Sure enough, this person’s identity was shady—that’s why he feared other Saint-Stage NPCs from the Jiuhua Alliance showing up.

“But dragging this out won’t work. Maybe I should fetch the Jiuhua Alliance’s other Saint-Tier powerhouses to check.”

“Senior must be saved, but we’re people of faith too! Breaking our oath and skipping those items would betray our beliefs!”

“Aren’t those two swords enough? They’re treasures from ultra Saint-Tier powerhouses! You… you guys…” The voice actually sounded a bit wronged now.

This old man’s lifelong reputation! I dominated both the Yader Continent and Demon Realm—only to be extorted by two little Yatous! I… I… damn it…

His words instantly confirmed my suspicion: no Human Race or Demon Clan female NPCs existed. Those three voices were entirely faked to trick me!

From the start, when I tossed stones down the cave, I suspected something. Stones rained down—but only one male voice complained instantly. The other two stayed silent.

No doubt, that subconscious grumble gave him away.

Next, after pulling the sword in the cave, nothing surrounded it. No sealed women existed at all.

Sure, they could’ve been super fast, fleeing the Great Pit before our eyes caught them… Fine. If you want us to believe that, we will~

“Pull the sword! Pull it! I swear—the rewards won’t disappoint!” The male voice grew hysterical with anxiety. “Pull! Now!”

“Senior, class advancement inheritance, Divine Artifact.” I reminded him respectfully.

“I’m… from the Divine Clan! How would I have Human Race inheritance? Divine Artifacts… how many exist worldwide? I can’t possibly…”

“Senior, class advancement inheritance, Divine Artifact.” I repeated respectfully.

“…One rare Warrior skill book: [Star River Reversal]. That’s it! Pull the sword!” The mysterious voice oozed pain. “Don’t complain! If you find another copy of this skill anywhere, I’ll stay here willingly—no rescue needed!”

“Got it. We’ll work hard to find a second copy.” I didn’t even glance at the skill book materializing before me. I handed it straight to Yingning.

*Work hard to find a second copy?*

The voice fumed with rage—even the golden light trembled.

“…Fine! Add a Spirit-Sealing Urn too! It holds a Mist Demon granting [Swift Healing]—just kill it with a Light skill to learn it! No more! One ultra-tier skill, one mid-tier skill—pull the sword now!”

I tossed the [Spirit-Sealing Urn containing the Mist Demon] carelessly into my backpack. “Senior, class advancement inheritance, Divine Artifact… oh, and Divine Progeny reputation.”

“F*** you!”

He actually cursed! An NPC cursing!

“Take this! [War Codex]! It won’t advance you straight to Saint Stage, but directly to Brave Stage—the Swordmaster branch at level 60! Enough? Seriously, enough! Don’t be greedy!”

I glanced at Yingning. The little Yatou watched the golden light with pity, speaking nervously: “It’s enough. Push further, and we might anger him—get nothing…”

I gave her a reassuring look. She froze.

…That gaze felt so familiar.

Unaware of her thoughts, I declared righteously: “No! Uphold civilization, foster new virtues! As excellent Adventurers of Yader Continent, we can’t abandon faith for petty rewards! So… Divine Artifact, reputation.”

My appearance and tone made me look utterly pious and serious.

Then he snapped.

“Faith my ass!” I heard his teeth grind. “Reputation? Impossible before I’m free… Divine Artifact? Useless to you now! Your weak strength can’t wield it!”

I nodded in full agreement, then spoke piously: “Senior, Divine Artifact, reputation.”

“F*** your whole family!!! Die!” He panted frantically. “I only carry one Demon Clan Divine Artifact: [Moon Eclipse]. Take it! Pull the sword! If you don’t after this, I’ll kill you—even if it cripples my power!”

A small ring shimmering with colorful light appeared before me. Without thinking, I tossed it into my bag…

Then I grabbed Yingning and bolted.

“Got it~ Let’s go~”

Pull the sword? Sure. See you at level 180!