Chapter 116: Journey to Spirit Tool Valley (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Emperor Tomb Mountains, Spirit Tool Valley.

A 15-member toddler squad was slowly advancing into the valley, occasionally pausing to observe their surroundings.

Iron Hammer: Shh, step lightly—these monsters here are too fierce; if they focus fire on us, we’re dead.

Drunk Milk: Stop shushing, unless you can float, hurry up and activate your radar to find the target.

Toddler: Can you guys not be so tense? Worst case, we get sent to the black room—I keep getting pressure dumped on me, and now I’m tense too.

Squad Leader: Of course we’re tense! We barely scraped together five enhancement boosts—this run must succeed!

Gulu: For the sake of this brat, we’ve worn ourselves out. I hope this time pays off.

Listening to his teammates’ voice chat, the toddler at the front of the squad closed his eyes. After activating his Hawk-Head Demon ability, his perception perspective extended outward from him, scanning the surrounding environment.

This was their fifth time entering Spirit Tool Valley.

Previous attempts had all ended in failure—they were killed by swarms of spirit tools before even finding their target.

This time, they used “Infinite Soul Soul” to draw five enhancement states, with the lowest reduction at only 35%, so they decided to enter Spirit Tool Valley again.

Their goal this trip was a primordial monster within the valley: Blood Bow.

As a veteran player for years, the toddler had always chosen ranged DPS classes in other games.

But he didn’t like magic-based classes.

The reason was that magic-lineage classes consumed too much mana and had weak sustained combat capability.

In contrast, he preferred ranged physical DPS with stable output, such as Hunter or Ranger, primarily using bows or crossbows.

But the game had never offered any ranged physical attack weapons.

This troubled him greatly.

A week ago, he saw a player post on the forum claiming that while exploring Spirit Tool Valley, they encountered a first-generation primordial monster called “Blood Bow,” and stated that if this primordial could be contained, it would inevitably spawn a new lineage of ranged physical DPS.

Upon hearing this news, he was thrilled and immediately dragged his best friend into Spirit Tool Valley to find the primordial Blood Bow.

But the valley’s intensity was truly overwhelming—after all, even Black Black Tide and Insect Black Tide avoided this place, and it was filled almost entirely with primordial monsters.

The more players entered, the stronger the spirit tools’ reaction became.

Half a month ago, the Divine Hall Society’s Divine King once organized a joint society operation targeting Spirit Tool Valley, and they had participated.

The result? Thousands of players marched boldly into Spirit Tool Valley, but the commotion drew massive swarms of spirit tools to attack them, including a Hunting Level 103 “Star Scepter,” which unleashed a single area spell that shattered the combined battle group.

This made the toddler realize it was impossible to explore Spirit Tool Valley by organizing large-scale player groups.

After much thought, he still had to rely on his toddler squad brothers to help him contain “Blood Bow.”

Moving cautiously, the toddler occasionally opened his map to confirm their direction.

According to the forum post, Blood Bow’s location was three kilometers northeast—just follow the river to reach it.

Along the way, the most striking feature was the vast river flowing from south to north, cutting straight through the entire valley like a colossal dragon winding between mountains, nourishing nearby vegetation.

Steep cliffs rose on both banks, jagged rocks shaped by countless years of wind and rain into myriad natural forms. The river surged through the gorge, sometimes stopping eerily still, reflecting the lush forests on either side, sometimes rushing violently, roaring as it splashed up layers of spray.

Following the river, through dense forests, he could see many floating spirit tools patrolling.

After many players explored it, Spirit Tool Valley’s terrain was clearly visible on the map function.

The entire valley was divided into Outer Valley and Inner Valley.

The spirit tools in Outer Valley had long since been slaughtered by players and never respawned.

The most famous spirit tools in Outer Valley were the five primordial monsters collected by the Blacksmith: Power Brute, Shattered, Soul Drift, Ming Ghost, and Sweep.

Entering Inner Valley, spirit tool strength increased dramatically.

The monsters here fell into three categories: primordial spirit tools, spirit tools, and symbiotic spirit tools, all with common Hunting Levels above 35, and they moved in groups.

The deeper they went, the higher the Hunting Level of the spirit tools became.

The highest-known spirit tool was the second-generation primordial “Star Scepter,” with a Hunting Level of 103—completely unmatchable by players at the current stage.

According to the guide’s explanation, deep within Spirit Tool Valley lay a resource-type domain node.

Spirit tools and symbiotic spirit tools were special resources spawned by the domain node.

Primordial spirit tools were likely drawn here by the node’s energy, forming the unique environment of Spirit Tool Valley.

“Toddler, found it yet?”

Hearing Iron Hammer’s voice chat question, the toddler snapped:

“Fathers, stop pushing—I’m looking. When I find it, I’ll tell you.”

“Oh? Now you call us fathers? I bet once you successfully contain Blood Bow, you’ll turn right around and start calling us brats again.”

“You know it well. Right now I need you, so I’m bowing my head—but I’ll turn on you eventually, my dear fathers~!” the toddler gritted his teeth.

“Aye!” (collective response).

“Everyone shut up. Don’t interrupt my perception.”

After the banter, the toddler continued at the front of the squad, his perception perspective continuously scanning the surroundings.

Along the way, they occasionally encountered high-Hunting-Level spirit tools blocking their path; upon detecting them early via perception, the toddler would lead the squad around them to avoid combat.

Spirit tools in the valley were highly cohesive—fighting one would draw a whole swarm.

Some players had tried the Blacksmith’s solo-challenge route, but Inner Valley spirit tools didn’t play along—if anyone dared attack, they were inevitably surrounded.

Beyond the dense forest ahead lay an open clearing, unobstructed by tall trees, covered in wildflowers and grasses emitting a faint fragrance, with countless colorful flying insects dancing around the blooms—a harmonious scene.

But at the center of the clearing, three meters above ground, floated a crystal-clear ice-blue greatsword. Its blade seemed forged from millennia-frozen ice, exhaling wisps of frost from its tip, freezing nearby flowers and grasses. Delicate patterns flowed along its spine like frozen rivers, reflecting a deep blue glow under the pale moonlight.

With perception ability activated, the description of the ice-blue greatsword appeared in the toddler squad members’ minds.

【Frigid Winter (Second-Generation Primordial)】:

Hunting Level: 78.

Target Description: A primordial monster controlling the “Extreme Cold” trait, attacks carry freezing effects.

…

“Too strong. Detour.” The toddler decisively changed direction.

Before reaching the clearing, he had already detected the Frigid Winter sword via perception. He hadn’t chosen to detour because it was the only spirit tool nearby.

He thought if its Hunting Level was low, he might as well kill it.

Primordial monsters were common in Spirit Tool Valley—if this spirit tool was primordial, they’d hit the jackpot.

But after learning its Hunting Level was 78, the toddler immediately abandoned the idea and chose to detour.

Half an hour later, they reached the coordinates.

His perception perspective scanned the area—three spirit tools nearby, but no Blood Bow.

Disappointed, the toddler pressed forward to keep searching.

Although the posting player had given Blood Bow’s location in Spirit Tool Valley, spirit tools weren’t static—they moved like animals throughout the valley.

Coordinates only indicated a general range; the exact location remained unknown.

Crossing a tributary stream, the toddler at the front suddenly stopped, his expression brightening:

“Brothers, found the target.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Charge it!” Iron Hammer immediately clenched his fists.

“Duh, if I could charge, I’d have led you there already. My perception shows three spirit tools near Blood Bow—I don’t know their strength, we might not be able to break through… Let’s sneak closer first, check their strength, and stick close to me.”

Saying this, the toddler slowed his pace and led the squad forward cautiously.

After walking over a hundred steps, circling a colossal tree requiring ten people to encircle, they saw their target.

In the distance, sunlight filtered through layered treetops, dappling the open ground ahead. Suspended one meter above the ground was a massive bow.

Perception analysis activated:

【Scattered Arrows (First-Generation Primordial)】

Hunting Level: 35

Target Description: A primordial monster controlling the “Scattered Arrows” trait, capable of splitting attacks to damage multiple targets.

…

The floating “Scattered Arrows” radiated a fearsome aura, as if forged in the abyss—a tool of slaughter. Its entire body emitted ominous crimson light; the bowstring circled a swirling blood-red orb. Flowing patterns on its surface resembled living things—sometimes coalescing into monstrous beast heads, sometimes dissolving into wailing ghostly shadows.

One glance, and the toddler fell in love with this weapon.

“Is this your dream bow? Looks creepy—using this thing might give you nightmares.” Drunk Milk teased over voice chat.

“Hahaha, Toddler’s always been sneaky—he’s perfect for this weapon. I approve of your union, fathers!” Iron Hammer promptly jumped in to continue teasing.

The toddler ignored his teammates, his gaze shifting to the other three spirit tools.

Two were hammer-shaped, with Hunting Levels of 39 and 41 respectively; the remaining one was shield-shaped, at Hunting Level 43—none were primordial, but all had higher Hunting Levels than Scattered Arrows.

Just seeing this, the toddler felt securing it wouldn’t be hard.

This time, Infinite Soul Soul granted five buffs—Iron Hammer got the best luck, drawing 387%.

A Level 36 soul under nearly fourfold enhancement could rival a Hunting Level 45 monster.

Add in the Squad Leader’s 204%, Bead’s 183%, Drunk Milk’s 89%, and Gulu’s 44%—this battle was clearly theirs to win.

The problem was, the number of spirit tools in this area was enormous.

Once combat started, they’d quickly be surrounded.

How to proceed? The toddler squad members discussed tactics over voice chat:

Iron Hammer: Simple. Our target is Scattered Arrows. I’ll sprint in at max speed, grab it, then use Stone Skin to lock it down. You guys focus fire, kill it, then run. If we can’t escape, we all go to the black room for tea. As long as we kill Scattered Arrows, this trip’s a success.

Drunk Milk: Don’t joke. Scattered Arrows is clearly a ranged DPS weapon—how could you possibly stun it so easily? It’s guarded by three melee spirit tools. When you charge, it’ll just retreat. Do you think spirit tools are mindless bugs or evil spirits that only fight hand-to-hand?

Toddler: Iron Hammer’s been killing bugs so long he’s lost his brain. Spirit tools in Spirit Tool Valley adapt their combat style based on the situation. Don’t use brute-force tactics—give us something practical.

Gulu: I have a Binding Soul, but my range is only 25 meters. Can we get me close enough to lock him down for a few seconds?

Iron Hammer: Should I throw you at him?

Gulu: Feasible. Once I’m tossed, you charge immediately, and the rest of you follow up with damage.

Squad Leader: Wait, is your entire tactic this simplistic? Can’t you learn something from the God-King? Use a decent tactic for once.

Newbie: Just asked the Guide—our current position is 63.6 meters from San Shi. We’ll be spotted the moment we show our heads, unless Iron Hammer can throw Gulu 38 meters from here. But you can’t do it.

Iron Hammer: Bullshit, why can’t 38 meters be done?

Newbie: Gulu, how much do you weigh?

Gulu: 143 jin.

Hearing Iron Hammer confidently claim it was possible, the Newbie turned to the floating Guide beside him:

“Guide, how much Strength attribute is needed to throw a 143-jin weight 38 meters?”

Facing the question, the Guide answered without hesitation:

【To throw a 140-jin player 38 meters requires calculating initial velocity, air resistance, environmental gravity, throwing angle, the target’s body size, and how posture affects drag during flight. Simply asking for Strength attribute won’t yield an accurate answer. In simple terms, flying horizontally versus curling up will result in vastly different distances.】

Hearing the Guide’s response, the Newbie felt a headache coming on:

“Guide, then do you think Iron Hammer can throw Gulu 38 meters?”

[Comprehensive assessment of his Nascent Soul rank, innate inherited attributes, combat exertion habits, and techniques—I believe he cannot.]

Iron Hammer: …

Newbie: Fucking idiot Iron Hammer, you heard that? If we followed you, we’d have wasted this whole trip. Switch tactics now.

Drunk Milk: How about this—we split into two groups. One group circles around to cut off the escape route, the other stays put and waits for the signal. Then we launch a coordinated assault. Ignore the other Qiling. Focus fire on San Shi. Once we kill it, we run.

Newbie: This plan sounds more feasible. Any other ideas?

Seeing no one spoke, the Newbie immediately decided: we proceed with this plan. Once San Shi’s escape route is cut, the battle will end quickly.

Half an hour later.

The Kindergarten Team split into two squads, lying in ambush on both the front and rear sides centered on the San Shi Qiling.

As the operation’s commander, the Newbie repeated the battle plan over voice chat, took a deep breath, then spoke:

“Kill!”

At the Newbie’s command, both front and rear squads charged simultaneously.

As the Newbie anticipated, upon seeing them emerge, the Shield Qiling and Hammer Qiling rushed forward, while San Shi drifted backward to find a ranged position. The bowstring automatically tensed, as if the air itself was pulled by its force, blood-red energy rapidly coalescing at its center.

Bing!

The bowstring snapped like a released spring, unleashing its stored energy. A blood-red energy arrow shot forward at incredible speed toward the front-line Kindergarten Team members.

Leading the charge, Iron Hammer lunged at the arrow, his body instantly turning pitch black.

Bang!

After a dull thud, Iron Hammer was struck in the chest.

He immediately reverted from his petrified state, his expression unchanged as he led the team toward San Shi:

“Brothers, charge!”

Facing the ferocious charge of Iron Hammer, the Shield Qiling and Hammer Qiling closed in, while San Shi continued retreating.

At that moment, the rear squad launched their attack.

A dark-flame fireball flew in from afar, striking San Shi precisely and igniting it.

As San Shi tried to dodge sideways, it collided with a light shield, then was bound in place by a light spell.

“I’ll hold these three. You guys focus on killing San Shi.”

Arriving before the Shield and Hammer Qiling, Iron Hammer, leading the charge, activated his Taunt Nascent Soul.

Instantly, all three Qilings ignored the other Kindergarten Team members and began furiously attacking Iron Hammer in his petrified state.

The remaining players veered off, heading straight for the San Shi Qiling.

“Heaven and Earth, boundless, borrow the Dao—fire, lightning! Eat my lightning-fire ball—die!”

Drunk Milk raised his hand, gathering a ball of lightning and fire, and hurled it directly at San Shi.

“Spread out, surround it, don’t let it escape!”

With Iron Hammer drawing all the aggro, the remaining Kindergarten Team members could attack San Shi effortlessly.

Through repeated assaults sealed by the light shield, cracks spread across San Shi’s surface. After barely holding on, it exploded violently, dissolving into a cloud of blood-red mist that flew toward the nearest Guide water orb.

The Challenger Alert sounded:

【Challenger Alert (Full Channel): Congratulations to players Iron Hammer, Drunk Milk... for slaying the First-Generation Primordial Monster “San Shi.” Reward: 10,000 Sacrificial Power (shared by all team members).】

“Run!”

In his Perception Perspective, numerous Qilings were rapidly approaching their position. The Newbie issued a timely warning.

Hearing this, the Kindergarten Team members turned and sprinted back the way they came.

Seeing this, Iron Hammer—trapped in a triangular assault by the three Qilings—was stunned:

“Wait, you bastards! I haven’t run yet! Wait for me!”

No one replied in the team chat. In an instant, his teammates were already dozens of meters away.

More and more Qilings gathered around. Iron Hammer felt like vomiting blood.

He had fully prepared himself to be locked in the black room. But he couldn’t accept that these bastards ran off and left him here to die:

“I curse you all—may every last one of you be chased down by Qilings. None of you will escape.”

“Iron Hammer, hundreds of Qilings are closing in. Take a heroic, dramatic screenshot now. We’ll wait for you back at Emperor Tomb Village.”

“Piss off, you bastards. Just wait till I get back—I’ll beat you to death.”

As he cursed, Iron Hammer activated the screenshot perspective and ordered the Guide to pull the camera distance back.

On screen, hundreds of Qilings surged forward. A lone warrior stood firm, mouth open as if roaring a defiant, death-defying battle cry.

Click!

The image froze.

…

One hour later, amidst a chorus of “Dad!” from the others, Iron Hammer walked out of the respawn point with a constipated expression.

After a long while, his emotions calmed. Iron Hammer exhaled deeply:

“Whatever. Who am I if not your dad? Can I really stay mad at my own kids? The Director’s not here—I’m the one raising you all alone. It’s exhausting.”

As he spoke, Iron Hammer seemed to remember something and paused:

“By the way, what’s the Director been up to lately?”

Hearing the question, Drunk Milk couldn’t help but sigh:

“Don’t even mention it. Last time we qualified, he passed out and lost it… When he quit the game last time, we checked his group messages—he said he couldn’t stand this shitty pirated version anymore, was going to get a real job, save up, and buy the official version. He’s probably working hard now.”

11,000 characters. End.

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(End of Chapter)