But it didn’t take long for these top players to realize that the Abyss-level trial was simply an impossible challenge. No matter how many times they attempted it, they all ended up completely wiped out before even making it halfway through. Eventually, they gave up, convinced that no team could ever clear such a trial. After all, the Abyss represented utter despair—hopelessness itself.
Thus, this first batch of level 10 players shifted their focus to the Nightmare-level trial. "Nightmare" symbolized sheer terror, and this difficulty level fully lived up to its name. Even the strongest players suffered repeated failures. However, unlike with the Abyss-level trial, the setbacks didn’t discourage them. Each time, they pushed a little further, inching closer to victory. It was only a matter of time before someone would finally reach the end of the Nightmare trial.
Of course, that applied only to the true elites standing at the pinnacle of strength. For regular players without top-tier equipment or financial backing, even the Hard-level trial was an insurmountable wall.
Novice Village 12000.
Waves of grinding parties came and went, flooding the village in an endless cycle. The air buzzed with the constant calls of vendors peddling their wares. As more and more players neared level 10, the topic of conversation increasingly revolved around the upcoming class advancement trial. It might have been just a test, but the results would mark the first real power gap between players.
In an unremarkable corner of the village, a man sat quietly on an old, weathered stone. He made no sound, motionless as a lifelike statue. His cold and proud demeanor, coupled with piercing eyes, carried an irresistible charm that could make any woman’s heart race. Clad in the fitted attire of an Assassin, his lean, well-proportioned frame was accentuated by the snug fabric. There was no doubt—this was a man who exuded an undeniable magnetism. No matter where he went, he would undoubtedly draw attention. But those who met his gaze would instantly understand—he was far more than just attractive. He was dangerous.
A tall, slender figure approached him soundlessly. Standing before him, the newcomer bowed his head, averting his gaze to the ground. Had anyone observed his expression beforehand, they would have seen something akin to reverence—an almost religious awe.
“Ying, is everyone ready?” The seated man lifted his gaze, his voice calm.
Feeling the weight of that gaze upon him, Ying instinctively bowed even lower. “Young Master, everything is prepared. This team of twelve consists of the absolute strongest players in Novice Village 12000. Their gear and consumables have been fine-tuned to perfection. We are fully confident that this time, we will clear the Nightmare-level trial.”
The man nodded slightly, his tone indifferent. “We've already failed four times. Last time, we were so close. This time, failure is not an option. Let’s go—we must complete the trial before Wings of Oblivion. It’s a perfect opportunity to crush their momentum.”
“Understood.” Ying hesitated briefly before adding, “Young Master, there is one piece of troubling news.”
“Oh?” The man’s brow furrowed.
“We received word from Wind Shadow of Novice Village 15000—Heavenly Blade Hades has apparently agreed to join forces with Wings of Oblivion for the Nightmare-level trial. I fear…”
“You’re worried that Heavenly Blade Hades, Boundless Slayer, will actually join Wings of Oblivion?” The man’s expression darkened momentarily before he let out a soft chuckle. “Ying, you’re overthinking it. A man like Heavenly Blade Hades would never tie himself to any faction—that would mean giving up his freedom. He’s simply using them as a stepping stone to clear the Nightmare trial.”
Ying quickly nodded. “You’re right, Young Master. Besides, with the strength of our Divine Dominion Alliance, even if Heavenly Blade Hades were to join Wings of Oblivion, it wouldn’t be a concern. Even if Boundless Slayer continues his legendary reign in Destiny, he is still just one person… and even he has to rely on Wings of Oblivion to attempt the Nightmare trial.”
The man looked up and slowly shook his head. “You’re both right and wrong. Against ordinary players, one person’s strength means little. But there are three individuals you should never underestimate… Do you know who I’m talking about?”
Ying’s expression stiffened. “I… I do.”
There were only three people in the entire gaming world who commanded such respect from the leader of the Divine Dominion Alliance.
The Undefeated Evil Emperor, Tian Moye.
The Heavenly Blade Hades, Boundless Slayer.
The Peerless Asura, Bloodfiend Luna.
Three names that shook not just the Huaxia region but the entire world of online gaming. Each of them had performed feats so legendary they were almost unfathomable.
The man’s eyes darkened slightly. “Especially Tian Moye… I have never fought any of them personally, but whether it was in Sky Dominion or Godslayer, I was always confident that I wouldn’t lose to Boundless Slayer or Bloodfiend Luna. But against Tian Moye… I’ve never once believed I could win.”
If anyone else had heard those words, they would have been utterly shocked.
To be confident in matching Boundless Slayer and Bloodfiend Luna—who was this man?
He was Buried God, the leader of the Divine Dominion Alliance. A man who rarely needed to act personally due to the sheer size and power of his guild. Only a handful of people truly understood the depths of his strength.
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Ying’s face showed a trace of shame. “Young Master, we still haven’t found any traces of Tian Moye or Bloodfiend Luna.”
“No need to blame yourself.” Buried God stood up, a subtle, unreadable smirk playing at his lips. “They’re the type who always seek out the road less traveled. If they don’t want to be found, no one will find them. What interests me more is… has there been any movement from the July Commerce Guild?”
Ying shook his head. “Nothing. We’ve been keeping close watch, but there’s been no activity from them at all.”
Buried God frowned slightly in thought before murmuring, “Liu Qiyue wouldn’t stay silent forever… I wonder what kind of surprise she’s preparing for us this time. Let’s go.”
Ying followed closely behind him. Though Buried God’s expression remained as calm as ever, when he mentioned Liu Qiyue, Ying had caught a fleeting trace of something rare in his eyes—fascination.
Liu Qiyue… A woman with the face of an angel, the body of a goddess, and the cunning of a devil. She was the only woman who had ever made Buried God show that kind of expression.
ovice Village #60001
Amidst the bustling crowd of Novice Village, Ye Tianxie, clad in the most outdated beginner's gear, still remained the center of attention. Even without extravagant clothing, his face alone was a devastating weapon, effortlessly capturing the gaze of both men and women. Every time he returned to the village, he was reminded that maximizing one's appearance settings wasn't always a good thing.
"Younger brother, come, let big sis take you to level up. It's free… and we can also play some fun little games~" A woman clad in steel armor with the charm of a mature lady grabbed his arm, her seductive eyes filled with flirtatious intent. Clearly, she was a lonely woman yearning for company. Seeing his unimpressive gear, she had naturally assumed he was a fresh newbie.
"Big brother, this piece of equipment is for you… Can we add each other as friends?" A timid young girl, who looked about seventeen or eighteen, shyly held out a level-five white-grade steel sword.
"You there, young man, wanna play together?" This time, it was a woman in her forties…
By the time Ye Tianxie finally reached the village chief in one piece, his forehead was already glistening with cold sweat.
"Brave young one, it's been a while. Oh? You've already reached level ten? Haha, very good! I assume you're here for the class advancement trial?" Upon seeing Ye Tianxie, the village chief immediately greeted him with a warm smile.
Just moments ago, Ye Tianxie had finally reached level ten. Compared to those game addicts who played nonstop for twenty-four hours straight, his daily playtime had never exceeded ten hours. Yet, with the assistance of the Eternal Fate's Mark, his level had not fallen behind at all. Even without the Fate's Core, the Fate's Mark still retained its classification as an Immortal-grade artifact. Combined with his unmatched leveling efficiency, it was simply impossible for anyone to surpass him.
"Yes, Village Chief, I’m here to take on the class advancement trial and head to the mysterious Lost Continent," Ye Tianxie replied with a smile.
"Excellent. I believe you’ll embark on a journey of great glory and admiration there. However… only those who pass the class advancement trial will earn the right to be transported. There are five difficulty levels—Easy, Normal, Hard, Nightmare, and Abyss. Which one do you wish to challenge?"
Ye Tianxie’s gaze remained steady as he slowly and firmly said, "Abyss."
The village chief nodded slightly and smiled. "Your answer does not surprise me. Your eyes and your courage already told me you would choose the greatest challenge. Very well, I shall send you to the Abyss-level trial grounds. But, brave young man, remember my words—when facing an enemy far stronger than yourself, failure is not a disgrace but a form of wealth. It will make you yearn for greater power. Now, gather your teammates and bring them here."
To this day, no team had ever passed the Abyss-level trial—not even the Nightmare-level trial had been cleared. The difficulty of the Abyss trial and the final foe one had to face were well known. Anyone who chose this trial was stepping into a true abyss… an impossible challenge for a novice.
The village chief did not stop or dissuade Ye Tianxie. As he had said, failure would only push him to seek greater strength.
"I have no teammates. Just send me alone," Ye Tianxie said with a smile, giving the village chief an utterly shocking answer.
"Oh? Brave young man, you’re not serious, are you? You intend to take on the Abyss-level trial alone?" The village chief looked at him in disbelief. Even twelve-person teams couldn't make it halfway through the Abyss trial, yet this young man wanted to challenge it alone? Was he ignorant, or simply mad?
"Yes. Please send me to the trial grounds," Ye Tianxie replied.
"This… Brave young man, you must not know how terrifying the Abyss trial is. Many warriors from your world have attempted it, but not a single one has returned alive. While you may not experience real death, there are still severe penalties for dying there… Sigh, I might as well tell you—the Abyss trial is an impossible challenge. Even if you reach the trial’s end, what awaits you is—"
"Village Chief, you don’t need to tell me all this." Ye Tianxie shook his head, still smiling. "I enjoy excitement and challenges. The more impossible something seems, the more I want to attempt it. Besides…" His gaze sharpened, like an eagle circling in the sky, ready to swoop down on its prey at any moment. "I’m not just here to challenge and experience—I’m here to win. Because I… do not allow myself to lose!"
"But—"
"There are no 'buts'." Ye Tianxie interrupted, his brow lifting, the corners of his mouth curling up. "Nothing in this world is truly absolute. Even the most terrifying abyss has an end. Village Chief, send me in."
The village chief stared at Ye Tianxie in silence for a long time, as if seeing him for the first time. The young man before him felt completely different now. What he exuded wasn’t courage—it was pride. A pride that was unyielding and absolute, backed by an overwhelming force of conviction—a belief called self-confidence. His gaze was clear, his eyes sharp enough to make one hesitate to meet them, and even the unseen aura around him carried a presence that compelled submission. His words weren’t the reckless arrogance of an ignorant fool—this was a man who could not afford to lose. But where did his confidence come from?
After a long silence, the village chief finally let out a deep sigh and said in a meaningful tone, "Brave young man… for the first time, I find myself longing to witness the birth of a miracle. Something that should be impossible… yet I desperately want to see it happen. Your courage, your pride, and your conviction… they’ve moved me."
"…" Under such grand words of praise—ones that could befit a hero—Ye Tianxie, thick-skinned as he was, couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. I just want to get the highest-tier reward. Why so much drama?
"I sincerely hope… that you will succeed. Here, take these." The village chief took out twenty small white potions and placed them in Ye Tianxie’s hands.
[Unnamed Special Recovery Potion]: A unique potion acquired by the village chief of Novice Village #60001 from an unknown source. It possesses effects beyond those of regular healing potions. Only 30 bottles exist.
Effect: Instantly restores 300 HP upon use. No cooldown time.
Holding the small batch of potions, Ye Tianxie’s fingers paused ever so slightly as he read the description.
No cooldown time…
These… are instant-use healing potions with no cooldown!
