through the Copper Ox's deliberate enticement... so he decided to give up... it must be that..."

The Copper Ox evidently considered this as well and continued, "You still don't believe me? There's actually no need. We were ordered to guard this place, born to choose a master for the Golden Core. This is not my true form, even if I consumed the Golden Core, it would be useless. Only when the Golden Core surfaces can we return to our true forms, so you don't have to worry about us harboring any thoughts about the Golden Core."

"I've always trusted you, never doubted. With your strength, killing me to obtain the Celestial Immortal Peony would be a piece of cake, yet you didn't, which already proves you have no designs on the Golden Core." Chen Guan said aloofly.

"It's good you know, so there's no need to consider other things. As long as you wish, I'll assist you in consuming or even refining the Golden Core." The Copper Ox said.

"I appreciate your kindness, but please just take me out." Chen Guan replied.

"Why?" The Copper Ox was puzzled.

The same question swirled in Xiu Jie Ming's mind, he too couldn't understand why Chen Guan would give up on the Golden Core that was so within reach, a benefit so many yearned for yet couldn't have.

How could someone like Chen Guan refuse the Golden Core?

"Because I don't like playing single-player games." Naturally, Chen Guan couldn't admit he didn't care for the Golden Core, so he made up an excuse.

"What does this have to do with games?" The Copper Ox was full of questions.

"Games are fun when there are more people. Otherwise, playing alone, no one sees how great I am, no one applauds me, what sense of achievement would I have? If I consumed the Golden Core, turning Beimang Mountain into a Ghost Realm filled with only Evil Demons, with only myself able to enter, no matter how powerful I become, I'd have no audience. What's the point then?" Chen Guan explained.

"You can always leave or go to another Secret Realm, then others would know how powerful you are, wouldn't they?" The Copper Ox retorted.

"If there are the same opportunities elsewhere, should I make the same choice? Eventually, my world would only have me left. What's the point of being powerful in such a world?"

Chen Guan chuckled, saying, "I'd rather have more powerful allies in this world, and plenty of audiences. When I defeat these powerful beings, there should be enough admiration and applause, even praises and submission from my opponents' souls, that's what satisfies me. vanquishing opponents is merely the lowest form of self-satisfaction. What I want is the thrill of conquest."

Xiu Jie Ming stared blankly at Chen Guan's back, his fingers unknowingly clenching tightly, his gaze becoming a bit absent, as if lost in thought.

"Your thought... is a bit strange... if you don't seize resources... how can you grow strong... how can you conquer your opponents..." The Copper Ox said.

"For someone who wants to eat meat, he doesn't hunt powerful beasts to taste their delicious flesh. Instead, he kills pet animals or even friends and family, that's something only a weakling would do. I, Chen Guan, am above such actions," Chen Guan said grandiosely while thinking inside about persuading the Copper Ox to leave the place quickly.

"It's something... a weakling would... do..." Xiu Jie Ming's pupils contracted, his muscles somewhat stiffening.

The Golden Core, a supreme Spiritual Medicine to others, was but a ticking time bomb for Chen Guan; he didn't want to risk his Lifebound Talent being swapped by consuming the thing.

The talk about increasing Primordial Base meant nothing to him, with the Secret Technique of One, his Primordial Energy limit could exceed any Secret God, even far surpassing them.

"I see, the way you put it makes it clear. You need strong ones alive for the thrill of defeating them, you need weak ones alive to enjoy their applause and cheers. You're indeed arrogant, viewing the entire world as your stage, everyone as your audience, and yourself as the protagonist," the Copper Ox said with a smile.

"Living isn't it about being the protagonist? Otherwise, would you live your life as a supporting role?" Chen Guan laughed.

"That makes sense," the Copper Ox laughed even harder, "You're indeed an interesting person, given that, I'll take you down the mountain, but don't regret it."

"I'll deal with the regret later," Chen Guan replied offhandedly.

The Copper Ox was just about ready to turn and leave but suddenly its body stiffened. Its eyes widened, staring intensely at the Cloud Sea.

Chen Guan, not sure what was happening, hurriedly followed the Copper Ox's gaze. In the Cloud Sea, he saw a pure white deer, crowned with sparkling antlers, looking holy and immaculate, walking slowly on the clouds.

"Holy Horned White Deer..." Chen Guan had been waiting for its appearance, never expecting to see it in this manner.

Walking on clouds, what a powerful ability.

Only a Grotto Heaven Powerhouse might have such flying capabilities, yet even they couldn't walk on clouds like the Holy Horned White Deer, a feat much harder than flying.

"You're right, games are fun when there are more people," the Holy Horned White Deer said to Chen Guan with a smile, "However, playing a game also requires following the rules. It's time to complete our agreed trade, here is the Vermilion Fruit you wanted. Give me the Celestial Immortal Peony."

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