Chapter 546: The First Large-scale Dungeon

An ancient temple deep within hell, with bronze steles, ancient solitary lamps, and a towering golden sun. Terrifying poisonous gas and karma fire were everywhere, mysterious ancient trees grew, and peculiar beings roamed.

These elements converged to form a desolate, ancient, and mysterious depiction of hell, which was strangely alluring.

"This is about exploring the hidden mythical secrets of ancient times!"

Yuan Qinghua and Bai Xiaojun exchanged a glance.

With the continuous eruption of mysterious events, and the mysterious Sovereign of the Samsara Hall having departed to a distant, unknown place, taking Samsara with him, perhaps the Six Paths of Reincarnation were indeed undergoing drastic upheaval in the absence of their master!

“How many from your Asura Path intend to go?” Emperor Yun asked.

The two exchanged glances, wondering, “Is this our segment of the main plot? Has a mission been triggered?”

Bai Xiaojun bowed slightly. “Your Majesty, Emperor Yun, please allow us to discuss this among ourselves and to verify its existence. After all, we do not know if this is a ploy to lure our Asura Path out and capture us all.”

“That is reasonable,” Emperor Yun said with a smile. “You are currently at the Heavenly Emperor realm, sufficient to go for a temporary period without much danger.”

Following this, Emperor Yun began to take Yuan Qinghua to investigate.

Meanwhile, Bai Xiaojun, whose cultivation was not yet at the Heavenly Emperor realm, naturally could not join the investigation. Instead, he issued a call to arms to other online friends.

“As you can see, our game’s first large-scale dungeon has appeared! Volunteers, step forward. As everyone knows, clearing dungeons, especially a hellish one like this, will undoubtedly lead to heavy casualties. Cowards, do not come!”

“One more reminder: Emperor Yun may not have pure intentions. He is currently trying to ascertain your identities. After this dungeon, your identities will surely be exposed, and you won't be able to hide safely anymore.”

Despite these two warnings, many still signed up.

Are you kidding? You definitely have to take a chance with such a mysterious mythical dungeon. Without a fortuitous encounter, who could ever reach the peak?

It was clear that this was the main questline for an alternative route. If they didn't play this main quest and missed it, they would surely regret it for the rest of their lives!

In an instant, all the players erupted in excitement, enthusiastically responding. The number far exceeded expectations, totaling over a thousand people. This was equivalent to 70% of the population.

Soon, they began to gather, awaiting the Celestials to take them up.

“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind…” Xu Zhi, wearing sunglasses, lay back in a lounge chair, bathed in sunlight, feeling utterly relaxed and content. “Perhaps not a single player would imagine that one of their game dungeons has arrived in outer space, on Mercury, a planet with arguably the solar system’s harshest environment.”

The Six Paths of Reincarnation truly was convenient; wherever he went for a vacation, he could also let them out for a holiday.

Soon, Yuan Qinghua returned, having successfully confirmed its existence. It was a very perilous place. Consequently, Yun Zhongjun, utilizing his cloud manipulation abilities, transformed into cloud giants to bring up batch after batch of players.

As Yun Zhongjun alone could not transport so many beings, he brought several Celestial powerhouses, quasi-emperors, who descended to the mortal realm.

Boom!

A giant hand gently scooped them up, soaring straight through ten thousand miles of clouds.

“Woah, woah, woah! It’s the legendary Cloud Mist Boss who wiped out our entire party back then!”

Amidst the swirling clouds, a group of oddly shaped players yelled and shouted excitedly on Yun Zhongjun’s palm. “This dungeon-entering posture is certainly novel!”

“Brothers, this is our first time entering a dungeon in this online game!”

“Awesome! Quick, form your teams! Less talk, more grinding!”

On Yun Zhongjun’s palm, they seemed to be on a massive cloud plaza, utterly thrilled.

It was their first time entering a dungeon, participating in such a large organized event or outing. Their hearts were filled with inexpressible excitement. It was also a great opportunity to make friends, so they chatted and boasted, overjoyed. After all, this was a social online game, touted as a second, real life.

“Such commotion! What impropriety!”

Yun Zhongjun frowned slightly in displeasure. Although he deeply admired the Asura Path’s spirited nature, their boisterous playfulness and antics still challenged the dignity of a noble Celestial. With a slight tremor, he released his formidable aura.

Whoosh!

How terrifying was the pressure of a Heavenly Emperor?

Instantly, all the trees and animals on his palm trembled at the knees, their teeth chattering, and collapsed to the ground. Many even wet themselves from fright, a damp stain slowly spreading down their pants, revealing their utterly undignified state…

Seeing this, Yun Zhongjun was subtly satisfied.

The other quasi-emperors quickly followed suit, releasing their formidable auras. Most of the beings being transported were only at the second or third tier; how could they possibly withstand it?

“What’s going on? Did I suddenly get a negative buff?”

“My legs feel weak.”

“Hahaha! You even peed yourself! Your crotch is soaking wet!”

“Aren't you the same?”

“This is too much fun! A negative buff with such realistic effects?”

Because the players had reduced their pain perception, they were bewildered by the sudden experience, their eyes wide. However, they paid no attention to it, feeling it must be a game plot setting or perhaps a trial.

They continued to chat, despite their bodies trembling and shaking.

“Wait, guys, screenshot this for me, I can't let this go to waste!” One large wolf-dog, seeing that it had peed itself and was trembling all over, spread its legs, declared its sovereignty on Yun Zhongjun’s finger, and loudly roared:

“Sun Wukong was here!!!”

Yun Zhongjun: “…”

Yun Zhongjun’s pupils widened, furious with rage, but he could only endure, following Emperor Yun's instructions. The quasi-emperors assisting in the transport were also dumbfounded!

“These Asura Path beings truly disrespect Celestials, fearing neither heaven nor earth. How audacious!”

And it wasn't just that.

They saw two animals whose legs had gone so weak they couldn't stand, lying limp on the ground like caterpillars, yet wriggling around to chat with great interest, like two maggots.

They also witnessed a massive, eagle-like creature, standing on two legs. Despite being terrified and trembling all over, it was urinating as it walked, leaving a long wet trail on the ground. Yet it still strode around proudly, looking for people to chat with, behaving as if it were out for a leisurely stroll, completely unconcerned by its undignified appearance...

“This… this! What extraordinary resilience!”

Some of the bewildered quasi-emperors widened their eyes. “Are they displaying their courage? Even under such terrifying pressure from powerful beings, despite being so scared they lost control of their bladders and their legs turned to jelly, they still chat casually with each other, wandering about with relaxed expressions, showcasing their indomitable spirit?”

“They are a terrifying race.”

Yun Zhongjun was already filled with admiration. At this point, he no longer cared about the recent humiliation. He earnestly advised the quasi-emperor beside him, “These are passionate warriors; they will never bend their backs, never kneel… Once, to avoid kneeling before Emperor Yun, an Asura Path member, drenched in cold sweat, gritted his teeth and publicly broke his own spine!”

“How is that possible!?”

The new quasi-emperor was utterly speechless.

He deeply understood the horror of such pain, and the sheer determination required. This was something ordinary beings could not endure. No wonder the Celestial Path was so wary of the Asura Path, for they had witnessed their terrifying potential for power!

“They are born warriors, possessing unwavering spines and courage.” Yun Zhongjun sighed. “I once spoke with Yuan Qinghua from their side, and he told me: ‘The hymn of humanity is the hymn of courage; the greatness of humanity is the greatness of courage!’”