C6 Nine Nail

"You're cheating!"

Han Bai had initially believed the demise of Pighead was a mere fluke, a stroke of luck. But now, it was crystal clear—it was no accident! Was the Divine Wind Sword Immortal staging a comeback? Could he actually command a wild boss?

Then, Han Bai stumbled upon an even more astounding truth: "You... You've already reached the Qi Refining Stage!" This meant that his opponent had found the brown scorpion's poison, suggesting that Wang Yipao's resignation letter might very well be squashed by the Divine Wind Club come morning.

There was even a chance that Wang Yipao would be reinstated and once again take his place as a professional player for Divine Wind. Han Bai wasn't well-versed in the details of Wang Yipao's situation or the affairs of Yao Guang, but he understood that Wang Yipao's declining status within Divine Wind was due to his inability to break through the Qi Refining Stage.

Fear gripped Han Bai. If things were indeed as they seemed, not only he, but also his uncle, could find themselves in dire straits within Divine Wind, possibly cast aside because of Wang Yipao.

No, this couldn't get out. He had to ensure that resignation letter was dealt with promptly. That was the only way to secure his and his uncle's futures in Divine Wind, unaffected by anyone else.

Right now, Han Bai couldn't care less about the boss. He was desperate to log off and strategize with his uncle. But Wang Yipao had no intention of letting him escape. Unable to disengage from battle meant he couldn't log off.

And with the Nine-life Spider's assistance, Han Bai and his companions were being utterly dominated by Wang Yipao. Han Bai's mind had already drifted to the real world, and eventually, he chose to forcibly log off, leaving his character at the mercy of his adversary.

Seeing Han Bai's forced departure, his allies lost all will to resist. They watched the Nine-life Spider obediently standing behind Wang Yipao and, one by one, accepted their defeat.

"Huh? A magic treasure!"

Wang Yipao was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated that defeating Han Bai would yield a Magic Treasure.

How could this guy have kept a Magic Treasure to himself without turning it in?

He must be out of his mind!

In the Immortal Realm, beyond the standard gear, there were special Magic Treasures that could inflict additional damage.

Yet, these treasures were exceedingly scarce. Even the Divine Wind Club, to his knowledge, had managed to produce only a single Magic Treasure before he left.

This scarcity highlighted the true value of Magic Treasures.

And here was Han Bai, the leader of the pioneering team, brazenly hoarding such a significant item.

He had clearly breached his contract with Divine Wind. If they found out, not only would Han Bai struggle to escape the repercussions, but Divine Wind might also take legal action, potentially leading to his imprisonment.

But what did any of this have to do with Wang Yipao?

He had seen through Divine Wind's true colors. Even after advancing to the Qi Refining Stage, he had no intention of returning to their ranks. So, why bother blowing the whistle? Letting Han Bai continue to be a thorn in Divine Wind's side seemed like a much better idea.

With that in mind, he quietly pocketed the Magic Treasure.

Turning his attention to the Nine-life Spider, Wang Yipao flashed a radiant smile.

The spider, in its own way, mirrored the gesture.

Simultaneously, they each launched a sneak attack.

The Nine-life Spider was inwardly fuming.

This foreigner was even more shameless than the local spirits, ambushing it like that!

Despicable!

What happened to our agreement?

Doesn't your conscience ache?

To which Wang Yipao would say his conscience was non-existent. If conscience was something edible, he'd have devoured it already and simply grown a new one later.

Besides, you're not exactly brimming with conscience either, are you?

And with such quick reflexes, daring to strike at the same moment as me, the Divine Wind Sword Immortal?

Impressive, little Boss!

Once I've defeated you, I'll transform into a brown scorpion and give you the comfort you deserve. Perhaps I can even turn you into a charming spider spirit.

And so, the Nine-life Spider met its grim end at the hands of Wang Yipao.

With a look of defiance, it slowly collapsed to the ground.

The Nine-life Spider, despite being a Qi Refining Stage Boss, had a rather limited damage output. Its attacks were either spitting fire or engaging in melee combat. Even Wang Yipao, back when he was at the Mortal Stage, could take down a fully-healed opponent like this. Now, with the Nine-life Spider barely clinging to life, it was practically handing over victories to Wang Yipao by the minute.

"Let's see what loot the boss has dropped for me. What's this!"

Wang Yipao was incredulous. You're a major boss, and aside from some coins, you dropped nothing else?

That's just cruel!

It wasn't like this last time!

Finally, Wang Yipao pulled out the magic treasure he'd looted from Han Bai and scrutinized it closely.

Nine-layered Spike - Magic Treasure

Quality: High grade of Qi Refining

Use Privilege: Level 1 of Qi Refining

Effect: Once embedded in a living creature, it inflicts steady, fixed damage over three seconds. Cooldown: 1 minute (Note: ineffective against players)

In Immortal Realm, there are no explicit data values, but the quality of a magic treasure can give a rough estimate of its potential damage.

Based on Wang Yipao's knowledge of the Qi Refining Stage, using this Nine-layered Spike on a Level 2 Qi Refining Stage Boss like the Nine-life Spider could deal 1% damage in three seconds.

What a find!

It might be useless against players, but it's a formidable tool for taking down Qi Refining Stage Bosses.

If Divine Wind gets wind of this, Han Bai might as well settle into his cell.

"I bet Han Bai is beside himself with excitement right now," Wang Yipao thought, barely containing his glee.

He was quite aware that Han Bai lacked the nerve to mock him or push him into resigning from Divine Wind.

Clearly, Han Bai had been egged on or directed by someone else.

But who?

Wang Yipao didn't know. Within Divine Wind, there were plenty who saw him as a nuisance. Even the head of Divine Wind had contemplated getting rid of him.

Otherwise, how could his demotion have happened so swiftly within a month?

Well, whenever he encountered anyone from Divine Wind in the game who rubbed him the wrong way, he'd be sure to give them a hard time—one by one, or two by two!

Alright, it's time to hop onto my elite monster account and give the adorable Nine-life Spider some much-needed comfort.

He really gave her such an extravagant gift.

Logging into the elite monster account.

As expected, the world channel was in complete disarray.

Nine-life Spider (Qi Refining Boss): Wuu, that Jian Yipao is despicable! He ambushed me first. Brown Scorpion, come out and console me.

Brown Scorpion: Despicable! Absolutely despicable! That detestable outsider, boss, next time I encounter him, I won't hold back!

Centipede Spirit King (Qi Refining Boss): And then, without a second thought, you'll hand over his head, won't you?

Brown Scorpion: …

Nine-life Spider (Qi Refining Boss): Old Centipede, you've actually emerged from your retreat! You've truly advanced to the Qi Refining stage!

Centipede Spirit King (Qi Refining Boss): Our great lord is invincible!

Centipede Spirit King (Qi Refining Boss): Haha, indeed. When I was relentlessly pursued and attacked by those outsiders, the seeds of hatred took root in my heart. How could I ever let them off the hook? So, I channeled that hatred into my cultivation, broke through the death's threshold, and vanquished my inner demons. Now, I've not only reached the Qi Refining stage, but I've also achieved the formidable boss form. This time, I'll ensure those outsiders never find their way back! Damn it, Nine-life Spider, hurry and rescue me! These outsiders are all at the Qi Refining stage—utterly shameless!