Trial challengers were unable to view each other's stats directly. But Chen Guo was an Explorer, blessed with the power of Divine Insight. He could effortlessly discern the data of a hundred participants, selecting only the mightiest among them. Zhou Tao watched in awe, thinking, "True to form, the boss recognizes strength at a glance."
Zhou Tao had previously fought alongside these contenders, gaining insight into their varying levels of prowess. Yet Chen Guo, with just one look, could distinguish their strengths—a testament to his keen perception.
After choosing a dozen or so individuals, Chen Guo was taken aback to spot his old classmate, Jiang Yan, in the mix. Jiang Yan, a level 9, wasn't particularly remarkable in strength; she seemed to be there more for the experience. After a moment's thought, Chen Guo decided to pick Jiang Yan, honoring their past as classmates and Jiang Yan's earlier friendly invitation to team up. For Chen Guo, it was a simple gesture.
"Jiang Yan..." Chen Guo called out.
"Mm..." Jiang Yan gave Chen Guo a look filled with mixed emotions, her suspicions confirmed—Boss Guangcheng was indeed his former classmate. But Jiang Yan knew better than to reveal Chen Guo's secret identity.
Chen Guo quickly rounded out his team with nineteen members. "You nineteen, join my team," he declared.
The system offered templates for team and group modes, and even an option to form a guild. Chen Guo, typically a loner, hadn't paid them much mind before. Team mode allowed for a ten-person squad with slaughter points allocated by contribution, while group mode could accommodate up to eighty, starting with a minimum of twenty, with points also distributed based on each member's contribution. This system ensured fair recognition of each member's impact on the monsters, eliminating any squabbles over kill credits.
Those selected by Chen Guo promptly requested to join his team, and he accepted them all.
"The rest of you may return," Chen Guo announced.
Zhou Tao cleared his throat, addressing the crowd, "Everyone can head back. Don't lose heart. Keep improving yourselves, and who knows? You might get the chance to collaborate with the boss someday."
Despite their disappointment, the rest had no choice but to disperse.
Once the crowd had cleared, Chen Guo beckoned, "Come with me, to the backyard."
Leading the way, Chen Guo ushered the group into the backyard where City Lord Dugu was already awaiting their arrival.
"Holy smokes, it's the rare elite, City Lord Dugu!"
"Are we going to throw down with City Lord Dugu?"
"Man, the reward from Ghost King Sun Chengzong last time was epic. Whatever City Lord Dugu's offering, it's gotta be good!"
The group eyed City Lord Dugu with a mix of curiosity and awe.
Unsure of the cause, City Lord Dugu felt an eerie chill and a sense of foreboding.
"City Lord Dugu isn't a boss; he's an NPC who gives out quests. He's not someone you can kill—I've already tested that theory," Chen Guo felt compelled to clarify.
With that, the group reined in their aggressive impulses, though their gazes remained peculiar. In a world mostly populated by monsters, a lucid NPC was a rarity indeed—more so than a rare elite.
"You've managed to gather helpers quite swiftly. But I must say, they lack manners. Their stares are rather unsettling," City Lord Dugu remarked to Chen Guo.
Chen Guo replied dismissively, "There's nothing to be done. These country folks simply don't grasp etiquette. Yet, they possess a fervent desire to vanquish demons. You might as well entrust them with the task of eliminating the Fiend Demon!"
"Very well, are you all prepared to aid me in purging the Fiend Demon?" City Lord Dugu inquired.
[Advancement mission triggered. Do you wish to accept the Advancement mission?]
Zhou Tao and the others received the prompt for the Advancement mission, their spirits lifting at the prospect.
In the Whole Heaven Battlefield, missions were scarce and monsters plentiful. Most had only a vague survival mission to their names, with no clue on how to proceed.
Now, with an Advancement mission within reach and Chen Guo at the helm—known for his prowess in combat—success seemed assured.
"We pledge our service!"
Upon accepting the mission, the group responded in enthusiastic harmony.
Pleased, City Lord Dugu nodded and declared, "Then, valiant warriors, follow me. Together we shall venture into the illusion, to vanquish fiends and champion the cause of righteousness!"
City Lord Dugu finished his instructions and, taking the lead, stepped through the light portal beneath the banyan tree.
Chen Guo remarked, "Let's stick with City Lord Dugu. He's more familiar with the Fiend Demon's illusions than any of us."
With that, Chen Guo promptly followed City Lord Dugu into the portal.
The others exchanged glances and followed suit, stepping into the light.
Once through, they found themselves in a vast cave of bewildering complexity. Its walls were a deep crimson, and the air was thick with the stench of blood.
Eerie winds spiraled in the cave's shadowy recesses, carrying a strange, flute-like sound that was piercingly sharp.
Encircling the cave were several enormous, oval-shaped blood pools, churning incessantly and exuding a sickening odor.
The ground was a serpentine path of piled bones—a sight of carnage that even the seasoned trial challengers found overwhelming.
A pervasive fiendish aura weighed heavily on most of them, making it difficult to breathe and clouding their minds.
Observing their struggle, City Lord Dugu sighed, "The Fiend Demon's blood sacrifice of a hundred thousand souls has conjured this realm. The malevolent aura here is all-encompassing. Those of you with lesser cultivation should use these Concentration Talismans to shield yourselves from the baleful energy. Take some; I have enough to go around."
He then produced twenty ice-blue Concentration Talismans and handed them to Chen Guo, instructing, "Place them over your heart to activate their power."
Concentration Talismans: A charm from the Jade Clear Sect, imbued with the divine might of the Primus, capable of warding off demonic seduction and psychic assaults for a duration of two hours.
Chen Guo reserved one talisman for himself and passed the rest to Zhou Tao, instructing, "Distribute these among the group."
Chen Guo's own prowess and fighting capacity rendered him immune to the malignant qi, but he recognized the value in keeping such a potent artifact. One never knew when it might prove essential.
Everyone affixed the Concentration Talismans to their chests, and instantly, their minds became clear, rendering them completely resistant to the malevolent energy of the place.
City Lord Dugu explained, "This cavern is known as the Myriad Blood Cave, which consists of three distinct layers. The first layer, the Blood Sea Cave, is right here, teeming with White Bone Demons. These creatures are not particularly formidable, and we should have no trouble overcoming them!"
"The Second Layer, named the Jade Crystal Cave, is inhabited by a variety of demons and monsters summoned by the Fiend Demon. Among them are Fox Demons, Tiger Demons, and Wolf Demons, which pose a greater challenge. Nevertheless, given your levels of cultivation, I'm confident you'll be able to navigate through safely."
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