Chapter 168 Virtual World and the Tip

Xu Jingming looked through the data of these virtual worlds.

"The most popular evolution-type worlds are the World of Life Evolution and the Dark Abyss World, ranking first and second respectively." Xu Jingming looked on, "The 'mission space' of the World of Life Evolution has countless tasks."

The virtual world of his home, the Blue Star world, had too few mission space tasks. For the time being, there were only the Star Tower, Martial Arts Arena, and Underground Palace—the Underground Palace was launched after the World Championships. Of course, Xu Jingming had already become a Starspace lifeform, so he wasn't very suitable for getting involved in Blue Star's internal competition.

"Pang Ze is right, the World of Life Evolution is a bit outdated." Xu Jingming glanced at it. "The fundamental reason for ranking first is its profound foundation! Many major forces have been stationed there for a long time. For example, there are 'apprenticeship missions' in the mission space, and many tenth-order powerhouses are stationed there! There are also 'Star Alliance Rankings' and 'Cosmic Domain Rankings'… With high enough rankings, you can directly join some of the universe's top forces."

Xu Jingming looked on. The World of Life Evolution had too long a history, with too much fame and fortune.

"I'm still some distance away from being a 'first-rate expert' in the Blood Rain World. I have no way to compete in the World of Life Evolution's rankings." Xu Jingming shook his head gently.

Perhaps only when he became a top-tier expert in the Blood Rain World would he be qualified to compete for rankings.

"The 'Dark Abyss' world, which ranks second in popularity, is also remarkable." Xu Jingming observed.

The main game mode of the Dark Abyss World was countless players struggling to survive in the dark abyss, striving to reach the next level. They constantly broke through layer after layer, and when they reached the very bottom of the Dark Abyss, they would have cleared the Dark Abyss game.

"The Dark Abyss is also the dark abyss of humanity." Xu Jingming looked at the introduction. "Only true powerhouses can reach the end of the Dark Abyss."

The process of exploration not only required higher and higher strength, but also a greater demand on the mind.

"Historically, all humans who have reached the end of the Dark Abyss will immediately receive cultivation from top forces, and can reach at least the ninth order in a short time." Xu Jingming looked at the introduction. Many geniuses, even with high talent, still had many shortcomings in their minds and needed to undergo various trials.

And throughout the universe, very few people could reach the end of the Dark Abyss. Such figures were close to the human limit in terms of mind and skill. There was no need to polish them further; they were the most perfect raw jade! With a little carving, they would be ninth-order!

"The Dark Abyss is too difficult." Xu Jingming looked at the introduction. "This is the most basic gameplay. Now there are also side 'missions.' These side 'missions' are the reason it's so popular."

The various side missions derived from the Dark Abyss also led to the Dark Abyss World's popularity climbing to 'second place in the evolution category.'

"These missions have different requirements, and some even require money?" Xu Jingming exclaimed in amazement. "A free game world, but the internal side quests are ruthless when it comes to spending money. The most ruthless… actually costs 100 million cosmic coins just to start a mission? That's insane!"

The side missions in the Dark Abyss required a lot of money, and this massive amount of money also attracted many people to enter the Dark Abyss World.

…

Xu Jingming studied the top 100 most popular evolution-type worlds. Being in the top 100 meant they all had something attractive about them.

"The Pinnacle of Cold Weapons World." Xu Jingming nodded. "This one is good. It has the most popular sparring system in the universe, and you can earn money with the sparring system."

"Choose to be a sparring partner."

"My combat power bonus is 890%, so let's set the price at 10,000 cosmic coins per hour." Xu Jingming entered this virtual world and set his sparring price.

The game would take 10% as a handling fee from the sparring system.

It was Xu Jingming's first time trying to earn money as a sparring partner, and he found it quite novel.

******

"Your Majesty, the thirteen northern cities have rebelled!" a minister said, kneeling.

Luo Luotean sat high on the throne, staring down and roaring, "Why have they rebelled?"

"The north has suffered a snow disaster, the people are struggling to survive, and bandits are coercing the disaffected to plunder. It has now swept through the entire thirteen northern cities," the minister replied immediately.

Luo Luotean was annoyed.

Was it easy to run an empire? He was still planning to expand the territory, but who knew there would be all sorts of internal problems.

"Why are you only reporting this now?" Luo Luotean scolded.

"Too many cities fell too quickly, and the previous messengers were intercepted on the way," the minister said in fear.

Luo Luotean suppressed his anger and looked at the many ministers below. "Which general is willing to quell the northern rebellion?"

"I am willing to go."

"I am willing to go."

Several generals volunteered.

Luo Luotean was satisfied and scanned the generals one by one.

Suddenly—

"Luo Luotean, you should study!" a deep voice sounded in Luo Luotean's mind, and Luo Luotean's expression changed slightly.

"General Yuqi, you will be responsible for quelling the rebellion," Luo Luotean said, and at the same time, he chose smart autopilot.

"I'll just go on autopilot."

Luo Luotean's consciousness left.

The AI took his place, continuing to lead and manage the empire. It began to deploy troops and prepare to quell the rebellion.

…

"It's so annoying, I have to practice every day, practice this, practice that. My parents ask for too much." Luo Luotean returned to his personal space, feeling quite helpless and muttering to himself.

Luo Luotean opened the 'Pinnacle of Cold Weapons' world. Every time he practiced cold weapons, he did so in this virtual world.

"Find a sparring partner to play with. By the way, this month's allowance should have arrived." Luo Luotean opened his personal account and glanced at his personal account balance, pouting, "So stingy, they only give me five million cosmic coins a month."

His parents were too strict, forcing him to 'cultivate' every day, and they also controlled his allowance.

"I'm a man who inherited a life planet's territory at birth! They only give me five million cosmic coins a month. You stingy parents, you've swallowed all the money from my territory's planet." Luo Luotean was very angry, but there was nothing he could do.

Before he reached 'one thousand years old,' he had no management or disposal rights over his life planet.

In reality, governing a life planet was not easy. If it wasn't managed well, it wouldn't make money and would even require pouring money into it.

"This time, I'll choose a more powerful sparring partner." Luo Luotean swiped through the list of sparring partners, sorted by combat power bonus from low to high. The further down he swiped, the higher the bonus, but the sparring fees were also more expensive.

A sparring partner with a 300% combat power bonus only cost 300 cosmic coins per hour.

A sparring partner with a 500% combat power bonus generally cost 2,000 cosmic coins per hour.

A sparring partner with a 10x combat power bonus cost 20,000 cosmic coins per hour.

"I'll choose this one." Luo Luotean clicked, and happened to click on Xu Jingming's account.

Whoosh—

In a virtual space, there was a circular arena, one hundred meters in diameter.

Luo Luotean appeared there, looking at a black-haired human man who had appeared before him.

"Hello, Teacher Jing." Luo Luotean bowed slightly. This was what his parents had taught him since childhood: to respect every teacher.

"Hello, Lord Luo." Xu Jingming smiled. This Luo Luotean was about 1.5 meters tall, with blond hair and a slightly chubby build.

He could see the other party's registered information—

Player: Lord Luo (Hunter Cosmic Domain, Changjian Star Alliance)

Level: 8

Combat Power Bonus: Confidential

And Xu Jingming's own information—

Player: Jing (Hunter Cosmic Domain, Wugou Star Alliance)

Level: 1

Combat Power Bonus: 890%

As a sparring partner, it was necessary to disclose your combat power bonus.

"Choose your weapons and armor." Luo Luotean was already wearing armor and holding two short spears.

Xu Jingming was only holding a long spear.

"You're not choosing armor?" Luo Luotean frowned. "Then I won't be polite."

"Come on."

Xu Jingming smiled. His most accomplished Flowing Water Spear Technique was good at defense.

"I'm coming." Luo Luotean's figure moved and pounced forward, incredibly fast.

One had to know that in this 'Pinnacle of Cold Weapons' world, everyone had the same physical qualities! This made it more suitable for training cold weapons skills. And this Luo Luotean was clearly quite good at footwork speed.

"He's even faster than me." Xu Jingming was a little surprised, but facing the pouncing Luo Luotean, his long spear changed accordingly. The moment it touched Luo Luotean's short spear, it took advantage of the momentum and stabbed into Luo Luotean's chest.

Pfft.

With one spear, he pierced through his chest.

Luo Luotean was impaled! Like a meat skewer!

His eyes widened, and he looked up at Xu Jingming.

"How is your spear so slippery?" Luo Luotean said angrily, "Again."

Whoosh.

Luo Luotean returned to his original position, and his injuries disappeared, restoring him to his peak state.

"Please." Xu Jingming smiled at him. The other party was paying, so he naturally had to smile at his customers.

"Ya!!!" Luo Luotean roared, his figure drawing an arc, running around Xu Jingming, and suddenly, without warning, he suddenly threw a short spear in his hand. The moment he threw it, his entire body followed!

Xu Jingming's long spear circled, like water sweeping the thrown 'short spear.'

Using force to deflect force!

The flow of water! Following the force of the short spear, guiding it!

"Whoosh." The swept short spear flew back, hitting Luo Luotean, who had already rushed close, and Luo Luotean flew out again, spitting blood.

"I don't believe it." Luo Luotean rushed up again with wide eyes.

Pfft!

But when he rushed close to Xu Jingming, waving a pair of short spears, somehow, Xu Jingming's long spear only drew an arc, passing through the gap between the two short spears, piercing his chest again. He was impaled again!

…

Again and again!

Clearly, Xu Jingming's spear was not fast and his strength was not great, but as soon as they exchanged blows, he would defeat him in one or two moves.

"Stop!"

Luo Luotean reached out to stop him, staring at Xu Jingming. "I usually choose opponents with a 500% combat power bonus. Today's is a bit too high, and I'm not used to it. But I'm paying, not to be beaten up. From now on, you're not allowed to counterattack. You're only allowed to defend."

"Okay, I'll listen to you," Xu Jingming said politely. The one who paid had the say.

"Good."

Luo Luotean grinned. He slowly walked to Xu Jingming, the distance between them only five meters.

Too close!

Xu Jingming's long spear was three meters long!

"I won't bully you. I won't get any closer." Luo Luotean raised his eyebrows. The distance between them was only five meters. He took a step forward, and both short spears suddenly stabbed out, as fast as afterimages.

Xu Jingming's long spear circled! The spear circle was like water, naturally sweeping the two short spears, bang! Bang! Both short spears were swept away.

Luo Luotean's hands were numb, and he stood there blankly.

"Continue." Luo Luotean was not convinced and charged again.

Since he could only defend and was not allowed to counterattack! Then Xu Jingming would defend with all his heart, and even when he exerted force, it would only be to knock away the opponent's weapon.

Again and again, the short spears were thrown away.

"Your spear technique's strength is unpredictable." Luo Luotean was losing badly. He stood there, muttering to himself, "The strength seems great, but when you touch it, it can be extremely small. When my momentum is exhausted, the strength you explode with is suddenly extremely great. It's always changing, I don't understand it at all."

Luo Luotean was confused.

"No, no, no!" Luo Luotean suddenly gritted his teeth. "Father said not to care about those strange moves, as long as you solidify your foundation, the same body, the greater the strength you exert with one move, and the faster it becomes! The combat power bonus will naturally increase. I'll listen to Father."

Luo Luotean was no longer confused.

His eyes were firm, and he charged again and again, continuing to use his pair of short spear techniques.

He was only pursuing faster speed! Greater strength!

Xu Jingming still simply blocked, but when he heard Luo Luotean's muttering, his heart shook.

"The spear art I've comprehended now, the 'Flow of Water,' and the initial understanding of the 'Aspect of All Living Things,' although they are unpredictable, allowing one point of force to exert five or even ten points of effect," Xu Jingming thought. "But strength and speed are the foundation."

"Like Xuan's spear technique, it is also the combination of the five spear scrolls, integrated into the 'Transformation of Light Scroll.'" Xu Jingming thought. "Transformation of Light pursues the ultimate speed! It also brings ultimate strength."

"You can't abandon the fundamentals for the superficial."

"The flow of water, the aspect of all living things… the ultimate goal of all spear arts is only one! Ultimate speed and strength!" Xu Jingming had a clear concept in his mind.

"Other spear arts are just tools."

"Tools to pursue ultimate speed and strength."

Xu Jingming looked at Luo Luotean, his eyes burning with a bit more passion.

He was just a guy from Blue Star, with no famous teacher to guide him! He was groping around blindly while looking at the first half of the *Transformation of Light* inheritance. Now, Luo Luotean's self-comforting words had enlightened Xu Jingming. This was how cultivation was: one sentence of true transmission! Ten thousand scrolls of false transmission!

"Teacher Jing, can you put down your weapon and go empty-handed?" Luo Luotean blinked his eyes, looking very sincere.

"Okay."

Xu Jingming nodded and put away his weapon, looking at Luo Luotean with his bare hands.

"Hehehe…" Luo Luotean smiled and charged forward, "The difference in strength between having a weapon and not having a weapon is huge!"

A short spear had already attacked.

Xu Jingming dodged, and his left hand slapped the spear shaft, causing Luo Luotean's figure to be affected. Then Xu Jingming's right hand was as fast as lightning, chopping down on Luo Luotean's neck.

Luo Luotean only felt a darkness before his eyes and had already returned to his original position.

"I lost?" Luo Luotean couldn't believe it.

"My hands are like a pair of short spears," Xu Jingming said. "The body is a weapon. Don't you understand that?"

Luo Luotean looked at Xu Jingming dejectedly. "In the future, I'll still choose a sparring partner with a 500% combat power bonus. It's really boring, always losing, there's no entertainment at all."

"Didi—"

Suddenly, a notification sounded.

Luo Luotean revealed a look of joy and immediately said to Xu Jingming, "I'm going to sign up for the Dark Abyss game! Let's end it here today."

"It hasn't been an hour yet," Xu Jingming said in surprise. This sparring session was scheduled for one hour.

"The money won't be less for you." Luo Luotean clicked on the page. "Alright, I'll give you a review! Anyway, I can feel that you are very strong, and you were quite dedicated as a sparring partner. Unlike the last sparring partner, who had a stinky face. I'll give you a score… a perfect ten!"

Luo Luotean grinned. "I'm going to the Dark Abyss game, are you going? There are only three large events every day. Let's participate together. By the way, the registration fee for starting a mission is 1 million cosmic coins."

"You go, I have something else to do," Xu Jingming said. The registration fee was too expensive.

"If you're reluctant to spend money, just say so." Luo Luotean smiled. "I'm leaving. When my combat power bonus reaches 500%, I'll call you for sparring again." With that, he disappeared.

"Dark Abyss, three large events every day, and the cost to start a mission is 1 million cosmic coins?" Xu Jingming wondered.

…

Back in his personal space, Xu Jingming carefully examined the Dark Abyss.

"The Dark Abyss World has a lot of side quests," Xu Jingming carefully looked at them and finally understood. "So he was talking about the 'Escape from the Dark Abyss' side quest."

Among the many side quests, 'Escape from the Dark Abyss' had a high popularity.

"The 'Escape from the Dark Abyss' side quest has three levels of daily missions. The first level costs 1 million cosmic coins to enter. The second level costs 100,000 cosmic coins. The third level costs 10,000 cosmic coins." Xu Jingming looked at the detailed introduction.

"Each event has 1 million participants! The registration fees and 50% of the audience's tips go into the prize pool."

"The longer you survive escaping the abyss, the higher the prize."

"Finally, the only one who escapes the abyss will receive 50% of the total prize pool."

Xu Jingming looked and blinked.

Luo Luotean was participating in the daily largest event, which cost 1 million to start. With one million participants… the total prize pool was 1 trillion cosmic coins, plus some tips.

Of course, as the second most popular evolution-type game in the universe, the Dark Abyss World had a lot of 'Escape from the Abyss' side quest players, and sometimes even ninth-order source lifeforms would participate. However, in the game, everyone had the same physical qualities.

Therefore, even ninth-order powerhouses would stumble and might lose to eighth-order powerhouses.

"All players compete!"

"Only one can escape the abyss and get half of the total prize pool." Xu Jingming's heart itched.

One million cosmic citizens from various civilizations were competing!

"Don't rush, study more. I still know too little about the 'Escape from the Abyss' side quest." Although Xu Jingming was sure he would participate in an Escape from the Abyss event, he was not in a hurry to compete immediately. Instead, he collected a lot of information and even watched some 'Escape from the Abyss' videos.

…

The more he understood, the more calm Xu Jingming became.

At the same time, he was also diligently honing his spear technique. One was to study the 'Aspect of All Living Things' in order to get started with the *Time-Space Scroll*, one of the five spear scrolls. The second was to improve his *Flowing Water Scroll* and *Time-Space Scroll* in pursuit of ultimate speed and strength.

In the quiet days, before he knew it, it was the end of August, and Xu Jingming had reached the 'middle stage of the Starspace lifeform' in reality.