Chapter 567

Chapter 567: Give or Take

As soon as Anna heard these words, she left the President’s Office to invite President Henry over.

After watching Anna leave, Shi Feng examined the documents on the table.

These documents were the business listings of the Starstreak Trading Firm’s purchases, shipments, and other such dealings. However, all of these dealings had been organized by Anna herself.

Anna was an NPC who possessed 91 Intelligence. Such NPCs were extremely rare in God’s Domain. If she became a guard, her potential would be nearly limitless.

Hence, Shi Feng wished to negotiate with Henry.

The quests that NPCs commissioned were not without room for change. It only depended on whether or not the player involved possessed the strength to make such changes.

Previously, the reward they had agreed upon was a Tier 4 magic scroll that would allow him to reach the Dark Den easily and obtain the Bible of Darkness.

However, Shi Feng felt that something was amiss.

No matter how one looked at it, the task of managing the Starstreak Trading Firm was one part of an Epic Quest. The reward for completing it should not be limited to just the tool required to proceed to the next phase. If it were so, what’s the difference between obtaining a reward and not obtaining one?

Thus, Shi Feng felt that he could fight for more as there might be some mysteries hidden within.

It was especially true for the assistant, Anna.

After the battle with the Dragon-Phoenix Pavilion, the various large Guilds in God’s Domain had begun thinking of ways to obtain powerful NPC guards.

However, how could powerful guards possibly be that easy to find?

Take Anna for example. She was an extremely powerful guard. However, who would possibly believe that a weak and delicate young lady like her could become a guard with vast potential?

If Shi Feng had not accidentally looked at Anna’s Attributes, he, too, would not have realized that she was so capable.

If he allowed Anna to become an Adventurer, with her Intelligence, she could reach astonishing heights. Although she would not be as powerful as Kite, she might still become a Fine-Gold ranked guard.

Dark-Gold ranked guards were legends in God’s Domain. Based on Shi Feng’s understanding, only a few people had managed to recruit Dark-Gold ranked guards in the past. The guards owned by the majority of the players in the game were Bronze or Mysterious-Iron rank. Even finding a Secret-Silver ranked guard was considered lucky, not to mention Fine-Gold rank.

Although a Fine-Gold ranked guard was not invincible against enemies of the same Tier and Level, it was still significantly stronger than monsters of the same Tier. Fighting players of the same Tier and Level would be even easier. Furthermore, Anna was a magical class.

The majority of the NPCs in God’s Domain were physical classes; magical classes were very rare.

Magical classes were different from physical classes. They could not be used against Bosses and could only attack from the rear line.

To a Guild, however, a magical class’s value far surpassed a physical class.

Magical class NPCs knew plenty of AOE spells and possessed strategic-level large-scale destruction spells. In a Guild War or against Field Bosses, these NPCs were frightening existences. Hence, the various large Guilds would usually prioritize magical class NPCs as their Personal Guards.

Because of this, on the market, the value of a Bronze ranked magical guard could rival even that of a Mysterious-Iron ranked physical guard.

If Anna were a Fine-Gold ranked magical guard, she would be no less valuable than Kite.

“No matter what, I must obtain Anna.” Shi Feng grew excited just thinking about it.

As a Viscount, he only had two slots for Personal Guards. If he could fill those slots with a Dark-Gold ranked physical guard and a Fine-Gold ranked magical guard… A combination like that would have scared people to death in his past life.

With the presence of these two Personal Guards, defeating a Field Boss of the same Tier would be an effortless task.

After Shi Feng had waited in the magnificent and grand President’s Office for some time, the dignified and elegant President Henry entered the room.

However, behind President Henry was a Level 180 Tier 3 Berserker.

Shi Feng could not help but frown slightly.

Whether it was among players or NPCs, a Tier 3 class was considered a big shot. In White River City, such an NPC would be at the same level as an overlord.

Although the Starstreak Trading Firm was one of White River City’s top trading firms, it definitely could not afford to hire a Level 180 Berserker King as a guard.

“Your Excellency Ye Feng, you have truly surprised me. I did not expect that you would actually complete this quest so quickly!” Henry chuckled. “Here, allow me to introduce you. This man beside me is the Berserker King Schneider. He is an expert our trading firm has invited from Star-Moon City to annihilate the Black Scorpion Corps.”

“Greetings, Your Majesty Schneider, I am Ye Feng, an Adventurer,” Shi Feng introduced himself.

In response, however, Schneider only glanced at Shi Feng without saying a word. He showed no signs of being interested in Shi Feng’s acquaintance.

However, Shi Feng was not bothered by Schneider’s reaction. In truth, NPCs in God’s Domain were largely similar to real humans. A Tier 3 Berserker King NPC like Schneider was considered a powerful force in a city like White River City. On the other hand, Shi Feng was only a Tier 1 player. In Schneider’s eyes, he was no different than an ant.

Humans would not speak to ants. Schneider’s attitude towards Shi Feng was normal.

In the past, while Shi Feng had been working on a quest, even though he was a Tier 3 Sword King, a Tier 4 NPC had robbed him. One could say that Shi Feng had long since grown accustomed to such behavior.

Of course, if Shi Feng were currently a Tier 3 player, Schneider would not be treating him so coldly.

In the past virtual reality games, NPCs had always felt distant, detached. It felt as if NPCs and players lived in two different worlds. However, the NPCs of God’s Domain were different; they were extremely lifelike. If a player treated these NPCs as stupid and useless objects, then these NPCs would grant said player the full experience of passing through hell.

“May I know what Your Excellency wishes to discuss with me?” Henry asked, not paying any heed to Shi Feng and Schneider’s exchange.

“I want to make a deal with you,” Shi Feng stated. Laughing, he continued, “While I have been responsible for managing the Starstreak Trading Firm, Anna has helped me significantly. It was only because of her that I have lived up to your expectations and reached the goal of earning 30,000 Gold. Hence, I now wish to recruit Miss Anna as my personal assistant. Naturally, I am willing to pay the appropriate price.

“Aside from the 30,000 Gold you have requested, I am willing to offer an additional 3,000 Gold. May I know what you think of this offer?”

Anna, who stood beside Shi Feng, was stunned, her delicate mouth parting as she stared at Shi Feng in disbelief. The advanced NPCs working at the trading firm only made a monthly salary of several Gold. Yet, Shi Feng had offered 3,000 Gold to poach her.

Anna wasn’t the only person who was shocked. Even Schneider, who had paid Shi Feng no mind, was awestruck.

As a Tier 3 Berserker King, he had only been offered 1,000 Gold to deal with the Black Scorpion Corps. That was enough to allow him to purchase an Epic item to increase his strength. Naturally, if he could recover the Starstreak Trading Firm’s stolen merchandise, he could earn a bonus. Even then, however, he would not earn as much as 3,000 Gold.

At this moment, Schneider no longer looked at Shi Feng as if he were an ant; his gaze towards the layer had softened.

Henry squinted his eyes as he evaluated Shi Feng carefully.

After a short moment, he sighed, smiling as he said, “Your Excellency Ye Feng, it is not that I do not wish to let Anna go, but our Starstreak Trading Firm simply cannot do without Anna. Just like how Your Excellency has taken a liking to Anna’s talent, it is only because of her that the Starstreak Trading Firm has its position today. Please forgive me for refusing your offer.”

“Five thousand Gold!” Shi Feng made a new offer without hesitation.

To NPCs, this was an astronomical price.

Such an amount of money was sufficient for the Starstreak Trading Firm to hire several hundred advanced NPCs.

“This… won’t do. As you can see, Anna is responsible for so much daily profit. For the sake of the trading firm, I am afraid I cannot accept your offer,” Henry said, his expression revealing his struggle.

Merchants were all about profits!

This held true in both the real world and the virtual world.

“Six thousand Gold. I won’t go any higher. If you still refuse my offer, I can only choose to hire Mister Schneider beside you and have him take Anna’s contract for me by force,” Shi Feng said as he looked at Schneider, grinning.

Chapter 568: Epic Ranked Tool

The moment Shi Feng said these words, Schneider’s eyes suddenly glowed. It was obvious that the Berserker King was tempted.

The Starstreak Trading Firm had only offered him 1,000 Gold as remuneration for getting rid of the Black Scorpion Corps. However, the Captain of the Black Scorpion Corps was a Tier 3 expert. It would not be easy for him to secure a victory. Not to mention, the Captain of the Black Scorpion Corps also had plenty of underlings.

On the other hand, taking a single contract from the President of the Starstreak Trading Firm would be child’s play, and the remuneration he would obtain was six times what the Starstreak Trading Firm had offered him.

Sure enough, there is room for negotiation in this quest.

Seeing Schneider’s tempted gaze, Shi Feng knew that he was in for a show.

As one part of an Epic Quest, how could the final reward possibly be limited to a ticket leading to the next phase of the quest?

Moreover, a Tier 3 NPC would be considered a big shot in whichever city they visited. Such a character would not appear in a small place like the Starstreak Trading Firm for no good reason.

At this moment, Henry could no longer remain calm. Hurriedly, he said, “Your Excellency Ye Feng must be joking. Since you are so sincere, I believe that Anna will have a better future if she follows Your Excellency.”

After Henry agreed, he immediately took out Anna’s contract.

Shi Feng also handed over 36,000 Gold without hesitation. This was all of the capital currently in his possession.

If not for the Candlelight Trading Firm and Guild Residence earning him quite a lot of money these past few days, he would not have had so many Coins. After this transaction, he was a pauper once more.

However, Shi Feng did not mind.

Coins were meant to be spent. Otherwise, by the time players reached higher levels, the value of Gold would depreciate. Moreover, this exchange had been a bargain. After all, he had only spent 6,000 Gold to obtain a possible Fine-Gold ranked guard.

In the past, even Mysterious-Iron ranked physical guards went for over a thousand Gold; the price was equivalent to an Epic item of average quality. If it were a Secret-Silver physical guard, that price would multiply by tenfold, reaching over 10,000 Gold.

Meanwhile, the cost for a Secret-Silver magical guard would multiply by another ten. In other words, the value of a Secret-Silver ranked magical guard was at least 100,000 Gold. Even so, the supply of Secret-Silver magical guards was practically nonexistent. Anyone who discovered such guards would keep them for their own. Nobody would be so foolish as to give a Secret-Silver magical guard away, to say nothing of Fine-Gold ranked guards.

After Shi Feng obtained Anna’s contract, the sound of a system notification rang out by his ears.

System: Anna’s Favorability towards you has increased by 30 points.

“Your Excellency Ye Feng, this is the Tier 4 magic scroll that President Henry promised you,” Anna said as she revealed a tattered scroll surrounded by a flashing purple glow.

Although the scroll looked worn, the magic power contained within caused even Schneider, a Tier 3 Berserker King, to palpitate with fear.

There was even less of a need to mention Shi Feng, who was only a Tier 1 Blade Saint.

The power within a Tier 4 magic scroll was the equivalent of a full-powered blow from a Tier 4 class. It could easily and heavily injure a Tier 4 class. It could even wound a Tier 5 class, not to mention Tier 3 classes or ant-like Tier 1 classes.

A magic scroll that has survived through the ancient times is extraordinary. It can practically rival the strength of an Epic item.

After receiving the scroll, Shi Feng examined the item. Immediately, he discovered just how powerful this Tier 4 magic scroll was.

Shi Feng had seen plenty of Tier 3 magic scrolls and had also used many before. However, this was his first time seeing a Tier 4 magic scroll.

Normally, magic scrolls were Consumable items; they would become useless after one use. However, this magic scroll that had been passed down from ancient times could be used multiple times.

But there was a limit to how many times it could be used and conditions for each use.

[Position Teleportation Scroll] (Tier 4 Magic Scroll)

Allows player to move to any desired location (Unable to teleport to certain special locations). Can be used a maximum of ten times. After each usage, requires five Mana Stones to replenish the scroll’s magic power.

Cooldown: 3 days

(Current uses 0/10)

Ten uses… In order words, it was the equivalent of having ten Tier 4 Position Teleportation Scrolls. This magic scroll was even more valuable than an ordinary Epic item.

With this scroll, I can access areas that can’t be reached with my current Level. Shi Feng stored the Position Teleportation Scroll with a satisfied expression, overjoyed.

As a reincarnator, he knew many secret locations throughout God’s Domain. Only, he could not reach those locations due to the limitations of his current Level.

However, with this Position Teleportation Scroll, he could easily travel to those secret areas that hid boundless treasures.

God’s Domain was massive. The higher level a map was, the fewer teleportation magic arrays it would have. As for locations with bountiful opportunities and treasures, there were practically no teleportation arrays there. Players had to rely on their own two feet to reach these maps.

God’s Domain’s Hidden Maps were an example. The system map would not display these areas, and players had to uncover these secrets on their own.

Every secret location was a huge treasure trove. It was the equivalent of a large Field Dungeon.

A Guild could raise its strength swiftly in these maps. Hence, scrambles over such secret locations had frequently happened in Shi Feng’s previous life. There were also many Guilds that had risen to prominence due to these secret locations.

However, it was not easy to travel to a secret location as one would encounter many dangers on their journey. Even an elite team had a high chance of facing complete annihilation, not to mention ordinary players. Only when players exceeded the Level of these maps could they adventure to some low-level treasured lands.

Meanwhile, with the Position Teleportation Scroll, Shi Feng could teleport directly to his target. Although he would still face plenty of danger after arriving, he would face significantly less than he would by traveling there on foot.

After completing the quest, Shi Feng did not hurry to complete the final phase of the Epic Quest Darkness Descends. Instead, he led Anna to the Adventurer’s Association.

If players wished to recruit an NPC to serve as their guard, the NPC first needed an Adventurer class.

However, most of the NPCs in God’s Domain were ordinary people. They did not possess an Adventurer class at all. Hence, if players wished to recruit such NPCs as their guards, they needed these NPCs to register at the Adventurer’s Association. At the same time, they were also required to select a specific class for these NPCs, allowing them to learn and train to become an Adventurer. Only then could these NPCs become a player’s guards.

At this time, Shi Feng entered the Adventurer’s Associations’ main hall. Despite it being daytime right now, there was still a large number of players present. A simple glance told Shi Feng that there were several hundred players here.

Of course, these players had not come to the Adventurer’s Association because they had too much time on their hands.

They had all come here specifically for their NPC guards.

Due to Zero Wing’s famous battle, many players had discovered a never-before-seen road to success. Even if their personal strength was lacking, they could nurture a guard to improve their own strength.

If a player wanted to recruit a Personal Guard, they had to become a Baron in their city first. They would then obtain one slot to recruit a Personal Guard.

However, a lot of time was required to become a Baron, and many players could not wait that long. Hence, they would first look for some NPCs they thought highly of and try to deepen their relationship with these NPCs. That way, by the time their Reputation reached a sufficient amount, they could immediately reach out to these NPCs and recruit them as their guards.

In God’s Domain, the higher tiered an NPC was, the more difficult it would be for a player to deepen their relationship with said NPC.

Of all the NPCs in God’s Domain, ordinary civilians were the easiest to form a relationship with.

However, it was not easy for the inhabitants of God’s Domain to become Adventurers. If a player could help an ordinary civilian become an Adventurer, their relationship with said NPC would deepen significantly. Fortunately, players had that ability. Only, whether an NPC was actually capable of becoming an Adventurer depended on their own potential and Attributes, and this was information that players had no access to.

In addition, players had a limited number of recommendations per week. After using up their recommendations, they had to wait another week before their chances refreshed.

Therefore, when choosing ordinary NPCs, a player’s foresight was extremely important.

If a player was unlucky, they could only search for other NPCs. If they were lucky, then they could begin deepening their relationship with said NPC earlier.

“There sure are a lot of people here.” Shi Feng could not help but laugh bitterly when he saw the long line of over a hundred players.

This could be considered a form of digging his own grave, right?

Chapter 569: SSS Rank

The Adventurer’s Association’s review of an NPC’s ability to become an Adventurer was a tedious one.

The first evaluation was of the NPC-in-question’s various Attributes, followed by a test for the NPC’s suitability of the various classes. Only after these two tests were complete could the Adventurer’s Association determine whether an NPC was suited to become an Adventurer or not.

In total, each NPC’s review lasted roughly two minutes.

Watching players happily enter the testing room with their chosen NPCs and leave in tears made many of the players in line grow anxious.

“Isn’t the success rate a little too low? Out of the twenty people I have seen enter the testing room, only one came out with a successful result. And even then, the strength of that person’s NPC was only mediocre. It really makes you wonder how Zero Wing managed to obtain such a powerful NPC,” a male Cleric with a pointed nose said, sighing.

“It is possible that Zero Wing recruited an NPC who was already an Adventurer, to begin with. My teammates had already come here to recommend their own NPCs. However, only three of the chosen NPCs became Adventurers, though they received low ratings. They don’t really have any significant potential,” a burly male Berserker complained. “Unfortunately, nobody on my team is even a Baron, so we can’t recruit any guards or see the NPCs’ exact data. We can only confirm their standards based on the evaluation. I heard that the best guard Overwhelming Smile has managed to recruit is only Mysterious-Iron rank. I wonder if the NPC I that spent more than half a day searching for will become an Adventurer? If it’s a success, I’ll make a fortune.”

The players queuing up to have their chosen NPCs tested discussed Zero Wing’s guard, Kite. They all hoped that they could luck out and encounter an NPC like him as well. At that time, luxury cars and beautiful ladies would be within their grasp.

This was not an exaggeration.

The various large Guilds purchased powerful guards through the virtual trade center at astronomical prices.

Even Bronze guards sold for 100 Gold or so, whereas Mysterious-Iron guards sold for 500 Gold. As for Secret-Silver rank, the price would multiply by tenfold. If those Coins were converted to Credits, it was enough to allow an ordinary person to live the rest of their lives without working. However, even now, no one had offered any Mysterious-Iron guards for sale, much less Secret-Silver.

A moment later, a Ranger left the testing room with an excited expression. Loudly flaunting to his own party members, he said, “Hahaha! Let’s head to the Rose Bar! I’ll treat everyone to a cup of Icefire Wine!”

Rose Bar was one of White River City’s high-class bars. Meanwhile, the Icefire Wine was a must-try drink, and it was extremely popular among players. However, the drink was not cheap, with each cup costing 10 Silver. Even elite players only occasionally ordered a cup to sate their addiction. If they drank a cup every day, they would become a pauper very quickly.

“Sure, but what was your test result?” one of the Ranger’s teammates asked curiously.

“My NPC can become an Adventurer. Moreover, he even obtained a B-rank rating for the Shield Warrior’s evaluation! They say he’ll become a powerful Shield Warrior in the future!” the Ranger boasted.

“Lucky! This is by far the highest rating I’ve heard of! Our party’s success will rely on you in the future!” an Elementalist said excitedly.

The watching crowd looked at the Ranger enviously when they heard about his NPC’s B-rank.

They could not help but wish they could snatch the Ranger’s chosen NPC for themselves.

Unfortunately, the Main God System had long since set it so that the NPCs that had been recommended by a player would receive protection. Within ten days, no other player could increase their Favorability with the NPC in question. Hence, it was not possible to steal an NPC from another player.

A period of ten days was enough to allow a player to deepen their relationship with an NPC significantly. If one worked hard, they could even accumulate sufficient Reputation and become a Baron.

Normally, in order for an NPC to become an Adventurer, they needed to receive a D-rank rating or higher on a particular class.

“B-rank rating?” Shi Feng could not help his surprise.

In truth, the evaluation given by the Adventurer’s Association’s test could not completely determine an NPC’s potential. It was only a rough estimation.

It was just like how one would receive a “Pass” on a test, but in reality, the passing mark for the test ranged between 60 and 100 marks. The same principle applied to the Adventurer’s Association’s test.

The test was very general, so the final results would not always be accurate. It could only determine the upper limit of an NPC’s potential, not their actual potential.

Normally, NPCs that received a D-rank would end up a Common guard with limited Growth Potential. These NPCs were not worth the time it took to nurture them as Personal Guards. Only D-rank NPCs who were specialized in certain Attributes could become Bronze guards. However, the chances of finding those NPCs were very low.

In other words, a D-rank NPC’s potential ranged between Common and Bronze rank. However, only after these NPCs became guards would one know their exact Growth Potential.

Meanwhile, C-rank NPCs could become Mysterious-Iron guards.

As for B-rank NPCs, they had a strong chance of becoming Bronze guards and a certain probability to become Mysterious-Iron guards. There was also a relatively good chance for B-rank NPCs to become Secret-Silver guards. Unless one had somehow offended the Main God System in their previous lives, there was almost no chance for a B-rank NPC to end up a Common guard.

Of course, A-rank stood above B-rank.

Extremely few NPCs would receive this rating. Even in his previous life, Shi Feng had never personally encountered an NPC who had received an A-rank.

An NPC with an A-rank was a dragon or phoenix among men.

As for an A-rank NPC’s potential range, it was between Bronze and Fine-Gold rank.

In the past, out of all the NPCs he had recommended, the highest rating he had obtained was B-rank. After recruiting said NPC as his guard, he, fortunately, had ended up with a Secret-Silver guard.

This time, however, Shi Feng already knew Anna’s Base Attributes. Based on his guards’ Attributes in his previous life, Shi Feng was sure that Anna would receive a very high rating.

“Lord Viscount, I apologize for the long wait. Please, follow me,” the test officer said respectfully after glancing at Shi Feng.

A Viscount was already a Grand Noble in White River City. They were far more powerful than ordinary nobles. Not only could they recruit 50 ordinary guards, but they also had two slots for Personal Guards.

Shi Feng nodded and followed the test officer into the testing room.

“Lord Viscount, based on the Adventurer’s Association’s rules, each test will cost you 10 Silver. As my lord is a Viscount of White River City, you can enjoy a 20% discount, so my lord only needs to pay 8 Silver per test,” the test officer explained uneasily as he arrived before the test apparatus.

“Here.” Shi Feng readily handed over 8 Silver Coins, inwardly cursing the Adventurer’s Association.

Magic Crystals powered the test apparatus. How much was a Magic Crystal worth on the market? Moreover, each Magic Crystal could be used dozens of times. Yet, the Adventurer’s Association charged 10 Silver for every test.

In other words, the Adventurer’s Association earned a profit of dozens of times the actual cost. It was far more profitable than any other industry.

However, it was due to the fact players were required to spend money on many aspects of the game that allowed the Coins of God’s Domain to remain extremely rare and valuable.

Following which, Anna walked up to the test apparatus and began her potential evaluation.

Time seemed to crawl by. However, even after two full minutes had passed, the test apparatus had yet to produce a conclusion. On the contrary, due to the test apparatus consuming too much power, the test officer had no choice but to replace the Magic Crystal powering it.

One crystal… Two crystals…

In the end, Anna’s test used a total of five Magic Crystals. At this moment, the test officer had also turned pale.

Meanwhile, the result displayed showed that Anna was suited to become a Summoner, and her rating for the class was SSS-rank!

Chapter 570: Black Wizard

Although the cost of five Magic Crystals had turned the test officer’s complexion a sickly shade of green, the lost Magic Crystals were of little importance compared to the final results of the evaluation.

“Is the test apparatus broken?” The test officer hurriedly began checking the test apparatus.

SSS-rank rating… This was a rating never before seen in the history of White River City. Not even in the entire Star-Moon Kingdom had there ever been someone with an SSS-rank.

Isn’t the apparatus exaggerating the result a little too much?! Shi Feng was similarly skeptical.

Based on what he remembered of his past life, even a decade after God’s Domain’s launch, there had never been an NPC who had received an SSS-rank. The maximum rating known to players was S-rank, and one could count such occurrences with their fingers.

After an A-rank NPC officially became a guard, there was a possibility for them to become a Dark-Gold guard. However, the probability of this happening was so low that it was negligible.

Only NPCs with S-rank ratings had a decent chance of becoming a Dark-Gold guard.

Back when the first S-rank rating NPC appeared, the news had shaken God’s Domain, and many apex characters had fought fiercely to obtain said NPC.

There was a 100% probability to nurture a Dark-Gold guard into a Tier 5 class. If one were willing to pay the price, there was even a possibility to nurture said NPC into a Tier 6 God-ranked guard.

Back then, Tier 5 players were as rare as a phoenix’s feather, not to mention Tier 6 God-ranked players.

If a Tier 5 player emerged in a Guild, it would not be strange to see the Guild to celebrate for three days and three nights, not to mention obtaining a Tier 5 Personal Guard. A Tier 5 NPC was much stronger than a normal Tier 5 player.

First of all, there was the difference in Attributes. In the absence of any equipment, the Base Attributes of an NPC were significantly higher than a player’s. The second reason was equipment.

In God’s Domain, the equipment guards wore and that of players was different. Top-tier equipment for guards could be purchased from an NPC Shop, which included Epic Equipment and Set Equipment. If one were lucky, they could even purchase a piece of Fragmented Legendary Equipment. In other words, one could purchase top-tier equipment for a guard as long as one could afford it.

As for players?

Players had to expend a ton of effort just to obtain Dark-Gold Equipment, not to mention Epic or Fragmented Legendary Equipment.

Hence, as long as a Personal Guard became a Tier 5 class, their strength could immediately reach the peak of Tier 5. On the other hand, players had to obtain weapons, equipment, and other items that were suited to their Tier 5 classes, one piece at a time, slowly and gradually increase their strength.

If the public knew of Anna’s SSS-rank, it would cause a sensation to sweep throughout the entire God’s Domain.

“It seems that I have truly hit the jackpot this time,” Shi Feng said as he looked at Anna, who currently wore a blank expression, laughing.

He only knew about the ratings reaching a maximum of S-rank. He had never heard anything about an SSS-rank. Such NPCs might have appeared in the past, but if the player involved did not reveal the information, who would know about it?

Moreover, a majority of the powerful guards in the past had not been ordinary NPCs. Instead, these guards were directly recruited from NPCs who already possessed a class or high-tiered NPCs.

After all, NPCs capable of reaching a high Tier were extraordinary in their own right; they would have vast Growth Potential, naturally. However, the higher tiered an NPC was, the more difficult it would be to recruit them. It would require a lot more time and effort.

Although Shi Feng did not know how high Anna’s Growth Potential could reach, with an SSS-rank rating, at the very minimum, she should be a Fine-Gold guard.

After some time passed, the test officer was finally certain that nothing was wrong with the test apparatus, and he could not help but turn to look at Anna in shock. There were also hints of reverence in the test officer’s gaze.

“Miss Anna, you are the first person in our White River City’s history to obtain an SSS-rank. According to the rules of the Adventurer’s Association, you are now an Honorary Elder of the association. We will prepare a suitable Epic Set Equipment as well as a Tier 1 Class Emblem for you. We will also dispatch a special instructor from the association to guide you. Please wait here for a moment.” At this moment, the test officer addressed Anna with immense respect. He displayed even more humility in front of Shi Feng.

To NPCs, Shi Feng was merely a Grand Noble. However, as someone with an SSS-rank, Anna was destined to become a peerless powerhouse in the future, the overlord of an area. She even possessed the status of an Honorary Elder in the Adventurer’s Association. No matter how one looked at it, Anna’s status far surpassed Shi Feng’s.

“Lord Viscount, as the referrer, the Adventurer’s Association will also gift you a special reward. Please wait here for a moment as well.” After saying so, the test officer rushed out of the testing room to contact the upper echelons of the Adventurer’s Association.

Shi Feng then went to the VIP reception room next to the testing room.

Time passed little by little.

Players continued to enter and leave the testing room, one after another. Yet, despite very few players leaving with a smile, the stream of players arriving to recommend the NPC of their choice was endless.

“It would be great if I could obtain a test apparatus for myself.” Shi Feng watched the line of players enviously.

Compared to the money the Adventurer’s Association earned from conducting tests, the Candlelight Trading Firm only earned spare change.

However, the precondition to earn money via tests was to set up an Adventurer’s Association of his own.

Meanwhile, each city could only have one Adventurer’s Association. If players wished to construct an Adventurer’s Association of their own, they first needed to establish a town or city.

“After completing this quest, it should be about time to prepare.” Shi Feng began to consider establishing his own city.

If a large Guild wished to earn enough money to become self-sustaining, it needed its own territory.

A Guild Residence was not enough; the Guild would need a town.

This was also why, in the past, so many Guilds had fought each other to the bitter end. The profits a player-established city offered far exceeded anyone’s imagination.

Compared to the money one could earn from constructing their own city, the money one could earn from setting up a trading firm was nothing.

Only, it was extremely difficult for players to construct their own cities. Even if players succeeded, its defense was another big problem.

Although Shi Feng could not yet construct his own city, he could prepare to do so. That way, by the time his Guild possessed sufficient strength, he could establish a small city of his own swiftly.

Meanwhile, the biggest problem one would face when constructing a city was the various resources required. The manpower and material resources required could instantly bankrupt a first-rate Guild. This would be the case even for the current Zero Wing. Among the most important resources required were the forging designs for various buildings, magic array matrices, and so on.

Without these key items, even if Shi Feng managed to gather the required wood, stones, and other raw materials, he could only stare at them.

If he wanted to obtain these forging designs and magic array matrices, he would have to raid the dark forces and large-scale Team Dungeons throughout the continent of God’s Domain.

Just as Shi Feng pondered about how he should go about procuring those forging designs, the heavy wooden doors of the reception room parted, and three NPCs walked in.

Of the three NPCs, one was the test officer, one was a black-clothed old man wearing a black felt hat, and the other was a proud and pretty lady dressed in luxurious robes.

The old man in black was a Level 200 Tier 4 Black Wizard with practically the same strength as White River City’s Magistrate, Weissman. He was also one of the NPCs protecting White River City.

Meanwhile, the lady was a Level 180 Illusionist, a Tier 3 class of a Summoner.

Chapter 571: Taboo

Both the Tier 3 Illusionist and the Tier 4 Black Wizard were NPCs at the very top of White River City.

With both of these great characters going out of their way to come here, one could see just how much importance the Adventurer’s Association was placing on Anna.

“Who’s the one who achieved an SSS-rank?” the Black Wizard Glynne asked.

“Association Master, Miss Anna has earned that rank,” the test officer hurriedly said.

Glynne’s glowing green eyes immediately began to size up Anna, who stood behind Shi Feng. Although Glynne’s actions held no ill intent, Shi Feng could still feel an immense pressure from his gaze, his movements growing sluggish as a result.

If Shi Feng, a Tier 1 player, reacted in such a way, the pressure that an NPC, who had yet to become an Adventurer, felt would be even greater.

Yet, Anna showed no reaction as if she had not felt the pressure from Glynne at all.

“Sure enough, your concentration is extraordinary,” the Black Wizard Glynne laughed, satisfied. “We haven’t had a talent in White River City for many years now. I didn’t think that the next one would be so extraordinary. Irene, I’ll leave this little lady in your care. You are the strongest Summoner in our White River City’s Adventurer’s Association. If you fail to guide her properly, I will find you.”

“Association Master, please rest assured. I will nurture Anna with every resource I have,” the Tier 3 Illusionist Irene said, chuckling.

“Alright, show this little lady around the association and familiarize her with the place for now.” Glynne nodded as he caressed his white beard. He then looked at Shi Feng, saying, “You must be the brat who recommended the little lady, right?”

Shi Feng nodded silently.

The high-tiered NPCs of God’s Domain all possessed extremely high intelligence. As for Glynne, the Association Master of an Adventurer’s Association, he possessed intelligence that far surpassed even ordinary humans. Moreover, he also wielded immense authority in White River City. A single word for him could end Shi Feng’s career here.

Hence, before such an NPC, Shi Feng had to maintain a certain degree of humility.

If he dared to act conceited in front of an NPC like Glynne, he would suffer for it. In the past, only after countless players had gone down that route had they understood the importance of propriety.

“Since you have introduced such a genius to White River City, as the Association Master of White River City’s Adventurer’s Association, I will not be stingy with you. Since you are a Tier 1 Swordsman, this item should suit you. If you can master it, you will face fewer hardships on the road ahead,” Glynne said as he took out a gray book surrounded by an ancient aura.

The word “Taboo” graced the bottom-right corner of this old, gray book.

“Taboo Skill!” Shi Feng was stunned.

There were many Skills in God’s Domain. However, a majority of them were ordinary Skills; their might was only subpar, and they could not increase a player’s combat power significantly. Only those rare Skills could impact a player’s combat power.

For example, the Skills Shi Feng had learned such as Thundering Flash and Thunder Flame Explosion were rare Skills. These Skills allowed a player to fight an enemy that was slightly stronger than they were.

Meanwhile, sure-kill Skills were stronger than rare Skills. These Skills had the ability to instant-kill players of the same Level, changing the tide of battle. One such Skill was Shi Feng’s Flame Burst.

However, there was an even more powerful type of Skill that could allow players to threaten enemies that were stronger than themselves.

This type of Skill was known as a Taboo Skill.

The gray book Glynne had just revealed was a Skill Book for a Taboo Skill. A Taboo Skill even allowed players to challenge enemies of a higher tier.

The instant Shi Feng received the gray book, he inspected it.

[Instant Strike] (Tier 2 Taboo Skill)

Utilizing the power of thunder, instantly move in front of the target. For the next 3 seconds, Attack Speed increased by 500%, and each attack will deal 400% damage to the target and inflict the Serious Numbness effect. Instantly kill targets below 20% HP.

Cooldown: 1 hour

Class Restriction: Swordsman

Isn’t he a little too generous? He actually gave me a Tier 2 Taboo Skill. Shi Feng was slightly surprised after reading the item description.

Taboo Skills were different from other Skills. They did not require Proficiency to upgrade, and players of any Level could learn them. Only, one needed to fulfill certain conditions before they could learn them. Taboo Skills were also categorized into different Tiers.

Tier 1 Taboo Skills were the most common, and only players who were Tier 1 or higher could display their maximum potential. The effects of a Tier 1 Taboo Skill could rival even an ordinary Tier 2 Skill.

Tier 2 Taboo Skills were slightly rarer, and only when players obtained their Tier 2 classes could they fully display the Skill’s might. Their effects could rival a Tier 3 Skill.

Tier 3 Taboo Skills were extremely rare, and only a few players would actually get the chance to learn such a Skill. However, any Tier 3 players who learned such a Skill would struggle to find a worthy opponent among players of the same Tier because a Tier 3 Taboo Skill was just as strong as a Tier 4 Skill. Even a Tier 4 player would lose over half of their HP, not to mention Tier 3 players.

As for Tier 4 Taboo Skills, their rarity could rival even Legendary items.

Tier 5 Taboo Skills were little more than legend. If a Tier 5 player grasped such a Skill, they could even pose some threat to a Tier 6 God-ranked player. Hence, one could just imagine the rarity of a Tier 5 Taboo Skill.

Based on Shi Feng’s knowledge, there had only been a single person who had learned a Tier 5 Taboo Skill throughout the entire God’s Domain in the past. Back then, that person had become the most powerful player below Tier 6 God-ranked players as there was no Tier 5 player capable of defending against that person’s Tier 5 Taboo Skill. In addition, that person’s skills and equipment were top notch in God’s Domain. Hence, he had been publicly acknowledged as the number one player beneath Tier 6.

Currently, players’ average Level was only slightly over Level 20. The majority of players in God’s Domain had not even obtained their Tier 1 classes yet.

Meanwhile, Shi Feng had obtained a Tier 2 Taboo Skill.

Even if he did not possess any Level or equipment advantages, with this Tier 2 Taboo Skill, it was still possible for him to instant-kill any enemies that were Tier 2 or below. Even if he couldn’t kill them instantly, he could still inflict heavy damage. If he factored in his Level and equipment advantages, as long as he managed to grasp this Taboo Skill, he would stand at the very peak of all Tier 2 classes. It was the same even if he stood against an NPC.

Of course, God’s Domain was fair. If one wished to obtain great power, they first needed to pay the appropriate price.

Although Taboo Skills could increase a player’s strength, the learning processes of Taboo Skills and ordinary Skills were different. Taboo Skills could not be learned by the click of a button.

One needed to train with a Taboo Skill.

That’s right; they needed to train.

Players were required to learn the movements recorded in the Skill Book, and at the same time, fulfill the book’s learning requirements. Most importantly, one needed to achieve a Completion Rate of 90% or above to learn the Taboo Skill.

Moreover, the higher a Taboo Skill’s Tier was, the more difficult it would be to learn it. Some Taboo Skills were so difficult that even expert players could not learn them.

Hence, many players who had obtained Taboo Skills had complained about this in the past. However, there were even more players who gloated over their misfortune.

So what if you were lucky?

Even if you obtained a Tier 6 Taboo Skill, what would it matter if you couldn’t learn it?

Due to this, Taboo Skills had become many players’ heartache. In the past, many players had no choice but to trade with others for a lower tiered Taboo Skill after obtaining a high-tiered Taboo Skill. After all, there was no point to owning a high-tiered Taboo Skill if one could not learn it.

Fortunately, it is only a Tier 2 Taboo Skill. If it were a Tier 3 Taboo Skill, I would have no choice but to treat this thing as a decoration. Shi Feng was very satisfied with the Taboo Skill Instant Strike. As long as I learn this, I will have a much easier time when I go to the Dark Den.

In the past, the most powerful Taboo Skill Shi Feng had learned was a Tier 3 Taboo Skill. However, the price and time required for learning one were simply too high. The conditions were not something players at his current Level could meet.

However, even a Tier 2 Taboo Skill was extremely difficult for current players to learn.

Other than the fact that only Tier 2 classes or above were capable of displaying the full potential of a Tier 2 Taboo Skill, Tier 2 Taboo Skills were labeled as Tier 2 because Tier 2 or higher players had a much easier time learning them.

In the past, many Tier 3 players had only managed to learn a Tier 2 Taboo Skill after a lot of struggle. One could just imagine how difficult it was to grasp a Taboo Skill.

Soon, Shi Feng left the Adventurer’s Association.

Currently, Anna was still a classless NPC. She would have to spend the next week building her foundations to become an Adventurer. Naturally, Shi Feng would not wait inside the Adventurer’s Association for an entire week.

First and foremost, he needed to learn the Taboo Skill Instant Strike.

After Shi Feng returned to the Candlelight Trading Firm, without hesitation, he entered a private lounge and began studying the Skill Book.

“I wonder what the conditions are? Hopefully, they won’t be too harsh.”

Chapter 572: 100% Completion Rate

Inside the quiet private lounge, Shi Feng impatiently opened the thick and heavy Skill Book.

The moment Shi Feng flipped to the first page of the book, the sound of a system notification rang out by his ears.

System: Do you wish to bind and learn this Skill Book? Reminder: Skill Book cannot be traded once bound.

Shi Feng immediately chose to bind the Skill Book to himself.

In the past, many players had bound a Taboo Skill to themselves without knowing the difficulty of the Taboo Skill they were about to learn, afraid that the Taboo Skill would suddenly grow legs and run away. However, such a rash decision had filled many players, who had obtained high-tiered Taboo Skills, with deep regret.

However, the Taboo Skill Shi Feng had right now was only Tier 2. Even if he failed to learn it now, he could try again once he became a Tier 2 class. He would not waste this valuable Taboo Skill.

After binding the Skill Book, the contents of the book finally appeared.

Shi Feng promptly began studying one word at a time.

Inside the Skill Book, other than some texts and pictorial introduction, there was a holographic video depicting the use of Instant Strike, which allowed players to grasp the techniques required to activate the Skill quickly.

Taboo Skills in God’s Domain were similar to the spells used by magical classes in which they were very strict about their use.

When magical classes cast a spell, incantations and hand gestures were of the utmost importance, particularly when tracing runes. Only when these actions reached a certain Completion Rate could magical classes display great power.

Taboo Skills were the same. These Skills relied heavily on the accuracy and fluency of the player’s footwork, body movements, and attack patterns. Even the slightest mistake could result in a failure to activate the Taboo Skill. Compared to casting spells, players were required to have far more delicate control over their own bodies. They needed a clear understanding of each and every motion that was involved.

Without realizing it, more than an hour had passed. Currently, Shi Feng was only halfway through the Skill Book. Any ordinary person would have long since begun to practice the Taboo Skil. However, Shi Feng was not in a hurry as he examined each page carefully.

After more than three hours, Shi Feng’s heart suddenly sunk, and he frowned at the gray book.

“Skill Completion Rate must reach 95%… Moreover, I’ll also need to absorb 100 Thunder Crystals from Thunder Beast Kings. Isn’t this joke going a little too far?” A bitter laugh escaped Shi Feng’s lips as he gazed at the Instant Strike Skill Book on the table.

Although he had known that a Tier 1 class could not easily learn a Tier 2 Taboo Skill, he had not expected the difficulty to be so high.

Shi Feng had learned a few Taboo Skills in the past, so he was quite knowledgeable on the topic.

Tier 1 Taboo Skills normally required players to achieve a 90% Completion Rate. To ordinary players, this alone would prevent them from ever learning a Tier 1 Taboo Skill. Even experts would require long periods of bitter training to achieve such a high Completion Rate. Not to mention, there were usually other conditions that needed to be fulfilled as well.

Tier 2 Taboo Skills normally required a Completion Rate of 93%.

Only at Tier 3 would a Taboo Skill require a 95% Completion Rate.

Yet, Instant Strike, as a Tier 2 Taboo Skill, required Shi Feng to achieve a 95% Completion Rate.

However, this was still not the largest challenge.

The point that had left Shi Feng truly speechless was the 100 Thunder Crystals that he needed to obtain through killing Thunder Beast Kings.

Shi Feng was very familiar with Thunder Beast Kings. These monsters inhabited a location not far from a Level 50, 100-man large-scale Team Dungeon. Thunder Beast Kings’ fur was extremely valuable; it was a rare material that was required to produce equipment with the Lightning Resistance Attribute. The monster’s meat was also a must-try delicacy. If cooked properly, it could become a gourmet meal that nobody could resist after a single taste.

Just a single piece of the Thunder Beast King’s meat could sell for 3 Gold.

Hence, in the past, many players had tried to grind the Thunder Beast Kings to earn money.

However, a player had to be strong enough as Thunder Beast Kings could rival Tier 3 classes of the same Level. Even the weakest Thunder Beast King was a High Lord, while the majority of them were Great Lords. Even a large Guild had to pay an unimaginable price if they wanted to kill a Field Great Lord, not to mention independent players.

Meanwhile, Thunder Crystals were treasures that the Thunder Beast Kings hid within their bodies. However, the drop-rate was not 100%.

Instant Strike required 100 Thunder Crystals. Even if Shi Feng sold off Zero Wing, he could not purchase so many Thunder Crystals.

Shi Feng was also only Level 32 at the moment. He was still a fair distance from reaching Level 50.

The difficulty of learning Instant Strike could already rival a Tier 3 Taboo Skill. The Skill was definitely at the peak of Tier 2 Taboo Skills.

“Am I going to give up like this and complete my quest first?” Shi Feng muttered, feeling somewhat disappointed.

The Epic Quest Darkness Descends was not easy. It was especially true for the Dark Den. It was a Demon’s nest. There would definitely be plenty of extremely powerful monsters waiting for him. If he could learn a Taboo Skill, it would undeniably increase his chances of completing the Epic Quest. If he failed the quest, he would have to face the wrath of a Tier 4 Great Demon.

With his current combat power, even a Tier 3 Demon could kill him easily and take over his body, much less a Tier 4 Great Demon. That need only flick its wrist to turn him into ash and dust.

When Shi Feng reached the final page of the Skill Book, he discovered that there was another a paragraph of text.

If Skill Completion Rate reaches 100%, one can call forth Heavenly Thunder into one’s own body 100 times, stimulating the power of the Taboo Skill without needing the aid of the Thunder Crystals’ power.

“Shit! Skill Completion Rate of 100%? Are you kidding me?” Originally, Shi Feng had thought that he still had a trace of hope. After reading the Completion Rate requirement, however, he nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

Even his past self had never achieved a 100% Completion Rate on any Skill.

Rumor had it that only Tier 5 Taboo Skills required a 100% Completion Rate. However, how many people in God’s Domain were actually capable of learning a Tier 5 Taboo Skill?

“Forget it. I should just head to the Dark Den for now.” For the moment, Shi Feng gave up on learning Instant Strike.

This Tier 2 Taboo Skill was most definitely a prank from the Black Wizard Glynne.

Shi Feng then stored the Instant Strike Skill Book in his bag. He traveled to the Bank and retrieved some tools and magic scrolls before activating the Tier 4 Position Teleportation Scroll, teleporting to the Dark Den.

Suddenly, Shi Feng transformed into a streak of white light that pierced the spatial crack that had appeared.

As a Demon’s nest, the Dark Den was a carefully hidden location. Even if the armies of various kingdoms and empires tried to annihilate the Demons, they would only find minions. The true Great Demons nurtured their underlings in their nests in secret. Hence, the various kingdoms and empires throughout the continent of God’s Domain had been helpless against Demons all this time.

At this moment, inside a dark cave, a spatial crack suddenly appeared near the cave’s ceiling. In the next moment, a streak of light fell through the portal and landed heavily, creating a deep crater.

“This Position Teleportation Scroll is a huge scam.” Shi Feng frowned as he surveyed his surroundings.

Shi Feng suddenly realized that he was surrounded by Demonkins. The Position Teleportation Scroll had dropped him right in the middle of a Demonkin army.

[Demonkin] (Common Monster)

Level 40

HP 10,000/10,000

Shi Feng’s sudden appearance immediately attracted the attention of many Demonkins. The Demonkins turned to Shi Feng, one after another, their pitch-black eyes containing endless malice. Their gazes alone were enough to instill terror Not to mention, their violent killing intent also took form, developing into a faint blood mist.

Shi Feng had seen this blood mist before. If players were caught within its range, it would significantly dull their five senses.

In God’s Domain, aside from having keen skills, one required powerful five senses to be considered an expert.

However, now that Shi Feng was trapped deep within the blood mist, he could no longer rely on his keen senses.

Chapter 573: Another World

Such a powerful killing intent!

Shi Feng’s five senses already felt greatly weakened. Whether it was his vision or intuition, it felt as if a layer of mist shrouded his entire body. He could not see clearly at all.

However, compared to the Demonkin army before him, what shocked Shi Feng more was the sound of the system notifications reaching his ears.

System: Player has discovered the Dark Den.

System: All communications with the outside world will be temporarily severed.

System: Player has been affected by the power of darkness. All Attributes decreased by 30%.

…

Line after line of system notifications rang out, leaving Shi Feng utterly speechless.

He could still accept his communications being severed, but reducing his Attributes by 30% as well? Wasn’t this a little too harsh?

Originally, the monsters here were of a higher Level than him. Moreover, their numbers were also very frightening. Now that he was significantly weakened as well, the difficulty of collecting the Bible of Darkness was undoubtedly considerably higher.

Looking at the group of Level 40 black-skinned Demonkins charging at him like a tidal wave, Shi Feng felt his scalp tingling.

Currently, he was only Level 32. Although the Demonkins did not have a level suppression effect on him, with this many of them, even if he possessed large-scale destruction spells, they would not be enough to get him out of this predicament. Having no better option, he turned around and fled to a narrow pathway.

Although Shi Feng’s Attributes had been reduced by 30%—his HP falling from over 10,000 to just over 8,000, and his Strength and Agility likewise seriously compromised—Shi Feng’s equipment was simply too good. Despite his 30% Attribute reduction, his speed still greatly surpassed that of the Demonkins chasing after him. Very quickly, the Demonkins on his tail were eating his dust.

Seeing a horde of Demonkins blocking the entrance to the narrow pathway he was heading for, Shi Feng immediately took out an Intermediate Frost Grenade.

[Intermediate Frost Grenade]

Effective against monsters (and players) below Level 70.

Deals 800 frost damage to a radius of 12 yards, freezing targets for 5 seconds, then reducing Movement Speed by 60% for a duration of 12 seconds.

Each grenade cost 10 Silver—enough money to sustain an ordinary player in God’s Domain for quite some time.

To ensure he could complete this Epic Quest of his and obtain the Bible of Darkness, Shi Feng had been provisioning all this time. Meanwhile, the Frost Grenades were one of these provisions of his. He had even amassed plenty of Advanced Frost Grenades, which cost 70 Silver each.

The number of Demonkins before him was simply too frightening. This was no longer a problem he could solve by relying on technique. He could only use absolute power to break through. Hence, this was the best time to employ the Frost Grenades.

Tossing out one Intermediate Frost Grenade…

A large patch of Demonkins was instantly frozen solid, damage of -800 emerging above their heads. A large ice flower suddenly bloomed within the originally pitch-black area. Inside this dark cave, this ice flower looked extraordinarily beautiful and holy.

Another dozen or so Intermediate Frost Grenades followed in rapid succession. Flowers of ice bloomed one after another, and in the blink of an eye, practically all the Demonkins in Shi Feng’s way were frozen. As for the few Demonkins that remained unscathed, they were no threat to Shi Feng whatsoever. After a few evasive maneuvers, he was already past the Demonkin’s blockade. He then leaped into the narrow pathway.

However, the instant Shi Feng set foot in the narrow pathway, he suddenly felt death looming over him. He hurriedly activated the Aura of Earth’s Activatable Skill, Absolute Defense, becoming immune to all damage for five seconds. This could be considered Shi Feng’s most powerful Lifesaving Skill.

The instant the divine golden aura wrapped around Shi Feng’s body, a clangor resounded throughout the cave.

Countless black threads had struck at Shi Feng’s body. These black threads were extremely thin. In the darkness of the cave, they were practically invisible to the naked eye. If Shi Feng’s intuition had not warned him of imminent death, these countless black threads might have devoured him already.

It’s actually a trap! This Dark Den really isn’t giving me any chances! Shi Feng felt his heart tremble momentarily when he turned back to glance at the tide of Demonkins that had been chasing him just now.

Any Demonkin struck by the black threads immediately exploded into a cloud of black mist, becoming deader than dead.

If he had been slower by even a heartbeat back then, he might very well have become one of those clouds of black mist right about now.

With the black threads having passed him already, Shi Feng quickly continued running forward.

At this moment, he had Absolute Defense activated. Nothing was capable of inflicting damage on him. In other words, he had no need to fear any traps right now. Naturally, he had to put Absolute Defense’s duration to good use.

Moreover, in God’s Domain, the more dangerous a location was, the more profitable it was.

Any place filled with plenty of traps definitely hid treasures.

The presence of traps in this pathway meant that this path was not a dead end, which gave Shi Feng even more reason to advance through it.

During Absolute Defense’s duration of five seconds, with even Wind Walker activated, Shi Feng triggered a total of four traps. However, Absolute Defense blocked them all.

That was close. Fortunately, I have the Seven Luminaries Ring. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even make it past the front door. Shi Feng halted his steps, breathing out a sigh of relief as he looked at the Demonkins chasing after him.

After receiving the attacks of multiple traps, the number of Demonkins still alive numbered less than 100. Moreover, now that Absolute Defense’s duration had run out, only death awaited him if he advanced rashly. Hence, he might as well deal with these Demonkins in the meantime.

Swinging the Abyssal Blade, Shi Feng activated Skywheel Sword. Countless divine swords descended from above, immediately trapping these Demonkins within the cramped space. Meanwhile, damages of over -3,000 and -6,000 points appeared over every Demonkin’s head.

Right after that, Shi Feng switched out the Aura of Earth for the Aura of Fire, then promptly cast Firestorm on these Demonkins. A moment later, silence filled the poorly illuminated cave.

Simultaneously, Shi Feng’s EXP soared.

There was a difference of eight Levels between Shi Feng and the Demonkins. Even if the Demonkins were just Common Monsters, the total EXP they gave was still plenty.

However, at the end of the day, Common Monsters were still Common Monsters. They had dropped practically nothing at all.

Following which, Shi Feng patiently waited for Absolute Defense’s Cooldown to end before advancing down the pathway once more.

By repeatedly running and stopping, Shi Feng triggered an unknown number of traps before finally arriving at the exit of the narrow pathway.

The instant he stepped out of the pathway, his eyes suddenly flinched.

“Why is there sunlight here?” Shi Feng wondered, unable to contain his surprise.

His eyes had already adapted to the darkness of the cave. Now that he suddenly emerged into bright light, his eyes failed to adjust to the abrupt change, causing his vision to go bleary.

Only after Shi Feng had fully recovered did he begin surveying his surroundings.

Tall mountains and flowing water. White clouds dotting the sky. Lush green forests that covered everything. How was this place a Demon’s abode? Even paradise paled in comparison to this place.

What sort of situation is this? Shi Feng turned around to look at the cave behind him. A layer of black film covered the cave entrance, and he could not see anything inside the cave at all, similar to how he had been unable to see anything outside the cave before. Did I exit from the Dark Den?

No, that’s not right. The system has not notified me that I have left the Dark Den. Moreover, my communication system hasn’t recovered yet, proving that I have not left the Dark Den, and am in fact still inside the Dark Den.

Shi Feng shook his head.

He had little to no understanding of the Dark Den. All he knew was that Fantasy Extinguisher had completed this quest in the past and had brought immeasurable improvements to his Guild. Fantasy Extinguisher had never mentioned anything about the Dark Den itself to outsiders, so Shi Feng naturally remained ignorant.

Just as Shi Feng was sitting quietly by the cliff outside the cave, the sound of an explosion came from below the cliff.

“This should be an Elementalist’s flame spell, Flame Dragon’s Roar, right?” Shi Feng looked at the massive flame dragon soaring up from below the cliff. Unable to help his surprise, he muttered, “Is there an Elementalist battling down below?”

Chapter 574: Curse

The battle below the cliff grew in intensity as more time passed. Aside from the booming of violent elemental mana, there were also thundering roars and the constant clash of metal reverberating in the canyon.

That’s one intense battle. Seeing the trees being shattered and felled one after another, Shi Feng could not help but take a closer look at the ongoing battle.

In the forested canyon, Shi Feng could see a massive shadow moving through the trees. This shadow left a trail of destruction everywhere it passed.

Such a powerful monster. Judging from its Strength, which allows it to sweep away all obstacles in its path, it should not be any weaker than a Chieftain. Shi Feng then jumped off the cliff to take a closer look at the situation below.

He had come to the Dark Den to complete his Epic Quest.

This sudden battle before him might very well have some relation to the quest. Naturally, he had to go check it out.

If an ordinary player were to jump down from a cliff that was over a hundred meters tall, they would die the instant they landed.

However, Shi Feng did not mind. When he was about 20 meters above the ground, he activated Gravity Liberation, his body suddenly becoming as light as a feather. Due to the immense air resistance, Shi Feng’s descent decelerated sharply, so he landed safely.

The instant Shi Feng’s feet touched the green grass, he activated Omniscient Eyes, allowing him to perceive every movement within a radius of 100 yards. With this, he would be able to react immediately at the first sign of danger.

This was a habit he had picked up from his many years of adventuring.

When dealing with the unknown, caution had the top priority. Moreover, he was currently in the Dark Den, a nest of Demons. He needed to be even more cautious.

Meanwhile, the battle happening a distance away continued to intensify, so much so that even the ground was shaking right now.

When Shi Feng arrived at the battlefield, he discovered a giant black serpent over 50 meters in length swinging its tail around. With a single sweep, the serpent easily sliced apart a tree over one meter in diameter, leaving the surface of the cut as smooth as a mirror. With another casual swipe of its tail, the serpent split the ground, opening a deep gorge. Every one of the serpent’s actions was capable of causing massive changes to its surroundings.

[Dark Magic Serpent] (Dark Creature, Chieftain Rank)

Level 42

HP 800,000/800,000

Meanwhile, fighting against the Dark Magic Serpent was a party of six players. Moreover, the players in this party were extremely powerful, with the average level of the party being Level 29. Even in Zero Wing, only Blackie had reached this level.

A Level 29 Shield Warrior currently stood at the forefront, fending off the Serpent’s attacks, while two mages and a Ranger bombarded the Chieftain with a relentless stream of attacks. A Druid and a Cleric standing at the rear line were also continuously healing the Shield Warrior.

For a time, the battle remained at a stalemate.

“Ironwrist, be careful! It’s using Vicious Venom!” hurriedly reminded the Ranger standing at the rear line when he saw the Serpent’s belly expanding.

“Relax.” The Shield Warrior named Ironwrist laughed, and instead of preparing to dodge, he took the initiative to charge at the Dark Magic Serpent.

The Dark Magic Serpent opened its mouth and began spewing black mist into its surroundings. All vegetation that came into contact with this black mist immediately withered and turned into ash.

In the next moment, the Shield Warrior rushing forward used Shield Bash on the Serpent’s abdomen, interrupting its Skill and putting an end to the stream of black mist coming out of the monster’s mouth. The black mist surrounding the Chieftain began thinning out right away.

However, the Shield Warrior was also poisoned as a result of his frontal assault, the skin all over his body turning pitch-black. His HP started decreasing rapidly, losing 3,000 HP with each passing second. In the blink of an eye, the Shield Warrior’s HP hit a critical level.

Fortunately, the Cleric of the party had long since been prepared for this situation. He quickly cast Detoxify on his companion, cleansing the Serpent’s venom just as it was about to deal damage for the third time. Meanwhile, the Druid beside the Cleric had also promptly cast Life Restoration, healing the Shield Warrior for over 2,000 HP, followed by a HoT effect that recovered more than 300 HP every second, pulling the Shield Warrior out of death’s grip.

Meanwhile, angered at the interruption of its Skill, the Dark Magic Serpent swept its tail at the Shield Warrior.

At this time, a golden arrow shot towards the Serpent’s tail.

The instant the golden arrow collided with the Serpent’s tail, it transformed into numerous chains that tied the Serpent to the ground.

However, the Dark Magic Serpent’s Strength was too powerful. In the blink of an eye, it shattered the chains binding it and resumed its attack on the Shield Warrior. At this moment, the Elementalist of the party used Ice Wall, creating a wall of ice between the Serpent’s tail and the Shield Warrior. When the Serpent’s tail collided with the Ice Wall, its speed fell drastically. As a result, the Shield Warrior managed to dodge the Chieftain’s attack effortlessly.

The entire process was like flowing water. The members of the party were perfectly attuned to one another.

Despite the Dark Magic Serpent having the advantage in Levels, this party of six was toying with it.

“Such amazing coordination,” Shi Feng could not help but praise. “Just who are these people?”

The Dark Magic Serpent was a Level 42 Chieftain. Even a Guild’s elite team would do their best to avoid such a monster. Yet, right now, a party of independent players was fighting it handily.

However, the thing that shocked Shi Feng the most right now was the fact that there were actually other players in the Dark Den as well.

The Dark Den was very mysterious and well-hidden. He had arrived in this place only after using a Tier 4 magic scroll. Meanwhile, these players before him had actually managed to find their way here. It was simply inconceivable.

At this moment, Shi Feng could not help but wish he could rush forward and question these people right away. If they truly had some other method to get to this place, he could then bring some helpers to help him complete his Epic Quest. That way, his chances of success would be even higher.

However, he suppressed this urge of his. Instead, he remained hidden in the forest as he quietly observed this party of players.

There were many incidents of players plundering other players in God’s Domain. Currently, this party was still in the thick of battle against the Dark Magic Serpent. His making an appearance right now without any warning was highly likely to lead to misunderstandings. At that time, how was he supposed to get the secret of coming to this place out of them?

Time passed little by little.

The Dark Magic Serpent’s HP continuously decreased, and soon enough, its HP fell to 30%.

“Sssss!”

The Dark Magic Serpent suddenly hissed loudly, its entire body exuding black mist. Very quickly, this mist then wrapped around the Chieftain’s body and transformed into pitch-black scales. Under the bright sunshine, the scales released a blinding black light.

Chieftain ranked monsters normally entered a Berserk state when their HP fell below a certain level. Currently, the Dark Magic Serpent’s HP had dropped to 30%, which just so happened to trigger the condition for going Berserk.

After the pitch-black scales were fully formed, the Dark Magic Serpent was like an Iron Serpent. Not only had its Defense and Magic Resistance improved significantly, but even its Strength had also increased by at least 30%. Right now, its every attack shook the earth.

However, the party of six had long since been prepared for this situation. The Cursemancer of the party immediately began tracing a large number of runes in the air, while chanting verse after verse of incantations. The density of the surrounding elemental mana had also started rising sharply.

“Amazing. That Cursemancer has actually learned the Tier 1 Curse Skill, Dark Storm.” Shi Feng could not help his surprise when he saw the runes drawn out by that Cursemancer. “It’s no wonder they dare to challenge a Level 42 Chieftain.”

In God’s Domain, physical Taboo Skills and magical Curses were both Skills that allowed players to combat enemies of a higher Tier.

However, Curses were much harder to learn compared to Taboo Skills, since Curses were much more powerful.

The instant the Cursemancer was done chanting the final verse of his incantation, the space surrounding the battlefield suddenly went silent as countless black blades of wind appeared surrounding the Dark Magic Serpent. These wind blades easily pierced through the sturdy scales of the Dark Magic Serpent.

A continuous stream of black wind blades assaulted the Chieftain for three full seconds.

The Dark Magic Serpent lost over 8,000 HP every second, losing over 20,000 HP after three seconds passed. Moreover, aside from these damages, the scales covering the Chieftain’s body had also disappeared completely, returning it to its original form.

“Okay, let’s finish it off!” The Shield Warrior, Ironwrist, immediately sent a slash at the Serpent.

However, before this party could celebrate, a loud hiss suddenly came from the woods.

“Sssss!”

At this moment, another Dark Magic Serpent emerged from the dense forest.