Second Ascension!
"A contender for the Slaughter Authority, returning from the torrent of history?"
Roger frowned slightly.
The vision that the other party projects to you through the authority of the same kind.
Roger didn't have much information.
All I can say is that "Slaughter Mask" appears to be an over-the-top actor.
The lines were so cringeworthy and offensive that even Roger felt embarrassed for him.
Compared to his theatrical arias.
Roger was more concerned with Slaughter Mask's main area of expertise—
Slaughter!...
A stage play!
Prophecy!
The first one is easy to understand, so we can skip it.
The second or third one is rather intriguing.
"Does the theater world dictate that his way of speaking is merely a part of the performance?"
"As for the prophecy..."
"Oh."
"I wonder if he foresaw the scene where I killed him."
Roger gave a soft snort.
Faced with the aggressive questioning from the Slaughter Mask.
He did nothing.
They simply turned around and left.
Very soon.
The endless darkness then vanished.
Within Roger's perception.
The alarm has been lifted.
Although from the perspective of authority.
Roger of lower rank will be relentlessly pursued day and night by the Slaughter Mask's Projection.
But he was not afraid.
As long as you have a sense of vigilance.
Even if the next one comes is Slaughter Mask himself.
Roger would tell him he would never return!
They ignored Slaughter Mask's provocation.
Roger returned to the Clear Spring Sect on his own.
He noticed this along the way.
The number of disciples guarding the vicinity of the Great Secret Realm has decreased significantly.
Only two teams were conducting routine patrols.
This is likely because Roger later sealed off the entrances and exits to the Great Secret Realm.
This led to a sharp decline in interest in Peach Blossom Mountain among nearby residents.
The members of the Clear Spring Sect then withdrew.
However, Peach Blossom Mountain is, after all, Great Secret Realm right under our noses.
The Clear Spring Sect attaches great importance to this place.
Roger did not return to Clear Spring Mountain.
Ji Qiu was secretly spying on them, was spotted in a clump of grass not far away...
The little green dragon.
"Walk!"
"Take me to your master."
Roger gently flicked the little green dragon's head.
The latter looked utterly shocked.
Then it obediently tucked its tail between its legs and flew away.
Not long after.
Roger and Ji Qiu met at a border outpost in the southwest.
The two sides met.
Ji Qiu asked impatiently:
"Sect Master..."
"Done."
Roger could tell what Roger wanted to ask from the expectant look in his eyes.
So they got straight to the point.
Ji Qiu breathed a sigh of relief.
"Has anything major happened near the sect in the past month or so? What about the Southern Continent? And Kuinan..."
"Never mind!"
"Bring me all the important intelligence within the Twin Stars area for a look..."
Roger solemnly gave the instructions.
Ji Qiu immediately sent someone to handle it.
In terms of intelligence.
The Clear Spring Sect has gradually established a system that is already taking shape.
These things are also the materials that Ji Qiu and the elders usually use in their meetings.
Therefore, existing documents are available.
Not long after.
Roger now had a thick stack of documents in his hands.
Just as he guessed.
During the time he took control of Peach Blossom Mountain.
Quite a few major events have indeed occurred.
First, a small-scale brawl broke out among superhumans on the south coast.
Both sides in the brawl are high-level spellcasters.
In the beginning.
Nobody knew what had happened.
After all, that area was the territory of the Ether Witch.
A long time passed.
This was accompanied by the appearance of some highly skilled female spellcasters who shared their experiences.
Only then did everyone understand the ins and outs of this chaotic battle.
turn out to be.
During the time when the Ether Witch infiltrated Peach Blossom Mountain.
The "Blood Moon Holy Grail," a mysterious organization she established in the south that specifically recruits women, has split.
An uncontrollable conflict has emerged between the moderates and radicals within the organization.
In addition, there were rumors that the Witch had died in Peach Blossom Mountain.
Thus, the war of division broke out.
After things became clear.
Everyone knew that the Blood Moon Holy Grail had split into the Mirror Moon Faction (moderate) and the Arc Moon Faction (radical).
The two sides clashed violently on the south coast.
Since they are all high-level spellcasters.
Both are female.
Therefore, the intensity of the battle remained at a very high level.
The infighting between these two factions has plunged the already miserable South Coast into chaos.
It's almost turned into a desolate wasteland with no one in sight!
The intelligence Roger reviewed showed...
Nobody wants to go near the south coast now.
Everyone wanted to wait until the two groups of tough girls finished their fight before taking a closer look.
After all, the land on the south coast is said to be very fertile.
It surpasses even the Frog Claw Basin.
Therefore, there are still quite a few eyes on that area.
Roger, however, knew very well.
Since the Ether Witch escaped back.
Then this civil war won't last long.
I'd rather see them fight amongst themselves and both sides suffer heavy losses.
Roger was more concerned about the reason for their falling out.
"What kind of organization is this Blood Moon Holy Grail? They only recruit women and not men, could it be a misogynistic organization...?"
"There are also radicals and moderates!"
"Tsk tsk... it's got the feel for it."
Roger is still very interested in information related to the Ether Witch.
After reviewing this file.
He specifically instructed the Clear Spring Sect's intelligence system to keep a close eye on the situation in the south.
From a time perspective
The civil war involving the Blood Moon Holy Grail occurred in the first half of this month.
And in the latter part of the month.
The massacre that occurred in the central part of the Southern Continent completely shocked the entire Mystra —and even the entire Quenan!
The cause of this was the planet's massive expansion.
The mountainous region more than 800 kilometers south of the Frog Claw Basin.
At the same time, two new regions were conceived!
One of them is Sub-Plane from Mystra.
There was a relatively primitive city-state there.
Civilization was not very advanced.
But everyone is martial.
The local customs are relatively simple and honest.
Most of the people in the city make a living by hunting.
This Sub-Plane merged into the Prime Material Plane.
Large areas of forest have also appeared on the surface of that region.
originally.
These forests would be the best cover.
This was enough to support the gradual integration of the force known as "Wildfire City" into Mystra.
However, things didn't go as planned.
Earlier this month.
A Great Secret Realm has appeared on the outskirts of Wildfire City!
They instinctively sent people to explore the Great Secret Realm.
But they were attacked by a group of shadows walking in the Shadow Realm!
That night.
Those shadows that emerged from the Great Secret Realm wiped out the entire Wildfire City!
In the end, only a little over 200 survivors remained.
They spared these people not out of kindness.
It's not to spread their infamy!...
In fact.
They achieved the desired effect.
Now all of Mystra knows that this legion of monsters, like shadow Assassin, is called the "Child of Slaughter"! And who commands the Child of Slaughter?
He is the one who wields the Slaughter Authority from the 8th History World.
That is, Slaughter Mask, who just assassinated Roger! And that's why.
Roger put a lot of thought into this matter.
It not only uses perception to capture anomalies.
And they even did several divinations.
Only then did we obtain more complete information.
All indications suggest that...
Slaughter Mask has obtained the key to enter and exit the 8th History World.
Ten days after the massacre.
Slaughter Mask has officially made his debut.
He proclaimed his fame to the world through the "Divine Art: Vision".
Immediately afterwards.
He did something incredible.
In the vision, he revealed the Great Secret Realm called "Dinosaur Manor" to all the High Perception beings in the Southern Continent.
Slaughter Mask claims.
Dinosaur Manor has been completely contaminated by Aberrant Matter.
It has become a paradise for monsters.
And as the owner of the Dinosaur Manor.
He could certainly kill all the monsters by himself.
But he found it 'too boring'! So he extended an invitation to all ascendants aspiring to compete for the Twelve Keys—
"I've decided to throw a killing party at the Dinosaur Manor."
Anyone who wants to kill, steal treasure, exorcise demons, or become famous...
Anyone can come over! I've changed the rules for the Great Secret Realm.
At Dinosaur Mountain.
Killing will be the main theme from beginning to end.
Believe me.
This will be an absolutely fair and bloody battle.
And I myself will also participate in it.
don't worry.
To ensure enough fun.
I will weaken myself first.
For example.
this..."
Amidst the strange phenomena.
When we get to this point...
Slaughter Mask threw a silver mask into the Dinosaur Manor in front of everyone! Roar! A velociraptor-like monster snatched it away.
Then it disappeared into the vast primeval forest!
"Historical Knowledge: You've Discovered the Twelve Keys (Pure Silver Mask)"
"Pure Silver Mask: The key to taking control of the Dinosaur Manor, leading to the 8th History Realm (Sky Island)"
"Bring it on!"
"Nobody knows where the mask went!"
"Let's have a good, bloody fight!"
"Dinosaur Manor will be open to everyone until the end of the month!"
"I'll be waiting for you here!"
"Cowards..."
The end of that extremely flamboyant speech.
It's a scene of Slaughter Mask laughing so hard his mouth seems to be splitting open!
Through a partially concealing mask.
Roger could see clearly into his bright, clear eyes.
Judging from their eyes.
This guy is definitely not as crazy as he seems on the surface.
on the contrary.
He was very calm during his speech.
"This guy has good bone structure; he should be quite good-looking..."
Roger's Absolute Insight could not penetrate the vision.
One can only rely on intuition to judge Slaughter Mask's appearance.
Without a doubt.
Slaughter Mask is challenging the 'Heroes of the World' to a duel.
Considering his status and domain.
This move is reasonable.
It's a pity.
Roger had no intention of paying him any attention! Fighting on enemy territory was the most unwise move.
Roger really wanted the Pure Silver Mask.
But keys won't grow wings and fly away anymore.
He had to be wary of whether the other party wanted to lure everyone into the Great Secret Realm and kill them all at once.
During the killing.
Slaughter Mask should be able to reap enormous profits! Even more.
Perhaps this is part of his ' Immortal Ritual '.
After all, the opponent is already level 149...
In short, Roger has no intention of getting involved, even after such provocation.
He still decided to act rationally.
"Unless we fight them at Peach Blossom Mountain."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't go to an unfamiliar place!"
Roger chuckled.
Then, all information related to Slaughter Mask was blocked from my perception!...
The time that follows.
Roger focused his information gathering efforts on the Great Secret Realm.
According to statistics.
The detailed information of the Great Secret Realm that have appeared is as follows:...
Great Secret Realm: Ten Desolations Scorched Earth
Source: The Third History
Key: Fire Whirlwind Master: Ether Witch / Roger Coordinates: South Coast
"The Great Secret Realm: Peach Blossom Mountain (from: The 9th History)"
Key: Golden Carp Owner: Roger
Coordinates: Southwest of the Frog Claw Basin
"The Great Secret Realm: Dinosaur Manor"
Source: The 8th History
Key: Pure Silver Mask
Owner: Slaughter Mask (likely discarded)
Coordinates: Central part of the Southern Continent, a place where scorched earth and Primitive Forest overlap.
besides.
Roger also possessed a Soul Herding Lamp from the Second History.
However, the second historical world has yet to emerge.
Meanwhile.
Roger sensed that the Northern Continent across the strait had begun to collapse.
A large amount of seawater flooded the land.
The current coastline has spread to the former "Southern Tomb Wilderness" area.
And it was right there in that place.
Another brand new Great Secret Realm is being generated.
It's a pity.
Roger only divined the name "Radiant City".
It comes from the 12th Histories, which is closest to the present day.
The rest of the information is vague.
Compared to the Dinosaur Manor.
Roger preferred to try his luck in the Radiant City.
He wondered if the Boundary River north of the former Gem City had undergone any changes.
He also wanted to know about the Paramount Manor and the area further north of Mi Star.
It's a pity.
In this era of planetary expansion.
The Clear Spring Sect on this side of the strait also needs him.
Roger dared not take the risk.
He could only pray silently for Alan, Freya, Li Wei, and the others.
"And Stephanie and Cisco too."
Roger added two more people to the prayer list.
After a while.
He then added a name to it, somewhat embarrassed.
"A Ba"
"Why..."
"As Mingming grows stronger, the number of things I need to handle also increases."
"Why do you feel so powerless at such a young age?"
Roger sighed inwardly.
He thought about it carefully.
The situation across the strait can only be addressed after things have Southern Continent.
He won't go to the Dinosaur Manor.
But we definitely need to keep an eye on the situation over there.
Slaughter Mask definitely came prepared.
in addition.
The Ether Witch was not one to stay still.
Even excluding those two.
Over the past month or so.
More than 10 Ascended Beings have emerged in the Southern Continent! Most of them come from the Historical World.
Its appearance will trigger "phenomena (legends)".
Placed in the present world before the return of history.
These people are all capable of stirring up trouble in their respective areas.
They join the competition of the world with their own purposes.
Roger dared not underestimate any opponent.
What he can do.
Only by becoming stronger!
"The key itself does not seem to enhance its owner."
"So I still have to rely on myself!"
This thought came to mind.
Roger's gaze focused on the rank list.
Not long after.
His gaze settled on one of the categories!...
"There's no time to refresh the poisonous or oceanic areas..."
"Let's do blacksmithing then!"
Who says blacksmiths can't be masters?
Roger comforted himself with this thought.
Then they resolutely chose to Second Ascension! This time...
He still chose to Heaven Path Ascension!...
"The Ascension Road: The requirements for Heaven Path Ascension are as follows—"
1. Rank 0.49 (Forged/Completed)...
2. At least one attribute must reach 25 (exceeding the target)...
3. Smelting Pillar Item (0/3)
4. Ascension Ritual (Incomplete/Can be replaced by Ascension Mission)
"Activated Pillar Item (Golden Carp / Fire Whirlwind) detected. Should their support attributes be removed?"
"Huh? The key can also strip Pillar Item?"
Roger's eyes lit up.
Then, without hesitation, he made his decision:
"Peel it hard!"
A short while later.
The "Dragon Gate Pillar" corresponding to the Golden Carp and the "Scorched Earth Stubborn Stone" corresponding to the Fire Whirlwind appeared in Roger's palm.
Unfortunately, the Soul Herding Lamp has not yet been activated.
Otherwise, Roger would have collected all three Pillar Item at once!
Calm down the listless Golden Carp and Fire Whirlwind.
Roger casually stuffed the Dragon Gate Pillar into his body.
Then the smelting began! Immediately afterwards...
He directly clicked on the Ascension Ritual! It was the familiar task assignment mode.
This time.
Roger simply skipped the "Elite Grade" Ascension Mission altogether.
On the data panel.
"Ascension Mission (Heavenly Fate Grade)"
Briefly: Forge an SSS+ rated Ascension-grade weapon!
"Rewards: Upgrade to a new profession/domain and authority/an additional 10 free Attribute Points /three upgrade opportunities at level 120"
"Forging Authority Rank simulation in progress... Simulation complete. List of weapons available for forging—"
1. Red Moon ...
2. Green Cicada...
3. Purple Wisp...
4. Dragon Binding Silk
5. Golden Snake Dagger
6. Coiling Dragon Spear
7. High-explosive pistol...
"It really is blacksmithing!?"
Roger was shocked.
But how do I get an SSS+ rating?
In his memory.
I've never crafted such a high-level weapon by hand before.
This level of upgraded weapon.
Its performance in actual combat is already comparable to that of the Immortal, right? The next second.
He adjusted the Forging Authority Rank.
Calmly analyze the situation.
In an instant.
A wealth of knowledge flooded into Roger's mind.
The back of every forgeable weapon.
A series of material lists have been generated.
Roger glanced at it.
It contains many rare materials.
However, all weapons have one thing in common: the materials they require!
That is—
"Nemesis Blood: Choose a formidable enemy, kill him, and offer his heart's blood as a sacrifice; only then will the divine weapon be forged."
What constitutes a significant enemy?
Roger frowned.
"Sixth Sense: You realize that Slaughter Mask would be a suitable target. He is destined to compete with you for the Slaughter Authority, and before a life-or-death struggle ensues, you are natural enemies..."
"I'm not going!"
Roger resolutely rejected his instincts.
You can kill Slaughter Mask.
But it has to be on your own turf!
Dinosaur Manor is such an obvious trap.
He's not going!
"Let's melt down the Pillar Item for now..."
"Then I asked Ji Qiu to help collect the materials."
"We'll consider ' Nemesis Blood ' when we encounter a suitable enemy..."
Roger quickly went through the plan.
But at that very moment...
He felt a strong throbbing in his senses.
It's Super-Sense Link! Roger was somewhat surprised and chose to connect.
On the other end of the phone.
It was the Ether Witch who had just escaped!...
Mi Mi: You're addicted to playing on alternate accounts, aren't you?
Roger:??? (Confused)
Mi Mi: Stop pretending. I underestimated you. Slaughter Mask, it's you too, isn't it?
Roger: No!
Mi Mi: Hehe
"Note: The Ether Witch has ended the ' Super-Sense Link '."
Roger was completely baffled.
However, a few seconds later...
Ji Qiu excitedly led a monk in.
The monk was holding the crystal ball.
Urged on by Ji Qiu.
The scene inside the crystal ball rapidly unfolded! Roger stared intently.
In the picture.
Slaughter Mask is dueling with a highly skilled monk!
Both sides fought quickly.
The moves were dazzling.
But a few seconds later.
Slaughter Mask instantly killed the monk's "Celestial Might Physique" with a single strike! Under the power of that strike.
The monk flew backwards and crashed into "Dinosaur Manor".
His figure vanished without a trace.
only.
At the very last moment.
That monk actually unleashed a "Rupture Palm" with sheer willpower! At that moment...
The force of the palm strike brushed past Slaughter Mask's ear.
The mask shattered with a crash.
Beneath the mask.
He revealed a pale, gloomy, yet ridiculously handsome face.
"Aha, you look exactly like me!"
Roger retorted sarcastically, "Does anyone actually believe that I and Slaughter Mask are the same person?"
Ji Qiu and the monk remained silent.
Roger laughed for a while.
Suddenly I felt something was wrong.
"No..."
"How can anyone believe such a clumsy frame-up?"
Roger shrugged, indicating that he couldn't understand.
Ji Qiu shook his head:
"After many things happened."
"Whether it's true or false is not important."
"That's true, at least for most people."
"I think he's challenging you..."
Roger nodded and said, "I understand, but I don't want to hand over the initiative to the other side."
Ji Qiu looked thoughtful.
The monk then said with great concern:
"Since the other party dared to do this, they must have made full preparations."
"The Sect Master's concerns are correct."
Roger then said matter-of-factly, "Send me an anomaly."
"Just to clarify, that masked man is trying to scam me!"
"I will absolutely, positively not go to the Dinosaur Manor!"
"Certainly..."
"He can come to Peach Blossom Mountain for a visit!"
Ji Qiu scratched his head.
Seeing Roger's serious expression.
He had no choice but to comply.
The end of the month is just around the corner.
Central part of the Southern Continent.
The edge of the scorched earth of the natural barrier.
A pair of weary travel-worn Drow Rangers were walking Steady toward "Dinosaur Manor".
The two chatted as they walked.
"Ripley, remember, the first rule is always to keep a low profile. Damn it, our dark skin is already eye-catching enough. I don't want to be noticed by any more people, understand?"
Zhuo Er on the left muttered curses.
Ripley nodded, looking aggrieved. "I understand. I've always been low-key."
"Also, once you're inside, the name Ripley will belong to me, and you'll have to come up with a new name yourself."
"That's what Zhuo Er said confidently on the left."
Ripley waved his hand:
"If you like, you can use this name as you wish forever."
"From now on, you may call me Charles."
"This is my younger brother's name."
Roger nodded in satisfaction.
The next moment.
He casually asked, "You stole your brother's name, so what about him?"
Ripley replied naturally, "He has passed away."
Roger's tone turned serious. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright, I killed him with my own hands..."
Ripley said.
"Huh? I didn't realize you were this kind of person, Ciel."
Roger was amazed.
"Uh, he slept with my fiancée..."
Ripley explained.
"Good riddance! People like this deserve an eye for an eye, and then double that!"
Roger said.
"Well, it was alright. Actually, I slept with his fiancée before that..."
Ripley said.
"1:1! Isn't that fair?"
Roger was puzzled.
"Yes, so we maintained a tacit understanding and did not take action."
Ripley's tone carried a hint of sadness:...
"But the two women started arguing."
They all regarded my brother and me as their private property.
After this was discovered.
Those two bitches went straight to the mistress.
You know that.
The Drow clan was a matrilineal society.
The matriarch ruled that my brother and I must fight to the death.
Only one person can survive.
Then choose a woman to pledge allegiance to and become her or her dog.
Neither Ciel nor I wanted to live alone.
However, they feared being discovered to have held back in the duel and would be executed by their enraged mistress.
So we came up with a plan.
The day before the duel.
We met privately.
"Let's decide the winner by playing rock-paper-scissors..."
Roger interjected, "So you won?"
Ripley shook his head. "No!"
"I lost."
"So the one who deserved to die that day was actually me."
"But during the duel, instead of killing me as planned, Charles ran right into my short sword..."
"That's all."
"I survived."
"Charles is dead."
"Oh..."
"That's a story from many, many years ago, back when there were still many Drow in the underworld."
His tone was somewhat wistful.
Roger frowned slightly:
"This isn't a story you just made up, is it?"
Ripley shrugged:
"Why don't you make one up too?"
Roger gave a soft snort.
The next second.
His gaze was fixed on the empty city outside "Dinosaur Manor".
Hint: You have discovered ' Wildfire City '
"Sixth Sense: You sense that 13 Ascended are confronting each other in Wildfire City..."
"My story is very simple."
"Once upon a time, there was a man who liked to stage accidents to extort money."
"Then he died."
Roger, who looked like a drow, smiled and patted Ripley on the shoulder.
"Let's go."
"Charles".
"Okay, brother."