Chapter 113: The Illusion Protocol

That afternoon, at the south gate of Lieshan City, fourteen second-turn players gathered together. Although they had disabled the glowing effects on their gear, the quality was clearly extraordinary. In particular, a bald ascetic monk stood out, clad in menacing and powerful heavy black armor, with a silver-white iron staff featuring a coiled silver dragon. Occasionally, high-level players passing by would greet the monk, suggesting he was quite well-known and well-liked.

Many players inquired about the group’s origins; it was hard not to notice fourteen second-turn professionals standing together.

"Does anyone know that bald ascetic? He looks incredibly strong."

"Damn, you don't know him? That’s our Lieshan City’s number one ascetic, Monk Dingyuan. Just look at the level rankings; a level 36 ascetic—isn't that terrifying? I’ve heard his entire set is at least bronze-grade. And that weapon, I hear it’s called the Ox-Demon Dragon-Coiling Staff, a silver-grade weapon."

"What about the people around him? Fourteen second-turn professionals, that’s insane! I doubt there are even 100 people in Lieshan City over level 30. If I could join a team like that someday... Should we go ask? They look like they’re missing one person."

"Keep dreaming. With your scrawny build and level 26, you want to join a top-tier team like that? Let me tell you, if you haven't completed your second turn, don't even think about it."

These discussions naturally reached the ears of Monk Dingyuan and his companions. Dingyuan was unfazed, having grown accustomed to such attention as the city's top ascetic. However, the other dozen players were different; their faces betrayed unconcealed pride and arrogance. They had trained diligently for the sake of showing off and standing above others. Seeing the envious, worshipful gazes of these first-turn players was deeply satisfying.

"Monk, why hasn't that guy you mentioned arrived yet? I really don't understand what you're thinking, insisting on saving this spot for him. Because of him, we were a man short during yesterday's raid. If we’d had another Saint Priest, maybe we wouldn't have wiped. If the system update hadn't changed the Illusion Realm to allow three entries, I wouldn't have let you hold that spot," a long-faced archer complained while glancing around boredly.

"Cut the crap. Even with another Saint Priest, we would’ve been dead in the water. And you have the nerve to talk? You were the first to die. My brother is a hundred times better than a scrub like you; he might actually find a way to survive in that Illusion Realm," Dingyuan retorted, glaring at the long-faced archer.

The archer wasn't offended by being called a scrub. He chuckled, "You’re just blowing hot air. Tiger spent half the night in the library yesterday and didn't find a path to survival. I don't believe your brother is any smarter than Tiger."

"It’s hard to say. There are too many books in the library; what I found might not be comprehensive. For instance, I still haven't discovered the casting time for the Sacrificial King’s ultimate move. Perhaps he really is an expert," said a sturdy-looking knight named Tiger.

As they were talking, Dingyuan waved to the distance and shouted, "Brother Yechen, over here!"

The long-faced archer and the others fell silent, looking toward the approaching Yechen with curiosity and scrutiny. Yechen was not wearing a cloak, so they instantly saw his level—only 29. The group immediately felt disdain. Even Tiger, the lowest-level among them, was level 32. A player who hadn't even completed his second turn wasn't worth their time. Seeing how much Dingyuan valued Yechen, even the honest Tiger felt a bit dissatisfied. If he were so capable, how could he not have reached his second turn?

Yechen arrived, and the expressions of the group behind Dingyuan did not escape him. He understood their thoughts, yet he only smiled faintly, entirely unbothered.

"Brother, you’re finally here! I’ve been waiting forever. You have no idea how miserable our run was yesterday. We didn't even see a major boss before we all wiped. We’ve been waiting for you to show us the ropes." Dingyuan stepped forward and hugged Yechen. The guy was as sturdy as an ox, squeezing the breath out of Yechen, but Yechen could feel the genuine camaraderie.

"I’ve already looked into the situation in the Illusion Realm and have prepared a detailed guide. With your team’s quality, handling it should be no problem." Yechen nodded. He had prepared for this long ago; if not for his coma, he wouldn't have missed yesterday's raid. Fortunately, when the officials enabled cross-city gold trading, they also adjusted the restrictions on the Illusion Realm, or else his research on the Southern Wilderness Demon Domain would have been for nothing. Yechen had been quite happy when he saw the news upon logging in.

"A guide? A 'detailed' guide, and 'no problem'? Who are you trying to fool? We couldn't even get past the first stage yesterday, and you’re bragging without even setting foot in the realm?" The long-faced archer’s expression turned sour. The others clearly didn't believe him either. If a second-turn player with a higher level had said this, they might have believed him, but a low-level first-turn player trying to instruct them?

"Long-face, shut up! How are you talking to my brother?" Dingyuan snapped.

"Monk, let him speak," Yechen said with a calm, relaxed smile. For some reason, while he hadn't recovered many memories after his treatment, his state of mind had undergone an inexplicable shift. It wasn't as obvious when he was with his eldest sister, but once he was alone in the game, a confident aura naturally emanated from him.

Dingyuan watched Yechen’s composed demeanor and nodded inwardly. Confidence often stems from strength and substance; experts are usually confident, and capable people are usually confident.

Yechen’s behavior left the others slightly surprised. They didn't understand why a low-level first-turn player felt so at ease before them, seemingly feeling no pressure at all. However, the long-faced archer still didn't believe Yechen had any real skills, perhaps thinking it was just an act. He immediately said, "You say your guide is useful, but how can you prove it? Who knows if you’re just spouting nonsense to fool us? This involves everyone's levels and lives. If something goes wrong, are you responsible? If we wipe, will you take the blame?"

"How do you want me to prove it? My guide getting you rewards in the Illusion Realm is the best proof. There is no better proof than practice." Yechen’s expression remained unchanged. "As for responsibility, if you let me lead and follow my commands, I will take responsibility for you."

"Be the team leader? Did I hear that right?"

"This friend of Brother Dingyuan is being arrogant. A first-turn player wanting to command us? How ridiculous."

"Exactly. We’re only bringing him along for Brother Dingyuan’s sake, and he’s not satisfied? Bragging about a guide and demanding leadership? What a joke!"

At Yechen’s words, the dozen second-turn experts behind Dingyuan erupted into a commotion, their faces filled with indignation and dissatisfaction. If not for Dingyuan’s sake, they would have started hurling insults.

Dingyuan opened his mouth to say something, but Yechen stopped him with a private message. This time, he didn't just want leadership; he wanted more. But before that, he had to conquer these guys, or at least force them into a wager.

"You’ve got a big mouth!" The long-faced archer was infuriated. Originally, he had held back for Dingyuan’s sake, but his temper had flared. He sneered, "You’ll take responsibility? On what grounds? How will you take responsibility? Will you cover the losses from a wipe?"

"I will! I’ll compensate with gold coins." Yechen’s words were sharp and decisive, leaving the group stunned. The long-faced archer didn't even know how to respond.

"Brother Yechen, you can't do that..." Dingyuan was getting anxious. The guys around him were genuine experts above level 32, equipped with at least rare-grade gear. The Illusion Realm dropped gear, and if they wiped, they might lose their equipment. Plus, the level loss was a significant blow. That was a huge sum of money, and most importantly, no team would ever offer such compensation.

"Monk, don't say another word. I’ve decided. If my guide fails or I give a wrong command, I will take full responsibility for the losses from a wipe. Don't worry about my ability to pay; this gold-grade staff is enough to compensate everyone’s losses." Yechen activated the glow of his Abyssal Staff, stunning everyone. Even these self-proclaimed experts had never seen what gold-grade equipment looked like.

Seeing the group stunned, Yechen smiled slightly. "However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Since you have zero risk, I naturally expect high returns. All magic-class gear, skills, and items I need will go to me. As for any chests, if I find them, whatever is inside—regardless of the profession—will also go to me."

Hearing Yechen’s greed, the expressions of the dozen members changed slightly. The long-faced archer shouted, "You’ve got it all planned out! You even want gear for other professions? Is there any team that distributes loot like that?"

"Can you find a team where the leader takes responsibility for a wipe?" Yechen countered, leaving the archer speechless.

"Actually, you aren't losing out. Without my guide, I can guarantee you’ll wipe all three times. You won't get anything, you’ll lose gear and levels, and you’ll waste an entry into the Illusion Realm. If I lead and use my guide, and we fail, I compensate you. If we succeed, it’s pure profit for you. Besides, I only want the magic-class items and whatever is in the chests; most of the gear will still be yours. What are you dissatisfied with?" Yechen smiled, scanning every member.

If not for the fact that he needed more rare skill books, he wouldn't have bothered jumping through these hoops.

Although the long-faced archer and the others were still somewhat dissatisfied, they exchanged glances and realized Yechen made sense. They had gone through so much trouble to trigger the Illusion Realm just to get some gear. Since Yechen was so confident, why not let him try? At most, he’d take a few magic-class items. As for the chests—well, in such a large realm, if he could find them, he could have them. Most importantly, they had no worries; if they wiped, someone would compensate them. It was much better than blindly rushing in to die for nothing.

Understanding Yechen’s intent, Dingyuan remained neutral. Seeing that both sides had reached a decision, he laughed, "Since no one has any objections, let’s join Brother Yechen’s team. I’ll act as the witness to ensure both sides honor the agreement."

With Dingyuan as a guarantor, the others had no more hesitation and joined Yechen’s team. Then, under the envious gazes of passing players, the group headed toward the deep mountains in the south.