Each strike of the hammer brought the materials and the Tai'a Sword into tighter fusion. Another round of relentless tempering followed. Under the pounding, the Tian Zhao Stone and the Xuan Yin Crystal unfolded completely, their essence gradually melting into the Tai'a Sword.
The Tai'a Sword still bore its half-black, half-white form, but now, a translucent luster shimmered faintly across its blade.
The Eight-Star Tai'a was complete!
But at this point, Yun Jin could not stop. The grade of the Tian Zhao Stone and the Xuan Yin Crystal was far too high. Forcing them into an Eight-Star weapon alone was not enough. If left as it was, the Tai'a Sword might not rise but instead risked falling in rank. The Tai'a Sword had to ascend to Nine Stars immediately!
Yun Jin had long been prepared. She used her spiritual force to suppress the turbulent power surging from the two stones while quickly handling the other required materials. She worked in tight succession, every movement precise.
Meanwhile, the Wushuang Sect was lively throughout these three months. Three months earlier, the new disciples had been tormented mercilessly within Zhu Zhu's game. So many people, spending so much time, yet the strongest among them had only cleared two stages.
As for the third stage… ten disciples had managed to reach the boss, only to be swatted out in an instant by a single giant palm. The force of that palm strike haunted them even after they returned, leaving their hearts pounding with lingering dread.
Ji Heng, usually composed, now felt dazed. As a genius, he had rarely experienced true setbacks. But this time, he had. What kind of savage beast was that third-stage guardian?!
"You people actually made it to the third stage? I couldn't even get through the first!" a skinny disciple complained bitterly. "That beast at the start, as long as it touches you even once, you're out!"
"I had three chances, and all three were wasted right there."
"Brother, ever think that might be lucky? You didn't even see the second boss. I got strangled to death in the web of a giant spider!"
"?? That vicious?!"
"And the third stage is even worse. I didn't even see its shadow, just one palm and I was out."
The group of disciples erupted into heated discussion.
At first, they had barely known one another. Even as fellow entrants, there had been little camaraderie. But the game sparked their urge to complain, and soon everyone was enthusiastically sharing their suffering. Even Ji Heng, who usually carried himself with aloof pride, found himself swept into the chorus of complaints.
The atmosphere instantly grew lively.
Just as their chatter reached its peak, the heavy doors behind them creaked open.
Several enormous spirit beasts strode out.
All the disciples froze in shock. The skinny youth trembled, staring wide-eyed at Xiao Bao. Was this not the boss from the first stage?!
What happened to the illusion setting? Why did it come with live-action actors too?!
Xiao Bao looked over the new disciples with a mischievous glint and let out a chuckle. He had heard their grumbling clearly. But that was fine. The more they complained, the more it proved how awe-inspiring his presence was.
"I think I heard someone talking behind my back?" the Soul-Eating Spider's voice rang with a sly smile. "Come on then, say it to my face."
The disciples fell into silence. And then, frantic shaking of heads.
"I also heard," boomed the Titan Giant Ape, swinging his massive fists, "that someone wanted to see my true form!" His voice rolled like thunder.
Again, the disciples shook their heads in terror. No, they absolutely did not want that.
"We are grateful to the many super spirit beasts for their assistance," Zhu Zhu said cheerfully.
The hall fell silent again. The disciples glanced around nervously, their expressions full of unease.
Super spirit beasts?
Most cultivators could live their whole lives without seeing even one. Yet here, a whole group had appeared at once. And judging from Zhu Zhu's words, they were here to help?
"Did everyone enjoy themselves today? If you did, you're welcome to join the game regularly. For those willing to stay on, there will be a monthly stipend." Zhu Zhu grinned, tossing over a pile of storage bags. "Here's a small gift, I hope you all like it."
Each super spirit beast received one.
"Regularly join? I still have my own business to tend to, and these children…" the Soul-Eating Spider began, then caught sight of what was inside the storage bag. Her eyes lit up instantly.
Inside was a small vial filled with clear liquid. To most, it would seem ordinary, but for her, soaking her body in it would make her spider silk far tougher. But it required constant immersion. Meaning, she needed this liquid in large quantities.
She turned immediately to Zhu Zhu. "Will this be our payment from now on?"
"Yes," Zhu Zhu replied with a knowing smile.
The Celestial Divine Palace Master had traveled countless small worlds, bringing back all manner of rare treasures. Within the Celestial Divine Palace, there was a trove of such items. Today, Zhu Zhu had only selected those that would specifically benefit these super spirit beasts.
It was impossible for them not to be tempted.
"Fine, I accept." The Soul-Eating Spider agreed swiftly, then awkwardly added, "It's not for the payment. I just find the disciples of Wushuang Sect very endearing. I'd like to spend more time with them."
She tried to soften her gaze, looking at the disciples with something meant to be affection.
The disciples: "…"
That gaze was even more terrifying.
One by one, the other spirit beasts examined their own gifts and nodded in agreement.
Rong Zhou, for instance, received an herb that when consumed long-term could greatly enhance his flames. Naturally, he too accepted.
"Children, do work harder. I will be waiting for you at the fifth stage." Rong Zhou chuckled darkly, his tone carrying more than a hint of malice.
He had long been holding in his displeasure. Ever since Yun Jin moved the Celestial Divine Palace back, the king had instructed them to befriend the Wushuang Sect disciples. But from his perspective, these disciples seemed… mediocre.
How could they deserve such attention?
So be it.
He would use this game to let them truly experience what an overwhelming gap in power felt like. Many of the super spirit beasts harbored the same dissatisfaction.
Zhu Zhu merely smiled knowingly.
The disciples had only just entered the sect. They had not yet touched the Trial Tower, nor begun their accelerated growth. The more the beasts looked down on them now, the greater their shock would be in the future.
Zhu Zhu was already looking forward to the day these disciples turned the tables.
Once the spirit beasts departed, Zhu Zhu waved her hand. At the entrance of the game appeared a giant stone tablet.
On it were carved a series of rankings.
[Stage One Clear Time:
First: 30 minutes, 20 seconds. Challenger: Yue Mian.
Second: 50 minutes, 30 seconds. Challenger: Ji Heng.
Third: …]
The rankings continued, listing the top ten.
Stage Two's top ten were also recorded.
"This ranking board updates in real time," Zhu Zhu explained with a grin. "At the end of each month, the top ten will receive rewards. So, do your best to challenge and strive to be first."
Strive to clear. Strive to be first!
Li Xiaoran felt as though a switch had been flipped inside her. Her eyes blazed with determination. Her name was not even among the top ten.
Very well.
That just meant there were countless people ahead for her to surpass. How exciting!
Zhu Zhu was about to explain more when suddenly—
A terrifying aura burst forth from the Celestial Divine Palace, surging skyward and piercing the heavens.