But under the translation of the Guidance, the old man simply repeated what he had just said.
"There isn’t any, you’ve got some nerve asking for it," expressed Xia Sheng with dissatisfaction.
Xia Sheng’s response put a smile on the old man’s face, indicating he understood what Xia Sheng was trying to convey.
He then raised his right hand, unclenched his fist, and revealed a golden crystal stone in his palm.
Through analysis, it was discovered that this was a Spirit Ore of "Level 7" quality.
"How about a trade for this?"
"No problem." Before Jiang Cheng could speak, Xia Sheng immediately agreed without hesitation.
A Level 7 quality Spirit Ore, whose price was at least eight times that of a gene seed. How could this trade be anything but favorable?
Saying this, Xia Sheng turned his head towards Jiang Cheng and asked in the team chat channel:
"How much Sacrificial Power do you have left?"
"Transfer it all to me."
Understanding that the deal was a sure win, Jiang Cheng decisively transferred the remaining Sacrificial Power to Xia Sheng.
Receiving the Sacrificial Power, Xia Sheng summoned the Trading House panel, navigated to the page selling gene seeds via the history records on the left column, selected a seed, and placed an order directly.
[Challenger Tips: Purchase of Trading House custom product "gene seed," deducting Sacrificial Power Balance: 350 points.]
Along with the notification sound, the gene seed automatically entered the Space Bag.
Taking out the gene seed, Xia Sheng handed it to the old man in exchange for the Golden Seal Stone in his hand.
The moment he received it, he tossed the Golden Seal Stone into his Space Bag, afraid that the old man would go back on his word after acquiring the gene seed.
With a Hunting Level of 79, they were in no position to contend with him.
The old man, seeing the Golden Seal Stone disappear, was momentarily stunned, then a hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes, but he did not ask and instead lowered his head to look at the gene seed in his hand.
After staring at it for a few seconds, he was about to put the gene seed into his mouth.
Seeing this, Xia Sheng promptly interjected to stop him:
"Don’t eat it; it’s very painful."
The old man chuckled at these words:
"I have observed you for a long time, naturally, I understand that this will bring intense pain to the body."
He then without hesitation, popped the gene seed into his mouth and swallowed.
Watching this, Xia Sheng and Jiang Cheng tensed up, already anticipating the old man’s reaction.
However, to their surprise, the old man’s expression remained unchanged. After a brief silence, he grinned, showing his broken teeth:
"Not bad, quite good."
"Doesn’t it hurt?" Xia Sheng asked, puzzled.
"It’s okay, but ultimately it’s lacking somewhat." Feeling the power of the gene seed releasing inside his body, the old man looked at the two again, nodding involuntarily:
"You two are quite good, are you interested in following me to learn a Supreme Divine Skill?"
"No, I mean, we’re hardly acquainted, and you’re already taking on disciples. Isn’t this moving a bit too quickly?" Xia Sheng said with a puzzled expression.
At this, the old man burst into laughter:
"I have no successors, and someone must inherit my legacy. I find you two suitable. The choice is yours."
As the old man finished speaking, just as Xia Sheng and Jiang Cheng were about to answer, a Challenger Tip suddenly resonated in their minds:
[Challenger Tips: Hidden Task triggered: Secret Technique Training.]
Task Reward: Unknown.
At that moment, behind the scenes, Qi Sheng was also paying attention to the old man who was interacting with the two players.
Through the analysis of information, Qi Sheng realized that the old man might possess a Rule-level ability, sparking his curiosity.
The so-called Rule-level ability is simply a special power that isn’t quite a rule but is close to the realm of rules.
While "close" suggests proximity, bridging the gap to become a true Rule-level ability is nearly impossible.
A Rule-level ability is characterized by its surpassing of mundane powers but is also limited to that, far from reaching the effects of Rule-level abilities.
Each Rule-level ability possesses the immense trait of changing the laws of the world.
Such as the Blood and Flesh Reshaping trait of Imperial Tomb Village, the pheromones Evolution trait of the Insect Tide, the Endless Devouring trait of the Black Tide, the Divine Gold trait of the Mechanical Army, and so on.
There are clear distinctions in the strength of each World-level Rule ability, but the weakest Rule-level ability is not something that can be compared to near-Rule-Level.
This is also the reason he issued the task, to uncover the truth.
Qi Sheng had come to understand the old man’s intentions.
Clearly, he was quite fond of Xia Sheng and Jiang Cheng. The old man, whose life was coming to an end, wanted to pass on his research to them.
Upon hearing the Hidden Task notification, Xia Sheng and Jiang Cheng could not conceal their joy.
Faced with the old man’s invitation, they agreed without hesitation and then curiously asked the old man:
"Why did you choose us?"
In response to their question, the old man sat down in front of the bonfire, and a gleam appeared in his yellowed eyes:
"Because you are native lifeforms of this world, not external forces. This can be distinguished from the aura you carry, and your willpower reminds me of myself in the past. Back then, I too was like you, enduring endless pain for the sake of growth."
During the old man’s story, Xia Sheng and Jiang Cheng began to learn about his background.
The old man, named Asceticism, was the last Clan Leader of the Great Yan Clan.
He was born just as the Colorful Mist Coast was beginning to suffer from the rampages of the Black Tide.
To withstand the invasion of the Black Tide, the Great Yan Clan and several nearby factions that had fought for generations brokered peace and joined forces against the Black Tide.
However, their resistance seemed particularly powerless against the Horror Black Tide, unable to halt its relentless advance.
During this time, clan members continuously died, and the Colorful Mist Coast withered away under the erosion of the Black Tide Energy.
It was during this period that Asceticism rose to the position of Clan Leader.
He knew fully well that the powers of mortal beings alone were not enough to resist the Black Tide, and only Rule-level strength was key in opposing it.
To this end, he embarked on a lengthy research project, aiming to create a power that could rival Rule-level abilities.
The truth was, he simply couldn’t do it.
But his extensive, years-long research also led him to a power trait that was close to a rule.
That was pain, a powerful force brought about by an extreme emotion.
As he spoke, Asceticism turned to Jiang Zhou and Xia Sheng beside him:
"Now, my body’s vital energy is withering, my life is in peril, and my time is limited. I wish to pass my life’s research onto you... and I have only one request: if there’s an opportunity in the future, contribute your strength against the Black Tide."
"No problem." Hearing this request, Xia Sheng nodded without hesitation.
As a member of the Player Faction, their World-level main quest was to confront the Horror Black Tide.
"Follow me," the old man stood up at this moment.
"To the Great Yan Clan Land."