Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Gang Dungeon—Since That's the Case, Let's Give It a Try

The two tables of people each engaged in their own conversations, yet their topic invariably centered around Divine Mourning.

During the exchange, Xiao Mo subconsciously glanced at Ye Yu. Under the sunlight, his jet-black, gleaming hair softly draped across his forehead. His eyes, equally clear yet enigmatic, radiated a peerless allure. Those pupils, like black gemstones, shimmered faintly with a golden glow, rippling with light. Deep within his gaze lay a regal solitude, reminiscent of an emperor. His long, slightly curled lashes resembled black butterflies resting their wings, lending him an extraordinary, striking beauty. His high, refined nose and thin lips pressed into a subtle arc, the corners of his mouth touched with a distinctive charm. Though approachable in demeanor, the hidden qualities within him could not be concealed. His exquisitely crafted features were perfectly harmonious, set off by his fair neck and defined collarbones. When he turned and smiled, Xiao Mo was momentarily lost in a daze.

Ye Yu seemed to notice Xiao Mo’s gaze; his dark eyes shifted slightly, and their lines of sight suddenly met. Xiao Mo was startled, then quickly composed herself, curving her lips into a gentle smile in response. Ye Yu, too, nodded with a faint smile, and both returned their attention to their respective friends.

“Hey, Mo, I think I saw you checking out one of the guys at that table,” Ran Jingxue teased, nudging Xiao Mo’s elbow with her right arm and whispering mischievously.

Xiao Mo blushed, retorting, “Nonsense! You’re always joking around. Eat your food properly.”

Ran Jingxue pouted and said, “Really, it’s nothing. The guys at that table are all quite impressive, especially the one in the short-sleeved shirt with ancient ink style.”

When Xiao Mo realized that Ran Jingxue was referring to the boy she herself had noticed earlier, she listened intently. “Tell me what you know. What gossip have you uncovered?”

“He’s called Ye Yu,” Ran Jingxue replied with a grin. “He’s one of the freshmen mentioned by a senior in the student council who handles new student files. He’s also on the game club’s list of noteworthy newcomers, ranked among the top ten.”

She explained further, “The key point is that his elder sister is currently a celebrity at Qing University—Ye Lingxue.”

“The gaming queen who founded the girls’ game club?” Liu Yashi’s eyes narrowed, looking at Ran Jingxue with a hint of awe.

“Yes. Her brother is also a gaming prodigy. Back in June 2017, he won the regional championship, then gave up gaming for three years in high school to focus on his studies. He made the direct invitation list for Qing University, with just enough marks to qualify. Because of his past achievements, Qing University sent him a direct invitation.”

After listening to Ran Jingxue’s account, Xiao Mo looked at Ye Yu again. Three years ago, the difficulty she faced was much higher than what Xiao Mo encountered in recent years, since the three games from back then were known for their formidable challenge levels. To win a regional championship was no easy feat.

Back at the dormitory, Xiao Mo did not immediately put on the Divine Mourning headset to enter the game. Instead, she searched for information about Ye Yu.

As she read through the pop-up messages, her expression shifted from calm to shocked.

“Encyclopedia entry: Ye Yu, male, born in Port City, Southern Yue Province. In the 2017 tournament, he became the youngest champion of Port City, earning him a place on the Southern Yue list of prodigies.”

What startled Xiao Mo wasn’t just the basic information, but also:

“Admitted to Qingcheng University as an invited student, recipient of the invitation scholarship.”

“Ye Lingxue’s younger brother, the famed figure of Qingcheng University’s sixteenth class.”

Countless pieces of information flashed before Xiao Mo’s eyes, and her five roommates gathered behind her, their faces gradually filled with astonishment.

Just then, Ran Jingxue’s phone chimed. She glanced at it and exclaimed, “The guys in Ye Yu’s dorm are all outstanding, especially Luo Feng and Qu Zheng—they used to be Ye Yu’s classmates.”

“Yes, I see that,” Xiao Mo replied, reading further.

Luo Feng: In the 2017 tournament, youngest runner-up of Port City, also listed among Southern Yue’s prodigies, classmate and eleven-year friend of Ye Yu.

Qu Zheng: Champion of individual and team shooting games in Port City, Southern Yue, 2017. Teamed with Ye Yu and Luo Feng in three-person competitions, winning Port City championships from 2014 to 2017.

Huang Hong: Eldest son of Huang Technology Group, Green City, Eight Gui Province. Champion of Green City game tournament, 2017.

Luo Wei: Consecutive individual champion of Port City, Southern Yue, 2016 and 2017.

Tan Cong: Eldest son of Tan Group, Phoenix City, Southern Yue. Individual game champion, 2017.

Clearly, these basic profiles left Xiao Mo and her five companions somewhat stunned—had all the exceptional talents gathered in one dormitory?

“How did all these brilliant people end up in the same dorm? It’s just unfair. Why am I stuck with you troublemakers?” Xiao Mo complained with a half-laugh, half-cry.

At once, the other five playfully ganged up on her, and the dormitory was filled with laughter and banter.

Meanwhile, Ye Yu and his five friends returned to their own dorm. Each took their place, donned their Divine Mourning headsets, and entered the game.

Ye Yu found several unread messages waiting for him, and upon checking, he saw they were from Knowing Warmth and Cold.

Knowing Warmth and Cold: “The guild has just been created. There’s a new guild dungeon we can try. Are you free, Liang Ye?”

Liang Ye: “I’m available. Let’s give it a try.”

Ye Yu’s role was that of an all-around support, and fulfilling that responsibility was no simple task. He not only had to control targets proactively, but also provide timely assistance to teammates, identify weaknesses in battle for others to exploit, and warn his teammates of lethal attacks from monsters.

His reflexes were nearly exceptional, thanks to accumulated experience over the years. His precise analysis allowed him to alert teammates to impending danger, helping them avoid fatal blows.

A truly skilled support player can greatly reduce the team’s risk and make battles flow effortlessly, as if water running over stones. Ye Yu had mastered this art, and if ranked, he would certainly be at the highest tier.

Within his regular team, Ye Yu was seen as an outstanding support, capable of transforming the group’s performance. Together, they had achieved perfect ratings in dungeon completions—a feat unattainable by most newcomers and requiring immense trust and coordination even among veterans.

This guild dungeon, however, was not limited to just Ye Yu’s team; the entire Purple Illusion realm’s squads were gathering. The guild territory offered multi-player dungeons, with the participant cap tied to the guild’s membership limit—currently set at 500, so up to 500 could enter.

When Ye Yu appeared, he was greeted by a wave of excitement. He had reached level 31 and was not far from 32.

That evening, Ye Yu and his five friends logged in and arrived at the guild’s location, where they saw a spectacular crowd assembled. Everyone queued orderly in the central plaza, and on the round platform at the front, several figures stood, one marking the dungeon entrance.

Guild elite, Disperse Thoughts on the Breeze: “I’ve long heard of the guild leader’s prowess. Seeing your fixed team clear the dungeon with a perfect rating, I’m eager to witness it for myself in this guild dungeon.”

Guild elite, Ten Miles of Spring Wind: “Yes, can’t wait to see the leader’s divine power! So exciting!”

Many players had been invited by Knowing Warmth and Cold, and some were still skeptical about her position as vice leader. Liang Ye was formidable, but seemed a bit hands-off.

Guild vice leader, Knowing Warmth and Cold: “You lot, I’ve already told you about Liang Ye’s skills. Calm down!”

Guild leader, Liang Ye: “I’ll do my best. So, what’s this guild dungeon about?”

Ye Yu smiled wryly and posed his question. Knowing Warmth and Cold responded.

Guild vice leader, Knowing Warmth and Cold: “This dungeon is set in a snowy lake world. The monsters are level 30 to 40, lower than the Nine Mountain Ridge dungeon, but just as challenging. Liang Ye, only your team is above level 30. Beating this won’t be easy.”

Hearing her analysis, Ye Yu frowned. The average guild level ranged from 21 to 27—a significant imbalance. Passing the dungeon would be no easy feat, and it contained only boss monsters, no small fry.

Fortunately, the early dungeon bosses lacked advanced AI, their most obvious weakness. Ye Yu felt a surge of excitement.

Guild leader, Liang Ye: “In that case, let’s give it a try!”