C2 A Martial Arts World

After taking a leisurely stroll around the plaza, Chen Fan gleaned a wealth of crucial information from the chatter of those around him. Alxemy was segmented into several concentric regions, with the central, unfathomable abyss serving as the core Realm of Evolution. This Realm was split into ninety-nine levels, each one descending closer to the pitch-black depths of the earth's core. Moreover, each level represented a vast world brimming with peril and possibility, encompassing a myriad of wonders. Upon clearing a level, one could earn an extraordinary amount of evolution points, along with a variety of unexpected, mysterious rewards.

Regarding the safe zone, it was aptly named, featuring entry-level dungeons ideal for novices and posing minimal risk. To date, Evolvers' strengths were categorized from S to F, with only one individual at the S level, the renowned Shura, topping the Heaven Ranking. With thousands of dungeons already known and more still being discovered, the notion of a single nation claiming all of them was pure fantasy. Consequently, vying for a spot on the Heaven Ranking had become the fiercest competition among nations.

Chen Fan's current strength was at the modest Level F, barely qualifying him as a beginner. This level was insufficient for braving the challenges of the Realm of Evolution. Opting for caution, Chen Fan decided to head to the safe zone. Although the dungeons there posed little risk, access was limited to once a month.

Passing through a massive gateway, Chen Fan found himself on an ancient, tranquil street. The many passersby all wore welcoming smiles, creating a much lighter atmosphere than the bustling plaza or the treacherous Realm of Evolution. Upon reaching the dungeon hall, a luminous elfin approached and whispered in Chen Fan's ear, "Welcome to the safe zone. How may I assist you?" This elfin was another creation of Alxemy, essentially acting as an in-system customer service representative.

"I'd like to select a dungeon," Chen Fan replied.

"Please follow me..." The elfin darted off, with Chen Fan in close pursuit. They entered a majestic hall, at the center of which stood a shimmering black portal. As Chen Fan approached, the door revealed the dungeons available for challenge within.

"Love Lovely Pet Secrets. Is it about training cats and dogs?"

"This... 'Time 4' too? Can it prevent the final fire? Maybe it'll unlock a secret ending?"

Chen Fan's mind raced.

Indeed, as the safe zone's introduction stated, the risk in these dungeons was negligible.

Even without completing the main storyline mission, their lives were safe.

Yet, to Chen Fan, these dungeons seemed overly simplistic.

In the Alxemy world, there was an unwritten rule: The simpler the dungeon, the stingier the reward.

Opportunities like this, coming once a month, were precious.

Chen Fan didn't want to squander it on these insignificant green dungeons.

"Eh?"

Suddenly, as he passed through a deep red door, Chen Fan paused.

"Lone Warrior?"

Chen Fan stroked his chin, deep in thought.

He recalled seeing it discussed on the Evolution Forum earlier that day.

This dungeon was known as one of the top three most challenging in the safe zone for newcomers.

Very few had passed it, and none had earned the coveted SSS reward.

However, Chen Fan didn't see it as particularly challenging.

Compared to disaster-laden dungeons like 'The Day After Tomorrow' or 'Titanic,' surviving in the world of Lone Warrior seemed like a breeze!

He remembered the movie's plot from watching it in the cinema.

It told the story of Feng Yuxiu, a martial arts fanatic who committed multiple murders in his quest to challenge the world's top fighters, only to be defeated and killed by the protagonist, Xiahou Wu.

As the movie's sole villain, Feng Yuxiu was formidable and merciless but never targeted ordinary people.

Regarding the main mission...

Chen Fan had a good idea that it likely involved stopping Feng Yuxiu's rampage and aiding Xiahou Wu in bringing him to justice.

Yet, Chen Fan felt some trepidation.

This door led to a world far different from the movie's scripted scenes—a real world!

If it were truly so straightforward, why had no one claimed the first completion reward?

There might be unknown secrets within, waiting for Chen Fan to uncover.

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Fan clenched his jaw.

"System, I choose Lone Warrior!"

In the next moment, a dark portal burst open, pulling Chen Fan inside.

You can't catch a wolf if you're afraid to lose a sheep.

According to the forum posts, the potential for expanding the storyline in this world was significant.

If he strategized correctly, he might even acquire martial arts skills.

Taking some risks seemed worth it for that possibility.

After all, Chen Fan's primary concern at the moment was how to enhance his strength.

Following the flash of white light, Chen Fan found himself in a large hall.

Shortly thereafter, several figures materialized on either side of the hall.

It looked like they were all Evolvers who would be joining Chen Fan in the dungeon.

Among them, a red-haired youth stood out.

Bare-chested with rippling muscles and twin sabers at his waist, his presence was undeniably impressive.

The others, a mix of men and women, had their true appearances concealed.

This was one of the unwritten rules of Alxemy.

Never reveal your true identity to avoid unnecessary complications.

Chen Fan adhered to this rule as well, adopting the guise of a masked assassin known as "Shadow."

"The dungeon will open shortly. All Evolvers, please prepare yourselves."

"In five minutes, we will officially enter Lone Warrior."

The soothing synthesized voice echoed through the hall.

The Evolvers exchanged glances, yet no one spoke.

Suddenly, the red-haired youth broke the silence:

"Hello, everyone. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Zhou Qianlong!"

He paused dramatically at the end, flashing a confident smile.

"What? You're the young master of the Zhou family?"

A middle-aged man with glasses exclaimed in surprise.

The rest of the group turned their attention to him, visibly stunned.

Zhou Qianlong's grin broadened, clearly relishing the spotlight.

"Now that you know who I am, things should be easier..."

"Would anyone like to form an alliance with me?"

At his proposition, many eyes gleamed with interest.

Through their murmured discussions, Chen Fan learned that Zhou Qianlong's father was the chairman of the prestigious Fengtian Group in Ning Cheng.

He was indeed a scion of wealth, born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

Zhou Qianlong's father is none other than the renowned chairman of the prestigious Fengtian Group in Ningcheng. Truly a scion of wealth, Zhou Qianlong was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

"My family wields considerable influence in Ningcheng, and we've mastered numerous strategies for these dungeons. If you're willing to follow my lead, I assure you that everyone will be able to clear this dungeon with at least a Level B rating," he confidently stated.

He continued, "Based on the intelligence I've gathered, securing a Level B rating ensures that you'll receive the full array of rewards and evolution points from the main mission!"

"In other words," he added, "once you exit the dungeon, your strength will have reached at least that of a Level F Evolver! Moreover, if you choose to ally with me, I can guarantee your safety without a doubt..."

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