Important things must be said three times.
Upon entering the crimson zone, the system issued three immediate warnings, signaling the perilous nature of the map.
Chen Guo scrutinized the area with care.
It was a semicircular island.
The terrain and atmosphere were starkly out of place compared to the Beginner Village domain, as if forcibly attached to the Beginner Village plane.
The land was desolate, riddled with holes, each filled with a sinister green substance.
Even the earth was tainted green.
The sky, too, was enveloped in a green haze, a deep green essence exuding an overwhelming sense of oppression, looming at the center of the heavens.
Yet, the verdant landscape didn't faze Chen Guo. What truly astonished him were the monsters that roamed the area.
Some were entirely crimson, towering six or seven meters tall, with horns on their heads and tails trailing behind.
"Evil Demon, Level 20 Elite, 40,000 fighting capacity!"
Others resembled grotesque dwarves, their ferocious forms wandering about.
"Evil Imp, Level 20 Elite, 35,000 fighting capacity!"
Another type was a massive demon, dark green in hue, with a serpentine lower half and a humanoid upper body wielding weapons.
"Demon Lord, Level 21 Elite, 50,000 fighting capacity!"
The final variety resembled beautiful women, with voluptuous figures and fiery allure, their long red legs complemented by whips in hand.
But these were the least common.
"Scarlet Red Succubus, Level 20 Elite, 70,000 fighting capacity!"
These demons hovered near several peculiar devices, which appeared to be portals.
At the island's heart lay a vast purple shield, shrouding a city in the mist.
"City of Pain, Xies, Public Area, connected to all Beginner Village planes. A Profession Mentor might be found within!"
As Chen Guo gazed upon the mist-veiled city, the system unexpectedly provided a prompt.
"This doesn't add up!"
Chen Guo muttered in disbelief.
He took refuge behind the ruins of a building, too cautious to reveal himself for the time being.
Although Chen Guo could handle these demons one-on-one, their sheer numbers were overwhelming. If they were to swarm him, even with his 300,000 fighting capacity, Chen Guo would have no choice but to resort to the Flying Thunder God Art to make a hasty retreat.
Chen Guo also realized that these formidable demons were merely the rank and file; potentially, far greater threats lurked unseen in the shadows.
As for his Profession Quest, Chen Guo was at a loss. Was it possible to find a Profession Mentor in such a forsaken place? Was he expected to apprentice himself to these demons and learn their dark magic? The thought left Chen Guo utterly baffled.
Just then, a white paper butterfly fluttered before him, speaking in a human voice, "Little friend, have you come to aid me?"
Startled, Chen Guo eyed the paper butterfly and inquired, "Who are you? What's happening here?"
"I am Yim Chixia from the Mountain Shu Sect," the butterfly replied. "Alongside cultivators from various worlds, we are united in thwarting the Evil Energy Army's sinister plot!"
"Yim Chixia of Mountain Shu?" Chen Guo recognized the name. "Your reputation precedes you. But this Evil Energy Army—I'm unfamiliar with them. What's their story?"
Chen Guo had to engage with Yim Chixia. If his hunch was right, Yim Chixia might well be one of the Profession Mentors he was searching for. Only a face-to-face meeting would confirm it.
The paper butterfly continued, "The Evil Energy Army are minions of Sargeras, the universe's most malevolent Demon God. They've laid waste to innumerable worlds, spreading their vile influence for the dark overlord, obliterating countless civilizations. Their ranks, filled mostly with demons, are a formidable evil in the cosmos."
"This time, they covet the Elf Tear, a treasure within the City of Pain. They've opened a portal to this fractured Little World, all to seize the Elf Tear."
"The Elf Tear is the world's most pristine energy crystal. Yet, tainted by Evil Energy, it could transform into the darkest, most dreadful Heart of Darkness. Should the Evil Energy Army corrupt the Elf Tear into the Heart of Darkness, the fate of many worlds would hang in the balance."
To thwart the Evil Energy Army's plot, I joined forces with several daoists from various Middle Worlds and arrived in the City of Pain, Haines, with the goal of defeating the Demon Commander, Kidan.
But Kidan is incredibly powerful. He's cast a spell sealing off Haines, trapping us within. Despite our relentless battles, we remain outmatched. Thus, we issued a call for heroes from the Little World, hoping they would lend us their strength.
You're here in response to our call, aren't you?
Yim Chixia's revelations were astounding, giving Chen Guo a clear grasp of the situation.
Chen Guo responded, "I am indeed here to assist, but what exactly can I do to help?"
"How may I address you?" inquired Yim Chixia.
Without batting an eye, Chen Guo replied, "I am Lee Xiaoyao."
"A fine name; it speaks of your desire to champion justice. Yet, facing the Demon Commander alone is perilous," Yim Chixia expressed concern.
The truth was, other trial challengers usually teamed up for such missions, their strength in numbers. Chen Guo's solitary arrival raised doubts in Yim Chixia's mind.
Yim Chixia, possessing a sense of honor, was reluctant to let a warm-hearted young warrior like Chen Guo rush to his doom.
"I stand alone because I have great faith in my abilities," Chen Guo declared. "My skills in evasion are second to none, allowing me to flee at a moment's notice should the need arise."
Impressed by his confidence, Yim Chixia conceded, "I won't turn away your noble offer. Here, take this Shu Mountain Sect's Invisibility Spell. It could prove useful in your stealthy assault on the demons. To breach the magical barrier over Haines, you'll need the Soul Stones of demons—99 to be precise. Proceed with caution."
With that, Yim Chixia handed Chen Guo the scroll containing the Invisibility Spell, which he mastered instantly.
"Your aptitude is remarkable; you've truly surprised me," Yim Chixia commended Chen Guo's quick study. "Keep this paper butterfly on you; I'll be in touch whenever necessary."
Chen Guo chuckled, "Well said, well said!"
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