Chapter 16
The sun continued to set, a waning yellow in the sky.
In a forest, two figures were swiftly moving past the tall trees, their footsteps crunching the coarse dirt.
Wuji and Edmund were rushing to get to the valley before sundown.
Wuji hummed as they moved along. The forest reminded Wuji of his journey with Evelynn. However, the surroundings now were completely unfamiliar to him. The trees may have had the same brown trunks and lush, green leaves, but it wasn't the same. There was no calming scent of lilacs and lilies.
The ground began to change, the soft dirt becoming a firm, green stone. Their footsteps became hard, echoing sounds.
This was a different path compared to the one Wuji had taken with Evelynn. It was the hidden path to the Spirit Sealing Valley.
A dim light could be seen near Wuji. Keeping the interface open, he would continuously check his stamina, which was now a dangerous 5/10.
"Edmund, can we rest for a bit?" Wuji asked, his lungs felt like they were burning.
"It's almost sundown, but I guess we can take a short break," Edmund agreed.
They went to a tree with a hole in the trunk, a perfect place to hide or rest. Although the two had to duck their heads down to fit, once they were inside, it was rather warm.
Edmund had finally noticed the bright light appearing from the immortal, his eyes blazing with curiosity and admiration. The immortal was truly amazing!
"Edmund, would you mind telling me why this Spirit Sealing Valley is so dangerous?" Wuji asked, tracing a circle in the dirt with his finger.
"Well, I've never been there myself, but I've heard from the rumors that there is something terribly powerful sealed there. There is a spiritual array that is set there to prevent it from escaping. I've heard only Beatrice can enter and leave there unscathed."
"Mmh. I see." Wuji nodded. Wuji's eyebrows rose as he heard a familiar ringing sound.
No way.
Quest Received:
γ Legend-Ranked Quest: Investigate the Spirit Sealing Valley γ
Before Wuji could even look at the quest, a voice sounded out in his mind.
[System Message: You are the first player to receive a Legend-ranked Quest. Would you like to reveal your name?]
... If it was before, Wuji wouldn't have cared but he decided to play it safe. For now.
[World Announcement: Player ??? has received the first Legend-Ranked Quest, gaining 20 Universal Reputation and 50 Gold.]
[World Announcement: Player ??? has received the first Legend-Ranked Quest, gaining 20 Universal Reputation and 50 Gold.]
[World Announcement: Player ??? has received the first Legend-Ranked Quest, gaining 20 Universal Reputation and 50 Gold.]
The world was again shocked senseless. WTF? People were spilling blood and betraying long-friendships over D Quests and somehow, people were obtaining SSS-ranked quests and Legend-ranked quests?
Many were wondering if this player was the same Wang Wuji. ... It couldn't be, right?
The speculated player was currently staring at his interface and the Legend-ranked quest. He now had two high-level quests, and it seemed both of them were related to this Spirit Sealing Valley.
Wuji's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Edmund's worried voice.
"Wuji, are you really sure you want to head there? I can only bring you there but I can't go in. Beatrice has warned us countless times not to go inside... I-I shouldn't even be bringing you there." Edmund's voice faltered, his hands shaking.
"It's all right, you won't have to come with me. And besides, if anything happens to me it's not your fault." Wuji put his hand on Edmund's back, comforting him. The young guard relaxed a bit, mumbling.
Wuji winked.
"And I am immortal after all."
Edmund sighed at Wuji's stubbornness. The Spirit Sealing Valley was very dangerous and hostile to those with weak spirits. He worried for the immortal, who might have had an immortal body, yes- but what about an immortal spirit?
Of course, unlike Edmund, Wuji was not that worried at all. If it was about matters regarding the spirit, then if Wuji said he was number two, then no one would dare to proclaim themselves as number one. (Besides the god).
What Wuji was more worried about were the two quests. He drooled for both of their rewards. But with great reward came great danger. He had to be careful.
. . .
After a little while, the two continued on past the verdant forest, the light beginning to fade away as the sun completely disappeared, night arriving at a deep valley.
The full moon shone brightly in the sky.
"Is this the Spirit Sealing Valley?" asked Wuji, a curious glint in his eyes.
The valley was like a split in the earth, a large ravine within the ground. The moonlight entered into its deep recesses, light brimming the space fully. It looked like a white Aurora, not on the sky but on the ground.
It was a beautiful sight. Of course, although Wuji didn't sense anything off, he stayed rather cautious. He continued to use his spirit sense, but strangely there were no hostile enemies nearby. That made him even warier.
"No, that is the Spirit Sealing Valley." Edmund shook his head, pointing at a large rupture in the valley itself.
Wuji squinted, looking at where Edmund was pointing at. Where? He didn't see anythin- Wuji's eyes widened as he gaped.
Where Edmund was pointing was an obscure chasm within the valley itself. A strange fog covered that area. Unlike the rest of the valley, the moonlight was unable to penetrate its darkness. If Edmund hadn't pointed it out, Wuji would've never been able to find it.
Wuji blinked, rubbing his eyes. What Spirit Sealing Valley? It was more of an abyss!
He gulped. It seemed that the Legend-ranked and SSS-ranked quests would be of nightmarish difficulty.
Wuji's mouth curved into a smile, his hands tingling with excitement.
Finally, a real challenge.