[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-monsters-are-coming":3,"chapter-the-monsters-are-coming-monsters-are-coming-chapter-268":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Monsters Are Coming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2250117,4069,"Chapter 268: Are You Kidding Me!","monsters-are-coming-chapter-268",268,"\u003Cp>The Land of Chasing the Sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen skimmed low over a withered forest, his telekinetic force holding him as he glided ten-odd meters above the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His form swept past the treetops, startling a flock of Iron-Beak Crows into flight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One crow monster, startled, was just about to flap its wings to take off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the crisp sound, its head suddenly twisted 180 degrees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its neck had been snapped by an invisible hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, dense flapping sounds erupted nearby as the rest of the flock took flight in panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen moved forward through the air, his right hand's five fingers plucking in sequence, each digit pulling a strand of telekinetic thread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fleeing Iron-Beak Crows repeatedly slammed into a transparent, web-like telekinetic net and were sliced into minced meat that fell to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After clearing this area, he did not pause for even a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having consecutively consumed Mental Restoration Potions to replenish himself, he dove toward the swamp region not far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he approached, several Poison-Saliva Leeches suddenly shot out from the mud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen, who had already detected them under his perception coverage, used his telekinetic force to form serrated ripples that spread out beneath his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the leeches hit the serrated ripples, they were shredded into meat paste, and the splashing mucus was pressed back into the mud by telekinetic counter-pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His suspended body continued forward without stopping; behind him, feedback black mist chased closely, merging rapidly into his body upon contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His strength grew at lightning speed during the hunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sensation made Ji Chen feel incomparably exhilarated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the Otherworld, every move required careful calculation of mental energy consumption, after all, replenishing it through cultivation took time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now it was completely different; with the boost of the Qi-Eating trait and mental potions, his mental energy was inexhaustible like breathing, ready to be replenished at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surge in power brought a pleasure akin to cheating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, in the Otherworld, he played a single-life soul game, where the struggle was like walking on thin ice, and every step could mean death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, he was playing with infinite continues and a super-ability cheat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a non-stop power-leveling session, transforming from a soul game into a Diablo-style loot-grinding game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While searching for prey, Ji Chen would occasionally open the regional voice channel to browse the players' chat content.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, many enthusiastic players would provide coordinates for huntable targets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to the severe message spam, he had set up keyword filtering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only messages containing information like \"Help,\" \"Coordinates,\" or \"Primordial\" would appear in the regional chat box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, given the spam speed in the regional channel, it would be impossible to keep up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a freshly updated message caught his eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Help! Found a Primordial monster, but we can't take it down. Strong veterans come quickly! Join the party directly and check the leader's position on the map. Primordial monsters share rewards as long as you deal damage (Attachment: Screenshot).\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Resonance (Generation 3 Primordial - Passive)]:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hunt Level: 29\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Target Description: A Primordial monster mastering the Resonance trait; the damage effect of released elemental types is amplified (initial amplification effect is 5%).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen decisively sent a party request to the other party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next second, a notification of party acceptance rang in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing a Primordial could yield Sacrificial Power rewards; naturally, he was unwilling to miss out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the leader's voice sounded in the party voice channel:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Holy crap, Rebirth Bro?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen: ...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bro, get here fast, or there won't be anything left to eat; the application list is full.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Summoning the map, he saw the leader's location was 3.8 kilometers away in a straight line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After downing a bottle of mental potion, he shot toward the target location, no longer conserving his mental energy consumption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, he arrived at the leader's location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the number of players in the party was still growing, and the leader had switched the party Cultivation Mode to Warband Cultivation Mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From an overhead perspective, a group of players was besieging a Savage Bull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Primordial monster's sturdy body resembled a moving lava fortress, covered in scarlet, blood-red scaled armor; behind its thick neck rose a crater-like fleshy crest that exhaled sulfurous white smoke with every breath, while its spiral horns constantly charged at nearby players, and sparks trailed beneath its hooves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although its Hunt Level was only 29, for players who had just obtained their qualifications, the difficulty was still too high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With every charge from the Savage Bull, several players would dissipate into black mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eagle-Headed Demon's Perception activated at this moment, enveloping the Savage Bull; instantly, the flow of qi and blood meridians around the bull floated up in Ji Chen's mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could see life energy, red as magma, surging ceaselessly between its robust muscles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a preliminary perception survey, Ji Chen decisively joined the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He descended to a position directly above the Savage Bull's head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pale blue mark appeared on his forehead, and telekinetic force slammed down like an invisible giant wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The momentum of the Savage Bull's charge suddenly stalled, its front hooves sinking deep into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after only a few seconds of stalemate, the bull's horns, burning with crimson flames, burst forth with blinding red light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A visible mixed-element shockwave exploded outward, instantly shattering Ji Chen's telekinetic barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He too was blown away by this force; after tumbling repeatedly in the air, he finally stabilized his posture, his temples throbbing and fine beads of sweat seeping from his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This beast was more troublesome than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the nearby players also turned to look at the suspended Ji Chen, their expressions stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially seeing Ji Chen fighting in a floating posture, none of them understood how he was achieving it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the current stage, flight among the player faction was already commonplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But generally, it relied on vehicles; a method of hovering like this was a first for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes landed on the title above Ji Chen's head, \"Reborn But Still Can't Win,\" and they immediately realized that a top-ranking newbie expert had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While calling out greetings one after another, the other players did not stop their hands, continuously releasing abilities to attack the Savage Bull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, for many players, breaking through the defense was difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen also launched a second round of offense at this moment, constructing a telekinetic net that pushed straight toward the Savage Bull as it pounced at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the scales all over the bull's body stood on end; the moment the telekinetic net touched its horns, it was like glass hitting an iron hammer, spiderweb-like cracks appearing on the net.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Interesting!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Ji Chen's control, the invisible telekinetic force changed form, transforming into a spiral drill aimed directly at the bull's head; the Savage Bull let out a deafening roar, and its crimson eyes actually reflected the invisible telekinetic drill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It violently shook its head, and the burning horns collided explosively with the telekinetic drill, bursting forth with blinding energy sparks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drill shattered inch by inch, yet a smile curled the corners of Ji Chen's mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the moment he had been waiting for; his right hand suddenly pressed down, and instantly, gravel from the ground floated into the air, each stone wrapped in sharp telekinetic force, shooting like rain toward the Savage Bull's most vulnerable abdomen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft! Pfft!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fiery red blood splashed everywhere; the Savage Bull roared in pain and fell from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, a bold player suddenly rushed beneath the Savage Bull and activated the Blood Reflection trait against the falling beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant the bull crashed onto him, Blood Reflection triggered, bouncing the Savage Bull back into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seizing the fleeting opportunity, Ji Chen clasped his hands together; telekinetic force instantly condensed into countless invisible telekinetic blades, launching a dense assault against the bull's abdomen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Ji Chen focused his attention entirely on the Savage Bull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A streak of bloody light attacked from below, striking his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could react, he suddenly felt a scalding hot current surging wildly into his body from his limbs and bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blood seemed ignited by flames, his heart beating violently, and his fighting spirit soared uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His muscles grew scorching hot, and even his breath carried a scorching aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the wild power surging through his veins, Ji Chen felt both amused and helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized a nearby player had cast a Blood Ignition trait on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was, his combat style leaned more toward the magic system; what use was this qi-and-blood enhancement trait?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the effect of Blood Ignition continuously catalyzed his desire for battle, making him itch to rush up and engage the Savage Bull in hand-to-hand combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Expert, don't waste the buff! Go up and brawl it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glancing toward the source of the voice, he saw a burly player carrying a golden battle axe laughing heartily and giving him a thumbs-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen paid him no heed; taking a deep breath, he forcibly suppressed the wild impulse brought by Blood Ignition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pale blue mark appeared on his forehead once more; clenching his five fingers, the telekinetic blades hovering above the bull's abdomen continued to split, transforming into hundreds of invisible blades as thin as cicada wings, cutting precisely into the gaps between the scales like scalpels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dense cutting sounds rang out consecutively; dozens of golden-red cracks instantly bloomed on the Savage Bull's abdomen, exposing muscle tissue glowing like lava.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen flipped his wrist; all the telekinetic blades simultaneously switched from horizontal cuts to vertical penetrations, slicing along the muscle grain into the Savage Bull's body with the aid of his perception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moo!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Savage Bull let out a miserable howl, thick smoke carrying sparks spouting from all seven orifices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After landing, it rose upright in a frenzy, attempting to leap again and crash into the hovering Ji Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ji Chen had already used his remaining mental force to lock its hind hooves in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All released mental blades reactivated, piercing from the abdomen straight to the tailbone, then from the tailbone directly to the throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A series of crisp sounds of joints separating rang out as the savage ox's body disintegrated from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire process resembled Pao Ding dissecting an ox; mental force stripped away flesh and blood from the inside out, leaving only a massive skeleton behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Witnessing this scene, nearby players instantly dropped their jaws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes fixed on Ji Chen filled with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Holy crap, what kind of move was that? What Soul Soul ability did he use? Why couldn't I see any release trajectory?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This has to be cheating, right? How did he kill it without any visible ability trajectory? How is that even possible?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too badass! Also, he's a newbie too, so why can he fly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commotion among the player crowd grew louder; some even activated recording functions to replay the footage in slow motion, attempting to locate the killing trajectory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To them, Ji Chen's maneuvers were not hunting in the least, but rather an artistic performance of creating a skeletal specimen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could not discern the method used at all, yet it had bypassed the savage ox's surface defense to dismantle it from the inside out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even many newbies who had frequented the forums for years had never witnessed such technique; they were truly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a Challenger notification rang in the minds of all players who had participated in the kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen also received his share of the participation reward at that moment: a total of 1025.64 Sacrificial Power, plus one free Star Vein Slot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rewards were shared among all participants, including those not in a party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having completed the kill, Ji Chen prepared to turn and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a sudden sword cry echoed from the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up toward the source of the sound, seeing only a beam of azure sword light tearing through the cloud layer, descending like a meteor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before it even drew near, a wild wind had already arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby vegetation bowed completely, and any lingering heat in the air was swept away entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seconds later, the azure light rapidly expanded in his vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The oppressive pressure it brought made Ji Chen instinctively tense his muscles, but remembering this was merely a game, his tensed muscles suddenly relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newcomer hovered on a blue flying sword not far from Ji Chen; his snow-white robes fluttered loudly in the gale, while thick, substance-like crimson qi blood flames spiraled around his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where is Meng Yuan Chu? Where is Meng Yuan Chu?\" A young player with handsome features on the flying sword asked urgently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bro, didn't you hear the Challenger notification? We just slaughtered it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are veteran players crashing the party? Scram back to Emperor Tomb Mountain Range.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's scatter, let's scatter; he's definitely here to show off. He probably saw the regional notification about Meng Yuan Chu while showing off elsewhere and rushed over to scoop up some benefits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing such a powerful veteran player, the newbies showed no respect whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was a player; no matter how strong a veteran might be, it was nothing extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had only just begun; who would be stronger in the future remained uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, unlike the nearby newbie players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen felt extremely shocked at this moment; he could clearly sense this veteran player's qi blood fluctuations surging like a volcanic eruption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such strength, if placed in the otherworld he had once traversed, he might even be capable of fighting one of the White Demon Clan's strongest generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coupled with the various rule-based characteristics players possessed, he might even be able to hold his own against the White Demon himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he did not reveal these emotions on his Iron Face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arriving veteran player displayed no posture of a powerhouse either; under the mockery of nearby players, his expression turned awkward, clearly having been called out, and he ultimately flew away on his sword in disgrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for killing newbies in a rage, although some veteran players were capable of such acts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Newbies would also grow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Choosing to do so meant facing combined retaliatory strikes from the opponent in the future, including their circle of friends and family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cautionary tale of \"Little Mage\" still wandered outside, never having returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the veteran player departed on his sword, Ji Chen decisively left the party and flew toward the Mist Zone to continue hunting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With thirteen hours remaining until the event ended, he needed to secure his number-one position on the leaderboard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, Ji Chen thought of a method for rapid growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was to utilize the Food Qi characteristic to assist cultivation, tempering the physical body by absorbing spiritual qi from heaven and earth to raise his Body Tempering level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air in the Monster World was rich in spiritual qi content.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Casual cultivation could yield significant strength improvements; this was undoubtedly a shortcut to growth that ordinary players had not yet realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding an open space, Ji Chen sat cross-legged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then purchased a batch of Mental Power Potions from the Mall and arranged them in front of him one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and focused his mind, sinking his consciousness into his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a wave of his hand, the cap of the first potion was unscrewed by telekinetic force, and the liquid inside flew toward Ji Chen's open mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gulp.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, surging mental power flushed through his meridians like a Black Tide, causing semi-transparent energy pathways to emerge on the surface of Ji Chen's skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guided by his consciousness, the mental power rapidly circulated and traced patterns around his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, a dragon-shaped outline formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For every portion of mental power consumed, another portion of the ethereal image took shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the cultivation method \"Dragon Breath\" taught to him by the Dragonkin Professor; it allowed one to temper the physical body and even the soul enveloping the consciousness by absorbing and transforming spiritual qi from heaven and earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the fifth and sixth bottles of mental potions entered his throat, a low dragon roar faintly emanated from within Ji Chen's body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat began to seep from his forehead, and veins bulged at his temples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roar!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the thirty-second bottle of mental potion was exhausted, a muffled thunder-like boom suddenly erupted from his chest cavity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silver dragon ethereal image, about an inch long, condensed and formed at the position of his heart; its head held high, its tail coiled, every scale clearly visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon Breath Brand had succeeded!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inhaling sharply, the Food Qi characteristic activated; under the guidance of his consciousness, the pure spiritual qi entering his body surged toward the Dragon Breath Brand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon Breath Brand then transformed the pure spiritual qi into Dragon Breath energy, which flowed to his limbs and hundreds of bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly rose, and instantly crisp cracking sounds emitted from his entire skeleton; his bodily organs gained growth under the flushing of Dragon Breath energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From then on, every breath would drive his heart to beat like a war drum, pumping surging Dragon Breath energy throughout his body to nourish his physique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The test succeeded once again; a hint of joy appeared on Ji Chen's Iron Face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facts proved his conjecture was correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Food Qi could indeed assist cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only drawback was that while Food Qi solved the problem of absorbing and filtering spiritual qi, the qi still needed to be circulated under the guidance of consciousness once inside the body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But being able to achieve this much already satisfied him greatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the hard days back in the otherworld, cultivation had never been an easy task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spiritual qi in that otherworld was pitifully thin, as difficult to capture as water vapor in a desert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was still more than ten times better than on Earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most difficult part remained the issue of filtering spiritual qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air in the otherworld was mixed with various impure energies; long-term inhalation could lightly scorch meridians and lungs, or severely lead to the state of qi deviation found only in novels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time he cultivated, he was like a gold prospector, having to expend considerable mental power to sift through the air bit by bit for usable pure spiritual qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During his long cultivation career, he had even invented a three-layer filtration method adapted for his own use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the Monster World, with the Food Qi Soul Soul assisting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could completely skip the filtration step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only needed to guide the spiritual qi entering his body with his consciousness and pair it with the Dragon Breath Brand to cultivate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If only automatic cultivation were possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glancing at the time, with seven and a half hours remaining until the event ended, he decisively rose and flew into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At five o'clock that afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Challenger notification rang in Ji Chen's mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Challenger Notification: Congratulations on obtaining first place on the leaderboard for the special event \"Leveling Carnival.\" Reward received: 100,000 points of Sacrificial Power.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accompanied by the sound of \"ding-ling\" as funds were credited, the balance column in the Spatial Pouch interface instantly skyrocketed to six digits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three days without a moment of rest, a gratified smile appeared on Ji Chen's Iron Face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet high-intensity hunting caused him no fatigue whatsoever; his mood had been joyful throughout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the feedback of power after each successful hunt truly made him feel enjoyment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, friend request notifications kept ringing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Players continuously sent private messages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most were recruitment requests from various major guilds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He decisively enabled the \"Non-friends prohibited from private messaging\" setting, then blocked friend requests as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having been in the Monster World for only three days, he was still unclear about the specific situation of the player factions and knew very little about the game's background content.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no intention of joining any guild for the time being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, he needed to consider how to spend this sacrificial power and convert it into his own strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before starting his enhancement, he decided to study thoroughly on the forum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He intended to gain a detailed understanding of the game's settings, background, and various knowledge from other fields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Summoning the forum interface, he began searching through early strategy posts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two hours later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Ji Chen scrolled to the introduction of the \"Automatic Cultivation Function,\" he couldn't help but freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had thought he discovered a small trick for growth within the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he hadn't expected that the Monster World already possessed an automatic AFK cultivation Cultivation Mode; when paired with the Food Qi Fate Soul, both the filtering and cultivation steps were saved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between laughter and tears, he decided to head immediately to Emperor Tomb Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three hours later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen's figure appeared in the square of Emperor Tomb Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clamor rushing toward him made him pause in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the crude Sun-Chasing Space, Emperor Tomb Village seemed like an entirely different, bustling world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the streets outside the square, crowds wove together like a loom, and various vehicles shuttled back and forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Floating bamboo slips, bronze war chariots, colorful skateboards... and flying swords of every color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking toward one spot, a treasure-hunting rat followed its owner's footsteps, weaving flexibly through the crowd of players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excuse me!\" A light shout came from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw three players sharing a flyer shaped like a lotus leaf sweeping past, with a white-winged bird perched on one person's shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single glance revealed that Emperor Tomb Village was incredibly lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interactions between players of various races, the roar of vehicles, the cries of pets, the scent of food... the atmosphere of the marketplace rushed toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen unconsciously curved the corners of his mouth; he greatly enjoyed this lively feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the rich spiritual energy in the air of Emperor Tomb Village, he couldn't help but take a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Summoning his map, he walked quickly toward the Cultivation Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scenery along the way filled him with great curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Tomb Village had no traffic rules; various vehicles crisscrossed as they traveled, creating a completely unrestrained scene of chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even by the roadside, one could see players setting up stalls, selling various delicacies made from spiritual materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides selling to passing players, the excess portions would vanish into thin air, obviously having been listed on the Exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having made his selections, Ji Chen embedded the Spirit-grade combat technique \"Star Whirl\" into his cultivation slot, causing his pupils to contract sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiritual energy entering his body through the Food Qi trait, which originally required him to guide with his consciousness, was now automatically taken over by an invisible force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his perception perspective, a vast star map of the heavens and earth emerged within his body, with spiritual energy automatically circulating along specific paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This cheat-like growth made Ji Chen feel incomparably refreshed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after enduring too much hardship does one realize how wonderful cheating feels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, there was the contrast in strength between cultivation methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon Breath method he used appeared incredibly clumsy compared to Star Whirl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like the gap between a child's scribbles and a master's work; even the efficiency of AFK cultivation was dozens of times stronger than Dragon Breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he had a cultivation technique, next came the choice of vehicle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no particular demands in this regard; anything usable would suffice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three hours later, Ji Chen was completely renewed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His initial black cloth garments had changed into a dark silver robe patterned with star motifs and flowing clouds; the fabric was light as mist, perfectly matching his white hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, Ji Chen had purchased a treasure-hunting rat as a pet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For his vehicle, he chose a flying skateboard with a high cost-performance ratio.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he could fly using telekinetic power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But compared to a vehicle, flying via telekinesis consumed far too much mental energy, making it unsuitable for long journeys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he unlocked the fourth Star Vein slot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He newly inlaid the Mental Shockwave and Withering Fate Souls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining sacrificial power, he planned to use for maintaining the consumption of automatic AFK cultivation and for creating Forbidden Technique Imprints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Rune Resonance weapons, he temporarily lacked the spare funds to purchase them and would consider them later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing his spending, he did not rush to leave Emperor Tomb Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He decided to head immediately to the library, find a quiet place, and consult both forum data and library archives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through this, he would gain a detailed understanding of the Monster World.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having learned from the lessons of the previous two times, he deeply realized that ignorance was the player's most fatal shortcoming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, many players, unaware of material market trends, sold rare resources at low prices like ordinary goods, suffering huge losses over the long term.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conversely, those players who mastered intelligence and knowledge could easily use that knowledge to secure maximum benefits for themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although this was a game, the amount of knowledge one needed to learn and master in the Monster World was considerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a novice, he still had much to learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen gently pressed his temples with his fingertips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light in the library remained soft, while the classics piled on his desk had stacked up into a small mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The forum interface still floated within his field of vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the combinations of Star Veins to the definition of Primordial Monsters, from the background introduction of the Emperor Tomb Mountain Range to the lingering Local Tyrants, from the distribution of powerful clans along the Colorful Mist Coast to the struggle history of the Lord of Bliss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Counter-Black Tide Legion, the Combat Insect Race, the Ascension Clan, Shu Yan, the Bliss Clan, the Ancient God Arena... endless, simply endless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Background knowledge flooded into his mind like a Black Tide, yet the knowledge he had accessed, and even the knowledge accessible to players, was merely the tip of the iceberg of the Monster World.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ji Chen felt no anxiety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweeping his gaze toward his forum favorites, he had already categorized and saved the useful posts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When needed, he could retrieve and review them at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the efforts of these past days had yielded more than just background knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through strategy posts, he already knew which areas were suitable for exploration and which were fit for top-tier players to hunt in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including preliminary estimates of the value of various spiritual materials, he also had a rough understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strategy information provided by enthusiastic players on the forum was sufficient to help him avoid many major pitfalls during his starting phase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing up, Ji Chen stretched his somewhat stiff shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the window, the lights of Emperor Tomb Village remained bright, and the noisy sounds of players drifted over faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where to go in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already tentarily set a small goal for himself: join the Divine Hall Society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because the Divine Hall Society was universally recognized as the strongest player faction, but because he needed an organization for intelligence exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Contacting other players could also help him understand this world more quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reducing the sense of alienation and unfamiliarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Hall Society was clearly the best choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweeping his gaze toward the pile of books on the desk, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Learning never truly ends; it is merely temporarily paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, he prepared to create several Forbidden Technique Imprints to use in conjunction with the Star Vein system, aiding his rapid growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years ago, the Dragon Ancestor had taught him many forbidden techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After using each forbidden technique, severe aftereffects would be inflicted upon the body; some forbidden techniques could even be used only once in a lifetime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, the \"Star-Burning Self-Destruction\" Forbidden Technique Imprint mastered by all members of the Resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppose they fell into a desperate situation while fighting against the White Demon Clan; they would activate this Forbidden Technique Imprint, compressing all the other imprints, flesh and blood, and souls they had cultivated over their lives into a single burst of destructive power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other forbidden techniques shared similar characteristics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All required squeezing the body's potential, leaving behind aftereffects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His broken body in reality bore not only hidden injuries from his early days as a slave but also aftereffects caused by using certain forbidden techniques during the later stages of the war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the game, clearly, there was no such worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how severe the aftereffects, it was merely a one-hour resurrection cooldown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the past, Ji Chen fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Information about various forbidden techniques flashed through his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his contemplation, he suddenly had a flash of inspiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought of a Forbidden Technique Imprint that stored energy in an independent space; the ability's name was: Spirit Pivot Pool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a forbidden technique with relatively mild aftereffects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon Ancestor's original intention in teaching them this ability was that, at the time, the Resistance was being hunted by the White Demon Clan; they possessed no storage items, and many spiritual resources plundered from the White Demon Clan could not be carried during their flight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they were struggling with this dilemma, the Dragon Ancestor proposed this ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its effect was to refine spiritual materials into pure energy, transport it to an independent space, and allow extraction from it at any time when needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But using this ability came at a cost; one had to burn vital energy and mental strength as the key to open the independent space of the Spirit Nexus Pool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, Long Yi had set coordinates for an independent space; after members of the Resistance activated the brand within their bodies, they could all share the resources inside this independent space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Ji Chen's view, this ability was extremely practical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the future, he could pour spiritual potions and vital energy potions into the Spirit Nexus Pool space, then directly extract them by consuming vital energy and mental strength when needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once his strength grew, the consumption of vital energy and mental strength required to open it would be negligible, and high-grade food qi could quickly replenish it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This stood in contrast to the game, where recovery potions had to be retrieved from a spatial bag and required a drinking action to be used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spirit Nexus Pool space connected with the ability brand inside the body, and the extracted energy would enter the body directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was equivalent to mounting a potion reserve pool inside the body, allowing one to draw upon stored vital energy and mental strength at any time, making the combat experience in the game much more convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this idea in mind, he acted immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening the Exchange Hall, he began purchasing materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiritual plants Long Yi had used at the time were not available in the Exchange Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what he needed was not the variety of spiritual plants, but the essence refined from them; as long as the attributes of the essence were correct, he could craft it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After spending 1,250 Sacrificial Power to purchase materials, he attempted to generate the \"Spirit Nexus Pool Brand\" within his body according to the method Long Yi had taught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this attempt resulted in a situation Ji Chen had never anticipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had followed Long Yi's instructions throughout the entire process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, even after exhausting all the prepared materials, the Spirit Nexus Pool Brand simply could not be completed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unclear where the problem lay, Ji Chen chose to try again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened the Exchange Hall again to purchase another batch of spiritual plant essences and continued the unfinished crafting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the consumed Sacrificial Power mounted, Ji Chen gradually became dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was certain there were no issues with the steps for outlining the Spirit Nexus Pool Brand, and the connections of the brand's trajectories were all normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the ability brand was like a bottomless pit; no matter what he did, he could not complete the final stroke needed to generate the brand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having already invested 3,592 Sacrificial Power, Ji Chen could only grit his teeth and continue trying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, the investment of Sacrificial Power reached 12,848 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left Ji Chen completely stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sensory perspective provided by the Eagle-Headed Monster stared fixedly at the Spirit Nexus Pool Brand within his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The complex patterns outlined by the dark blue mental strength were ninety-nine percent complete, yet the final crucial connecting line refused to close, no matter how much spiritual resource he poured into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he be willing to give up at this point?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Again!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued to invest, and the Spirit Nexus Pool Brand greedily devoured the spiritual plant essences like an abyss that could never be filled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the investment of Sacrificial Power reached 23,000, Ji Chen began to entertain thoughts of giving up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he continued investing like this, his remaining Sacrificial Power would likely be drained dry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he succeeded in crafting it, it would only provide convenience in drinking potions and would not generate any profit in Sacrificial Power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One last time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When more than half of the spiritual plants purchased with the final 1,239 points of Sacrificial Power had been invested, the incomplete ability brand pattern suddenly became whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a huge loss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that it was finally successfully crafted, Ji Chen's temples throbbed violently, and he felt truly furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, it was a success; drinking potions would be much more convenient in the future, which could be considered an indirect improvement to his own strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next came the activation test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attempting to activate the brand, as he injected mental strength, the phantom of the Spirit Nexus Pool space slowly unfolded in his consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next second, Ji Chen's expression froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Spirit Nexus space, which should have been empty, dozens of energy orbs of various shapes were unexpectedly floating, each emitting a familiar fluctuation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you kidding me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen's pupils contracted violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was far too familiar with the energy clusters floating in the Spirit Nexus Pool space; they were all energy substances from the world where the White Demon Clan resided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze focused on a crimson-red energy cluster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This cluster of energy was named Crimson Sky Blood Flame, originating from a batch of spiritual ores they had plundered from the White Demon Clan during the \"Iron Ridge Valley\" campaign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, after finishing that campaign, they had refined all the seized spiritual ores into Crimson Sky Blood Flame energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After transporting it into the Spirit Nexus space, they decisively withdrew from the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Sky Blood Flame essence poured into the Spirit Nexus space back then was gradually consumed in subsequent campaigns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This remaining cluster was deliberately left behind by Long Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, he had even joked to them:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No one is to use this cluster of Crimson Sky Blood Flame elemental energy; let it serve as a memento of our victory in the campaign. Every time we open it, it will remind us of those old friends who dropped out of the race early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that battle, 327 names were forever engraved upon the monument.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only this cluster of flames continued to flicker in the depths of the Spirit Nexus space, locking the faded battle flags and broken oaths all within amber-colored time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Focusing his consciousness on the slowly pulsating crimson-red energy cluster, Ji Chen's breathing nearly stagnated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why such an absurd phenomenon had occurred, the answer was already obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spirit Nexus Pool he had crafted in the game had actually connected to the Spirit Nexus Pool space that Long Yi had crafted in another world back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything floating here consisted of residual energy substances left behind but unused before they parted ways years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every cluster of energy carried a memory of their struggles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coming back to his senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiss~!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Chen subconsciously took a deep breath, his heart pounding wildly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew there was something off about this game!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",6063,"2026-06-19T09:20:37.851Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0ab54fd7738595e0947787b6cea1e2e4ea5a5d619ca4a1d3b1f6bfc0b3fac365","monsters-are-coming-chapter-269","monsters-are-coming-chapter-267",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmonsters-are-coming-cover.jpg"]