Chapter 38: The Trial's Trap

Chapter 38: The Trial’s Trap

“Anyone willing to share their coordinates? Got three Vile Crystals last time before getting killed—still bitter about it.”

“1 point Sacrificial Power for God of Wealth’s coordinates. Transfer payment first, I guarantee safe trade. My reputation’s solid.”

“The God of Wealth’s insane! Players with decent luck have already made thousands of Sacrificial Power these past few days.”

“Watched someone live-stream opening their second Stellar Vein slot using Vile Crystals yesterday. I’m green with envy. Begging for the God of Wealth’s location—I need to get rich too!”

…

The chatter scrolled rapidly through Qi Sheng’s mind.

Ever since Duan Xing’s arrival, the regional chat and forums had exploded with activity. Every player was tracking his movements, dubbing him the “God of Wealth.”

After all, countless players had struck gold by scavenging the Vile Crystals he left behind.

Compared to the grind of farming monsters for Sacrificial Power, harvesting these crystals was effortless—and far more profitable. The frenzy peaked when a player posted their haul online and streamed using the crystals to unlock a second Stellar Vein slot. Suddenly, everyone was scrambling to join the hunt.

Soon, a “Treasure-Seeking Alliance” formed—a swarm of players scouring the map for Duan Xing’s trail. They wanted to follow him and cash in.

Whenever someone spotted Duan Xing, they’d broadcast his coordinates. Instantly, hundreds would swarm the location using map guides.

To them, sharing intel maximized profits. Going solo meant instant death—only mass participation offered chaos enough to snatch the crystals.

Tracking Duan Xing wasn’t hard. Before every massacre, he lit a smoke signal that attracted Malevolent Spirits. From miles away, the towering plumes revealed his location.

The only complaint? The “God of Wealth” never gave them a chance to talk.

Not that they cared. They didn’t want conversation—they just wanted his wealth.

Some players grew curious about his behavior, though. Why did he keep relocating, slaughtering Malevolent Spirits endlessly? No one could answer.

Then, a forum thread made Qi Sheng chuckle.

“Guys, have you noticed the God of Wealth’s expression changes?”

OP: Pay-to-Win.

Post: Followed the God of Wealth’s trail for days—made a tidy profit, sure, but that’s not the point. His demeanor’s shifting. I’ve compiled screenshots from various streams since he first appeared. Compare these expressions:

(Compilation of the God of Wealth’s facial expressions)

…

Each image was timestamped.

The first: Duan Xing’s initial encounter with players. Cold, impassive, his brows arched with quiet confidence and pride.

The second: After repeated interactions, his patience thinned. A faint red glint flickered in his eyes.

The third: Relocating again, he saw players approaching. His face twisted, red mist seeping from his eyes—a killing intent so sharp it pierced the image.

The fourth and fifth: During later hunts, mid-slaughter, he’d occasionally glance up, startled to see players again. Then the red mist would surge, swallowing his expression.

The sixth: A new location. Facing sudden intruders, his gaze shifted—fury, frustration, regret, anguish… and a hint of despair. Players hailed this as his “Method Acting Masterpiece,” a single shot capturing an emotional storm.

Seventh…

From icy detachment to soul-deep despair. The God of Wealth’s psyche was crumbling. His once-lustrous hair became ragged, his pale eyes fully crimson, his Runic Battle Armor’s glow dimming.

The contrast between the first and tenth images was staggering.

The replies were equally lively.

Beaverbeats: “The God’s in a bad mood. Not killing enough?”

Darklandstruefun: “Maybe he’s a game mechanic—like a red envelope boss. Hunt him for free loot. The devs probably added difficulty by letting him kill scavengers. Adds ‘fun,’ right?”

The God of Wealth's psyche was unraveling, his once-proud demeanor now a shell of its former self. As players scoured the forums, they analyzed his changing expressions, from icy detachment to soul-crushing despair. His hair, once lustrous, now ragged, and his pale eyes, now crimson, mirrored his inner turmoil. The contrast between his initial appearance and his current state was stark.

Speculations ran wild. Some players joked about his mood, while others theorized he was a game mechanic, a red envelope boss designed to be hunted for loot. Was this the developers' idea of adding 'fun'?

Amidst the chaos, a player named Iron Enchant shared a different perspective: "He and the Malevolent Spirits seem like bitter enemies. Exhausted, yet he keeps relocating to kill them. I wonder what his story is, but this game keeps us guessing."

As the players debated, the God of Wealth's fate remained uncertain.

Iron Enchant: “He and the Malevolent Spirits seem like bitter enemies. Exhausted, yet keeps relocating to kill them. Wonder what his story is. But this game leaves everything to guesswork.”

Fate’s Wheel: “Guys, he’s at Crimson Plains (coordinates)! GO GO GO!”

…

Crimson Plains, Southern Zone.

The blood-red moon dyed the sky crimson, yet failed to warm the land’s gloom. Once-vibrant fields now lay barren, soaked in blood and bone.

“This is the spot? You said the God of Wealth’s here—who’s he?”

Two players pushed through a Thorn-infested zone, arriving at the broadcasted coordinates.

Disappointment hit. No sign of the God of Wealth. Not even a Malevolent Spirit stirred.

“We got punked by some troll,” the leader growled.

“Bro, now what?” asked the teen beside him.

“What else? Head back—”

The leader halted, spotting a pit nearby. He yanked away the Thorn covering it—and froze.

Inside lay a mound of Vile Crystals. Hundreds.

“Holy SH*T! We’re rich!”

…

An hour later.

A blue streak descended from the sky, landing at the pit’s edge.

Duan Xing brushed aside the Thorn veil, raising his hand to toss more Vile Crystals into the hole—

Then froze.

“Where… are they?”

“My Vile Crystals?!”

A roar tore through the plains. His hair whipped wildly as his eyes flared crimson, his face twisted with fury.

But beneath the rage… came hollow despair.

Five days into the trial. No progress. His ranking would plummet.

He slumped beside the pit, gaze empty.

Before the trial, he’d imagined dangers—never this: trapped in the Last Quarter Moon scenario, unable to advance.

“I… refuse to accept this…”

Staring at the empty hole, his voice cracked.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end