266: Chapter 265 Covering the Sky with One Hand, A Deadly Guide!

[You have obtained 100 contribution points.]

[Your main quest has been completed. You can choose to return at any time within 24 hours. During this period, you can freely explore the War Dragon Continent and trigger hidden quests. The comprehensive evaluation will be settled after your return.]

Hidden quests can still be triggered?

Chu Xuan immediately recalled that in a previous dream, [Future Tang Zheng] had mentioned that many benefits could be gained here.

Seeing Jian Mei and the others descending from the ruins of the castle, Chu Xuan's heart stirred slightly, and he walked forward quickly.

"There were no casualties in this group mission, and there's still over half an hour remaining. Although we failed to inflict any damage on the King, we should still receive an [A-] mission evaluation."

Jian Mei and the others looked delighted. "An A- evaluation for level 10 difficulty should grant roughly an additional 150 contribution points. Compared to the crisis we faced, the harvest this time is decent. Thank you, Chu Xuan; we basically got a free win this mission."

Huang Xiong, Chen Yong, and Hua Zi also showed expressions of gratitude.

"No need for thanks. Just answer a few questions for me," Chu Xuan asked bluntly. "What things can contribution points be exchanged for?"

"You aren't really a newcomer, are you?"

Hearing this, Jian Mei's eyebrows twitched, her expression slightly surprised, but she still replied:

"After each trial mission is completed and you return, some rewards will be given as options. Each reward has a corresponding price in contribution points, and we can use them to exchange for rewards."

"It's worth noting that the reward options given after each mission aren't always the same; there's a certain level of randomness. However, they are mostly related to the mission difficulty and setting. Also, spirituality value is almost always among the reward options."

"Of course, if you feel they aren't suitable, you can choose not to buy anything and accumulate contribution points until you find a reward you like."

Chu Xuan listened silently, gaining a general understanding. Tang Zheng, Xu Shuya, and Tan Ziming were also listening intently, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Jian Mei and the others were all looking at the four of them with strange expressions.

"With your strength, you should have participated in several trial missions by now. But hearing your questions, it seems like this is your first time..."

Jian Mei's expression suddenly shifted. "You weren't pulled into this trial by some sudden accident, were you? Have you signed a contract and become Guardians?"

"Contracting to become a Guardian? What's that?" Chu Xuan's expression flickered, but he didn't hide his ignorance.

"So that's how it is."

Jian Mei took a deep breath. "This involves contract regulations, which I'm not supposed to disclose. But since we're in the same trial and participated in the same group mission, there's no harm in telling you."

"Each of us, through various coincidences during our first encounter with a Specter, signed a contract to become a Guardian. In the subsequent trial missions, we either grow stronger or die."

"Although no one has explicitly stated the origin of the Path of Trials or the Guardian status, judging by the title 'Guardian,' it's likely meant to cultivate powerhouses who will then return to their original world to slay Specters..."

As she spoke, Jian Mei raised her right hand. On her previously ordinary palm, a Marking emitting a soft light suddenly appeared.

It was a shield with two crossed swords.

A faint halo radiated outwards, appearing both solemn and majestic, yet also carrying an air of grim determination.

Tang Zheng, Xu Shuya, and Tan Ziming all looked curious, staring intently at the Marking. Chu Xuan was no exception, finding it quite peculiar as well.

"You weren't chosen in the Early Stage, so you likely haven't obtained this contract Marking yet. This time was just an accident; you aren't Guardians who regularly participate in trial missions. We've only heard of people like you before; I didn't expect to actually meet any this time."

At this, Jian Mei sighed softly. "I was hoping to ride your coattails a few more times in the future, but it seems there's no hope for that now."

Hearing this, Tang Zheng's expression turned slightly disappointed.

"Accidental passersby, huh..." Chu Xuan murmured softly.

"It's not entirely hopeless."

At this moment, Hua Zi suddenly spoke up. "There's another way that might grant you the contract Marking."

"What way?" Tang Zheng's eyes lit up.

"Continuously complete missions. The more missions you complete, the more hope there is of successfully obtaining the contract."

Hua Zi pondered for a moment. "The return window for this group mission is quite long, a full 24 hours. You only need to trigger hidden quests during this time and keep completing them to have a chance at a formal contract. Even if you trigger a hidden quest right as the return deadline approaches, it can delay the return time."

"Chu Xuan, what do you think?"

Tang Zheng's gaze swept across the surroundings, and he said excitedly, "I can feel it. It's like something here is calling to me."

Chu Xuan's heart stirred, immediately recalling [Future Tang Zheng]'s previous words that this place held an important Opportunity for him.

Just as Chu Xuan was about to answer, the Rebel Army that had been pursuing the King's guards returned. They came running in large strides, cheering and jumping for joy.

"Free! We're finally free!"

"We've been liberated!"

"Warriors, thank you for killing King Seth. Our Kingdom of Dona will forever be grateful for your kindness!"

Some of these rebels looked like muscular warriors in leather armor, but more were dressed as commoners with farm tools as weapons. However, every one of them was robust and had spirited eyes.

"Please, you must stay for a few more days. Let us host you with the strongest wine and the most fragrant meat!"

A lean, shirtless young man strode at the front, cradling a massive egg in his arms. He grinned, revealing pearly white teeth.

"We previously discovered an Earth Dragon's nest, and this is an egg stolen by the Earth Dragon. I want to give it to the strongest warrior! Please stay and enjoy Dragon meat with us."

Chu Xuan looked surprised as he took the half-person-tall egg.

Hearing the mention of Dragon meat, he couldn't help but feel a bit tempted, his appetite piqued. Since he already intended to stay, he nodded immediately. "Alright, then we'll..."

Before he could finish, dark clouds suddenly billowed across the horizon, blotting out the sun.

Everyone suddenly looked up, their faces filled with horror.

It was, unexpectedly, a giant hand that covered the heavens.

Simultaneously, a desolate voice that seemed to come from ancient times thundered like a roar:

"I have sensed it... the Divine One's Sure-Kill Guidance..."