Starting with the awakened Poison God: I choose the Master Thief.

A golden miniature longsword flew from his hand and hovered in front of Chu Ci.

"Wherever there are people, there will always be conflicts. Although I don't like this, that's just how the world is, and I have no power to change it."

"Perhaps in your eyes, the courtroom is the most impartial and selfless place in the Federation, and the gavel hanging high symbolizes equality and rules, but in my opinion, it is nothing more than a false disguise placed in front of the public."

"Take Su Hongye's case for example. With the Federation's investigative capabilities, I received all the intelligence immediately. But why was he still able to cause you trouble? The reason is simple: the Shadow King was mediating. Or rather, those who wanted to report it were afraid to speak up because of the Shadow King's presence. Isn't that pathetic?"

The Ice Sword King turned his back, and the few snowflakes falling from the sky made his figure look somewhat desolate.

Chu Ci asked疑惑地问道, "Senior, what exactly are you trying to say? Do you perhaps want to change this situation?"

"Change? No, I don't have such lofty ideals. Although the King level is powerful enough in your eyes, it still seems extremely insignificant in the face of the entire Federation."

"Although the Federation advocates equality for all, it ultimately adheres to the same law of the jungle as 'God's Domain.' It's just that ordinary people can live a little more freely, and that can't be changed."

"What I need is a powerful ally. To be precise, as a newly arrived King-level member of the Inquisition, did you think I received an invitation and a welcome party? No, neither. Instead, I received two blatant threatening letters. I won't go into the details, as it's pointless for you to know them now."

Turning around, the Ice Sword King looked intently at Chu Ci.

"The important thing is that I see the potential to become a king in you. In the future, as your strength grows, you will inevitably come into contact with the Federation. You can regard this token as an investment. Although things are unpredictable, the Shadow King has also set his sights on you, and you will have more trouble. However, if you can join the Court of Judgment, he will be more wary. I am also happy to protect you for a period of time... well, as a future ally."

!!!

Kui Qi looked at Chu Ci with surprise, finally understanding what the other party meant.

In short, it's about investing in Chu Ci in exchange for future allies. Keep in mind, this is the appreciation of a King-level being! How many King-level beings does the Federation have?

"Is this also a matter of value? What you're saying sounds a lot like what my master said." Chu Ci gave a wry smile.

"Your master? Is he very strong?" The Ice Sword King was taken aback.

Chu Ci said, "No, no, no, in front of someone with your strength, he is just an insignificant little character. It's just that he has lived for a long time, for hundreds of years."

"I see. Having rich intellectual experience is also a kind of asset." The Ice Sword King nodded in approval, then crossed his arms and his tone became serious again.

"However, I don't want to lie to you. Once you accept this token of recommendation, the benefits will be that you can enter the Federation earlier, and I will also protect you from the Shadow King, giving you some time to grow and providing you with some assistance. But this also means that you will be labeled by me, and some people may target you because of this. Huge benefits always come with huge risks. You can think about it again."

After saying this, the Ice Sword King fell silent, closed his eyes, and quietly awaited Chu Ci's reply.

Faced with this choice, Chu Ci inexplicably looked at Kui Qi.

"Uncle Kui, do you think I should say yes?"

"This..." Kui Qi was also at a loss for words.

"Xiao Ci, people always have to pay the price for their choices. I dare not give you any other advice. Based on what I've heard in the Federation, the Ice Sword King is a pretty good person. Of course, if the Shadow Demon King really sends someone or comes to kill you personally, I, Uncle Kui, will definitely fight to the death to protect you! This is true for both me as the guardian of Lan Hai City and for your Uncle Kui."

Although he said it with a smile, Chu Ci could hear the extreme seriousness in his tone.

Even the Ice Sword King, who was acting as the judge, couldn't help but look up at him with respect.

The reason why the Guardians can stand on equal footing with Judges like him in the Federation is mainly because these Guardians sacrificed their own advancement for the peace of the city and were willing to stand in the line of danger and give their lives for justice.

Despite the vast difference in strength between them, the Ice Sword King was still willing to give such a person enough respect from the bottom of his heart.

"Uncle Kui, thank you, but I don't want you to die. I'm still waiting for you to make me scallion and egg noodles."

"You brat! So Uncle Kui's life isn't even worth a bowl of egg noodles, is it!" Kui Qi laughed and scolded.

Despite their playful banter, Chu Ci eventually reached out and took the small golden sword as a token.

[Ding! Congratulations on obtaining the Golden Sword (Court Token). This token grants you one recommendation for a future Inquisitor.]

"Have you thought it through?" the Ice Sword King asked in a deep voice.

"Yes, I've thought it through," Chu Ci said without hesitation.

That's ridiculous. I'm a man reshaped by the Abyss Hunter. So what if I die? It's not like I can't be resurrected. In comparison, the help of a King-level expert is something you can only dream of.

"In that case, once you're ready, go to Blackscale City in the Wuyia region to report for duty. They'll prepare the assessment items for you there. However, with your current strength, you can only take the Quasi-Judge assessment. We look forward to your performance."

As soon as he finished speaking, sharp snowflakes pierced through space, and the Ice Sword King slowly departed before their very eyes.

"Tsk tsk, this is the way a King-level traveler travels. It feels so damn cool. Uncle Kui, when do you think I'll be able to reach this level of strength and travel through space at will?"

boom!

A dull thud made Chu Ci feel a headache coming on.

"Uncle Kui, why did you suddenly hit me? It hurts so much!"

Kui Qi looked at him with a disappointed expression.

"You brat, take a closer look. This isn't space travel; it's a King-level expert forcibly breaking through space to teleport a long distance. It's different from using spatial magic! Without the aid of spatial magic, forcibly entering space would result in a strong tearing sensation. Even I would be torn to shreds immediately. Don't even think about it, go back and level up! Hurry up!"

"Tch, I was just saying. I'll be going now, Uncle Kui. I'll come visit you another day."

Watching Chu Ci's figure recede into the distance, Kui Qi slowly shook his head.

"Xiao Ci, the path of the strong is very dangerous. I hope you can successfully walk your own path."

……

Chu Ci headed straight for the villa area. The moment he returned to his room, he immediately logged into "God Realm" and appeared in a small alley in Bilin City.

"First, go to your master and accept the last breakthrough mission you can issue to break through to the third tier. After that, go to Blackscale City to report for duty."

Dawn City.

"Although this isn't the first time I've said this, your leveling speed is indeed ridiculously fast. It hasn't been that long."

In the dimly lit, dilapidated clock tower, Bors sat at a worn-out long table, holding an ancient book in his hand, with an expensive-looking tea set in front of him, showing no intention of putting the book down.

Chu Ci sat awkwardly opposite him.

"Master, I just want to come to you to accept a breakthrough mission and then leave. Do you have any suitable ones for me?"

"Tch, you little rascal, you know I'm your master, but you never bring anything with you when you come here. You just want to freeload off me, right? Here, take it and get lost, don't disturb my reading." Bors impatiently flicked his hand, and the system notification sounded immediately.

[Ding! Do you wish to accept the third-tier breakthrough mission from Mentor Bors?]

[Mission Objective: Investigate the motives of the Chosen One—Kren (picture)—in colluding with the Fallen Church.]

Chu Ci glanced at the mission information.

"Huh? This guy? Isn't he the kid who got killed by the Human-Faced Fox King back then?"