Chapter 129: EX-Rank Evaluation and Regeneration Authority

Li Cheng felt as if he had dreamed a very long dream.

In the dream, he drew a massive ritual array that encompassed the entire surface layer of the Abyss, then performed Territory Forging.

Supreme mighty power let him achieve Transcendence, and through it he entered the Abyss's Holy Cathedral, where he saw a woman sleeping in a coffin.

That woman wore a face veil; her features could not be seen clearly.

This seemed to be a plot he had never seen before...

Just as he wanted to get a look at that woman's appearance, a mocking light laugh resounded by his ear.

For some reason, upon hearing that sound, Li Cheng's mind involuntarily conjured the image of a loli demon.

"Hmph hmph, the trash Divine Chosen of the Suffering Mother Goddess, sacrificing one city to this palace wasn't enough, you still want to sacrifice the entire Abyss?"

"Clearly just trash, yet your guts aren't small; however, for the sake of you helping this palace seal that little bitch Regeneration Witch, this palace won't hold it against you~"

"Accept this palace's mark; the bestowal this palace gives you isn't something the two little bitches Red Moon and Hui Ling can afford~"

"This palace is rich~ Wake up with reverence for this palace~"

"Trash~ Trash~"

When Li Cheng regained consciousness again, he was already inside the World Tree's gate.

Covering his forehead, furrowing his brows, he only then realized what had just happened.

【Your actions within the City of Deception have drawn the Deception Mother Goddess's gaze; she has bestowed the Deception Emblem upon you.】

"Stamping me again, huh? These Abyss Mother Goddesses are each more downhead than the last; might as well call them sows."

Li Cheng shook his head; the voice by his ear continued.

【Your actions within the City of Deception have drawn the Deception Mother Goddess's attention; your Deception Emblem has transformed into Divine Favor Fate·Son of Deception.】

"The name Son of Deception sounds terrible, and at first listen it's clearly an undercover agent, no different from a self-destruct truck; change it."

【The Deception Mother Goddess believes this little trash fundamentally lacks advanced aesthetics; she is very angry.】

"Then take the Fate back, and take the Emblem while you're at it."

【The Deception Mother Goddess agrees with you; this title is truly too trashy; she is willing to solicit your opinion.】

"..." Li Cheng's mouth corner twitched; he increasingly felt this Deception Mother Goddess was a loli demon.

"Let me think; my Divine Favor Fate was obtained because of the Regeneration Power." He clenched his fist: "And this Regeneration Power represents not just power, but also a curse; then let my Divine Favor Fate be called Curse."

【The Deception Mother Goddess heard your thoughts and was greatly shocked.】

【She believes your naming sense is as trashy as your strength, the type that would go "beep——" after being eaten a couple bites.】

【But your idea of using "Curse" to conceal "Deception" is genuinely a Deceiver's Chosen.】

【She bestows upon you Divine Favor Fate: Cursed Angel.】

【Cursed Angel: 【When you activate this Divine Favor Fate, all effects you receive undergo Causal Reversal; BUFFs become DEBUFFs, DEBUFFs become BUFFs, duration 15 minutes, can only be used once per day.】】

"This ability... is a bit abstract."

Li Cheng raised an eyebrow.

This loli demon Deception Mother Goddess gave him an interesting toy; just unknown to what extent this Causal Reversal can reach.

If he used this ability when surpassing that downhead dragon girl, would it turn into her surpassing him instead?

"Still need to do some experiments."

Stretching, Li Cheng surveyed his surroundings.

This is inside the World Tree's gate.

It is the crevice between Shi Jie and history, a resting place for explorers.

This is also Li Cheng's first time coming to this space.

For some reason, Lilith, who had been chirping away by his side, was nowhere to be seen at this moment.

Golden light waves wound through the air like ocean tides; golden particles like stars floated suspended from this space's ceiling.

"Rather than World Tree, might as well call it Golden Tree."

"If you prefer the name Golden Tree, you may call me that; after all, the name doesn't matter."

An ancient voice rang out; golden flowing light condensed into the appearance of a white-haired elder; he smiled kindly at Li Cheng: "As you see, I am the World Tree, the one who settles and bestows blessings for you."

"Is that so?" Li Cheng thought a moment, then asked: "Then what about appearance? Does appearance matter?"

"Of course it doesn't matter either." The elder shrugged.

"Oh?" Li Cheng perked up, revealing a warm sunny smile: "In that case, please turn into a golden-haired mixed-blood 36G long-legged beauty, and put on a bodysuit and thigh-high boots; then we'll talk."

The elder: "..."

"Cough cough." He coughed twice, decided to change the subject: "Li Cheng, right? You accomplished an unprecedented feat; I——"

"Why won't you transform?" Li Cheng asked doubtfully.

The elder didn't intend to acknowledge him, continuing: "I must congratulate you; you will receive my highest respec——"

"You don't want to turn into a woman?" Li Cheng continued doubtfully.

"Never before you have I imagined anyone who could clear the City of Deception in this way; you truly are——"

"Claiming not to care about appearance, yet unwilling to turn into a woman." Li Cheng was still doubtful.

"I've tolerated you long enough!" The elder lost composure, letting out a long breath: "Don't interrupt me!"

"Broke character, hee hee~" Li Cheng laughed.

"I TM I..." The elder clenched his fist: "You believe me or not I..."

"By the way, who exactly are you?" Li Cheng suddenly asked.

"I am of course the World Tree's..." The elder's words reached his lips but suddenly stopped; his gaze gradually returned to kindly: "Hehe, little guy, you're probing me?"

"I wasn't..." Li Cheng also reined in his smile.

Indeed, existences able to remain in this kind of space are all cunning veterans; not so easy to probe for intel.

The birth producer of "Destiny's First Rise" loves nothing more than this whole identity-mismatch thing.

The "good brother" you think you know might be your wife's killer; the "marriage" you think you know might be you personally slaughtering your lover; likewise, the "World Tree" you think you know might not actually be the World Tree.

The PC version's World Tree has no model and cannot speak; it's just a tree-shaped NPC players use to exchange for items.

When an old man suddenly appeared in this space, Big Boss wouldn't believe whatever he said.

Big Boss is just that cautious and steady.

"I didn't expect that after living so long, I'd almost be led around by you, little guy—oh no, little newborn, you're really smart." The old man clapped his hands:

"In my view, there are two types who can explore inside the World Tree Gate: lucky mediocrities and smart fools. Everyone seeks miracles inside the World Tree, but if miracles appeared easily, would they still be miracles?"

"You're saying I'm the second type?" Big Boss smiled.

"No, you're the third type." The old man drew near, his golden eyes as if able to see through his soul: "You disguised yourself as a smart fool, but actually, you're different from them all."

"Everyone seeks a way forward within the rules, but only you chose to step outside the rules from the very beginning."

"I very much look forward to your next performance."

"Thank you, I look forward to it too." Big Boss put his hands behind his back; his palms had more sweat than usual: "You still haven't told me, who exactly are you?"

"Who I am isn't important; what's important is that I can now bestow a blessing on you from the World Tree." The old man smiled: "So, the final settlement."

【Main Quest 1: Survive seven days in the City of Deception, and obtain a higher-rank Position Card.】

【You obtained Position Card Chief Speaker (EX Rank), Half-Demon Traitor (EX Rank).】

【Your final rating is: EX Rank.】

【Extra Mission 1: Find the master of the City of Deception, witness or rewrite your own fate.】

【You became the master of the City of Deception, and rewrote your destined death fate.】

【Your final rating is: EX Rank.】

【Exclusive Mission 2: Find Vivian, witness or rewrite her fate.】

【You not only found Vivian, but also captured the half-demon girl's heart; for ten thousand years thereafter, the girl, to reclaim her heart, moved forward alone across this land.】

【But unfortunately, you were still one step short, failing to rewrite her final fate.】

【Your final rating is: SSS Rank.】

"Failed to rewrite her final fate? What does that mean?"

Big Boss frowned; was there some place in this secret realm he'd overlooked? Or did he have to refine Vivian too for the task to reach EX Rank? He thought it over and decided to try in the next New Game Plus.

【Hidden Quest · Destined Death: You uncovered the Reborn Witch's plan early, but also brought death upon yourself; you must survive the Reborn Witch's hunt until exploration time ends.】 【You not only held out until exploration time ended, but also seized the vast life force the Reborn Witch prepared for herself, and exiled her to the bottommost layer of the Abyss.】

【Most importantly, you changed the witches' perception; from this moment on, a rumor that "never kiss a male witch, or you'll have a child" spread widely within the Witch Circle.】

【Your final rating is: Defying Heaven!】

【Considering all your mission performance, you receive final rating: EX Rank (Perfect Clear)】

【You triggered Divine Favor Fate: History's Freezer】

【In the spring of Year 1345, a man of unknown name came to the City of Deception; at first, just a magic hound, a City Hall, an equal rights movement... until all this concerned everyone.】

【The Deception Mother Goddess's curtain veiled the Sky, the Reborn Witch's eyes gazed upon all living beings, the Death Witch's mockery surged in dark currents... the seemingly calm City of Deception had long become the demigods' playground.】

【And all this, changed by your arrival.】

【This City was liberated by your arrival; innocent souls were brought to the dining table by your arrival.】

【You are Eternal Terror, you are the gluttonous plunderer...

【You are Unknown, you are Big Boss, you are History's Freezer.】

【You composed legends for all living beings; they, for you, whispered poems.】

【From now on, the history of Third Era 1345 is frozen; the World Tree Gate at this time point will no longer open to anyone.】

【Fate Effect: When you next explore inside the World Tree Gate, you will receive a certain favor.】

"How does it feel, little newborn?" The old man smiled: "Personally anchoring a piece of history—does that satisfy you?"

"Heh, I think I'm not yet satisfied." Big Boss also smiled: "Please give me the blessings and rewards I deserve."

What a joke—this is a test version of the game, with no achievement or trophy system at all; what do these empty names matter compared to items and abilities?

Clearly it's the highest honor, yet his heart felt not a ripple; this kid's mindset is even more terrifying than I imagined... The old man smiled: "Fine, let's continue. Tell me, what blessing do you want? An EX Rank rating is enough for you to make a request of me."

"I hope to obtain the ability to bestow others the concept of 'Face'."

"Oh? That's interesting." The old man thought: "Hmm, I think this Dragon Language Magic can help you do it."

【Dragon Language Magic: Language of All Things in Harmony (Epic)】

【At the cost of Spiritual Power, you can form a face on every living being; you can choose to share that face's vision, duration depending on the Spiritual Power you expend.】

That's it!

Big Boss's mouth corner curled slightly.

This was his main purpose for entering this secret realm.

This ability was jokingly called "Voldemort's Face" by players; in the original version, it was actually just a toy.

But now it's different; with this ability, plus Merciful Evil Smile, his Crooked Mouth Archmage Style is fully formed, and no matter what enemy, they'll all be forcibly slapped in the face by him.

Plus Tata Master constantly developing new abilities, this Evil Path School will only grow stronger.

"Are you sure you want this Dragon Language Magic?" The old man said again: "Hmm, you possess rare pure-blooded Dragon Clan lineage; I think some more powerful Dragon Language Magic should suit you better. Your Clear rating is also enough for you to receive such a blessing."

"No, compared to powerful abilities, I more hope to obtain an ability that suits me."

"If so, then very well." The old man nodded; golden World Tree light flowed in his palm, gradually transforming into a Scroll: "But your EX Rank rating can't be ignored; let me strengthen it for you."

【Dragon Language Magic: Language of All Things Fate-Playing (Legend):】

【At the cost of Spiritual Power, you can form a face on all things in the universe; you can share that face's vision, and also communicate with that face; duration depends on the Spiritual Power you expend.】

Big Boss took the Scroll, delighted.

Don't underestimate this simple upgrade; originally the Face Concept Bestowal could only be used on life, now expanded to all things, Big Boss could already imagine dozens of different Evil Path operation methods.

This was a surprise far beyond his imagination.

"I hope you can make good use of this ability." The old man stroked his beard: "Then next is the last one, regeneration magic power—let me see how much you have, wow, 900,000 points……"

"If I didn't know where these regeneration points of yours come from, I really would've thought you were a tyrant who slaughtered all living beings……hiss, seems like there's not much difference."

"I granted them liberation," Li Cheng corrected: "Although they lost their lives, they gained death!"

"……" The old man thought for half a day before understanding the meaning of Li Cheng's nonsense, chuckling: "Fine, take this. From now on, the source essence of the Regeneration Witch is yours."

【Your Regeneration Witch source essence fused with regeneration magic power, and you gained Authority·Regeneration.】

【Each Authority will manifest in different forms according to different people's desires.】

【Your previous Authority holder, the Regeneration Witch, craved infinite life, so she gained Ability·Life-Absorbing Pupil.】

【But your desire differs from hers, and you gained Ability·Regeneration Rewind.】

【Effect 1: When you suffer a fatal wound, you can choose to say to yourself "Sorry, I Haven't Had Enough Fun," expend regeneration power of different people's worth, and you can resurrect on the spot.】

【Effect 2: When you suffer a fatal wound, you can say to the one who killed you "Sorry, Let's Play Another Round," expend regeneration magic power of different people's worth after which, you can choose to rewind time to the save moment.】

【The save moment is determined by yourself, but cannot exceed 12 hours before the fact of death occurs.】

【The more times death rewinds, the more regeneration power is consumed.】

【Each Authority is unique; only the holder themselves can see it.】

Looking at the introduction of the Regeneration Authority, even the always calm and composed Li Cheng couldn't help but tremble in heart and mind.

The Authority can actually produce different abilities according to different people……You're the Kaleidoscope Sharingan?

And this Regeneration Rewind, the first ability needs no more words—it's just a strengthening of regeneration power usage, while the second ability……BUG, this is definitely a BUG-rank ability.

Rewinding 12 hours, he could completely use this ability to pull off all sorts of tricks.

"Looks like you're very satisfied with this ability, Little Birth." The old man smiled: "But it makes sense, after all, the power of Authority is an ability unique to witches; on the same timeline, at most nine people can possess it."

"Hmm, to be honest, you're the only non-witch being who possesses the power of Authority, huh? Why are you looking at me like that?"

The old man was speaking when he suddenly discovered Li Cheng was staring straight at him.

Li Cheng: "Hehe, I think you're seeking death!"

Old man:???

The next second, Li Cheng moved.

Dragon Language Magic【All Things Decree of Words】activated! The old man only felt his buttocks go cold, his heart and mind trembled, and he realized what Li Cheng had done: "You little Rising East Sun, you're sticking a face on my buttocks?"

Li Cheng: "Hehe, I ask you, what's one plus one!"

"2!" Behind the old man's buttocks came a muffled voice.

Because the buttocks and face were joined, that voice was more like farting than speech.

And there was a stench.

"2? What 2, I see you're a damn idiot! Damn it!" The old man completely broke down: "Quickly take this ability back from me!"

"Dream on." Li Cheng narrowed his eyes; he had not only just used Stare and Grow a Face, but also used Stare and Conceive Dragon Twins.

It seems this old thing really isn't an ordinary creature; he has no concept of childbirth.

"Then, explode."

Li Cheng's eyes gleamed, 【Tata God Art·Look One More Eye and Explode】activated! "You defying-heaven little Rising East Sun!"

The old man hadn't finished speaking when he felt stellar power gathering in his body.

The next instant, his head and buttocks exploded simultaneously.

Firelight scattered everywhere, even the World Tree's space kept trembling.

Li Cheng's 50,000 Magic Badge Stones were all deducted at once.

【You dealt damage to the World Tree's avatar·Aibostek.】

【Your demigod power has disappeared; the power gap between you and him is too great, warning, warning.】

"It really is the World Tree's avatar, not a liar……" Li Cheng frowned: "And, can't kill him temporarily, no gold coins drop."

The old man's angry voice also came from the smoke: "Little Rising East Sun, I've tolerated you for long! Don't think being a History's Fixed Point means you can do as you please."

Golden light flew toward his body, rotating on his head and buttocks, condensing into a new face.

"Sorry." Li Cheng looked at him with slight apology, an invisible cyclone condensing in his palm: "Let's play another round."

This time, he didn't show a warm smile.

That invisible cyclone severed his neck.

All was silent.

Chapter Complete