Chapter Fifty-Five: A Walk Outside

After completing the energy distribution chamber, Liu Zong did not pause. He raised his hand and guided the seawater sphere nearby into the chamber. In fact, the seawater sphere had originally been intended for energy distribution. Although Liu Zong had now found the shadowed green vine, without the spectral mercury serving as an internal intermediary, each transfer of energy incurred a certain loss.

Once all the seawater had been guided into the chamber, the three layers of seawater separated immediately. The outermost layer of spectral mist was swiftly expelled from the chamber, enveloping its exterior, where it was absorbed by the surrounding leaves, cycled through, and then pushed out via the roots.

The spectral mercury melted into the space beneath the temple. Though the space was small, it accommodated all the spectral mercury without any noticeable effect.

The core, the half-solidified jelly, had vanished completely within the great urn. It was precisely because the urn devoured this jelly-like substance that it dutifully released the transferred energy, sometimes even producing energy tinged with gold or silver threads.

Achieving this was already impressive for Liu Zong. The seawater he had just introduced raised the maximum energy storage by 1000 units, and replenished 3700 units of shadow energy. The rest would need to be accumulated over time.

With this energy reserve, Liu Zong had laid a solid foundation for constructing his Canglong. His plan was to begin the first phase of construction once the shadow energy reached 5000 units. With sufficient energy, he could build all the key structures required for the Necromancer Fortress in one go.

The next step would be to supplement some materials and buildings, and then everything would become much easier.

With these thoughts in mind, Liu Zong did not rush into action. This journey to the Storm Archipelago had exhausted much of his energy, though it had yielded some worthwhile gains.

Now, it was time for Liu Zong to relax. Previously, he lacked the means to exchange resources for the treasures he acquired, but things were different now—he had a perfect place to go.

Leaving the virtual world, Liu Zong returned to the real city of Yang. The first thing he did was open the map and search for the bar Li You had taken him to last time.

Before leaving, Li You had mentioned that this bar was the only one in Yang City, exclusively open to players of Level 3 and above. Of course, players who showed potential to reach Level 3 could sometimes come in for a drink.

This bar was also a private meeting and trading spot for Level 3 players and above. For those unwilling to sell their valuable finds cheaply on the open market, they could come here, have a drink, and post a listing to see if anyone was willing to trade.

However, there was one issue with trading here: no standard equivalent currency, and the owner charged a rather steep commission, as they had to guarantee the safety and fairness of every guest. Otherwise, if Level 3 players clashed, it would spell trouble for Yang City.

None of this bothered Liu Zong. Ever since Li You brought him in last time and registered his game name, he had the right to enter the bar.

His future was clear—so long as he stayed alive, he would become the sixth Level 4 player in Yang City.

But lately, Liu Zong had been busy with his Canglong and immersed in the game, leaving no time to visit the bar for a drink. He had never entered the bar, and had even forgotten the route Li You had taken last time.

Fortunately, the city map was constantly updating, and technology was not limited to the game world—maps in the real world were equally accessible.

After summoning the map, Liu Zong quickly located the bar. The map confirmed his access rights and provided directions.

Unlike Li You, who could teleport others directly, Liu Zong, still at Level 0, had to dutifully use the real-world portals to reach a certain place, then take a flyer or walk.

Liu Zong took it in stride, not seeing himself as a powerful Level 4 player, but treating today as a rare chance to rest. While transferring through the portal, he even visited the nearby forum to check for any news.

He did not take a flyer, but followed the map on foot.

Walking among Yang City's skyscrapers, with the sun shining down, Liu Zong felt his recent hardships had been worthwhile. He wished this life could go on forever.

Time passed swiftly under the sun, and with the map's guidance—as Liu Zong was no fool—it wasn't long before he reached the bar Li You had brought him to.

Though the interior had appeared old and shabby last time, the exterior was thoroughly modern—a towering three-hundred-story building, obviously of the latest design.

Countless vehicles were parked around the building, none of whose brands Liu Zong recognized. Judging by his experience, even the doors of these cars were beyond what his parents could afford in a lifetime.

Of course, Liu Zong had no intention of worrying about the cars. He went straight to the main entrance, which opened automatically as he approached.

A voice greeted him: "Mr. Zhu Liu Giant, welcome. Due to your level, you may only rest in the first-floor lobby, please forgive us. All services are available to you; feel free to contact a server if you need anything."

This did not surprise Liu Zong. Li You had mentioned that the bar catered to Level 3 players and above, each with their own private suites. Those who drank here were generally players with Level 3 potential.

What set Liu Zong apart was his proven potential to reach Level 4, granting him more privileges.

Upon entering, Liu Zong walked straight to the bar and said, "I'd like a drink—the one Li You ordered for me last time, what was it called?"

The bartender glanced at Liu Zong and replied, "Oh, that one? It's called Soul Intoxication. One glass equals one unit of resources. What will you use to pay?"

Liu Zong stood dumbfounded for a moment, then placed a unit of sulfur on the bar. The owner smiled, accepted it, and placed a glass of liquor before him.

"Good quality sulfur. But next time, you'd better trade with magical mercury—it'll benefit you more."