King of Assassins

"Annual rating, Seventh Sage B Plus, First place."

Nuwa smiled and announced the result, clapping to show her congratulations.

The other nine Sages remained silent. They knew the Heart of Numbers was absolutely impartial, yet instinctively they couldn't help but nurture a suspicion about the so-called achievements of the Seventh Sage.

The Sages were not naïve youths; they lacked any strong belief in protecting the human race. Becoming a Sage was merely a convenience for them to pursue their own interests.

Critically, Sages were unrestrained.

The Sages were also accustomed to using their Sage authority for personal gain, conducting their own affairs.

As for the missions released by Nuwa, the Sages tacitly performed a few tasks here and there to maintain balance.

The Heart of Numbers' evaluation standard was relative, taking the median value of all Sages to compute. As long as no one exerted too much effort, they could all easily get by.

Suddenly, the Seventh Sage emerged, taking first in the annual rating. It seemed as if the Heart of Numbers was indirectly expressing its dissatisfaction with them.

In the Sages' private channel, the Ninth Sage openly said, "I suspect that the Seventh Sage is a virtual persona created by the Heart of Numbers to raise the score standard and stimulate us to work harder."

"The catfish effect?"

The Second Sage found it a bit amusing: "The catfish effect itself is an old joke. The Seventh Sage can't become a catfish, nor are we sardines."

"I think the Ninth Sage is right. Suddenly appearing as a Seventh Sage, how could that happen? It makes more sense if they were created by the Heart of Numbers."

Another Sage expressed agreement; the Seventh Sage was indeed too bizarre.

"We've been investigating for a year and haven't discovered anything. That in itself is abnormal..."

"Nuwa clearly favors the Seventh Sage, which further confirms their connection."

"If the Seventh Sage is a virtual persona, Nuwa should keep her distance from him?"

"Nuwa is deliberately doing the opposite!"

The Sages were all extremely intelligent, each strong-willed, with their own judgments on matters.

A group of Sages held their own views; none could persuade the other.

The First Sage said, "Stop arguing. If the Seventh Sage is a virtual figure created by the Heart of Numbers, flaws will eventually appear. There's no need to discuss it now.

"One Seventh Sage can't change our rhythm. We don't need to worry about him. What does it matter if he gets the first rating..."

Though that was said, the Ninth Sage was quite dissatisfied. According to the unspoken rules among the Sages, it was his turn to get the first rating this year.

The sudden emergence of the Seventh Sage, taking the first rating, also snatched away the benefits that were rightfully his. For the Sages, the rewards for being first in the annual rating were very enticing.

This was also how the Heart of Numbers motivated the Sages. However, the Sages had deteriorated, forming a stagnant circle, and with the rewards being reallocated, the incentive effect was lost.

The Ninth Sage expressed strong dissatisfaction but received no response, and in anger, he left first.

The other Sages found it dull and dispersed as well.

The Tenth Sage, however, did not leave because he received a secret message from the Seventh Sage, requesting a private conversation.

The Tenth Sage was very curious, not knowing what the Seventh Sage wanted with him.

While many Sages were hostile to the Seventh Sage, on a personal level, there was no need to take the Seventh Sage as a mortal enemy. As long as benefits could be offered, they could become friends.

The Tenth Sage saw Nuwa speaking with the Seventh Sage, sent a message to certain Sages, and went to the side hall to wait for him.

Gao Xuan was busy selecting his prize. The generous prizes dazzled him a bit.

"Plasma Fruit, with a great chance to alter genes and gain the ability to manipulate powerful lightning. (Golden Level)

Cloud Light Sword, a Golden Energy Level Sword Artifact.

Prayer Stone, significantly increases the energy level of Marvels. (Ineffective on Golden Level Marvels)

World-Ending Spear, part of the Angel King's Set. A Golden Level Marvel.

..."

The prizes offered by Nuwa numbered in the hundreds, each exceptionally precious.

The most precious of all was undoubtedly the World-Ending Spear. Gao Xuan was greatly surprised that something of this level could even be a prize.

Even with the wealth of the Moisture Hall, they couldn't afford to give away one such item every year.

Gao Xuan asked Nuwa with some doubt, "Can I choose just one?"

Nuwa smiled sweetly and said, "Little brother, I'm being nice to you. This is special treatment for you. Other Sages are not eligible for prizes of this level."

As an administrator, Nuwa was quite displeased with the other Sages. However, she had no authority to constrain them.

She could only work within resource allocation.

The reward for first in the rating had a range. Nuwa gave the Sages the reward at the lowest limit. For Gao Xuan, she gave it at the highest limit.

The difference in this is immense.

It's like the difference between Silver Marvels and Golden Marvels. They're a level apart, yet the power difference is immense. Not to mention, even within the same energy level, there can be differences in the quality of Marvels.

With Nuwa handling it this way, the first-place reward was still very enticing. So the Sages would internally reallocate the prize amongst themselves.

Gao Xuan unhesitatingly pointed at the World-Ending Spear, "I want that one."

Nuwa's smile grew even broader, "This is the most powerful Marvel in the Angel King's Set. World-ending first! If you add another five hundred thousand points, you can take it."

"I knew it..."

Gao Xuan knew there was no such thing as a free lunch; though Nuwa was nice to him, she wouldn't go to such exaggerated lengths.

After all, Nuwa wasn't his real mother. Even if she were, this treatment would be over the top.

Golden Level Marvels also come in different tiers.

Without a doubt, regardless of how it's categorized, the World-Ending Spear is a top-tier Golden Marvel.

Calling it the number one extinction device may be an exaggeration, but there's some truth to it.

Gao Xuan also has to admit, it's really generous of Nuwa to only ask for half a million points.

Realistically, it's just like killing a hundred of those Yu Hualong types. As long as he has the time, it's not hard for Gao Xuan to collect half a million points.

But he simply can't produce that amount right now.

Nuwa knows he wants the Angel King's Set and deliberately puts the World-Ending Spear in front of him to tempt him.

"What do you want?" Gao Xuan asked.

"It's simple, exchange your information for it."

Nuwa said with a playful smile, "Sis won't let you be at a disadvantage. I will evaluate the value of the information and give you a fair price."

Gao Xuan sighed, "I was just talking casually back then, but sis took it seriously."

"Suit yourself. There won't be this option next time."

Nuwa looked indifferent, but Gao Xuan could only sigh.

He does know the Tenth Sage, and maybe with all his means, he could blast his way to half a million points.

However, it's ultimately very troublesome. The Tenth Sage isn't foolish. If too much is revealed, he'd surely become suspicious of him.

Gao Xuan decisively pointed at the Prayer Stone, "I'll just take this stone."

Nuwa was a bit surprised, "You don't want the World-Ending Spear anymore?"

"Can't afford it."

Gao Xuan liked the World-Ending Spear, but given Bai Yutang's current state, she struggles to handle even the Holy Light Wings. Let alone the World-Ending Spear.

Collecting sets comes with a sense of achievement. But if he can't use them, there's nothing he can do.

He can actually use the World-Ending Spear. But the spear's way is vastly different from his. It's far less practical than the Godslaying Sword or Hongyi Sword.

So, it's better to choose the more practical Prayer Stone.

Gao Xuan refused the temptation, making Nuwa a bit unhappy. She snorted, "Next time, there won't be such an offer."

"When will I get the Prayer Stone?"

"It will be delivered to you."

Nuwa was so frustrated that she didn't want to speak and disappeared on the spot.

Gao Xuan found it amusing, but getting a Prayer Stone for free still made him happy. Although he didn't manage to obtain the World-Ending Spear.

He told himself not to overthink it. That thing might sound powerful, but it's actually not that useful. The Godslaying and Hongyi are the obedient little babies, listening and easy to use.

Gao Xuan arrived at a side hall, where the Tenth Sage was sitting in a chair.

Seeing Gao Xuan enter, the Tenth Sage nodded slightly, gesturing to Gao Xuan to take a seat beside him.

The Tenth Sage sat in the main seat, pointing Gao Xuan to a position by his side.

The Tenth Sage was very composed, and he remained silent, just looking at Gao Xuan, waiting for him to speak first.

After a brief silence, Gao Xuan said, "Your Excellency the Tenth Sage, I know who you are."

The Tenth Sage was taken aback, but his mask and Sage Robe hid all his emotions.

After a moment of silence, he said, "Did you come to me just to say this?"

The identity of a Sage is, of course, top secret. However, his sagehood comes from lineage and is clearly traceable.

Most other Sages are similar. Everyone has a rough estimate of each other's identities.

However, the Seventh Sage should by no means know his identity.

The Tenth Sage didn't question further, which showed his indifference.

No matter whether the other party truly knows or is bluffing, he cannot follow their lead.

Gao Xuan understood the Tenth Sage's thoughts and said, "Your Excellency Hercules, I approached you for an important matter to discuss."

The Tenth Sage fell silent after being called by his real name. The other party knew a lot about him, while he knew nothing about the Seventh Sage.

With asymmetric information between them, no matter what they say next, he'd inevitably be on the defensive.

But he couldn't just walk away. That wouldn't solve any problems.

After a long silence, Hercules finally asked, "What is it you want?"

He didn't ask for the other party's identity, as that would be a waste of time.

Hercules remained calm and composed.

Gao Xuan also nodded secretly, realizing that this proud man did have some capability.

He said, "I mean no harm. Mentioning your name is not meant as a threat. I simply want to discuss something very important with you, showing my earnest attitude beforehand."

"I have my own judgment," Hercules replied coldly, disliking this way of talking.

"It's like this..."

Gao Xuan explained the matter to Hercules, who offered no response.

"Your Excellency Hercules, goodbye."

Gao Xuan nodded slightly in acknowledgment and dissolved into a stream of data light.

Hercules watched as the 0/1 digits scattered, his gaze profoundly deep...