After roughly establishing who the other party was, Ilis felt more confident.
Ilis said, "Gu Yang, I know you're anxious."
"But first, I still need to know what I can get from you."
Gu Yang coughed at that. "Sorry, I was being impatient."
"I know it's rude to ask too many questions about sensitive matters."
"So these three questions shouldn't expose your real identity or location."
After a pause, Gu Yang said, "There are plenty of things I can offer you."
"As you know, besides our connection to the Lord of Yore, we have other identities and organizations."
"If you need anything, just ask."
"Technology, weapons, equipment, boons, intelligence—I can provide all of them."
A gleam flashed through Ilis's eyes when she heard that.
"I want the security key for the Artes Program."
Gu Yang looked at Ilis. "I wouldn't have guessed you knew so much about this."
Ilis smiled. "Nobody who can sit here is ignorant of these things."
After a long silence, Gu Yang said, "No. That information isn't enough to get you the Artes Program's security key."
Ilis said, "I think it's enough."
"Other powers besides yours know the Artes Program's security key."
"It's just that the Dark Universe Surge has only just subsided, and I haven't had time to contact them."
"The only reason this thing still commands a price is the information gap over these few years."
"I can wait."
After a pause, Ilis said casually, "Actually, you aren't in that much of a hurry either."
"Everyone will know what the Golden Saint King's divine authority is in a couple of years. There's no need to ask me so urgently."
Gu Yang fell silent at that, apparently torn.
A few seconds later, he said, "I heard you're in the Mountain River Star Sector?"
Ilis replied