Hearing the ambient realm prompts, Zhang Yuanqing felt eager about the experience point rewards from the S-tier dungeon. He had consulted Guan Ya and Li Dongze, who explained that newly acquired realm travelers typically receive 0–5% experience upon completing their trial quests. Subsequently, each multi-player realm quest yields an additional 5–10% experience, while a solo realm quest provides 10–15%. Thus, even with a 100% completion rate, a realm traveler must complete over ten multi-player quests or nearly ten solo quests to advance one level—making the upgrade quite demanding. Zhang Yuanqing’s trial realm was rated S-tier, granting him a 20% experience bonus upon completion. Then, a hidden quest was triggered, during which he successfully extracted a spirit crystal from the small mouth of the Three-Mountain Goddess, adding another 22% experience. In essence, one mountain temple’s worth of progress equals the experience gained from several other travelers’ multi-player quests. "Under normal circumstances, to reach Level 2, I'd need to enter five group spiritual realms or three solo spiritual realms. I'm not sure if Jinshui Water Park can help me jump straight to Level 2." Zhang Yuanqing spoke with eager anticipation. Within the official organization, Level 1 represents frontline staff, while Level 2 marks entry into the elite ranks—accompanied by significantly improved salaries, benefits, and privileges. Five minutes later, exit the spiritual realm... "Better than the rewards from the Shu Ling Tunnel—no wonder it's an S-tier quest for the Transcendent Realm. 65% experience points, four items. A solid win!" Zhang Yuanqing stared, his heart pounding in his chest. Then he felt a blazing heat at the center of his forehead, sensing the black lunar seal beginning to emerge. Oh no—the black circular moon couldn't be seen by others... A sudden pang of concern struck him, and he instinctively turned to Xie Lingxi. The young girl's pupils were unfocused, gazing into the void, as if checking her character panel or reviewing her quest rewards, completely unaware of her surroundings. Relieved, Zhang Yuanqing turned around and faced away. Then, the blazing black lunar seal surged forth, unleashing a powerful, almost forceful, yin energy that swept through his body, seeping into each cell and each bone with a forceful, unyielding determination. He involuntarily convulsed, feeling a transformation in his life essence, with his genetic sequences reorganized... Three entirely new innate talents naturally merged into his instincts. [Name: Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun] [Race: Human] [Class: Night Wandering Deity] [Level: 2] [Skills: Night Wandering, Spirit Devouring, Yin Spirit, Moon's Roar, Enchantment, Spirit Scroll] [Experience: 23%] [Moral Value: 90] [Reputation: 15] [Moon's Roar (Active): Draws upon the power of the Yin Deity, significantly enhancing personal attributes for one hour, followed by three hours of sluggishness. Note: This skill can only be used at night; the prelude action is to raise one's head and roar toward the moon.] [Enchantment (Active): Induces illusions in the target, causing disorientation. Note: Ghosts and spirits particularly favor this technique to captivate ordinary mortals.] [Spirit Scroll (Active): A unique spiritual script belonging to the Night Wandering Deity, capable of drawing talismans and array formations.] Note: Currently, only inscriptions targeting spirits can be drawn. Zhang Yuanqing focused his awareness and, without needing to activate the skill, immediately understood its nature. The skills "Xiao Yue" and "Ye You" are mutually incompatible as active abilities. While in "Xiao Yue" state, "Ye You" cannot be used, and vice versa. If "Ye You" is considered the premier assassination skill, then "Xiao Yue" effectively compensates for "Ye You's" lack of strong close-range combat capabilities. The magical arts are primarily supportive and control-oriented, though they lack direct damage output, they enhance the versatility of "Ye You" and expand the player's operational options. As for the "Ling Lu" (spirit scrolls), they can be used to create talismans and inscribe array formations—these talismans and arrays are not merely effective against vengeful spirits; they also contribute to nurturing and refining spiritual essence. "Finally, I can begin to further develop Xiao Doudou!" Zhang Yuanqing thought with delight, then opened his inventory to check the available items. In addition to the Cat King speaker, the dungeon reward included two items—one of which is a consumable. 【Name: Red Veil】 【Type: Decorative Item (Consumable)] 【Function: Summoning】 【Description: The red veil used by the ghost bride in the spirit wedding scene at Jinshui Water Park. This veil has been blessed by an entity of indescribable nature—it was once an inseparable part of the ghost bride. Only those special individuals who successfully evade the ghost bride’s notice can obtain it.】 【Note 1: Covering the red veil summons the ghost bride. This item can be used three times.] 【Note 2: Hah! Hah! I laughed at that lady’s lack of strategy—she ended up losing more than she gained by trying to steal the chickens.] 【Note 3: When using the red veil within the spiritual realm, there is a chance that the entity will observe you. Having read Note 2, you’ll surely use it with care.] “Phew—this thing comes with its own sarcasm? If the Three Mountain Lady senses it, she’ll surely be furious…” Zhang Yuanqing drew a deep breath, feeling both amazed and exasperated. He suspects the Ghost Bride either reaches the peak of the Transcendent Realm or touches the Saint Realm—such a level of summoning power would be more than sufficient as a life-saving measure. The problem is, for the Three Peaks Lady, this isn't just mildly damaging—it's deeply humiliating. That radiant, magnificent lady is likely to pursue him all the way through the Spirit Realm. He's resolved: he won't use it within the Spirit Realm. [Name: The Steady Pearl] [Type: Pearl] [Function: Buff, Defense] [Description: A tool for earth-based monsters, channeling the power of the land to enhance strength and defense.] [Note: Heaviness comes at a cost.] ... [Name: The Masking Ring] [Type: Accessory] [Function: Facial Transformation] [Description: A magical ring that allows free adjustment of facial features and facial contours.] [Note: Does he not know what his own appearance is like?] "Is the Magistrate's character card reward one piece of equipment per dungeon run?" Wow, this is quite extraordinary... The transformation ring's function is simple and intuitive, but the cost of the Steady-Heart Pearl feels a bit questionable. Hmm, let's give it a try. Zhang Yuanqing took out the pearl from his inventory—about the size of an egg, with a earthy yellow hue, and a weight that was hard to describe. Holding the Steady-Heart Pearl, he felt himself grow heavier, stronger, and an unexpected sense of security surged within him. Yet, he also moved more slowly—every gesture seemed as though a great mountain were pressing down on him, making his movements incredibly sluggish. "How am I supposed to fight with this pearl? The pros and cons are clearly evident. This is actually a standard item—neither the Divine-Monster Staff nor the Red-Dance Shoes are anything out of the ordinary." As he was thinking this, he suddenly heard a joyful cheer: "Brother Wang Tai, can you believe it? I've awarded you 35% experience points! One item and one consumable—such a generous reward! Truly outstanding. No wonder it's an S-tier spiritual realm." "Xie Lingxi settled her rewards and beamed with delight, as if a child who had just received a candy stick, bouncing happily in place. "Wang Tai-brother, what rewards did you get? How much experience points? Any items?" The little girl blinked her lively eyes, gazing at him with a graceful, attentive expression. She now had three items—two of which were gifts from elders and one earned during her solo journey through the spiritual realm. Now she had another one. At my young age, I already have three items—can you believe that? You're practically glowing with pride! Zhang Yuanqing nodded slightly. "Excellent! My rewards aren't too impressive—65% experience points, three items, one consumable." Xie Lingxi was stunned. Her face went stiff, her mouth slightly opened, her gaze fixed on him in wide-eyed wonder. I clearly sensed a strong sense of resentment toward wealth in you! Zhang Yuanqing felt delighted. Xie Lingxi murmured, "How could that be? Why are your rewards so much higher than mine? The spiritual realm isn't fair!" Zhang Yuanqing soothed, "Perhaps the Lingjing world simply wants you to experience the world's diversity." "???" Xie Lingxi wiped away tears. You wouldn't believe it—when I first entered the Lingjing, the sense of unevenness was even more vivid! Zhang Yuanqing didn't press her further, but patiently waited for her to return. At the same time, he reflected on the benefits of completing the Lingjing journey. Having secured the first S-tier victory, future travelers would receive reduced experience points and less generous item rewards compared to the initial kill. Still, the rewards would remain above those of ordinary Lingjings—thus, a well-executed strategy would be crucial. The Cat King speaker was left behind by Bingge—seems it holds some information. Upon returning to the real world, he would carefully study this item, hoping to uncover useful insights. Oh, and there's still that matter entrusted to him by his father at the moment of passing—something he must attend to. "Wang Tai-brother, where's Hebo? Can we exchange phone numbers?" Xie Lingxi said suddenly, glancing at the nearly expiring countdown. "River King should still be at the roller coaster, right? We exchanged numbers, didn't we?" "My number was fake." "Oh, I gave you the real one." "No, yours must have been fake too." Xie Lingxi wrinkled her nose. Zhang Yuanqing glanced at her, thinking internally that they were just online friends from the Lingjing realm—once they stepped out of the quest, they'd naturally part ways. Why bother staying in touch? She was still young; when she turned eighteen, they could have deeper, more meaningful conversations. "Linjing travelers should ideally have minimal real-world interactions, even with allies from the same faction," Zhang Yuan清 said calmly. "I'll find you!" Xie Lingxi declared with a sniff. As soon as she finished speaking, the scenes at the Detective's Museum began to blur, like ripples spreading across a still pond. ... The image gradually sharpened. Zhang Yuanqing saw the familiar desk, the double bed, the lamp, the television—back in reality. The room was completely dark, quiet, with the curtains drawn tightly and the soundproof glass isolating the outside noises. The digital clock on the nightstand read 5 a.m. He had been in the spiritual realm for five hours, yet Zhang Yuanqing felt as though the world had changed entirely—like a sea transformed into a new land. I could also give that enigmatic smile one day—no, I couldn’t do that. What if a young lady started pursuing me? Then I’d be in serious trouble. Zhang Yuanqing huffed, walked to the bedside, and pulled out his phone from the cool mattress. He tapped the screen, and a message appeared: “Out now—call me immediately. Everyone’s waiting for you—Guan Ya.” What if I never come out? Hmm. By morning, she’d probably reach out to confirm whether I’d perished in the spiritual realm! Zhang Yuanqing closed the message inbox and dialed Guan Ya’s number.