Chapter 206: The Hidden Rules of Civilization

Second-level Mid-tier!

This evaluation made Zhang Xianzhong and others realize a problem.

The Human Federal, on this grand stage of the universe, is no longer a bottom-dweller.

"What about your Elven Civilization?"

Qin Hao pursued the question.

"We?"

Aierwen smiled faintly.

"Our Elven Civilization is considered high-tier among Second-level Civilizations; we are only one step away from the next level."

"What about Third-level Civilization?" Zhang Xianzhong urgently asked.

"Third-level Civilization, we call it Star System Civilization."

Saying this, Aierwen's eyes showed a hint of deep awe.

"They have initially mastered the technology to manipulate cosmic rules—space technology. They can easily control stars, move stars for their own use. Having mastered space-jump technology, they can freely travel between vast star systems."

"Before them, we Second-level Civilizations are like a group of infants who haven't learned to walk."

"Above the third level, there also exist fourth-level civilizations..."

Aierwen shook his head, his face showing a hint of longing.

"Their technology is even more mysterious and unfathomable; as far as I know, the entire Milky Way Galaxy only has two fourth-level civilizations—the Biteen Civilization and the Keluowen Civilization."

"Rumor has it they are about to touch the technology of the dimensional realm, but whether it's truly so I don't know; this is merely speculation."

"Such beings are, to us, hardly different from creator gods."

Aierwen's words unveiled for Qin Hao and others a magnificent, sweeping panorama of the true state of other civilizations.

It also gave them a clearer understanding of their own strength and that of the Human Federal.

Second-level Mid-tier.

Not enough compared to those above, more than enough compared to those below.

But, that's all there is to it.

Before true powerhouses, they remain as fragile as ants that cannot withstand a single blow.

"Alright, that's all for the free information."

Aierwen spread his hands, returning to his merchant nature.

"For more detailed information, such as the power division of this star field, and... the important hidden rule I mentioned earlier, you'll need to exchange appropriate value for it."

Qin Hao nodded.

"There's no free lunch in the world," he understood.

"Okay."

He looked at his side, Hege.

Hege immediately understood, stepped forward, and began negotiating the specific transaction details with Aierwen.

In this regard, he is a professional.

Qin Hao and Zhang Xianzhong then retreated to the side, communicating quickly via the internal channel.

"Old Zhang, what do you think?"

Qin Hao asked.

"This Elven Civilization merchant, out of ten sentences, maybe only five are true."

Zhang Xianzhong's judgment was very direct.

"His division of civilization levels is likely correct; such basic information can easily be verified from other channels, so he has no need to lie."

"But his positioning of his own civilization, and his descriptions of third- and fourth-level civilizations, are certainly reserved, possibly even misleading."

"Moreover, although he calls himself a merchant, I always feel his background is not that simple."

"A pure merchant couldn't possibly know so many core secrets, let alone be qualified to discuss with us the trade of strategic technology like droplet material."

Zhang Xianzhong's analysis coincided with Qin Hao's thoughts.

"Exactly."

Qin Hao's gaze once again fell on the distant Aierwen.

"This guy is more like an information dealer, or perhaps a white glove for some major power."

"His visit this time appears to be trade, but is actually probing."

"To probe our strength, our bottom line, and our value."

"The stronger and more promising we appear, the less he dares to underestimate us, and the more sincere what he offers becomes."

"Conversely, if we had shown even a little weakness or greed just now, we might already have been devoured by him down to the bone."

Thinking this, Qin Hao's heart also felt a chill of fear.

The universe's dark forest is indeed step-by-step terrifying.

Dealing with civilizations that have existed for who knows how many years, a slight misstep could lead to an abyss.

"So what should we do now?"

Zhang Xianzhong asked.

"Just do as we said earlier."

Qin Hao's tone was very firm.

"Accompany him in playing slowly."

"He wants to probe us, but we are also using him to learn about the state of civilizations within the Milky Way Galaxy."

"What we lack most now is time and information."

As long as we can hold him back and extract everything we need from his mouth, we'll come out ahead.

As for the forces behind him...

A glint of cold light flashed in Qin Hao's eyes.

As long as we develop fast enough and grow strong enough, we fear nothing, no matter who stands behind him!

On the other side, Brother He's and Ai'erwen's negotiations also entered their final stage.

Finally, both sides reached a small-scale deal.

The Human Federal, using some technology they lacked, such as the (castrated) honeycomb Energy Shield technology,

the original Vibranium manufacturing technology, etc., in exchange for a detailed star map of several surrounding star sectors from the Elven Commerce Association,

and a technical data for a substance called 'Cold Fusion Catalyst' that can greatly improve the energy conversion efficiency of warship engines.

This was a win-win deal.

Humans obtained the urgently needed star maps and technology.

And Ai'erwen also obtained technology their civilization lacked.

"Pleasant cooperation, Qin Consultant."

After the deal was completed, Ai'erwen's face once again showed a satisfied smile.

"To celebrate our first successful cooperation, I can also throw in a friendly reminder."

He was trying to throw out bait again.

Qin Hao understood clearly in his heart, but his face still showed an interested expression.

"Please speak."

"You'd better get ready as soon as possible."

Ai'erwen's tone became somewhat meaningful.

"Because you've made too big a commotion."

"A second-level civilization that had held sway for thousands of years was completely wiped out in less than a year by another obscure, nascent civilization."

"Such things are not common in the Milky Way Galaxy."

"It is enough to draw the attention of some… Rent Collectors."

"Rent Collector?"

Qin Hao sharply caught onto this keyword; although he had already guessed a bit, he still asked.

"What is a Rent Collector?"

"Hehe..."

Ai'erwen smiled but did not answer directly.

"This belongs to the next piece of information that requires payment."

"However, I can give you a hint."

He looked at Qin Hao and said, word by word,

"There's no free lunch in the world."

"The same holds true between civilizations."

"Any civilization that wants to occupy a piece of its own territory in this dark forest and develop steadily must pay a price."

"Sometimes this price is paying a portion of protection fees to a stronger power."

Having said that, he gave Qin Hao no chance to follow up and cut off the communication directly.

The Elven shuttle slowly retreated, then turned into a green streak of light and vanished into the distance.

Only Qin Hao, Zhang Xianzhong, and the others remained, their faces solemn as they digested his last words.

Protection fees?

Rent Collector?

A guess that made everyone feel a chill down their spine gradually rose in their minds.