He arrived at the Knows Everything store once again, and this time the staff led him directly into the upstairs lounge, then closed the door and left.
Li Xingkong briefly observed the lounge in the store. The sofa had a strange texture, and it felt like the fur of some kind of animal. The layout of the lounge was quite compact, but it didn't feel cramped. Instead, it gave him the feeling of returning to the secret base he used to like to explore as a child.
I touched the fur beneath me; it was soft and fluffy, like the furry body of a living creature. I could feel the warmth emanating from its interior.
Just as Li Xingkong was surveying his surroundings, a phantom composed of beams of light appeared out of thin air opposite him.
It was a rat-headed human who looked rather old. Its whiskers were already gray and long, trailing on the ground. It supported itself with a cane with its two short hands. Although it was not tall, its aura of authority was not diminished at all.
"Young friend, you're quite cautious. Good, good. Only by being cautious can one go far."
The projected rat-headed figure paced back and forth a few steps, then sat down on the sofa.
"My name is Xuanyizi, and I am the manager of this Knows Everything. May I ask your name, young friend?"
Li Xingkong noticed that when he sat down, there was indeed an interaction between the illusory image and the sofa, and the sofa sank into a sitting arc, indicating that this was not a simple virtual image.
"My Li Xingkong. I wonder why you would be willing to vouch for me, senior?"
Li Xingkong introduced himself and, without much small talk, went straight to the point, asking about the guarantor's involvement.
"I must apologize for this. You were a guest in this intelligence agency, and I saw what you were looking for. It was my fault."
"As for this guarantee, you may not know this, but our Sihali Kingdom has always been known for its wide-ranging friendships and making like-minded people. This is also the reason why I was able to take on this role of 'Knows Everything.' Seeing that your character is in line with ours, I felt a desire to cherish your talent."
Xuanyizi stroked his beard and said with a smile.
"Just because we're compatible in character, you're willing to vouch for me? That's a bit too frivolous."
Li Xingkong felt that this reason was rather far-fetched.
"Sigh, it seems you know very little about this cosmic civilization."
Xuanyizi shook his head.
"Although the universe is vast and there are countless civilizations, finding even one or two like-minded allies is extremely difficult. Among these civilizations, nine out of ten constantly talk about cannibalism. Although their methods are mysterious, their ideologies and practices are unacceptable to most."
"Virtuous nations are few and far between. Although this Convention is very binding, most of the few virtuous civilizations are only at the third rank or lower. In order to resist external enemies, they can only stick together for warmth."
With so many powers in the universe, how do civilizations choose their allies?
According to Xuanyizi, the core allies of most civilizations are determined based on the civilization's overall values. Civilizations with compatible values are naturally allies, while those with different values will only achieve the opposite of their intended goal if forced together.
According to him, the few civilizations that shared similar interests with the Divine Land Civilization were not particularly powerful; the strongest was probably the Sihali Kingdom, where Xuanyizi was located.
If Divine Land could join the Convention, it would gain another ally of the Sihali Kingdom.
Friends, of course, the more the better.
Therefore, they wouldn't mind giving Li Xingkong a spot for this.
While this explanation might be plausible, what help could such an ally possibly offer to the Sihali Kingdom?
It should be understood that, in their eyes, the fact that Earth Star had not yet joined the Convention only meant that they had only recently left their home planet, and that neither their strength nor their technological data were of any help to a behemoth like the Sihali Kingdom.
Although Xuanyizi repeatedly claimed to be virtuous, it would be a lie to say that he had absolutely no vested interests in the matter.
"One more thing, the Sihali Kingdom also needs a local ally now."
Seemingly sensing Li Xingkong's hesitation, Xuanyizi tapped his cane and continued speaking.
"Although you didn't say where you're from, it's likely not far from here, and for a long time to come, the Sihali Kingdom will need a reliable ally in this area."
"Nearby?"
Li Xingkong sensed that there was something hidden in Xuanyizi's words.
Something must have happened nearby to entice such a nation.
Even this merchant ship may not have made this leap randomly; it may have had some purpose in coming to this area.
"Logically, I shouldn't be telling you this, but since this place is similar to your civilization, and you're practically a local, it's best to mention it."
Xuanyizi spoke very sincerely; there was not a trace of deception in his words.
"In fact, we don't even know what we're looking for."
He stroked his beard again, organizing his thoughts.
"It's the Axiom Arc. They've been organizing a team to conduct a secret investigation throughout the surrounding star system. Because this area belongs to the Kingdom of Fixed Light, their investigation has naturally attracted a lot of attention."
"After discovering their whereabouts, the Kingdom of Fixed Light and the Holy Church of Truth also began to deploy personnel to investigate. However, as more people were involved, it was inevitable that their plans would falter."
"Although we don't know what they're looking for, we know there's definitely a big secret behind this, and it might even be related to the rules."
"Cooperating with local communities is undoubtedly a good way to conduct research. That's why I approached you."
Upon hearing Xuanyizi's words, Li Xingkong fell into deep thought.
The three major powers have all begun searching for something in the vicinity, and even other civilizations are showing interest in getting involved, which is not a good thing for Earth Star.
If Earth Star hasn't joined the Convention before they come knocking, that would be dangerous.
Moreover, what could possibly warrant such a large-scale mobilization from these forces?
I can't think of anything; these things are too far removed from Li Xingkong.
Even if there are some rules or regulations involved, Li Xingkong still can't compete with the several civilizations that are coming on strong.
As he pondered this, Li Xingkong's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
Damn it, there really is.
And this thing is right on my body!
"System? You mean these civilizations aren't here to see you?!"
Although Li Xingkong showed no outward expression, alarm bells were already ringing in his mind.
"Most likely not. They shouldn't be able to detect the way I entered this universe..."
The system was also somewhat uncertain; it really didn't know much about the details of other civilizations in this universe.
"You said it's highly likely, but I mean, what if, what if?"
"Do you know that law? The more impossible something seems, the more likely it is to happen?"
Li Xingkong sensed uncertainty in the system's words, which was very rare for the system.
"Even if something happens, what are you afraid of? I have become one with you. No one in the entire universe can find me within you."
The system's statement was certainly confident.