Hao Ren had everyone else, including Vivian, wait behind him. Only then did he grip the Data Terminal and walk toward the golden disk. He knew this thing could be considered the strangest and most bizarre creation in the Dream Plane, so there was no harm in being extra careful.
He reached the artifact without incident.
The golden disk was embedded in a massive metal base. Around the base were numerous pipes, cables, steel pillars, and the like, all extending down to the floor and making the entire device look like a bizarre, science-fiction altar. Around the golden disk was a ring of faintly glowing metal bands. When Hao Ren approached, the bands seemed to flash once, but nothing else happened.
"It seems to be broken." The Data Terminal examined the energy flowing through the pipes and cables around the metal platform. "This thing was probably some kind of amplifier that broadcast the golden disk's information to the entire fleet—but now the entire device is silent."
Hao Ren nodded lightly and cautiously reached toward the surface of the disk.
Nothing happened.
A warm, nonmetallic sensation came from his fingertip, but he did not read any information from the artifact as he had last time. It seemed that this disk was merely an ordinary creation of the Goddess. It carried no additional information.
The Data Terminal flew around the disk and inspected it several more times. Only after confirming that there were no dangers did it declare everything safe. The Nangong siblings and Lily finally came over curiously. Lily tugged at Hao Ren's sleeve, her face alight with excitement. "Nothing happened? Did we find another treasure?"
Vivian called from a distance, "Um, can I come over now?"
Hao Ren turned around, half amused and half helpless. Vivian was standing far away