C4 Demonic Light

He procured a few ounces of dog blood from the local dog meat shop.

Wang Yipao set off toward Cang Bei Cave, as marked on his map.

En route, he encountered a figure he knew all too well.

"Well, if it isn't the renowned Divine Wind Sword Immortal?" the figure sneered, a sardonic grin spreading across his face. "It's been a while. I see you've finally joined the Small Sword Sect. But aren't you a bit late to the party? I'm on the verge of reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, and here you are, still dabbling in Qi Refining. Let's have a look—oh, wow! First level of Qi Refining! Fresh into the sect, aren't you? Haven't even snagged yourself a cultivation technique, have you?"

"Shadow Rain, spare me the commentary," Wang Yipao retorted, his brow furrowed.

In the real world, this guy would have been dealt with just like Han Bai.

Ever been hit by a fist the size of a punching bag? I doubt it.

But Shadow Rain was well aware of this, hence his unabashed scorn for Wang Yipao within the game.

What good is a real-world punch if you can't land it in the game?

"Okay, okay. The Divine Wind Sword Immortal speaks, and I wouldn't dream of overstepping," Shadow Rain continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "So, how's it going with the Divine Wind Branch Club's pioneering team? Any significant loot? Oh, my apologies—I'm a professional; I only laugh when I absolutely can't help it. You're a disaster, you know. You should've deleted your account and restarted ages ago. The great Divine Wind Sword Immortal joining a branch's pioneering team? You've made a mockery of us professional players!"

Shadow Rain was oblivious to the fact that Wang Yipao had already parted ways with Divine Wind.

His loud jeers seemed designed to draw in every player within earshot.

Stuck at the first level of Qi Refining, without even a cultivation technique to his name.

The once-esteemed Divine Wind Sword Immortal was now no more than an average player.

If it were up to him, he would have axed his account half a month ago, preferring to waste another week starting over rather than languishing in the Mortal stage any longer.

Wang Yipao's expression turned grim as the sword in his grasp blazed with a dazzling white light.

"Huh? So you've managed to secure a cultivation method from your sect? But how do you expect to contend with me, a cultivator who has achieved Perfection in Qi Refining?" Shadow Rain launched into an attack, employing the formidable techniques of the Body God Cave.

His fists were his deadliest weapons!

Launching a barrage of punches, he aimed to seize the initiative and suppress Wang Yipao from the outset. In close-quarters combat, the Body God Cave's methods were supremely dominant.

How could you, a Divine Wind Sword Immortal who has tumbled from grace, stand against me?

Yet, the luminance of Wang Yipao's sword intensified.

"Jian Laiguang!"

The long sword seemed to waver in the air, and in an instant, Wang Yipao materialized behind Shadow Rain. Time appeared to freeze for both combatants.

But in the blink of an eye, Shadow Rain's health was slashed by half, while Wang Yipao's health bar had barely dipped, losing only one-twentieth of its total.

"Impossible!" Shadow Rain's face contorted in shock as he scrambled to flee. The brief clash had laid bare the stark disparity between them: his opponent had shed less than 5% of his health, while he had lost a staggering half.

A tenfold difference!

Was this the reason he had refrained from deleting his account?

The Small Sword Sect was indeed formidable!

"Do you really think I refrained from deleting my account for no good reason?" Wang Yipao murmured, watching Shadow Rain's retreating back as the glow from his sword gradually waned.

This was no ordinary cultivation technique.

Nor was it due to any extraordinary power he gained from joining the Small Sword Sect.

Rather, it was this sword he had fortuitously come upon after entering the Immortal Realm.

Demon Light - Immortal Artifact (Damaged)

Quality: Qi Refining low grade

Required Privilege: Qi Refining Level 1

Sword Skill: Jian Laiguang (Cooldown: 3 days, can halve the enemy's current HP)

Player: Jian Yipao - Bound by Force

Non-droppable, non-tradable

Repairable

What compelled Wang Yipao to withstand the immense pressure and resist deleting his account?

It was this very sword!

The long sword known as Demon Light, an Immortal Artifact!

Even the owner of the Divine Wind Club couldn't contain his excitement when he first laid eyes on this sword.

The Qi Refining Stage mission at the Small Sword Sect had become a stumbling block between Wang Yipao and the Divine Wind Club, halting the initial advantage he once held. The elusive brown scorpion poison was at the heart of the issue.

Excitement within the Divine Wind Club had gradually shifted to impatience, then disdain, and ultimately led to relentless pressure on Wang Yipao. His preferential treatment, with a substantial allocation of resources, had sparked discontent among the other professional players in the club. The suppression was relentless and unending.

A month later, Wang Yipao's standing within the Divine Wind Club had plummeted, culminating in his resignation that very morning. Initially, upon his return, Wang Yipao had contemplated deleting his account, but fate had other plans. In a twist of fortune, everything changed.

He had conquered the Qi Refining mission of the Small Sword Sect, but what was more significant were the twin advantages he now possessed: a demon account and an NPC account, allowing him to delve deeper into the game and access privileged information.

With a touch to the Demon Light he now commanded, a gleam of determination shone in Wang Yipao's eyes. "Approaching the Foundation Stage? I'm curious to see who will have the last laugh in the Immortal Realm!"

Cangbei Cave, here comes Mr. Pao!

"Damn it!"

To Wang Yipao's frustration, he was unable to enter the Cangbei Cave. "What's this nonsense? A map restriction? Only accessible at night?" His enthusiasm demanded to be restored.

With no other choice, Wang Yipao logged off, planning to dabble in his other two accounts. He hoped to snag some missions or perhaps discover some untouched, striking little BOSSes to exploit their potential.

As he entertained these thoughts, a wave of excitement surged through him. He first logged into the NPC system, only to realize he had squandered precious time. The missions he could have taken were already claimed by other players.

Annoyed, Wang Yipao cursed inwardly, "You pack of beasts, must you be so quick? How long has your Mr. Pao been away cultivating Qi?"

With no other options, he reluctantly switched to the monster account.

Upon logging in, Wang Yipao realized his avatar was in a weakened state, with his health bar slowly regenerating.

It was true; he had inadvertently caused his own demise.

Wang Yipao was inwardly emotional.

Brown Scorpion: Fellow powerhouses, I need your support! An outsider named Jian Yipao has slain me!

Nine-life Spider (Qi Refining Boss): Quiet, I'm currently under siege by a mob. These accursed intruders will pay dearly one day! I'll baste them in vegetable oil and leisurely roast them over lava. Then, I'll sprinkle some cumin and chili powder and roast them some more! Once they're done, they're dog food!

Dog Servant: On behalf of all dog demons, I object! The flesh of these intruders reeks; we refuse to consume it!

White Scorpion: Exactly, exactly! I've been killed several times too. These intruders are not only foul-smelling and hideous, but they also seem to carry a risk of pregnancy!

Centipede Spirit: Ahem, let's maintain some decorum, shall we? In my opinion, it'd be better to just twist them up, soak them, and then toss them into the latrine!

Brown Scorpion: ...

Nine-life Spider (Qi Refining Boss): Brown Scorpion, what's the matter? Have you been slain again?