"Fellow Daoist Luo came from a Lost Interface, so you certainly could not have encountered such things.
"However, since you have asked, Gao will explain it to you."
After taking a sip of Jade Green Immortal Tea, Gao Sheng began explaining this so-called "exploitation" to Luo Hong.
It turned out that in many subordinate realms that had not lost contact with the Immortal World, ascension was relatively easy. Thus, after the passage of countless years, high-grade Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures within those realms had become exceedingly scarce.
As a result, most Ascended Cultivators had to contact Immortal World factions and request spiritual treasures from them in order to break through their bottlenecks and ascend successfully.
But such assistance was obviously not free. After ascending, these cultivators had to join the corresponding factions, either refining Immortal Yuan Stones or carrying out tasks to repay the debt.
As for the extent of this arrangement, it all depended on the consciences of those in power within these factions. Some were quite fair, while others were nothing but brutal coal mines!
Luo Hong had ascended from a Lost Interface, so he naturally had no such concerns. That was why Gao Sheng had said he could not possibly encounter them.
So that was the scheme. That fellow likely wanted to drag me into it!
Luo Hong's thoughts stirred, and he formed a few guesses.
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Gao, for clearing up Luo's confusion. However, Luo still does not wish to hastily join any faction. Perhaps next time!"
After pondering for a moment, Luo Hong suddenly smiled and cupped his hands toward Gao Sheng.
"Very well. This is the cave abode Fellow Daoist Luo requested. Please keep it safe."
Gao Sheng did not find this regrettable either. Having received Luo Hong's clear refusal, he