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

Emperor's Tomb Mountains, Spirit Vessel Valley.

A squad of fifteen children was slowly advancing into the valley, occasionally stopping 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, I can't get any quieter unless I float, hurry up and activate the radar to find the target.

Little Sprout: Can you guys not be so tense? Worst case, we get sent to the penalty room—you keep piling on the pressure, and now I'm tense too.

Squad Leader: Obviously we have to be tense—we barely pulled off five enhancement boosts, we absolutely must secure this run!

Gulu: For Little Sprout, this brat, we've worn ourselves out—hope this time we get some return.

Listening to his teammates' voice chat, Little Sprout, walking at the front of the squad, closed his eyes; activating his Eagle-Head Demon ability, his perception perspective extended outward from him, scanning the surrounding environment.

This was their fifth time entering Spirit Vessel Valley.

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

This time, using "Infinite Painful Painful Minghun," they drew five enhanced states, with the lowest reduction at only 35%, so they decided to enter Spirit Vessel Valley again.

Their goal this trip was a primordial monster in Spirit Vessel Valley: Blood Bow.

As a veteran player, Little Sprout had always chosen ranged damage-dealing classes in other games.

But he didn't like magic-based classes.

Because magic-based classes consumed too much mana and had weak sustained combat capability.

In contrast, he preferred the more stable sustained output of ranged physical classes, such as Hunters or Rangers, whose main weapons were bows or crossbows.

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

This troubled him greatly.

A week ago, he saw a player post on the forum claiming that during exploration of Spirit Vessel 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 branch of ranged physical damage-dealing styles.

Upon hearing this news, he was thrilled and immediately recruited his best buddy to enter Spirit Vessel Valley and find the primordial Blood Bow.

But the intensity of Spirit Vessel Valley truly overwhelmed them—after all, this was a place even Black Tide and Insect Tide avoided; nearly all monsters here were primordial.

The more players entered, the stronger the spirit vessels' reaction became.

Half a month ago, the Divine Hall Guild's Divine King once organized a joint guild operation targeting Spirit Vessel Valley—they had participated in that too.

The result? Thousands of players marched boldly into Spirit Vessel Valley, but due to the massive disturbance, they drew a swarm of spirit vessels in attack, and among them was a Hunting Level 103 "Star Scepter," which unleashed a single AoE spell that shattered the combined battle group.

This made Little Sprout realize it was impossible to explore Spirit Vessel Valley by organizing large groups of players.

After much thought, he still had to rely on his childhood friends in the Children's Squad to help him contain "Blood Bow."

Moving cautiously forward, Little Sprout occasionally opened his map to confirm their direction.

According to the forum post's description, 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 Dahe River flowing from south to north, cutting straight through the entire valley like a great dragon, winding through the mountains and nourishing nearby vegetation.

On both banks of the Dahe River, sheer cliffs rose, jagged rocks shaped by countless years of wind and rain into countless natural forms; the river surged through the gorge, sometimes mysteriously halting, reflecting the lush forests on either side, sometimes rushing forward violently, roaring with water, spraying cascading spray.

As they followed the river, through the dense forest they could see many floating spirit vessels patrolling.

After many players' explorations, the terrain of Spirit Vessel Valley was clearly visible on the map function.

Spirit Vessel Valley was divided into two parts: Outer Valley and Inner Valley.

The spirit vessels in Outer Valley had long since been slaughtered by players and did not respawn.

The most famous spirit vessels in Outer Valley were the five primordial monsters contained by Iron Hammer: Liman, Broken, Departed Soul, Dark Ghost, and Sweeping.

Entering Inner Valley, the strength of spirit vessels increased dramatically.

The monsters here fell into three types: primordial spirit vessels, spirit vessels, and symbiotic spirit vessels, all with general Hunting Levels above 35, and they moved in groups.

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

The highest-known spirit vessel was the second-generation primordial "Star Scepter," with a Hunting Level of 103—completely unmatchable by players at this stage.

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

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

Primordial spirit vessels, most likely, were drawn here by the node's energy, forming the unique environment of Spirit Vessel Valley.

"Little Sprout, found it yet?"

Hearing Iron Hammer's voice chat question, Little Sprout snapped:

"You guys, stop pushing—I'm looking, I'll alert you when I find it."

"Oh? Now you're calling us Dad? 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 Dads~!" Little Sprout gritted his teeth.

"Aye!" (collective reply)

"All of you shut up, don't interrupt my perception."

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

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

Spirit vessels in the valley were highly cohesive—fighting one would draw a whole group.

Some players had tried Iron Hammer's solo-pick strategy, but the spirit vessels of Inner Valley didn't care—they'd instantly swarm anyone who dared strike.

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 swirling and dancing among 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 seemingly forged from ten-thousand-year ice, its tip pointing downward exhaling wisps of frost that froze nearby wildflowers and grasses; intricate patterns traced along its spine, like frozen water currents, reflecting a deep blue glow under the pale moon.

With perception ability activated, the description of the ice-blue greatsword appeared in the Children's 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.

…

"Can't handle it, take a detour." The toddler decisively turned his direction.

Before reaching the clearing, he had spotted this Great Sword of Frost in his perception view; he didn't choose to detour because only this one spirit weapon was nearby.

He thought that if the hunting level was low, he might as well take it out on the way.

The proportion of Source-Original monsters in Spirit Weapon Valley is very high; if this spirit weapon is Source-Original, then he'd hit the jackpot.

But after analyzing and learning the target's hunting level reached 78, the toddler decisively abandoned the idea and chose to detour, continuing forward.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the coordinates.

Scanning the vicinity with his perception view, he found three spirit weapons nearby, but he did not spot the Blood Bow.

Disappointed, the toddler pressed on, continuing his search.

Although the player who posted had given the location of the "Blood Bow" in Spirit Weapon Valley, spirit weapons aren't inanimate objects—they move constantly within the valley like animals.

Coordinates can only determine a general range of movement; the exact location remains unknown.

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

"Guys, 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 already led you guys in. In my perception view, there are three spirit weapons near the Blood Bow; their exact strength is unclear—we might not be able to break through… Let's sneak closer first, check the strength of those three spirit weapons, and stick close to me."

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

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

In the distance, sunlight filtered through layer upon layer of tree canopies, dappling the ground ahead; at the intersection of light and shadow, a large bow floated one meter above the earth.

Analysis information activated at this moment:

【Scattered Arrows (First-Generation Source-Original)】

Hunting Level: 35

Target Description: A Source-Original monster that controls the "Scattered Arrows" trait, capable of splitting attacks to damage multiple targets.

…

The hovering "Scattered Arrows" had a majestic design, as if forged in the abyss—a killing tool, radiating ominous bloodlight; its string wound with a swirling blood orb moving up and down, its surface flowing with patterns like living flesh, sometimes coalescing into a ferocious beast head, sometimes dissolving into a wailing ghostly shadow.

At a single glance, the toddler fell in love with this weapon.

"Is this your dream bow? Looks kinda creepy—using this thing might give you nightmares at night," Zui Nai teased over the voice channel.

"Hahaha, the toddler's usually pretty sneaky—he's perfect for this weapon. I approve of you two together," Iron Hammer promptly jumped in to continue teasing.

The toddler ignored his teammates, his gaze sweeping toward the other three spirit weapons.

Two of them were hammer-shaped, with hunting levels of 39 and 41 respectively; the remaining one was shield-shaped, at level 43—and none were Source-Original spirit weapons, yet all had higher hunting levels than Scattered Arrows.

Just by this, the toddler felt taking it wouldn't be difficult.

This Infinite Painful Painful Minghun draw granted five buffs; Iron Hammer had the best luck, drawing 387%.

A level-36 Painful Painful Minghun under nearly fourfold enhancement could match the combat power of a level-45 monster.

Add the Squad Leader's 204% boost, Danzhu's 183%, Zui Nai's 89%, and Gulu's 44%—in this battle, they had no chance of losing.

The problem was, the number of spirit weapons in this area was extremely high.

Once combat started, they'd quickly be surrounded.

How to proceed? The toddler team discussed tactics over the voice channel:

Iron Hammer: Simplest way—I'm the target, 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 run, we all go to the black room for tea. As long as we kill Scattered Arrows, this mission's a success.

Zui Nai: Don't be ridiculous. Scattered Arrows is clearly a ranged DPS weapon—how could you possibly stun it so easily? It's guarded by three melee spirit weapons. When you charge, it'll just retreat. Do you think spirit weapons are mindless bugs or demons that only know close combat?

The toddler: Iron Hammer's been killing bugs so long he's lost his brain. Spirit weapons in Spirit Weapon Valley adapt their combat style based on the situation. Don't use this brute-force tactic—give us something practical.

Gulu: I have a Binding Painful Painful Minghun, but its range is only within 25 meters. Can we find a way to get me close enough to lock him down for a few seconds?

Iron Hammer: Can I throw you over?

Gulu: Feasible. Throw me, then immediately charge yourself. The rest of you follow with DPS.

The Squad Leader: Wait, are all your tactics this simple? Can't you learn from the God-King? Give us something reliable.

The toddler: I just asked the Guide—our current position is 63.6 meters from Scattered Arrows. We'll be spotted the moment we show ourselves. Unless you, Iron Hammer, can throw Gulu 38 meters from here—which you can't.

Iron Hammer: Bullshit, why can't I throw him 38 meters?

The toddler: Gulu, how much do you weigh?

Gulu: 143 jin.

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

"Guide, how much Strength attribute is needed to throw a 143-jin person 38 meters?"

Without hesitation, the Guide answered:

【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 flight resistance. Asking only for Strength attribute cannot yield an accurate answer. Simply put, flying flat versus curled up will result in different distances.】

Hearing the Guide's answer, the toddler felt a headache coming on:

"Guide, do you think Iron Hammer can throw Gulu 38 meters?"

【Comprehensive assessment of his Painful Painful Minghun level, inherited physical attributes, and habitual combat techniques… I conclude he cannot.】

Iron Hammer: …

The toddler: Idiot Iron Hammer, heard that? If we followed you, we'd have wasted this trip. Switch tactics now.

Zui Nai: How about this—we split into two teams. One sneaks around behind to cut off escape routes; the other stays here, waiting for the signal. Then we all attack together. Ignore the other spirit weapons—focus all fire on Scattered Arrows. Kill it and run.

The toddler: This plan sounds more feasible. Any other ideas?

Seeing no one spoke, the toddler immediately approved the plan: if they cut off Scattered Arrows' escape route, the battle could end quickly.

Half an hour later.

The toddler team split into two squads, each lying in ambush on the front and rear sides centered on the Scattered Arrows spirit weapon.

As the commander of this operation, Meng Yuan Chu repeated the battle plan in the voice channel, took a deep breath, and then spoke:

"Kill!"

Following Meng Yuan Chu's order, the two waves of players, front and rear, launched their charge simultaneously.

Just as Meng Yuan Chu had predicted, seeing them emerge, the Shield Artifact Spirit and the Hammer Artifact Spirit decisively advanced, while the Scatter Arrow drifted backward to find a damage-dealing position; the bowstring automatically drew taut during this process, the air seeming drawn by this force, as crimson energy rapidly gathered at the center of the bowstring.

Bang!

Like a released spring, the bowstring unleashed the stored energy, firing a crimson energy arrow at incredible speed toward the members of the Toddler Group directly ahead.

The Iron Hammer at the head decisively lunged at the arrow, his body instantly turning pitch black.

Thud!

After the dull sound, the Iron Hammer was struck in the chest by the arrow.

He then decisively reverted from his petrified form, his expression unchanged, and led the charge toward the Scatter Arrow:

"Brothers, charge!"

Facing the ferociously approaching Iron Hammer, the Shield Artifact Spirit and the Hammer Artifact Spirit moved forward proactively, while the Scatter Arrow continued to pull back.

Just then, the players in the rear launched their attack immediately after.

A dark-flame fireball suddenly flew from the distance, precisely guided to smash into the Scatter Arrow, igniting it.

The Scatter Arrow, attempting to flee sideways, crashed into a light shield, then was bound in place by a light spell.

"I'll tank these three; you guys hurry up and kill the Scatter Arrow."

Arriving before the Shield Artifact Spirit and the Hammer Artifact Spirit, the Iron Hammer, leading the way, decisively activated the Taunt Painful Painful Minghun.

Instantly, the three Artifact Spirits ignored the other players of the Toddler Group and began furiously attacking the petrified Iron Hammer.

The remaining players all took detours, heading straight for the Scatter Arrow Artifact Spirit.

"Heaven and Earth have no limits, Heaven and Earth lend their power; Fire come, Thunder come! Take my Thunder-Fire Ball and die!"

Zui Nai raised his hand, condensing a Thunder-Fire elemental sphere, and hurled it directly at the Scatter Arrow.

"Spread out, surround it and beat it; don't let it escape."

With the Iron Hammer drawing fire, the remaining members of the Toddler Group could attack the Scatter Arrow without any difficulty.

By blocking the route with light shields, after several rounds of assault, the surface of the Scatter Arrow was covered in cracks; it held out for only a short while longer before exploding with a boom, turning into a wisp of crimson mist that flew toward the nearest Guidance Water Ball.

A Challenger Notification sounded at this moment:

【Challenger Notification (All Channels): Congratulations to players Iron Hammer, Zui Nai... for defeating the Generation One Meng Yuan Chu monster "Scatter Arrow", obtaining a reward of 10,000 Shou Shou Jili (shared by all team players)】

"Run!"

Under the perception perspective, a vast number of Artifact Spirits were approaching their location; Meng Yuan Chu issued a timely warning alert.

Hearing this, the members of the Toddler Group all turned around and sprinted wildly back in the direction they had come.

Seeing this scene, the Iron Hammer, currently trapped in a triangular assault by three Artifact Spirits, was instantly stunned:

"Wait, you bastards! I haven't run yet; wait for me!"

No one responded in the team chat channel; in the blink of an eye, his teammates had already run dozens of meters away.

More and more Artifact Spirits were gathering nearby; the Iron Hammer felt like vomiting blood.

He had already prepared himself for this trip to end in the small black room, but he could not accept that these bastards ran away while leaving him alone here to die:

"I curse you all to be caught by the Artifact Spirits; not a single one of you will escape."

"Iron Hammer, hundreds of Artifact Spirits are swarming over; quickly take a heroic and tragic screenshot for yourself; we'll be waiting for you to return at Emperor's Tomb Village."

"Tch, a bunch of bastards; just wait until I get back and beat you to death."

While cursing aloud, the Iron Hammer activated the screenshot perspective, instructing the Guidance to pull the camera distance back.

In the frame, hundreds of Artifact Spirits swarmed in, while a lone warrior stood firmly in place, his open mouth seeming to roar in defiance unto death.

Click!

The image froze.

One hour later, amidst a chorus of "Godfathers" from everyone trying to flatter him, the Iron Hammer walked out of the respawn point with a constipated expression.

After a long while, the Iron Hammer, his emotions soothed, let out a long sigh:

"Forget it; who else would I be but your Godfather? Could I really hold a grudge against my own children? With the Headmaster away, raising you all alone is truly hard work."

Speaking thus, the Iron Hammer seemed to think of something and paused:

"By the way, what has the Headmaster been doing lately?"

Facing the question, Zui Nai couldn't help but sigh:

"Don't mention it; last time we managed to snatch the qualification, but he fell asleep and lost it... The last time he logged out, I checked the group chat and saw he left many messages, saying he couldn't stand the nonsense of this pirated version anymore, so he's going to work to earn money and buy the official version directly; he's probably working hard right now."

11,000 words, finished~

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(End of Chapter)