Chapter Fourteen: Dividing the Spoils

The Ice Arrow of the Frost Sacrificial Emperor fell once more, effortlessly shattering the Holy Light Shield, then piercing into Steadfast Monk, draining nearly 900 points of his health. Though Divine Fox Moon deftly cast a quick heal, restoring over 600 points, Steadfast Monk’s health continued its downward spiral. On average, each attack from the boss cost him more than 250 points. Even with Divine Fox Moon’s timely heals and as long as the boss didn’t land a critical hit, Steadfast Monk could withstand, at most, six more attacks—perhaps not even that many. Once his health dipped below 800, he would be instantly slain by the boss.

“Monk, use your potion! Use a level-30 large potion! Just hold on for another one or two rounds and the boss will fall.” While hurling a Black Fireball, Ye Chen shouted at Steadfast Monk. Only seven more attacks—at most seven—and the Frost Sacrificial Emperor would be defeated!

“Alright, I’ll risk it! I have to see this boss die before I do!” Hearing Ye Chen’s roar, Steadfast Monk nodded fiercely, shoving potion after potion into his mouth as he let out wild, guttural howls. His cudgel rained relentless blows upon the Frost Sacrificial Emperor.

Perhaps the boss’s strength was spent after its evolution; none of its subsequent attacks landed a critical hit. The level-30 large red potion performed admirably, allowing Steadfast Monk to survive seven more assaults. When his health was whittled down to just 125 points, the Frost Sacrificial Emperor let out an unwilling roar and collapsed to the ground, never to attack again.

At that very moment, three brilliant beams of white light descended from above, enveloping Ye Chen and his two companions. All three leveled up together—Steadfast Monk and Divine Fox Moon each gained a level, while Ye Chen surged ahead by three, vaulting from level 16 to 19. Just one more level and he could advance his class. This was, without question, the most frenzied rate of advancement in all of the Divine Descent’s fourth server.

As the cheerful chimes of the level-up notifications echoed in his ears, Ye Chen trembled with excitement—nineteen, he had actually reached level 19! The young women at the studio took at least five days to go from level 15 to 19, but he had accomplished it in less than half a day!

And all this, he owed to the system deity. Without it, there would have been no hidden quest, no advanced attack aura, and certainly no such miracle as this!

Meanwhile, the onlookers who had gathered to watch from afar were dumbfounded. A level-30 gold boss had actually been taken down right before their eyes—this was the very first gold boss ever felled in Fierce Mountain City. Many regretted not recording the battle, and everyone was full of admiration. As for the few Holy Light Priests who had earlier sneered at Ye Chen’s group, they slunk away in disgrace the moment the boss fell. Their regret gnawed at them—if only they’d joined the team back then, how wonderful it would have been… But the opportunity had slipped away.

The body of the Frost Sacrificial Emperor gradually dissolved into points of white light, leaving behind several items and piles of gold coins on the ground. Most dazzling were the pieces of equipment radiating silver light, mesmerizing all who looked upon them—those were silver-grade items!

Steadfast Monk was utterly stunned, standing motionless with his health nearly depleted, forgetting even to heal himself. He gazed at the golden equipment on the ground, drooling unconsciously and giggling foolishly from time to time like a simple-minded child.

“Ahem, Monk, I’m taking my share. If you keep standing there in a daze, you’ll forfeit your portion,” Ye Chen teased with a laugh as he began to inspect the loot.

According to their agreement, the spoils were to be split equally, but Ye Chen had first pick, since sealing the Frost Domain skill had depended entirely on his judgment—without which, defeating the boss would have been impossible.

There were six items in total, meaning each of them would get two. Ye Chen grinned at his teammates and stooped to pick up what appeared to be an unremarkable piece of Nether Grass.

Nether Grass: a rare alchemical ingredient, specific use unknown.

Seeing this, Divine Fox Moon’s expression changed. Her grip tightened around her staff, her eyes flashing with surprise and disbelief. She couldn’t fathom why Ye Chen would pass over the gleaming equipment in favor of such a seemingly useless item. Forcing herself to remain calm, she managed a smile and called out, “Captain Night Chen, we owe this victory to you. You can’t just take the leftovers; you should take the silver-grade equipment. Neither of us would object, right, Monk?”

“No objections, none at all,” Steadfast Monk replied, though his face showed clear reluctance. Still, he nodded earnestly—he was a man of principle. In his eyes, the silver gear was far more valuable than the Nether Grass. Even so, he had no intention of arguing when he heard Ye Chen should take both pieces.

Ye Chen flashed a grin at Divine Fox Moon. “Whether something is valuable or not isn’t for you to decide. I have eyes and know what I’m doing. I just like this item. What, do you have a problem with that—or perhaps you know some secret hidden in this Nether Grass?”

“I…” Divine Fox Moon’s smile grew even more strained. “How would I know? If you like it, take it. You’re the captain and you have first pick.”

“Good—no objections is best, though it wouldn’t matter if you did.” Ye Chen’s words left Divine Fox Moon red-faced and speechless. Steadfast Monk glanced at Ye Chen, then at Divine Fox Moon, wisely choosing to remain silent. He was straightforward, but by no means foolish; it was clear enough that there was something unusual about the Nether Grass.

With one pick left, Ye Chen’s gaze drifted over the remaining items. He was about to choose a piece of silver equipment when, halfway through reaching out, he paused and instead picked up a golden letter.

Golden Letter: a letter of introduction, purpose unknown, recipient unknown. Perhaps you can consult someone knowledgeable for more information.

This time, not only was Steadfast Monk taken aback, but even Divine Fox Moon looked surprised. She understood the value of the Nether Grass, but the letter’s use was a mystery to her—it seemed nothing more than a special item with no obvious purpose, essentially junk. She couldn’t comprehend why Ye Chen would forgo a piece of silver equipment in favor of it.

Of course, Ye Chen knew exactly what they were thinking, but he didn’t care. In that brief instant, the system deity had already revealed the letter’s true purpose to him—its value far exceeded that of any mere silver-grade equipment.