116: Secret talks on the eve of the storm

The international gaming forum was currently undergoing an unprecedented super earthquake.

The title of the pinned post had been bolded in the most conspicuous blood-red by the administrator, followed by a series of explosion and flame icons, as if fearing others wouldn't realize what a shocking event had just occurred here.

"Miracle or Bug? China's 'Poison God' Single-Handedly Annihilates a Thousand-Man Hunting Party—Three-Minute Full HD Video Leaked!"

The poster was none other than the mysterious player with the ID [Observer].

Every frame of the video was like a heavy hammer, pounding fiercely on the hearts of all viewers.

From Lin Mo's ghostly figure emerging from the canyon shadows, to his incomparably precise instant kills of the squishy backline, then to the Deadly Poison Mist that enveloped everything and brought despair to all Healer professions, and finally, the scene where he held a beginner's longbow and used the most primitive "scratching" method to slowly torture a top heavy-armored Shield Warrior to death... every detail was clearly presented before the eyes of billions of players worldwide.

"My God! Are these really maneuvers a player can execute? He is dancing on the tip of a knife!"

"That's terrifying! Did you notice that from start to finish, the thousand-man group barely even touched his clothes? That movement technique and prediction ability—he's a monster!"

"The most horrifying thing is that [Rule: Wither]! Healing invalidated, mana drained—how are you supposed to fight that? It's the nightmare of every legion!"

"Where are those guilds that previously slandered the Poison God for using a bug? Their faces must be swollen! This is called strength, overwhelming strength!"

"I declare that starting today, the Poison God is my only idol! Too cool! This is what true skill looks like!"

On the forum, all voices of doubt, curses, and slander were crushed into dust before absolute strength. They were replaced by mountainous waves of awe and worship.

Lin Mo's ID, "Poison God," was no longer just a legend in the Huaxia War Zone; it had truly become a world-class gaming symbol.

The top guild executives across all major war zones, without exception, fell into dead silence after watching the video.

They repeatedly studied Lin Mo's every move and every skill release. The more they analyzed, the more bone-chilling the coldness in their hearts became.

They reached a conclusion that was difficult for them to accept: this person was invincible. At least in the wild, in duels or small-scale team fights, he was a god.

Yet, at this moment, Lin Mo, the center of this storm, had quietly returned to the safe zone of the Huaxia War Zone—the City of Glory.

The clamor and slaughter of the national war server seemed isolated in another world. He sat leisurely in a corner on the second floor of the Black Rye Tavern, savoring the ale gifted by the system, while opening his friend communication.

A special ID was twinkling faintly at the top of his friends list—[Observer].

It was this mysterious person who had made his battle public, completely shattering all the slanders.

"The video was well shot," Lin Mo proactively sent the first message, his tone flat, revealing no emotion.

Almost the instant the message was sent, the other party replied with astonishing speed: "It is my honor to witness the birth of a legend firsthand. I am merely a recorder, presenting the facts to the world."

"You are more than just a recorder." Lin Mo's fingertip tapped lightly on the table, his gaze sharp. "You know about the [shattered slab], and you know the whereabouts of the second slab. Your goal is likely not as simple as just recording."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the communication, as if the person was carefully choosing their words.

A few seconds later, a new message arrived: "As expected, nothing escapes the attention of Lord Poison God. You are correct, I am looking for you for a transaction, or rather... a collaboration."

"Tell me about it." Lin Mo remained impassive.

"I know you possess a piece of the [shattered slab]. It is related to the deepest secrets of the 'epoch' world, and might even share the same origin as your God-tier talent." The Observer dropped a bombshell.

Lin Mo's pupils contracted slightly.

The conjecture that the slab and his talent were related was something he had only considered internally, never mentioning it to anyone. Yet, this Observer had exposed it in a single sentence!

"Who exactly are you?" For the first time, Lin Mo's tone carried a hint of solemnity.

"Who we are is not important. You can call us the 'eye of truth,' a loose organization dedicated to uncovering the ultimate truth of the 'epoch' world," the Observer replied. "We harbor no ill will; on the contrary, we are here to help you. Because your goal and the truth we seek might be located in the same place."

"Continue."

"The second [shattered slab], as I said, is held by the national guardian beast of the Eastern Scythe War Zone—the Yamata no Orochi. It is an 85th-level Mythical Boss, possessing eight heads, each controlling eight different elemental powers. One of those powers is Deadly Poison."

The information sent by the Observer became increasingly detailed: "According to our analysis, the 'Deadly Poison Source' within the Yamata no Orochi is mutually attracted to the slab's power, which is why the slab has always been under its Protection. To obtain the slab, you must kill it."

Lin Mo frowned: "An 85th-level Mythical Boss, and a national guardian beast at that—its strength is probably a notch above the 75th-level Abyssal Demon Dragon I killed. Moreover, this is in an enemy war zone. Trying to steal their national guardian Boss right under the noses of tens of millions of Eastern Scythe players is tantamount to wishful thinking."

"If it were anyone else, that would indeed be wishful thinking. But if it is you, Lord Poison God, it is possible to turn the impossible into the possible," the Observer's tone carried a hint of enticement. "Especially with our help."

"What can you provide?"

"First, we can provide you with an absolutely safe infiltration route, allowing you to enter the Eastern Scythe War Zone silently, without being detected by any system or player."

"Second, we will provide you with the most detailed intelligence data on the Yamata no Orochi, including its skill rotation in each phase, weakness analysis of each snake head, and the current raiding tactics and personnel setup of the strongest Eastern Scythe guild, 'Amaterasu'."

"Third, and most importantly, we will prepare a foolproof retreat route for you. Once you succeed, you can instantly return to the Huaxia War Zone, rendering all their attempts at encirclement and interception futile."

The conditions offered by the Observer were increasingly tempting, solving almost all the difficulties Lin Mo had anticipated.

This undoubtedly showcased the terrifying strength of the "eye of truth" organization; their intelligence network and technical capabilities might even surpass any national-level guild in the game.

"Why do you want to help me? Wouldn't you be more certain of success if you went yourselves?" Lin Mo asked the most critical question.

"Haha," the Observer sent a light chuckle emoji. "Lord Poison God is too modest. We are merely intelligence personnel. When it comes to combat, it's doubtful that a second person in all of 'epoch' could stir up world events single-handedly as you can. The difficulty in conquering the Yamata no Orochi lies not in a frontal battle, but in how to 'seize' it. We need a top-tier 'operator,' and you are the only candidate."

"Furthermore, we have no desire to possess the slab itself. We only wish to read the information concerning the world's truth when the slabs are merged. The final ownership of the slab will still be yours."

These words were impeccable, both elevating Lin Mo and demonstrating their "harmless" stance.

Lin Mo fell silent.

Going to the Eastern Scythe War Zone to snatch food from the tiger's mouth carried obvious risks. If he failed, he might be killed until he lost levels, or even drop equipment, and the advantage he had accumulated would vanish.

But the temptation was equally immense.

The [shattered slab] was related to an epic quest and the ultimate secret of his talent—something he absolutely could not give up.

Fortune favors the bold!

Playing games is all about the thrill!

"I accept your collaboration." Lin Mo finally made his decision.

"A wise choice!" The Observer seemed relieved. "Happy collaboration, Lord Poison God. Here is the introductory gift we prepared for you; please check it."

Sent along with the message was an encrypted file package.

Lin Mo clicked it open. Inside was detailed intelligence regarding the Eastern Scythe War Zone and the Yamata no Orochi. The thoroughness of the content astonished him.

Everything, from the equipment and skills of the "Amaterasu" guild leader, Miyamoto Musashi, down to the projectile speed of the venom spat by a specific Yamata no Orochi head, was clearly marked.

"In three days, the Eastern Scythe War Zone will host an online 'Cherry Blossom Festival' event. At that time, most players' attention will be diverted. That will be the best time for your infiltration," the Observer concluded. "I will send you the specific infiltration method one hour before the event begins. Please be prepared, Lord Poison God, the structure of the entire world might change because of this action of yours."

Closing the communication, Lin Mo let out a long breath.

He looked out the window; the City of Glory was still bustling. But his gaze seemed to penetrate the server's barriers, directed toward the island where cherry blossoms were blooming.

A storm that would soon shake the world was quietly brewing.