Chapter Forty-Five: Many Autumns Have Passed for Nan Zhi

The update generated by the Xuantian server naturally appeared on the official homepage of "Divine Desolation." Within just a few short minutes, the number of clicks to read the news had already surpassed a million, clearly indicating widespread curiosity about the content of this exclusive update for the Xuantian server. That curiosity swiftly transformed into shock.

Title: Xuantian Server Welcomes the First New Map Across All Servers—Ancient World.

Below the headline was a massive map displayed, showing its position on the world map. Its area dwarfed three city maps combined, and the level it unlocked was even higher than the current maximum server level. In other words, this map was ahead of the old server data in every way.

The impact of this event was naturally extensive. Many novice players chose to enter Xuantian, drawn by the advantages of the newly opened map. The official explanation provided a background for the map.

Ancient World—that was the name of the new map. The main quest required a level of at least 100 to undertake, while side quests could be started at level 60. Moreover, the levels this map offered to future players surpassed the global level cap, meaning this map would now dominate the main storyline’s development.

Xuantian earned the right to this map thanks to six players, whose IDs were listed on the map’s discoverers list, at the lower left corner.

Liang Ye, Xin Ai, Big Xiu, Clever Brother, Dark Night, Qu Xiao Zheng Dang.

This lineup of names stunned the Xuantian server’s players, as these six were currently at the pinnacle of Xuantian’s ranks.

...

At this moment, the Xuantian server’s update was gradually completing, and players logged in one after another. Naturally, the first thing they did was open the world map to view the new sector. The entire world map had changed.

Ancient World—the three bold characters floated at the center of the new map, as if hammering into the hearts of every player. Many, upon seeing the discoverers’ IDs, were further astonished, though few showed any surprise. After all, this team was leading the charge in Xuantian.

[Guild] (Elite) Sunny July Seventh: "Guild leader, you’re not being fair—why didn’t you tell us about unlocking the new map?"

[Guild] (Member) Life Like Wind: "Exactly!"

[Guild] (Leader) Liang Ye: "I never expected this instance to open a new map. As you’ve all seen, the minimum level to enter is 60. Our server has updated ahead of others, which gives us an advantage, but also brings drawbacks."

[Guild] (Deputy Leader) Knows Warmth and Cold: "[Stares] Drawbacks?"

[Guild] (Leader) Liang Ye: "The danger level of this map far exceeds any other map on other servers, according to official data. Monsters outside safe zones attack autonomously, and their AI is at least intermediate. In some areas, the AI is advanced."

[Guild] (Incense Master) Wind Without Shelter: "Is it really that severe?"

[Guild] (Member) Love Is Less Than Teasing Dogs: "All in all, boss has once again boosted our guild’s popularity."

[Guild] (Member) Rogue In Love: "Now you actually have to queue to get into the Xuantian server. What’s going on?"

Ye Yu was taken aback by the guild chat. Was there really queuing to enter the "Divine Desolation" server?

In other words, Xuantian’s online player count was reaching a staggering level. The fame of Ye Yu and his five companions was already at its peak, and because of their role in unlocking the map, the guild tag above Ye Yu’s ID had changed.

[Ancient World Supreme] Purple Illusion Realm!

On the Ancient World map, the territory occupation—Purple Illusion Realm (permanently fixed).

But this “permanently fixed” mechanism meant that as long as the discoverers belonged to a certain faction, that faction would occupy the territory.

...

Jiushan Ridge, Jiushan Village

After completing the main storyline, the six decided to continue questing, though it made them feel a bit awkward.

After handing in the main quest, they sought out an elderly man in Jiushan Village, once a notorious thief.

“We really are at the center of attention now. News about us is spreading everywhere on the 'Divine Desolation' forums. This isn’t exactly good for us,” Huang Hong said.

“Yeah, the growing number of players on Xuantian is causing queues. The official might have to expand Xuantian’s capacity soon,” Luo Feng replied, nodding.

Ye Yu was absent-minded, glancing at the guild channel’s conversation.

[Guild] (Incense Master) Warm and Cool: "[Question] Seeking a small material, Azure Sea Stone Lock."

[Guild] (Elite) Sunny July Seventh: "[Stares] Is it a random event quest?"

[Guild] (Incense Master) Warm and Cool: "Yes."

Random event quests are highly unpredictable. If you see an NPC with a yellow name wandering, you can click to trigger a 'random event.' Completing one adds to your achievement points.

[Guild] (Deputy Leader) Knows Warmth and Cold: "Try checking in front of the magistrate at Hero Town—maybe someone selling at the stalls has it."

[Guild] (Incense Master) Warm and Cool: "Already checked, none."

[Guild] (Leader) Liang Ye: "I’ll ask on the world channel for you."

Ye Yu then posted a message on the world channel. Given his influence, anything he wrote was immediately noticed by the active players.

[World] Lv36 Liang Ye: "Buying Azure Sea Stone Lock. If you have it, state your price. Scammers stay away."

The world channel was abuzz, with many replying in jest. Ye Yu didn’t say anything further there, but soon he received a private message. The sender’s ID made his brows furrow slightly.

Nan Zhi Through Autumn.

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "Liang Ye, are you looking for an Azure Sea Stone Lock?"

[Private] Liang Ye: "I must say, Boss Crown, this doesn’t seem quite right."

Ye Yu smiled to himself, already familiar with this ID.

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "Hmm? How did you know it was me?"

[Private] Liang Ye: "I once spoke with the main moderator of Divine Desolation at Zhishang Technology. I learned your ID from them. You always use this ID."

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "I didn’t expect such an inconspicuous name to stick in your mind. You truly have professional gamer talent."

[Private] Liang Ye: "I wouldn’t dare claim that. Just lucky."

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "Unlocking 'Ancient World' wasn’t just luck. There’s something you don’t know—this map isn’t ordinary."

[Private] Liang Ye: "Oh?"

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "Have you heard of Director Feng from Huaxia Myth Tech?"

[Private] Liang Ye: "He was the chief executive officer during Divine Desolation’s design, and in his youth, a formidable gamer. His passion for Chinese martial arts led to the creation of Divine Desolation, which is still predominantly Chinese-themed."

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "Director Feng personally designed 'Ancient World.' Every mechanism and data point related to it is his own work. The official released hints back then, but no one ever unlocked this map. It was thought to be vaporware for years—until you brought it to life. Your position now is fueling speculation."

[Private] Liang Ye: "Are they guessing I’m an insider?"

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "Perhaps. But we know your true information, so we’ll maintain confidentiality. With your current support, you can easily suppress any baseless rumors."

[Private] Liang Ye: "Enough talk, Boss. Shouldn’t you give me the Azure Sea Stone Lock?"

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "Already sent. Just check your package and claim the attachment. Was it your own event quest? Only 10% of players ever get this achievement—it’s rare."

[Private] Liang Ye: "No. It’s for a guildmate."

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "Kind-hearted as ever. Remember the club I mentioned? Interested in joining?"

[Private] Liang Ye: "I don’t think you’re in a hurry, Boss."

[Private] Nan Zhi Through Autumn: "Not at all. For you, we’ll wait."

Ye Yu added 'Nan Zhi Through Autumn' as a friend, and only then discovered that the owner of the Crown Studio had already reached level 33 and secretly established a guild. Its membership was limited, clearly made up of studio associates.

...

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