Serpent Ancestor

”Hehe, back in the day, you only managed to win ten matches in a row. I remember there were three who won more than fifteen consecutive matches during that era,” the old Green Ox chuckled.

Old Master fell silent, reminiscing about those three Chosen ones from back then, and sighed, ”This young man surpasses the old, he might even outshine those three.”

”Let’s just hope he doesn’t meet an untimely end,” the old Green Ox sighed.

”Hey! You and your jinxing mouth,” Old Master scolded.

The Water Kylin’s gaze was fixed on the entrance of the Simulated Combat Tower, eyes unblinking, eager to see who would emerge from the door.

……

Inside the Combat Tower, Xu Hei didn’t challenge the regular mode again.

He began trying other modes, such as Endless Mode and Targeted Mode.

He skipped Death Mode, as it was said that dying in Death Mode meant real death, designed to satisfy certain special clients who wanted to experience true combat.

But Xu Hei didn’t consider this option, with only three days left until his task, he didn’t want to risk getting seriously injured and bedridden.

Endless Mode was about fighting against increasing numbers, defeating one would bring two more, defeating two would bring four, opponents growing in number and strength, endlessly until the sky was covered.

Xu Hei lasted only a day before giving up.

Targeted Mode was simple, allowing him to choose opponents and focus on his weaknesses for special training.

”Choose opponent: ghost cultivator!” Xu Hei said.

……

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Calculating at three thousand contribution points per session, Xu Hei lost track of how many times he used it. Anyway, spending the old Flood Dragon’s contribution points didn’t bother him.

The tower’s functions truly amazed him, perfectly simulating all magical treasures and techniques. Even his Dragon Shatter Roar and Ever-changing Fish and Dragon could be used.

What couldn’t be simulated were the Demon God Cauldron and Ji Ying.

The former was of too high a grade, possibly beyond the tower’s level, and the latter was purely a living entity, unable to be brought inside.

This also meant that Xu Hei’s real combat level might be even stronger than in the simulation.

With the Demon God Cauldron, Xu Hei’s recovery ability could improve a notch, sustaining longer and countering many poison cultivators’ methods.

And Ji Ying was a powerful assistant; with her, Xu Hei wouldn’t struggle as much against rare insect cultivators.

”It’s time to leave.”

Xu Hei looked up at the sky and said, ”Exit!”

”Honored five-star customer, thank you for using the Simulated Combat Tower, we look forward to your next visit!”

”Please select your landing location!”

Miao Miao’s voice came through, and a screen appeared before Xu Hei, showing a map of the Penglai Sea.

”Oh? It even comes with a teleportation feature!”

Xu Hei smiled slightly, this way, he wouldn’t have to worry about being seen at the entrance.

He casually pointed at a location, and his figure instantly vanished.

……

In the sky, three elders kept their eyes on the entrance of the Simulated Combat Tower, eager to see which Chosen was using it.

Suddenly, the tower lit up.

Everyone’s gaze immediately focused, holding their breath.

”Buzz!”

Moments later, the light disappeared, and no one appeared.

”Teleportation?” The Water Kylin’s eyes widened.

The teleportation array was a feature exclusive to five-star customers, designed to avoid being discovered.

”Hehe, this young man is not simple, he even knows how to hide himself,” Old Master stroked his beard, a playful smile on his face.

”Hiding is good, in case one of us accidentally lets it slip while boasting, and it reaches the enemy’s ears, wouldn’t that be dangerous for him?” the old Green Ox said.

”What? Do you think we might let it slip?” the Water Kylin retorted displeased.

”Anyway, this young man’s cautious nature is a good thing. Perhaps he won’t repeat the mistakes of his predecessors!” Old Master said meaningfully.

The other two demons nodded, deciding not to probe further into Xu Hei’s identity, letting things take their natural course.

If a peerless Chosen truly emerged, some clues might be seen at the year-end gathering.

……

In the southern part of the Penglai Sea, within the Shark lineage.

Xu Hei arrived half a day early at the palace of the third team, relieved not to encounter that damned blue frog along the way.

Before long, Xu Bai also arrived, looking quite relaxed and cheerful.

”Xu Hei, Xu Bai, hello!” Qingluan approached to greet them.

Xu Hei sat cross-legged, quietly practicing his breathing exercise, recalling the battles of the past few days, summarizing his experiences.

Although his cultivation hadn’t changed, and the Dragon vein remained the same, his combat experience had grown significantly, and his use of spells and magical treasures had become more proficient.

With the same cultivation, strength could vary greatly, and Xu Hei deeply understood this through simulated combat.

No opponent should be judged solely by their apparent cultivation.

For instance, the current Xu Hei could easily defeat his former self from a month ago, without exaggeration.

If he encountered that blue frog again, Xu Hei was confident he could defeat it!

Time slowly passed, and soon, the core members of the third team gathered. The veteran members chatted casually, occasionally offering tips to the three newcomers, which Qingluan diligently noted down.

”Everyone, the ghost fish has sent back the route map, let’s move out!”

The voice of the giant tooth shark came from outside the palace.

This was the captain of the third team, White Tooth, at the early stage of Elemental Infant, also the leader of the mission.

”Yes!”

The third team members fully armed themselves and immediately set out, swimming towards the outside.

Xu Hei opened his eyes, following closely behind.

There were thirteen members in total, ten veteran members and three newcomers.

Of course, these were just the ones in the open; there might be some highly concealed members hidden, unknown to Xu Hei.

”Senior Porcupine Fish, who is the ghost fish?” Qingluan asked curiously.

The porcupine fish ahead showed a slightly impatient expression but still explained, ”He’s our third team’s scout, been with us for thirty years, best at concealment. If he hides with all his might, even the captain can’t find him.”

”Every mission, it’s the ghost fish scouting ahead, sending back intelligence, so our main force can move out without alerting the enemy.”

Qingluan nodded in understanding, repeatedly expressing gratitude.

”Remember, don’t casually talk about the information of these team members. If leaked, it could be life-threatening!” the porcupine fish reminded.

”I promise not to say anything!” Qingluan quickly assured.

The porcupine fish was helpless; if it weren’t for these three newcomers being under their charge, he wouldn’t bother explaining anything.

”Ghost fish…”

Xu Hei thought of that day, the devil fish hidden at the door. It was concealed beneath the sand, and if it hadn’t intentionally made a sound, even if Xu Hei passed by, he wouldn’t have discovered it.

Such concealment was the best Xu Hei had ever seen.

”And you two, remember to follow orders, don’t act on your own! As long as you don’t cause trouble, barring any accidents, this mission should go smoothly.”

The porcupine fish looked at Xu Hei and Xu Bai behind him.

”Yes! I promise not to cause trouble!” Xu Hei replied honestly.

If he could lay low, he would gladly do so.

This mission was no different from the previous ones, the biggest difference being the addition of three newcomers. Although the veteran members had some resentment, it wasn’t a major issue.

They didn’t expect much contribution from Xu Hei and the other two, as long as they didn’t have a negative impact, everything would be fine.