Chapter 123: The Birthday Tribute (Part Two)

Why did Sun Meng like to trap people in this starry environment? It was his domain ability. Don't ask him why his original domain evolved into this; he wanted to know the answer himself. When he first arrived in this world, it hadn't changed; it was only after witnessing the awakenings of Lin Zhong, Lin Chong, and others that he seemed to gain a flash of insight, and the transformation began.

It wasn't until he witnessed Chai Jin's awakening that this new domain fully emerged. However, unless he consumed a massive amount of inner energy, it functioned as nothing more than a background image of the same tier. Later, he came up with the idea of sharing this cultivation technique with the reincarnated stars. According to the system, the world was experiencing a resurgence of spiritual energy, and these reincarnated stars were destined to breakthrough to the third tier. By having them practice this technique, he hoped they would be able to derive other aspects of cultivation from it.

Thus, he secretly passed the technique to Lin Chong and the others. He quickly received inspiration and feedback, which granted his domain new changes and abilities, leading to the trip to Shijie Village and the events that followed. Now, his domain was essentially complete, possessing not just a striking appearance, but also the ability to launch real attacks.

With the domain manifested, this iconic ability immediately caused his opponent to turn nervous. A domain was the hallmark of a third-tier expert; participants from every civilization route possessed this capability.

The opponent swallowed hard, his hand gripping his staff trembling. A power level of this magnitude exceeded his expectations. None of the contingency plans he had prepared could turn the tide against a powerhouse of this caliber; he even doubted whether his plans to force such an opponent to retreat would work.

Although people didn't truly die in this stage of the mission world, points were currently in high demand for every civilization. Whether it was technology or materials, they had discovered that their own civilization's production was limited. To achieve rapid progress, they either needed the ability to travel through space and mine resources, or they had to exchange points in the system store.

Civilizations that reached the third tier had already been notified of the next stage of wartime trials, so how could they have surplus resources to sell to others? Therefore, participants could only obtain points through missions, and every death in the mission world was a massive loss for their civilization.

"Didn't I make myself clear? What is your mission objective?" Sun Meng raised his voice slightly, but to the opponent, it sounded like a thunderclap inside his mind.

"Our mission is to ensure the transport of the Birthday Gift, but it is only a side quest. If it conflicts with your mission, we are willing to abandon it. If you also wish to take this mission, we are willing to share it with you. If you are still unsatisfied, we can give you our points after the mission ends!"

The participant spoke with his head bowed in respect, using honorifics, terrified that if Sun Meng were displeased, he would be wiped out—there would be nowhere to cry then!

The main quest went without saying; it was issued directly by the system, and even if one tried to intervene, they wouldn't receive the system's rewards. However, side quests were triggered; the system only acted as an arbiter and distributed rewards. Once a mission was accepted, anyone who completed it would receive a certain reward. Therefore, anyone capable could essentially copy certain missions.

For instance, this Birthday Gift mission: although Cai Jing might not have such a wealth of goods every year, the standard level of treasure was always there. As long as this participant seized the opportunity to build a connection with Liang Zhongshu or Cai Jing, he could potentially claim this mission once a year, or even take on others.

"How many of you are there?" Sun Meng glanced into the room, where another life signature was detected.

"There are three of us in total. Two are here, and another is in Western Xia, searching for martial arts legacies." The participant gave a clear answer without hesitation; in this situation, survival was the priority.

"As long as the Birthday Gift is delivered to Cai Jing, your mission is complete, right?" Sun Meng asked again. He had suddenly thought of a method; perhaps he could complete two missions simultaneously. It might be impossible for others, but for him, with some maneuvering, it was doable. After all, this wasn't a rigid computer program; he could simply let them deliver the gift to Cai Jing and then steal it afterward!

"Yes, yes, as long as we ensure the Birthday Gift is delivered safely to Cai Jing's residence, the mission is complete. However, the transport is about to depart, so even with our connections, the reward you receive for taking this mission might not be very high..." His voice grew smaller as he spoke, fearing Sun Meng's dissatisfaction.

"That's none of your concern," Sun Meng said. "Stay here, do not leave this county, and do not do anything else. As for how I will deal with you, I'll decide when I return." Sun Meng finished speaking, and three rays of starlight descended to form a triangular barrier, enclosing him and the house behind him. The barrier wasn't particularly high-level—just at the half-step third-tier level. If the participant could actually break through and escape, he would accept it.

He flew into the air, locked onto his direction, and accelerated toward Daming Prefecture.

Meanwhile, Liang Zhongshu frowned after reviewing the intelligence reports. The situation at the borders was becoming increasingly grim. Most importantly, someone was conducting private trade with the Liao Kingdom! Salt, iron, grain, tea! Previously, he had turned a blind eye because such trade generated profit from the Liao; the annual tribute could be earned back in three months, and he could also buy many cattle, sheep, and horses, allowing him to line his own pockets. But now, they were paying directly in gold and silver—how could he not understand what that meant?

"It seems I must find an opportunity to give those people a warning; that will serve as a nice filler for next year's gift list!" Liang Zhongshu thought to himself as he picked up a crystal ball.

Just as he prepared to contact the mysterious individuals using the method they had left behind, the crystal ball glowed, and the image of one of the mysterious figures appeared.

"Lord Liang, we have found a powerful senior. With him protecting the shipment, there is a one-hundred-percent chance of completing the delivery of this Birthday Gift! He will arrive at your location shortly; I hope you will treat him well." The communication cut off before Liang Zhongshu could ask any questions.

"Another mysterious person? I heard that such individuals are very active in Western Xia as well. I wonder what kind of impact this will have on the current situation!" Liang Zhongshu thought, recalling his meeting with the previous three. He had been in his own home and had fallen under an illusion without even realizing it! And their appearances—they didn't look like normal people at all!

Fortunately, their strength had not exceeded what he had at his disposal. If they truly intended to harm him, he was confident he could eliminate them all! As for this person they mentioned, he thought little of him. Under the might of a great army, individual strength meant nothing!

The next moment, Liang Zhongshu found himself standing in the middle of a starry sky. He tried to activate the defensive artifact on his body, but it didn't respond at all!

"Don't waste your effort. Your trinket can only defend against mental attacks from a late-stage Xiantian expert," Sun Meng appeared before him. "I think you know why I'm here."

Liang Zhongshu looked at the suddenly appearing Sun Meng and took a deep breath. "May I ask your name, sir? With such skills, why seek out Liang?" He had already given up on struggling, and he felt a bit embarrassed by his earlier thoughts. It was truly strange—since Sun Meng had such power, why come to him? And for a trivial matter like the Birthday Gift! With such ability, he could meet the Emperor and be treated as a guest of honor!

"That's none of your business. Yes or no, give me an answer!" Sun Meng said bluntly.

"Yes, of course, yes! If you have any other requests, just name them. I can even memorialize the Emperor to grant you endless wealth and glory..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Sun Meng had already vanished.