Chen Tian's next destination was a place called Xueyun City. Xueyun City was one of the largest cities in this layer of the world, arguably a main city. Many players frequented it, hailing from different races. As Chen Tian entered Xueyun City, a beam of light emanated from the city gate, enveloping his figure before the gates slowly opened, allowing him to pass. With the game's recent update, city gates now possessed an automatic recognition system. As long as players completed their novice quests and gained an identity, they could freely move within the Time Era.
Gone were the days of swiping cards. The city gates now had an integrated identification system. Player information was recorded within the gates, and only registered players could pass through, a measure designed to prevent the use of third-party programs. Chen Tian entered Xueyun City, which appeared to be covered in a blanket of white snow. The surrounding walls were composed of snow, yet the city's overall style was not one of desolation, despite the snow. As Chen Tian walked along the path, his figure attracted the attention of numerous players.
Chen Tian's level was exceptionally low, marking him as a clear newcomer. While many players were curious, no one dared to make a move, unsure if Chen Tian was a master playing coy. Such players did exist. Unconcerned by the gazes of those around him, Chen Tian headed towards an inn, intending to gather information and inquire about any special dungeons or challenges in the city. Chen Tian wished to play like an ordinary player and thus sought ways to quickly increase his level, as his current progress was slow and he desperately needed specialized locations for leveling.
Chen Tian arrived at the inn, ordered a few small dishes, and a pot of tea. He had to admit that the Time Era perfectly reproduced the taste of food, making him marvel at the progress of human technology. Chen Tian listened to the surrounding chatter, absorbing a wealth of information. He ate and rested, and soon finished his meal. Chen Tian then opened his game map, but found no mention of any special locations. Most of the information he overheard was of little use to him. However, news about the Swordsman Grand Tournament caught his attention; the competition had been moved forward in the schedule.
The Swordsman Grand Tournament was set to begin in three days, instead of the originally planned ten days later. It was unclear what had prompted the developers to make such a change. Chen Tian was unaware that the developers had advanced the date precisely because he was involved in the tournament; otherwise, it would not have been moved up. Still, this suited him fine, as he wished to gauge the current skill level of players. This tournament was the battleground for all Swordsman class players. Chen Tian possessed swordsmanship techniques that could easily dominate the competition. He could use this event to guide some players.
Chen Tian had his own agenda. He looked at the map; the leveling areas outside Xueyun City were vast. The place Chen Tian sought was not among them. He pondered for a moment, as if making a decision, and then walked towards the exit. As he stepped out, several pairs of eyes within the inn fixed on him. Chen Tian had long since noticed these individuals – mere greedy opportunists. If they dared to follow, Chen Tian wouldn't mind sending them back to the respawn point.
The Time Era was a game, and in any game, Chen Tian never lost. He had never been defeated in the game. As Chen Tian walked out of the city, not far from the gate, a group of people approached him, surrounding him. Chen Tian's expression turned cold as he asked, "What do you gentlemen want?"
"Kid, hand over whatever valuable items you have, or don't blame us for being rude. We'll show a newbie like you the rules of this world."
The leader, a fierce-looking brute, smirked. Chen Tian found him irritating. He paid no mind to the leader's words and replied, "Why must you seek death? Come at me all at once."
"Kid, don't be so arrogant. Let me show you the proper attitude a newbie should have."
Chen Tian's words completely ignored everyone present, naturally provoking their anger. A man with a large saber strapped to his back stepped forward. He brought down his saber, as if splitting heaven and earth. A terrifying force emanated from the blade. Chen Tian perceived the attack as incredibly slow. While it might have been fast to others, to Chen Tian, it was no different from a snail's pace. Having experienced countless battles and witnessed too much, Chen Tian could crush all the players present with just his eyes, even without employing any other abilities.
Even if these players were more than ten levels above him, Chen Tian would not falter. Fighting opponents of higher levels was commonplace for him. Chen Tian slowly extended a finger and flicked it at the saber. With a thunderous sound, the saber flew away. The attacker's figure then dissolved into starlight. He couldn't withstand even a single move from Chen Tian. This spectacle filled the surrounding players with terror. The leader couldn't believe what he was seeing. He rubbed his eyes, wondering, Who is he? What is he doing? Where is he!
He was utterly bewildered. Was this a newbie?
Were newbies this powerful? A single move, just one, to defeat an opponent over ten levels higher? This was the work of a god-tier player!
'Could this guy be a big shot's alt account? We're doomed, we've kicked a steel plate, and a scalding hot one at that.'
The leader frantically pondered. Chen Tian was indeed a master playing the fool, but not a master player in the game; he was a world-class master, if one could put it that way.
Chen Tian's eyes fixed on the group. His figure turned into an afterimage, and countless streaks of starlight appeared. It was impossible to tell how Chen Tian had killed them; it was merely a flash of light, and everyone died, respawning.
Chen Tian patted his hands, looking relaxed, and continued on his way.
He paid no mind to such petty squabbles.
Just as Chen Tian resolved the trouble, a voice called out from behind him, "Chen Tian, is that you? You've actually come here."
Chen Tian found the voice familiar, someone he should know. He turned and looked at the person approaching. After a moment of thought, he vaguely said, "Who are you again? I don't recall."
"Boom!"
The newcomer landed on the ground. How infuriating! Did he not even warrant being remembered?
"It's me, Sen Sha. Do you still recognize me?"
"Let me think... Ah, I remember now. The Magic Warrior who teamed up with Leya back then, though I was just a bystander watching the fun."
"Pfft, pfft!"
Sen Sha felt as if several swords had pierced his heart. Chen Tian's words were too cutting.
"Chen Tian, I have a quest here, a special one. I can't complete it myself. Do you want to team up and give it a try?"
Sen Sha suddenly remembered Chen Tian's identity. With Chen Tian's help, wouldn't this quest be easily completed?
Chen Tian heard Sen Sha's invitation to team up and didn't want to refuse. He needed quests now, and the more valuable the quest, the better. Chen Tian wanted to level up and complete his fusion progress.
"What kind of quest is it?"
Chen Tian asked with feigned curiosity. Sen Sha was a full major realm and thirty levels higher than him. If even he couldn't complete it, one could imagine the difficulty of the quest. The more difficult the quest, the greater the rewards. Chen Tian was after the experience points.
"Let's talk as we walk. This isn't the place to talk," Sen Sha whispered cautiously. Chen Tian nodded, and the two walked side-by-side along the road.
On the way, Sen Sha explained the details of the quest and its specific objectives to Chen Tian.