Bai Ye said, "Yes, this rule seems to be about you bringing back three items, but it also implies that if you don't defeat the boss of a floor, you'll be trapped there indefinitely."
"Mmm!" Gao Ming frowned. "That is indeed troublesome."
Bai Ye continued, "The good news is that you can re-enter. The bosses on the first and second floors are not a major issue, but you need to be cautious on the third floor. However, your objective is indeed the third floor, as only there can you obtain items of red quality."
"But don't be too greedy. Concentrate on a few top players. If one group can clear it, that's enough profit. As for those with lesser strength, don't push yourselves. Frankly, that place isn't meant for everyone to enter and exit freely at this stage."
"I understand," Gao Ming nodded. "I will report this to our guild leader so he can consider it."
Bai Ye asked, "What about the transaction method?"
Gao Ming replied, "It's the same as last time, what do you think? Once we enter one of the areas, I'll give you the rest."
"Fine," Bai Ye agreed. "Give me the Mechanical Augmentation."
This was something he had to get his hands on as soon as possible. Although the Gene Modification was beneficial for himself, he couldn't deny his special attachment to Mechanical Augmentation.
Gao Ming nodded. "No problem. Just a quick question, which side do you think we should prioritize conquering?"
Bai Ye suggested, "It will take time either way. You could actually do both. Send your main force to the Primordial Domain, and then find some experts to mix it up in the game. After clearing the Primordial Domain, you can then provide support."
Gao Ming hesitated for a moment. "Can we handle that?"
Bai Ye explained, "The main thing is for you to clear the Primordial Domain first and then seize two hidden quests. Once someone accepts a hidden quest, others can't snatch it away, and you can complete them at your leisure later."
"That makes sense," Gao Ming nodded. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Bai Ye replied. "Also, a friendly reminder: defeating the boss on the third floor allows entry to the fourth. Absolutely do not go. You will be trapped if you do. The fourth floor allows you to bring out three items of gold quality, which is definitely not something we can handle at this stage. Even I would just be imprisoned there."
"Mmm, I understand," Gao Ming said. "Mechanical Augmentation and the Undying Flame will be delivered to you via Gigantic Gull courier in two days."
Bai Ye nodded. "Good."
"Oh, and about Liu Shiyue," Gao Ming added. "This matter is pretty much confirmed. Liu Shiyue is capturing sea-crossing beast tamers in the Beast Taming World to go out to sea."
Bai Ye was surprised. "Go out to sea?"
Gao Ming explained, "There's an ability zone, most of which is ocean. The natives of that zone are in conflict, mainly divided into two factions: the Navy and the Pirates."
"The Hidden Dragon Society has obtained a hidden quest that directly concerns a large forbidden zone. The zone is called the 'Summit War.' It's rumored that you have a chance to obtain gold-quality abilities, and possibly more than one..."
Bai Ye interjected, "That's impossible. Unless there are special circumstances, gold-quality abilities aren't obtainable at this stage. Neither hidden quests nor forbidden zones can grant them, let alone completing them; even triggering them is difficult."
"Right, so it's not for this stage," Gao Ming clarified. "According to the information I've gathered, there are three major pirate crews in that area. One of the core members of a crew called the Whitebeard Pirates was captured by the Navy, and they plan to publicly execute him."
"But the problem is that the time of the public execution hasn't been announced. Based on my deduction, the execution ground will be the large forbidden zone, involving the conflict between the Navy and the Pirates. Chosen Ones will need to choose a side, either to save him or to obstruct the execution."
"However, since the execution time hasn't been announced yet, it means the forbidden zone won't open now. It's still my speculation, but the Hidden Dragon Society's progress on their hidden quest likely determines when the forbidden zone will open."
"Liu Shiyue is currently doing preparatory work, and it seems the initial preparations are complete. I received news that he has already taken people into that area, but it will still take a considerable amount of time for the large forbidden zone to open."
"On one hand, the Hidden Dragon Society will need to continue preparing to conquer the large forbidden zone. On the other hand, a hidden quest related to a large forbidden zone won't be easy, right? I believe it will take them quite some time to complete their hidden quest."
Bai Ye asked, "So, where is that area located?"
Gao Ming inquired, "Do you have the widely circulated map recently?"
Bai Ye chuckled, "The forty-eight-grid map?"
The forty-eight-grid map was created by the Chosen Ones. It wasn't complicated; it involved drawing forty-eight vertical and horizontal grids on a map to better divide the regions.
Of course, this division wasn't for the World Battlefield itself but was self-imposed by the Chosen Ones, with simple region classifications based on gathered intelligence.
Bai Ye knew about this from his previous life. Counting the time, it was indeed about right for it to be created. However, the World Battlefield was vast, and it would take at least another year or two for the forty-eight-grid map to be fully classified.
It's worth mentioning that the central area and the central tower were terms that only became formally circulated among the Chosen Ones after the forty-eight-grid map appeared.
Gao Ming stated, "According to that map, the area Liu Shiyue went to should be located at the twenty-fourth grid in the south."
"I understand," Bai Ye replied. "If you get any new information, remember to inform me."
"Alright, I'll notify you if there's any news."
...
After ending the call with Gao Ming, Bai Ye showed a satisfied expression.
Although Bai Ye was located in a high-level area like the City of Ruins, where there were very few Chosen Ones, leading to information being somewhat scarce, the situation reported by Gao Ming indicated that the Evil Spirit Guild was developing very rapidly.
This was good news. Currently, the conflicts and friction between factions were not obvious, as the Hidden Dragon Society was the dominant force. However, the Evil Spirit Guild's pursuit was evident.
And the Evil Spirit Guild had only been established for five months.
The change in history was very apparent. In Bai Ye's memory, it took the Evil Spirit Guild a year and a half to show signs of rivaling the Hidden Dragon Society in his previous life.
Furthermore, at that time, the Hidden Dragon Society had some internal issues and changed its leader, causing some turmoil, which then gave the Evil Spirit Guild an opportunity, and the two major forces finally stood on equal footing.
At that point, the Evil Spirit Guild had been established for exactly two years.
Comparing this, it was clear that Bai Ye's intervention had been effective. The progress of history had accelerated, and the progress of the World Battlefield would undoubtedly speed up.
After concluding matters with Gao Ming, Bai Ye finally got to see the person he had been waiting for.
Yimi had arrived!
"I plan to go to the Hidden Dragon Society. Is there anything you need me to do?"