With Shi Dong's guidance, Fang Zheng clearly felt much better in that world.
Previously, the reason Fang Zheng died so miserably was not just because of his lack of understanding about that world, but also because he had no clue on how to handle sudden situations. Especially when facing those four or five meters tall giants or some bizarre creatures, Fang Zheng had no idea how to deal with them. Was he supposed to charge with a sword?
No matter how tough one is, one can't withstand that, not to mention those damned, malicious mimic chests!
In this regard, Shi Dong was experienced. Just a few tips could benefit Fang Zheng immensely. In return, Fang Zheng often talked to Shi Dong about that world. Shi Dong himself seemed quite interested in it, frequently pulling Fang Zheng to ask about the current state there. This occasionally gave Fang Zheng the illusion of discussing game strategies with classmates during school days.
However, the hard work finally paid off. Fang Zheng clearly felt that his deaths from sudden incidents in that world were decreasing. After successfully defeating the Abyssal Guardian deep inside Farron Fortress without any injuries, Fang Zheng finally gained his first reward in the Free Instance.
Skill Expertise: [Weapon Mastery]!
[Weapon Mastery: In the endless cycle of death, you have grasped the essence of combat. Starting with just a sword, life and death are at the whims of fate. You have come to understand that, in this world, the weapon in your hand is your most trustworthy companion (initial proficiency level with all weapons is 100%)]
After gaining this expertise, Fang Zheng curiously went to experiment, and the results delighted him greatly. Fang Zheng found that with the boost from [Weapon Mastery], not only did he become more fluent in wielding the Royal Cross Swordsmanship, but even when he picked up weapons like greatswords and daggers, they felt like extensions of his body, effortlessly reaching the level of ease and control.
Indeed, this was quite a rewarding expertise.
From this expertise reward, Fang Zheng also discovered that the instance rewards seemed to be given based on whether he could defeat the boss without injury. Previously, Fang Zheng died several times fighting other bosses, and even if he won, he was exhausted. This time, defeating the enemy without injury was entirely due to Shi Dong's guidance, Fang Zheng's sufficient preparation, and a bit of luck.
After mastering this expertise, Fang Zheng enthusiastically went to the Sanctuary to practice with Shi Dong. However, he hadn't expected that before he could step through the Sanctuary's gate, he saw Shi Dong in armor striding out, slapping Fang Zheng's shoulder and dragging him inside.
"Come on, kid, we have something to do!"
"Is it a fight?"
Familiar with Shi Dong's unconventional actions, Fang Zheng just paused for a moment before reacting. After all, the Sanctuary wasn't a charity. As an Apprentice Guardian Knight enjoying its benefits, Fang Zheng naturally had to contribute.
"Exactly."
Leading Fang Zheng through the corridor, Shi Dong quickly explained.
"Just now, we received a distress call from Shadow Canyon. A team of knights tracing cultists' tracks entered deep into the canyon but fell into their trap and got trapped in the White Bone Plains. What fools, who allowed them to go to Shadow Canyon? Don't they know it's the Twilight Frontier? And now, I have to clean up their mess."
Hearing this, Fang Zheng couldn't help but twitch his mouth. Somehow, he felt that these Paladins might be the unlucky guys killed by his body.
"Me too?"
"Of course, kid, your strength isn't weak now, and you don't lack combat experience. Star Moon City is short-handed, so it's just you and me who can be relied on. Plus, your power is Holy Power, perfect for restraining those undead bastards. Let me see your skills!"
As they talked, they reached the corridor's end. Seeing Shi Dong and Fang Zheng, the Sanctuary Warriors at the end quickly saluted and pushed open the heavy stone gate behind them.
Behind the stone gate was a massive circular Teleportation Array, the Sanctuary's most powerful weapon. This Teleportation Array could achieve unlimited long-distance teleportation. In wartime, it could directly transport troops to the battlefield by borrowing the Archbishop's power.
Of course, this Teleportation Array, while seemingly invincible, had its restraints. If the opponent casually set a spatial anchor to lock the space, the array became useless.
Yet even so, the Teleportation Array was an excellent choice for traveling.
"Hmm?"
But what Fang Zheng didn't expect was that upon entering the teleportation hall, he quickly saw two figures beside the array. One was the old Archbishop he was familiar with, and the other was a cute girl in a black robe. Seeing Fang Zheng, the girl's face turned slightly red, then she lowered her head, staring silently at the ground.
...…If he remembered correctly, wasn't she the soft girl from the city hall who verified his star pattern? What was she doing here?
"What's the situation?"
Entering the teleportation hall, Shi Dong immediately looked at the old Archbishop beside the array. Upon hearing Shi Dong's question, the old Archbishop shook his head helplessly.
"The situation isn't good. I just managed to contact them, but it was quickly cut off again."
"These idiots."
Hearing the old Archbishop's response, Shi Dong rolled his eyes helplessly.
"What about their Teleportation Crystals?"
"The enemy set a spatial restriction, rendering the Teleportation Crystals unusable."
"So there's at least a Lich-level opponent waiting for us?"
The more information Shi Dong received, the darker his expression grew.
"What's with these fools? Fighting a Lich in the White Bone Plains? If they're so capable, why not storm into the Twilight Frontier? Do they think they're invincible now? I always said those directly under the Bishopric were unreliable, all arrogant and self-righteous, but utterly useless. They think they can save the world just because they've crawled out of their mama's lap."
One has to admit, proximity to ink makes one black. Hanging out with Fang Zheng for so long, Shi Dong had naturally picked up some of his seemingly nonsensical but oddly logical phrases.
"What now?"
"Next, it's up to her."
As he spoke, the old Archbishop glanced at the girl beside him. Feeling everyone's gaze, the girl trembled and then timidly raised her head, nodding to the crowd.
"Miss M here can provide coordinates that will allow you to teleport to the nearest point…"
M…
Hearing this name, Fang Zheng couldn't help but chuckle. He wasn't surprised. During his time in the Sanctuary, he had learned that for an Astrologer, names held special secrets. Astrologers believed their names were linked to the stars, so they typically used code names rather than their real names, which were known only to their mentors and families.
However…
Glancing at the timid girl resembling a frightened squirrel, Fang Zheng thought the code name suited her… she really looked like a "softie."
"Her?"
To Shi Dong, the concern lay elsewhere.
"Isn't that place under spatial restriction? How can she lead us in?"
Here, the girl finally spoke in a soft voice.
"Well… actually… I can observe the trajectory of the constellations to point out a Path of the Stars unaffected by the spatial restriction… but…"
"Can you do that?"
Hearing this, Shi Dong was genuinely surprised.
"Finding the Path of the Stars is something even advanced Astrologers struggle with!"
"Miss M is the most prized disciple of Royal Astrologer Oscar."
The old Archbishop finally chimed in.
"So, you must ensure her safety. If anything happens to this young lady, I can't handle it if her mentor comes looking for trouble."
"Wait… what do you mean?"
Hearing the old Archbishop's response, Shi Dong's expression changed again. The old Archbishop just smiled.
"Just like you heard, this young lady will accompany you to the White Bone Plains…"
"......…Huh?"