I became a god by treasure hunting after arriving 500 years early

"I've been on Pangu Continent for so long, yet I don't even have a proper formal outfit?" This was Jin Bote's first thought.

Look at them—glowing all over!

This surreal scene struck a chord deep within him.

By comparison, his carbon nanometer protective suit seemed like the shabby attire of a primitive native, stirring an inexplicable sense of humiliation.

"Even on a cultural level, I'm outclassed."

His second thought: "Forget it. The ancient remnants of the Strangers have a more refined culture—it's perfectly normal! This Human 18th Civilization isn't an original civilization anyway; it grew by clinging to the powerful. What's the point of comparing ourselves to them?"

His third thought: "Could it be that this Conch Princess possesses extraordinary combat abilities? Damned premonition ability of mine—is it urging me to seek help? No, that's impossible! Internal matters of my civilization—how could I possibly turn to another race?"

So-called politicians value their political life far above their actual life.

Once their persona collapses and dignity is lost, they lose everything!

Amid this internal turmoil, Jin Bote briefly lost focus until lively music reached his ears, snapping him back to reality.

As for the husband beside her, his appearance was rather lackluster, as if suffering from fatigue, making him seem unremarkable.

Lu Yuan's outfit was passable, but it paled in comparison to the Conch Princess's.

The Lanpeng Civilization regarded abundant feathers as a mark of beauty. These humans, aside from their hair, had no body hair whatsoever—but even from their observations, they could discern that this princess was likely among the more beautiful individuals of her kind, exceptionally pleasing to the eye.

"So that's it—I understand now!" A Birdman Professor suddenly spoke through the headset.

"Humans and individuals from ancient civilizations generally look alike. So, humanity sent the most attractive male from their species to marry this princess, bringing things to where they are now."

The Birdmen's imaginations produced a conclusion: Humans—gold diggers.

The so-called husband could very well be... a concubine!

...

Treated as a concubine, Lu Yuan sat upright with a solemn expression, observing the large group of Lanpeng Birdmen arriving on the scene.

The clouds grew heavier; the drizzle turned into light rain, splattering audibly against armored bodies.

His complexion truly seemed unwell—it was due to the Greedy Demon God, who had virtualized itself and lodged within him, nearly pushing his human body to the brink of rupture.

Every bit of the situation was a calculated setup.

Humans showcasing their wealth in diplomatic scenarios like this... was entirely normal.

Moreover, it could further attract **Demon** aggression.

Would the **Demon** refrain from attacking simply because it sensed humans were stronger than expected? Clearly not. The stronger humanity appeared, the greater temptation it posed. After all, who wouldn't desire to rule over a powerful civilization?

"Will the **Demon** show up on-site?" He pondered internally.

It was a boisterous scene, with over a hundred Birdmen, most protected by power armor.

The drizzle intensified; the cold wind whistled; a thin layer of mist arose in the air. Lu Yuan simply couldn't distinguish which Birdmen might be unusual—nor could he entirely trust his own human diplomatic team.

To give credit where it's due, the Lanpeng Civilization indeed had some power. Their armor already possessed rudimentary anti-interference capabilities and contained a few engravings—likely scavenged from some civilization's relics...

However, these relics weren't especially advanced, which meant the supernatural knowledge they provided was sparse.

As for Miss Conch's public appearance, it only lasted a minute.

She didn't deliberately flaunt her "Divine Attribute." She merely inclined her body slightly, performed an elegant courtesy, and said a graceful, "Friends of the Lanpeng Civilization," before sealing her glass enclosure once more.

This was the appropriate conduct befitting her image.

"Everything's perfectly in order... That prince... is staring at the clothes?"

"Is he really that envious?"

Lu Yuan's mind rapidly churned: "If the **Demon** truly exists, it has probably detected the Conch Princess's exceedingly high Divine Attribute."

"But it absolutely won't act recklessly..."

"With the **Demon**'s intelligence, it should figure out a way to scout the frontlines."

"If it's already here... I could actually initiate an attack..."

Lu Yuan remained composed, recalling the "Spirit Storm Rune" stored in his Storage Space. Launching a large-scale assault was the only way to identify the **Demon**.

But the opportunity would only come once; he wasn't certain whether the **Demon** was present here...

He didn't dare gamble recklessly.

Wait a little longer!

...

...

Meetings between leaders were indeed the most effective way to forge closer relationships!

Through rounds of discussion, histories of various civilizations and anecdotes from Pangu Continent surfaced on-site.

The Lanpeng Civilization had sent a diplomat named "White Eagle," whose head featured a tuft of white feathers. Speaking with humor and wit, he began by summarizing his home civilization's history, including their interstellar neighbors.

Additionally, he mentioned having unearthed five civilization relics—all of the second-rate variety.

"It was only upon encountering the Human Civilization that we realized this world contains many powerful species! What a tremendous relief! It's both a challenge and an opportunity!"

"On that note, I have a small question. Have you seen our neighbors? Their names are Qiaxi Civilization, Babylon..."

"Regrettably, I haven't had the chance."

The exchange of such confidential information facilitated not only relationship-building but also deeper dialogue.

Meanwhile, humans revealed a few minor details too.

"Strangers... only those who had substantial fortunes during the past Epoch and survived to this day can be called Strangers."

Old Cat elaborated: "Unfortunately, though, most of our memories are lost—we don't even remember how we managed to survive."

"At one point, my Green Grass Civilization was also a technologically advanced, culturally prosperous strong civilization."

Its gaze turned toward the grayish sky.

"But as time mirrors itself, few lifeforms survive. Everything now must rely on newcomers... At present, we're also part of the Human Civilization!"

White Eagle's face bore a smile as he nodded solemnly. "I see. No wonder the relics we've excavated so far contain such limited historical records... Even memories can be lost."

He followed up: "That Snake-man Palace—how much do you know about it?"

Old Cat replied, "It harbors extraordinary mysteries, where danger and opportunity coexist. And I believe humanity's idealistic accomplishments likely surpass yours."

"I think we humans, as remnants of Ancient Civilizations, have ample expertise to explore this palace..." Old Cat loyally carried out his role—vying for leadership in the exploration!

"We can share the legacy of knowledge. But the idealistic wealth inside can be divided based on contributions, provided your Lanpeng Civilization adheres to instructions and refrains from acting independently."

"Otherwise, stirring up crises will only lead to regret! You don't understand how terrifying idealistic disasters can be! If encountered, certain death awaits!"

Old Cat spoke with gravity and sincerity, exerting immediate pressure.

The Lanpeng Civilization became somewhat anxious as humanity leveraged their Ancient Civilization as trump cards—they seemingly had no counters!

Despite being a quasi-interstellar civilization, the "quasi" label faltered at critical moments.

"No, you're mistaken. We possess X-Level fighting mechas, which are extraordinary creations," White Eagle responded resolutely. "They're genuine relics from a mighty civilization. Such exceptional civilizations remain far beyond our aspirations..."

"Oh? Relics from a mighty civilization?" Old Cat suddenly perked up. Initially, he had been spouting nonsense, but he inadvertently fished out some genuine information.

As Jin Bote listened to their discussions, he felt the subtle shifts in his "premonition" ability.

Strangely, that icy fear seemed to diminish.

It was as though the looming catastrophe briefly disappeared with company close by.

What caused this?

He stealthily took a few steps closer to the Princess of Green Grass, his power armor clanking noisily, "clank-clank-clank."

Instantly, those Bird-eyes widened like saucers!

The tension in his chest...

Actually dissipated...

...

...

Lu Yuan vigilantly eyed the approaching powered armor, nearly activating the "Spirit Storm."

The other Birdmen acted completely normally, racking their brains and even debating in their contest for exploration leadership.

Yet the prince's behavior was, indeed, somewhat peculiar—was it pressure or reconnaissance?

"What's the deal with this guy? Could he be the **Demon**?" Lu Yuan's heart skipped a beat. Given the **Demon**'s intelligence, it wouldn't behave so conspicuously—but who knew the truth?

"Surely he's not interested in my wife? That'd be outright perverted behavior!"

At that moment, Jin Bote's voice came through the translator: "Your Majesty the Empress and Your Highness the Prince, as a member of Lanpeng Civilization's royal family, this being our first meeting, I must present you with a gift."

"This is the hardest material my civilization has ever created—it symbolizes love's unwavering commitment and eternity."

He presented a small box.

Inside were two white rings.

[Carbon Acetylene: In traditional physical science, the toughest material, with strength 200 times higher than steel, tensile strength double that of graphene, and hardness 40 times that of diamond.]

[Even in today's era, dominated by idealist materials, this purely physical material retains unique superiority.]

Lu Yuan struggled to decode the other party's intentions.

It was barely reasonable; after all, he wouldn't actually wear the rings.

The Conch Princess spoke slowly: "Thank you, Your Highness. In return, please accept this gift from us."

At the Princess's signal, Lu Yuan—the concubine—removed a short sword fastened to his waist and handed it to one of Lanpeng Civilization's diplomats.

Well, the Princess was the boss now; as the "concubine," he apparently had no authority over wealth.

After the diplomat examined the item, it was eventually passed to Jin Bote.

[A Rune Short Sword inlaid with green fluorite, meticulously forged by a Craftsman Master, designed as an ornamental item.]

[Equipping this enhances one's sense of authority slightly and moderately accelerates spiritual power recovery.]

[In critical moments, it also serves as a weapon—sharp enough to slice through iron like mud.]

[Extraordinary Abilities: Authority, Solidness, Spirit Recovery. (Rare Level · Extraordinary Item)]

...