Published: February 10, 2025
CHAPTER TEXT:
"This place, with its green mountains and clear waters, shrouded in mist, looks more like a scenic area than a place for adventure," an evolver following behind remarked as he saw Ye Zhongming and his companions stop moving forward, realizing there was no danger.
"Are we supposed to go up the mountain to that palace?" another person speculated.
Ye Zhongming looked ahead; indeed, there were pavilions and buildings nestled among the green trees and red flowers on the mountain peak. It was likely the only place within sight where good things could be found.
The others seemed to think the same, exchanging glances before accelerating towards the destination.
However, after running a few steps, they all stopped, pulling out their identification plates with puzzled expressions.
Ye Zhongming and his companions experienced the same sensation at the same time—their plates were vibrating.
When they took out the previously inconspicuous plates, some information unexpectedly appeared.
"Puppet Ruins, Completion Rate: 2%."
"Number of Participants: 29."
"Completion Rate Ranking: None."
"Rewards Obtained: None."
Seeing such an 'advanced' display, everyone was struck with realization. No wonder the five rings society was unafraid of everyone avoiding their taxes; the receipt of everything was clearly written there. It was likely that the one controlling the brightwater realm, that Tong Steward, had some unknown method to obtain this information as well.
Ye Zhongming smiled coldly. Having experienced several special roulette spaces, he was well aware of the characteristics of such realms. While the brightwater realm wasn’t the same type, it was still filled with wonders; however, such conditions inevitably made one feel monitored.
Fortunately, the plates only displayed this information; otherwise, maintaining anonymity would be challenging.
The remaining twenty-six individuals exchanged glances once again and then ran towards the distant mountains together.
In these adventure zones, mutual attacks weren’t allowed—this was the rule, and it was also the reason for the emergence of free competition. Thus, whoever could find the rewards fastest would undoubtedly take the initiative.
In simple terms, what was obtained first belonged solely to that person, and couldn’t be snatched away.
"Boss, we..."
Zhao Xiangxue seemed anxious; they had spent a large sum of money to acquire the information to reach this place. If these people got ahead of them, it would be over.
Ye Zhongming smiled and raised his plate, "What did you see from this?"
Gao Yi and Zhao Xiangxue shook their heads in confusion.
"This place is called Puppet Ruins. With a completion rate of 2%, it indicates that someone from the five rings society has been here but left for some reason. Regardless, this place is either very dangerous or troublesome, or there are other reasons they didn’t wish to continue. So, trying to gain benefits here won't be easy."
As Ye Zhongming spoke, he looked towards the dense forest at the foot of the mountain not far away.
"Also, since there’s a completion rate ranking and records of rewards obtained, it indicates that there are multiple places for exploration. Therefore, we don’t need to rush to compete with everyone else."
"And thirdly, I'm not underestimating those people from earlier, but they really... lack the capability to obtain the biggest rewards here."
After he finished speaking, Zhao Xiangxue and Gao Yi felt a bit embarrassed. This information wasn’t complex to analyze, yet they had overlooked it due to their impatience.
"Let's go; we’ll check that place first," Ye Zhongming said, pointing towards the dense forest at the mountain's foot he had just been looking at.
The two captains didn’t ask questions, drawing their weapons and guarding Ye Zhongming as they made their way there.
Since the distance was short and the three moved quickly, they soon entered the forest and almost simultaneously spotted their target.
It was a humanoid puppet about 1.5 meters tall, its bronze-colored form incredibly lifelike. If not for its hairless head and flat face lacking eyes, nose, and mouth, one might mistake it for a human at first glance.