Chapter 219: Rescuing Xiao Ming

Chapter 219: Rescuing Xiao Ming

A flash of white.

When Jiefang Cheng opened his eyes, he found himself back where he had started.

He had entered the instance from the teleportation point in District D19, and now he was back in the same place.

The familiar lush trees appeared just as verdant as before. After pausing for a moment to reflect, Jiefang Cheng immediately checked the items he had obtained from the system settlement.

He didn't need them, but if he ever encountered Professor Zhang again, these items could surely be passed onto him!

After the system settlement, he received 519 points and three items, each seemingly related to the recent instance.

They were: ​1​, ​2​, and ​3​. All were in an unidentified state, yet each had the indication of a special skill, clearly signifying they were graded items.

Unsure about where to get these items identified, Jiefang Cheng decided to check his friend list for someone to ask.

Nine friend requests popped up first, all from players in the ​4​ instance except for Liu He.

Jiefang Cheng accepted each request one by one. After doing so, he noticed that the friends he added from the ​5​ instance had all sent him messages.

What's going on...

Muttering to himself, he glanced at his friend list and froze.

Zhan Xiao Ming, the player who always seemed a bit timid and had once shared sunflower seeds with Jiefang Cheng, now had his name highlighted in red, labeled as “In the Hunting Grounds.”

Reflecting on his experience in the game “Don't Respond,” Jiefang Cheng mused: This game even marks players when they enter instances or hunting grounds, a tech advancement from “Don't Respond.”

But after his brief reflection, Jiefang Cheng sensed something amiss.

Zhan Xiao Ming was not the combative type. To put it bluntly, even though Xiao Ming was a second-generation gamer, his skills weren't exactly top-notch.

While Jiefang Cheng might not have deep knowledge about this game, he was quite certain about one thing: places like the Hunting Grounds were of a higher danger level, requiring players to have much stronger abilities to enter.

Zhan Xiao Ming didn't meet the criteria to enter such a place.

What happened? Given that Xiao Ming's skills were just average and he wasn't reckless, why would he suddenly enter the Hunting Grounds?

Confused, Jiefang Cheng first opened the message from Liufei Yao.

"Brother Jie, have you already entered the instance? Did Xiao Ming go in with you?"

"How did Xiao Ming get into the Hunting Grounds? He doesn't even have the required level. How could he have gotten a ticket?"

"I can't contact Xiao Ming. The system indicates he's in the Hunting Grounds."

"Brother Jie, if you're available after exiting the instance, could you come to District D19? Xiao Ming's uncle is hoping you can help save him."

Sent three days ago.

Which means not long after Jiefang Cheng entered the instance, Xiao Ming entered the Hunting Grounds.

The Hunting Grounds.

A place fundamentally different from instances.

At least instances have set rules and boundaries.

For example, the Genius Kindergarten encompassed both the kindergarten and the players' "homes".

The vampire instance Jiefang Cheng just cleared was entirely confined to the castle.

Due to the unique nature of instances, the other inhabitants of the small world would automatically rationalize the players' presence, essentially recognizing them as their own, interpreting their outlandish actions in their own way.

Apart from the unique case of Zhang Dao'an, players rarely interact with NPCs outside of the instance, as non-instance NPCs often unintentionally overlook them.

In such situations, as long as players don't act recklessly, they are generally safe within the boundaries of the instance.

But the Hunting Grounds don't offer such protections.

Players in the Hunting Grounds are essentially invaders. The original inhabitants of the small world won't automatically rationalize their irregular behaviors, and there are no rules to protect the players.

In the Hunting Grounds, everything depends on the player. If they draw the attention of the small world's residents or guardians, it could very well be the end of them.

Jiefang Cheng still remembers the group of five players who intruded into his small world.

To put it simply, his initial decision to enter the chaotic underworld was to hunt down those five players who had killed Zhang Dao'an.

A small world that becomes a Hunting Ground is likely on the brink of collapse, and powerful guardians exist within.

Hence, even a D-level Hunting Ground poses threats far greater than a second-tier instance.

In such a scenario, players venturing into the hunting ground must also strive to complete corresponding quests, gaining extra resources from the mini-world, not to mention the increased difficulty.

Moreover, entry into the hunting ground requires a ticket, which represents a significant financial investment.

Zhan Xiaoming's attitude is rather nonchalant. His venture into the primary instance is merely a rite of passage due to his coming of age. Only by entering at least once and obtaining the status of a regular player can he continue to thrive within the game.

After acquiring this status, he could potentially follow in his uncle's footsteps and earn points through his unparalleled skill in roasting sunflower seeds, paying hefty in-game fees, and only engaging in instances when absolutely necessary.

Many average-skilled players adopt this strategy.

Thus, Zhan Xiaoming would not voluntarily head to the hunting ground.

Soon after exiting the instance, Xie Fangcheng received a prompt from Liu Feiyao. She swiftly sent him coordinates.

"Brother Xie, we're here now. Can you come over?"

Following her coordinates, Xie Fangcheng quickly arrived at the location.

It was a narrow alley in District D19, leading to a residential address.

Xie Fangcheng knocked on the door. No answer, but soon a message from Liu Feiyao appeared.

"Is that you at the door, Brother Xie?"

After Xie Fangcheng replied, the door finally opened.

Inside were four individuals: Liu Feiyao, Han Ruihang, Pei Xiaodong, and Zhan Xiaoming's uncle.

The once robust and muscular man now looked haggard, with a scruffy beard and bloodshot eyes, clearly lacking rest.

Xie Fangcheng paused, "What happened?"

Liu Feiyao glanced at Zhan Shi nearby and then began, "It could be... an invitation from the hunting ground. Zhou Yian has also entered."

Zhou Yian.

The self-serving black mage from the "Genius Kindergarten" instance, who nearly got transformed into a monster by the demon bug he released.

Though questionable in character, his strength was undeniable.

Both, one not having the capability and the other still nursing injuries, are not players who would willingly enter the hunting ground.

Furthermore, neither has the credentials to enter the hunting ground, so it's not a matter of self-infliction.

That leaves only one explanation.

"Mini-worlds have a self-preservation instinct. When sensing the presence of a powerful guardian from another world, they might pull that guardian into their realm."

Xie Fangcheng nodded in understanding.

Without a doubt, the hunting ground's intended target was actually Xie Fangcheng.

However, for some unknown reason, they didn't manage to pull him in but instead took Zhan Xiaoming and Zhou Yian.

By now, Xie Fangcheng has realized that he must be one of the guardians of their world.

Xie Fangcheng's power was already extraordinary when he was human. He genuinely slew a god in his human form. After becoming a vengeful spirit, he ascended to the divine realm with eight hundred ghostly generals, forcing the gods to reconsider their "judgment" upon Ru Nation.

Such strength clearly surpasses that of an ordinary human.

Upon hearing this explanation, Xie Fangcheng promptly asked, "What should I do?"

Zhan Shi, who had been silent and looked downtrodden with red eyes, asked despite his anxiety, "Do you need to rest a bit?"

After all, he had just emerged from a level-two instance.

Zhan Shi's own strength wasn't formidable. At his peak, he was indeed a D-level hunter.

However, after sustaining mental damage – the hardest injury to heal in the current "Three Thousand Worlds" – and lacking the points for treatment, he stopped entering instances and hunting grounds. Instead, he made a living from roasting sunflower seeds and the savings he had amassed before.

Zhan Xiaoming always talked about growing stronger, clearing instances, earning points, and providing for Zhan Shi's retirement, but Zhan Shi merely smiled.

He knew his nephew well and only hoped to help him as much as possible during his lifetime.

Now that Zhan Xiaoming had been inexplicably dragged into the hunting ground, Zhan Shi, in his anxious state, couldn't possibly attempt a rescue, as he wouldn't be able to save him given his current strength.

Outside, if he could find a willing player, he could at least try to use points for assistance.

As for why Zhan Xiaoming was pulled into the hunting ground as a guardian, or whether someone implicated him... any rational person wouldn't dwell on this now.

Every guardian with access to the mini-world is potent. Pressuring them at this time and expecting them to bear the responsibility? It would be a blessing if they didn't directly eliminate Zhan Shi.

Liu Feiyao and the others weren't sure what Zhan Shi was thinking. When they heard he was looking for help, they immediately thought of Xie Fangcheng.

"Brother Xie is a good person," Liu Feiyao blurted out reflexively, then quickly added, realizing she might be overstepping, "Once he comes out of the instance, we'll see if he's willing."

That said, Liu Feiyao took out her acquired items and said, "But Uncle Zhan, we can also try to find someone to help. Take these."

It had been a long time since Zhan Shi had seen a player willingly offer their items to help another. He hesitated and pushed the items back.

"It's okay; I still have some savings. Time is of the essence; I'll post a task."

There's a task posting board in Zone D, but Zhan Shi wasn't very optimistic.

First, he checked the hunting ground level where Zhan Xiaoming was located in D1 Zone, D-level.

Though it's the lowest level, every player entering the hunting ground would receive a system quest. They could only leave after completing it.

No one knows whether the task is easy or challenging; it's a gamble with their lives.

To rescue a player from a D-level hunting ground means not only completing one's tasks but also finishing the other player's tasks.

A regular D-class hunter wouldn't have this kind of strength, and a higher-level hunter wouldn't be lured by the rewards in Zhan Shi's possession.

Given that entry tickets to the D-class hunting ground aren't cheap, even with Liu Feiyao's equipment support, it's tough to find suitable rescue personnel.

They really have no choice but to wait.

Zhan Shi posted notifications and waited for the reputedly kind guardian to exit the instance, praying that Zhan Xiaoming would stay alive until then.

Perhaps the prayers worked, as Zhan Xiaoming's name remained in red, not turning into the grey of death.

Until Jie Fangcheng exited the instance—

Jie Fangcheng shook his head: "No need, I'm not tired."

It was the truth. Apart from the initial challenges, spending his days chatting with Luca and strolling around the castle felt like a vacation. He never really felt exhausted.

Moreover...

"I apologize; that alternate realm probably targeted me. I'm not sure why Xiaoming got involved," Jie Fangcheng said as he stood up, "Let's go."

Zhan Shi's eyes reddened as he stood and led the way, saying, "I've checked. The hunting ground Xiaoming entered is the D-class 'Meat Grinder.' Its danger level is also D-class. However, hunting grounds are considerably more dangerous than instances..."

He hesitated, trying to convey the genuine risk without discouraging their initiative to enter the hunting ground.

Over there, Jie Fangcheng discerned his intentions.

Thus, the always-humble Manager Jie finally revealed his not-so-humble side.

He spoke calmly, “I come from an S-level hunting ground.”

...Although there isn't much evidence, Manager Jie certainly has a knack for gauging combat power.

To him, the strength of a Level-2 dungeon’s BOSS is almost the same as a Level-1's; a single blow would either severely injure or kill them.

So far, even including players he casually glimpsed in the player hall, he hasn't sensed the presence of anyone particularly formidable.

If he had to choose, the dragon he once saw would be what he considered the most powerful entity so far.

Of course, even if it’s a dragon, it’s not invincible.

Jie Fangcheng felt that the small world he was in must be of a very high level.

Hearing this, Zhan Shi was initially startled, followed by a moment of silence, and in the end, whether he believed it or not, he just nodded, “Impressive.”

Great, another skeptic.

With time being of the essence, Jie Fangcheng refrained from his usual impulse to smash something around… mainly because the buildings in this game seemed pretty expensive. Without Nie Shuangshuang around, if he broke anything, he'd have to pay.

Regardless of whether Zhan Shi believed him, the other man briskly led him towards the teleportation point.

“Entry to the hunting ground requires a ticket. Since you've cleared the Level-2 dungeon, next you just need to undergo a strength evaluation at D1 area. We’ll teleport to the D1 area first.” Having said that, Zhan Shi handed over a prepared item, “I’m counting on you.”

These were the most valuable things he could offer.

Jie Fangcheng waved his hand, pushing the items back to him, “It's only right.”

Logically, Zhan XiaoMing seemed to have been dragged into this because of him. Clearly, the hunting ground wanted Jie, but they ended up taking Zhan XiaoMing instead.

Although Zhan Shi wouldn't see it that way – the veteran player simply thought of it as bad luck for Zhan XiaoMing, and considered Jie Fangcheng's willingness to help as sheer benevolence.

However, Jie Fangcheng couldn't take his gratitude for granted.

The two entered the teleportation point, paid the teleportation fee, and a flash of white light appeared before Jie Fangcheng.

D1 Area.

Resembling the architectural style of District 19, District 1 is also enveloped in a dense canopy of greenery that blocks out the sky. However, in comparison to the already impressive and grand Player Hall of District 19, District 1 offers a more expansive space with a heightened sense of technology.

Teleportation points are in abundance, stretching as far as the eye can see. Players move about in every direction, their voices blending with the sounds of machines, giving Jie Fangcheng a true sense of the game's vastness.

In the center of the boundless Player Hall stands a towering building, so tall that its top cannot be seen at first glance. Its silver glass facade reflects the greenery around it.

Thanks to the appearance of a savior, Uncle Zhan no longer looks as haggard.

He led Jie Fangcheng to board a hover train situated next to the teleportation point.

“The Tree of Life is still a distance away— that tall building in the Player Hall is the Tree of Life, named so because it's built upon its branches. Let me explain about the ranking assessment.”

"The Three Thousand Worlds" is stringent about the rank assessment for hunters. To attain the title of a D-level hunter, one must at least complete a level two dungeon.

Given this, after depositing 300 points, the system will create a simplified virtual arena where players need to defeat the virtual BOSS to earn the title of a hunter.

Upon acquiring the hunter title, the system interface will upgrade, introducing many features exclusive to hunters.

For instance, accepting tasks posted by other players.

“Generally, after entering the hunting grounds, you must complete system tasks to exit. However, there's another scenario. If you possess a ‘private pass’ to a hunting ground, you can post tasks specifically for that ground. Even if you fail the task after accepting such player-specific quests and entering the hunting ground, you can still use the teleportation array to return to the Player Hall.”

Hearing this, Jie Fangcheng immediately thought of the five individuals who had entered his miniature world.

They were manipulating some formations at the time, suggesting they might have entered the hunting grounds using private passes.

“Private pass? How does one obtain that?”

Zhan Shi shook his head, “I’m not entirely sure, but rumors suggest they're acquired from dungeons within miniature worlds. My rank is relatively low, so I'm not too familiar with this.”

Jie Fangcheng nodded thoughtfully.

After the hover train arrived at the Tree of Life, the two disembarked.

Jie Fangcheng looked up upon stepping off the train.

From a distance, the building already seemed towering, but up close, its sheer height surpassed his expectations.

Each floor spanned over ten meters, and the visible layers alone numbered in the hundreds. Looking up from the ground, the top was nowhere in sight.

But what's most astonishing is that this building is erected upon the branches of the Tree of Life.

Just how immense is the Tree of Life?

As if reading his thoughts, Zhan Shi elaborated, “District D is distinct from other districts. From its inception, our district leader has been the Elf Queen, and she brought the Tree of Life with her. The entirety of District D, not just D1, but every miniature world within District D, is interconnected by the Tree of Life.”

This is why, while District D might not boast the strongest of powers, District C, which bears a grudge against D, has always been all talk and no action. Conflicts between the two districts tend to be localized skirmishes. The Emperor of District C frequently rants on the forums but has never dared to truly invade District D for retribution.

As the two conversed, they arrived at the ranking assessment area.

Several underground levels are dedicated to virtual arenas for rank assessments. Jie Fangcheng is aiming for the D-level hunter rank, and levels one to three all facilitate this assessment.

After Zhan Shi generously covered the fee for the virtual arena, Jie Fangcheng received his queue number.

He marveled at the sight.

These underground arenas, each level comprised of over a thousand rooms, still required queued waiting.

Just how vast is this game?

“By the way, where's the item appraisal area?”

Jie Fangcheng inquired while waiting.

“It's upstairs, from the 26th to the 30th floor. Those floors house the appraisal stations.”

Given there was still a wait for Jie Fangcheng's turn, Zhan Shi simply guided him back to the elevator.

In a blink, they reached the 26th floor.

Compared to the bustling sight of the arenas with their queues, the 26th floor was slightly less crowded.

Primarily because item appraisals aren't exclusive to District 1; other sub-districts also have appraisal stations.

Jie Fangcheng surveyed the surrounding environment.

Immediately upon exiting the elevator, a massive virtual electronic screen reading “Appraisal Station” hung on the wall. Around this central display, over a dozen smaller screens rolled with various trade information.

Zhan Shi, evidently familiar with the place, explained, “That's the trading screen. If you spot an item you want, you can swipe it like this.”

Zhan Shi made a sweeping gesture in the void toward the virtual screen, capturing the floating display in front of him, transforming it into a personal mini-screen that allowed for side-to-side swiping to view details of various items.

“These are items consigned at the appraisal station. Many people, after having their items appraised, choose to sell them here directly. You simply tap the desired item, and then tap 'purchase’,” demonstrating, Zhan Shi selected a rope tool priced at just five points. Upon his purchase, a robot bearing a parcel swiftly approached.

Zhan Shi took the parcel, pressed a button, and the package automatically opened.

A bundle of rope appeared in his hands.

Zhan Shi handed the rope to Jie Fangcheng.

Not standing on ceremony over such a minor item priced at only five points, Jie Fangcheng readily accepted. After all, he genuinely needed tools like ropes and sticks.

“It’s extremely convenient,” Zhan Shi continued, “The 26th, 27th, and 28th floors are for appraising regular items. Those with special abilities, or graded items, require appraisal on the 29th and 30th floors.”

Items dropped from second-level dungeons are generally ordinary, though it's indeed possible for graded items to drop. However, that probability is extremely low.

Thus, Zhan Shi first brought Jie Fangcheng to these three floors designated for regular item appraisals.

But after he finished speaking, Jie Fangcheng shook his head.

“Seems I might need to head upstairs then.”

Zhan Shi, taken aback, asked, “How many items did you get?”

“Three.”

“All with special abilities?”

“Yes.”

To Jie Fangcheng, this seemed quite normal.

He hadn’t checked the items after clearing his last dungeon, having handed them all to Professor Zhang. However, when he initially received them, he'd quickly glanced over, noting that they all had special abilities.

Now, with his dungeon-clearing level increasing, of course, all the items he acquired were graded.

“...” Uncle Zhan's gaze upon him shifted.

What kind of luck is this?

Of course, what Uncle Zhan didn't realize was that this wasn't merely a matter of luck.

Up to this point, Jie Fangcheng had achieved a 100% clearance rate on the two dungeons he's completed, both with S-tier ratings. Naturally, the items he received were of high quality.

“Well... let’s head upstairs then.”

The counters on the 29th floor were visibly fewer than those on the 26th, albeit substantially larger. While many counters on the 26th floor were open for convenience, those on the 29th were different.

Each counter here was equipped with a door, turning these spaces into private, enclosed areas.

This design was meant to protect the privacy of those having items appraised, ensuring they weren't targeted by malicious individuals after appraising high-grade items.

After taking a number, Jie Fangcheng didn’t have to wait long. Upon entering the counter, the door closed behind him.

A sweet-looking elf clerk pushed a box towards him, designed to place the items in for appraisal.

Jie Fangcheng promptly placed all three items into the box, drawing a few extra glances from the clerk.

Simply from the layout of the appraisal section, one could deduce that the counters for common items were the most numerous and also the most frequented by players.

After all, players rarely acquired graded items. Even in a level-five dungeon, the loot often comprised more than half of common items.

The player before her didn't seem like a top-tier gamer, yet he presented three unappraised items with special abilities.

When the appraisal results came in, the elf behind the counter was even more astonished.

One C-grade and two D-grades!

Did this person just emerge from a level three or four dungeon? It really wasn't apparent.

It wasn't that the elf judged based on appearances; it's just that most elite players tended to have a distinctive attire.

Most high-level players wore item-based clothing, which at the very least looked exquisite.

As for Jie Fangcheng, his T-shirt and jeans combo screamed accessible and youthful.

Jie Fangcheng glanced over the appraised items. Two items bearing the name 'vampire' didn't interest him much, especially the "Vampire's Fang." To use it, he'd need to fit it in his mouth. Without much regard, he immediately tossed it into his backpack.

He might not have liked the tooth fitting, but he did fancy the brooch.

【 Prop: Rose brooch (Level C) 】

Introduction: A freshly picked white rose from the garden, is it worthy to present to the one you cherish most?

Effect: Adds 11 points to charm.

Special Skill: Honeymoon Phase.

Skill Description: In the honeymoon phase, you are utterly captivating.

Skill Effect: Greatly enhances charm.

Charisma is a rare attribute. Based on the forums, the chances of obtaining items with this attribute are just slightly higher than the even rarer attribute: luck.

As the name suggests, when a player has high luck, the randomly assigned dungeons are easier, and the loot quality improves.

Hence, any item that adds more than ten points to luck is priced exorbitantly.

The most famous case is the leader of Zone E. Just two years ago, he was an unheard-of C-grade hunter. Somehow, he acquired an artifact that added +100 to luck. From that moment, his rise was meteoric.

Clearing a level-five dungeon felt as simple as a level-three one for him, yet the items he acquired became progressively more formidable.

The most ludicrous incident occurred during the last competition. Just when a monster was about to slash its blade onto his neck, it stumbled, falling to the ground with its knife driving into its own head.

As for the charisma attribute, rumor has it that some players have adopted the "Heartthrob Passage" strategy, enhancing their charisma to such an extent that NPCs are instantly enamored by their allure.

However, not only is this attribute rare, but it's also ineffective against certain NPCs.

It's essential to understand that although termed 'NPCs' in the little world, this isn't some online game where NPCs follow a predefined script and can be strategized against.

Those entities termed as NPCs are, in essence, living souls. To them, charisma is an unstable factor.

Yet, even if this attribute doesn't lead NPCs to fall head over heels for the player, it still somewhat boosts their favorability, smoothing the player's dungeon-clearing journey.

Jie Fangcheng doesn't lack charisma. His stance on bosses has always been pretty straightforward.

He'd spare those amiable bosses. But any that dared threaten him were to be defeated ruthlessly. Charisma?

It would be more logical for the boss to add some charisma, lest Jie Fangcheng's first instinct be to tackle them.

However, the brooch's white rose design instantly reminded him of Lu Jia.

He wondered how things might change if, upon their next meeting, he gifted this brooch to Professor Zhang. Would the added charisma have an effect?

Would he then find Professor Zhang slightly more handsome?

The mere thought made Jie Fangcheng somewhat eager.

The item appraisal didn't take long. Just as Jie Fangcheng wrapped up the process, his turn at the gladiator arena arrived.

The duo returned to the arena.

Jie Fangcheng would have to proceed alone. On the way, Zhan Shi briefed him about the operation and couldn't resist offering some additional advice.

"Even though it's a virtual arena, the virtual bosses are still quite formidable. Players can't use their items here, only their personal skills... if I may ask, what's your personal skill?"

With ample combat experience under his belt, Zhan Shi hoped to devise a strategy for Jie Fangcheng during this brief interval.

"Hmm?" Jie Fangcheng scratched his head, "I don't think I've acquired a personal skill yet."

“…” Trying to steady his nerves, Zhan Shi hesitated and began to advise Jie Fangcheng from a different perspective, “It’s alright. The virtual BOSS’s attacks are somewhat slower, so focus on dodging. Use the terrain within the arena... The main thing is to defeat the virtual BOSS. Stay calm. If you fail the first time, you can retry. Each person has three chances daily.”

As they spoke, they reached the arena. Zhan Shi looked at him with evident concern.

“...Winning or not, it’s fine,” he said, though it took an effort to get the words out. “But do try to avoid dying inside the arena. Even though there's no physical harm, the pain is real. And there have been cases where people suffered mental trauma. You... give it your best.”

“Alright, I will.”

Jie Fangcheng had a favorable impression of both Zhan Shi and Zhan Xiaoming. Patiently listening to Zhan Shi’s advice, he then waved: “I’m heading in now.”

“Alright.”

Jie Fangcheng closed the door to his virtual arena.

Zhan Shi took a deep breath.

Jie Fangcheng was his last hope. As a Guardian... he should be capable, right? At the very least, more so than himself.

If even he could attain the D-level hunter title, Jie Fangcheng should have no issues.

If even Jie Fangcheng doesn’t succeed, perhaps he'd have to consider entering the hunting grounds himself.

After all, Zhan Xiaoming is his only kin. He cannot afford to lose this nephew.

Zhan Shi took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

—— "Click."

The gates of the arena before him opened.

Jie Fangcheng walked out with his hands in his pockets.

“……”

“？？？”

Zhan Shi was dumbstruck.

How many seconds was that???

He had just taken a breath and hadn't even exhaled yet; how did this guy come out so quickly??

“You... you...”

Zhan Shi felt like his brain was short-circuiting.

In such a short time, did the arena just spawn the BOSS??

Indeed, he had placed most of his hopes on Jie Fangcheng. The young man, despite appearing youthful, had boastfully claimed to be the guardian of the S-level hunting ground.

In truth, Zhan Shi didn't believe him.

But since he was willing to help and claimed to be a guardian, his abilities must be credible. Hence, Zhan Shi treated him with much respect throughout.

An arena worth three hundred points usually takes its time to start, but what is happening now???

The first thought that came to Zhan Shi's mind was: Was the opponent so weak that he was knocked out by the BOSS as soon as they met??

“It's over.”

Jie Fangcheng spoke.

Zhan Shi, almost reflexively, asked, “Are you dead?”

Jie Fangcheng couldn't help but smile wryly as he handed over the card from his pocket, which contained the result, to Zhan Shi.

"The BOSS is dead."

Zhan Shi could hardly believe it, taking the card in a flustered rush.

The digital card clearly read: "Hunter No. 6941532 [Xie Fangcheng] has successfully hunted, now promoted to [D-level Hunter]."

"What's next?"

Xie Fangcheng asked.

For a moment, Zhan Shi was lost in shock. Only when Xie Fangcheng pressed him again did he lift his head in a daze.

"Next... we go for the assessment."

"Let's go."

With the clearance card and personal details, the assessment process went smoothly.

[Congratulations to player [Xie Fangcheng] on earning the title: D-level Hunter.]

[Congratulations on becoming a hunter, the system will now upgrade automatically.]

[Upgrade successful.]

Soon after, Xie Fangcheng returned to the teleportation point, paid the hunting ground points, and chose [Hunting Ground: The Meat Grinder (D-level)].

He waved at Zhan Shi, "Don't worry, I'll bring Xiaoming back."

With a flash of white light, Xie Fangcheng disappeared from the teleportation point.

Zhan Shi felt like he was floating the entire time.

Only when the white light faded did he snap back to reality.

This player named Xie Fangcheng... He didn't seem to be lying.

The time he spent in the arena couldn't have exceeded ten seconds, yet in such a short time, he had defeated the virtual BOSS...

Such prowess, surely only a guardian of the S-level hunting grounds would possess...

Zhan Shi had never seen a hunter who could enter the S-level hunting grounds... yet now he had witnessed a guardian of the S-level hunting grounds...

"Xiaoming... just who has he befriended?"

.

[Ding— Welcome player [Xie Fangcheng] to the Hunting Ground [The Meat Grinder (D-level)]. In five minutes, your protection time will end. Please prepare during this period.]

Boom— Boom—

As Jie Fangcheng opened his eyes, he was first greeted by a loud sound, as if something was rapidly running by.

But when he opened his eyes, he realized it was the sound of the wind.

Sand was everywhere, obscuring the sky like the end of the world. It was impossible to discern the surroundings.

The area where Jie Fangcheng stood seemed to be separated by a transparent membrane, creating a small pocket of space for him.

Unlike before when entering a copy space, where there would be a prompt, now, in this hunting field, the system gave no instructions or descriptions, just a mission: Retrieve the ​1​.

Eye of the Angel? What is that?

Jie Fangcheng scratched his head.

As he pondered about his location and what he should do next, five minutes passed in a flash, and a figure suddenly emerged from the sandstorm.

Upon seeing Jie Fangcheng, the figure paused, cursed under his breath, and then urgently shouted, “Hey! Which team are you from? The ‘Eclipse’ is coming! Why aren't you wearing protective gear? What are you doing here??”