28: Chapter 28 An Unexpected Choice

"You mean, if I apply for an s-rank contract, I can only choose from this list, while an a-rank contract not only offers more choices but even allows me to propose additional conditions to those secondary forces."

In the virtual room, Chen Mo said solemnly after listening to No. 56's complete explanation of the s-rank contract.

"Yes, that's right. If you choose to apply for an s-rank contract, I will still do my best to help you, but honestly... the chances are slim!"

No. 56 looked at Chen Mo with a hint of regret in his eyes.

Although No. 77 had praised Chen Mo to the skies, both of them, having worked in the Virtual Universe for tens of thousands of years, knew what signing an s-rank contract meant.

That was a resource boost directly to a Main God. The total value of one s-rank contract definitely exceeded ten a-rank contracts, so even the forces on this list had very limited slots.

And while Chen Mo met the S-rank standards in some aspects, he also had weaknesses.

"Your talent in the Law is impeccable and fully meets the requirements for an s-rank contract, but you have a weakness in the Divine Path itself."

"Yes, I admit it." Chen Mo readily acknowledged his shortcomings.

For deities on the Divine Path, the development of the Divine Domain was no less important than the Law, and could even be said to be more critical.

Although he had made rapid progress in the Law and Divine Arts, the development of the Divine Domain itself had to be taken step by step; this was something that couldn't be rushed.

"Good that you understand!" No. 56 nodded, then took out another backup list.

"This list contains some forces I carefully selected, all second only to the top-tier forces. Honestly, I actually..."

No. 56 paused slightly. At this moment, he remembered his old friend's reminder and the possibility of his own promotion to Regional Manager.

But soon, his gaze became resolute again.

"I actually recommend you choose from this list. If it's just an a-rank contract, they can offer you more."

Seeing No. 56's sincere eyes, Chen Mo was also somewhat moved.

He solemnly took the second list and quickly scanned it.

Indeed, the forces on this list were far less impressive than those on the first, mostly large conglomerates and some federal elite armies.

But as his gaze moved, Chen Mo suddenly stopped, and his eyes changed at that moment.

"No rush, take your time. Let me tell you..."

No. 56 was about to explain the pros and cons of some forces to Chen Mo, but Chen Mo had already looked up and gazed at him firmly.

"Administrator, I think I've made my choice."

"Oh!" No. 56 looked at Chen Mo in surprise, but a hint of disappointment rose in his eyes.

Why had he come in person so eagerly if not to help Chen Mo make the 'most correct' and advantageous choice?

But seeing Chen Mo decide so quickly, it was clear he hadn't taken a liking to the second list he provided.

"Well, he's young, it's normal. After all, who doesn't want to be the one-in-a-million 'protagonist'? Zhou Yu, Zhou Yu, your good intentions might seem to him like you're setting him up!"

No. 56 sneered to himself.

But Chen Mo's next sentence shocked Zhou Yu, aka No. 56.

"Blue Cave Technology, Administrator. I choose Blue Cave Technology from the second list as my first-choice 'investor'."

...

Ten minutes later, Zhou Yu left Chen Mo's private room with a promise to secure the best benefits for him.

"Master, why are you so happy? Is Blue Cave Technology that good?" Yu Mo, who had been an observer all along, flew to Chen Mo's shoulder and asked curiously.

"You wouldn't understand. No one in this era would."

Chen Mo smiled and poked Yu Mo's little face with his pinky, unable to suppress the grin on his lips.

Yu Mo found it even stranger. Due to shared big data, it knew very well the gap between top-tier and first-rate forces.

Blue Cave Technology was not bad, ranking among the top ten first-rate forces, but was it really worth being this happy?

Chen Mo ignored the still-confused little Yu Mo and opened his Virtual Universe character interface.

ID: Chen Mo

Unrestricted Rank: Gold II

Unrestricted Arena Win Rate: 90% (9 wins, 1 loss)

Restricted Arena Win Rate: No record

Nations Arena Rank: (Conditions not met, not activated!)

Special Achievements: None

"Nine wins and one loss directly placed me at Gold II. I wonder if a ten-win streak could place me directly at Diamond."

Chen Mo thought about it and felt it was unlikely. Given the strength White Phoenix had shown, a ten-win streak in placement matches was certain.

If the opponent was only Gold III, then the upper limit of placement matches should be around that rank.

"Yu Mo, let's check the Restricted Arena."

"Okay, Master."

Two hours later, Chen Mo, now in the Restricted Arena, looked ahead helplessly.

ID: Chen Mo

Unrestricted Rank: Gold II

Win Rate: 90% (9 wins, 1 loss)

Restricted Arena Rank: Bronze II

Win Rate: 50% (5 wins, 5 losses)

"The imbalance is quite severe!"

Chen Mo shook his head and logged out of the Virtual Universe.

...

"Master, are you okay!"

Seeing Chen Mo, who had been frowning since returning to the real world, little Yu Mo couldn't help but show concern.

"I'm fine."

Chen Mo smiled, but he was not at ease inside.

For the Divine Domain and followers to develop quickly, talents like Comprehension Ability were nonsense. The most important thing was always two words.

Resources, resources, and damn resources!

"I can only hope that side gets results soon. Blue Cave Technology, the old employer!"

A smile couldn't help but curl at the corner of Chen Mo's mouth. Perhaps in the eyes of the world today, Blue Cave Technology still had a considerable gap compared to top-tier forces.

But he knew that within a few decades at most, Blue Cave Technology would surpass the Universal Nations Cosmic Consortium to become the Federation's number one consortium.

Its founder, 'Blue,' would also replace the Machine Kingdom as the new controller of the Virtual Universe.

"You have to pick the right time to latch onto a powerful figure. Joining now might even let me become a 'founding member.'"

Chen Mo thought happily. Just then, the doorbell of his courtyard suddenly rang.

"Huh?"

Chen Mo looked up in confusion and glanced out the window. It was already late at night.

"Who would come looking for me this late? Third Uncle?"

Filled with doubts, Chen Mo extended his Divine Sense outside the door.

The next second, he saw a chubby little guy staring anxiously at the courtyard gate, muttering something nonstop.

"Chen Xiaoshan, what is this kid doing here?"

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow and got up to walk outside.

"Brother Mo, something big has happened!"

As soon as the courtyard gate opened, Chen Xiaoshan rushed over to him in a fluster, his expression full of urgency.

"Don't panic. Tell me slowly."

Chen Mo's heart sank slightly, but he still spoke to calm him down.

"My mother sent me. Third Uncle has convened a council, and all the direct descendants of the clan have already gone."

Hearing this, Chen Mo's unease grew stronger, and he vaguely guessed something.

"Second Uncle is back?"

"You know?" Little Fatty asked in surprise.

"I guessed." Chen Mo didn't explain much and pulled Chen Xiaoshan toward Third Uncle Chen Xueli's residence.