In truth, Xiao Yu’s ability to detect the covert data stream infiltrating his computer systems wasn’t due to his expertise surpassing that of the Molian Civilization, it stemmed from his unique form of existence.

To Xiao Yu, the computer system wasn’t just a tool, it was his home. And for a place he had tended and developed over such a long time, it was only natural that he would be unusually sensitive to intrusions.

Upon detecting this strange stream of data, Xiao Yu didn’t react rashly. Instead, he calmly traced its path and quietly set up a honeypot, a trap filled with false information.

“This is really distasteful. Looks like Luka Two was right after all. The moment I revealed more valuable materials, the Molian Civilization immediately began showing signs of hostility. But my goal isn’t war, I just want the information I came here for. War could lead to unexpected losses. So, it’s best to avoid it if I can.”

With this thought in mind, Xiao Yu fabricated a false data packet and deliberately exposed it to the probing data stream.

This fake intel included claims like “the Alien Beast flesh was acquired by chance,” “total reserves are only ten million tons,” and “the entire ten million tons are intended to be used as currency.” Xiao Yu believed that once the Molian Civilization saw this data, they would likely abandon any aggressive intentions.

After all, when the other party is already offering to hand over everything voluntarily, only a fool would launch a war to take it by force.

At the same time as he was deceiving the data probe, Xiao Yu allocated a portion of his own processing power to silently slip past the data interface and infiltrate the Molian database.

“If they can probe my central system, then as a being made of code and computation, I won’t just take it lying down.” Xiao Yu had more than enough confidence in his computing prowess. Even though the Molian Civilization used a complex, unfamiliar multi-radix numeral system, to Xiao Yu, it was merely a matter of spending a bit of time to adapt.

Of course, out of caution, Xiao Yu refrained from acting too brazenly. He limited himself to a very small scope, carefully probing the surrounding data structures.

Beneath the surface, it was a covert clash between two civilizations. On the surface, however, both sides still maintained a facade of cordiality.

After Xiao Yu transmitted the human genetic fragment and some basic data, he received a reply.

“Please wait a moment. I’m connecting to our database and retrieving the information you requested… Ah, here we go. You’re in luck, our database happens to contain information on this intelligent species. We recovered it from the main control system of a starship during a war. Its value is not considered high, priced at only thirty thousand Transaction Points. Do you confirm the purchase?”

Upon hearing that answer, Xiao Yu felt an inexplicable sense of tension rise within him.

“I confirm the purchase,” Xiao Yu replied. Then he added, “I also have additional technological and intelligence-based items I wish to buy. Here is the list. Please review it and give me a quote.”

“Of course. Happy to assist,” the Molian being replied, accepting the data packet Xiao Yu had transmitted.

“Hmm, it appears you’re looking to acquire quite a bit. Not bad… yes, we have all of these available for sale. However, I must inform you that the price may be somewhat high. The total comes to… five billion Transaction Points. Also, just as before, I must clarify that these are our civilization’s interpretations, we can only guarantee that they are correct within the scope of our understanding.”

“Understood,” Xiao Yu responded. “However… five billion Transaction Points? Isn’t that a bit too expensive? You must understand, we are merely a Level 4 Civilization. We don’t have that kind of material wealth to use as payment.”

At that moment, within Xiao Yu’s perception, the strange data stream from the Molian Civilization finally retreated. To avoid detection, Xiao Yu also withdrew his own data probes. However, before pulling back, he discreetly left a few small backdoors inside the opponent’s central computer.

Just in case, he thought. They might come in handy someday.

The Molian being responded, “That price really isn’t so high. You must understand, these pieces of information were obtained by our civilization through immense effort. You say you lack the resources to make an exchange? I believe you may be underestimating your own civilization. Within your civilization, there are many things that could be used as payment, such as your ships, and the intelligent beings under your command. These are valuable assets. They would fetch an excellent price.”

Upon hearing this, a chill passed through Xiao Yu’s heart, and he instantly became alert.

“So, they’ve had their eyes on my fleet all along. They haven’t acted by force, probably because they still have some concerns about my strength. That’s why they want to obtain what they want through ‘peaceful trade.’”

“No. These ships and the scientists within my civilization, are the foundation of our development and survival. They are not for sale.” Xiao Yu replied calmly. “Here’s the situation: as for the Alien Beast material, we still have ten million tons. Converted, that’s three hundred million Transaction Points. We’ll limit our purchase to that value.”

He spoke with a touch of feigned regret.

By now, Xiao Yu had fully seen through the true intentions of the Molian Civilization. Yet he still chose not to escalate to war, because if this trade worth three hundred million Transaction Points went through successfully, he would obtain several key technologies. And the cost? Merely ten million tons of Alien Beast flesh. Relatively speaking, this first contact had already yielded tremendous returns.

If war were to break out, even in victory, it could be a costly one. And in the worst case, a failure, with even greater losses.

As Xiao Yu made his proposal, the Molian Civilization found itself at a crossroads as well.

To avoid being wiped out by other advanced civilizations, the force they had stationed in the Azure Market was not strong. Even if they could secure a win against Xiao Yu’s fleet, it would still come with a cost.

So now, their choice was: trade peacefully and obtain ten million tons of Alien Beast flesh… or wage war, and risk everything for a bigger reward?

It was like playing a game of chance: they already had forty coins in hand, should they take the safe route and pocket the forty, or gamble for four hundred, knowing they might end up with nothing?

Both sides were now facing a choice.

“I’ve made my decision,” Xiao Yu thought silently. “I wonder… what will their decision be?”

The Molian being fell into silence. Xiao Yu guessed that, perhaps at this moment, the Molian upper echelons were embroiled in a fierce internal debate.

At last, the Molian Civilization’s reply came.

“Very well. Please prepare your list of questions. Once the material handover is complete, we will provide answers to your inquiries.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu let out a quiet breath of relief. He knew he had once again avoided the risk of war.

“The list is ready. These are our questions,” Xiao Yu replied. “The materials for payment have also been prepared. Please dispatch your team to the area where our fleet is docked to complete the exchange.”

Once the big-picture direction was settled, the details of the trade unfolded smoothly and efficiently.

Xiao Yu adjusted the list slightly, adding critical items and removing less important ones, until the total value matched three hundred million Transaction Points. Although there was still some regret about the questions that couldn’t be answered, the overall gains were already substantial.

And Xiao Yu understood: he should not be greedy.

After the trade was completed, the group of Luka scientists also relaxed. After all, Xiao Yu’s fate was their own, his safety determined their survival.

“Pleasure doing business. It’s our good fortune to have encountered a benevolent civilization like yours. We hope there will be more opportunities to cooperate in the future,” Xiao Yu said casually, offering a bit of polite flattery.

“Meeting such a generous client as you is also our good fortune,” the Molian being replied cheerfully. “However, there’s one more thing. Are you really unwilling to offer your ships or the intelligent beings in your civilization as payment? We still have many valuable items we could sell to you. If you’re interested, we could even give you a discount. For example, Level 4 Civilization-level technology that enables forty times lightspeed travel, are you sure you don’t want to buy that?”

“The knowledge we’ve obtained is already sufficient for our civilization to digest for a good while. If we require more in the future, we’ll return. Thank you for your offer,” Xiao Yu replied.

“Is that so?” The Molian being went quiet for about ten seconds before slowly speaking again.

“I regret to inform you of an unfortunate incident. Just now, a traitor from our civilization escaped from the inner star system. And unfortunately, this individual has fled into the area where your fleet is stationed and has successfully evaded our pursuit.”

“As our trading partner, we earnestly request that you open your ships and allow us to dispatch robotic units to conduct a thorough search. This traitor is extremely dangerous and is carrying highly destructive weapons of mass destruction. Finding them as soon as possible is in the best interest of both you and us. Please be assured, we will not damage any of your equipment during the search.”

“So, we ask that you cooperate with our operation.”