Divine Presence Command Center.

The Young Master watched the hellish mines with a mixture of satisfaction and conflict, as the sound of mining rose and fell like a grand symphony.

Satisfaction came from the fact that the subsequent arrival of red-named team members in hell meant that all three thousand of them who had given up their human identity had continuously mined and improved their Basic Mining Technique level, seemingly only needing proficiency to advance to Intermediate.

The conflict arose from the question of what the trial of the first layer actually was. Was completing the resource collection for the siege all that was required? That seemed too simple.

Furthermore, these three thousand people were essentially working as slaves for nothing, with their only nourishment being mushrooms. Where was the future profit point?

Additionally, this mine had seven teleportation arrays. Where did they lead? Did six Magic Stones need to be retrieved?

The strangest aspect was the elite supervisor demanding a tribute of crystal ore from the team members, constantly leveling up while soaking in magma...

In the midst of contemplation, a team member reported: "Young Master, that Ali Benga supervisor has been promoted to Boss!"

Promoted again?

The supervisor's laughter echoed through the mine: "You new little useless ones, starting now, each of you must tribute 20 weight in Crystal Stones to Grandpa Ali Benga, otherwise you get no mushrooms to eat!"

From 10 to 20? That's for 3000 team members!

The Young Master frowned: "Peeping Tom, what do you think?"

Peeping Immortal was equally puzzled: "Is there a possibility that the goal of the first layer of the trial is to defeat this greedy supervisor?"

The Young Master exclaimed: "Can 3000 level 1 players defeat a Boss?"

"Theoretically, depleting Physical Strength could work. But since the resource task for the siege has not been completed, we cannot act yet."

The Young Master felt increasingly agitated: "How is Peeping Tom's progress?"

Peeping Immortal felt helpless: "The more the Count's Mansion's power is weakened, the more tense and alert the Count becomes. Every doorway and corridor has been staffed, so I currently have no chance to move around and am stuck in the laundry room helping Amy wash clothes..."

Peeping secretly knew where the problem lay. It was likely the release of numerous gossip stories about the Count's family that tipped off the already furious and failing Count to the presence of an insider, hence the need to staff even the corridors.

This severe mistake was something Peeping dared not speak of, meaning the task of finding the secret sewer passage had to be postponed. As for waiting for the monster siege to cause chaos, it's hard to say, so...

Fortunately, the Young Master did not continue to pursue the matter, switching to the live broadcast interface of the three villages: "What is the situation in each village?"

"Young Master, a large number of 25-35 level goblins have appeared on the outskirts of the West City Fortress. The NPC forces of the fortress and the strength of our Western Corps are sufficient to deal with it."

"A large number of 25-35 level goblins have also appeared on the outskirts of the Southern Canyon Village, posing no significant threat to the village but cutting off the passage to the Main City, making future developments unpredictable."

"The North Port Fishing Village is currently anomalous, with no goblins present."

The Young Master was puzzled: "Why is the Fishing Village different?"

Peeping analyzed; "It might be related to the quality of mining by the Hell Corps. The first layer consists of the lowest grade Red Yellow Crystal Ore, which should only expand the goblins, resulting in an increase in siege goblins. The normal monsters threatening the North Port Fishing Village are likely Fishmen, so there are no goblins in the Fishing Village."

The Young Master pondered: "This also means that the Northern Corps of the Fishing Village might not earn experience from the monster siege. If an emergency arises in the Southern Canyon Village, can the Fishing Village Corps provide support?"

Warrior Corps Leader Sakamaru Saito replied confidently: "Absolutely not a problem. The West City Fortress has strong NPC military presence, and a part of the Western Corps can even be deployed for support."

The Young Master felt somewhat reassured.

But Peeping spoke up: "Young Master! I actually have a bold plan! I'm uncertain if I should share it."

"Speak!"

Peeping said: "The Royal Team in Black Iron City is starting to organize Chinese players for the siege defense battles. These are the monsters we dug out, how can we let them gain experience? So I boldly suggest that when the siege battle begins, have Tata War God and his team divert most of the siege monsters to the outskirts of our two villages, denying Chinese players the experience! If Tata War God is unwilling, I'll do it! I'm the fastest, most marathon-capable player in the world."

The Young Master was taken aback, and the command center was in an uproar!

Peeping felt secretly delighted. Mainly due to the major personal task errors, he wanted to find this opportunity to escape and shift the blame. But directly shifting it seemed inappropriate, so let Tata War God take the lead first.

If Tata War God agreed, it would demonstrate Peeping's invaluable contribution, sufficient to make up for this error. If he disagreed, then Peeping would step forward, perfectly extricating himself.

The Young Master regained composure: "Even if Peeping can lure the monsters, it means significant pressure on the two villages!"

Sakamaru was excited: "They're just goblins. Even if there are occasional Bosses, they're nothing to worry about! During the public beta, there were two goblin sieges, and we have abundant experience in dealing with them."

The Young Master was greatly tempted: "Very good! However, Peeping has important tasks at hand and shouldn't be exposed to the players worldwide, so I'll contact the Tata Battle Team. I'm confident Singer will understand the stakes..."

Sakamaru also chuckled: "As long as we shower Tata War God with praise about his top 20 world ranking, he'll certainly agree!"

...

Tata Team.

Manager Singer received the Young Master Shenqian's call with great displeasure. The recent action to burn down the Count's Mansion failed due to the swift firefighting by surrounding noble teams, leaving over ten thousand miners imprisoned without any chance to enjoy the monster siege's experience benefits.

Now they're being asked to engage in such lowly errand work of monster luring, which is utterly degrading.

But Tata War God had an idea: "Manager, I think it's feasible! I even have a plan! I'm just worried that their village can't withstand it..."

Singer's Spirit was invigorated: "Very well, it's time to show our trump cards. They, the Divine Team, occupy three villages, and that's excessive; prepare accordingly..."

"Understood!"

...

The Black Iron City Church, one of the permanent institutions of the Golden Empire's Church Court stationed in major cities.

Tata War God entered a garden villa of the Church, greeted by the harmonious sounds of cats, dogs, cows, and sheep.

A radiant and pure white-robed priestess was treating the wounds of an injured elite stray dog.

This was the Animal Protection Association, a hidden institution ordinary players had no access to. Yet entering was simple: refraining from eating any meat and embracing absolute vegetarianism! But a harbor with fish jerky as the staple grain—how could a player resist?

This priestess was Dharma, the Holy Mother of the Animal Protection Association!

Tata War God knelt piously before the stray dog, silently weeping while helping the Holy Mother with gauze and medicine.

The Holy Mother was pleased: "You've done your best, you need not blame yourself."

Tata War God sobbed: "I want to do better. A large number of goblins have appeared outside the city, hunting innocent animals in great numbers. I'm deeply saddened, and urgently need the Holy Mother to bestow upon me the power to protect them!"

The Holy Mother advised earnestly: "Your pious precepts and merits allow for one blessing. Therefore, devote yourself to praying to Mother Nature and strive to protect more animals..."

Tata War God wept with joy: "Thank you, Holy Mother!"

Tata War God knelt before three goats...

——System Prompt: You have activated Pious Prayer Mode. During prayer, you must not speak, move, or log off...

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