"Tch, lunatic!" Sang Liwu drove off. Parking and alighting with Tang Jiu, he noticed many familiar faces.

"What's the game organizer up to?" Instead of greeting anyone, Sang Liwu's primary concern was safety.

Tang Jiu spotted Zhou You and strode over, leaving Sang Liwu calling after him before eventually following.

"Mr. Zhou, Mr. Shao," Tang Jiu greeted them and got a friendly response. Zhou You gestured, "You're here. Wait a bit more, 20 minutes to the appointed time."

Sang Liwu squeezed in, "Mr. Zhou, do you know our objective?"

Zhou You glanced at Shao Qi, replying politely, "Not yet, but we'll know soon."

They were informed that mission details would be disclosed once all gathered. Given the close proximity of the rendezvous to the base, everyone dared to take the risk.

The previously dubbed 'lunatic' boy approached, brighter-eyed upon seeing Zhou You and Shao Qi. With his camera trembling, he asked, "Heroes, may I take some photos?"

Recognizing familiar faces around him, Zhou You nodded, "Sure, make them good. Send them to me later."

"Alright!" The boy enthusiastically took multiple shots, only to be pushed away by Sang Liwu, still eager for more.

"What's your name, kid? How old are you? Does your family know you're here?" Sang Liwu fired off questions.

Standing tall, the boy responded, "Greetings! I'm Xuan Jue, 17 years old. Though young, I have extensive wilderness survival experience. You won't need to worry about me lagging behind."

"Xuan?" Zhou You curiously inquired, "Any relation to the Xuan Sect?"

Rubbing his head shyly, the boy admitted, "Ah, I am from the Xuan Sect. But my grandfather forbids me from using this identity. He also mentioned he's found a successor for the sect. So, I'm not really closely related anymore."

This revelation made even Shao Qi give him a second look, informing Zhou You, "Old man Xuan does have a grandson rumored to be exceptionally gifted, though I've never met him."

Clearly, the young man before them was the one, explaining his confidence in venturing out alone.

More people trickled in, but 100 seemed unlikely. As the designated time approached, everyone eagerly fetched the voice recorders provided by the game organizer. Oddly, they remained silent until the exact moment, then all began speaking simultaneously.

"Congratulations to the top 100 players for receiving a special task. This mission will also serve as one of your evaluations. Upon completion, each of you will earn a score of 100 and a reward worth 100,000 points. Exceptional performers will also receive an additional exchange slot sponsored by us."

"This mission pertains to national security, social stability, economic development, and more. It is of utmost importance. Everyone must sign a non-disclosure agreement. Those unwilling to sign should leave immediately. You'll have a minute to read the mission briefing."

Suddenly, an electronic screen appeared before everyone, displaying lines of text that flickered rapidly. A minute later, the screen vanished, leaving the crowd in a state of bewilderment.

Shao Qi dusted off his pants and stood up, "Alright, make your choice now—take the mission or decline. However, even if you opt out, you must keep everything secret. Anyone leaking information will be treated as a traitor!"

Someone brusquely inquired, "Who are you? Why should we listen to you?"

Shao Qi sneered, "Didn't you read the briefing? It stated that the top player would lead. That's me. From now on, I'll be in command of all actions."

"I don't accept this! You're just a player in this game. Why should I entrust my life to you?"

"Then you can leave."

"I won't go!" The man defiantly retorted, "If this mission is so crucial, we should elect a new leader. The current team is a mix of strengths and weaknesses. We need to be selective."

"Who are you?" Sang Liwu was the first to voice his discontent, grabbing the man's collar, "Never seen or heard of you before. You don’t even recognize Mr. Shao. Did you pop up from underground or something?"

"Why should I know him?"

"Enough. Just go home. We all accept Shao Qi’s leadership. The majority rules. We're here to complete the mission, not to play games. Let’s move out; we might not reach our destination in half a month otherwise."

Some people were still hesitant, but the allure of 100,000 points was too tempting. For many, it was more than they'd earn in a lifetime. Even for Sang Liwu's elite expedition team, a mission could rarely yield such a high reward. Now, a single person could earn that much. Who wouldn't be tempted?

Qin Lifen stepped forward and pulled the man away. Shao Qi continued, "From now on, the sixty of us are one cohesive unit. Unity and cooperation are paramount. No one is to desert or disobey orders. We have all the necessary supplies, six to a vehicle, each vehicle representing a squad. Squad leaders will be ranked from first to tenth. In unexpected situations, the squad leader takes charge. I don't want to hear any further objections. Let’s sort out the teams now."

Out of the top ten, seven belonged to the Litchi Mansion. The other three were Tang Jiu, Zhang Dingshan, and a young man named Xuan Jue. Everyone was wary of the unfamiliar Xuan Jue.

Xuan Jue smiled at them, put down his camera, and with a slight motion of his hand, snowflakes beside him began to swirl, forming a large vortex. Those close by felt a force pulling at them. Just this move left a significant impression.