Chapter 1 Exceeding Expectations: The Rewards of the Extraordinary Realm?

As a Lingjing Xingzhe in the Extraordinary realm, Zhang Yuanqing's spirit was immediately lifted, and he clicked on the post. The content of the post was exceptionally concise, just a list of reward items for the top 10.

1: Houtu Boots, C-level Merit.
2: Illusion Cloak, D-level Merit.
3: Cute Hair Clip, D-level Merit.
4: 700,000 Cash, E-level Merit.

From fourth place onwards, the rewards were all cash, decreasing with each rank, but the merit remained the same, all E-level.

C-level Merit was the limit that ordinary Lingjing Xingzhe could obtain and was the stepping stone to becoming an executive. In other words, as long as you win first place in the Extraordinary realm, you basically became a prospective executive. Once you cleared the Slaughter Dungeon and became a Saint, you could immediately become an executive holding great power.

"But if it was just that, it shouldn't be described as 'exceeding expectations'. The real good stuff is the Houtu Boots," Zhang Yuanqing guessed secretly. He swiped down the screen and browsed the comments, and sure enough, he saw comments introducing the Houtu Boots:

[Tou Bao Pei Jiu Yue He Yue You: This Houtu Boots item is amazing! Its quality has reached the Saint level. For Extraordinary realm Xingzhe, that alone is a great temptation, but the truly powerful aspect of this Houtu Boots is not its attributes, but a special characteristic.]

Please Call Me Queen: What characteristic? Is it very powerful? How powerful is it?

Sure enough, that woman was there. Zhang Yuanqing silently complained in his heart.

She seemed to have nothing to do all day, just surfing the internet, either here or there.

During the Yin-Yang Town incident, seeing her qualities in all aspects being captain-level, it was clear she was very talented. If she focused her energy on cultivation, she would definitely be able to go further. Speaking of which, the Queen's figure is really good, plump and fleshy, like a ripe peach. Zhang Yuanqing quickly stopped his thoughts and continued reading the comments.

"Tou Bao's" remarks attracted enthusiastic responses from a group of official Xingzhe. Countless others were as curious as the Queen.

[Binlang Jia Yan Fali Wubian: Oh, I actually saw a couple's ID, ah no, it's a brother's ID. Old buddy, it's not right to keep us in suspense, hurry up and tell us what's going on with this Houtu Boots.]

[Nan Aiding: What's the situation with the Houtu Boots? Also, isn't a couple's name very common? I have one too. Bei Ge Tan]

After repeated requests, "Tou Bao" replied: [I won't keep you in suspense. Let me tell you, this Houtu Boots is part of a certain set. Um, you may not be very clear about what a set is. Currently, the organization divides items into three categories according to attributes: Cost-type, Rule-type, and XX-type.]

[But there is no popular science about sets. In fact, the meaning of a set is very simple. Anyone who has played games knows that some items, for some reason, can merge with each other and add to each other, forming an effect greater than 1+1=2. This is a set. The Houtu Boots is a Saint-quality item. Once the set is complete, the set's quality may directly chase the Dominator level. Tell me, are the Houtu Boots precious? The organization is really going all out this time.]

[Please Call Me Queen: I see, this is the first time I've heard of the concept of a set. Wow, I really want it!]

[Duoching de Jenny: Suddenly full of fighting spirit, but unfortunately I'm only level 2. This item is out of my reach (tears).]

[Lai Ri Fang Chang: If a Saint-quality set is complete, it may really be able to contend with a Dominator-quality item. This is awesome. But, brother Tou Bao, how do you know all this?]

[Tou Bao Pei Jiu Yue He Yue You: This item belongs to my superior. It is said that it was obtained in a dungeon exclusive to earth monsters and has been with him for many years. At first, he inquired everywhere and ran around to collect the set, but he couldn't find the other parts. Over the years, his level gradually increased, so he used this item and merit to exchange for a higher-level item from the organization.]

[Lai Ri Fang Chang: Oh, your words make me feel cold. It seems that the difficulty of collecting a set is extremely high.]

[Please Call Me Queen: The greater the difficulty, the more terrifying the attributes after the set is complete. I've decided, I'm going to compete for the top spot in this year's Extraordinary realm.]

You compete for what? With your strength, what are you going to compete with? Your 36D breasts? Zhang Yuanqing muttered.

"Houtu Boots, a part of a set." Zhang Yuanqing instinctively thought of his Yin-Yang magic robe. "I remember the Yin-Yang magic robe set has three other pieces: boots, belt, and crown. The magic robe has water and fire attributes. The other three pieces should correspond to the gold, wood, and earth elements."

Could the Houtu Boots be one of the Yin-Yang magic robe set?

The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. If there were a large number of sets, the probability that the Houtu Boots would happen to be one of the Yin-Yang magic robe parts would be very low, and Zhang Yuanqing wouldn't think that way.

But the reality is that sets are rare among items. Even official Xingzhe who have received training, many don't know about the concept of sets.

He had to find someone to ask. Zhang Yuanqing immediately opened his chat software and sent a message to Fu Qingyang: "Centurion, can I see the attribute description of the Houtu Boots?" He believed that Fu Qingyang could get the attributes of the Houtu Boots.

A dozen seconds later, Fu Qingyang replied: "For Lingjing Xingzhe, items are an important part of combat power, so the attributes of the Houtu Boots are strictly confidential. Even I can't find them. If you just want to understand, I can ask someone to check the basic information of the Houtu Boots, not involving functions and costs."

That was enough. He just needed to figure out if it was a part of the Yin-Yang magic robe. Zhang Yuanqing replied: "Thank you, Centurion."

Fu Qingyang was extremely efficient. After waiting for a few minutes, Zhang Yuanqing received his reply:

[Name: Houtu Boots]
[Type: Footwear]
[Introduction: These shoes are made of silkworm silk from the Holy Mountain, as light as a feather, and difficult to cut with blades. They were buried in the Holy Mountain for thirty-three years, absorbing the earth's energy of the dragon vein and refining the essence of the eight directions, thus becoming. Named: Houtu Boots.]
[Note 1: It is one of the parts of the sacrificial clothing, and the remaining three parts are: crown, robe, and belt. It is said that collecting all four pieces of the set can unlock the secret of longevity.]

No functions, no costs, just the most basic information.

This information was meaningless to others, at most giving them a basic concept of the Houtu Boots, but it was too important to Zhang Yuanqing.

"It really is one of the four-piece sacrificial set..." Zhang Yuanqing cheered and rolled over on the bed. He never expected that he would encounter another part less than a month after getting the Yin-Yang magic robe.

"For ordinary Extraordinary realm cultivators, a set is just a thought, but for me, it's of extraordinary significance. I already have a Yin-Yang magic robe, and if I get the Houtu Boots, the set will be half complete. Also, if I collect two pieces of the set, I wonder if there will be a set effect." Li Xianzhong's heart suddenly became hot.

As his level got higher and higher, the role of the items in his hand became lower and lower.

The main offensive "Thug Gloves", "Burst Pistol", and "Bloodthirsty Blade" were gradually unable to keep up with the pace. Even the Red Dance Shoes, a rule-type item, seemed weak in the face of Saints.

*Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms*

This difference would become more obvious after advancing to the Saint realm.

Therefore, he faced a very awkward situation - although there were many items, they did not match his level.

But the sacrificial set was different. It was originally Saint-quality, and when the set was complete, it could directly match the Dominator realm's items. It was able to grow and could be used until the Dominator realm.

The gap between a Lingjing Xingzhe with an item and one without an item was too big.

"Ding!"

As he was lost in thought, Fu Qingyang sent another message: "Are you interested in this item?"

Yuanshi Tianzun: "Yes, I want it."

Fu Qingyang: "The difficulty is a bit high. The Taiyi Sect is also participating in the arena this year. Work hard."

Right, the Taiyi Sect was participating. Zhang Yuanqing then thought of another thing. The official had announced that the Taiyi Sect would participate in this year's arena. He reopened the official forum and started browsing the posts.

"Just yesterday, the Taiyi Sect's official forum suddenly released an announcement, saying that they will jointly hold the arena with the Five Elements Alliance this year. As we all know, Night Watchers are a peak profession, and their average combat power is stronger than the other ten orthodox professions. I wonder if the powerhouses of the Five Elements Alliance feel pressured after hearing this news?"

"Of course, in recent years, the Five Elements Alliance has produced many talents. In the Extraordinary stage, there is the newly emerging genius Yuanshi Tianzun, and in the Saint stage, there is Fu Qingyang, who is known as invincible, as well as other senior powerhouses. I believe this year's arena will be very exciting."

Zhang Yuanqing felt a bit proud when he saw the official calling him a "newly emerging genius", but when he looked at the comments below, his optimistic mood instantly disappeared.

[Please Call Me Queen: Ah this, the Taiyi Sect is also participating? What's the point of playing then? The Houtu Boots is out of my reach, crying.]

Queen, you are everywhere.

[Lai Ri Fang Chang: The Celestial Venerable won't do, but Fu Qingyang is worth looking forward to.]

What do you mean I won't do? You, the last time with the Li Xianzhong incident, you also sang badly about me. You're jealous of me.

Zhang Yuanqing cursed in his heart.

[Please Call Me Queen: Yuanshi Tianzun still has a chance to compete for the top three. The person above is just jealous.]

[Lai Ri Fang Chang: Not jealous, Queen. I'm not the Celestial Venerable's hater. I'm just analyzing objectively. First of all, Yuanshi Tianzun is a newcomer. He levels up very quickly, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a newcomer. Psychological quality, combat experience, and physical skills, these qualities that accumulate over time, are his weaknesses.]

[Lai Ri Fang Chang: Secondly, he only just leveled up to 3. I remember you said that he leveled up to 3 in the Yin Town dungeon. Then his current experience value should be less than 10%, right? But in the Taiyi Sect, there are many experienced level 3 Xingzhe. Some people's experience value is already over 90%, and those people don't lack powerful items, so, facing those experienced powerhouses, the Celestial Venerable doesn't have an advantage.]

[Lai Ri Fang Chang: Finally, those experienced level 3 Xingzhe in the Taiyi Sect all have spirit servants and Yin corpses. I don't know much about Yuanshi Tianzun's situation. If he has spirit servants and Yin corpses, then he can pull back a little bit of the gap. If he doesn't...]

[Lai Ri Fang Chang: Yuanshi Tianzun's main problem is that his reputation is too loud. He has already become the Five Elements Alliance's brand in the Extraordinary stage, so it gives many people an illusion of invincibility. The reason why Li Xianzhong hunted Yuanshi Tianzun in the first place was because of his reputation.]

[Wang Fei: This guy upstairs is still saying he's not jealous. His words are all belittling Yuanshi Tianzun. What you said does have some truth, but even among experienced level 3, Yuanshi Tianzun is not a weakling. I can only say that his chances of winning the championship are not high. I think he definitely has a chance to compete for the top five or top three.]

[Tou Bao Pei Jiu Yue He Yue You: I only hope that the Houtu Boots won't be snatched away by the Taiyi Sect guys. I remember that there are quite a few powerhouses at level 3 in our Five Elements Alliance, they are just more low-key. Who can list a name?]

[Wang Tai: Regarding the list, the scholars from our various branches have created a small group and are integrating the data of all level 3 Xingzhe from the Five Elements Alliance and the Taiyi Sect. Through items, physical skills, past achievements, and so on, we have developed a set of intelligent algorithms. By tomorrow afternoon at the latest, we will be able to calculate a list based on big data.]

So, you were working overtime in the unit because of this? Seeing this, Zhang Yuanqing didn't continue to read the comments. The one called "Lai Ri Fang Chang" was actually very objective. Zhang Yuanqing knew his true situation.

Early stage level 3, basic fighting skills, putting aside all items, his strength wasn't bad, but to say that he could overwhelm the Extraordinary stage was definitely impossible. Take Li Xianzhong for example. Now, without relying on the Yin-Yang magic robe, he would only dare to say that he could compete with him, without the certainty of winning. At most, it would be a 50-50 chance, or even a 40-60 chance.

"It's impossible to increase my experience value. My solo spirit realm hasn't come yet, and that will be in late May. By then, the arena will be over. The only way to make up for my combat power now is with Yin corpses." He hoped Xiao Yuan would keep his word and hurry up and hunt the Enchantment Demon.

Just as he was thinking, he suddenly saw a post: #Past Arena Gameplay – Predicting This Year's Arena Mode#

The arena also has modes?

Zhang Yuanqing's heart stirred, and he was about to click on the post when the bedroom door was suddenly opened roughly. He had already heard the footsteps, so he wasn't surprised. He looked over calmly. But when he saw his grandmother holding a broom, Zhang Yuanqing's face immediately tensed up. He quickly put down his phone and habitually straightened his back. "Grand, Grandma?"

His grandmother put the broom handle on her grandson's neck and said coldly and ruthlessly, "I heard you're being kept?"

"Why don't you learn something good from your uncle? Why are you learning to be a kept man?"

Li Xianzhong's first reaction was: Did his cousin betray him!

But then he thought that his cousin was mature and steady and would never do such a thing to betray his cousin, so he cautiously asked, "Who, who did you hear that from?"

His grandmother sneered, "In a few hours, it will spread throughout the neighborhood. Didn't you come back in a rich woman's sports car yesterday?"

So that's what it was... Zhang Yuanqing argued, "That doesn't mean I'm being kept."

His grandmother squinted, "Would the gossiping people care about that? Besides, with your personality, what's impossible about being kept? I wouldn't be surprised if you became a live-in son-in-law in the future."

His grandmother pressed down on the broom and said angrily, "Speak! Are you being kept?"

His grandmother was a traditional woman and would never accept her grandson being a kept man. Zhang Yuanqing then repeated the same explanation he used to convince his cousin.

After listening, his grandmother's expression softened slightly. She took the broom off her grandson's neck and said, "Really? Mhm!"

Zhang Yuanqing quickly nodded.

"That's more like it!" His grandmother changed the subject, "Invite her to come home for dinner, and then I'll believe you."

"Ah?" Zhang Yuanqing was immediately dumbfounded.

His grandmother sneered, "If I easily believed you based on your one-sided words, wouldn't I have married your grandfather for decades in vain? That's it! You decide the time yourself, any day this week is fine!"

After saying that, she left with the broom and hurried out.

She was going to explain to the old women in the neighborhood that her grandson wasn't being kept, but had a rich girlfriend. Old Chen had been a policeman all his life and still had a lot of prestige in the neighborhood.

The Chen family's reputation could not be ruined by this little beast. Although, although the reputation of the family's scum eating soft rice had already spread.