Jiang Han was speechless.
Yet another version update!
Does this game not even have a grace period before new updates come one after another?
"Could it be because I took on the side plot mission given by Ralph, triggering the expansion?" Jiang Han's eyes sparkled with thought.
The timing of the expansion coincided with his acceptance of the mission. Although expansions typically follow main storyline completions, the timing seemed too coincidental.
Even though the mission he took wasn't a main storyline quest, it was an SS-level side quest. To claim it has little connection with the main storyline would be impossible.
Enough speculation. Jiang Han opened the quest panel to check the details—
[Visit an Old Friend] (Difficulty: SS)
Introduction: A friend of the Wind of Extinction, the previous Sword God, Eastern No Moon, possesses a magical scroll that grants dual professions. Visit her and try to obtain it.
Mission Requirements: A visit from a fallen adventurer, surely with malicious intent.
Mission Location: Above the fifth floor of the Demon God's Treasury.
Mission Rewards: ???
Mission Penalties: None
...
No penalties for the mission!
That, at least, is considerate.
However, there's a part that concerns Jiang Han—the mission location is in the Demon God's Treasury.
He had been there once with his mentor, Sheryl. According to Sheryl, the area above the fifth floor of the Demon God's Treasury is not where treasures are kept; it's a prison, detaining some terrifying powerhouses.
What does this mean?
Was the previous Sword God imprisoned?
"Setting off immediately?" Ralph inquired.
"No!" Jiang Han shook his head. "I need to enhance my strength first."
The Demon God's treasures are not in Meru District, and Sheryl needs to guard Seaside City. Leaving would complicate his third advancement and skill learning.
"Well, that's reasonable." Ralph nodded. "This way, when you go to visit, it'll be safer."
Safer?
This change of tone happened quickly!
Jiang Han asked, "Didn't you say she wouldn't trouble me?"
"She probably won't," Ralph explained, "but it's not just Eastern No Moon who's suppressed up there."
At these words, Jiang Han immediately understood.
In essence, even if Eastern No Moon doesn't trouble him, the process of going to see her won't be easy.
"I'll teach you Traceless, and with your swift movements, even casual King-level powerhouses won't be able to catch up. No need to worry too much," Ralph said with a smile.
Ralph had observed Jiang Han's speed. Without it, he wouldn't have considered taking him as a disciple.
"Alright."
Jiang Han nodded and then walked towards Sheryl, who was arranging city defense measures. He inquired, "Mentor, can you arrange my class advancement task in advance?"
He remembered that he took the second advancement task in advance, searching for the hidden realm within the Purple Flame Bamboo Forest. Considering the game's nature, he should be able to take the third advancement task in advance.
"Sure!"
Sheryl smiled and agreed. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "Dwarves are skilled in forging weapons, but Seaside City, adjacent to the sea, lacks the necessary resources. Can you help me find some rare ores?"
"Ding! ~"
System Prompt: Do you accept Sheryl's assigned quest [Collecting Ores] (Difficulty: A)?
"Yes!"
Jiang Han promptly accepted.
"Ding! ~"
System Prompt: You have received the quest [Collecting Ores] (Difficulty: A)!
"Ding! ~"
System Prompt: You have received the quest item [Iron Pickaxe]!
[Collecting Ores] (Difficulty: A)
Introduction: Ordinary iron ore and silver ore are insufficient for the Dwarves' forging. Without providing higher-level ores, it's just a formality.
Quest Requirements: Provide a hundred dark gold-level ores or higher.
Quest Time Limit: Three days
Quest Penalties: None
(Note: The higher the level of the provided ores, the greater the quest rewards.)
...
This was a relatively ordinary collection quest for Jiang Han, and it was quite user-friendly, stating the rewards and linking them to the ore level. He didn't need to worry about severe losses due to providing high-level ores.
Summoning the Dark Thunder Sky Tiger, Jiang Han prepared to set off while looking for mining locations.
"One Jiang Han, hold on!"
Atticas stopped Jiang Han's way.
"What's the matter, brother?" Jiang Han felt slightly surprised.
The two major Demon Gods were here to assist, so they couldn't join Seaside City. Currently, the Dragon Domain was part of the Dark camp, and with everything going smoothly, Ralph was taking him to the Demon God's Treasury. Thus, Atticas didn't need to stay for long.
"For you, it should be a good thing, a great thing." Atticas said, "With the Dragon God stepping down and the Dragon Domain joining the Dark camp, I am no longer considered a dragon betraying the Dragon Domain. This way, I can smoothly run for Dragon God."
"Congratulations!"
Jiang Han congratulated him with clasped hands but then asked in confusion, "But what does this have to do with me?"
Atticas, knowing him for only a short time, had indeed made significant progress. It could be considered a good thing to become the Dragon God, but it wasn't necessary to stop him for this reason, right?
"For the Dragon Domain, although it leans towards the Dark camp, it still belongs to an independent faction. Once I run for Dragon God, there's a high probability I'll secure it..."
"So?" Jiang Han remained puzzled.
"So, theoretically, the rankings of powerful figures in the Dark camp might change once I become the Dragon God." Atticas explained with a sly smile, "Usually, Lolei would unconditionally become the ninth Demon God, and the tenth Demon God would be bumped to the eleventh rank. But if I quietly shift the ranking to you..."
Jiang Han: "..."
Shift the ranking to me?
What kind of operation is this?
"Are you saying... you want me to replace you as the ninth Demon God?" Jiang Han cautiously asked, feeling that it might not be appropriate.
The ninth Demon God of the Eternal Continent, the Harbinger of Destruction, Jiang Han!
It seems so natural and reasonable!
But if his strength is insufficient, even if he obtains a ranking not originally his, won't he quickly be kicked out?
"Demon Gods can also be challenged, and with your strength, you won't be able to hide it for long." Atticas shook his head, "But..."
"But?"
"The first time entering the top ten Demon Gods, the rules grant super, super, super generous rewards!" Atticas raised his eyebrows, wearing a cunning expression.
"...I understand what you mean!" Jiang Han's mouth lifted, understanding.
Even if he gets kicked out soon, the rewards for reaching the top ten are real and won't be taken back by the system due to subsequent ranking drops.
Devious!
Atticas is too devious!
Encouraging me, a hardworking and honest player, to take shortcuts along with him!
"Perhaps the rewards for higher-ranked awards are even more abundant and exaggerated!" Atticas sighed, "Unfortunately, in most cases, it's not easy to take, because once you lose in the
top ten rankings, it's challenging to challenge again for a long time. Also, Demon Gods are selfish. The top five, none of them are easy to deal with..."
In other words, it was because of him, and only him, that he could lose the ranking first, become the Dragon God, and obtain a stronger title. Otherwise, it would be impossible to exploit such a loophole.
"What do I need to do?" Jiang Han, who had been diligently working all his life, was eventually led astray.
Top ten rankings have substantial rewards!
Having played many games, he was too familiar with this routine!
The official has no creativity at all, just wanting to get players involved with ranking rewards!
But...
I like it!
"So, are you going to give it a try?"
"Of course!"
Jiang Han readily agreed.
The two looked at each other and suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hehehe..."