Chapter 109: The Endless Lava Giants

"Old Wei, congratulations on successfully advancing to the Ninth Jiazi."

"Boss is awesome! The first Mountain Mover of this district has emerged, ready to crush all who dare to defy him!"

As soon as he opened his eyes, Wei Cheng heard the congratulatory words of Xu Shan, Liu Sui, Yu Liang, and the others. They had formed a circle around him, including Bai Han and Chen Ce, who it seemed had been guarding him while he was in meditation. The stone monument used for transmitting techniques had already been fully touched.

"How long was I in meditation?"

"Less than ten minutes. Mr. Wei, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for saving my life."

Bai Han, a tall and sturdy man, even taller and more robust than Wei Cheng, extended his right hand with a complicated expression. It was no wonder he felt that way—they were, in a sense, half-acquainted.

Back on Earth, the landlady of the small tavern near Dong'an Residential District was Chen Ce's older sister, and the large cook in that tavern was none other than the man before him, Bai Han.

"Don't mention it, we're on the same side."

Wei Cheng grinned and shook Bai Han’s hand. "Since you’re with the authorities, why didn't you join the P5 Legion? I heard their boss obtained a Lieutenant’s waist medallion, which allows for direct entry into the P5 Legion."

"I'm not with them; I was just doing a friend a favor last time. As for the P5 Legion’s Lieutenant medallion, I’ve heard of it, too. I hear the competition is fierce, and I'm not yet qualified to join."

Bai Han shook his head, then added after a moment of thought, "Wei Cheng, I noticed that the quality of your Immovable Golden Bell is high. Did you complete two fine-tuning processes?"

"Yes!"

"And you both chose the second fine-tuning path?"

"Naturally," Wei Cheng nodded.

Bai Han sighed. "That's good. In fact, that is the most correct choice. You should know that the core main force of the P5 Legion has all chosen the second fine-tuning path. It’s a pity, though; knowing it is one thing, but being able to achieve it is another."

"I once tried to prioritize quality during my first fine-tuning, but I failed, and it even damaged my foundation. Later, I realized that to follow the second fine-tuning path, one must meet at least two conditions. First, your mental strength must be at least Level 5; second, you must have at least four hundred jars of osmanthus wine on hand. Those who cannot meet these requirements will fail the fine-tuning."

"My previous team could only cultivate two core members along the quality route, but unfortunately, they all died."

Bai Han said all this in one breath, partly to repay Wei Cheng for his help. Wei Cheng understood his intention.

After these pleasantries, Wei Cheng said seriously, "Those magma giants are a bit strange, so I suggest that our two parties work together from now on. Do you have any suggestions?"

"That goes without saying. Mr. Wei, your strength is impressive, and Chen Ce and I are willing to follow your lead without hesitation. As for suggestions, I believe we must quickly contact the others. This place is bizarre, especially that black mist."

Whenever Bai Han thought of his companion who had been devoured by the black beetles, he still felt lingering fear.

"It would be great to contact the others, but I’m worried the enemy won't give us the chance."

Wei Cheng glanced at the river of magma below the cliff, and Bai Han immediately understood, agreeing on their next cooperative tactical approach.

Both were Mountain Movers and were quite experienced. Once they determined the combat style of the next wave of magma giants, it was easy to formulate corresponding tactics.

At this moment, Liu Sui suddenly said, "Old Wei, Mr. Bai, and Mr. Chen, I have a bold suggestion: can we try our best to leave the corpses of the magma giants on the shore, letting them solidify into rock instead of falling into the magma river? Otherwise, I fear we will never stop killing these magma giants."

"Eh?"

Wei Cheng was stunned. Liu Sui's observation was novel, absurd, and yet, very likely the truth.

Bai Han also had a sudden realization.

"An endless supply of magma giants... My, Liu, your insight is admirable. That's right, we've killed three magma giants so far, but at the very last moment of their death, they always try everything possible to retreat back into the magma river, even as corpses."

"Thinking about it now, this is likely why our attack methods and tactical coordination were countered—because they can be resurrected infinitely. Every time they die, they gain combat experience and learn more about us. Wait, why does this sound so familiar!"

Bai Han froze, and everyone else did as well.

Is it? It sounds very familiar. In games, when clearing dungeons, bosses, or world bosses, players charge forward one after another with high enthusiasm, their skills evolving from clumsy to practiced, until they can eventually solo the boss.

This, this, this—

So those magma giants were treating them as world bosses to farm?

It was too ridiculous. Had the other side suddenly become immortal players?

The group was horrified. No wonder!

Wei Cheng immediately said in a deep voice, "So Liu Sui's suggestion is crucial. No matter what, we must keep their corpses on the shore. Perhaps this is the key to our escape."

"Now, let's deploy our tactics..."

Wei Cheng exchanged glances with Bai Han, Chen Ce, Liu Sui, and Xu Shan. Fortunately, their level of tacit understanding was good enough that they could grasp his intentions without speaking. Of course, just to be safe, Wei Cheng re-deployed the plan by writing on their palms one by one.

Then, they realized how fortunate it was that he did...

—

Five hundred miles away, a great city stood between two massive mountain ranges.

Above it, clouds and mist curled, colorful glows danced, and divine light covered the area. Below, the tall and imposing city walls were vaguely visible, but no specific details could be seen, as a cold, cyan light barrier isolated the inside from the outside.

"Damn it, why can't we get in? We traveled such a long way to save your Immortal cultivation world, and you won't even let us in? Is there some kind of mistake?"

"Immortal Master, this disciple is kind-hearted. I’ve only done good deeds all my life—I cherish moths and avoid stepping on ants. A few days ago, I released one hundred and fifty Brazilian turtles into a rice paddy and saved a truck of stolen puppies on the highway. Amitabha, all living things are equal. I hope the Immortal Master will take me as an apprentice. I will surely honor you and do ten thousand more great deeds."

"Immortal big brother, ahhh, such a handsome Immortal big brother! Oooooh, I can't take it anymore!"

...

Outside Cangwu City, there was a chorus of wailing and howling. It could only be said that in a large forest, one finds all kinds of birds.

But this didn't change the fact that you couldn't enter Cangwu City just because you wanted to. You either needed a waist medallion, had merit points, or paid money—ten Copper Dragon coins for a one-day tour of Cangwu City.

"Damn it, if I had known, I would have dove into the poison circle with Wei Dashan and his group."

In Zhou Wu's team, someone complained. They had thought that once they entered Cangwu City, they could work, earn money, and develop their strength just like they did in Floating Cloud City. Who knew reality would slap them in the face?

As refugees, they were not worthy of entry.

As for how to become qualified to enter Cangwu City as a common citizen, it was simple. A huge notice board over there spelled it out clearly and plainly:

[Slay the Fire Demon, destroy the Fire Demon's nest: Each participant will be rewarded with three Gold Dragon coins, one City Guard Corporal waist medallion (can command ten soldiers), one mid-grade magic artifact, and one house (limited to a team of one hundred).]

[Slay a Fire Demon soldier: Each participant will be rewarded with three Silver Dragon coins and gain the qualification to enter and exit Cangwu City (limited to a team of ten).]

[Slay a Fire Demon general: Each participant will be rewarded with ten Silver Dragon coins and gain the qualification to purchase a house in Cangwu City (limited to a team of twenty).]

[Warning: When entering or exiting the poison circle, you must continuously circulate your internal energy to avoid skin contact with the black mist. If careless, please use Green Wood internal energy to expel the toxic spores.]

[Warning: Those below the Sixth Jiazi, please enter the poison circle under the care and protection of an adult.]

—

"Let's form a team. There's nothing left to say. We are not without advantages; at least we know how to avoid the black mist, and we have a Green Wood practitioner with three Jiazi of cultivation, which is a huge advantage."

Zhou Wu said in a deep voice. Even though he had been discouraged by Wei Dashan earlier, he was still able to keep his cool.

He looked around, and suddenly a thousand pairs of eyes looked back at him with anticipation.

On the road to Cangwu City, his strategist, Qin Douzi, had fully utilized his excellent administrative skills, constantly lobbying and persuading, eventually developing over a thousand new trial-takers for their team.

Now that they couldn't enter Cangwu City, these new trial-takers were all waiting for Zhou Wu's team to show their power and take them into the poison circle for a thrill.

"Old Zhou, I've already formulated a 'big leading the small' plan. We have a Green Wood profession, which is our biggest advantage. As long as we operate properly, these thousand-plus new trial-takers can quickly grow and form a powerful trial-taker legion. That day is not far off."

Qin Douzi found Zhou Wu in a rush, speaking with high spirits.

But Zhou Wu only stared at the notice board. After a long while, he looked at Qin Douzi expressionlessly.

"Douzi, there is actually a better opportunity, isn't there? We have a Green Wood practitioner with three Jiazi of power. We could fully organize a truly elite, powerful team of one hundred. As long as we can kill the Fire Demon and destroy its nest, everyone can get a reward and a Corporal's waist medallion."

"By then, the one hundred of us can lead one thousand newcomers into the city. Once we enter Cangwu City, there will be plenty of opportunities to develop. And they won't even need to risk entering the poison circle. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"

"You..."

Qin Douzi was speechless. "Have you forgotten the incident at Floating Cloud City? In three months, the demon army will launch a massive attack on Cangwu City. If we don't find a way to improve the strength of the newcomers now, what can we do with just the one hundred of us?"

"Three months is a long time. We could kill the Fire Demon and destroy its nest in just a few days; we have plenty of time. Do you really think these newbies will listen to your commands like obedient sheep? Once they enter the poison circle, they will be the first to die."

"My mind is made up, Douzi. Otherwise, why don't you let everyone take a vote? Let everyone raise their hands and see who agrees. Do you really think everyone is a 'good guy' like Wei Dashan?"

Zhou Wu sneered. Qin Douzi looked at the people around them with difficulty. Xu Guoliang, Qu Xiong, Tang Xiaojun, Qi Yueran, Huang Judong—all the core members of Zhou Wu's team were looking at him with intense eyes.

Yes, they understood the logic, but in reality, no one wanted to play the role of a babysitter.

Even if Wei Dashan were here, he certainly wouldn't babysit the newcomers. He was just a sly, calculating person disguised as a big fool.

"Face reality, Douzi. If you don't believe me, look at District 13 and District 15. Is anyone willing to do this thankless task? If anyone there is truly willing, I will agree to your plan."

Zhou Wu was full of confidence, while Qin Douzi’s face turned grim. He didn't need to look; he already knew the result. The veteran trial-takers in District 13 and District 15 were the same.

A sudden realization dawned on Qin Douzi: "Could it be that all the losers and all the egoists were assigned to the same place, like birds of a feather..."

Qin Douzi turned around in a daze. In the crowd, it wasn't as if there weren't visionary people calling out and organizing—among them were company managers from Earth or former officials—but it was useless.

Because at this moment, power was in the hands of the veteran trial-takers.

Even for a veteran trial-taker like him who realized they must cultivate the newcomers, he found himself unable to turn the tide alone.

He felt a bit tired.

"Douzi, don't be too idealistic."

Zhou Wu's voice came from behind.

Qin Douzi waved his hand at him and dove into the crowd, like a wounded dog.

A moment later, the three hundred veteran trial-takers from District 13 quickly left.

Then, Zhou Wu from District 14 led his two hundred veteran trial-takers and departed rapidly.

Next, the veteran trial-takers from District 15 left as well.

Newcomers? What does that have to do with us?

The number of veteran trial-takers willing to stay across all three districts totaled less than fifty.

They replaced Wei Dashan, becoming the new generation of "Kings of Fools."

There are fools every year, but there are especially many this year.

However—

"We will control the fate of Cangwu City, the fate of the seventh trial stage! And, our own fate!"

In the disappointed crowd, Qin Douzi stood up and shouted.

Around him were dozens of veteran trial-takers and the best among the hundreds of new trial-takers. They weren't bad at all; their potential could even reach the upper-middle tier. All they lacked was an opportunity and some resources.