In the shallow snow-covered ground of the valley, countless crisscrossing horse tracks were scattered. Lin Zhao did not engage in a head-on collision. Instead, he utilized the collision of his sword energy, the Dragon Ascension Slash for control, and the frost-slow effect of his flying sword, Mingyue, to continuously drag and pull. Each time, he dealt damage within his tolerance, avoiding direct confrontation with the Boss.
As a result, the Boss, who possessed the Ninth Realm Martial Warrior cultivation, roared in anger and frustration. Had they fought with pure strength, he could have taken down that brat in less than ten breaths. However, the opponent continuously evaded his sword strikes through clever tactics. This enraged Liu Han, making him feel like all his strength was useless.
An S-rank mission Boss was generally difficult to solo. However, for Lin Zhao, as long as he reasonably utilized his advantages, he could maintain stable control throughout the entire battle. During the Boss's entire攻略 process, Lin Zhao's HP never dropped below the dangerous line of 30%. Although it took a considerable amount of time, it was worth it.
…
Twenty-five minutes later, accompanied by a wisp of blood-red sword light descending from the sky, Lin Zhao's Sword of Qiankun was thrown with a damage output of over 8000+, directly depleting the Boss's last trace of vitality. Liu Han let out a mournful cry, his soul officially being transcended. Simultaneously, a cascade of gold coins poured out, intermingled with some dropped items.
"Hehehe~~~"
Lin Zhao relished this moment of accomplishment. He stepped forward, crouched, and gathered all the gold coins. It was indeed a level 75 Flowing Gold Boss, with a total gold coin output of over 1200. Given the current fluctuating value of gold coins in "Tianxia" at 1:18, this equated to over twenty thousand universal coins in income. With a little more, his expenses for the Sea God Rock today would be covered!
After collecting the gold coins, the few items dropped by the Boss became clear. A pair of gauntlets radiating a fiery red glow, possibly a good item. A long sword engulfed in flames, perhaps also a treasure. Additionally, a necklace emitting a radiant mist. There were no other items, and no alliance token dropped.
Lin Zhao felt a slight disappointment, but it was fine; the equipment might still be good.
He picked up the gauntlets and brushed them with his hand. Indeed, the equipment did not disappoint him. The appearance of these gauntlets was already impressive, and their stats were formidable—
[Gauntlets of the Ten Thousand Cavalry Commander] (Flowing Gold Grade)
Type: Armor
Defense: 360
Strength: +85
Stamina: +82
Agility: +80
Special Effect: Damage Reduction +5%
Special Effect: Damage Increase, Self Attack Damage +5%
Special Effect: Tenacity, Increases user's HP cap by 2400
Special Effect: Iron Cavalry Will, Damage dealt while mounted +10%
Special Effect: Flame Resistance, Reduces received flame damage by 20%
Additional: Increases user's Attack Power by 18%
Additional: Increases user's Defense by 18%
Required Level: 70
…
These were exceptionally prime gauntlets. High defense, high primary stats, and the Tenacity effect alone added 2400 HP. Furthermore, there was a 5% damage increase, 5% damage reduction, 20% flame damage resistance, and a 10% damage increase effect in mounted combat. These were all prime attributes needed by a Sword Master. It could be said that not a single attribute on this equipment was wasted.
These gauntlets were priceless!
With a "clink," Lin Zhao's level was sufficient. He immediately equipped them, replacing his previous level 50 Dark Gold Grade Chaotic Flame Gauntlets. Those gauntlets were also decent, and perhaps Ding Chi and Roman would be interested. The next moment, a pair of Gauntlets of the Ten Thousand Cavalry Commander appeared on his wrists, a gentle aura seeping into him, bringing comfort.
Onward, the next piece of equipment, that long sword entwined with flames, could it be his next weapon?
As the equipment attributes were revealed, Lin Zhao was somewhat stunned. It seemed he had been overthinking.
[Standard Longsword of the Yunzhou Iron Cavalry] (Gold Grade)
Attack: 275-420
Strength: +32
Stamina: +30
Special Effect: Lifesteal +4%
Special Effect: Armor Pierce, Ignores target's defense by 11%
Special Effect: Deals 25% splash damage to targets within 5 yards.
Additional: Increases user's Attack Power by 5%
Lore: Over a hundred years ago, Tianji City in Yunzhou gathered renowned blacksmiths from across the land and collected fine iron from the mountains. They ultimately forged hundreds of thousands of standard longswords. These iron swords were exceptionally durable and were the sharp blades of every Yunzhou Iron Cavalry soldier. In the battle of the northern expedition led by Yue Hao, half of the demon soldiers were slain by these standard longswords.
Required Strength: 300
Required Level: 70
…
It was a Gold Grade sword, but with powerful late-game advantages. A level 70 Gold Grade sword actually had a higher maximum attack power than Lin Zhao's current Qinglu Sword. It was understandable; although Qinglu Sword was Dark Gold Grade, it was still a level 38 weapon. Its attack attributes were naturally inferior to a level 70 Gold Grade sword. However, attributes like lifesteal, armor pierce, and splash damage far surpassed those of the Gold Grade sword, so Lin Zhao was not planning to switch.
He had grown fond of Qinglu Sword after using it for so long. If he were to switch, he would want to make a significant upgrade, perhaps directly to a Flowing Gold Grade sword. But Flowing Gold Grade longswords would come with time; there was no rush. His随遇而安 (go with the flow) personality was still somewhat present, otherwise, he wouldn't have survived in the small town back then.
Finally, there was a shimmering necklace. Lin Zhao grabbed it. The pendant of the necklace was a metal cage, within which a metal carved dragon seemed to be imprisoned. The dragon was lifelike, and a surge of majestic aura pulsed around it. This was undoubtedly extraordinary and couldn't possibly disappoint him again. He brushed it with his hand, and his eyes instantly lit up. It was indeed an ultimate-grade item—
[Dragon Cage Necklace] (Flowing Gold Grade)
Strength: +90
Stamina: +88
Agility: +85
Special Effect: Critical Strike +6%
Special Effect: Damage Increase +8%
Special Effect: Lifesteal +12%
Special Effect: Precision, Hit Rate +60%
Special Effect: Dragon Blade, Has a 20% chance to trigger an attack with 500% damage when attacking.
Skill: [Ascending Dragon Everywhere], Unleashes the imprisoned dragon from the pendant on targets within a 40x40 yard area, dealing 500% attack damage and inflicting a Dragon Ascension silence effect, preventing the use of any skills or movement for 3 seconds. Skill cooldown: 30 minutes.
Additional: Increases user's Attack Power by 18%
Additional: Increases user's Defense by 18%
Required Level: 70
…
The value of this necklace was beyond Lin Zhao's imagination. If it were put up for auction, the final transaction price would likely be astonishing. Not for any other reason, but because of this necklace's perfect attributes: critical strike, lifesteal, hit rate, almost all maxed out. It also had a 500% follow-up damage effect, and a group silence skill, Ascending Dragon Everywhere. This skill was the most outrageous.
Of course, there was something even more outrageous: the 8% damage increase attribute. This attribute, as anyone who understood it would know.
The next second, the Dragon Cage Necklace was equipped, replacing the Fiery Necklace that had been crucial in defeating Shen Xingchen. He had officially upgraded his gear. The moment he put on the Dragon Cage Necklace, he felt a fervent burning sensation in his chest, a warmth that spread through him, and his combat power surged.
[White Robe] (Sword Master)
Level: 70
Attack: 940-1622 (+183%)
Defense: 1610 (+196%)
HP: 28850
Critical Strike: 16%
Lifesteal: 40%
Damage Reduction: 21%
Damage Increase: 13%
Comprehension: 99
Charisma: 10
Reputation: 9580
Combat Power: 3450
…
Lin Zhao's current personal stats were basically invincible. The nearly 200% equipment enhancement bonus was enough to make other players drool. But his strongest aspects weren't these visible stats; they were the specific bonuses below. Among them, the combination of 16% critical strike + 13% damage increase would result in truly terrifying damage. The synergy between 21% damage reduction + 40% lifesteal would provide survivability that would absolutely make other players spit blood!
In summary, Lin Zhao's current combat power ranking had surpassed Shen Xingchen, reclaiming the top spot in Yunshang County.
At this moment, Lin Zhao felt a sense of vindication. It should be like this; the dignified alliance leader being constantly suppressed by his dear vice-leader didn't seem right and could lead to a loss of authority.
Looking at his stats, he felt a sense of contentment.
Let's go, time for the real business!
Turning around, he shattered the steel prison door of the cave with a "clang" from his sword. He frowned, peered into the prison, and was immediately hit by an extremely foul odor. Eyes watched him; they were border cavalry soldiers from Yunshang County, over 100 in total. There must have been more before, most of whom had been killed by the ghost cultivator.
"Alright."
Lin Zhao smiled slightly and said, "I am a Sword Cultivator from Yunshang County. You are now free. Hurry and leave before that ghost cultivator discovers you. It might be too late if you delay."
"Yes!"
A group of cavalry soldiers, their appearances almost unrecognizable from mistreatment, repeatedly expressed their thanks and filed out. They were in rags, their armor rusted, and it was unclear how they had survived. Lin Zhao escorted them out of the valley, a slight frown on his face. He had finally done another good deed, and his heart felt at ease. The feeling of doing good deeds anonymously was truly wonderful.
Just then, a notification bell rang; the long-awaited quest reward had arrived—
"Ding!"
System Notification: Congratulations on completing the Main Quest [Rescue the Border Cavalry] (S-rank). Rewards: Current Level Experience +35%, Gold Coins +600, Reputation +1000, Charm +1!
…
The overall rewards were quite good; his efforts were not in vain!
"Sword Cultivator, we're leaving then…"
A group of cavalry soldiers turned and saluted.
"Yes, I won't see you off!"
Outside the枯骨林地 (Withering Bone Forest), Lin Zhao cupped his fists and smiled, "Travel safely!"
They departed.
But at this moment, a cold sneer suddenly echoed in Lin Zhao's mind: "Well done, a sword cultivator of the lower five realms, daring to ruin Grandpa's good deed. You've saved these useless cavalry soldiers, but now it's your turn to suffer!"
"Hmm?"
Lin Zhao frowned, vaguely feeling a sharp sting from his first condensed sword lake, as if… he had been fiercely glared at by a sword cultivator of a higher realm. The next moment, a notification bell sounded, and a second quest arrived immediately—
"Ding!"
System Notification: You have triggered the Main Quest [Slay the Ghost Cultivator Huang Liang] (SS-rank)!
Quest Objective: These cavalry soldiers were offerings for the Ghost Cultivator's Death Demonic Path. By letting these soldiers go, you have thoroughly offended the Ghost Cultivator Huang Liang. You must kill Huang Liang within 12 hours, otherwise, you will face Huang Liang's vengeful pursuit. However, be extremely cautious. Huang Liang is not only a Star River Realm Ghost Cultivator but also a Star River Realm Sword Cultivator. His strength is considerable. You may seek the help of at most 2 companions to enter the map where Huang Liang is located and defeat him!
…
It was a shareable quest.
Lin Zhao took a deep breath. He could share it with a maximum of two people. Who should he choose?