28: Chapter 28 How did you know I have a billion?

Chen You took a deep breath and pushed against the grand gate carved from a single piece of white jade.

The heavy resistance he expected did not appear.

Just as his palm touched the cool, smooth jade gate, it slid inward silently, as if it had been waiting for his arrival.

Inside the gate was not some gaudy, gold-plated scene.

Instead, it was a spacious and elegant hall with a floor paved in deep obsidian, polished to a mirror-like shine.

It reflected the soft glows from the ceiling; that light didn't come from lamps, but from shimmering pearls floating in the air.

A faint, refreshing scent of sandalwood permeated the air.

A wave of spiritual energy, ten times denser than outside, rushed toward him, making every pore in his body relax.

The technique "Nine Revolutions Primordial Chaos Art" even began a slow, unconscious circulation within his body.

Just by standing here, his cultivation speed was a notch faster than outside!

This place really is strange!

While Chen You was observing this miraculous place, a soft and pleasant female voice with a peculiar texture came from deep within the hall.

"Welcome to the Supreme Tower."

Chen You followed the sound and saw a woman dressed in a magnificent palace gown, her jade-like bare feet stepping silently as she slowly emerged from behind a bead curtain.

She had a tall figure and a stunningly beautiful face, with every frown and smile carrying a heart-stirring charm.

But the most eye-catching feature was the pair of small, exquisite curved horns, looking as if they were carved from obsidian, growing on either side of her smooth forehead.

This... was not a human.

"Hello," Chen You steadied himself, trying to keep his tone calm.

The woman stopped three steps away from him and bowed slightly; her movements were as elegant and standard as if they had been measured with a ruler.

"I am the receptionist of the Supreme Tower, Ciel. Detecting that you are a newly promoted Adventurer, I am here to provide you with guidance services."

"Supreme Tower? What do you do here?" Chen You asked his question directly.

A professional smile appeared on Ciel's face, her voice still sweet.

"The Supreme Tower is an exclusive venue providing comprehensive privilege services for distinguished guests like yourself."

She gave a light wave of her hand.

The space in front of Chen You rippled, and a more magnificent and cool system interface, completely different from what he usually saw, unfolded out of thin air.

At the top of the interface were three bold, flamboyant words—[supreme member].

Chen You's pupils constricted slightly.

Good grief, after all that, it's a VIP system!

No wonder he couldn't find a VIP top-up entry no matter how much he searched the game menu.

It turned out to be an offline physical store, and they even set up a personal guide!

This service is indeed "supreme" enough.

"Membership is divided into three levels," Ciel's voice was like a tour guide's, precise and clear.

"Ordinary Member, Advanced Member, and supreme member."

"Members of all levels will immediately unlock several convenient functions."

"For example, quest auto-pathfinding, ad-blocking, inventory expansion, and a daily exclusive lucky draw."

When Chen You heard "ad-blocking," he couldn't help but be stunned.

"Ads? I haven't seen any."

The smile on Ciel's face remained unchanged.

"Currently, our advertising slots are still in high demand for investment. By becoming a member, you can prepare in advance for any potential disturbances you may encounter in the future."

Chen You: "..."

Wow, the ads haven't even been brought in yet, and they're already selling the privilege to remove them.

This greed is truly more than one version ahead.

He suppressed the urge to complain and focused his attention on the most critical function.

"What's in the daily lucky draw?"

"Good question." A hint of approval flashed in Ciel's eyes. "That is precisely the core difference between the three levels of membership."

She waved her hand again, and the content on the interface changed, revealing three giant wheels of different styles.

"For Ordinary Members, the highest possible reward in the daily draw pool is a [Xuan] grade item."

"For Advanced Members, the prize pool is upgraded, with the highest possible reward being an [Earth] grade item."

"And for supreme members..." Ciel's voice took on a hint of temptation.

"You will have the chance to directly draw a [Heaven] grade supreme treasure that can change your destiny from the daily lucky wheel!"

Heaven grade!

Chen You's heart skipped a beat.

His technique, the "Nine Revolutions Primordial Chaos Art," was Heaven grade!

That cost nearly a hundred million to buy!

Now, a membership lucky draw actually offers a chance to get a treasure of the same level?

His breathing became a bit hurried.

Director Li Guoan's serious face and his "broaden your horizons" lecture surfaced in his mind again.

Become stronger! Become stronger at all costs!

This membership must be purchased!

Without hesitation, he stared at Ciel with burning eyes: "How do I sign up?"

Seeing Chen You so cooperative, the smile on Ciel's face became even more sincere, and her obsidian-like horns seemed to brighten slightly under the light.

"Membership follows a monthly subscription model."

"Ordinary Member: 100 gold coins per month."

"Advanced Member: 500 gold coins per month."

"supreme member..."

She paused and quoted a figure that made Chen You's eyelids twitch wildly.

"1,000 gold coins per month."

Hiss—

Chen You gasped.

1,000 gold coins!

At a ratio of 1 to 1 million, that would be... one billion huaxia coins!

For one month!

Even though he already possessed hundreds of millions in wealth, he couldn't help but feel shaken.

A billion a month—this isn't burning money; it's burning the printing press!

The momentary stiffness on his face was accurately captured by Ciel.

She thought the young man in front of her was intimidated by the price.

This was normal; let alone a novice, even top Adventurers who had spent years in the Source Realm would have to weigh their entire net worth upon hearing this price.

"Distinguished guest, value determines price."

Ciel's voice carried a hint of mysterious guidance.

She didn't try to persuade him directly but instead waved her arm elegantly once more.

"Perhaps I should let you see for yourself exactly what is in the [Heaven] grade prize pool."

As soon as she finished speaking.

Light flowed on the obsidian floor in the center of the hall, and three lifelike shadows appeared out of thin air.

The first shadow was an extraordinary exotic beast.

It looked like a Kirin, its entire body covered in green scales, with purple lightning burning beneath its four hooves.

An aura of majesty that looked down upon the world rushed toward him, making Chen You feel as if his soul was trembling.

[Mount: Thunder Marsh Kirin (Heaven Grade)]

[Effect: Movement speed +500%, comes with a Lightning Domain, causing continuous paralysis and damage to all hostile targets within the domain.]

Chen You's eyes instantly turned red with desire.

If he got his hands on this thing, why even do quests?

He could just ride it and crash through mobs; he could farm monsters just by standing still!

His gaze turned to the second shadow.

It was an ancient-looking long saber, its blade narrow and long, displaying a deep dark gold color.

It just hung there quietly, yet the surrounding space showed visible ripples, like water.

[Weapon: Void Slasher (Heaven Grade)]

[Special Effect: Ignores 50% of the target's defense; attacks have a certain chance to trigger 'Spatial Tear,' dealing multiple critical damage.]

Chen You's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

The first-recharge novice iron sword in his hand suddenly lost its appeal.

This saber named "Void Slasher," just by looking at the attribute description, was enough to crush the novice iron sword into another dimension.

This is a true divine weapon!

Finally, his gaze fell upon the third shadow.

It was an ancient bamboo scroll slowly unfolding; profound golden runes drifted above it, radiating the aura of the Great Dao's principles.

One look at it made one feel a sense of tranquility, as if their understanding of the world had deepened by several degrees.

[Technique: "The Great Way of Detachment" (Heaven Grade)]

[Note: The Great Way of Heartlessness, the ultimate cultivation. Practicing this method can sever the seven emotions and six desires, making the heart as calm as still water. Cultivation speed increases by 1000%, and it grants immunity to all mental control skills.]

Seeing this technique, Chen You actually calmed down.

He wouldn't want this kind of technique even if it were given to him for free; it sounded like it would turn him into a eunuch.

But without a doubt, this was also a true Heaven-grade supreme treasure!

Mounts, weapons, techniques...

And these were just three items in the prize pool!

Ciel looked at the changing expressions on Chen You's face, the curve of her lips widening.

"Distinguished guest, this is only a small part of the prize pool."

"As long as you become a supreme member, they... could all belong to you."

Chen You let out a long breath.

Only one thought remained in his mind.

One billion...

The money Director Li had just transferred to him was exactly one billion.

This game system seemed to have foresight.

It was aiming right for his billion!

He looked up at Ciel; the initial shock on his face had vanished.

It was replaced by an unprecedented calm and determination.

"Sounds alright," he said slowly.

Ciel smiled, preparing to hear his choice; she guessed he might try the Ordinary Member first.

However, what Chen You said next caused her professional, perfect smile to freeze for the first time.

"Sign me up for the supreme member."

Chen You looked at her, enunciating every word. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unquestionable determination.

"And turn on auto-renewal for me."