75: Long Tianxing, who defies the heavens, is nothing but dung.

It is known that the total time limit for clearing the novice dungeon is fifty minutes.

Long Tianxing's hp and Mana are shared, giving him only half an hour.

Conditions are clear; the strategy begins.

First attempt.

Twelve minutes: cleared the persistent Mobs in the Illusion and defeated Boss Wang Yao.

Resolved the First-Time Kill caused by the collapsing High Tower and faced Long Tianxing directly for the first time.

Twenty-three minutes: The earth beneath his feet cracked open into an abyss without warning, and Zhou Yan fell into the scorching Earth Fire, failing.

Conclusion: The process of dealing with the Mobs and Wang Yao can be optimized; time consumption should be compressed.

Long Tianxing is suspected of having the ability to create random Abnormal Events. The earth cracking was the first encounter.

Second attempt.

Thirteen minutes: defeated Boss Wang Yao again.

Successfully anticipated and dodged the chain crisis of the collapsing High Tower and the tearing earth.

Eighteen minutes: A sudden change occurred.

Sword Qi erupted around Long Tianxing. His Sword Dao Cultivation suddenly climbed to the level of a Foundation Establishment Sword Cultivator, and simultaneously, his hp countdown was automatically reduced by five minutes.

Twenty-three minutes: Zhou Yan died under the pull of Long Tianxing's Sword Qi, failing.

Updated conclusion: The Wang Yao Boss battle remains tricky. Failing to pay attention to details and excessively increasing the combat rhythm actually increases time loss.

Confirmed that Long Tianxing can exchange his own remaining time for random Combat Buffs. This ability is extremely threatening... Twenty-seventh attempt.

Eight minutes: The Illusion Mobs were completely cleared, and Boss Wang Yao exited the stage.

Abnormal Events avoided: the collapsing High Tower, the tearing earth, the sudden emergence of Monstrous Floods, and even Wang Yao's short, illogical revival.

Long Tianxing's countdown has three minutes remaining.

Long Tianxing's current buffs: Foundation Establishment level Sword Dao Cultivation, the state of a Transparent Sword Heart, and a self-created special Move (which can double his Combat Power).

Zhou Yan's current status is good.

Twenty minutes: A change occurred again.

The sky suddenly darkened, and a Meteorite descended from the heavens, launching a map-wide super high damage strike. Failure.

Final conclusion: "The efficiency of the strategy against the Mobs and Wang Yao has reached its limit.

Long Tianxing's random buff application has a ceiling and a time limit.

His final mechanism is clear: before he is about to vanish, he will launch a map-wide instant kill that indiscriminately hits friend and foe, while he himself is forcibly locked at near-death hp.

Overall assessment: The dungeon mechanism can be described as 'Feces of Feces Monster.' It is strongly recommended that the game update with a customer service feedback function, or I won't know where to 'praise' the Planner for such a shocking 'brilliant idea.'"

"Sigh~."

Zhou Yan subconsciously wanted to pour himself another cup of Spirit Tea for calming the mind and reducing internal heat.

However, when he picked up the teapot, he realized it was completely empty, not even leaving the slightest trace of moisture.

This insignificant "running out of supplies" became the final straw that broke the camel's back.

Zhou Yan slumped into the chair, feeling as if all the strength had been drained from his body.

"This game... who is actually winning?"

He muttered to the empty courtyard, his voice filled with exhaustion and doubt.

"Am I really playing a novice dungeon?"

Zhou Yan, who was usually good at self-comfort, found himself unable to do so today in front of Wang Yao and Long Tianxing, this pair of "Bōbō'erba" and "Bàbō'erbēn."

Who exactly designed these two troublemakers? Every single mechanism reeked of the malice of "not wanting people to have a good time."

"Haven't I already become a Prodigy?"

Zhou Yan rubbed his throbbing temples, sinking into deep self-doubt.

He repeatedly reviewed his experience fighting Long Tianxing. As a Child of Destiny, Long Tianxing's performance was strong, but there should be a limit.

As far as he recalled, the opponent hadn't displayed such outrageous strength in the Secret Realm, or Zhou Yan wouldn't have won.

Logically, he shouldn't have a setting where he can summon Meteor Showers at will, like the Reincarnation of a Great Magus.

If he were truly this invincible, back in the Secret Realm, he and Wang Yao probably would have already died mysteriously before even confronting him in the tower, simply because they arrived before him.

"It seems that during the process of Gamification, certain real-world elements were incorporated, giving these two guys a massive boost."

This Gamification is truly wicked!

Of course, when such effects benefited him, Zhou Yan would call it a "clever mechanism."

"It's too abstract, abstract to the point of giving me goosebumps."

"Fortunately, these two guys in reality didn't get this kind of strength boost, or I'd have to run off to some corner of the world and become the Ten Mile Slope Sword God."

With no tea left to drink, Zhou Yan could only rest his chin on one hand, idly gazing at the meticulously arranged rockery, flowing water, green bamboo, and exotic flowers in the courtyard.

He had to admire the craftsmanship of these artisans. Even without the calming Spirit Tea, simply gazing at the tranquil scenery gradually soothed Zhou Yan's heart, which had been restless from repeated "deaths."

"Squeak—"

Just then, a rhythmic, slightly loud chirping sound, similar to the friction of some precision machinery, rang out beside Zhou Yan.

Zhou Yan subconsciously released his Divine Sense to scan the area. However, when he "saw" that the source of the sound was an intricately woven Straw Grasshopper, a flash of lightning seemed to cross his mind, and he suddenly remembered something!

He hurriedly stood up, quickly walked over to the Straw Grasshopper, squatted down, and carefully sensed the aura on it.

This indeed retained Huo Zhongshan's Mana Fluctuation.

"My Lord, by the time you see this message, your subordinate has already returned to the Pill Workshop to handle the final few days of affairs."

Huo Zhongshan's familiar and somewhat respectful Sound Transmission came from inside the Straw Grasshopper.

"Earlier, I saw that Your Lordship... well, seemed to be in deep Meditation or practicing a crucial technique, with focused expression and movements... full of rhythm, so I dared not disturb you rashly."

"Therefore, I used this method to record the essentials of today's meeting with Judge Chen of the Prefecture. Please review it, My Lord, and I hope for your understanding."

The following content was Huo Zhongshan recounting his conversation with Judge Chen.

Essentially, Judge Chen spoke highly of Zhou Yan, using phrases like "young and promising" and "future is limitless." He also mentioned that Assistant Prefect Qiao favored him greatly, asserting that Zhou Yan would surely become a pillar of the imperial court and might even aspire to the position of Prime Minister.

Finally, Judge Chen warmly extended an Invitation, explaining that the Jiangzhou Poetry Gathering was opening tomorrow. He suggested they meet then, where Zhou Yan could meet many young talents, expand his connections, and enjoy wonderful song and dance to cultivate his temperament.

Judge Chen specifically emphasized that this was a public occasion, purely a refined gathering for casual chat, and asked Zhou Yan not to have any concerns, assuring him there were absolutely no ulterior motives.

After hearing this Sound Transmission, Zhou Yan's toes involuntarily curled inside his boots, the embarrassment so intense he could have carved out a two-bedroom apartment with deluxe renovations.

He suddenly remembered that he wasn't the only one in the mansion all the time. Huo Zhongshan must have seen something nearby earlier, which was why he replied in this manner.

Since the other party couldn't see his Game Panel, in Huo Zhongshan's eyes, Zhou Yan's actions during that period must have looked like he was gesticulating wildly at thin air.

The content of the Sound Transmission itself was normal, but Huo Zhongshan's cautious tone, constantly implying "your subordinate saw nothing and thought nothing of it," made Zhou Yan feel socially dead.

The more tactful the tone, the greater the blow to a person. Zhou Yan's character was completely sunk.

"Wait a minute?"

Zhou Yan suddenly looked up, a flash of realization crossing his eyes.

"I'm someone who came out of the Qingxu Grotto-Heaven!"

Zhou Yan grasped this like a life raft.

"Among everyone in our entire Sect, who doesn't have a touch of abstract eccentricity?"

"My behavior in this manner perfectly aligns with the essence of our Sect Style: unrestrained and acting according to one's nature, doesn't it?"

"Yes, it must be!"

Sure enough, changing his perspective instantly brightened Zhou Yan's mood.

The recent social death embarrassment and the frustration caused by Long Tianxing's Heaven-Defying mechanism were instantly thrown out the window.

Happily, he brought up the System Interface, preparing to take a good look at the clearance rewards that had dropped this time.

"Buzz—hum~"

A slight vibration came from within his robes.

Zhou Yan reached into his robes and pulled out a Communication Talisman of special material with flowing runes.

This was the item Xiao Sheng had previously given Zhou Yan for communication between the two of them.

A faint Spiritual Light flashed on the Talisman, revealing a line of messy yet vigorous handwriting.

"I'm at the Misty Rain Painted Barge. See you tomorrow morning; I'll wait for you at the entrance."

"Hmm?"

Zhou Yan looked at the information on the Talisman, his expression somewhat startled.

Zhou Yan remembered hearing a rumor by the river that the Misty Rain Painted Barge seemed to be a mobile business KTV?

No wonder the Daoist Priest hadn't contacted him these past two days; it turned out he went to the KTV to save all living beings.

This "universal love" mindset is truly... astonishing.

Joking aside, Zhou Yan didn't believe that Xiao Sheng, who looked so upright, would actually be doing anything improper.

He recalled that the Jiangzhou Poetry Gathering was also hosted by the Misty Rain Painted Barge. If that was the case, Xiao Sheng must have gone to attend the gathering.

It seemed he wouldn't be able to study the rewards in peace for now.

Zhou Yan put away the Talisman and, following the guidance in the Straw Grasshopper's message, quickly walked toward the main hall of the mansion.

Sure enough, on the Rosewood tea table next to the main seat, a pale pink Note was holding down the corner of a small, empty Medicinal Pill box.

A faint, almost imperceptible sweet fragrance seemed to linger in the air.

Zhou Yan stepped forward, moved the pill box, and picked up the Note.

It felt slightly cool to the touch, the paper quality was delicate, and the pale pink color and subtle fragrance caused a strange ripple in his heart.

"The Misty Rain Painted Barge is a bit improper, but this poetry gathering can't also be improper, right?"

Zhou Yan muttered.

This Invitation was made with so much 'love' that anyone who didn't know better would think it was an admission ticket to a Doujinshi Convention or a special theme exhibition.

A place where a Seventh-Rank Official and a Daoist Priest both invite me to go, surely it can't... actually be like that?

Carrying some doubt, Zhou Yan gently unfolded the Invitation. What met his eyes was neat and beautiful handwriting.

[Misty Rain Painted Barge Elegant Gathering Invitation]

[To all those with outstanding reputations in the literary and political circles, and to all aspiring young talents:

This late spring, the Misty Rain Painted Barge plans to gather upon the river waters on the sixteenth day of the third month. Lotus Lanterns will reflect in the water, Immortal Music will drift on the wind, and there will be new poetry to appreciate and Spirit Tea to sample. We sincerely invite Your Excellency to honor us with your presence and share in this elegant occasion.

At the signature, there was a small, slightly suggestive Hehuan Flower imprint, next to a line of smaller text:

Joyous Union Sect · Misty Rain Painted Barge cordially invites you]

"Holy shit!"

"The Joyous Union Sect has launched an attack!"

Zhou Yan's hand trembled, the Invitation nearly slipping from his grasp, his eyes instantly widening into perfect circles.