Chapter Sixty-Seven: Stay, and I Will Take You Back to the City
Ancient Ruins Forest · Ancient Stone Forest
At this moment, more than a dozen figures stood at the entrance to the Ancient Stone Forest. The lowest among them was level thirty-seven, while the highest had already reached level thirty-eight.
Above their heads, a unified guild name was displayed:
First Power!
“Guild Master, we’ve already found out—‘Liang Ye,’ the guild master of [Purple Illusory Realm], and his fixed party have entered the Ancient Stone Forest.”
“Just pick six people to go in. It’s best if they’re all stealth-type players.”
The player standing beside ‘Three Years Short’ spoke up. When he did, ‘Three Years Short’ offered no objection, clearly acquiescing to the suggestion.
“Understood.”
The player who received the order then selected the six highest-level, best-equipped stealth players and sent them straight into the [Ancient Stone Forest].
“Are six really enough to deal with them? You know the fighting power of ‘Liang Ye’s’ fixed party is no small matter, and their teamwork is exceptional. Otherwise, how could they have cleared [Ancient Heaven and Earth], with its extremely harsh unlocking conditions? They hold the top spot for the previous main storyline dungeon, a position no one can surpass. The guild group dungeon is the same. Are you sure six stealth players are enough?”
A trace of hesitation appeared on ‘Three Years Short’s’ face, with a faint hint of anger deep in his eyes, clearly blaming the player beside him who was dressed in a black robe.
A different guild name hung above this player’s head. Amidst the many players from [First Power], he alone stood out.
“Don’t worry about it. The rest isn’t your concern.”
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[Ancient Stone Forest]
The six members of Nightfeather’s party had been advancing slowly for some time when Nightfeather suddenly came to a halt.
“What is it, Third?”
Nightfeather spoke softly, then shot a glance at Luo Feng, clearly conveying a message.
Understanding, Luo Feng nodded and said, “The five of us will continue forward. Third will catch up with us later.”
“What’s really going on? If you don’t explain, I’m not leaving.”
At that, Huang Hong’s expression grew serious as he looked at Nightfeather.
“There’s trouble coming, but I can handle it. You all go on ahead—Luo Feng will lead the way. Leave some marks on the path, and I’ll catch up.”
Nightfeather raised his right hand and patted Huang Hong’s shoulder, offering a gentle smile. In his dark eyes flickered a strange light, soothing Huang Hong’s earlier anxiety.
“Alright, but you’d better catch up. If you don’t, I’ll make you regret it.”
Huang Hong turned and followed Luo Feng and the others onward.
Nightfeather smiled slightly. Although this was just a game, the experience felt so immersive it was as if he’d returned to the era of martial heroes.
“It’s time to see just what kind of shock this self-created skill and talent tree combo can offer me. The talent tree rated my first stage as S-rank. I’m really curious to see it.”
Dismounting from [Abyssal Nightmare], Nightfeather strolled leisurely back, hands behind his back, moving with the ease of one who felt utterly at home in this ‘gray zone.’
No one knew how far Nightfeather had walked back. Now out of the party, he stopped, a faint smile on his lips. His head, previously bowed, lifted slightly. Black hair fluttered in the wind, pale skin aglow with a smile that, in the next instant, turned ice-cold.
“You can come out now.”
Nightfeather’s gaze was calm, devoid of ripples, yet a chilling intent emanated from his eyes—a killing aura so intense that merely meeting his gaze made one shiver.
Whoosh—
Whoosh—
Whoosh—
In an instant, six stealth players revealed themselves, forming a circle around Nightfeather.
“Well, well, the guild master of [Purple Illusory Realm] chooses to walk back alone?”
“Don’t tell me you plan to take on all six of us yourself? Even though the new self-created skills and talent tree have opened up countless possibilities, facing six people at once is pushing your luck.”
Nightfeather didn’t bother to reply, instead glancing at the guild names above their heads. He muttered to himself, “First Power, is it? Looks like Three Years Short doesn’t dare face me one on one.”
“Heh, we don’t need the guild master to deal with you. You’re just lucky to have gained the [Ancient Heaven and Earth] bonus and become a leader on the leveling path. Even if you hit level 40 today, in a group battle, your [Purple Illusory Realm] is doomed.”
“But right now, ‘Liang Ye,’ you should worry about your own situation. Once we take care of you, your other five will follow.”
Nightfeather let out a low, cold laugh, a sound so sharp it made all six of them uneasy for reasons they couldn’t name.
“I have to admire your confidence. But don’t forget, your lowest is level thirty-seven, your highest thirty-eight.”
“So what? That’s more than enough to deal with you! Attack!”
Without further words, the six stealth players moved. Any delay could bring trouble.
One of them lunged first, dual daggers drawn, slashing toward Nightfeather. A cold gleam flashed in Nightfeather’s eyes as his hands rose, purple light swirling around them. Instantly, his stats underwent a drastic change.
“What’s happening? Why did his stats just jump by sixty percent?!”
But before the attacking player could retreat, Nightfeather stepped forward, his right hand curling into a dragon claw, purple light surging. He punched forward, colliding with the attacker.
Boom—
A thunderous crash resounded as the stealth player was sent flying, his daggers knocked from his hands. Nightfeather’s steps became ethereal, making it impossible for the remaining five to track him. The next punch landed squarely on the first attacker, knocking him back and immobilizing him.
Bang—
A fist struck the ground, shattering the remaining five stealth players’ understanding. How could ‘Liang Ye’ have become so powerful?
“Aren’t string players supposed to rely on their instruments to attack? How can ‘Liang Ye’ fight like this with his bare hands?”
“Could it be his talent tree? The situation’s changed—we need to retreat!”
The lead stealth player tried to withdraw, but Nightfeather’s voice sounded quietly.
“Since you’re here, stay a while. I’ll send you all back to the city!”
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