As for the sacrificial rites that followed, they were often discussed by others. Among the many comments, one garnered significant agreement: the restriction of time rules!
In truth, every dimensional space has its own unique temporal regulations, though many failed to notice them.
For instance, why are the monsters in a dimensional space fewer in number during the rift eruptions, or why does the timeline inside the space deviate from that of the outside world?
Such theories were only discovered in the seventh year of the Tianyuan incident.
When the idea of time restrictions emerged, the rumors about insufficient sacrifices were quickly debunked, for the sacrificial altar only had three gemstone slots. Ultimately, it seemed likely that those involved had been trapped in a certain space, forced to fight against otherworldly creatures.
As for the two S-rank bosses that emerged when the rift exploded, their details were classified as top-secret.
Stowing away the [Crimson Gem], Xu Que continued to inspect his newly acquired items.
**Name:** C-grade Undead Knight Armor (Unique Equipment)
**Quality:** Fine (Purple)
**Passive:** Provides solid defensive protection, capable of resisting physical attacks below C-grade and reducing magic damage. When equipped, it reduces attack speed and movement speed.
**Note:** A cumbersome suit of armor, yet its defensive capabilities are formidable. It is forged from Xuanling ore, a prized piece of knightly armor.
Upon seeing the hefty armor, Xu Que decided to gift it to Qi Shan, as he already wielded a heavy hammer.
**Name:** B-grade Night Spirit Bone
**Quality:** Fine (Purple)
**Consumable:** Can be used on any target within a ten-meter radius, with a chance to induce a curse and high probability to seal all talents (ineffective against creatures above A-rank). (Duration: 300 seconds.)
"Not bad. Once the trading hall opens, I can combine it with a few poison vials to capture the western district's dimensional space."
In comparison to other items, Xu Que was still biding his time, for while he now possessed the [Primordial Sword], he needed to wait for the trading hall's opening to safely return.
The opening of the trading hall was scheduled for the first seventy-two hours after the dimensional outbreak.
**Name:** D-grade Undead Boots (Unique Equipment)
**Quality:** Excellent (Blue)
**Passive:** Increases the wearer's movement speed, with a chance to invoke a whisper of the undead.
Seeing the boots, Xu Que couldn't help but twitch his mouth—boots with a fear effect? Was this meant to deter otherworldly creatures from chasing him?
"Give them to Kun Shao? Or Zhao Xian?"
"Forget it, let them decide."
**Name:** C-grade Anchor Point Fragment (Half of the Current Fragment)
**Quality:** Fine (Purple)
**Note:** When combined into an Anchor Point Key, it can be used to locate dimensional relics.
"This is useful. A C-grade fragment could be combined into a B-grade key."
After reviewing all his items, Xu Que turned his attention to the pet egg.
Compared to the other items, he hoped this egg would hatch into a C-grade or higher Thundercloud Ferret. The allure of claiming the first-place divine-level reward was simply too great.
As for who would receive the Thundercloud Ferret, Xu Que already had someone in mind.
He glanced around and picked up his phone to dial Shen Mengchu.
"Hmm? Just hung up, and now you're already thinking of me?" Shen Mengchu teased playfully.
Her words made Xu Que's heart race. In his past life, if Liu Ruyan had spoken to him like this, he would have been overjoyed—he would have gladly played the role of the devoted admirer.
"Sigh... So this is what true love feels like," Xu Que thought wistfully.
"Hey... Can I come to your house?" Xu Que nervously scratched his head.
"Of course, I'll head back now," Shen Mengchu responded.
"You're still at the command center?" Xu Que asked, puzzled.
"Yes," she answered nonchalantly, "For you, I can do the work tomorrow. It's just some data to sort through."
Xu Que was moved by her words. He couldn't help but wish he could go back to his past life and give himself a scolding.
"Forget it, I'll go check out the penthouse later. This isn't sitting right with me!" Xu Que silently muttered to himself.
Noticing Xu Que's silence, Shen Mengchu glanced at the phone and, seeing it was still connected, asked, "What's wrong?"
"Oh, it's nothing. I'm not in a hurry," Xu Que replied, looking towards the penthouse. "Call me once you're done. I also have a few things to handle."
"Alright, don't be late!" she said before they hung up.
Xu Que retrieved the Primordial Sword and flew off in the direction of the penthouse.
...
In a desolate factory on the northern outskirts, an underground base.
"Grave?" Ji Boduo inquired, studying the electronic screen. "Can we find any information on this person?"
"There are 167,329 users worldwide who have used this nickname, with over 120,000 in Z Country. If we filter by network data, this person is likely from abroad. Z Country residents are usually more discreet and unlikely to use such a nickname on the leaderboard," Tang Xue analyzed using the database.
"Then track down Yazi. The Chasfield family is very interested in his information, and this concerns the [Territory Leaderboard], so it's likely connected to the [Wealth Leaderboard]." Ji Boduo said.
"According to current analysis, the [Territory Leaderboard] seems to require conquering a C-grade or higher dimensional space. So far, only Yazi is on the list. I suspect he must have some connection with that Avenger," Tang Xue said.
"Hmm, that seems likely. But what intrigues me more is Xu Que's current rank. How is he able to fly with a sword?" Ji Boduo mused, stroking his chin.
"I know this one. According to the Security Management Bureau's secret key data, Xu Que, Cai Kun, Zhao Xian, and others are all C-grade abilities. As for the Avenger, clearly, they're not one of them. As for Yazi, he may be a higher-level secret," Tang Xue replied.
"C-grade, huh?" Ji Boduo smiled coldly. "We might need to pay a visit to those martial family estates. Who knows, we might even acquire some techniques."
What Ji Boduo and Tang Xue did not know was that the information Xu Que had provided was based on the rank of Kun Shao and others, and his alias was "Little Nobody," as used by Qi Kai.
When they asked why he chose that name, Xu Que simply told them, "The more chaotic, the better."
In his previous life, Xu Que had heard about the Z Country database being stolen. After seeing Tang Xue and the others abducting researchers, he began to suspect foul play. Later, when they also stole from the Security Bureau's vault, his suspicions solidified.
Xu Que's hatred for this woman was ingrained deep within him. Not only was she ruthless, but she could also obtain any information they needed, and worst of all, she had people stationed outside dimensional spaces, waiting for them!
In his past life, Xu Que had given most of his resources to Liu Ruyan, while his territory had been handed over to this woman under the threat of his teammates' lives.
At first, he thought reporting to the company would solve things. But Ji Boduo's response was: "As a low-tier explorer, you're not qualified to negotiate with important figures!"
Xu Que initially accepted this, but later learned the truth—that it was all a hunt, and they were the prey.
He had hoped that leaving Ji Boduo's company would free him from it all, but nightmares often return with vengeance. Being Liu Ruyan's loyal follower, he had naively told her everything, leading to further troubles. Many of his teammates were mercilessly killed by these beasts.
Only when he was on the brink of death did he learn fragments of the truth from Liu Ruyan's family.