Two days of survival in the secret forest allowed the four individuals to achieve a qualitative leap, not only in their cultivation but also in their practical combat experience, both honed through life-and-death battles.
Compared to their rawness when they first arrived a few days ago, they had now undergone a transformation in their demeanor, each exuding murderous intent and sharp eyes.
As for the second batch of players, after diligently completing tasks on the first day, some began to grow restless on the second day, wanting to emulate Zhao Shijie and his group by entering the secret forest to slay monsters.
Fang Yuan, whose arrogance remained undiminished, the Internet Celebrity Gunsmith, along with Chen Shaocong and Huo Sichun, formed the second team of five, charging fiercely into the secret forest.
Initially, the five were quite fortunate, encountering only mortal-realm demonic beasts. After a chaotic spree of hacking and slashing, they were inexplicably excited, and their cultivation also advanced to the Body Tempering Stage.
Feeling utterly confident, the group ventured deeper again. Unfortunately, this time they encountered a third-stage Smelting Body Realm demonic beast. After two of them were killed, the remaining three fled in disarray, only to be cornered by another demonic beast, leading to the demise of everyone.
At this moment, the four were in the courtyard, reviewing their recent battle. Fang Yuan had been ejected from the game and banned for three hours.
Someone saw Zhao Shijie and the other three emerge from the secret forest, covered in blood, and couldn't help but exclaim.
Only by experiencing it themselves did they realize how strong this small team was.
After two days and two nights of intense fighting, not a single person had died, earning the deep admiration of everyone.
Chen Shaocong's gaze towards Zhao Shijie held much less murderous intent and more admiration.
The others greeted Zhao Shijie and his three companions warmly, which made Ye Wuyai and Lin Ye flattered.
In reality, they had always been insignificant, never having received such treatment.
Facing everyone's goodwill, the two were momentarily awkward, only able to force smiles in response.
Zhao Shijie and Qin Zhenhua, however, appeared much more composed.
"Senior Brother, Senior Brother, hurry and wash up. I've made some dishes for you. I wonder if they suit your taste."
At this moment, Huo Sichun stood up, smiling and waving at Zhao Shijie.
This action immediately drew everyone's attention.
Lin Ye looked at Huo Sichun, then at the bewildered Zhao Shijie, a look of understanding dawning on his face.
Ye Wuyai, however, didn't think so much, saying cheerfully, "Junior Sister, you're too kind. Later, I'll impart some survival experience to you."
Huo Sichun's beautiful eyes widened, and she huffed, "Who's your junior sister? Bah, shameless!"
With that, she turned back to Zhao Shijie, "Senior Brother, later, can you teach me how to kill monsters?"
Zhao Shijie awkwardly scratched his head, "Okay, okay."
By the time the four had washed up, the sun was already setting.
The others also put down their tasks and gathered in the courtyard.
After two days of accumulation, several people's contribution points had already exceeded twenty, with Gongdi Xiao Wang having the most.
He hardly rested at all, not only helping others build wooden houses but also laying the foundation for the main hall.
Chu Huaian had already prepared the materials before leaving; it only required professionals to construct.
Gongdi Xiao Wang immediately found Chen Shaocong and sold all his contribution points, exchanging them for over twenty thousand yuan, which made him indescribably excited, thanking him repeatedly.
Besides him, "Tomorrow Early Eight" and Baldy also sold half their contribution points, while the remaining people had no intention of selling.
Originally, their primary goal was to earn money, but now they were deeply captivated by the game and intended to keep the points for themselves.
Xu Yuan and Shu Ya had signed contracts with Qin Zhenhua before entering the game, so they had no choice but to transfer all their contribution points to Qin Zhenhua.
In other words, among this batch of players, half of them were supporting Qin Zhenhua and Chen Shaocong.
In fact, among this group, Qin Zhenhua was the most anxious.
His talent was only a mid-grade spiritual root; the further he went, the harder it would be to catch up with Zhao Shijie and the other two.
This trend was already evident; Zhao Shijie was leveling up too quickly!
In time, he feared he would be left far behind.
Therefore, he had to rely on the contribution points of others to help him improve his cultivation.
Just as he was sinking into anxiety, Chen Shaocong secretly tugged at his sleeve and gave him a knowing look.
Qin Zhenhua understood and followed Chen Shaocong to a secluded corner.
"Hua Ge, I didn't have time to tell you before, but I didn't mean to go against you. I'll give you half of the contribution points I collected."
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhenhua waved his hand, saying indifferently, "It's fine, keep it for yourself. There will be more players later; just save some for me then."
"Alright, I won't be polite with you then. Currently, my level is still very weak, but in a few days, once I raise my level, I will definitely catch up to you."
At this point, Chen Shaocong hesitated, then looked up and stared at Qin Zhenhua, "Hua Ge, do you want to join our team?"
Qin Zhenhua was slightly stunned, looking at Chen Shaocong's serious expression, and said with a bitter smile, "Do you think this game is like other games? That you can do whatever you want with money?"
"Isn't it? As long as you throw money at it, I don't believe these people won't be tempted!" Chen Shaocong retorted, unconvinced.
"I used to think the same as you, but then I realized that cultivation resources are only one aspect; personal talent and practical combat experience are the most important."
"Don't look at how high my level is now; actually, a large part of it is thanks to Zhao Shijie and his companions."
"I heard your team encountered a third-stage Smelting Body Realm demonic beast, two died, and three escaped. Is that true?"
Chen Shaocong nodded in affirmation.
Qin Zhenhua smiled slightly, "When we first advanced to the Body Tempering Stage, we dared to fight a third-stage Smelting Body Realm beast. In that battle, all four of us were severely wounded.
Later, when we reached the third stage, we encountered four more demonic beasts, all of them fourth or fifth stage. At that time, we had no elixirs and faced the enemy with severe injuries. Guess what happened in the end?"
"What happened?" Chen Shaocong was deeply drawn in by his words, and battle scenes involuntarily floated in his mind.
"Three demonic beasts were slain by us, and the last fifth-stage demonic beast was scared away by us!"
"I'm telling you this because I want you to know that Zhao Shijie and his companions are truly strong; I will not leave the team."
"If you don't leave, then can I join?" Chen Shaocong said with a serious expression.
Hearing this, Qin Zhenhua's expression froze, and he subconsciously said, "Didn't you have a grudge with Zhao Shijie?"
"I'm not that petty, and besides, hearing you say that, I feel like this person isn't bad. No, this team is very good. I just like that intense, thrilling feeling."
"I think you shouldn't be too hasty. Besides, your team isn't bad either. Like Fang Yuan and Huo Sichun, both of them have high-grade spiritual roots. What you lack is just combat experience."
"Alright, let's talk about this later. Do you think you can arrange a meeting with Zhao Shijie in reality? I want to see him."
"What, you want to get revenge on him?" Qin Zhenhua glanced at him, saying in a low voice.
"Am I that kind of petty person? I just want to see what kind of person he is in reality, and if he can still be arrogant when he sees me?"
"Aren't you just trying to show off by relying on your status? So childish!"
Qin Zhenhua showed a disdainful look, no longer bothering with him, and turned back to the team.
At this moment, everyone was listening to Ye Wuyai impart monster-slaying experience, and with some embellishment, everyone was utterly captivated.
Just as everyone was immersed, several whooshing sounds approached from afar, landing outside the courtyard.
"Someone's here!"
Zhao Shijie hastily put down his chopsticks, grabbed his long spear, and rushed out of the courtyard gate first, with the others following closely, full of questions.