Chapter 85: Zombie Siege (End)

Chapter 85: Zombie Siege (End)

It was Nie Shuangshuang and her group who emerged first.

After reclaiming the human base, according to Zhang Daoan's plan, everyone systematically and steadily expanded the base territory, step by step.

Individuals like Jie Fangcheng with high combat power were at the forefront, battling high-level zombies. Following their assault, human NPCs and other players swiftly dealt with the low-level zombies. After the clearance, earth element ability users and logistics NPCs were responsible for constructing new barriers.

Looking down from an aircraft, the ground resembled a calm lake disturbed by a stone, where concentric barriers marked each victory of humanity.

Although victorious, it didn't require Zhang Daoan to point out that the players quickly realized the pace was too slow.

Zhang Daoan distributed all the items contributed by Jie Fangcheng to the human NPCs. However, these items were merely from the inventory of a "novice player" who had cleared the instance less than ten times; even with good fortune, there weren't many truly valuable items.

Upon learning this, Nie Shuangshuang paused for a moment, then started rummaging through her system backpack.

Having cleared the instance hundreds of times, and being a renowned figure in the annual national instance leaderboard, even with her current diminished strength and downgraded items, she still had enough supplies to equip a small squad — the proverbial 'a camel, even emaciated, is still larger than a horse'.

Just observing her usual style, one could tell that this young lady was quite generous with items she didn't need.

When she was distributing the items, Zhang Daoan kindly reminded her, "You can retrieve the more precious weapons when the instance ends."

Nie Shuangshuang said generously, "No need, I won't be using them in the future anyway."

In this national instance, given the number of times she has cleared levels, even if she doesn't actively join her friends in entering a level-five instance, the system is highly likely to place her in one at random.

However, a level-five instance is now an insurmountable challenge for her.

Nie Shuangshuang was fully aware that even with her friends assisting her, the difficulty of a level-five instance isn't something that could be bypassed easily. This national instance might be her last run.

Despite her extensive preparations, the prospects seem grim.

Under these circumstances, those items indeed wouldn't be of any use to her in the future.

After Nie Shuangshuang contributed some weapons that she believed she wouldn't need in the future, Wei Yuan, the current president of the Ronghua Guild, was also moved. He too searched and found some items he no longer needed.

"Ahem, remember to return these to me after the instance," Wei Yuan was comparatively more conservative.

After all, even if he couldn't use these items, they could be sold for points or given to his friends once they exited, which would still be beneficial!

The other players seemed utterly bewildered.

This instance was truly miraculous, reshaping many players' perceptions.

It was the first time they teamed up with background NPCs, and the first time they realized that these NPCs were not much different from humans.

It was also the first time they saw players giving their items to NPCs.

However, this Nie Shuangshuang was really... quite naïve!

After all, these NPCs were set to reset after this instance; wouldn't giving items to them now be a waste?

And as for Wei Yuan, even though these NPCs appeared cooperative now, who could guarantee they would willingly return the items at the end of the instance? Wasn't he afraid that being so careless with lending items might result in not getting them back?

Even though everyone harbored these thoughts, the next day, Qi Chanyang, a player without much to his name, couldn't resist lending out his weapon.

The offering from Whale Fall, his current strongest weapon, might seem mundane to people like Nie Shuangshuang and Wei Yuan who frequently ranked high on the points leaderboard. This ordinary weapon, whose only attribute was the ability to emit poisonous water spines, might not mean much to them, but to Qi Chanyang, it was one of his most powerful assets.

"I had no choice," Qi Chanyang shrugged, "My neighbor is a 15 or 16-year-old kid. I have a good relationship with his brother. Although the kid is a high-level ability user, he has never been to a battlefield before. Now that the zombie clearance team is short-handed, he has to join in clearing the low-level zombies."

Nie Shuangshuang couldn't resist, and promptly pulled out an oddly shaped umbrella from her bag.

"Then use this one."

Rare Weapon: Chief Steward's Umbrella.

Even though it has been downgraded, the "rare" designation still meant it was incomparably stronger than ordinary weapons.

Qi Chanyang hesitated and tried to decline.

"Isn't this inappropriate?"

Nie Shuangshuang was about to say something when Xie Fangcheng walked by her side and swiftly handed her the [Phoenix Feather] to inspect.

"What's improper about this? Look at this, Shuangshuang gave it to me too," he said, and sought confirmation from her, "Isn't that right, Shuangshuang?"

Initially, Nie Shuangshuang wanted to mention that the umbrella should be returned after the dungeon, but Xie Fangcheng's move left her feeling a pang of loss. Despite this, she maintained a facade that read "I have plenty of these to spare."

"Take it," she said indifferently.

Qi Chanyang hesitated for a moment before accepting it: "Thank you, Sister Shuangshuang."

After saying this, he displayed great insight, not being like Xie Fangcheng, he quickly added, "I will return it to you once the dungeon ends, Sister Shuangshuang."

Inside, Nie Shuangshuang felt immensely satisfied.

Look, look! Now that's a good player!

Keeping a poker face, she saw Xie Fangcheng about to say something else and promptly dragged him away.

"Let's go, let's go! Why do you have so much free time? You have time to chat here instead of fighting zombies? No talking! Do you realize how many people we...everyone might lose while you waste time speaking!"

Xie Fangcheng chuckled inwardly but did not expose her charade.

Qi Chanyang's decision acted like a switch.

Soon, Tao Youyuan couldn't resist any longer, becoming the second to act.

With his strong abilities, he was always at the front lines leading a small team comprised of five NPCs.

These NPCs were no longer mere background elements to him; through repeated battles and nightly chats back at base, he had come to know their names, personalities, and hobbies.

But the frontline battles were brutal.

In Tao Youyuan's team, the youngest member who had just come of age lost his life to a level three zombie hiding in the shadows, his neck severed in a moment of inattention.

After the battle ended, Tao Youyuan pondered deeply for a long time, his eyes tinged with red.

——These were merely NPCs, mere data that would be reset after the dungeon restarted.

But no matter how much he tried to convince himself, in the end, Tao Youyuan took out his personal items from his bag.

Following him were the remaining players. Perhaps moved by the old players' actions or immersed in the atmosphere of the dungeon, except for the utterly impoverished Yi Zenan, most players could not help but contribute some items, more or less.

These items might not have been powerful, but as time passed, they still played their respective roles effectively.

On the last day of the dungeon, after Xie Fangcheng cleared the last advanced zombie at the coast, countless individuals rushed toward the shoreline like a tide.

The boundless blue-black sea churned dark waves under the caress of the sea breeze, and the NPCs who had never witnessed the ocean faced the sea.

At that moment, a beam of sunlight broke through the cloud cover, shining upon the shore.

Every individual's eyes were filled with the rays of the breaking dawn.

In the sea, there actually are some zombified marine creatures, but these marine beings cannot come ashore; at least, the land remains safe.

"This will be a long and arduous cleansing process, but we believe that with our concerted efforts, we can surely eradicate the zombie virus completely!"

Liu Shanxing said so.

The players exchanged uneasy glances.

They clearly understood that there won't be a future. Once the instance ends and they are transported out, with the instance reset, these NPCs will experience such events once again.

However, this time, there would be no Xie Fangcheng... and no themselves.

When the human NPCs unanimously started returning the items they had borrowed, Nie Shuangshuang simply waved her hand in dismissal.

"Keep them," she said, "Who knows, they might come in handy?"

These items were useless to her. In fact, rationality told her that these NPCs holding onto them would also be futile.

After the instance refreshes, they wouldn't retain these items anymore.

But strangely, Nie Shuangshuang harbored an intuition— perhaps the things she left behind might truly aid them.

Maybe, one day in the future, these NPCs could dictate their own fates?

In the end, the players looked back at the NPCs they had assisted.

The base on the ground strewn with broken walls and ruins still needed repairs, and countless tombstones stood at the foot of each "Great Wall".

If they truly had a future, then atop the ruins, they could once again rebuild human civilization.

If there is a future, that is—

Ding— Players Tao Youyuan, Qi Chanyang, Yi Zenan... Nie Shuangshuang, Zhang Dao'an, Xie Fangcheng have cleared the instance [Zombie Siege], clearance rate: 10%.

Instance Evaluation: ??

Instance Evaluation: S-Rank

Instance Evaluation Updated: B-Rank

Instance Evaluation Updated: S-Rank

Instance Evaluation Updating…

Instance Evaluation Updated: A-Rank

Instance rewards are being calculated, please wait…

Reward calculation completed, please check at your convenience.

【You will be transported back to the lobby in three minutes, please wait patiently.】

Upon seeing the clearance list, Wei Yuan's eyes widened in disbelief, his face a portrait of confusion.

"Who is Zhang Dao'an?!"

Nie Shuangshuang responded with adept familiarity, "Stop looking, they have already slipped away."

While everyone was gathered together, Zhang Dao'an, the human supreme commander, had already left the command room, his whereabouts unknown.

Though, there were those who knew.

Before leaving, Zhang Dao'an communicated with Xie Fangcheng.

"I am going to check out their underground 'bastion of human civilization'."

That's what Zhang Dao'an had said.

It wasn't an excuse; he was genuinely curious about what kind of sparks of civilization humanity would choose to preserve for future generations in a true apocalypse.

Above ground, Wei Yuan frantically searched everywhere, but the three minutes flashed by in an instant, and he, along with the other players, were transported out.

After their departure, Xie Fangcheng once again cleaved the instance open with a single stroke of his sword.

Massive waves of white mist rolled in from the seaside, quieting the once bustling human base.

"This is really too much."

Xie Fangcheng lamented.

If it weren't for this damn game...

Floating in the air, he pulled out the pre-prepared pen and paper.

His speculation wasn't wrong; the higher the level of the instance, the closer he was to the Book of Life and Death.

Although there were still barriers, he believed that one day he would breach the level-five instances, retrieve this damn book, and then destroy this broken game.

Xie Fangcheng raised the paper, "Did the drawing happen?"

The Book of Life and Death excitedly flipped its pages.

"Yes, it has been done!"

"Who arrived?"

"No idea!"

"Huh!"

"Wuu wuu wuu >.<"

How annoying!

Xie Fangcheng waved his hand and left.

After all, this instance is a level-three, occupying a vast area; Xie Fangcheng had spent slightly more time inside than intended.

As soon as he exited the instance, he received a stream of incoming messages.

Opening them, the first few were from Qi Chanyang and the others.

“Xie, are you coming to the restaurant for dinner?”

In addition, there were five new friend requests pending.

Xie Fangcheng moved forward, simultaneously accepting each request one by one.

His head was bowed as he responded to the messages, but before he could step out of the teleportation point, someone suddenly grasped his arm.

Nie Shuangshuang blocked his way, resembling a concerned sibling, her voice low, “Why are you still wearing that headband? The members of the Chaoyang Guild are still searching for you!”

Right after exiting the instance, she had spotted people from the Chaoyang Guild. She promptly sent Qi Chanyang and the others away.

As for Wei Yuan, he appeared frantic after leaving the instance, immediately heading to nearby teleportation points in search of someone, mirroring Nie Shuangshuang's own urgency.

The players like Qi Chanyang were not particularly strong. If Xie Fangcheng really had a conflict with the Chaoyang Guild, despite Nie Shuangshuang's current diminished power, her past prominence and numerous contacts should help. Ji Chaoyang used to have a good relationship with the guild leader, so they ought to give her some face... right?

Even if they chose not to respect her, if there was indeed an irreconcilable conflict between Xie Fangcheng and the Chaoyang Guild, it would be easier for the two of them to escape together.

Nie Shuangshuang remaining here was unexpected for Xie Fangcheng. After responding to the messages, he looked up, “Are you familiar with the people from the Chaoyang Guild?”

Nie Shuangshuang nodded, then shook her head.

“I was, a long time ago.”

During the previous guild leader's time, they frequently teamed up for instances. But since the leader left, the nature of this game has made it easy for relationships to cool once someone has exited.

Relations were good when power was substantial, but it wasn't necessarily the case when one’s power waned.

“I see.” Xie Fangcheng nodded, intending to continue on his way.

Nie Shuangshuang became anxious, “At least remove your headband before you go!”

Xie Fangcheng's gaze traveled past her shoulder to focus on a point not far away.

“It's already too late.”

Nie Shuangshuang turned her head around.

Yue Chen had already noticed the situation here.

Ji Ge is on a quest to find individuals with high success rates, particularly those who have conquered the "Blue Mountain Psychiatric Hospital" level. His search isn't akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Initially, under the auspices of the Chaoyang Guild, they offered a high price on the forum for guides to completing the "Blue Mountain Psychiatric Hospital". Once the guides were procured, it was quite easy to learn the name Xie Fangcheng from the sellers.

The seller who provided the guide emphasized repeatedly that Xie Fangcheng was a player of high caliber, urging the Chaoyang Guild to pay attention to him and to recruit such talent into their premier guild swiftly.

This is typical of novice players; they naively assume that the foremost guild is approaching Xie Fangcheng to recruit talent... which, in the past, might have been a possibility.

However, Ji Ge's reaction evidently wasn't driven by this motive.

It's unclear why the guild leader would agree to it.

Later, further searches on the name Xie Fangcheng revealed a notably high success rate in the "Gaoji Academy" level, and naturally, people were bragging about it.

But the braggers couldn't produce any screenshots since all the levels Xie Fangcheng had completed had disappeared, leaving them to be mocked on the forum incessantly.

Currently, the hottest news on the forum is about someone who achieved a 100% completion rate on a level one instance.

This particular instance was unique - a pure puzzle-solving level where players couldn't communicate with each other, relying solely on a very refined-looking man to lead them to victory.

However, post-completion, the names didn't match with the successful player, causing a surge of speculative posts on the forum, with people constantly muddying the waters by boasting about the exaggerated success rates of known elite players, making it seem like everyone had a 100% success rate now.

This was a significant source of irritation for Ji Ge.

Once renowned as the player with the highest completion rate, he found his 42% record turned into a mockery with the emergence of a 100% completion rate for a level.

Unable to locate the individual boasting a 100% completion rate, Ji Ge decided to vent his frustrations on Xie Fangcheng, a move quite characteristic of him.

Yue Chen couldn't fathom or appreciate this approach, but as a team leader in the Chaoyang Guild, and having been saved by the guild leader before, he took his assigned task seriously despite his reservations.

Xie Fangcheng was seen wearing a magical robe, with his headband still adorned with a white rabbit and carrot motif.

His attire immediately attracted Yue Chen and his group's attention in the players' lobby. Coupled with Nie Shuangshuang's not-so-subtle attempt to hide and wait for them after spotting them, everything was quite apparent.

Realizing that the person they were staking out had noticed them, Yue Chen hesitated briefly before stepping forward.

"Mr. Xie?"

Xie Fangcheng nodded, "Yes, it's me."

Sighing internally, Yue Chen quickly messaged Ji Ge before nodding politely at Xie Fangcheng, "Hello, I am Yue Chen from the Chaoyang Guild. Our vice president would like to have a word with you."

"Ji Ge?" Xie Fangcheng inquired.

Ji Ge was not merely the vice president of the Chaoyang Guild. Currently, he was the fourth on the leaderboard, enjoying considerable fame and popularity among players.

Ji Ge had a distinctive personal style and has been known to have a devil-may-care attitude in his actions for quite some time. His personality was notably brash.

Those who disliked him viewed him as a malignant growth in the Chaoyang Guild, believing he would never have ascended to the vice president position if he wasn't Ji Chaoyang's biological brother.

His admirers perceived his demeanor as authentic and unpretentious, or simply appreciated this kind of "antagonist boss" character, finding him quite cool.

Hence, Yue Chen didn’t make much of Jie Fangcheng recognizing Ji Ge’s name.

"Yes, he'll be here soon."

"Oh," Jie Fangcheng nodded.

Nie Shuangshuang tugged at Jie Fangcheng's sleeve, then said to Yue Chen, "Can't he convey whatever it is through a message? Fangcheng and I have other matters to attend to, we'll take our leave first."

If it were Ji Chaoyang coming to meet Jie Fangcheng, Nie Shuangshuang might be a bit concerned, but not overly so.

Ji Ge.

Based on her understanding of this individual, seeking Jie Fangcheng out privately signified a 99% chance of ill intentions.

Yue Chen could only stand in their way: "He's arriving shortly, please wait a moment."

Surrounding them, about a dozen members of the Chaoyang Guild gathered, many of them casting furtive glances in their direction.

Nie Shuangshuang's eyes widened, feigning outrage: "What is the meaning of this? Gathering around like this? Considering my past relationship with your Guild Leader, are you planning to confront my friend too?"

Yue Chen paused for a moment before cautiously, yet somewhat overstepping his bounds, saying, "The Guild Leader is aware of this matter, perhaps you might want to consult him, Shuangshuang?"

This was an implicit suggestion for her to plead with the Guild Leader, the only gesture of assistance Yue Chen could afford at this moment.

Nie Shuangshuang remained silent but pondered before opening her contacts list.

Just as she was considering how to initiate a conversation with this important figure whom she hadn't contacted in a long time, a hand stopped her.

Nie Shuangshuang turned her head.

"No need," said Jie Fangcheng, "I was planning to have a word with Ji Ge anyway."

"..." Nie Shuangshuang whispered, "Do you know Ji Ge?"

Jie Fangcheng honestly replied, "No, I don't."

"??" Nie Shuangshuang couldn't help but exclaim, "If you don't know him, what business do you have with him? Do you realize who this Ji Ge is? ... Well, let me put it this way, I can't stand him. He's a very insidious fellow with numerous hidden agendas. Not the right kind... rather the abundant and malicious kind."

"I am aware."

"You are??!" Nie Shuangshuang couldn't contain her increased volume, realizing she had drawn the attention of the surrounding Chaoyang Guild members, she quickly lowered her voice, "You're aware yet you still want to meet him? What is your intention?"

During their conversation, in the distance, a flamboyantly dressed individual with a red birthmark covering half his face was hastily approaching.

Ji Ge encountered Ji Chaoyang as he exited the basement.

Ji Chaoyang knew of his intentions and simply nodded faintly.

"Make sure it’s done cleanly."

Ji Ge knew what this implied.

The Chaoyang Guild was the premier guild, and Ji Chaoyang greatly valued its reputation.

But before last year's national dungeon event, whenever Ji Ge intended to partake in some unorthodox activities, Ji Chaoyang would always restrain him.

It had always been this way since their childhood.

They were not biological siblings but were raised in the same

orphanage

and were later adopted by the same couple.

Ji Ge greatly admired him and was willing to heed his advice, even restraining himself somewhat in his presence after entering the infinite game.

However, for some unknown reason, after the national dungeon event, not only did Ji Chaoyang stop restraining him, but he also facilitated many conveniences for him.

For instance, the basement where many critical NPCs were housed.

Initially, Ji Ge only dared to secretly take NPCs out, but after acquiring this basement, his collected entities finally had a place to call home.

Now, upon learning that Ji Ge intended to target the player with an unusually high clearance rate, Ji Chaoyang merely nodded in acknowledgement.

Ji Ge knew that he must be hiding something from him, but it didn't matter.

For now, eliminating that young player was the priority.

Spotting Ji Ge approaching from a distance, the increasingly impatient Jie Fangcheng's eyes lit up.

"Finally arrived, huh," he said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

Nie Shuangshuang was stunned: "What on earth are you planning to do??"

Before she could finish, Jie Fangcheng walked towards the direction Ji Ge was coming from.

After quickly reaching him, Ji Ge first scrutinized Jie Fangcheng from head to toe.

"So, this young chap with an unusually high clearance rate looks quite effeminate, is he truly that formidable?"

Just as Ji Ge was about to inquire, Jie Fangcheng spoke first.

"Ji Ge?"

A cruel and sinister smile curled at the corners of Ji Ge's mouth.

"Jie Fangcheng?"

Jie Fangcheng nodded, "Yes, it's me. Are you the one who extracted Ge Juan and Duan Qingqing from the dungeon?"

Yue Chen shot a fierce glance towards him.

Yue Chen was also aware of Ji Ge taking the crucial NPCs out of the instance, especially since they both cleared the "Fortune Inn" instance together.

It was with reluctance that Yue Chen penned a detailed guide for this instance.

He knew that Jie Fangcheng had cleared the "Fortune Inn" as well, but what surprised him was that this person actually knew it was Ji Ge who had taken the key NPCs out?

Ji Ge paused momentarily, but before he could respond, the look on his face revealed everything to Jie Fangcheng.

"So it was you indeed."

Snapping back to reality, Ji Ge managed to compose himself.

He offered a cold smile, "I heard there was a remarkable player around, capable of guiding a team of novices through instances. I wonder if Mr. Jie would consider visiting the Chaoyang Guild. We are in great need of talents like you."

Jie Fangcheng shook his head, "Maybe next time. There's something more pressing at the moment."

"What might that be?"

The last message Jie Fangcheng received was from Zhang Daoan.

—— "You should expect a visit from someone named Ji Ge, the player responsible for taking the key NPCs out of the instance. Once you've dealt with him, come to the restaurant. Nie Shuangshuang is treating us to a meal."

Swish - Jie Fangcheng drew out the "Phoenix Feather", which he hadn't had the chance to return to Nie Shuangshuang, before stepping forward.

The majority of the player's lobby was constructed by the system, bearing a remarkable resemblance to the structures within the instances - no, one might say even more resilient.

If top-tier players like Ji Chaoyang were to engage in a fight within the lobby, they might just leave some minor marks on it. However, ordinary players couldn't even scratch the marble floor tiles, despite utilizing all their available items.

But at this moment ——

With a booming sound reminiscent of an earthquake, the marble floor under Jie Fangcheng's feet shattered as he took a step, revealing for the first time to many that beneath the tiles was not soil but a dense network of data streams composed of zeroes and ones.

Only such a data stream could withstand the force of Jie Fangcheng's step, enabling him to close the distance to Ji Ge in a single stride.

Ji Ge, who was fearless and always confident in his overwhelming strength, suddenly felt his hair standing on end. His eyes widened, and he twisted his body reflexively.

The sound of Jie Fangcheng's blade cutting through the air and his words simultaneously reached Ji Ge's ears.

"I'll start by chopping you down... huh? Dodged that quickly?"

Ji Ge, seasoned through countless level-five instances, rolled away nimbly, narrowly evading the slash, albeit in a rather ungainly manner.

Jie Fangcheng seemed somewhat disappointed after the evasion.

Usually, at this point, the opponent would have fled.

Jie Fangcheng feared nothing but a fleeing opponent.

However, Ji Ge picked himself up, his face twisted in a maniacal expression.

"You're seeking death!!"

Surrounded by so many onlookers and guild members, Ji Ge had never been so humiliated.

He had participated in countless national dungeon raids, always ranking at the top of the leaderboard, where the rewards were generous and could be used at the base.

Previously, Ji Ge would casually deal with players he disliked at the base. This was the first time someone had him rolling on the ground with a single strike!

Ji Ge was instantly infuriated.

As his finger swept through the items in his backpack, Nie Shuangshuang promptly warned, "Be careful! He can use his skills and items in the base hall!"

As she spoke, Nie Shuangshuang's hand also moved to her system backpack.

In the next moment, Ji Ge indeed activated his skill.

【Skill: Demonic Bounty·Rare·Special·Unique (7/7)】

【Description: A special skill for the holder of the [Heart of the Demon].】

【Notice: Skill level increases with the level of the [Heart of the Demon].】

【Effect: The demon's gift - a choice between sinking into hell or perishing in heaven?】

【Special Skill 1: Hell's Summons】

【Special Skill 2: Demonic Whisper】

【Special Skill 3: Loss of the Five Senses】

【Unique Attribute: The demonic bounty cannot be refused. Succumb! Perish! Oh lowly mortal!】

The originally spacious hall, capable of accommodating thousands, transformed in an instant.

In the clean and bright hall, the gray ceiling became overrun with blood-red roses, their branches blossoming and hanging luxuriously from the ceiling, covering the entire hall.

The winding branches enveloped everyone. One player, frightened, stepped back, accidentally touching a rose. The seemingly soft and beautiful flower suddenly enlarged, its petals piercing through his body. He screamed in agony, saved only by a quick-acting potion administered by a fellow player.

On the floor, bones submerged the entire hall's flooring, countless skulls turning to stare at Xie Fangcheng.

On a high throne constructed from skulls, a demon draped in a black cloak, with wide bat wings stretching over three meters, opened its eyes, bearing a striking resemblance to Ji Ge.

A thin item resembling a letter materialized in Ji Ge's hand.

【Item: Demon's Invitation·Rare】

【Description: The demon's invitation - what reward awaits the one who refuses it?】

【Notice: Beware, the demon despises rejection. Perhaps a trip to hell is in order!】

【Effect: Invite your "friend" to the demon's banquet. As a distinguished guest of the banquet, they must present a gift pleasing to the demon.】

"Go!" Ji Ge commanded with a flick of his hand, and the invitation landed in Jie Fangcheng's grasp.

Before Jie Fangcheng, a magnificent black and crimson dining table appeared in an instant. The red velvet tablecloth fluttered with no wind, and the table was adorned with lit white candles, with several ornate bone china plates sitting empty.

He sat at one end of the table while, at the other end, the demon descended from his throne.

The demon propped his cheek with his right hand, gazing at Jie Fangcheng.

"What gift will you present to me, my guest?"

Nie Shuangshuang cursed, "Damn pervert," this is the base hall! With so many ordinary players around, even Ji Chaoyang wouldn't be so brazen as to use personal skills in such a place!

Gritting her teeth, she held the "Fire-Control Fan" in her hand, ready to unleash her skill.

Although the Heart of Flame had extinguished, the "Blazing Rose" was a reward she had acquired from the leaderboards in the National Dungeon, which could be used in the base hall.

Jie Fangcheng was strong in the dungeons, but he hadn't participated in the National Dungeon, which meant he hadn't received any rewards from the leaderboard. He might be able to fight off...

In the blink of an eye, without a word, Jie Fangcheng kicked over the table before him.

The hefty, intricate table, which had never been overturned before, fell to the ground. The candelabra fell, the candles extinguished, the plates shattered, and the table legs broke. With a knife-handed strike, Jie Fangcheng sliced off a leg of the table, holding it expertly as if he had broken thousands of tables before.

There was no choice, after all, the "Phoenix Feather" was Nie Shuangshuang's item. Though the blade looked good, it was indeed too light and thin, uncertain if it could withstand a couple of his strikes.

This wasn't the case for the table leg. It wasn't that the table leg was particularly sturdy, but rather there were four of them - if one broke, there were still three left.

The demon screamed, "Insolent peasant! How dare you reject my invitation! Destroying my banquet!!"

The banquet might be ruined, but the funeral was yet to come.

Without a word, Jie Fangcheng picked up the stick and swung it, sending the charging demon flying.

The demon spiraled into the air with a series of shrieks, and "splat", stuck to the rose-covered ceiling like a snot bug stretch toy sold at school gates, hiding fearfully within the blossoms, motionless.

Nie Shuangshuang's mouth gaped open.

Both "Demon's Reward" and "Demon's Invitation" were significantly renowned and powerful skills and items in Ji Ge's possession, even more famous than Nie Shuangshuang's "Blazing Rose".

After sending the demon flying, Jie Fangcheng didn't say another word and charged directly at Ji Ge, who stood stunned nearby, holding the stick.

Seeing him, Ji Ge felt as if he was witnessing an enhanced version of a demon. Despite the pretty boy features, through Ji Ge's eyes, he resembled a grim reaper emerging from hell.

He wasn't a fool. Regaining his senses swiftly, he got up from the ground, his legs pumping frantically.

Damn! What's this guy's background!

Ji Ge cursed inwardly.

Jie Fangcheng also cursed: Damn! How is this kid so fast!!

Left with no other option and seeing Ji Ge about to vanish from sight, Jie Fangcheng hurled the table leg in his hand towards him. The makeshift javelin hit Ji Ge squarely on the back.

Ji Ge reacted as though he had been struck by a cannonball, hurling forward and skidding several meters on the ground littered with corpses created by his own skill. He stirred up a mound of skeletal remains in his wake, before quickly rolling back onto his feet, spitting blood and resuming his frantic run, disappearing swiftly from view.

With Ji Ge's disappearance, his skills gradually dissipated, and the base hall returned to its previous state... well, not exactly its previous state. Jie Fangcheng hadn't held back in his pursuit, leaving several gaping holes in the floor, with the black streams of data revealing the extent of the recent confrontation here.

A deathly silence enveloped the surroundings, leaving everyone present disheveled in the wind.

Who is this person?

What just happened?

I must be going insane, right??

Jie Fangcheng chased for a few steps but quickly realized that Ji Ge, in his panicked flight, was not within his reach. Frustrated, he returned to his starting point.

"Who is this guy, running even faster than a BOSS?!" Jie Fangcheng complained.

Nie Shuangshuang stood there, her eyes wide and mouth agape, watching him.

"Who the hell are you??? How could you beat him with the ease of disciplining a child???"