Chapter 391

Chapter 391: Underwater Mysteries

“This pool of water seems interesting. Not only is the water so cold, but it is also light as air, weightless. Moreover, even with 60 points in Ice Resistance, it still freezes my hand,” Shi Feng muttered, shocked as he examined his frozen hand. “Just what is this water?”

With 60 points in Ice Resistance, players could withstand most cold environments in God’s Domain.

However, Shi Feng’s Resistance was useless against this water. It was astounding.

Following which, Shi Feng took Doren’s Key from his bag, hoping the key would trigger some sort of reaction.

However, despite making a full circle around the pool while holding the key, nothing happened. He did not discover any kind of lock, either.

“Is it inside the pool?” Shi Feng was fairly confident that was the case.

According to the statistics collected on God’s Domain in the past, most chance encounters and treasures were normally found in treacherous lands. Only a few treasures and encounters occupied safe areas, and these normally required players to possess sufficient status or luck.

As for the so-called treacherous lands, players also knew them as forbidden lands. Unless players had ways of dealing with the threats, their deaths were all but guaranteed upon entering these forbidden lands.

Meanwhile, the small pool before Shi Feng was clearly one such forbidden land. If he entered the pool without a plan, he would freeze to death.

If not for his 60 points of Ice Resistance, he would have received a large amount of frost damage the moment he came into contact with the water. He might have even frozen to death instantaneously. Furthermore, even though it was only his hand that had frozen, it still took over a dozen seconds before it thawed completely.

If Shi Feng jumped into the water, although he might not receive any damage due to his Ice Resistance, the water would still freeze his body. With how light the water was, he would surely sink to the bottom of the pool once the ice encased him. In the end, he would still drown…

“What should I do now?” Shi Feng gazed at the cold water and meditated quietly. “It would be great if I could increase my Magic Resistance.”

It had never been easy for players to raise their Magic Resistance. It was also impossible for players to come into possession of equipment that could raise Magic Resistance at this stage of the game. Even if they had such equipment, the effects would be minimal. Shi Feng only managed to accumulate 60 points in Ice Resistance due to the Ice-Blue Devil Flame and the Golden Stigmata. For ordinary players, they’d be lucky if they had 10 points of Ice Resistance at this stage of the game.

Of course, the quickest way to raise one’s Magic Resistance was to consume a Magic Resistance Potion. Even a Basic Magic Resistance Potion could raise one’s Magic Resistance significantly. If Shi Feng could consume an Intermediate Magic Resistance Potion, adding that to his own Magic Resistance, he might be able to cope with the frosty water.

However, Shi Feng did not have any Magic Resistance Potions on him at the moment.

The recipe for Basic Magic Resistance Potions only dropped in Level 20 maps and above. Meanwhile, the recipe for Intermediate Magic Resistance Potions only dropped in Level 40 maps and above.

Obviously, Shi Feng could not obtain any of these recipes right now, not to mention the recipe for the specialized Ice Resistance Potion.

However, if he could not enter the pool, how was he supposed to obtain the remaining 30% Completion Rate?

If he entered the pool, he would become an ice sculpture. Unless he could get his hands on an Ice Resistance Potion, he had no way to combat the powerful cold within the pool.

“This freezing effect is truly troublesome. I wonder if Fantasy World’s magic damage immunity will work?” Shi Feng touched the water and allowed his hand to freeze once again. He then tried the activatable skill of the Aura of Illusion, Fantasy World.

However, even after activating Fantasy World, the Freezing effect had not dispelled.

“If Aura of Illusion won’t do, what about Aura of Space?”

Unwilling to give up, Shi Feng waited for another minute before switching to the Aura of Space and submerging his hand into the pool water once again.

This time, a miracle actually happened. Although Shi Feng could still feel an unbearable, biting cold, his hand did not turn into a solid block of ice.

“As expected, heaven will always leave a door open.”

As long as he dealt with the pool’s effect, which bound his movements, he would have an easier time dealing with the water. So what if he had to endure a little cold? Shi Feng was confident that he could tolerate it.

Following which, Shi Feng activated Phantom Kill and had his doppelganger remain by the poolside as insurance. Within 40 seconds, if his life were threatened, he could immediately swap positions with his doppelganger.

Shi Feng then dove into the pool, creating a loud splash.

As the water was extremely light, Shi Feng managed to sink quickly with little effort. Moreover, the deeper he sunk, the darker it became. Soon, darkness devoured Shi Feng’s surroundings. It was as if he had fallen into a bottomless pit.

Currently, Shi Feng felt as if he had suddenly been thrown into the arctic north, naked. The slightest movement stung painfully inside this chilling water. If any normal person were in his place, they would have definitely screamed in pain. However, from beginning to end, Shi Feng only gritted his teeth and remained silent.

As Shi Feng sunk deeper into the pool, the stinging sensation became more intense. At this moment, even someone with a strong will, such as Shi Feng, could no longer cope with the pain. His complexion had paled, and his eyes were bloodshot. The pain was so unbearable that he could not even scream if he wanted to.

Why haven’t I reached the bottom yet? Shi Feng’s anxiety grew as he looked at the time. Ten seconds had passed since he jumped into the water. Although he had not received any actual damage thus far, the pain took a huge toll on his mental strength.

He had greatly underestimated this water. He did not think that the water below would become so cold.

Shi Feng was already approaching his limit after spending ten seconds in this pool.

He was also surrounded by darkness, so he could not see anything below or around him. Struggling, Shi Feng activated Ice-Blue Devil Flame. Even while underwater, the Ice-Blue Devil Flame burned brilliantly as it wrapped around Shi Feng’s body, causing the temperature of the surrounding water to rise rapidly. The light from the flames also illuminated Shi Feng’s surroundings.

Shi Feng breathed a sigh of relief at the effects of the Ice-Blue Devil Flame. The rise in temperature allowed him to recover from the cold and pain, and the chill was just barely tolerable.

As Shi Feng observed his surroundings, he suddenly discovered that the pool of water was much larger than he had imagined. Previously, he could not see anything due to the darkness. Now that he had the Ice-Blue Devil Flame, he could see everything clearly.

How was this a pool? There was actually a courtyard beneath him!

Hence, Shi Feng started swimming downward, hastening his descent.

The courtyard at the bottom of the pool looked ancient. Its architectural style was completely different from the buildings he had seen in the current God’s Domain. It looked like the Elysium spoken of in legends. It was fascinating.

Although this place was very beautiful, Shi Feng could sense great danger. Moreover, whether it was in this life or his previous life, this was the strongest sense of danger he had ever felt.

System: You have discovered the Eternal Courtyard.

That should be the place. Shi Feng swam towards the spiral building with a shut gate that he had seen from the courtyard.

Even the Stargazing Tower paled in comparison to this beautiful and mystical place. If not for the danger Shi Feng felt, he would have stopped and admired the scenery.

The tightly shut gate was made of gold, and many drawings had been engraved on it. These drawings seemed related to the destruction of the Ancient Gods. Shi Feng had even discovered the image of an Ancient God that he knew of, the Twilight Goddess.

Some sort of power protected the golden gate, and it was impossible to destroy it with external forces. Currently, Shi Feng was not of the mind to study the images as he had discovered a keyhole on the gate. Meanwhile, this keyhole was centered in an image of the sun. Shi Feng then took out Doren’s Key and inserted it into the keyhole, twisting it gently.

Chapter 392: God’s Will

“Sure enough, it works.”

Upon turning Doren’s Key, Shi Feng noticed the blue glow surrounding the key flow into the golden gate. Suddenly, the gate released a brilliant golden radiance. As if it were the sun, the gate illuminated the Eternal Courtyard.

The gate clanked as it slowly opened. Following which, a surge of cold air bubbles rushed out of the gate. Reacting quickly, Shi Feng immediately jumped backward.

However, as Shi Feng was currently underwater, he could not move as fast as usual. As a result, the bubbles blasted him backwards.

Shi Feng only felt a stinging pain before his HP instantly fell by 2,000 points.

The cold air here is so powerful.

Shi Feng looked at his HP bar in disbelief. Fortunately, his Ice Resistance was sufficiently high. Otherwise, that air bubbles would have killed him. Shi Feng then took out an Intermediate Recovery Potion from his bag and drank it, recovering some of his lost HP.

Despite having 60 points in Ice Resistance, he had still lost 2,000 HP instantly. How cold was it beyond this gate?

Fortunately, after the gate finally opened, the cold air scattered, and the spiraling tower was no longer as cold as before.

After Shi Feng entered the temple, he was immediately greeted by a large hall containing golden statues of various Ancient Gods.

Among the many statues, there was one particularly eye-catching statue that depicted a valiant man raising up his sword. That man stood in the very center of the hall, and high-grade swords littered the area around him. A simple glance told Shi Feng that there were over a thousand swords stabbed into the ground. Meanwhile, every sword seemed like it was submitting to the man.

Shi Feng could even faintly feel the Abyssal Blade in his hand grow restless as if it, too, wanted to go forth and submit to that man.

Shi Feng was astounded.

That man in the center of the hall was simply a statue. Yet, the Abyssal Blade that Shi Feng feared even showed signs of submission to him. Just how powerful had he been when he was alive?

Meanwhile, a dark blue crystal ball sat below the statue. This crystal ball emitted an intense cold.

Upon seeing this crystal ball, Shi Feng came to a realization.

The reason the pool of water containing the Eternal Courtyard was so cold was that of the crystal ball before him.

Shi Feng’s heart suddenly trembled at this discovery.

If the crystal ball was capable of lowering the temperature of this large pool to such a degree, it was definitely a treasure.

Following which, Shi Feng quickly swam towards the crystal ball, hoping to claim it.

However, before Shi Feng could reach the crystal ball, a sharp pain shot through his fingers, a damage of -1,000 points appearing above his head. Shi Feng had no choice but to back off.

Shi Feng silently lamented as he gazed at the dark blue crystal ball. Despite such a powerful treasure sitting right before him, he could not take it as his own.

Just as Shi Feng was about to move on and look for other treasures, a system notification rang out.

System: The Will of an Ancient God drifts around this Eternal Hall. Are you willing to surrender to this Will?

Before Shi Feng could react, majestic voices suddenly assaulted his mind.

“Submit to me! I can give you unparalleled strength and make you the most powerful man in this world! Even Gods will tremble before your might!”

“Submit to me! I can give you eternal life and make you into the eternal master of this world!”

…

Listening to the tempting voices in his mind, Shi Feng was suddenly dazed and decided to submit to this Will.

However, just as Shi Feng was about to reply…

Memories from the past suddenly surfaced in Shi Feng’s mind.

In the past, because he chose not to submit to World Dominators, Shadow had forced him out of God’s Domain. Even so, he still refused to submit and had planned to start all over again.

In this life, when he faced Martial Union, Dark Star, and Underworld, as long as he bowed down, he could live a better life. Yet, he still refused.

He would no longer allow others to dictate his life, becoming someone’s puppet.

How could he possibly give in now?

Just as Shi Feng was about to refuse, the majestic voice spoke once again, “Don’t you wish to become the master of this world? If you submit, I will give you anything and everything you want!”

“Since it is the case, I only want the ability to say ‘no.’ Can you give me that?” Shi Feng refused to submit.

“Foolish mortal!

“You will regret your decision today!

“Since you do not wish to become my servant, die!”

Seeing as it had failed to delude Shi Feng, the Will of the Ancient God grew furious, and the entire hall became stifling.

Suddenly, the thousands of swords that had been thrust into the ground rose into the water. Aiming for Shi Feng, every one of these swords shot towards him.

In response, Shi Feng hurriedly attempted to use Replace Doppelganger to swap positions with his doppelganger. However, he discovered that he had been Silenced, the debuff preventing him from using the skill.

Now that he could not swap positions with his doppelganger, Shi Feng tried to raise his swords to defend against the incoming attack. However, he discovered that not only were his skills sealed, but he also couldn’t move.

At this moment, he could only watch the thousands of swords slice through the water towards him.

However, just as the swords were about to pierce Shi Feng’s body, the dark blue crystal ball suddenly released a silver radiance. The swords flying at Shi Feng immediately froze. At this moment, it looked as if time had come to a halt.

A second later, the thousands of swords shattered like glass, the metal shards drifting to the floor.

After which, a loud bang echoed throughout the space of the hall. Black cracks began to appear around the hall, and soon, the space inside the hall shattered as well. Along with the shattering of space, the stifling pressure Shi Feng felt before also vanished, his body regaining its freedom.

“Damn! Damn!

“You actually dare spoil my business!

“Although this heaven-blessed individual has rejected me, I can still look for others! You cannot stop me forever! Meanwhile, this despicable heaven-blessed individual will die here!”

The Will of the Ancient God’s rage grew, and even the hall trembled. The golden gate suddenly closed as the hall began to collapse.

At this moment, as if having lost its power, the crystal ball darkened. It no longer released the astonishing cold as it had moments before.

Although Shi Feng did not know what was going on, when he heard the Will claim that this heaven-blessed individual would die here, he knew what he needed to do.

Escape!

Shi Feng immediately grabbed the dark blue crystal ball and placed it into his bag before activating Replace Doppelganger.

In the blink of an eye, Shi Feng appeared outside the pool.

The doppelganger had only been one second away from disappearing when Shi Feng activated Replace Doppelganger. It had truly been a close call.

That was close. A second later and I would have been dead. Shi Feng inwardly celebrated his escape as he watched the pool of water suddenly explode.

Replace Doppelganger was truly a godlike escaping skill.

Although Shi Feng had come very close to losing his life, he also managed to obtain a treasure from his excursion into the pool. At the very least, he had not returned empty-handed.

When Shi Feng recalled the frightening might that the crystal ball had displayed, his heart pounded with excitement.

The crystal ball could actually break the seal of the Will of an Ancient God. It was no ordinary treasure.

With this thought, Shi Feng impatiently opened his bag, wanting to investigate the dark blue crystal ball.

Not even Legendary items had such frightening abilities.

However, when Shi Feng tried to check the crystal ball’s information, it revealed nothing. Shi Feng then used Omniscient Eyes.

To Shi Feng’s shock, however, the Omniscient Eyes, which could analyze even the Destroyer of Immortality, also revealed nothing.

Moreover, Shi Feng could not even touch the crystal ball now, as he instantly lost 1,000 HP the moment he tried…

Shi Feng felt utterly helpless. He had no choice but to set aside this treasure for now.

If he wanted to use this crystal ball, at the very least, he needed to raise his Ice Resistance to one or two hundred points.

Although Shi Feng could not do anything about the dark blue crystal ball, the Legacy Book had a surprise for him.

Indeed, just as Shi Feng had guessed, the Eternal Courtyard where he could raise the Legacy Trial’s Completion Rate.

Now, instead of a 70% Completion Rate, the Legacy Book displayed a 92% Completion Rate. Shi Feng had obtained an SS-rank evaluation.

Chapter 393: Blade Saint

SS-rank was the highest evaluation achievable in a Legacy Trial.

In the past, the Legacy Shi Feng had accepted was only a Basic one. Even so, Shi Feng had spent a lot of time and effort to achieve an A-rank evaluation and obtain 7 Legacy Skill Points.

Now he that had an SS-rank evaluation, he could obtain between 20 and 36 Legacy Skill Points.

The thought of so many Legacy Skill Points alone was enough to excite Shi Feng.

Although Shi Feng had not achieved 100% Completion Rate, he was very satisfied with this result.

Now that he thought about it, the condition to achieve a 100% Completion Rate might have been submission to the God’s Will. Since he chose not to submit, this was probably the highest Completion Rate he could achieve.

System: Completion Rate 92%. Do you wish to open the Book of Legacies and accept the Legacy contained within?

Without hesitation, Shi Feng clicked “Accept.”

The Legacy Book suddenly released a golden flash. The book then flipped open, and a purple ray of light shot out of the book and pierced Shi Feng’s forehead. The moment the purple light touched him, Shi Feng felt his mind clear as if no secret in the world could hide from him.

As the Legacy Book faded out of existence, Shi Feng’s body began to emit a faint and flickering purple glow. After the flickering continued for a few more seconds, the purple glow subsided, and Shi Feng returned to normal.

After successfully receiving the Legacy, Shi Feng felt his entire body brim with power. His mind was clear and unburdened as well. Right now, Shi Feng was confident that he could face a Tier 1 Magic Knight without necessarily suffering defeat. Of course, that was if the Magic Knight did not possess so much HP.

System: Congratulations on obtaining one of the Ten Great Saint Legacies. Rewarding 20 Free Mastery Points.

System: Congratulations on becoming a Tier 1 Blade Saint. Rewarding Blade Saint title.

[Blade Saint]

All Attributes +20

All Resistances +15

Attack Power increased by 15%.

Attack Speed increased by 20%.

All Attributes increased by 30%.

Although Shi Feng was still Level 22, his strength had undergone an earth-shattering transformation.

His Base Attack Power alone exceeded 1,200 points, and his HP had reached 4,650 points. His HP even surpassed Tier 1 MTs now.

Moreover, after being promoted to a Tier 1 class, players could receive 8 Free Attribute Points with each level up, whereas Tier 0 classes would only receive 4 Free Attribute Points.

Shi Feng also had the Abyssal Blade, which provided him with two additional Free Attribute Points every time he leveled. The Golden Stigmata also increased all of his Basic Attributes by 5 points and gave him 10 Free Attribute Points with every increase in 5 Levels.

In other words, where other Tier 1 players would receive a total of 40 Attribute Points with each level up, Shi Feng would receive a total of 85 points. Ordinary players could not compete with Shi Feng.

In addition, after completing his Class Change, Shi Feng also gained two Basic Skills and one Passive Skill.

[Sword Dominator] (Passive Skill)

Can freely swap out sword-type weapons in both combat and non-combat states.

Blade Dance

Requires: Sword

Tier 1, Level 1 (Proficiency 0/30,000)

Allows simultaneous control of up to a maximum of five sword-type weapons for both attack and defense for 10 seconds. Each weapon has 80% user’s Strength and 50% user’s damage.

Range: 40 yards

Cooldown: 1 minute

Illusory Shadow

Requires: Sword

Tier 1, Level 1 (Proficiency 0/30,000)

Upon activation, player’s next six attacks cannot be blocked, and each attack will deal 40% attack damage.

Cooldown: 40 seconds

Shi Feng was shocked upon reading these skills’ descriptions.

The Basic Skills of the Blade Saint were already so powerful. Although Blade Dance was inferior to the Abyssal Blade’s Nine Dragons Slash in terms of the number of weapons and burst damage, Nine Dragons Slash could only attack, not defend. Moreover, as the weapons summoned by Nine Dragons Slash were phantoms, they did not possess any impact force. However, Blade Dance was different.

The five controlled weapons were tangible and possessed 80% of Shi Feng’s Strength. This feature was far more valuable than just high damage. Through the consecutive attacks of the five swords, Shi Feng could break his opponent’s balance and create a gap in his opponent’s defense. If Shi Feng could not defend against an attack by himself, he could also use the five swords to boost his defense.

Meanwhile, Illusory Shadow was even more amazing. It was perfect for PvP.

In PvP[2] battles in God’s Domain, when both sides were equally strong, the opponent would usually block over 90% of the attacks. However, if one side possessed an unblockable skill, it would upset the balance. It was especially true if Illusory Shadow were used when both sides were nearly dead. Such a trump card could determine the outcome of a battle.

The Blade Saint is indeed worthy to be called one of the Ten Great Saint Legacies. If I use these skills in PvP , dealing with a Magic Knight with the same Attributes as myself will be easy. After reading the descriptions of the Blade Saint’s Basic Skills, strategies for future battles began to surface in Shi Feng’s mind.

Originally, Swordsman was a balanced class. Although Swordsmen were not as durable as Shield Warriors or had the endurance of a Guardian Knights, the frightening power of Berserkers, the long-range capabilities of Rangers, or the burst damage and dexterity of Assassins, the class didn’t have any shortcomings. The class was just as strong, or just as weak, against all other classes.

Meanwhile, the Blade Saint was simply the enhanced version of the Swordsman. Every aspect of a Swordsman had increased. It was probably the most formidable class in God’s Domain.

Following which, Shi Feng called up the system interface.

There was now a new tab called “Legacy Skills Menu” in the system menu. Selecting this tab, the Legacy Skill Menu that appeared reported that Shi Feng had 31 Legacy Skill Points available, as well as plenty of skills that he could learn.

There were over a hundred skills listed in the menu. However, there were only six Tier 1 skills Shi Feng could learn right now, and 2 Legacy Skill Points were required to unlock a Tier 1 Basic Legacy Skill.

Meanwhile, among these six Tier 1 skills, there were two that made Shi Feng’s eyes shine.

One of them was Skywheel Sword; the other was Blade Liberation.

Skywheel Sword

Requires: Sword

Tier 1, Level 1 (Proficiency 0/30,000)

Inflicts 1,000 base damage plus 200% weapon damage to all enemies within a radius of 20 yards. Also seals all enemies within range, preventing them from leaving the area for 4 seconds.

Cooldown: 1 minute 20 seconds

Blade Liberation

Requires: Sword

Tier 1, Level 1 (Proficiency 0/30,000)

Grants player unparalleled strength for 20 seconds. Effect obtained varies based on the weapon’s unlocked potential. After the duration, player is weakened. All Attributes decrease by 80% for three minutes.

Cooldown: 10 hours

Skywheel Sword was one of the extremely rare AOE control skills. Whether it was used in PvP or PvE[2], it was indispensable.

Meanwhile, Blade Liberation belonged to the super-berserk skill category. It could be a trump card when Shi Feng was in a desperate situation. It was also indispensable.

However, when Shi Feng saw the points required to unlock these two skills, he immediately sucked in a breath of cold air and very nearly cursed.

Skywheel Sword required 10 points to unlock, while Blade Liberation required an astonishing 20 points. With the total points these two skills demanded, Shi Feng could learn 10 Basic Class Skills.

However, these high requirements also made Shi Feng aware of just how extraordinary Blade Liberation was.

For an AOE control skill such as the Skywheel Sword, the demand of 10 Legacy Skill Points was not odd. However, Blade Liberation needed twice that amount to unlock. With 20 Legacy Skill Points, Shi Feng could even learn a Tier 3 Class Skill.

TL Notes:

[1]PvP (Player-versus-Player): a type of multiplayer interactive conflict within a game between two or more live participants. This is in contrast to when players compete against computer-controlled opponents and/or players, which is referred to as player versus environment (PvE).

[2]PvE (Player versus environment, also known as player versus monster): refers to fighting computer-controlled enemies.

Chapter 394: Times Have Changed

The Legacy Trial had given him a total of 31 Legacy Skill Points. Anyone would hesitate over spending 30 points on only two skills.

However, Shi Feng did not. With his mind made up, Shi Feng clicked to learn both Skywheel Sword and Blade Liberation. Suddenly, his stock of Legacy Skill Points plummeted to 1.

To an expert in God’s Domain, nothing was more important than a powerful skill.

A powerful Tier 1 skill had a lot of versatility, so it was not easy to master. However, if mastered, it would not be surprising if a player’s combat power increased by severalfold.

As the saying went, a bird in the hand was worth two in the bush.

Although Shi Feng could learn more skills if he spent the 30 Legacy Skill Points on less costly skills, the skills he learned would not contribute as much to his overall combat power.

During dangerous moments, in particular, the super-berserk skill, Blade Liberation, would be far more useful than a dozen other ordinary Tier 1 skills.

After learning the two Class Skills, Shi Feng used a Return Scroll and teleported back to White River City.

—

At this moment, White River City buzzed with activity.

Overwhelming Smile’s high-priced poaching had boosted White River City’s development. A flood of independent players had migrated to White River City with the intention of joining Overwhelming Smile.

Based on the statistics offered by the official game developers, the player population in White River City had exceeded three million. White River City was now the most populated city in Star-Moon Kingdom’s eastern region. It was also the third most populated city throughout Star-Moon Kingdom.

Looking at this situation, Shi Feng didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Originally, he had intended to make White River City the most popular city in Star-Moon Kingdom. After all, Zero Wing’s Guild Residence was in White River City, so it had the home-field advantage here. However, he never thought an enemy like Overwhelming Smile would actually help him achieve that plan.

Fate truly knew how to toy with people.

If Feng Xuanyang, the mastermind behind this situation, knew Shi Feng’s thoughts right now, he would most likely pop a vein or two out of anger.

However, Shi Feng also could not help but admit that Feng Xuanyang’s plan of desperately throwing money away was very effective. Currently, Overwhelming Smile had become the undisputed number one Guild in White River City. The Branch Guild in White River City already had over 80,000 members. Among them, there were also quite a few elite players. Compared to the other Guilds in White River City, Overwhelming Smile was far superior.

Moreover, during this period, Overwhelming Smile had continuously raided large-scale Dungeons around White River City. As if they were on steroids, Overwhelming Smile’s raiding speed far surpassed Gentle Snow’s team; they were on completely different levels. In addition, Overwhelming Smile had also offered to purchase information regarding Reputation Quests at a high price, apparently intending to become the second Guild in White River City to own a Guild Residence.

In contrast, Zero Wing showed no signs of movement at all. The Guild’s member count held steady around 20,000. If not for the high-level quests and Double EXP buff available from the Guild Residence, most of Zero Wing’s members would have long since defected to Overwhelming Smile.

“Brother Feng, you’re finally out. Have you completed your Class Change?” Not long after Shi Feng returned to White River City, Blackie contacted him.

“Yeah. How has the Guild been recently?” Shi Feng asked, not bothering to discuss his new class.

“What do you think? The entire Guild has been spiritless these past few days, and everyone is just focusing on quests. Many in the Guild have also started complaining and asking why the core team hasn’t moved against Overwhelming Smile yet. Overwhelming Smile’s suppression has them feeling resentful. Moreover, those Overwhelming Smile bastards have also started ridiculing Zero Wing publicly, claiming that we’re all bark and no bite,” Blackie said, feeling slightly indignant. “Brother Feng, since you’ve returned, why don’t we start raiding a Level 20 large-scale Dungeon and show those punks from Overwhelming Smile Zero Wing’s strength?”

Currently, the Level 20 Dungeons in White River City were only 10- and 20-man Team Dungeons. However, in the 50-man large-scale Team Dungeon, Cerek Dungeon, Overwhelming Smile had not managed to even meet the first Boss of Normal Mode before suffering a team-wipe. Meanwhile, if Zero Wing could obtain the First Clear of Cerek Castle, it would rain on Overwhelming Smile’s parade.

Not only would it extinguish their arrogance, but it would also increase Zero Wing’s reputation.

As for whether or not they could actually raid Cerek Castle, Blackie didn’t doubt their success. Others might not realize how strong Zero Wing’s core team was, but Blackie was well aware Moreover, with Shi Feng around, it would be a simple task to clear the Level 20 large-scale Team Dungeon, Cerek Castle.

“How many people in the Guild have completed their Class Change?” Shi Feng agreed with Blackie’s plan, but Cerek Castle was not easy to dominate.

“There are 39 members who have completed their Class Change. Among them, Sister Aqua was the first to obtain her Tier 1 class, while Sister Fire Dance was second,” Blackie said, a hint of fear surfacing in his eyes as he said “Class Change.” He had never expected that the Class Change Quest would be so difficult. If not for the fact that he possessed the Epic ranked staff, Mavis’s Guard, he might not have completed the quest. Fortunately, he passed his Class Change and obtained an A-rank evaluation. While he waited for Shi Feng’s return, he had familiarized himself with the combat style of a Tier 1 class.

Precisely because the Class Change Quest was not simple, many core members of Zero Wing had failed it. As these members had to wait a few days before they could challenge the quest again.

Moreover, as everyone had been busy with their respective Class Change Quests, the levels of Zero Wing’s core members had fallen behind. Now, Zero Wing no longer occupied all of the top 100 spots on the White River City Ranking List. Others had even claimed a few of the top 10 ranks. This had been a huge blow to Zero Wing’s morale and reputation.

“Thirty-nine? Not bad. Once we have more than 50, I guess we can make a trip to Cerek Castle,” Shi Feng said with a faint smile. In truth, he was somewhat surprised by Blackie’s report.

In the past, even when most players were around Level 24 to 25, most Guilds in White River City had not had more than 20 Tier 1 players. Currently, the average player in White River City was only around 18 to 19. Yet, Zero Wing already possessed 39 Tier 1 players. Although part of this reason was that Shi Feng had leaked some information about the strategy to challenge a few Basic Class Changes, the number of players that had succeeded was still astonishing.

The difference in combat power between Tier 1 players and Tier 0 players was like the difference between heaven and earth. It was not something that could be measured by levels.

Regarding the White River City Ranking List, ever since Zero Wing’s Guild Residence had been established, Shi Feng no longer troubled himself with it. After all, the future was the era of high-tiered players, not high-leveled players.

“Brother Feng, do you really mean it?” Blackie suddenly grew excited. During this period, the oppression he had suffered from those bastards in Overwhelming Smile frustrated him.

“Look at how excited you are. Of course, I mean it. However, I still have something I need to attend to right now. For now, have everyone familiarize themselves with the combat style of their Tier 1 classes,” Shi Feng said, chuckling.

Although everyone had already evolved to a Tier 1 class, the freedom a Tier 1 class possessed had also become much higher. If players could not properly adapt and display their strength, their combat power would not improve much.

“Okay! Leave it to me! I’ll let everyone know!” Blackie said excitedly before disconnecting the call. He then proceeded to contact those who had already changed classes.

Meanwhile, Shi Feng took a look at the time, noticing that he still had quite some time before his appointment with Gentle Snow. He then retrieved Seliora’s Communication Crystal from his bag. The Grandmaster Forger had given him this item herself, and it allowed him to contact Seliora at any time.

Previously, Shi Feng had helped Seliora become a Grandmaster Forger, resulting in Seliora’s Favorability towards him to increase greatly. Moreover, in order to search for materials to produce an Epic item, Seliora had gone on a journey.

Shi Feng had obtained the Forging Design for the Epic ranked Broken Steel Set Equipment back in the Origin Sword Domain. However, if he had to forge an Epic item by himself, who knew how long it would be before he could achieve such a feat? Since he had a connection with a Grandmaster Forger, why not use it?

Chapter 395: Broken Steel Legacy Set Equipment

Shi Feng then used the Communication Crystal to contact Seliora.

“Hello, Miss Seliora. I am Ye Feng. I have something I would like your help with. I wonder if you have any time to spare right now?” Shi Feng carefully asked.

Ultimately, his current status was far from comparable to Seliora’s. Although they had a good relationship, basic courtesy was still required, if he wished to ask her for a favor.

“Oh, it’s you. I’m very busy right now, so make it quick.” Although Seliora did not immediately reject him, she still did not show any sign of interest.

To Seliora, nothing was more important than collecting Epic ranked forging materials right now. If not for the favor she owed Shi Feng, she would have directly rejected his request, instead of taking the time to listen to him.

Shi Feng was aware of this point. After all, he was extremely familiar with Seliora’s personality—someone who was wholeheartedly focused on forging, without the slightest bit of interest in anything else. This was also why she had managed to become a Grandmaster Forger at such a young age. Shi Feng then chuckled and said, “I have a forging design for an Epic Set Equipment.”

“What? Epic Set Equipment!?” Seliora’s eyes suddenly shone. She hurriedly demanded, “Why didn’t you say so earlier?! Meet me at my smithy right away!”

Shi Feng shook his head and laughed when he heard Seliora’s impatient tone.

To NPCs, Epic ranked forging designs, much less a forging design for an Epic Set Equipment, were extremely rare. It was the dream of countless forgers to produce a set of Epic Equipment.

Meanwhile, to players, Epic ranked forging designs were much more difficult to obtain. In the past, Shadow had only managed to get a few pieces. As for Epic Set Equipment Forging Designs, Shi Feng had only heard about them occasionally and had never personally seen one himself.

In God’s Domain, Set Equipment were half a rank stronger than discrete equipment of the same rank. In other words, the quality of an Epic Set Equipment was above that of Epic Equipment, but below that of Fragmented Legendary Equipment. To players who could not get their hands on Fragmented Legendary Equipment, Epic Set Equipment was the best equipment available.

In this life, Shi Feng was truly fortunate to have obtained the forging design for an Epic Set Equipment.

Half an hour later, Shi Feng arrived at Seliora’s smithy in a horse carriage. At this moment, the door to her smithy was still shut tight, and it did not seem she planned to do business at all.

Shi Feng walked over and knocked on the door. The thick wooden door then slowly opened, and a surge of scorching air rushed out of the house.

In the next moment, Seliora walked out from within before quickly dragging Shi Feng into the house.

Despite having not seen each other for some time, Seliora looked exactly the same, still fully garbed in black leather clothing. That large V-shaped collar revealed her snow-white skin. Her black leather pants tightly hugged her slender legs. Seliora currently exuded an enchanting charm.

“Hurry up and let me see it~~”

Seliora pushed Shi Feng against a table, her body very nearly sticking to his. Her eyes shone with excitement as she spoke, failing to notice how lethal her impure actions were…

Although Shi Feng had long since gotten used to Seliora’s personality in his past life, his heart still raced involuntarily every time they met.

“Here it is.” Shi Feng calmed down somewhat and retrieved the Broken Steel Forging Design from his bag.

[Broken Steel Set Equipment]

Epic Rank Unique Set Equipment

Six-piece set consisting of:

• Broken Steel Gauntlets
• Broken Steel Breastplate
• Broken Steel Helmet
• Broken Steel Leg Guards
• Broken Steel Boots
• Broken Steel Bracers

Equipment Requirement: Strength 1,000, Agility 1,200, Sword-related Mastery 350

Class Restriction: Blade Saint

Originally, Shi Feng had thought he could equip this Broken Steel Set Equipment immediately. However, 1,000 points in Strength and 1,200 points in Agility were definitely not achievable by players below Level 30. At the very least, one needed to be above Level 50 to possess such Attributes.

Meanwhile, the materials required to produce this Set Equipment were 12 pieces of Eternium, 300 Mana Stones, 1,000 pieces of Titan Ore, 12 Fire Source Crystals, 12 Water Source Crystals, 12 Wind Source Crystals, 12 Earth Source Crystals and one Nucleus of Life.

“The person who drew this design must be insane! Is he trying to make a Legendary item?”

Seliora gaped in shock after inspecting the forging design.

Not to mention Seliora’s, even Shi Feng’s heart was beating madly right now. He, too, was dumbfounded by the description.

Shi Feng had previously been caught up in his joy over becoming a Blade Saint. Moreover, he knew it was impossible for him to produce the Broken Steel Set Equipment by himself and to gather the materials required to make the set. Hence, although Shi Feng had long since completed the Broken Steel Forging Design, he never actually bothered to take a look at it.

As for the reason why Shi Feng had come looking for Seliora this time, he simply wished to know how confident she was in producing the Set Equipment. That way, he could make appropriate preparations for it.

However, after seeing the forging materials required, Shi Feng immediately dismissed his previous thoughts of making preparations. Just collecting a single set of materials was nigh impossible, not to mention collecting a second set.

Previously, Shi Feng had spent hundreds of Gold just to produce 21 Mana Stones. Now, the Set Equipment actually required 300 Mana Stones! That was a few thousand Gold, at least! However, even if he did manage to obtain the 300 Mana Stones, Eternium was something much rarer and more precious than even Mana Stones. Countless Master Forgers dreamt of obtaining even just one piece. Yet, the set actually needed 12 to produce! Titan Ore was also a considerably high-class rare ore. At this stage of the game, nobody was capable of mining such an ore yet. As for the Elemental Source Crystals, they were all materials highly sought after by Master Alchemists. Their preciousness and rarity were not one bit lower than Eternium!

Meanwhile, the most inconceivable thing was that the Broken Steel Set Equipment actually required a Nucleus of Life. The value of that item far surpassed even the Water of Life, and it was something that could only be found with luck.

“Miss Seliora, if you have the materials, how confident are you in making it?” Shi Feng asked. Originally, he had already planned on giving up on producing the Broken Steel Set Equipment. However, after giving it some thought, he still chose to inquire.

“You really have the materials?” Seliora’s expression immediately changed upon hearing Shi Feng’s words. Her gaze as she looked at Shi Feng was as if she were looking at a Seven Luminaries Crystal Mountain, and she beamed at him as if saying, “Tycoon, let’s be friends!”

“I was only asking.” Shi Feng smiled bitterly, shaking his head.

Even if he sold everything in his possession right now—including himself—he still wouldn’t be able to gather all the required materials.

“Around 20%. If you give me more time to practice, I can raise it to 30%.” Seliora rolled her eyes at Shi Feng, feeling slightly disappointed. However, her interest in producing the Broken Steel Set Equipment still burned brightly.

“Thirty percent?” Shi Feng had also made his own estimations before. It would be extremely fortunate if Seliora could have a 20% success rate. Most likely, only a few NPC Grandmaster Forgers could actually achieve a 30% success rate. As for players, even if Shi Feng waited until someone became a Grandmaster Forger, these players would have around a 10% success rate, at most. “I’ll have to trouble Miss Seliora, then. I will try my best to collect the materials required.”

“Since you have entrusted this task to me, I will continuously research this forging design, while you gather the materials. As for the cost of making it, I won’t charge you anything if it is unsuccessful,” Seliora said happily.

In God’s Domain, one needed to pay an exorbitant labor fee when commissioning a forger—be they players or NPCs—of Master rank and above to produce an item, regardless of the final result. Now, however, Seliora offered not to charge him should she fail. It could be seen just how happy Seliora was right now.

System: Seliora’s Favorability towards you has increased by 100 points.

Currently, Shi Feng was in no hurry to produce the Broken Steel Set Equipment. After all, even if it was produced, he did not possess the Attributes needed to equip it. In order to do so, he needed to be above Level 50 at the very least. During this period, he could slowly gather the required materials.

Following which, Shi Feng left the Broken Steel Forging Design at Seliora’s place to allow her to properly study it. He then hailed another carriage and hurried to the location he had agreed to meet Gentle Snow at.

Chapter 396: Powerful Aid

Inside Blue Mountain Restaurant, a high-class restaurant located in White River City’s Noble’s District. As White River City’s upper-class area, the cost of living here was very high. It was a place that ordinary players rarely visited.

At this moment, however, there were actually three players, two women and one man, sitting under one of the outdoor gazebos of Blue Mountain Restaurant.

Of the two female players, one was a bright and seductive witch, while the other was an otherworldly fairy. Meanwhile, the man exuding a cold, murderous intent by their side also possessed a valiant look. With his combination of a handsome face and frosty personality, many young ladies would definitely fall prey to him.

“Snow, you can tell me who it is now, right? Just who is that mysterious person you called for?” Zhao Yueru whispered as she shifted closer to Gentle Snow’s side, the expression on her face saying, “I won’t tell anyone else.”

“Don’t worry. You yourself have met that person before. In any case, he’ll be here in just a moment.” Gentle Snow smiled faintly.

“I know them?” Zhao Yueru immediately started searching her memories, trying to recall all the experts she had met. However, taking into consideration the severity of the matter this time, she dismissed the large majority of them. In the end, she still shook her head and gave up. She truly could not figure out just which amazing character her friend had invited.

If Zhao Yueru had to point out an amazing character she had personally met before, then that would be Star-Moon Kingdom’s number one expert, One-hit Asura Black Flame.

However, as the Guild Leader of Zero Wing, Black Flame was obviously not suitable this time. If they really were to invite him, those people might even disagree to hold the match and make up even more excuses.

There were countless players in God’s Domain. Meanwhile, Black Flame managed to obtain the rank of 481 on the God’s Domain Experts List, as well as being given the title of Asura by the Secret Pavilion. Let alone a single Star-Moon Kingdom, there were only a few players throughout the entire God’s Domain stronger than Black Flame.

Looking at Zhao Yueru’s defeated expression, Gentle Snow could not help but curl her lips up even higher.

If not even Zhao Yueru, someone who was extremely familiar with her, could guess the identity of the person she invited, then it was even more impossible for those people. Most likely, even if she were to reveal that person’s name, those people would not know anything about that person, either.

Listening in on Gentle Snow and Zhao Yueru’s conversation, the aloof-looking man’s curiosity reluctantly grew as well.

The operation this time needed to be kept a secret. It was something that should not be told to outsiders. At the same time, this operation was of utmost importance to Gentle Snow.

Yet, Gentle Snow had done the unthinkable: she had actually requested the help of an outsider instead of choosing an expert subordinated to her. This decision had inspired both confusion and curiosity in him with regard to the expert who would arrive in a moment.

“Fierce, why didn’t Nimble Snake come with you?” Gentle Snow asked, shifting her gaze to the impassive youth beside her.

The reason why Ouroboros was able to become a dominant force in the virtual gaming world was mainly due to a few reasons. Other than its Founding Members, Guild Leader, Branch Leaders, and Elders, it also had the Thirty-two Advocators and the Twelve Apostles.

The last two groups of players were carefully chosen from the large number of experts within the God-Slaying Army, and they could be said to be the strongest combat power of Ouroboros.

This was especially true for the Twelve Apostles. Each and every one of them possessed strength that not even Gentle Snow herself could casually dismiss.

Meanwhile, the cold youth before her was one of the Twelve Apostles, Fierce Snake.

The Nimble Snake she mentioned was also one of the Twelve Apostles. However, Nimble’s strength was still a cut above Fierce’s. Among the Twelve Apostles, Nimble was also ranked close to the top, and he was one of the key figures for the operation this time around.

“Nimble said he had something to take care of, so he might come a little later. However, he is always punctual, so you can rest assured, Big Sis Snow. Not to mention, the operation this time is of such importance,” Fierce Snake assured.

Gentle Snow nodded in reply.

Gentle Snow had nurtured quite a few confidants in Ouroboros. Apart from the Apostles, she had also nurtured a few among the Advocators. However, the operation to be carried out later required someone with top-notch combat power. Although the Advocators were also very strong, they were still not comparable to the Apostles.

She could not afford to be careless in the operation this time. If she failed, the results would be irreversible, hence why she had called for Fierce Snake and Nimble Snake. In addition, out of worry that her plan might fail due to unforeseen circumstances, she had even invited Ye Feng.

After Gentle Snow’s group of three chatted for a while, a man wearing a black cloak came walking over.

Zhao Yueru, who had originally been idle and bored, immediately widened her eyes in shock upon seeing who was approaching. Unable to help herself, she said, “Snow, don’t tell me he’s the person you invited?”

“Of course. Who else do you think I would invite?” Gentle Snow chuckled lightly as she stood up to welcome that ordinary-looking man.

Meanwhile, the identity of this ordinary-looking man was none other than Shi Feng.

Zhao Yueru possessed a certain understanding of Ye Feng’s strength. Although she felt a little hatred for the man, she could not help but admit that Ye Feng was indeed very strong.

If it were any other person, they would definitely be fooled by that ordinary appearance and aura of his. In fact, she, too, had suffered under a similar misconception. However, as someone who had personally witnessed Ye Feng’s strength, Zhao Yueru knew that he was definitely not the slightest bit inferior to them. From the Dungeon raid, the previous few battles, as well as the fact that he was the first player to enter White River City, all of these clearly proved how strong Ye Feng was.

However, because of Black Flame’s sudden celebrity, Ye Feng’s existence had slowly disappeared from everyone’s minds. Even Zhao Yueru herself had nearly forgotten that there was still this hateful person…

“Miss Snow, may I know why you have called me here this time?” Shi Feng was somewhat curious about the reason for Gentle Snow’s latest invitation. Previously, Gentle Snow had always been tight-lipped on the matter, so Shi Feng had not asked about it. Now that the operation was set to begin, he needed to at least understand what they were to do. “Of course, if Miss Snow feels it inconvenient to speak, you need only tell me what you can.”

“Since you’re already here, there is naturally no need to keep this matter a secret any longer. It is a competition. Five people, five matches, the first to win three wins the competition. I have invited you here to defeat one person on the opposition team. The remuneration is twenty million Credits,” Gentle Snow said truthfully.

“Twenty million!” Shi Feng was greatly shocked upon hearing this amount.

Previously, Gentle Snow had already paid five million upfront just to have him show up. With this additional twenty million, the total would come to twenty-five million Credits. Wasn’t it just a competition? Was there a need to be so extravagant?

There were countless people in the world who could not earn a million Credits even after working for their entire lives. Yet, with just a few words, Gentle Snow had casually spent tens of millions. Comparisons were indeed odious.

Originally, Shi Feng had thought he could be considered a relatively wealthy person. Now, in comparison to Gentle Snow, he was practically a pauper…

“Of course, twenty million is just the basics. Depending on the opponent’s strength, I can further increase the remuneration.” Gentle Snow nodded.

“Okay, I accept this condition.” Shi Feng was naturally very satisfied with this deal.

Currently, Zero Wing had just started its development, and Shi Feng needed money for all aspects. Yet, he also could not constantly convert his Coins into Credits. Hence, this twenty million could definitely be considered a timely injection of funds.

Upon Shi Feng’s agreement, Gentle Snow sighed in relief. With a great expert like him around, things should proceed much more smoothly later on.

However, before she even had the time to feel joyous, she suddenly received a message.

When she read this message, her expression immediately turned grim. At this moment, everyone beside Gentle Snow could feel a bone-chilling aura emanating from her.

Chapter 397: A Different Outcome

“Snow, what happened?” Zhao Yueru asked. She knew Gentle Snow well enough to notice the change immediately.

Seeing Gentle Snow’s icy expression, Zhao Yueru knew that her friend was furious.

Gentle Snow had always been a very calm person; she was not easily angered. Now, however, a single message had enraged her. Something big must have happened.

Even Shi Feng, who was not particularly familiar with Gentle Snow, could tell that the woman was furious. However, as an outsider, it was not appropriate for him to ask.

After reading the message, Gentle Snow first felt anger, but soon, she seemed to deflate. Seeing this, Shi Feng could tell that Gentle Snow wanted to say something but struggled with how to express her thoughts.

There are many challenges throughout life, and for most, one must face them alone.

In the end, Gentle Snow revealed a faint smile as she forwarded the message to Zhao Yueru.

“Nimble Snake! This inhuman, heartless animal! To think that we took care of him when he was at his lowest, provided him with resources, and even helped him become one of the Twelve Apostles of Ouroboros, yet he actually became someone else’s lap dog! The next time I see him, I will break all three of his legs!” Zhao Yueru bellowed the moment she finished reading the message.

“Big Sis Yueru, maybe this is a misunderstanding? Big Sis Snow taught and nurtured him personally; they’re nearly blood siblings. How could he possibly betray her?” Fierce Snake said, astonished when he heard Zhao Yueru’s words.

Nimble Snake was normally very appealing when in Gentle Snow’s presence. Moreover, he had always been earnest and honest. He was also very loyal; he definitely was not someone who would betray his allies.

“If you don’t believe me, then look at the evidence!” Zhao Yueru made the message visible to everyone.

This message was evidence that Nimble Snake had betrayed Gentle Snow before she even began to make plans. He had been reporting Gentle Snow’s movements to those people, allowing them to take appropriate measures against her. Just an hour ago, Nimble Snake had officially become one of the opposition’s five duelists. This was indisputable proof of Nimble Snake’s treachery.

Fierce Snake was speechless after reading the message, his eyes becoming bloodshot. He tried desperately to contact Nimble Snake. However, no matter how many times he tried, his calls never connected. Right now, Fierce Snake wanted to hunt down Nimble Snake and question him.

However, this revelation hurt Gentle Snow the most.

She had treated Nimble Snake like her own younger brother. Yet, in her hour of need, that “brother” slid his blade between her shoulders, stabbing her in the back.

For the five matches, based on Gentle Snow’s understanding of the opposition’s strength, Nimble Snake, Ye Feng, and herself had the highest chances of victory among her team. As for Zhao Yueru and Fierce Snake, they didn’t even have half a chance. Now that Nimble Snake had defected to their enemy, her side had become the underdog.

“Snow, don’t worry. Even if Nimble Snake has become a turncoat, we still have the Advocators,” Zhao Yueru hurriedly consoled her friend. “Their strength has risen significantly recently, and they’re not completely without a chance of victory. I’ll contact them and have them meet us.”

However, Gentle Snow simply waved off Zhao Yueru’s suggestion.

Since Nimble Snake had betrayed her, other than Ye Feng, her opponent most likely knew all about her other options. Even if she called for the Advocators under her wing, they probably would not heed her summons at all. As the situation had already devolved to this point, she could only look for a random person to fill the empty spot on her team and leave everything else to luck.

Fortunately, she had yet to reach a dead end. If Zhao Yueru or Fierce Snake won their matches, they still might come out on top.

At this moment, Gentle Snow was relieved that she had not revealed the matter regarding Ye Feng. Otherwise, their position might be unsalvageable.

Witnessing this from the side, Shi Feng suddenly thought of Gentle Snow’s sudden departure from both Ouroboros and God’s Domain in the past.

At that time, the Snow Goddess had suddenly disappeared from God’s Domain, creating a commotion throughout the virtual gaming world. Everyone knew of her disappearance in the past.

However, nobody had known what exactly had happened to cause Gentle Snow’s sudden departure.

Now that Shi Feng thought about it, Gentle Snow’s departure might very well have had something to do with strife within Ouroboros.

Meanwhile, considering the situation, something that should not have happened for another two years had arrived ahead of time.

Just what is going on here?

Originally, Shi Feng had avoided obtaining the First Clear of the Land of Death precisely because he was afraid of altering too much of history, making it more difficult for him to control the flow of events. However, the Butterfly Effect had still occurred. Moreover, history was even rapidly evolving in the worst possible way.

If Gentle Snow left the virtual gaming world right now, Zero Wing would lose a reliable ally. Meanwhile, the other Guilds would begin to target Zero Wing.

This was not a future Shi Feng wished to see.

Since history’s development was already out of his control, Shi Feng no longer intended to suppress himself. He might as well alter history further and open a better path for himself in the future.

While Zhao Yueru attempted desperately to contact people and Gentle Snow planned to look for a random substitute, Shi Feng suddenly walked up to them.

“Miss Snow, if you need an expert, I can recommend one,” Shi Feng said.

Gentle Snow’s eyes immediately lit up upon hearing Shi Feng’s words.

Zhao Yueru, on the other hand, simply rolled her eyes at Shi Feng, saying, “Ye Feng, stop messing around. What we need right now is not an ordinary expert, but a great expert. We need someone who can face an army of a hundred by themselves. However, they also cannot be too famous, and it would be the best if they were a hidden expert. Although Zero Wing’s Aqua Rose and Fire Dance indeed possess the strength, they are simply too well-known. The opposition definitely will not agree to such powerful reinforcements.”

The competition was an internal matter for Ouroboros. Hence, both parties had agreed to conduct the competition secretly. Although obtaining foreign aid was allowed, the precondition was that said reinforcements could not be well-known experts, allowing them to avoid unwanted attention.

Of course, not attracting attention was simply an excuse.

In reality, the opposition simply wanted to limit Gentle Snow’s options, preventing her from requesting the help of anyone too powerful. Gentle Snow had very little backing in Ouroboros. If both sides faced each other using only their available forces in Ouroboros, Gentle Snow would definitely be at a disadvantage.

As for inviting Aqua Rose, someone who was just as famous as Gentle Snow, or Zero Wing’s number one Assassin expert, Fire Dance, her opponents would never agree to their participation.

And Zero Wing’s Guild Leader, Black Flame…? Unless the opposition had lost their minds and wholeheartedly wanted to lose….

Shi Feng rolled his eyes at Zhao Yueru. He then smiled and said, “The public is definitely not familiar with the person I am recommending. As for how strong that person currently is, I do not know. However, just recently, their strength ranked close to Aqua Rose and Fire Dance in Zero Wing’s rankings.”

Listening to Shi Feng, Zhao Yueru wracked her mind trying to figure out who Shi Feng referred to.

However, based on Shi Feng’s expression, he did not seem to be lying, and this only served to frustrate her even more.

Gentle Snow’s curiosity had also grown as she understood Zero Wing quite well. She had never expected that Zero Wing still hid such a powerful expert. The more she learned, the more she questioned her insight of Zero Wing.

“I’ll have to trouble you, then. As for remuneration, I will similarly pay them twenty million. Will that be alright?” Gentle Snow said as she gazed at Shi Feng gratefully.

“Since Miss Snow has no problems with it, I’ll contact that person immediately.” Shi Feng nodded and called up the system menu.

Chapter 398: Underground Arena

After Gentle Snow and the others had waited at Blue Mountain Restaurant for some time, a young girl in green robes finally appeared before them. Her hair had been pulled back into twintails[1], and she radiated a holy aura.

Shi Feng walked up to the young girl’s side, turning to look at Gentle Snow and the others as he said, “Let me introduce you. This is Violet Cloud, a healer of Zero Wing’s core team.”

Violet Cloud grew nervous as Gentle Snow and the others stared at her. Lowering her head, she softly muttered, “Hello.”

Gentle Snow’s team was stunned.

The great expert Shi Feng talked about was actually a young girl. Moreover, she was a Cleric. She was only Level 22, the same as Shi Feng. As a great expert, Violet Cloud’s level was somewhat low.

After all, they were all Level 24.

Although a two-level gap was not considerably large, when experts fought, this little gap might lead to a loss. Such incidents were common in God’s Domain.

Moreover, it was common knowledge that, although Clerics had a certain amount of combat power, compared to other classes, they were, by far, inferior. Violet Cloud might possess excellent combat techniques, but that would only work against ordinary players. If she fought an equally skilled expert with a pure combat class, Violet Cloud had no chance of obtaining victory.

Zhao Yueru immediately shot a hateful glare at Shi Feng.

Originally, she had thought Shi Feng’s behavior had changed for the better. However, she now discovered that she had been greatly mistaken. Shi Feng simply did not have a bottom line. Even during such a crucial time, he still had the audacity to make fools out of them.

Did he really think they were going up against a bunch of noobs?

However, just as Zhao Yueru was about to give Shi Feng a piece of her mind, Gentle Snow stopped her.

“Since everyone’s here, I’ll lead the way, then,” Gentle Snow said. She then went out to the street and hailed a carriage.

In reality, Gentle Snow also thought of replacing Violet Cloud. However, since Shi Feng had guaranteed results and she had already arrived, rejecting Violet Cloud would only disrespect Shi Feng.

In any case, the result would be the same even if she replaced the Cleric with a random player. Since it wouldn’t really matter who took Violet Cloud’s place, she might as well humor Shi Feng a little.

Shaking his head, Shi Feng could not help but laugh as he watched Gentle Snow’s figure board the carriage. He then said, “Violet, I look forward to your performance today.”

“Yes, sir! I definitely won’t disappoint you!” Violet Cloud nodded with determination.

Following which, the two boarded the carriage as well.

Shi Feng was very familiar with Violet Cloud’s combat techniques. She was a first class Cleric in Zero Wing. Only, due to the limitations of her initial class, she could not display her strength fully. Now that she had successfully become an Astromancer, however, things had changed.

Moreover, until now, Gentle Snow and the others had failed to notice one thing.

He and Violet Cloud were no longer Tier 0 players. They were now Tier 1 players.

Of course, a player’s tier would not reveal itself to a basic identification skill. One required an advanced identification skill. It was also because of this that advanced identification skills became must-have skills later in the game. If one unknowingly provoked a high-tiered player, it would be too late for regrets. After all, the gap in tiers was much wider than the gap in levels.

At this stage of the game, players rushed to level up and raid Dungeons. It was even more so for the members of the various Guilds. Nobody had the time for their Class Change Quests. After all, a Basic Class Change Quest required players to invest at least two to three days. Moreover, Class Change Quests were not easy to complete. On the off chance that they failed, they would have wasted a lot of their time. Hence, everyone chose to level up first and upgrade their equipment so that they would have a much easier time with their Class Change Quests in the future.

Even a great expert like Gentle Snow was of the same mind.

There was also another reason why nobody was in a hurry to challenge their Class Change Quest.

Everyone still lacked a clear understanding of Tier 1 classes. They did not know just how much of an improvement a Tier 1 class could provide. Hence, none of the Guilds in God’s Domain were in a hurry to push their members to complete their Class Changes. They all focused on claiming the First Clear of Dungeons, setting aside their Class Changes for now.

Two hours later, Gentle Snow led everyone to Star-Moon City’s Underground Arenas.

The Underground Arena was a holy land for players who loved PvP. During the later stages of the game, it was also a place to make a lot of money. Countless players would come to watch the fights here, and many of these spectators would bet on their favorite players. Meanwhile, the winners could receive a commission from the bets.

The Underground Arena was also separated into a few different areas. There was the Basic Area, Advanced Area, and Special Area. Meanwhile, the commission players could obtain and the conditions to enter each zone were different.

In the Basic Area, any player could enter to watch or participate in the fights.

The Advanced Area was slightly different. If players wished to watch the fights there, they needed to pay a small fee. Meanwhile, if one wished to participate in the Advanced Area, they needed to face a minimum of 20 opponents in the Basic Area and win 80% of their matches. Victors in the Advanced Area would receive a commission of 1%. In other words, they would receive 1% of the total bets placed on their match. If a lot of players gambled on the fight, it would serve as a hefty income. Lastly, the victor would also receive 10% of the entrance fees.

The Special Area had an even higher entry requirement. First, the entrance fees were much higher for the Special Area. As for players who wished to join the fights, they needed to have a minimum of 20 matches in the Basic Area under their belts and have won 90% of their battles. However, there was another option for players to become participants in the Special Area: the System’s test. The System had to determine a player was an expert before they could fight in the Special Area. Meanwhile, victors would receive a 3% commission in addition to 30% of the entrance fees.

In the Basic Area, Advanced Area, and Special Area, there was one more difference between them: the size of the arenas. Each of the arenas in the Basic Area could only house up to 300 people, while the Advanced Area could house up to 1,500 people, and the Special Area could house up to 10,000 people.

As long as a player had sufficient strength, they could make a lot of money in the Underground Arenas. In the past, Shi Feng had earned quite a lot from this place.

At this stage of the game, although the Underground Arenas were not particularly popular and many of the rooms were empty, one could already see signs of prosperity in this place. In a few months, this place would definitely become very lively.

“Basic Room 29. This should be it.” Gentle Snow looked at the number plate hanging on the door before opening it.

Inside the room, over 30 players had already gathered. These players all possessed very high levels. The lowest among them was Level 23, while the highest was Level 25. None of these players were ordinary.

“Nimble Snake, you traitor! You dare to show your face here!

“Have you forgotten who it was that helped you to achieve the wealth and status you possess today?!”

Zhao Yueru’s temper exploded the moment she saw a simple-looking youth standing among the crowd.

That simple-looking youth was none other than the person Gentle Snow had spared no effort in cultivating, Nimble Snake. He was a Level 24 Assassin, and currently, he was fully armed with the Level 20 Crimson Blood Set Equipment, a Secret-Silver Set Equipment meant for Assassins.

In response to Zhao Yueru’s curses, Nimble Snake remained calm as he swept a glance at Shi Feng and Violet Cloud. He then laughed coldly and said, “Zhao Yueru, I admit that Gentle Snow has treated me well these past few years. However, as the saying goes, ‘man struggles upwards; water flows downward.’[2] Since Brother Cao’s team is stronger, what is wrong with me joining them? With your strength, you wish to contest for the position of Guild Leader? Don’t make me laugh.

“Zhao Yueru, you, on the other hand, you are someone that Brother Cao has always liked. Join us, and everyone will be on the same side in the future.

“Of course, you can also refuse. When you all lose, Brother Cao can only follow the appointed rules, and Gentle Snow can forget about the virtual gaming world in the future!”

TL Notes:

[1]twintails:

(a) Human:

http://images.dannychoo.com/cgm/images/post/20130202/26833/165543/large/31737a7801b431a814073a0ccfa2f59c.jpg

(b) Anime: http://i.imgur.com/3GMv5y8.jpg

[2]man struggles upwards; water flows downwards:

to pursue their own ideals, for the good life, this is very normal, it is understandable.

Chapter 399: Death Mode

Although Nimble Snake’s voice was soft, his tone was sharp and unquestionable.

Gentle Snow frowned upon hearing Nimble Snake’s words, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

Cao Chenghua actually targeted Zhao Yueru for his own team.

However, when Gentle Snow considered the matter, she could not find anything strange about Cao Chenghua’s actions. Zhao Yueru’s potential and strength were both very high. In the past, Zhao Yueru had been uninterested in virtual reality games and had only started gaming due to her unyielding insistence. Meanwhile, despite never training seriously, Zhao Yueru’s strength had reached frightening levels. Zhao Yueru’s talent was obvious to anyone who had seen her fight.

If Zhao Yueru had bothered to put more effort into her training before this, very few in Ouroboros would have been a match for her.

At this moment, a majestic-looking middle-aged man walked out from the crowd. Upon seeing this man, everyone among the crowd respectfully moved aside. This man was none other than Ouroboros’s Acting Guild Leader, Cao Chenghua. Even looking at him from afar, they could clearly feel the pressure Cao Chenghua emitted from his gaze alone. Cao Chenghua felt like a ferocious beast.

Cao Chenghua was currently Level 24, and he was fully armed with the Level 20 Wind Roar Set Equipment, a Secret-Silver Set Equipment meant for Berserkers. On his back, he carried a greatsword that was as tall as he was. The greatsword was the Iron Cutter, and it was one of the few Dark-Gold Weapons in Star-Moon Kingdom.

“Enough! Nimble Snake, you’ve said too much!” Cao Chenghua reprimanded as he shot a glance at the Assassin.

“Yes, Guild Leader,” Nimble Snake self-consciously retreated behind Cao Chenghua and fell silent, gazing at his Guild Leader with reverence.

“Yueru, I hope that you will consider your options carefully. You will not have a future if you stay by Gentle Snow’s side. Only by joining my team will you have a bright future in God’s Domain, achieving your dreams,” with a charming smile, Cao Chenghua tried to persuade Zhao Yueru.

“Forget it. I will never join you,” Zhao Yueru snapped, hatred coloring her expression as she sneered at Cao Chenghua. “The battle hasn’t even begun yet. The winner and loser still haven’t been determined. If we lose, I will leave the virtual gaming world with Snow.”

“Yueru.” Gentle Snow’s heart was moved.

“Hmph. It seems you refuse to see things my way until you face reality. With just your two Level 22 aids, even I feel sorry for you.” Nimble Snake snorted and laughed disdainfully.

Originally, Zhao Yueru had wanted to refute Nimble Snake’s words, but when she saw Cao Chenghua’s team members and looked at her own team…

They truly were a pitiful sight.

Cao Chenghua’s team consisted of four Level 24 players. Other than Cao Chenghua and Nimble Snake, there was Ouroboros’s Third Branch Leader, Blackhearted Arrow, and the strongest member of the Twelve Apostles, Soaring Snake. As for Cao Chenghua’s last team member, he was a Level 25 Shield Warrior who had hidden his identity behind a black cloak.

Initially, Zhao Yueru still had some hope for victory. However, after seeing Cao Chenghua’s team, other than Blackhearted Arrow, whom she had a 40% certainty of defeating, her chances of defeating the other four were less than 30%.

Moreover, Cao Chenghua’s team also had Soaring Snake. Even Gentle Snow only possessed slightly more than a 50% chance of victory against him.

“Since everyone has arrived, this competition will be overseen by us Elders.

“There are a total of five matches in this competition; the first to claim three victories will win. The victor will become Ouroboros’ Guild Leader, while the loser will leave God’s Domain forever. The Main God System has already accepted this condition. In addition, the arena has been set at Death Mode. A match will conclude only after one side has died. Before entering the arena, either side can choose to forfeit. That way, even if it is a loss, you won’t have to suffer the penalty of Death Mode.

“If no one has any issues, you two can check the agreement. The Main God System will bear testimony to this agreement. After agreeing, you can start drawing the lots for the battle.”

Gentle Snow and Cao Chenghua nodded, confirming their agreement.

Neither side really cared about the arena being set to Death Mode.

Originally, players fighting in the Underground Arenas would not die even when defeated. Their HPs would stop decreasing after reaching 1. However, players could also enable Death Mode. This mode of battle was the equivalent of PvP out in the field, and players would suffer the same penalties for death, losing one level and dropping one random piece of their equipment. They would also randomly lose some Skill Proficiency points. The only difference about Death Mode was that a player’s Crime Value would not increase for killing their opponent.

Meanwhile, Shi Feng, who stood by the side side, finally understood what was going on after listening to Ouroboros’s Elders’ explanation.

It turned out that Gentle Snow’s mysterious departure in the past had been because of this competition.

It was also obvious that Gentle Snow had lost the competition in the past.

As for why she had lost, Shi Feng could see that, as well.

With a treacherous bastard like Nimble Snake stabbing her in the back at the most crucial of moments, how could Gentle Snow possibly walk away victorious?

Seeing the predicament Gentle Snow was in, Shi Feng suddenly thought of himself.

Gentle Snow had only fallen to her current predicament because of her bad judgment of people; Shi Feng had suffered a similar fate in the past.

After campaigning for a decade in God’s Domain, instead of suffering defeat at the hands of his enemy, World Dominators, his own people got rid of him. It was truly laughable…

Just as Shi Feng recalled his past, the Level 25 Shield Warrior on Cao Chenghua’s team finally removed his cloak and revealed his true appearance.

“Why is he here?”

Disbelief filled Shi Feng upon seeing this Shield Warrior’s identity.

This Shield Warrior was War Wolf. Shi Feng had met him once in the past, and the man had left a very deep impression on Shi Feng. He was definitely a top-tier expert, and even Shi Feng had wanted to recruit him. However, War Wolf, at that time, had hated Guilds deeply, so Shi Feng had no choice but to give up on his endeavor. Hence, he was greatly surprised that War Wolf had actually shown up as foreign aid for Cao Chenghua.

War Wolf’s appearance also shocked Gentle Snow. She had previously tried to recruit War Wolf back in White River City. However, the middle-aged man had rejected her, and after that, they both went their separate ways.

As for how strong War Wolf was, even Gentle Snow herself was unsure. However, seeing that even the usually arrogant Soaring Snake and tyrannical Cao Chenghua showed him respect, it clear that something was amiss.

After observing War Wolf for some time, Gentle Snow’s gaze suddenly turned solemn. She could feel War Wolf’s body radiating a sense of extreme danger. This was something that she had never felt before, even from Soaring Snake.

Although Gentle Snow wished to oppose War Wolf’s participation, until today, War Wolf had been utterly unknown in God’s Domain. Hence, arguing the matter wouldn’t do any good.

Compared to Gentle Snow’s grave expression, Cao Chenghua currently appeared carefree.

“What is with Gentle Snow? I thought she would have invited some powerful experts, yet, she actually invited two Level 22 players. One of them is even a Cleric. What a disappointment” the Elementalist, Soaring Snake, commented. Before Gentle Snow’s team had arrived, he had planned to let loose, displaying his full might. Now that he was looking at them, however, it would seem that he would not get the chance today.

“Perhaps my departure had dealt too big of a blow to Gentle Snow, so she simply found a few people to fill the gaps. Otherwise, why would she even invite a Cleric?” Nimble Snake laughed, mocking the other team. “Right now, the only threats are Gentle Snow, Zhao Yueru, and Fierce Snake. Unfortunately, it is impossible for Zhao Yueru and Fierce Snake to win their matches.”

Just as Cao Chenghua’s group laughed, confident of their victory, the system promptly announced the players who would fight in the first match.

Immediately, everyone’s attention shifted towards the large screen above the arena.

First Match: Zhao Yueru vs. Cao Chenghua.