Chapter 41: The Collective Mission

Chapter 41: The Collective Mission

Dizhong Village, Primordial Altar

Qi Sheng’s consciousness followed the Guide’s pull across a range of smoldering volcanoes, trailing behind the retreating Malevolent Spirits Legion Commander as it reached the northern sector of the Dizhong Mountain Range.

The Legion Commander staggered onto a platform at the top of a towering spire. At once, several pitch-black tendrils extended from a crimson eye looming above, piercing its body. Its wounds began healing before their eyes.

“It seems the journey didn’t go well,” the red eye murmured, its voice rasping through a fissure in its surface.

“I didn’t lose,” Di Nian replied coldly, meeting the eye’s taunting tone.

“Victory or defeat matters little. I still sense the presence of the Abyssal Tide Legion warrior. He lives.”

“I know. He’s stronger than I anticipated. But without those rule-wielding beings interfering, I would’ve killed him.”

“Rule-wielders? I sensed no other life during your battle.”

“A frail, mysterious species. Through some unknown method, they briefly plunge me into a rage-driven state, forcing me to attack them involuntarily.”

The crimson eye fell silent for a moment before responding:

“You encountered the Primordial Monsters—beings of unique origin. According to shared intelligence from other nodes, they likely emerged from the primordial power of this world’s creator, the Imperial Omen. Each embodies a fundamental rule of existence. They cannot be truly slain; even in death, they’ll be reborn somewhere in this world.”

“I see. Yet apart from their rule-based abilities, these Monsters seem physically weak.”

“You’re mistaken. Never underestimate this world’s strength. Reports indicate vast power disparities among Primordial Monsters. The strongest can slay even our commanders or kings.”

“Kings?” Di Nian stiffened at the term.

“The dungeon world you helped conquer was a primitive realm, far weaker than this one. By my judgment, your power here ranks barely above the lowest tier. Your youth and arrogance blind you—this world may mark the end of your ascent.”

Di Nian inhaled sharply.

“I understand.”

“A boundless energy source lies beneath this tower. I’ll harness its power to forge warriors for you, enabling conquest of nearby nodes. Wait patiently.”

As the eye spoke, surging black mist engulfed the tower’s base, igniting it in dark flames. The furnace at its core compressed the swirling energy, birthing grotesque Malevolent Spirits that rained down like a cascade of dumplings.

Qi Sheng’s consciousness, guided by the Guide, descended toward the tower’s foundation.

From their conversation, Qi Sheng realized the tower stood atop a domain node. Curious about its properties, he delved deeper.

Though Malevolent Spirits could harness a node’s energy, they couldn’t wield its domain traits. Abilities like Dizhong Village’s Flesh Reconstruction—crucial for recruiting players—were far more valuable.

As his consciousness sank into the earth, the Guide’s analytical ability activated.

Data flooded Qi Sheng’s mind, translating into comprehensible text:

[Domain Node: Celestial Abyss]

Territory Type: Rule-Based

Territory Trait: Myriad-Furnace

Effect: Refines identical attribute abilities, creating unexpected transformations.

Domain Status: Controlled by Black Tide

The trait’s specifics remained unclear, its full potential requiring integration with Dizhong Village to unlock. But the fact that it was a rule-based node intrigued him. Unlike resource-focused nodes like Gloomspire Caverns, such domains held far greater power.

“Boss, you’re drooling.”

“Obviously. This node’s mine.”

“Unfortunately, your physical form can’t roam freely—every second outside drains massive Sacrificial Power. You’ll need stronger players before claiming it.”

“Fine. Let’s reclaim Gloomspire Caverns’ domain node first… We’re heading back.”

As Qi Sheng spoke, the Guide pulled his consciousness toward Dizhong Village.

The moment his awareness returned to his body, a message flashed to all players:

[Challenger Alert (All Players): A hidden collective mission—Purification of the Node—has been triggered by your first battle against an intelligent Malevolent Spirit.]

Mission Description: Descend to the fifth subterranean layer of Gloomspire Caverns and shatter the Domain Node Crystal corrupted by Black Tide Energy.

Reward 1: Dizhong Village’s territory expands to connect directly with Gloomspire Caverns. Players may enter the caverns instantly from Dizhong Village to mine Spirit Ore.

Participants gain generous rewards (Sacrificial Power boosts, Body Forge rank upgrades, and access to the Stellar Vein).

Note: Rewards will be distributed based on individual contributions—measured by monster kills and damage dealt to the corrupted crystal.

The collective mission immediately captured every player’s attention.

Forums erupted with discussion.

Realizing the lucrative rewards, guilds scrambled to organize teams, while solo players—tempted by the direct access to Gloomspire Caverns—rushed to join.

Previously, mining required an hour-long trek from Dizhong Village to the caverns. A bad encounter with Iron Shellworms meant death, respawning at the village, and another grueling hour back. The frustration was immense.

Qi Sheng understood this.

Other games solved travel time with teleportation systems. But activating such a network consumed vast Sacrificial Power, making it impractical until player numbers grew. Completing the mission, however, would create a permanent shortcut—saving hours of travel.

Half an hour after the mission’s launch, players across Dizhong Mountain Range converged on Gloomspire Caverns’ Crimson Plains entrance.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end