Chapter 63 – Bone Undertaker

Mu Yuan was unaware of the great upheavals occurring across Blue Star, as such matters remained far beyond his reach.

After all, he was merely a novice, and protecting himself was already challenging enough.

However…

Beep beep beep~

His phone chimed with a notification from the ‘White River Association Official Group.’ The chat contained hundreds of new and veteran players, and occasionally, official staff would post important announcements.

These included bounties for fugitives, coordinated hunts for roaming monsters, applications for the annual Outstanding Player awards, and more.

Today’s announcement was particularly critical, marked with a glaring red alert.

“Dragon Lake Mountain west of Baijiang City is currently undergoing Fusion with a region of the Eternal World. The Association has designated Dragon Lake Mountain as a danger zone. Do not approach. All players, please take note. Additionally, due to the formation of the Border Zone, the number of roaming monsters will significantly increase in the coming period. Players who eliminate roaming monsters and provide records may claim rewards at the Association.”

“Peace is hard-won. We urge all players to jointly uphold and maintain it.”

Following this was a recruitment notice from the Association, though it held no relevance to novice players like them.

The Association’s only advice for newcomers was a stern warning—absolutely do not approach the Border Zone.

Mu Yuan then switched to a smaller group named ‘White River Soaring Dragons.’

This was a novice-exclusive chat with only 16 members, reportedly started by some wealthy heir. Mu Yuan didn’t pay it much mind.

He preferred to lurk silently.

“The Border Zone is definitely off-limits. Not only do monsters roam there, but it also attracts all sorts of shady characters. Even those crazy cults from abroad might infiltrate our Xuan Nation through the Border Zone… It’s a mess. I’m already planning to move to the provincial capital.”

“True. We’re Lords, after all, each with a bright future ahead. There’s no need to take such risks.”

“Is it possible that, in the eyes of slightly stronger veteran players, we’re still just weaklings?”

“But I heard there are Treasures in the Border Zone…”

Mu Yuan had no intention of venturing into the Border Zone. Still, from the Association’s announcement, he could faintly sense the growing tension.

Was it solely because the Border Zone had appeared near Baijiang City?

Probably not.

The Xuan Nation had seen Border Zones before, and many veteran players had even explored them.

But this time felt different. Could it be connected to the suddenly advanced Lord trials?

…

The Association had shown concern for their batch of novices, providing some resources and urging them to prepare thoroughly for potential emergencies.

In the novice group, most expressed anxiety, though a few were eager for action.

“They say this trial involves all new Lords across the nation. Isn’t this my stage to make a name for myself? I will definitely rank on the leaderboards!”

A whale declared, attaching a screenshot of his territory.

Dozens of Arrow Towers stood around the Village, forming a protective ring like City Walls.

This was a true whale, a top-tier spender!

With so many defensive structures, the whale claimed to fear no unexpected events.

Some praised him.

Others envied him.

Mu Yuan wasn’t envious… well, maybe just a little.

He switched back to the game.Within the game, night had already fallen, yet gazing at the sky still revealed drifting traces of Crimson Mist. When he switched to god mode perspective, he could also detect faint, lingering hints of pale red at the edges of the screen.

Extremely glaring.

“The Lord trial has been moved up, likely leaving only eight days. I must ensure Deadbone breaks through to Professional Tier within this period, and if possible, have Bone Two and Bone Three advance to Professional Tier as well.”

“Originally, according to my plan, Elite units like Bone Two and Bone Three would have broken through step by step before the trial arrived. Now that the trial has suddenly been pushed forward by several days, the entire plan is in disarray. Deadbone’s breakthrough isn’t difficult, but it’s nearly impossible for Bone Two and Bone Three.”

He frowned. Unless he heavily invested in purchasing auxiliary cultivation Treasures.

But doing so offered poor cost-effectiveness, and he didn’t have that many Soul Crystals to splurge. He could only take things one step at a time and slightly bolster the territory’s strength through other means.

Under the hanging night sky, in a crude Training Ground at the edge of the territory, Deadbone was enveloped in wisps of black mist.

These black mists slowly intertwined and coiled, eventually adhering to the Deadman Greatsword.

Since he hadn’t found a faster, side-effect-free method for Rank improvement, he could only seek ways to enhance his combat power through other avenues.

“Lord?”

Mu Yuan slowly raised his hand, Miracle Light shimmering in his palm.

Could it be…?

Even a steady and robust Macho Man like Deadbone couldn’t suppress his excitement at this moment. Once again, he had received the Lord’s favor, the infusion of Miracle Power.

He vowed to defend the territory and the glory of steadiness with his life.

The Miracle Light bloomed, lasting two or three seconds before gradually fading away. The newly evolved Deadbone stood before him, his physique roughly the same height as before, but his armor had shifted from silver-gray to bright silver.

To Mu Yuan’s surprise, the evolved troop’s armor had actually shrunk, not covering his entire body. His shoulders, knees, back, palms… and other parts were exposed, with silver-white bones clearly visible.

Hmm, seems somewhat unique?

Ding!

Prompt: Your troop ‘Skeleton General · Deadbone’ has bathed in Miracle Light and evolved into ‘Bonesorrow (Outstanding★)’, and has learned the new skill ‘Bonesorrow’.

—

Bonesorrow: Possesses the power to create, manipulate, and transform one’s own bones.

A simple description, an ultimate power.

Without a doubt, Bonesorrow is an Advanced skill, much like Dolai’s Fluid Shaping, with multiple developmental possibilities.

Mu Yuan already had a vague idea in his mind.

He had also nearly digested and absorbed the Thunder Martial Artist techniques he had previously learned, which included ‘Advanced techniques’ typically touched upon only at the Elite Rank.

He couldn’t execute them yet, but he could describe them.

Opportunities to teach the Undead Emperor didn’t come often.

Hehehe…

Mu Yuan prepared to step forward but noticed Deadbone still standing in place, leaning on his sword, as if deep in contemplation.

He halted his steps, retreated several dozen meters, and dispatched a squad of Skeleton Soldiers to seal off the exterior of the Training Ground, lest any oblivious wild monsters cause disturbances.

Not long after he completed these preparations, the ground suddenly began to tremble and hum.

An earthquake?

No, not an earthquake. The entire earth had suddenly softened, rippling like sand and mud.On this land where ripples continuously spread, ghastly white bones suddenly emerged one after another, piercing the training ground before them like branches. They stood guard around Deadbone, who leaned on his sword, forming a forest of bones.

「Prompt: Your troop ‘Bone Burying Attendant · Deadbone’ has comprehended the special domain-type skill ‘Withered Bone Earth’. Please check the details for more information.」

Mu Yuan: “Huh?”

Thanks to ‘Floating Life’s Casual Pen’, ‘cbxftfx’, ‘Proud Dad_Xiao Yao’, ‘Oil, Salt, Soy Sauce, Vinegar’, ‘Bookfriend 20230630044955802’, and ‘Cutting the Sky’ for the rewards~

(End of Chapter)