Chapter 1 A Little Closer to the Battlefield

As Shi Feng edged closer to the battlefield, countless players were glued to the Mechanical Destroyer's health bar.

The more intense the battle became, the faster the Mechanical Destroyer's health plummeted.

Everyone wanted to be one step ahead, to increase their chances of snatching the loot, so they watched intently.

Meanwhile, the guild leaders began ordering their subordinates to create a cordon.

Although Shi Feng had used the Mechanical Destroyer to kill many players, a considerable number still remained. At this point, the guilds had no time to spare for Shi Feng, including Only One Mad Tyrant, who gnashed his teeth in hatred, his attention was focused on the Mechanical Destroyer.

"Guild Leader Only One, we have dispatched men to the locations closest to the Mechanical Destroyer. The moment it dies, our people will rush there immediately," an assassin reported to Only One Mad Tyrant.

"Good. If anyone tries to steal the drops, kill them all," Only One Mad Tyrant ordered.

The Mechanical Destroyer was incredibly powerful, and he estimated the loot would be at least Dark-Gold rank, perhaps even Epic. This was far better than the drops from the Three Great Dungeons.

Obtaining these drops would, in some measure, make up for their losses.

"By the way, any movements from Zero Wing or Serpent's Kiss?" Only One Mad Tyrant asked.

"Not yet. For some reason, Zero Wing hasn't sent a large number of people; it's as if they aren't interested. Serpent's Kiss is still fully focused on conquering the Three Great Dungeons, so they haven't sent many people. However, Di Light and the Assassin's Alliance have sent quite a few. Our guild has lost many members because of Black Flame, so we won't have an advantage if we compete with these guilds," the assassin reported.

"Hahaha, Bai Qingxue, you're so focused on conquering the Three Great Dungeons that you've missed a chance to conquer something better! Pass the order: everyone is to prioritize the most valuable items. We cannot allow Dark-Gold or Epic items to fall into the hands of other guilds!" Only One Mad Tyrant was ecstatic at the thought of the Mechanical Destroyer's bountiful loot.

Although Black Flame had killed many of his men and severely damaged Dark Star, it would take a while to recover. He would get his revenge eventually, and he would personally kill Black Flame.

However, compared to these losses, obtaining Dark-Gold or even Epic items would be a huge boost to the guild, especially in conquering dungeons.

Facing the bosses in the Three Great Dungeons with Dark-Gold or even Epic weapons and equipment would make it much easier.

When they cleared the Three Great Dungeons first, Dark Star would reappear before everyone and restore its former glory.

Time passed slowly, and as everyone focused on the Mechanical Destroyer's health, more and more players gathered in White River City.

After all, a monster siege was unprecedented in the Star-Moon Kingdom.

Soon after the White River City system announcement, it was reported on the *God's Domain* official website.

Players not only in the White River City area but also in other cities rushed over.

However, because the city-to-city transfer fee wasn't cheap, a round trip was a considerable expense. So not many players came from other cities. But those who did were doing well in *God's Domain*, mostly elite members of guilds from other cities.

In a short time, the number of players gathered exceeded 500,000, almost a third of White River City's total player population.

"Seeing how strong this monster is, I'm somewhat relieved. At least we didn't come for nothing. We have few people here and don't have a home-field advantage. If we get a drop, run away immediately. Don't get yourselves killed. Understand?" A handsome man in a black robe slowly instructed those around him.

If Shi Feng saw this man, he would be very surprised.

Because this man was a well-known expert in the virtual gaming world, even more famous than Bai Qingxue, ranked in the top 1,000 in the world's expert rankings, and also one of the veterans of the top-tier guild, Star River Alliance, named Chi Yu (Red Feather).

"Boss Chi Yu, don't worry. You know our strength. These noob players in White River City want to compete with us? Not in a hundred years," a dark, skinny level 20 assassin said, twirling a dagger, looking contemptuously at the White River City guild members watching.

"Brother Chi Yu, you're too cautious. We are the Star River Alliance's ace team. Now that we're here, how can we not snatch all the loot?" A shapely female ranger named Liu Qianqian chuckled.

Chi Yu looked at his companions, each speaking in turn, and shook his head helplessly. "You guys… there are still quite a few experts in White River City. Although Bai Qingxue isn't here this time, we're missing a strong competitor, but don't forget there's also Xiongba Tianxia's branch leader, Xue Ji, the Assassin's Alliance's guild leader, Silent Blade, Di Light's branch leader, Yan Shisan, and the newly emerged expert, Black Flame, as well as other experts from other cities. In short, it never hurts to be careful."

However, they didn't take Chi Yu's warning to heart.

They were all above level 20, equipped mostly with Mithril gear, some even completely decked out in Mithril. Moreover, they weren't gaming newbies, having been in the gaming world for many years; they were all top experts.

With top-notch levels, skills, and equipment, how could they lose to other guilds?

"Brother Chi Yu, the Mechanical Destroyer's health is running low. Should we rush over now?" the female ranger Liu Qianqian asked.

"Wait. The stronger the monster, the more powerful the counterattack just before death. You've all seen how strong the Mechanical Destroyer is. The area within 200 yards is a danger zone. Without invincibility, we'll probably be killed before we even get close," Chi Yu said, "But we can move closer to the 200-yard range first."

Just as Chi Yu finished speaking, a black shadow dashed straight toward the Mechanical Destroyer, its speed astonishing.

"Hahaha, this guy's an idiot. The Mechanical Destroyer still has 2% health, and he dares to rush over!"

"Looking at the speed, he should be an expert. It's a pity he let it go to his head. If he waited for the Mechanical Destroyer to die, his speed might give him a chance to snatch one or two pieces of loot."

Many of the onlookers laughed. No one thought the figure rushing forward could reach the Mechanical Destroyer alive.

However, some people saw someone rushing over and followed suit.

The black shadow in the lead was none other than Shi Feng.

The Mechanical Destroyer was on the verge of death. Wiseman could kill it with two or three more skills, so Shi Feng naturally wouldn't wait any longer.

But when Shi Feng approached within 100 yards, the Mechanical Destroyer erupted.

The Mechanical Destroyer turned blood red, its body suddenly shrinking by half. The sawtooth greatsword in its hand transformed into a blood-red scythe, entwined with dark death energy. The Mechanical Destroyer gripped the scythe with both hands and swung it violently around.

Instantly, black rays shot out in all directions.

"How can it be a Tier 4 skill, Dirge of Death!" Shi Feng was shocked when he saw this skill and immediately used Phantom Kill.

The instant the black rays touched Phantom Kill, Shi Feng didn't lose any health, but he felt as if he had been struck by a large hammer. His blood churned, and Shi Feng even wondered if Phantom Kill could withstand this attack.

The black rays lasted for a full six seconds, covering a range of 200 yards, as if a black hood had enveloped the 200-yard radius, pitch black, and nothing could be seen inside.

After the Dirge of Death disappeared, the entire space became deathly silent. Except for Shi Feng, who was still alive, all the other players who had rushed forward were dead.

The Ice Guardian released by Wiseman was also shattered, and his health dropped considerably. He spat out a mouthful of blood, clearly suffering serious injuries.

But there was no choice. Who would have thought the Mechanical Destroyer would use such a terrifying skill as a final desperate attack? Caught off guard, even a Tier 4 Grand Magister would be seriously injured.

But after using this skill, the Mechanical Destroyer was also exhausted, just a sliver of health remained.

Wiseman cast a Tier 3 magic, Glacial Descent, and immediately snowflakes fell from the sky, directly onto the Mechanical Destroyer's head. Waves of icy energy descended, causing the Mechanical Destroyer's health to plummet bit by bit, on the verge of being killed.

"I'll take the kill."

Shi Feng was now in a hurry. He activated Wind Rider and rushed forward frantically. At the extreme distance of Silent Steps, he used Silent Steps to appear behind the Mechanical Destroyer, braving Glacial Descent. He took out a Intermediate Frost Grenade from his bag and, timing the damage precisely, threw it at the Mechanical Destroyer, whose health was plummeting. It instantly dealt 500 damage, just enough to kill the Mechanical Destroyer, whose health had dropped to just over 300, preventing the next wave of icy energy from succeeding.

This attack, the grasp of the Mechanical Destroyer's health, could be said to have reached Shi Feng's limit. A hair's breadth away and Wiseman would have secured the final blow.

After the Mechanical Destroyer died, it dropped hundreds of items scattered all over the ground.

Shi Feng also received several system notifications in succession.

Before Shi Feng could take a look, his experience bar began to rise frantically.

In just a short while, the level 24 experience bar filled up, and he broke through to level 25.

Upon reaching level 25, the experience bar continued to rise wildly.

Level 26…

Level 27…

Level 28…

Level 29…

…

Golden light shone continuously on Shi Feng, slowing down only after he reached level 34, eventually settling at level 34 74%. This level increase completely exceeded Shi Feng's imagination. He instantly gained 10 levels, which was simply too good.

Even in his previous life, he had never gained 10 levels in one go. It was clear how generous the Mechanical Destroyer's experience points were. If he had obtained all the experience points, he probably could have leveled up even more.