The Growing Power and a Father’s Legacy

The release of this ranking list caused quite a stir. The excitement intensified particularly when two level 12 unguilded players appeared in the top 10.

Many game guilds attempted to contact them, but Lin Shenyue and Ye Jue had both set their privacy settings to reject friend invitations. Lin Shenyue discovered this when she was unable to accept a stranger’s friend request, and eventually, at Ye Jue’s suggestion, she turned off friend invitations entirely.

A significant reason for Ye Jue and Lin Shenyue’s high ranking stemmed from their levels. Even Bai Xiaosheng’s intelligence agents dared not approach Ye Jue too closely.

Moreover, Ye Jue led a small team that proved impossible for them to infiltrate. Their assessment of Ye Jue’s strength remained purely speculative. This was because, while other top figures were still at level 11, he had already reached level 12, making his power undeniable.

As for Lin Shenyue, her second-place ranking was purely due to the difficulty in ranking on the Priest Leaderboard at that time. Bai Xiaosheng surmised that these two individuals were certainly among those who achieved the first clear of the Hell-difficulty Dark Cave dungeon.

However, since this was merely a conjecture, Ye Jue and Lin Shenyue were not placed at the very top, but rather positioned by Bai Xiaosheng in a more reasonable spot.

****

By the time Lin Shenyue finished reviewing the list, Chris had already completed her challenge. Although her raw strength hadn’t yet reached the level required to wield the weapon, her technical skill had barely scraped by.

Thus, with considerable difficulty, Chris managed to defeat her father’s clone. After her defeat, the clone revealed a relieved smile. Of course, these outcomes had been predetermined.

The clone spoke with an air of satisfaction:

“Chris, by the time you see this, you will have passed my trial. That sword is now yours to keep. From the moment I began teaching you as a child, I knew you possessed the potential to become a god. This sword was prepared for you well in advance.”

The clone paused for a moment.

“The blade of this sword is forged from extraterrestrial meteorite iron, fused with cloud-mud, purple-gold stone, and several other top-tier materials. While this sword may not be exceptionally powerful now, it possesses the potential for growth. I believe my beloved daughter will surely make it shine brightly.”

The clone then shifted the topic.

“Chris, your viewing of this scene signifies that I have already passed away. I hope you can swiftly overcome your grief and refrain from seeking revenge for me. Wait until you possess sufficient strength before taking action. After all these years, I couldn’t bear to leave your mother alone in Heaven. Although I could only leave you alone down here, I believe you can live a good life by yourself, can’t you?”

Chris’s eyes grew moist. She had never imagined that, even when she was very young, her father had gone to such lengths for her sake. It was no wonder there was a period when he frequently left home, leaving her alone.

At the time, she had often complained about him because of it.

The clone then continued:

“However… Chris, you must have brought your friend with you. Although I don’t know who managed to bypass my formations to enter, she ultimately helped you, enabling you to pass my trial. While this clone of mine lacks consciousness and cannot converse with you, I must say, you were both too impulsive.”

The clone pressed on.

“The trials I set were not meant to prevent you from obtaining the weapon, but rather to keep you from attempting to touch it without sufficient power. Do you realize that if your strength is inadequate, the weapon will inevitably backlash during the recognition process? Should that occur, you would surely die. Do you understand what I mean?”

Unable to communicate directly with Chris, the clone continued without interruption.

“However, since you have passed my trial, the seal has naturally been lifted. You can decide for yourself how to proceed. Having said so much, the energy of this clone must be depleted. Chris, I hope you live a happy life alone. Your mother and I will be watching over you from Heaven.”

Upon finishing its words, the clone dissipated, leaving only Chris behind, lost in sorrow.

After a period of recovery, Chris resolved to claim the longsword. She no longer had the luxury of gradual growth.

Lin Shenyue followed Chris forward, observing the sword.

The sword measured over a meter long, its entire form a pristine white, with a blade that gleamed with icy light, hinting at its formidable sharpness. The hilt, however, appeared rather delicate, crafted from an unknown red wood. As Chris gazed at the sword, she couldn’t help but lose herself in thought.

Though a greatsword, it was clearly designed for a woman, evident at a glance. This showed that Chris’s father had not only poured his heart into the sword’s material but had also dedicated considerable effort to its aesthetic.

A resolute glint flashed in Chris’s eyes as she prepared to reach for the longsword.

Lin Shenyue voiced her concern:

“Chris, are you truly going to do this? Your father himself said it would be very dangerous.”

Chris’s eyes flashed with a cold light.

“I cannot tolerate the murderers who killed my father roaming freely outside the city. I need sufficient power to eliminate them, and currently, the only way to quickly enhance my strength is with this sword.”

Lin Shenyue hesitated.

“But…”

Chris offered a faint smile.

“Sister Yue’er, don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” With that, she turned directly, took a deep breath, and reached out with both hands to grasp the sword’s hilt.

Witnessing Chris’s actions, Lin Shenyue parted her lips to speak but ultimately sighed, choosing to watch her in silence. Having never encountered such a situation, she was unsure how to react, and could only offer Chris encouragement in her heart.

Lin Shenyue kept her gaze fixed on Chris. When she noticed Chris’s expression turn strained, she frowned slightly. After a moment of contemplation, she decided that if Chris truly couldn’t subdue the sword, then she might have to resort to her ultimate method.