White Crane Hermit's impressive performance bolstered the Adventurers' morale, but the little web administrator, Nancilia, grew concerned.
Oh no, what should I do? How can this old man be so powerful? Such a top Adventurer in the Underground City might not bode well. I need to report to Lord Jack immediately!
Several students continued to praise the Old Master.
"Old Dean is as sharp as ever!"
"I died ten times before barely clearing the novice stage."
"Even with a team, I haven't cleared the first stage!"
"People always said you were the strongest Adventurer in town. I was skeptical, but now I'm convinced!"
Seeing White Crane Hermit in good spirits, Luna Snow offered him some Maozi wine. "Old Master, it's rare to see you in action. You should celebrate with a drink!"
Though he approved of Miracle City's Tidal Secret Realm, pride kept him from openly praising it. Now, the aroma of fine wine caught his attention, stirring his heart.
"This wine is from Miracle City?"
"That's right!"
A lover of fine wine, White Crane Hermit rarely found quality wines in the Adventurer's world. Even with his status, Black Stone Town's remoteness meant such luxuries were scarce.
"For an Underground City to thrive long-term, a good Secret Realm isn't enough. Basic resource output is crucial. I'll have a taste!"
With that, he took a small sip.
First came a smooth, mellow touch, akin to liquid silk, without harshness or irritation. Then, a rich, aged aroma bloomed, bringing comfort and smoothness.
White Crane Hermit's eyes widened.
"This wine is truly... exceptional!"
More than exceptional. Though Tidal Secret Realm's basic resources were common foods and drinks from Jack's previous life, in a resource-scarce world like this, they were high-quality goods.
After production in the Secret Realm, quality rose a level. Even an ordinary cola became several times more delicious.
White Crane Hermit had never tasted such mellow, fragrant wine with a long aftertaste.
Putting aside other considerations, based on resource quality alone, even if Miracle City were a large outhouse and its Secret Realms a pile of junk, Adventurers would rush in holding their noses!
It has a top-tier Secret Realm, unique Soul Gem output, and now high-quality resources!
Good, good, good!
Completely convinced!
"This wine is indeed good. I'd like to buy a few bottles to... er, share with friends. Cough, cough, why are you looking at me like that? Am I someone who's greedy for wine?"
White Crane Hermit, face flushed, explained, "I have friends who love wine dearly. If this Maozi pleases them, perhaps Miracle City can gain a few more retired veterans!"
The Adventurers beamed with joy.
Old Dean's friends must be seasoned top Adventurers. If they all came to Miracle City to assist the young, Adventurer strength would soar!
And with these veterans' endorsement, Miracle City would become wildly popular!
Luna Snow chuckled, "So, Old Master, do you approve of Miracle City?"
White Crane Hermit admitted, "I concede that the Doomsday Frenzy Secret Realm is excellent, and this Underground City holds great potential, but..."
"But what?"
"This Underground City is new and has many unknowns. It's not necessarily more promising than established places like Tianyun City and Nine Star City."
What does that mean?
Is the old man still clinging to those outdated cities?
If that's the case, even if it means falling out, Luna and the others won't compromise!
Unexpectedly, White Crane Hermit paused, then continued, "So, out of responsibility, I'll stay here to keep an eye on things for you youngsters!"
Everyone was stunned.
Tch, this old fellow. He hasn't had enough fun and wants to keep exploring the Tidal Secret Realm. He's clearly captivated, yet speaks so grandiosely. Does he think we're all fools?
Of course, they saw through him but didn't say it.
Old Dean's face had to be respected.
Though Luna, Mandy, and the others were internally grumbling, they were relieved and overjoyed. Finally, they could explore Miracle City without sneaking around!
Even the well-traveled Old Dean was conquered!
This affirmed their judgment: Miracle City was indeed a top-notch Underground City!
"Old Dean, we've opened the second stage but haven't challenged it much, so we're not confident. Could you advise us?"
"Of course!" White Crane Hermit was eager to explore the Secret Realm.
He was curious about changes in the second stage.
Several teams organized and continued the challenge.
Luna, Mandy, Lonely Swordsman, and Ethan formed a team. They had previously probed the second stage of Doomsday Frenzy twice.
The second stage was still a city scene, but larger and more detailed, making it even more immersive.
Walking through the city, various images came into view, evoking the once-prosperous world before disaster struck.
What was this world like originally, and why did it become like this?
This curiosity lingered, making them eager for Lord Jack to release a story mode to unveil this world's tale.
Special Zombies appeared more frequently in the second stage, and the number of Tank Witches increased. The difficulty was higher than the first stage, leading to several failed attempts.
This time, with White Crane Hermit's guidance, Ethan and Luna's team performed significantly better.
They looted resources and cleared Zombies along the way. Despite a few dangerous encounters, they overcame difficulties without major incidents.
After an hour of exploration, they reached a small square along the main road.
In the square stood a military armored transport vehicle, with a locked red safety door not far behind.
"Look!"
"Is it... a safety door?!"
"No mistake, it's a safety door!"
"We've just started, and we're clearing the stage so quickly!"
"Hahaha! Lord Jack must be crying in the toilet!"
Not only were the four Adventurers dumbfounded, but onlookers were also stunned.
The second stage had only been unlocked for a day!
Everyone was still exploring. With its higher difficulty, how could they find the safety door so easily?
Black Stone Hammer King wondered, "Is it a design flaw?"
Pig King speculated, "Possibly, design blunders are common in many Underground Cities!"
"It seems Lord Jack is too young."
"This clear point is too easy to find!"
White Little Deer urged, "Mandy, Luna, clear it first and teach Lord Jack not to make such low-level mistakes again!"
While everyone thought this was a rookie mistake by Lord Jack, White Crane Hermit disagreed.
Black Stone Hammer King asked, "Old Dean, do you see a problem?"
White Crane Hermit replied, "Such a mistake could appear anywhere, but not in Miracle City."
"That's true!"
"With Lord Jack's design skills, he wouldn't make such a blunder!"
"But since we're here, let's give it a try!"
After discussion, Ethan, Lonely Swordsman, Mandy, and Luna decided to approach the safety door.
As they reached the square, before getting close, a dull thud came from the transport vehicle.
Bang, one hit deformed the carriage, showing immense force!
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