Working together, they quickly drew numerous fish from all directions. This aquatic vegetation area had few fish, as any close proximity would lead to entanglement. Over time, the schools learned to steer clear.

As the fish approached, the aquatic plants started writhing wildly. Observing from above, each fish was specifically targeted. The plants, acting as if sentient, attacked with uncanny precision.

However, these mutant fish were no ordinary species. Sensing danger, some retreated, while others fought back by biting the plants, creating a stalemate.

Shao Qi received the aerial footage from Zhou You. From this perspective, the vast root systems of the plants were more evident. Alone, Shao Qi couldn't possibly uproot them all.

He launched several torpedoes aimed directly at the plant roots. Explosions rocked the water's surface, sending mutant fish flying. Despite some plants being severed, unless the roots were entirely destroyed, they'd quickly regenerate.

The explosion flung Shao Qi's battleship. Fastened with a safety belt, he spun in mid-air before crashing into the water.

The battleship, more stable than speedboats, even housed a submarine. Shao Qi transitioned from the ship to the sub, navigating back to the contested area.

The water slowly calmed. Above, Zhou You, unaware of the submarine below, released several torpedoes, striking directly at the plant roots.

More explosions ensued. Shao Qi's submarine was pushed far away. Its bulletproof glass cracked, and several mutant fish smashed gaping holes into it.

Rushing to unbuckle his safety belt, Shao Qi was too late. A large red fish, with razor-sharp fins and sturdy scales, breached the submarine, wreaking havoc inside. Bullets, already hampered by water resistance, barely affected it.

Now merely at a martial artist's level, Shao Qi was surrounded by mutant fish. Unable to escape, he soon found himself respawning at a revival point.

After releasing the torpedoes, Zhou You scoured the water for Shao Qi. Their communication had long been severed. After an unsuccessful search, he deduced the worst for Shao Qi. Diving into the water with his fighter jet, he triggered a massive explosion, obliterating the plants. As Zhou You's consciousness faded, the game system announced: "Congratulations to player Zhou You World for eliminating one of the top ten threats, the mutant water plant. Reward..."

Every player in the game heard this announcement. Many noticed the leaderboard's shift, with Zhou You World swiftly rising from fourth to first place.

"Incredible! It's that legend again. How did he manage that?"

"Mutated aquatic plants? What on earth is that? Did he install some glitch on himself? How does he keep encountering these ultimate bosses?"

"Aquatic plants? Aren't those in the water? There were two people who went fishing on the river with a speedboat earlier, could it be them?"

"Oh right, I remember that. Let's go and see what kind of mutated aquatic plant is so formidable."

In the game, Tang Lian wasn't surprised to see his rank overtaken. Lately, every time he played, he relentlessly hunted mutated creatures. The number he killed was surely the highest in the game. However, his strategy seemed off. Others received bulk rewards, which proved quicker than his approach of taking them down one by one.

Zhou You respawned at the revival point, his third life. As he opened his eyes, he saw a crown icon above his avatar. The ranking beside him turned golden with the number "1". Had he become the top player by defeating the mutated aquatic plant?

Checking his rewards, Zhou You found they had multiplied. He got skill books, weapons, crafting materials, badges, and something he hadn't seen before.

Upon closer inspection, Zhou You realized it was a token resembling a military talisman. It could be used thrice, allowing him to command a thousand players in emergencies. After the third use, it becomes void.

"This is valuable! wonder if this token is awarded only to the top player. Given its presence, there must be a major crisis looming where players need to unite. The early rankings seem like mere trials."

Zhou You discovered an additional surprise: his rank had advanced from Warrior to Junior Martial Master. The system celebrated his promotion with fireworks, announcing it to the entire server, making the name "Zhou Travels the World" even more renowned.

Shao Qi approached, noticing Zhou You in deep thought. Patting him on the shoulder, he said, "Congratulations, Mr. Zhou, on securing the top spot!"

Zhou You looked back, scanning Shao Qi from head to toe, and realizing that in-game characters appear intact after revival, asked, "How did you die earlier?"

With a resigned expression, Shao Qi replied, "I should have coordinated with you. My battleship was pushed back, so I switched to a submarine to approach underwater. Then you dropped torpedoes from above, accidentally hitting my sub. Then mutated fish attacked and finished me off. But I'm more curious about how you tackled the mutated aquatic plant."

Zhou You turned away, calmly saying, "I simply decided on a kamikaze move with my fighter jet. Seemed like a good solution at the time."

Shao Qi paused, grabbing Zhou You, whispering, "Why'd you consider a mutual takedown? Did you know I was gone?"

Zhou You wouldn't admit he made the sacrifice due to Shao Qi's absence, simply stating, "It had nothing to do with you. It was just an idea since I couldn't think of a better strategy. After all, it's just a game. We can respawn. I wouldn't dare do that in real life."

"Regardless, this time you sacrificed for me."