Chapter 96: That Damn Old Man’s Got Sharp Eyes! The so-called “ritual cleansing and incense offering” was actually just a special skill — Cleanse Technique. First, it cleaned the body. No need to take off your clothes. As for the incense offering, it was even simpler. Just light three sticks of incense in front of the Human Emperor Stele, bow once… and that’s it. “…That’s it?” Ye Qiu turned to look at Xu Shangyin. She nodded as if it were obvious. “Yeah, that’s it. What more did you expect?” Still not satisfied, Ye Qiu asked again, “The cleansing part is really that casual?” Xu Shangyin giggled. “You’re underestimating Cleanse Technique. It’s way more effective than a bath!” “…Oh.” Ye Qiu looked disappointed. So much for getting excited, he had been expecting something a bit more… sensual. But nope, it was all over in a flash. “Let’s go. Elder Han said that once you’re done, he’ll be waiting for you at the first floor of the tower,” Xu Shangyin said, then took the lead. Ye Qiu followed behind her. From behind, her graceful figure and beautiful features caught his eye. If he remembered correctly, Xu Shangyin ranked high on the in-game list of prettiest female NPCs, above Ji Yun even. On the way, they passed a few players who had come to the Sword Sect for class changes. Most of the players were either admiring the grandeur of the sect or staring at the male and female NPCs. After all, Sword Sect NPCs — regardless of gender — were all incredibly attractive. Especially once Xu Shangyin appeared, most players couldn’t look away. “Wow, she’s beautiful!” “I swear, I will marry an NPC someday!” “Some players have already managed to charm NPCs!” At this point in the game, players were still reckless. After all, death wasn’t permanent. Even if NPCs camped respawn points, a player could just log off. How were NPCs supposed to deal with that? No one paid much attention to Ye Qiu. Even if they did, they probably just thought he was another random Sword Sect NPC. As they descended, they passed quite a few players. Now that the entry fee was back up to 1,000 gold, most players had a bit of money again and could afford to come for class changes. But overall numbers were still low. It would take about a week (in-game time) before inflation hit and class changes peaked. Upon reaching the first floor, Ye Qiu spotted Han Wenqing. He immediately stepped forward and bowed. “Master!” “Greetings, Elder Han!” Xu Shangyin also greeted him respectfully. Han Wenqing nodded to Xu Shangyin, then turned to Ye Qiu, forcing a smile. “My disciple truly looks like a man of talent.” Ye Qiu responded earnestly, “Compared to my peerless master, I’m nothing but a plain sack of skin.” Han Wenqing’s gaze softened. Xu Shangyin, on the side, looked stunned. No wonder there were rumors that Elder Han had been bewitched by this outsider and took him as a disciple. She hadn’t believed it before… But now, she understood. Flattery conquered all! “You’re absolutely right, Ye Qiu!” Xu Shangyin immediately chimed in. The three entered through a central door on the first floor. Before them, a staircase descended downward. This was Ye Qiu’s first time here, but not the first time he’d seen it. In his previous life, there had been many videos about the 100 levels below the tower. The most famous was when players forced their way into the Human Emperor’s Training Grounds, reaching Level -77 to get a close look at the Human Emperor’s clone. Say what you will, but players’ creativity and adventurous spirit were insane. Despite constant deaths, they kept coming. Using sheer numbers, they eventually figured out a way to pass through the Emperor’s Training Grounds without taking any damage. Eventually, the whole area became a tourist attraction. Anyone could just stroll down to Level -77 to view the Human Emperor’s clone. Unfortunately, the last 33 floors were far too dangerous. Even the most fearless players wouldn’t dare go further. It would be pure suicide. “Disciple, I’ve already spoken to the guardian elder. You won’t need to go through the trials of the ‘Human Emperor’s Training Grounds.’ You can go straight down to Level -77 and pay your respects to the Human Emperor’s clone,” said Han Wenqing. “Thank you, Master!” Ye Qiu’s gratitude was genuine. Even though he knew how to get through the Training Grounds safely, Han Wenqing didn’t. So he was truly thankful. Han Wenqing added, “Stick to the center pathway. The lower 100 levels of the tower are soaked in miasma. Even the weakest miasma monsters could easily kill someone at your level!” Okay now that was just condescending. Ye Qiu wasn’t good at many things, but he excelled at dealing with miasma monsters! He knew all their weaknesses. Still, he nodded obediently. “I will follow your guidance, Master!” Han Wenqing looked serious. “You’re only allowed down to Level -77. Don’t go even one step further!” “I understand!” Ye Qiu nodded repeatedly. He knew exactly how terrifying the last 33 levels were. Even his master, a Level 120 third-transition sword cultivator, could die down there! The deeper you went, the closer you came to the ancient Heavenly Demons sealed away by the Human Emperor. To be able to fight against the Human Emperor and survive, those beings must’ve been monsters beyond imagination! Soon, they reached Level -3. Aside from a few rotating guard NPCs, there were two other NPCs: one old, one young. Ye Qiu recognized him. It was Li Damou, the same guy he had sparred with! “Li Damou?” Xu Shangyin frowned. Something didn’t feel right. Li Damou was staring at Ye Qiu with a cold smile. Just then, Han Wenqing introduced them, “Disciple, this is Elder Li Xianxing, the guardian of the Sealed Grounds.” Ye Qiu quickly stepped forward and bowed. “Greetings, Elder Li!” This old man was a legend. From the moment he joined Sword Sect, he dedicated his life to guarding the Sealed Grounds. Daily exposure to poisonous miasma, yet he never once complained. In his past life, Ye Qiu had never interacted with him up close, but his reputation was legendary. “Haha, so you’re Ye Qiu! I’ve heard your name from two people now,” said Elder Li Xianxing with a wrinkled but kind smile. “One was your master, Han Wenqing. The other is my disappointing grandson, Li Damou.” Han Wenqing frowned slightly, as if sensing something. Elder Li continued, “As the elder here, I must apologize for my unworthy grandson using dirty tricks during your sparring match.” Before Ye Qiu could respond, Han Wenqing suddenly asked, “Brother Li, what’s the meaning of this? Why have you activated the ‘Human Emperor’s Training Grounds’?” Elder Li looked apologetic but replied, “As everyone knows, the Training Grounds are a supreme formation meant to test one’s heart and spirit, personally laid down by the Human Emperor himself. “My duty as the guardian elder is to protect the seal, keep out those with ill intent, and uphold the will of the Emperor. “And now… someone suddenly requests to view the Emperor’s clone? “That shocked this old man greatly. After all, those words haven’t been uttered in over a century! “So forgive me if I grow suspicious and vigilant.” The implication was clear. He suspected Ye Qiu had ulterior motives. That he might be trying to approach the Human Emperor’s clone for some hidden agenda. Ye Qiu’s heart skipped a beat. That damn old man’s got sharp eyes!