Cumin Lamb's post sparked the regional channel into a frenzy.
[Ai Shan]: Wait, that cheap? I thought it'd cost a fortune—didn't even ask! Crow's been announced tons—why ask for such low-tier stuff?
[777]: Y'all forgetting Crow's human, needs water too. Didn't expect her to sell so cheap, though (whispers).
[Mongolian]: Thanks for the heads-up, almost got played.
Cheng Shuili's inbox buzzed, unread dots spiking like a fever. She skimmed a few—all buy offers for her moss tip. Basic loot, but she wasn't choosy.
"Utility water, simple tools, mineral water, compressed biscuits…" she murmured, eyes blazing. "They're hungrier than I figured."
Foot on the gas, she scanned for roadside chests while firing off trade replies, juggling tasks like a circus act. Happy chaos.
Her eyes stung—she parked, the virtual screen's unread count still climbing. Chuckling, her fingers danced, syncing the moss clue to each buyer.
Trades stacked up, her cart a treasure trove: mineral water crates, biscuit stacks, toolkits, batteries, gasoline cans, utility water boxes, even a pristine sleeping bag.
"Congratulations, player Cheng Shuili, for receiving gifts from 50 players, earning achievement [Minor Celebrity]!"
She arched a brow at the pop-up. An achievement for this? Details showed a measly 10 game coins.
Cheng Shuili blinked. "…Seriously?" Fifty gifts for 10 coins? Why not 50?
If the system could hear, it'd flash a snarky jab. It never dreamed anyone would snag this achievement this way. Human hustle—unstoppable.
An hour in, her haul was obscene.
Buyers tapered off, but she shrugged, flooring it. Day six, with tomorrow as the newbie period's last—today was her shot to lap anyone ahead.
That afternoon, she blazed 80+ kilometers, the upgraded cart a beast, piling on miles. Chests were scarce—dungeon's fault, she bet. Noted: dungeon days starve the roads.
Dusk bled into night, light fading.
At 8 p.m., the system's voice boomed.
[Daily dungeon officially closed! Now for the summary. First, public rewards for all players!]
Cheng Shuili scooped rice porridge, chasing it with leftover guobaorou, the tangy-sweet mix pure comfort.
The channel buzzed—players stunned at "public rewards," hailing the system's mercy.
[Obstruct Good]: Non-participants get rewards too?
[Xu Lingqi]: Should, it said public.
She smirked—they were dreamers. The system's "voluntary" dungeon was a setup; public rewards were for participants only, she'd wager.
She stayed mum as the channel bickered—non-participants claiming rights, participants scoffing.
Before it boiled over, the system cut in.
[All participants, Strength +1, a nod to your bravery! Keep it up!]
A surge of power hit; her panel showed Strength at 36. She blinked—didn't see that coming. Should've nudged agility with those earlier points.
Shrugging, she let it go.
[Now announcing today's dungeon server-wide individual leaderboard:
1st: Crow Takes Flight, 3:42
2nd: Red Ridge, 36:16
3rd: Night Watch, 36:25
…]
The channel detonated.
[Love Rice Hobbit]: Holy crap! Crow boss is insane!!! (voice crack), miles ahead of second!
[Xu Lingqi]: Third's neck-and-neck with second, but Crow's gap? Freaking terrifying!
Cheng Shuili savored her last porridge bite, eyes dancing over the channel's chaos. The screen scrolled too fast, a blur of "Crow boss" worship.
Her smirk widened, basking in praise and stray doubts alike. She waved an imaginary sleeve, untouchable.
This flex? Chef's kiss.
She held cool, but Cumin Lamb snapped.
To him, Crow was a legend—how dare they question her?
[Cumin Lamb]: Y'all didn't buy Crow's intel? Three minutes! She didn't just clear the maze—she cracked a universal trick! That's elite observation and speed! Haters, shut it!
[Liang Shanbo & Pig Charge]: He's right, your wild guesses are garbage—this adds up.
[Welder Bro]: One question: was Crow a detective pre-apocalypse?
[Welder Sis]: I bet Crow's a 6'2" hunk, eight-pack, long legs, ripped, runs like a beast, kind-hearted, shares supplies…
[Little Panda]: Sis, making wishes?
Cheng Shuili chuckled, catching Cumin Lamb's post. Shaking her head, she mused, "Plenty of good eggs out there."
Most thought the system was done, but another bombshell dropped.
[Now announcing regional dungeon zone leaderboard:
1st: Dragon Nation 3rd Zone, 1000th Subzone
2nd: Dragon Nation 8th Zone, 888th Subzone
3rd: America 1st Zone, 184th Subzone
…]
The channel roared.
[Qingzi King]: A zone ranking?! We're first!
[Pure Water]: We! Are! Number! One!
Cheng Shuili leaned back, grinning. Loot stacked, fame cemented, zone on top. Yeah, this is the life.