As time flowed, the Human Emperor Wang Chong's health bar gradually dropped to 10%. After several more summons of the Wushang Iron Cavalry and Modao Squad were thwarted by Lin Zhao's "Spears Like a Forest" Charm and "Iron Cavalry Killing Formation" Charm, the level 150 Ghost God level Boss could no longer make much of a splash. Finally, after a swift pierce from Xian Jian Guo Ke, the Human Emperor Wang Chong's body swayed in the wind, and he slowly knelt to the ground. His final health bar was depleted, and a chime echoed across the system's main city. The "Stone of Destiny" map, which had come and gone quickly, was conquered by players in just a few days—
"Ding!"
System Announcement: Congratulations to player [Bai Yi] for successfully defeating [Human Emperor Wang Chong · Projection] (Ghost God level Boss), obtaining the second kill reward for a Ghost God level Boss. Since this player achieved the conquest solo, the reward amount has been increased by 50%. Total rewards obtained: Level +6, Charm +18, Reputation +30000, Golden Sardine Coins +30, and an additional reward: [Human Emperor Ring] (Ghost God Artifact)!
"Ding!"
System Announcement: Congratulations to player [Bai Yi] for successfully defeating [Human Emperor Wang Chong · Projection] (Ghost God level Boss). The "Stone of Destiny" map will permanently close in 10 minutes. Player [Bai Yi] receives the reward: [Stone of Destiny] (Immortal Grade)!
…
In an instant, Lin Zhao leveled up six times, reaching level 146, the first in the national server. Two system announcements were triggered consecutively. Such glory was unimaginable to other players. Furthermore, he obtained two treasures: one was the Ghost God artifact-level Human Emperor Ring, and the other was the Immortal Grade treasure, the Stone of Destiny.
"Clink!"
A dull gray gem dropped into his inventory. However, Lin Zhao had no time to examine it. He rushed forward and, with a sweep of his hand, gathered all the treasures dropped by the level 150 Ghost God level Boss into his bag. The ultimate rewards of the "Stone of Destiny" map had now been claimed by him alone. There was nothing else to attract him here. He crushed a return scroll and teleported back to Baidi City.
The moment he appeared in the east square of Baidi City, Lin Zhao turned and slipped into the Great Sacred Hall behind him, looking for a quiet place to examine his spoils. He felt utterly exhausted and sleepy. After storing the spoils, he planned to sleep.
First, there was the ring rewarded by the system. As Lin Zhao held the Human Emperor Ring in his palm, strands of Human Emperor Dragon Qi emanated from around the ring. This was an absolute ring of kingship. He flicked his hand, and the attributes did not disappoint—
[Human Emperor Ring] (Ghost God Artifact)
Strength: +189
Stamina: +187
Agility: +185
Effect: Critical Hit +12%
Effect: Lifesteal +18%
Effect: Increased Damage, your own attacks deal +80% damage
Effect: Sage's Edict, when attacking a target, there is a 3% chance to shroud them with Sage's Edict, removing armor and resistance for 3 seconds
Effect: Guardian Dragon Qi, when attacked, there is a 10% chance to gain a shield lasting 2 seconds, with tenacity related to your attack power
Skill: [Human Emperor's Shield], upon activation, grants yourself invincibility for 9 seconds. Requires 100 skill points, with a cooldown of 120 minutes.
Additional: Increases user's attack power by 68%
Additional: Increases user's defense by 65%
Attribute: Can grow
Lore: The Human Emperor Ring, worn by the ancient Human Emperor Wang Chong, is said to be forged from celestial falling iron and the relics of sages, containing immense spiritual energy from heaven and earth. Those who wear this ring will gain a portion of the nation's fortune, with unimaginable benefits.
Requires Strength: 3500
Requires Level: 145
…
The attributes were exceptional. He equipped it directly, and his combat power instantly surged significantly—
[Bai Yi] (Sword Master)
Level: 146
Attack: 10250-12150 (+506%)
Defense: 5850 (+520%)
Health: 90520 (+20%)
Critical Hit: 32%
Lifesteal: 70% (Maxed)
Damage Reduction: 40%
Increased Damage: 412%
Intelligence: 99
Charm: 97
Reputation: 199780
Combat Power: 44550
Realm 1: Nascent Soul Realm
Realm 2: Vitality Realm
…
Attack, defense, and health attributes at this level have already reached their upper limits, as they are close to the current stage's maximum. Lin Zhao now values critical hit, damage reduction, and increased damage more, as these three king-grade attributes are crucial. Increased critical hit and damage output allow him to stand undefeated. With his collection of Heavenly and Ghost God artifacts, Lin Zhao has achieved a staggering 412% increased damage!
What does this mean? For example, if he can deal 1000 damage to a strong opponent with his base stats, with a 412% increase in damage, he can deal 5120 damage. In such a scenario, how can the opponent protect themselves? Through damage reduction. Because damage reduction has a high priority and is calculated last after all offensive and defensive attribute bonuses. If the opponent has 50% damage reduction, then Lin Zhao's sword would only deal 2500+ damage, which might be acceptable. However, if the opponent's damage reduction is slightly lower, they might be instantly killed. Therefore, in the future, in addition to basic attributes, players will also contend with their own increased damage versus the opponent's damage reduction, as well as the luck of critical hits. Especially in battles between players of equal strength, it will generally be the one who lands more critical hits who wins, fully validating the saying that luck is also a part of strength.
Looking at the attributes before him, Lin Zhao felt incredibly pleased. This was great. Focusing on playing the story mode, he could still achieve the number one spot in national server rankings for level and combat power. This was truly a blessing! For a moment, he was filled with ambition and began to open his inventory to check the other spoils. Human Emperor Wang Chong was a Ghost God level Boss, and he was defeated by Lin Zhao, whose charm value was as high as 79, resulting in an excellent drop rate. A total of 14 pieces of equipment were dropped. Lin Zhao laid them out one by one, and several pieces were quite noteworthy—
[Human Emperor War Spear] (Ghost God Artifact): Level 145 polearm, Knight class specialized, exceptionally high attack, and a growable weapon.
[Nuwa Necklace] (Ghost God Artifact): Level 145 Mage-class necklace, greatly boosts damage and spell critical hit, growable.
[Dust-Sealed Bracers] (Heavenly Artifact): Level 145, leather armor bracers, excellent attributes.
[Dust-Sealed Blade] (Heavenly Artifact): Level 145 dagger, considerable attack power.
[Dust-Sealed Robe] (Heavenly Artifact): Level 145 Priest's spirit robe, greatly enhances healing output.
…
The rewards were good, even though none of them were for his own use.
Lin Zhao sent his coordinates to Chen Xue and Shen Xingchen, asking them to come over. Soon after, the two beautiful guild leaders sat opposite Lin Zhao on a long bench, their large eyes blinking at him.
"The harvest is quite good."
Lin Zhao pointed to his dark circles: "These panda eyes were not for nothing."
Instantly, the two beautiful vice-guild leaders burst into laughter.
Lin Zhao began to take things out. First, he pulled out a Human Emperor War Spear and threw it directly to Chen Xue, saying, "This is a suitable weapon for you, A Xue. Luo Man prefers sword-type weapons, so I won't give it to her. It's a growable Ghost God artifact, and it might last you a lifetime. Moreover, the attributes of this Human Emperor War Spear are explosive, enough for you to use until after level 200."
"More than enough..."
Chen Xue exclaimed in surprise and joy, "It's enough to last until max level. A Ghost God artifact that can grow, and above that are Saint Artifacts, Immortal Artifacts, and Divine Artifacts. Any of these grades is enough to last until max level."
Saying this, Chen Xue held the Human Emperor War Spear and smiled, "You're just giving it to me? No hidden cost, right? Like... being your girlfriend for half a year?"
"Ah?!"
Lin Zhao looked at her in surprise, then said something that almost made Chen Xue explode, "Dream on!"
Shen Xingchen was initially a bit nervous, then a smile she couldn't suppress spread across her face.
At this moment, Lin Zhao took out the Nuwa Necklace and handed it to Shen Xingchen, "Xingchen, this is a growable Mage-class necklace. Its value is no less than A Xue's weapon. It would be a waste to give such a high-damage necklace to Xiao Xue, as it wouldn't fully utilize its effects. It's more suitable for you, take it."
As he spoke, he felt a bit awkward, scratching his head and laughing, "You know, my heart isn't entirely with the players. It's with Xue Yu Tian Chi. I'm more concerned about the overall trend of the human world and the survival of Xue Yu Tian Chi. So, I've hardly paid any attention to the Scarlet Moon Knights. The guild is getting bigger and bigger, and it all depends on your dedication. These two Ghost God artifacts... consider them my atonement for being such a hands-off manager. Please don't be polite..."
"Okay!"
Shen Xingchen smiled lightly, "Then I'll accept this gift with a clear conscience?"
"Mm."
Lin Zhao then took out the rest of the equipment and handed it to Chen Xue, saying, "A Xue, you're in charge of internal affairs. Distributing the equipment is your job. The Dust-Sealed Bracers and Dust-Sealed Blade should go to Mo Yin. He's our chief assassin and has contributed a lot to the guild, so we need to cultivate him more. The Dust-Sealed Robe enhances healing output, so give it to Xiao Xue. You can decide on the rest."
"Mm."
Chen Xue nodded, "Got it~~~"
"What about the Stone of Destiny?"
Shen Xingchen blinked, "How was the ultimate reward? Let us take a look and broaden our horizons?"
"Mm."
Lin Zhao took the Stone of Destiny from his inventory and shared its attributes with a flick of his hand. The three of them were stunned—
[Stone of Destiny] (Immortal Grade)
Attribute: ???
Details: Unlocked after nurturing.
…
"???"
Shen Xingchen was confused, "What is this?"
Lin Zhao was also confused, "I don't know. Nurturing... I don't know what it means, but it looks super powerful. No rush, I'll figure it out slowly. Anyway, the Stone of Destiny is in my hands, no one can snatch it away."
"Mm."
Chen Xue nodded, "You haven't logged off for a long time. Hurry up and log off. I've already told Sister Ju Zi to make you your favorite leftover overnight celery and pork fried rice. Eat it and go to sleep."
"Alright~~~"
Lin Zhao was already feeling extremely sleepy. He logged off right in front of the two of them.
In the afternoon, the studio hall was quiet, with only the clanging sound of Wang Ju stir-frying rice coming from the kitchen. Lin Zhao sat on the sofa outside for a while. Soon after, the fragrant fried rice was served. He wolfed it down, drank two more cups of hot water, and then groggily went back to his room. He fell asleep without even showering.