Chapter 94: Capturing Mu Qingtong
When Xia Feng entered the toilet room, the surrounding scene abruptly blurred, dissolving into countless colorful pixels that surged toward him.
Since Xia Feng had been killed by No. 11 once, even though the identity transmission mark on the Forest Scepter remained, the game's mechanics had already registered him as dead and ejected him from the game. Identity No. 10 would not transmit again.
However, he could still re-enter the game as Identity No. 11.
The disorienting dizziness from the blinding light gradually faded, and Xia Feng surveyed his surroundings. This was his second time in this eerie place, and he felt far more familiar with it now.
To his right, the No. 10 platform was illuminated, but no one stood before its operating table—it was completely empty.
He shifted his gaze to the No. 11 operating table in front of him.
Embedded in the center of the table was a faintly glowing panel. Its design was simple, with a dark-red symbol rotating clockwise at its core.
Xia Feng tapped it, and the panel flickered to life.
[Serial Number: 11]
[Identity: Red Bull]
[Game Stage: Third Round of Evolution]
[Number of Cards Remaining: 30]
[Remaining Life Points: 26]
"Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. The third round of evolution is now underway."
In a world as dark as the abyss, thirty-seven circular platform pillars emitted a faint glow, while a spotlight shone from the center of the circle.
The referee, still clad in a top hat and a pure black mask, stood with a dark-red symbol flashing on his chest:
"The skill cards for this round are the Three-Headed Dog. The reality skill cards available are the D-grade Spirit Clothes 'Thorn Halo,' the C-grade Spirit Clothes 'Mystic Ice Field,' the C-grade Spirit Clothes 'Secret Essence Technique,' and the C-grade Spirit Clothes..."
Xia Feng listened intently for a long time but heard no mention of a B-grade Spirit Clothes.
Truthfully, he wasn't particularly interested in C-grade items. What he truly lacked right now was a B-grade Spirit Clothes with offensive capabilities.
While B-grade Spirit Clothes consumed a significant amount of spiritual pressure—enough to deplete his reserves after two or three uses in his third-level spiritual pressure state—their sheer power made them invaluable. Possessing one would drastically enhance his combat effectiveness.
In fact, Xia Feng already owned a B-grade Spirit Clothes: the Six-Tails, obtained from the Six-Tails Society.
However, the Six-Tails specialized in defense and speed, capable of weaving a defensive net with its tails but lacking strong offensive capabilities. Mu Qingtong didn't seem interested in mastering it, having only progressed to the second tail.
What Xia Feng wanted now was an offensive B-grade Spirit Clothes.
"Congratulations to Player No. 29, who spent 5 life points to obtain the D-grade Spirit Clothes 'Thorn Halo.'"
"Congratulations to Player No. 34, who spent 14 life points to obtain the C-grade Spirit Clothes 'Mystic Ice Field.'"
The competition on the field was fierce. Each C-grade Spirit Clothes was auctioned for at least 14 points, and three were quickly claimed. The winning players' voices trembled with excitement.
Xia Feng observed quietly, unmoved.
With 26 life points, he could have secured two high-quality C-grade Spirit Clothes. But after carefully considering the game's rules, he ultimately decided against purchasing anything this round.
According to the rules, the B-grade Spirit Clothes "Rectification Order" would appear in the fourth round's auction.
A formidable offensive Spirit Clothes, it appeared to be a rare B-grade item based on its description.
Spirit Clothes were graded by their spiritual pressure consumption. Some B-grade Spirit Clothes met the standard in terms of energy drain but delivered lackluster effects.
Thus, even within the same grade, Spirit Clothes varied in quality: trash, standard, rare, and legendary.
For example, the Six-Tails was of standard quality—like most Spirit Clothes.
A rare B-grade item like the "Rectification Order" was exceptional. The fourth round would undoubtedly see fierce bidding, with the price likely exceeding 40 points.
This was precisely why many players might soon turn to real hunting—its rewards were nearly triple those of ordinary predation.
An undeniably tempting prospect.
Xia Feng lowered his head and flipped through No. 11's notes. The contents were sparse, just three lines of text:
[No. 17: Red Rat | Can prey on me | Codename: Octopus | Never met | Temporarily untrustworthy]
[No. 29: Red Tiger | Can be preyed on by me | Successfully hunted three times]
[No. 10: Unknown identity | Can be preyed on by me]
Following the order of the twelve zodiac signs—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake—the former restrained the latter. Xia Feng glanced up at Platform No. 17 in the distance.
"No. 17 is a Red Rat, which restrains me... but what does the codename 'Octopus' signify?" The meaning eluded him.
"The evolution stage has concluded. We now enter the trading stage. Note: All participants have only 30 minutes for free trade."
As the referee's announcement ended, a trade request flashed before Xia Feng.
[Player No. 17 has sent a conversation request. Accept?]
Though surprised, Xia Feng didn't hesitate. "Accept."
The surroundings dissolved into fragmented pixels, surging toward him.
Platform No. 17 materialized directly in front of him. The figure behind the operating table wore a pure black mask emblazoned with a blood-red "17." They spoke first:
"Owl, orders from above. The Prince has fallen. The noble daughters requested by the Garden's elites are now fair game."
So they knew each other—members of the same covert organization. Xia Feng quickly assessed the situation and feigned confusion. "The Prince is dead?"
"Have you been living under a rock? Your intel's lagging."
No. 17 chuckled darkly. "Lister grew too arrogant over the years. Finally tripped up this time. Rumor is, a Venerable took him down. A glorious death, if you ask me."
"Tch—enough digression. Back to business."
No. 17's tone hardened. "With the Prince gone, his inner circle remains off-limits. But the higher-ups have marked eight daughters from lesser noble houses. We have one month to secure them."
Xia Feng's frown deepened. This sounded like a cult—and they were targeting noblewomen, no less. Did they fear no retaliation from the aristocracy? The implications ran deep.
"Eight targets: Qi Menglu, Luo Na, Zi Yunshu..."
No. 17 rattled off the names, then smirked. "...and lastly, Mu Qingtong of the Taicang Mu Clan. Pairs handle one target each. Our assignment? Mu Qingtong."
A grotesque grin twisted beneath the mask. "Heh. Remember her, Owl? That little songstress who cracked the top ten in the Spiritual Song Competition? Fanbase nearing 100 million now. And a noble-born beauty to boot. We're in for a treat~"
Xia Feng fixed No. 17 with a dead-eyed stare. His reply was flat, deliberate.
"Explain the plan. In detail."
(End of Chapter)