In the Infinite Worlds, I Just Want to Be the God of Wealth – CH199

Chapter 199

After hearing Bobona, Lu Chuan had formed some ideas.

But they weren’t close, and he couldn’t be sure if she was speaking sincerely or testing him. For now, he kept his thoughts to himself.

Bobona didn’t know what was in Lu Chuan’s mind. She felt she’d done what she came for, and since he didn’t react much, she found it reasonable and soon left.

Peace briefly returned.

[Host, she doesn’t seem in good shape.]

Even without perfect data, #888 had read Bobona’s emotional spikes as she spoke. For a top-ranked player, she seemed unusually volatile.

[It’s probably because she’s carrying a god’s divinity without proper fusion,] #888 mused.

[Humans who wish to become gods must either have help — as I assist you, step by step — or leap straight to devouring and merging with a god. The latter is fast but dangerous. Gods are hard to kill; give them the slightest chance and they’ll resurge. If Bobona hasn’t truly overcome the divinity she’s merging with, she’ll just become its shell.]

“This is obvious.” Lu Chuan paused before continuing. “Any shortcut comes at a price. But most of the time, it’s not that we choose a road—it’s just that only certain roads are left in front of us. If I hadn’t met you, if I had just crossed into this world on my own, then the paths available to me would have been only one or two at most.”

[Host, don’t worry. I’ll definitely help you become a god.]

“That part I’m not worried about.” Lu Chuan laughed. “But the group Bobona pulled me into gave me some new ideas. No rush, though. I’ll first see what kind of people are in it. I’m not just one person now—I’m carrying an entire Guild. I can’t act recklessly.”

Soon, Lu Chuan called in Starry Ming and briefly explained Bobona’s visit and the matter of the group.

Starry Ming thought for a moment and shook his head. “I was too young when the guildmaster was still around, so I don’t really know about this. You might have to ask the retired vice guildmaster.”

Lu Chuan nodded. “Then the job of recruiting new members falls to you. I was planning to clear a few things on my desk before heading into a dungeon, but since Bobona mentioned a dungeon where time flows faster and the main god system uses it to drain players’ lifespans… now I’m a little interested.”

Saying this, Lu Chuan gave a playful smile. “If I fail to come out of that kind of dungeon, you can take over as the next guildmaster. This recruitment drive will also give you the chance to spot some promising new talents who might help you in the future.”

“There’s no need to test me.” Starry Ming said flatly. “Since I’ve already chosen to support you as guildmaster, I naturally put everything behind you. As long as you don’t go against the interests of the Star Guild, I’ll always be on your side.”

“Oh.” Lu Chuan rubbed his nose, feeling a bit guilty.

That was a hard line to follow up on.

But Starry Ming was right—if there was something he didn’t understand, he could simply ask the retired vice guildmaster.

As the saying goes: an elder at home is a treasure.

“…Come on now, I’ve only been retired a few days, don’t butter me up like that.” The retired vice guildmaster didn’t go by that title anymore. He preferred being called Old Peng, a name he thought had more warmth.

Life after retirement really was good for him—his face was glowing with health. It was said he spent his days dancing with different grannies, living the high life.

At his age, even the Main God System would be embarrassed to drag him into dungeons too often.

To live long enough to retire smoothly—that was the dream of many.

“All right, Old Peng.” Lu Chuan discreetly rolled his eyes. “Do you remember anything about Bobona coming to me, and about the dungeon with accelerated time flow that consumes lifespan?”

“If you hadn’t mentioned it, I might not have remembered.” Old Peng thought carefully. “I recall when Captain Renxu first became guildmaster, Bobona and the head of the Noah Guild came to him too, and pulled him into some group. Then the three of them went into a dungeon together. When they came out, Captain Renxu looked noticeably more weathered. Later he said some strange things like ‘I need to make up for it with a tougher dungeon.’ Hearing what you’ve said now, I’m afraid he did indeed experience one of those lifespan-consuming dungeons. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have suddenly gone into the ‘Forbidden Zone of Humanity’ dungeon.”

If it was lifespan shortened due to altered time flow, then the best way to restore it would naturally be to seek out a dungeon connected to the [God of Time].

Unfortunately, Wen Renxu had only partial knowledge. The Main God System had the power to alter time flow, but when pitted against the [God of Time], it hadn’t actually gained the upper hand—only stalemated. As a result, he ended up trapped in dungeons with no way to escape.

“As for those lifespan dungeons, I’ve also heard of them over the years.” Old Peng sighed. “That’s why I told you to quickly unlock your Lord title—I was preparing you for this.”

“In those chaotic dungeons, sometimes players don’t even have a place to stand. But if you’ve unlocked the Lord title and have your own domain, at least you’ll have somewhere to shelter inside the dungeon. I’ve never gone into one myself—because those who did almost never came back. I can only gather scraps of information. But I’m certain what little we know—brought back at the cost of their lives—is accurate.” Old Peng continued, “If you plan to enter such a dungeon, you must prepare as much as possible. How long until your next dungeon?”

“About half a year left.” Lu Chuan checked the time. “Since becoming guildmaster, I haven’t entered a single dungeon. By now, the Main God System will force me into one soon.”

Being guildmaster meant too many responsibilities. Since the Star Guild hadn’t had a master for a while, Lu Chuan had to pour time and effort into rebuilding it. That all took time. Besides, he’d just come out of the ‘Forbidden Zone of Humanity’ dungeon—he really had wanted a good rest.

But he couldn’t rest now.

If he waited until the Main God System dragged him in by force, unprepared, it would be real trouble.

“Choose your teammates freely.” Old Peng said. “You’re the guildmaster now. I don’t need to nag you. Just remember to put your life before all others. The Star Guild cannot afford to lose another guildmaster so soon.”

“Of course.” Lu Chuan smiled. “No one values my life more than I do.”

He thought for a while, then gathered Shen Li, Edith, and Starry Shasha, and briefly explained about the dungeon.

As for Cynthia and her brother, and Messiah, Lu Chuan decided not to involve them for now.

This dungeon drained its lifespan. Bringing his guild members was for the future of the Star Guild. But members of other guilds—why should they risk their lives for him?

He knew if he asked, they’d agree, but he chose not to. Why make things difficult for others?

Shen Li and the others, of course, had to be informed.

“We’ve all unlocked personal territories and domains.” Shen Li rubbed his hands eagerly. “It’s been over a year since we’ve gone into a dungeon together. Perfect timing to team up again.”

“No problem, guildmaster. I’m young, I’ve got plenty of lifespan to spare.” Starry Shasha, having just come of age, spoke with the most confidence.

Edith also gave his opinion, brushing it off as no big deal.

“All right, then let’s make preparations first and figure out when we should go in.” Lu Chuan nodded. “Before that, let’s collect as much information as possible about this dungeon. Know yourself and know your enemy—then you’ll never lose. We can’t just go in blind.”

“Yes.”

Naturally, Lu Chuan’s first stop was Chen Ji.

This was their first meeting since Lu Chuan became guildmaster.

“Guildmaster Lu, you really do forget people quickly.” Chen Ji said with a false smile. “So you’re no longer avoiding me?”

“Avoiding you? Not at all. I’ve just been swamped since taking office. I haven’t even entered a single dungeon—I’m about to be forced in by the Main God System.” Lu Chuan grinned. “I hear you’ve regained your identity and become one of the top figures in the company.”

Chen Ji’s face darkened at the sore spot. He could barely keep his smile. “Same salary, ten times the work, subordinates dumping their blame on me. Whoever wants this job can take it!”

The [God of Exchange] was never easy to serve, and Chen Ji was exhausted.

Now, thanks to whatever trick the [God of Wealth] had pulled, his followers were multiplying rapidly. Chen Ji had lost weight in just a few days, overwhelmed with work. Meeting Lu Chuan at all meant stealing time from his packed schedule.

“This time, you wouldn’t see me at the company, only outside. What, worried the gods would notice your identity if you stepped in?” Chen Ji went straight to the point.

“What identity? I have no idea.” Lu Chuan feigned ignorance. He didn’t believe Chen Ji had solid proof—it was just suspicion, and this was a bluff.

“Don’t lie. You’re definitely tied to the [God of Wealth]. At the very least, like me, you’re a priest of that god—or maybe even His human vessel.” Chen Ji studied him but couldn’t quite tell. “Your stats have almost doubled. That’s only possible if you’re connected to a god.”

“Of those who rank at my level, how many don’t have ties to a god?” Lu Chuan tossed the question back. “The fact you didn’t insist on meeting me at the company shows you want to keep working with me, doesn’t it? [God of Wealth] or [God of Exchange]—their struggle for authority doesn’t really concern us. No matter who wins, as long as we adjust our allegiances, we’ll survive. Isn’t that so?”

If two gods’ domains merged, then the high priest of one god would inevitably fall under the control of the victor.

Lu Chuan had been eyeing Chen Ji’s abilities for a long time.

If he really devoured the [God of Exchange], Chen Ji would have to remain as high priest.

How could he waste such a skilled worker?

“…Cut the nonsense. Speak frankly.” Chen Ji didn’t want to hear it. After all, no matter which god won, he’d still be stuck working himself to the bone for years. What was there to be happy about?

Living beings yearn for immortality as a carefree life: wealth, leisure, and eternal youth.

If they knew the price of immortality was endless toil—working day and night, unable to die even if they wished, never retiring, living only for the gods—they probably wouldn’t long for it again.

“I want to know about a dungeon where the flow of time is extremely fast, meant to consume the lifespans of God-Rank players. Information about that dungeon,” Lu Chuan said without hesitation.

Chen Ji gave him a surprised glance, then realized it was only natural.

“Ah, right—you’re already a Guildmaster, so it makes sense you’d get here.” Chen Ji thought for a bit. “The value of that information is too high. I can’t just answer it outright; only the [God of Exchange] Himself can trade with you directly. But what I can tell you is this: the dungeon does exist. Only players strong enough to make the Main God System feel threatened get forcibly dragged into it. It’s nicknamed the ‘God-Demon Dungeon.’ Because once you leave it, you either choose to become a god, or you become an Executor. Of the rare few who refuse both, most end up coming to our company—exchanging their souls and lives so our gods personally ‘redeem’ them from the Main God System.”

Lu Chuan’s hope of getting details in advance was shattered.

In the past, he might have dared to deal with the [God of Exchange]—he had nothing to lose. But now that he was already divine himself, he didn’t dare risk it. He didn’t even step foot in the loan company’s territory anymore.

Better safe than sorry. Lu Chuan was no reckless fool.

“Still, with your personal territory so vast and fortified, you’re definitely safer than others.” Chen Ji hinted. “You could also ask that Executor friend of yours. He might have more freedom than me.”

“Of course I’ll ask. But isn’t it more convenient to ask you first?” Lu Chuan countered.

Chen Ji glared. What was he, some free NPC that refreshed news on demand?

Lu Chuan then went to see Cang Jiu.

Ahem. The atmosphere was awkward.

They hadn’t met since their last meeting. Probably because both felt embarrassed.

“Hey, long time no see.” Lu Chuan’s dry greeting made him wish he could rewind time and shut his mouth. What a stupid opening line.

Cang Jiu likely didn’t like Lu Chuan seeing him in his tiny child-like form. Nor could Lu Chuan easily explain why he’d wanted to see Cang Jiu’s true form at that time.

Unable to explain, he just let it be.

Unexpectedly, Cang Jiu seemed even more embarrassed. He kept his head down, not noticing Lu Chuan’s awkward expression.

“Yes… it’s been a while.” Cang Jiu had braced himself mentally, but when he tried to look up, he recalled their very first meeting—long, long ago.

He knew the “Lu Chuan” he saw then had transcended time and space, not the present Lu Chuan. At the time, he thought it was some unknown god, and searched for answers for a while.

Cang Jiu hadn’t been a fully developed god back then; many things were unclear to him.

Still, he understood: letting Lu Chuan see his past self wasn’t exactly good, but not necessarily bad either.

He hadn’t understood the meaning of that pebble Lu Chuan had given him. Now he understood perfectly.

What did it mean, that Lu Chuan wanted to see true desire, to see his real form?

Cang Jiu himself didn’t know what he looked like.

Every time he looked, he saw only emptiness.

He didn’t know what he wanted—so naturally, he didn’t know what he looked like.

“My… my dungeon cooldown is nearly over. I might get forcibly pulled in. Bobona, the Ocean’s Heart Guildmaster, told me the dungeon I’m about to enter is most likely the one where time burns away your lifespan. I asked Chen Ji, but he said only the [God of Exchange] can trade that information. So I had no choice but to come ask you.”

“I do recall that dungeon,” Cang Jiu replied after a moment’s thought. “But it mutates so much inside that we Executors never enter it. There’s much I don’t know either.”

“I figured as much. The Main God System wouldn’t want you Executors interfering anyway—since half the players inside might become Executors themselves.” Lu Chuan gave a strained smile.

#888 couldn’t bear to watch. Master, this is pathetic. Where’s your shameless confidence now?

Humans really were strange. With strangers, they could do all kinds of embarrassing things. But once familiar, they grew timid.

“I can go seek out the [God of Exchange],” Cang Jiu said quickly, then added, “Don’t worry.”

Lu Chuan hadn’t even spoken his thoughts—I wasn’t that worried—before Cang Jiu vanished.

It looked like he really went to see the [God of Exchange].

Lu Chuan blinked in confusion.

As expected of an Executor—efficient as always.

“You’re incredible.” Number 18, who had been watching, gave Lu Chuan a thumbs-up. “That senior has never been this flustered before. Tell me your secret? I want to make him run too.”

“…Eat your food.” Lu Chuan snapped, embarrassed, covering his flushed face.

Tch.

Meanwhile, the Extreme Evil Loan Company was drowning in chaos.

Chen Ji, who had barely managed to sneak in a brief chat with Lu Chuan, was now buried under a flood of real and fake intel.

Ever since the gods ordered every employee to find traces of the [God of Wealth]—promising any wish in return—the staff had gone mad.

Today someone found a supposed lead. Tomorrow another claimed to have captured a [Wealth God] believer. True or false, no way to tell.

Obviously, the gods wouldn’t handle this mess themselves. So the burden fell on the High Priest—Chen Ji.

He was so swamped he barely remembered where his own house was.

Heavens, can’t that [Wealth God] just appear already, fight our god head-on, and end this torture?

Chen Ji was as withered as a dead branch.

At that moment, the company’s alarm blared.

“Enemy attack!”

“An intruder!”

“Who dares mess with our loan company? Do they think we’re pushovers? We’re all—”

Employees rushed out to prove their loyalty.

No weaklings worked here; each was eager to show strength and devotion to the company.

But when they saw the calm figure radiating a terrifying aura—Cang Jiu—their fire was instantly doused.

Frozen to the soul.

“An… Executor?”

“We’ve got no beef with you guys, right?”

“Wait, did the Main God System finally lose patience and send a hitman?”

“Nah… it’s just one guy.”

At first they feared a full Executor assault. Then they realized he’d come alone. Nothing to fear.

“I’m here for the [God of Exchange]. The rest of you—get lost.” Cang Jiu’s voice was flat.

The weak-willed employees were already swaying toward him, compelled by his presence. Only punches from their more rational colleagues, plus emergency sanity cards, kept them grounded.

Even the strong-minded looked shaken. “You think you alone can handle all of us? A bit arrogant, don’t you think?”

Cang Jiu ignored them, waiting for someone in charge.

Chen Ji hadn’t met him before, but the instant he saw Cang Jiu, he was certain: this had to be Lu Chuan’s Executor friend.

What were the odds? Lu Chuan leaves, and right after, an Executor shows up?

And the aura was nearly identical to Lu Chuan’s.

If they aren’t connected, I’ll chop my head off and kick it like a ball.

Tch. Rotten couple.

Of course they weren’t just “friends.”

What kind of “friendship” makes an Executor storm a god’s company?

“Honored Executor, our god is not the kind to meet anyone lightly. Surely He wouldn’t…” Chen Ji began with his best diplomatic smile.

But before he finished, a divine order rang in his mind.

“Our god requests your presence. Please, follow me.” Chen Ji’s tone flipped instantly.

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