"The Divine Realm Continent is in an even higher position than the Central Empire. All nine-tier powerhouses go there to train and improve their strength. Anyone below the ninth tier who goes there is just seeking death!"
Zhang Pingfan inferred from this that the Divine Realm Continent was definitely a map for level 90 and above. Given his current peak level, he should be able to go there with ease.
"System sister, can I go to the Divine Realm Continent?"
[Ding! You can, but you need to complete a quest before you can go. After all, the Divine Realm Continent hasn't been opened yet, and neither has the Central Empire!]
"Another quest? Can't we be more direct?"
[Ding! Alright, to be direct, you cannot go, because the map is not yet open.]
"...Fine, you win. Tell me, what quest do you need me to do?"
[Ding! System prompt: The system has issued a new quest for you. Please go to the former Beginner Village No. 88, now Pingfan City, to accept the quest at the Widow Wang's house!]
Zhang Pingfan's face immediately darkened.
"Big sister, that's not fair! Although widows are loved by all, I have a girlfriend, so don't mess around!"
[Ding! Ptooey! Filthy, shameless, vulgar! Do you think the quest I'm issuing is that kind of quest? Don't use your filthy thoughts to twist it!]
"Uh, your quest is really confusing, especially when it involves a widow..."
[Ding! Scram! Are you going to do the quest or not? If you don't, I'm leaving. I have some things to take care of today!]
"You? What can you possibly have to take care of? You're just a game system, what do you need to handle?"
[Ding! What business is it of yours? Are you doing the quest or not?]
"I'll do it. After all, it concerns the happiness of my future life. How can I not do it?"
After accepting the quest, Zhang Pingfan set off for Widow Wang's house in Pingfan City.
Zhang Pingfan knew the NPC layout of Pingfan City like the back of his hand, being the village chief and all.
Following the information provided, Zhang Pingfan arrived at Widow Wang's doorstep.
However, upon reaching the location, Zhang Pingfan frowned.
Because after Pingfan City was expanded, everything was newly built, yet Widow Wang's house remained a thatched hut, just like in the beginner village.
Although it wasn't as dilapidated as the beginner village's hut, it still retained the appearance of a beginner village thatched cottage.
"What's going on? It couldn't have been like this during construction!"
Zhang Pingfan walked to the door and knocked.
Hearing the knock, Widow Wang, wearing an apron, opened the door.
A beautiful woman in her thirties appeared before Zhang Pingfan, with an astonishingly pretty face and a perfect figure.
Her smile was truly captivating.
Seeing the village chief at her door, Widow Wang smiled.
"Village Chief, it's you! Why have you come?"
Zhang Pingfan frowned and asked, "Sister Wang, when the new city was being built, why wasn't your house rebuilt? I remember all residences were renovated, so why is yours still so shabby! Who dares to defy my orders!"
Seeing Zhang Pingfan's anger, Widow Wang quickly tried to appease him.
"Village Chief, please don't be angry. I requested it myself!"
Zhang Pingfan was a bit confused. Why would she prefer living in a shabby thatched hut when she could have a nice house?
"What's the situation? Is someone threatening you? Don't be afraid, the village chief is here to protect you!"
Zhang Pingfan vaguely knew that people like widows were often bullied by others in society.
Although no major incidents had occurred within his jurisdiction, it was still possible for things he didn't know about to happen.
Widow Wang shook her head quickly, a hint of warmth in her beautiful eyes.
"Thank you, Village Chief, but this is truly my own wish!"
"Really?"
"It is indeed, Village Chief. You are constantly developing our village, and it has become Pingfan City. We villagers are very grateful to you!"
Zhang Pingfan smiled, "It's my duty, after all, I am the village chief. But what exactly is going on here?"
"Me? Before the Village Chief arrived, my husband was the village's number one warrior. To better protect the village and me, he went out to adventure, but he never returned. He's been gone for ten years!"
Zhang Pingfan could tell from Widow Wang's low tone that her husband had likely gone on a trial.
"I understand, Sister Wang. I'm sorry for bringing up painful memories!"
Widow Wang revealed a slight smile.
"It's okay. Ten years have passed, and people have to live on. It's just that I still hold a sliver of hope for him, so I haven't renovated my little house! If he returns and sees this thatched cottage, he should remember me!"
Zhang Pingfan sighed. Although she had let go, her lingering attachment remained.
"Sister Wang, do you know where your husband was last seen?"
Widow Wang shook her head.
"He disappeared as soon as he left, with no further news. We only knew that he went to a place called the Divine Realm Continent! We don't know what happened to him in the end. At first, he would send me one or two letters a year, but after the third year, there was no more news. That's when I knew something had likely happened. Heh, but I'm still waiting for him here. Do you think I'm very foolish?"
When Zhang Pingfan heard "Divine Realm Continent," he finally understood why the system wanted him to find Widow Wang. The quest was here.
"Sister Wang, the Divine Realm Continent is very dangerous, but I've heard that there are also many opportunities. Perhaps your husband is just trapped and not dead!"
Widow Wang's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Village Chief, are you telling the truth?"
Zhang Pingfan nodded and said, "Nothing is impossible. I heard that some people stay in the Divine Realm Continent for decades. It's not that they don't want to come back, but they are trapped somewhere and simply cannot get out!"
"Really?"
Of course, it was true. He had learned this from Hei Huang. The Divine Realm Continent was fraught with peril, and one could easily get trapped in some forbidden zone.
Hei Huang himself had been trapped for five years. After finally breaking free, he never dared to venture into the Divine Realm Continent again!
"It's absolutely true, but don't place all your hopes on this. Sometimes, it might truly be over!"
Widow Wang became emotional.
"Really? As long as there's a glimmer of hope, I'm willing to wait. Village Chief, please help me find my husband, even if it's just his remains!"
[Ding! System prompt: Widow Wang has issued you a new quest to find her husband. Completing the quest will earn you special rewards!]