While waiting for their food, Zhang Shiyao told Bai Qiu about what had happened in the Cross-Zone chat channel, and Bai Qiu finally understood why everyone had suddenly become so enthusiastic toward him.
After all, the system's photo function was ridiculously powerful—crystal-clear and full-map resolution.
The equipment in the screenshots was identical to his, and even though he wasn't holding his weapon in those photos, anyone could still guess with 90% certainty that it was him.
Taking the chance, Bai Qiu opened both the regional and Cross-Zone chat channels.
It seemed the Cross-Zone one had only been unlocked last night—but he hadn't paid any attention and didn't know about it.
Now both chats were buzzing with activity.
Good grief, he thought, no one's grinding levels anymore, they're all just gossiping instead!
Still, he did spot a few serious posts—mainly people recruiting teammates for dungeon runs:
"E-Rank Dungeon recruiting! Level 8+ only, located in Zone 2237. Need 4 more. Fair loot distribution, pros preferred!"
"E-Rank Dungeon: Great Forest Tree! Looking for players with gathering skills, any level welcome. Zone 2249. Party's full of experts—join with confidence!"
"E-Rank Dungeon…"
As the Dragonfang Soldiers grew stronger, players were leveling up faster as well.
A few lucky ones even got blueprint drops—but they were cautious, only entering when their team was full.
"Brother, when we go out later, you'll have to change your outfit," Zhang Shiyao said seriously.
"Otherwise people will crowd around you again."
Bai Qiu gave her a look, thinking to himself that she was one to talk—wearing such a cute outfit, she must have drawn her fair share of attention too.
He nodded. "Got it. I still have a spare set—I'll just wear the chestplate and boots. What about you? If you don't have a change of clothes, I'll get you a new set from the Magic Merchant later. You're way more eye-catching than me, honestly."
Zhang Shiyao immediately changed outfits.
A flash of white light later, she'd switched into an ordinary hunter's leather set—nothing fancy, just decent enough to wear as regular clothes.
Her old outfit had been worn to rags long ago, so after crafting her Fiery Plume Hunter Set yesterday, she had asked the Tailor to make her a casual outfit too.
Sitting at the table, Zhang Shiyao rested her arm on it, fidgeting with her fingers.
She seemed to hesitate several times before finally speaking. "Brother, last night, you…"
"Hahaha! Food's here! Enjoy your meal, you two!" Wang Renfeng interrupted cheerfully, setting the dishes down before them and handing over two small bowls and chopsticks.
After thanking him, Bai Qiu smiled at Zhang Shiyao. "Well, since we're here, let's eat first."
"Mm!"
Bai Qiu finished his meal quickly, and to his surprise, Zhang Shiyao wasn't far behind this time—she nearly cleaned her plate as well.
The portions were standard adult size, and the boss hadn't given her less just because she was small.
Checking her status panel again, Bai Qiu noticed that her "Malnutrition" debuff had improved—from severe to moderate.
A bit more rest and proper food, and she'd probably recover completely.
Zhang Shiyao soon finished eating, her plate spotless.
She gave a little satisfied burp, and only then did Bai Qiu begin explaining the mission he had accepted—and the upcoming monster wave in ten days.
Zhang Shiyao said firmly, "Then brother, let's skip the dungeon run!"
"Why?" Bai Qiu asked, puzzled.
"Think about it," she said seriously.
"The monster wave comes in ten days, and the Magic Merchant leaves in six. We should spend this time farming as many Dragonfangs as possible to trade for gear and strengthen ourselves!"
"Brother, you focus on your mission's second phase—I'll be fine on my own now. I'll stay near the safe zone and grind monsters there!"
Bai Qiu felt both comforted and genuinely heartbroken.
Such a pitiful child—yet she was so mature, logical, and sharp.
Her reasoning fit their current situation perfectly.
However, her level had now risen to nine and a half — she'd soon reach level ten and unlock her Noble Phantasm.
When that time came, he would stand guard for her, ensuring she could fully focus on sensing the Noble Phantasm's operational principles without distraction.
This was no joke.
If one failed to understand how their Noble Phantasm truly functioned and merely chanted to activate it, it could lead to the Noble Phantasm's power being improperly utilized — in other words, weakened.
After all, it was precisely because Bai Qiu had grasped the underlying principles of his own Noble Phantasm that he not only maintained its full original power, but even added a mana recovery function on top of it.
As for Zhang Shiyao, the only thing she needed a reminder about now was her Noble Phantasm.
In every other aspect, she was doing exceptionally well — already the most outstanding person in the safe zone aside from him.
She didn't need much interference; she could flourish on her own.
After exchanging a bit more information, Bai Qiu and Zhang Shiyao parted ways once again.
Through her, he learned about the various functions of the system channel — including photo capture, trading, and waypoint marking, among others.
And through him, she learned about Sleep Potions and the recommended purchases from the Magic Merchant…
After leaving the restaurant, Bai Qiu went straight to the area where Onipur was located to submit his mission.
A total of 11 Elite Proofs.
"Huh? Why is there one extra? This doesn't look like one from a Dragonfang General," Onipur said in surprise, thinking Bai Qiu might have encountered two elite monsters at once yesterday.
Bai Qiu briefly explained about the Dragonfang Hound, which astonished Onipur greatly.
After putting away the Elite Proofs, he handed over the mission rewards.
"Ding! Trial of the Guardian Quest completed. Reward: +500 Sanctum Coins, +500 EXP."
"Received: Fivefold Arcane Crystallized Eyes (D-Rank)."
As expected, Bai Qiu accepted the skill card and immediately replaced his Triple Arcane Crystallized Eyes with it.
"Ding! Onipur has issued the Trial of the Guardian Quest – Phase Two!"
The system displayed a line of text, though Bai Qiu had muted the sound long ago.
He simply opened his quest panel to read it.
[Guardian's Trial II]
Requirements:
Reach Level 15 within 72 hours
Obtain a full set of D-Rank equipment
Possess one D-Rank weapon
Master four D-Rank or higher skills
Earn at least one Achievement
Have at least one C-Rank item card
Time remaining: 71 hours 59 minutes 55 seconds
Bai Qiu was dumbfounded. "Wha—… Did I just… accidentally finish all of that?"
He looked at Onipur awkwardly and said, "Um… I…"
Onipur nodded knowingly. "I understand — this second phase of the trial is indeed tough, but don't lose heart! Only true warriors can stand against the coming tide! You've already overachieved in the first phase; I'm sure you'll conquer the second as well! Keep it up, young man!"
"How do I confirm quest completion?" Bai Qiu asked.
"When you've met all the requirements," Onipur explained, "simply show me your personal info card. Once I verify that the conditions are met, I'll submit the relevant data to the system for completion."
"And rest assured," he added with a confident smile, "your personal data will never be leaked from me — in any form whatsoever."
Bai Qiu scratched his head, took out his Personal Info Card, opened the info panel, and handed it over to Onipur.