C28 What Was a Professional?!

Divine Wind Word, leading the Assassination Team, returned to the Stone Cave once more.

Deep within the cave, the Celestial Stone Mountain Man suddenly began to talk to himself, "Oh? An outsider at the Foundation Stage has come. Even so, I shall... Hmm?"

"Siege, you say? I knew you were just scared of the Foundation Stage Boss inside, spinning lies to save your skins. Just wait, I'll make sure the accountant docks your pay this month!"

"Look at this, how hard is it to kill? This is your so-called siege? You claimed they'd block the door, hundreds, even thousands of them? Next time, try to lie with a bit more conviction, will you?"

"What a useless lot! It's just some trash Foundation Stage Boss named Celestial Stone Mountain Man inside! Can't beat it? Run away! Once we level up, that garbage will be nothing but a plaything in our hands. What's there to fear? Afraid of a mindless trash Boss, how can you even call yourselves part of my Divine Wind Assassination Team?"

Divine Wind Word cut a swath through the Stone Cave.

The stone creatures within, some of them elite monsters at the Qi Refining Stage, were no match for him.

But what really stood out was his brash talk.

He continuously taunted and jeered at the Assassination Team members as he went.

He spoke so loudly, it was as if he wanted someone, anyone, to overhear.

The Celestial Stone Mountain Man nearly burst into laughter from irritation, "So there's someone blind enough to insult me. I was wrong about Jian Yipao; these fools are indeed seeking their own demise!"

"Captain, please, you've got to trust us. This Stone Cave is treacherous..."

The Assassination Team members were at their wits' end, their levels had dropped significantly.

But Divine Wind Word, reveling in his killing spree, refused to heed the Assassination Team's warnings.

Instead, he heaped even more scorn upon them.

Then, in that moment,

"Mountain Man, a Foundation Stage individual approaches."

Wang Yipao hadn't anticipated that Divine Wind Word, having advanced to the Foundation Stage, would be so formidable.

Could he really have single-handedly swept aside all the elite monsters?

What's the point of this fight?

Could the attributes at the Foundation Stage really be that high?

Regrettably, the Immortal Realm doesn't reveal its attribute data, so Wang Yipao could only guess at the approximate strength of the Foundation Stage.

It's likely that the attributes are triple those of a fully-realized Qi Refining Stage.

No wonder the Foundation Stage BOSS is so formidable. Players at the Qi Refining Stage can't even handle him when they band together. It turns out players' attributes can soar that high once they reach the Foundation Stage.

That means the BOSS's attributes must be even higher.

"I'm well aware you're not at the Foundation Stage, and you're no match for him. Have my children pull back. You go intercept that scoundrel's minions. This Divine Wind Word's life is mine!" Celestial Stone Mountain Man suddenly burrowed into the cave floor and vanished from the players' tracking range.

"Wow, this guy is seriously impressive."

Wang Yipao quickly led the stone spirits to flank the enemy.

Those Assassination Teams were relentless, daring to return even after two defeats.

They must think they're invincible after leveling up so much.

Did they really think they could push around someone who's just at the eighth grade of Qi Refining?

Wang Yipao felt helpless. Without his club's guidance, his cultivation technique was progressing slower than he'd anticipated.

Should he invest some of his recent half-million earnings to ascend to the Foundation Stage sooner?

"Hasn't the Mountain Man arrived yet?"

Wang Yipao was ready in his ambush position.

But Divine Wind Word was on the verge of becoming an unstoppable war deity, relentlessly breaching the Stone Cave's defenses.

"Team Leader Under Heaven, if we push further, we'll be in Celestial Stone Mountain Man's domain. Since Wang Yipao isn't on the front lines, maybe we should pull back."

The Assassination Team, despite being berated by Divine Wind Word earlier, remained composed.

But as soon as he spoke, Divine Wind Word, who was already contemplating retreat, felt his resolve waver.

He knew he was no match for a Foundation Stage BOSS; otherwise, he would have challenged him long ago.

Unfortunately, it all started because of one person's words.

Divine Wind Word had earlier boasted, belittling the Celestial Stone Mountain Man, and now, suspecting mockery from the other, his face darkened considerably. "If you want to back out, then back out! I've said it before, a mere Foundation Stage BOSS is nothing but..."

In that instant, the Celestial Stone Mountain Man burst forth from the ground, cutting off his arrogant tirade.

Yet, this surprise attack was nimbly evaded by Divine Wind Word.

What defines a professional?

This is what it means to be a professional!

Divine Wind Word's arrogance was not unfounded. As a professional player, his combat awareness and operational skills far surpassed those of average players.

Even the Celestial Stone Mountain Man's sudden ambush was something Divine Wind Word had been cautiously anticipating upon entering the Stone Cave, leading to the attack's failure.

"Attack!"

Wang Yipao burst forth from the stone monster's concealment, aiming to take Divine Wind Word by surprise and sever his retreat.

"And to the members of the Assassination Team, prepare to meet your end once more! You think you're tough?"

A wicked grin spread across Wang Yipao's face.

What defines a professional?

Wang Yipao, too, was a former pro player for Divine Wind! He knew Divine Wind Word inside and out.

Despite his seemingly careless demeanor, Wang Yipao's cunning and strategic mind were much deeper than they appeared. Unfortunately, his jealousy sometimes led to mental blocks, clouding his judgment.

"Wang Yipao, it's really you!" Divine Wind Word exclaimed in rage upon spotting Wang Yipao, his face turning grim.

He hadn't expected that Han Bai and the Assassination Team had been speaking the truth.

He might not have grasped the full extent of the situation, but one thing was clear: Wang Yipao was seamlessly coordinating with the creatures inside the Stone Cave.

Was this some form of cheating? How could this be happening?

Though filled with anger and astonishment, Divine Wind Word realized he needed to keep his cool. He understood Wang Yipao's objective.

The goal was to halt him in his tracks. If he were to fall here, his level one status would plummet from the Foundation Stage back to the pinnacle of the Qi Refining Stage.

And the Celestial Stone Mountain Man was Wang Yipao's ace in the hole!

The Celestial Stone Mountain Man, a Foundation Stage BOSS, was more than capable of annihilating any player at the same level. And his grade was far superior to his own.

"Wang Yipao, you won't succeed!"

In a flash, Divine Wind Word sprang into action. He didn't bolt for the outside; instead, he dashed deeper into the Stone Cave. It was a desperate move to cheat death and find life—his only option.

Divine Wind Word had previously charted the Stone Cave, possessing a detailed map. He knew of a narrow path that could serve as his escape route. If he could just get beyond the boundaries of the Stone Cave's map, the sky would be the limit. Surely Wang Yipao couldn't manipulate the BOSS to pursue him beyond its domain?

"Mountain Man, block his path—he's aiming for the small northwest trail!" Wang Yipao commanded, nearly driving Divine Wind Word to the brink of rage.

He had overlooked the fact that this kid was once part of Divine Wind, and had access to the same map!

Damn it!

Curse you, Wang Yipao! Even in your absence, you find ways to thwart me!

As Divine Wind Word fled, his body shook with barely contained fury.