C11 Eightstar Item
The fortunate few who survived were each a cornerstone of their families.
Only Jiang Hao could ensure their safety.
Three days flew by in a blink.
Jiang Hao reemerged within the Magic Building's space.
Simultaneously, other survivors also made their appearances.
Each bore injuries to some extent.
Jiang Lulu, positioned at the last door by Jiang Hao's strategy, fared relatively better.
A meticulous headcount revealed a sobering truth: of the 30 who entered, only 18 emerged alive.
Jiang Hao inquired about everyone's experiences inside, learning that most had barely scraped by to this point.
"Let's all take a day to rest and await the arrival of additional supplies," he advised.
Jiang Hao prudently refrained from leading the group onward.
Despite his formidable strength, he remained considerate of the others.
Resources were nearly depleted, with Lu Zhiyao and Zhou Yi's supplies running critically low.
The three major families of Blue Star responded with swift action, sending an abundance of supplies through the portal.
Among these, the Jiang Family's contribution was most striking: a high-grade backpack crafted with the collective effort of the entire clan.
This backpack's carrying capacity dwarfed that of a hundred intermediate backpacks.
The messenger tasked with delivering the high-grade backpack conveyed his message with utmost respect, "Jiang Hao, this backpack is from the family, and the Patriarch has also sent a message. He promises to address the wrongs you've endured."
Jiang Hao swapped out his medium-level backpack, expanding his carrying space a hundredfold.
Two days later, they set out once more.
With each new level ascended, the pressure intensified, multiplying several-fold from the last.
Upon reaching the 25th floor, the staircase to the previous level vanished, replaced by a gate resembling a water curtain.
Jiang Lulu reached out to touch it; the curtain rippled, allowing her hand to pass through.
"Brother, the Magic Building has undergone another transformation. What's our next move?" Jiang Lulu asked.
"Should you take the lead, or should we split up to investigate and reconvene to strategize?"
Having faced numerous perils, even the youngest and least experienced Jiang Lulu sensed something amiss with the 25th floor.
Lu Zhiyao and Zhou Yi were convinced that a formidable challenge lay hidden beyond the water curtain, one that might overwhelm them.
Jiang Hao was deep in thought when Zhou Yi unexpectedly stood up with a determined look.
"No need to rack your brain—I'll scout ahead."
What?!
In an instant, all eyes turned to Zhou Yi.
It was surprising to see Zhou Yi, who had previously kept to the background, now stepping up with such a display of grit.
"Zhou Yi, are you serious about scouting ahead?" Jiang Hao asked, his voice grave.
Zhou Yi gave a dismissive glance and declared, "You've led the way up until now. It's my turn to step up."
"On what grounds?" Jiang Hao challenged.
"Because I'm part of this team and because I'm set to become the next head of the Zhou family," Zhou Yi proclaimed confidently. "Don't think you're the only man here, Jiang Hao. I, Zhou Yi, am not a coward afraid to face death."
Jiang Hao took another look at Zhou Yi, reassessing him.
"Zhou Yi, I respect your bravery, but remember, there could be untold dangers lurking behind that water curtain. You've already expended most of your gear in the Gate of Choice. Even with some replenishment, you might not be equipped to handle what's ahead."
"What do you think this is?"
Zhou Yi then pulled a spherical object from his storage bag. It resembled a Rubik's cube, assembled from numerous prism-shaped metal plates.
Jiang Hao glanced at it and seemed to recognize the item. "Is that the Sky Net Satellite?"
Zhou Yi burst into triumphant laughter. "Impressive observation. Yes, this is the Sky Net Satellite."
The Sky Net Satellite, a custom-made, eight-star prop crafted by a high-level mechanic, could clear the fog over an entire area and map out monster hotspots.
While it was slightly less powerful than the black magic staff in Jiang Hao's possession, it could be a game-changer in certain situations.
With its extensive coverage, the Sky Net Satellite could provide a significant advantage, whether in a clash between two forces or within a large dungeon.
"Are you really prepared to expend such a valuable, one-time-use item here?"
Jiang Hao knew Zhou Yi to be a man of narrow mind and pettiness.
It was out of character for Zhou Yi to offer up such a valuable item without hesitation.
Zhou Yi gave Jiang Hao a dismissive look and said, "Don't judge my noble intentions by your petty standards. This item was specifically prepared for this mission."
"Brother Zhou's generosity is commendable," Jiang Hao acknowledged.
"With the Sky Net Satellite, we'll be able to anticipate any situation inside and stay one step ahead of the enemy."
"Finding such a rare item truly shows that Brother Zhou is the rightful heir to the Zhou family."
The Zhou family members began to heap praise upon him.
Zhou Yi looked down his nose at Jiang Hao, smugness written all over his face.
Jiang Hao, arms crossed, responded coolly, "If your Sky Net Satellite genuinely reduces the dangers we face, I'll ensure your efforts are recognized by the Blue Star families' leadership."
"Good to see you're sensible. Wait here; I'm going to deploy the Sky Net Satellite."
Zhou Yi strutted through the water curtain with an air of triumph.
Jiang Lulu scoffed, "Bro, look at Zhou Yi acting all high and mighty, as if he's the one who's led us all this way."
Jiang Hao offered a smile, "While Zhou Yi's character is questionable, his willingness to bring out his best asset at such a critical moment shows he understands the bigger picture."
Jiang Lulu circled Jiang Hao, eyeing him curiously.
"What are you up to?" Jiang Hao asked, bemused.
"I'm checking to see if a monster has taken my brother's place," Lulu replied earnestly.
Jiang Hao looked at her, at a loss for words, and said, "So, you only think I'm normal when I'm mocking Zhou Yi?"
Lulu pulled a face and said, "Brother, you're just too nice."
"People like Zhou Yi always have an agenda."
"He's putting on a show for us, expecting you to speak in his favor."
"He may be self-serving, but we have to look at both sides. Without the Sky Net Satellite, we could face a lot of unnecessary difficulties."
Jiang Hao spoke with gravity, "I've been tasked by our family head to use all my resources to ensure the safety of everyone remaining."
"What on earth is the family thinking?"
Jiang Lulu spoke with evident displeasure, "First, they send us to rescue that villain Zhou Yi, and now they've handed you this kind of mission. They're acting like complete fools!"
"Keep your voice down."
Jiang Hao glanced around cautiously and whispered, "The Patriarch has his reasons for these decisions. There's no need for further discussion; I'll handle the arrangements."
Soon after, everyone's communicators began to emit a buzzing sound—a clear indication that Zhou Yi was facing danger.