The Monster is Coming

Chapter 478 The Player's True Self, Old Friends Leaping Like Stars (Second Update)
[Have you decided to create your own spirit and name it: Sword of Civilization?]

"Confirmed," Tu Hu replied affirmatively.

The next second, a challenger notification sounded across the entire channel.

[Challenger's Announcement (All Channels): Congratulations to player "Hardbang" for creating the Soul: Sword of Civilization, and receiving a Sacrificial Power reward of 50.]

The sudden announcement across all channels brought a brief silence to the player community.

This immediately sparked a massive uproar.

"Huh??? What the heck is 'self-created soul'? Shouldn't it be a notification that a special soul has been successfully created? This is the first time I've ever heard of 'self-created soul'. Veteran players, come out and explain what happened."

"Don't tell me you newbies don't know. Even I, a veteran player who qualified when Rainbow Mist Coast was launched, was hearing about this for the first time. I was just as confused as you were about to hear about the huge reward of 50 sacrificial power."

"Hey, bro, please give me a tutorial! Also, why did you turn on the stranger block? (slaps table while eating dirt.jpg)"

"Holy crap, I suddenly discovered that this guy with the game ID 'Hard-Bang' is the beast who suddenly jumped to the top of the leaderboard. What kind of incredible luck did he have to get to number one?"

"The Sword of Civilization, that sounds pretty awesome. So Souls can be created on their own? Just how many hidden mechanics in this game haven't been discovered yet?"

"There are more and more top players now. They must be some lucky guys who suddenly experienced explosive growth... This is unfair to us players who have worked hard to level up. They did nothing, and just because of good luck, they suddenly became top players. Why should they? What is my high-intensity hunting every day? Can he be as tired as me?"

……

Just as all the players were getting excited, Tu Hu also ended his blacklist cooldown.

With a flash of white light, his figure appeared in the square of Emperor's Tomb Village.

What appeared before me was a scene that was both familiar and somewhat unfamiliar.

The bustling village of Dizhong seems to have seen the addition of new buildings.

Players soar through the air in all sorts of imaginative vehicles.

A burst of energy, along with boisterous laughter, filled the air, brimming with vibrant life force.

The liveliness here is different from the Rongling civilization, which has experienced rise and fall in the small world.

The brightly lit cities in this microcosm, the efficient operation of energy tracks, and even the brief cheers brought about by each technological advancement—all these are underpinned by an underlying anxiety about survival and a fear of the unknown.

The scars of history run too deep.

He and every generation of Rongling tribe leaders believe that only by relentlessly becoming stronger can they be able to face new crises when they arise.

So the noise there is the roar of the smelting workshops making weapons of war, the burning brainpower in the research rooms to fight against powerful enemies, and the sweat shed on the training grounds for the next possible war.

Beneath the bustling and prosperous surface lies a mission of inheritance that transcends time: the continuation of civilization.

This is completely different from the clamor of the player faction.

After a long and arduous journey of a weak race rising from humble beginnings, looking at the player factions reveals a luxurious kind of clamor.

Players don't need to carry anything; everything is geared towards making the game more fun.

The noise here comes from the novelty of exploring unknown maps, the cheers after challenging difficult adventurer dungeons, the banter and laughter among friends, and the vitality built purely from curiosity, competitiveness, and the desire to share.

On one hand, there is the heavy responsibility of ensuring the survival of civilization, forging ahead amidst fear.

On the other hand, there is the joy of relieving the pressure of survival and unleashing one's full potential amidst endless possibilities.

The same prosperity, but with completely different underlying characteristics.

He accompanied the Rongling civilization in the Dream World for more than 1700 years.

But in the time scale of the monster world, only about 40 days have passed.

"It feels like a lifetime ago," Tu Hu murmured, subconsciously sensing the surging power emanating from the newly formed "Sword of Civilization" within his body.

Take a deep breath, and the air of Dizhong Village, rich in spiritual energy, fills your lungs.

The melancholy that has spanned a thousand years will be slightly dispelled.

He then stepped forward toward the testing tower.

Tu Hu spent the next three days in the test tower.

The switching between the sword of civilization and the true self becomes increasingly skillful in this process, with the two completely different states of mind flowing naturally like breathing.

A single thought of protection, a single thought of one's true self.

When he grips the sword hilt, the profound weight of a thousand years of civilization rises in his heart.

As the sword technique unfolds, a pale golden domain naturally appears, each move containing the determination to protect civilization, as if the entire Rongling tribe stands behind him with their hopes.

When he released the sword hilt, the vicissitudes in his eyes disappeared, his aura vanished, and he returned to his true self as a player.

Having finished his training, Tu Hu, who had contacted his teammates in advance, left the testing tower and arrived at the teleportation point.

Activating the teleportation function immediately brings to mind several selectable teleportation maps.

Focus your gaze on "Colorful Misty Coast" and click OK.

After a brief period of weightlessness, he found himself in the Misty Coast space.

……

A few minutes later, Tu Hu appeared on the beach of the Misty Coast.

The coastline under the night sky remains a beautiful memory.

The fine sand shimmered with a silvery-white light under the moonlight, while the distant sea was shrouded in a colorful mist that never dissipated, as enchanting as the aurora borealis.

The damp sea breeze, carrying a faint salty scent and the fresh fragrance of grass and trees, caressed my face and ruffled my clothes.

"Brother Hard, over here!"

The familiar shouts broke the tranquility of the beach.

Not far away, his old friends, including Drifting in the Wind, Little Milk Bottle, Rock, and Noble Mage, were sitting around the campfire. They waved excitedly as soon as they saw him.

Tu Hu felt a warmth in his heart and strode over.

"Brothers, I'm back."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the assassin, Sui Feng Piao, rushed forward and gave him a solid bear hug.
"Brother Hard, it's been over 40 days since we last met, it feels like ages! We've missed you so much!"

"Go to hell!" Tu Hu laughed and cursed, reaching out to pat Sui Fengpiao's back, but his heart was burning with passion.
"It feels like three autumns have passed. I don't know how many autumns have passed in the small world. Seeing you all makes me feel a little dazed."

The baby bottle was also squeezed out, and a hug followed in return:
"Brother Hard, welcome back. Although we didn't get to see your story in the small world, we know you suffered a lot there."

At that moment, the warrior Rock stepped forward and patted him heavily on the shoulder with his palm, everything was understood without words.

Even the most carefree monk, smiling, stepped forward and gave him a tight hug around the neck:
"It's good to be back. You have no idea how hard we've been without you in the front line. We've been on tenterhooks every time we go into a dungeon. They say a team without someone to absorb damage is like a crippled leg, and we've truly felt that... Thankfully, we've finally got you back, our big brother."

"Don't even try that." Tu Hu laughed and pushed him away.
"Look at you all, all glowing with health. Things are going really well while I was away."

"What's so good about it? The team was almost falling apart. Every time we went into a dungeon, we had to call in solo players to tank damage. You don't know how greedy those bastards are, taking advantage of being tanks. They always demand a high percentage of loot... Now that you're back, our team is finally complete. We have to celebrate properly tonight."

As they spoke, the brothers pulled Tu Hu to sit down in front of the campfire.

The campfire crackled, illuminating every smiling face.

"Come on, Brother Hard, try this!" Little Milk Bottle enthusiastically handed over a skewer of sizzling, oily deep-sea dragon whiskers:

"To welcome you back, I bought some top-quality spiritual ingredients from the trading house at a high price, and also paid a spiritual chef to prepare them, sprinkling in some high-grade spices. Please try them."

On the other side, the assassin, drifting with the wind, scooped a bowl of steaming seafood soup from a basin on the campfire and handed it to him:
"Brother Hard, this is Brother Rock's specialty, a seafood soup made with moon clams, a specialty of the Misty Coast. His skills have improved while you were away. One bite and your eyebrows will fall off."

Tu Hu first took the skewered deep-sea dragon whiskers, took a big bite, and put it down. Then he took the soup bowl, and a rich aroma immediately wafted towards him. Without being polite, he lowered his head and took a big gulp. The warm soup slid down his throat, and he felt a warm current rippling through his body.

This is a top-tier delicacy that has never been enjoyed in the Dream World for over a thousand years.

"How is it?" Pan Shi asked with an expectant look.

"Amazing! You truly deserve it." Tu Hu gave a thumbs up.

"With this skill alone, you have the potential to become a top-tier chef. Have you ever considered switching to cooking?"

"Don't flatter me. I know my own level. I can make some snacks, but I'm far from being a top-notch spirit chef. I should just continue to be the scapegoat in the team."

"Food alone isn't enough; it needs to be paired with this." The mage in the group took out an exquisite jade bottle from his spatial pouch, uncorked it, and a clear, mellow aroma of wine immediately wafted out:
"Bangbang, try this. It's a 'Drunken Dream' drink that I prepared for you. I usually can't bear to drink it."

Tu Hu took the jade bottle, its surface smooth and warm to the touch.

He tilted his head back and took a big gulp.

The mellow liquor slid down my throat, bringing a refreshing burning sensation, but without the urgency I felt in my memory of desperately needing alcohol to numb the pain in my body.

He suddenly felt a little dazed. During that long period, he almost became an alcoholic, needing spicy liquids every day to suppress the persistent ailment in his body and the oppression brought by the heavy memories.

For him at that time, alcohol was more like an antidote.

But now my body is full of energy, without any hidden injuries, and I don't need to be paralyzed.

Drinking is purely for the joy of sharing a drink with brothers and celebrating the happiness of reunion.

It doesn't matter whether I drink it or not.

This feeling is so good.

"Excellent wine!" Tu Hu handed the jade bottle back, wiped his mouth, and praised it sincerely.

This time, he no longer tasted bitter comfort, but felt completely refreshed.

"Brother Hard, have you ever considered quitting drinking? Every time you switch to first-person perspective to watch the live stream, you're drinking. You're practically obsessed with alcohol."

Before Tu Hu could answer, Little Milk Bottle chimed in:

"I really have to quit. The high-quality spirit wine in the trading house is quite expensive. Quitting alcohol will save a lot of sacrificial energy."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Amidst the banter and jokes, the atmosphere around the campfire became increasingly relaxed and harmonious.

Looking at his noisy companions, Tu Hu felt a long-lost warmth, and a smile unconsciously crept onto his face.

A sea breeze blows, colorful mist swirls, and the campfire crackles.

On this dreamlike coastline, the warmth of reuniting with old friends dispelled the sense of alienation caused by the temporal and spatial dislocation.

After a night of drinking and conversation, before we knew it, the distant sea was already showing the first rays of dawn.

The deep blue sky gradually faded, taking on a gradient of orange-red and golden yellow.

When the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds like a sharp sword and shone on the shimmering sea and fine sand, everyone realized that it was dawn.

Despite eating, drinking, talking, and laughing all night, they showed no signs of fatigue.

My already robust body is not afraid of staying up all night. In addition, the spiritual food and wine seem to have turned into pure energy, nourishing my body, and I feel extremely satisfied.

Tu Hu gazed at the sea, which was dyed golden by the rising sun, and a smile spread across his face.

That night, he briefly recounted everything he had experienced to his teammates.

He mentioned his more than 1,000-year journey of guiding a small civilization called the Rongling tribe to struggle and rise from the cracks.

Although the hardships and loneliness involved were not emphasized in great detail, the teammates all felt a heavy emotion from it.

Tu Hu concluded in conclusion:
"Therefore, the sword of civilization that I comprehended carries the history of the rise and fall of a civilization, and is also the condensation of the beliefs and wills of countless Rongling individuals. Perhaps in the eyes of forum players, I am just a guy who got lucky, but behind it is the power that I have nurtured by accompanying the Rongling civilization through a long process with my will to protect it."

After hearing Tu Hu's story, a brief silence fell around the now-extinguished campfire.

The story told by Tu Hu is so rich in information that even well-informed players need time to digest it.

Finally, Sui Fengpiao spoke first. He scratched his head and asked the question that was on everyone's mind:
"Brother Hard, so... what are your plans for the future? With this demigod-level combat power and your self-created life soul, you need to have a direction for the future, right? Are you planning to go to the Ancient God Arena to take advantage of the situation, continue our original adventures and explore unknown areas, or go to the Adventurer's World to tackle high-difficulty dungeons?... What are your plans?"

"Exactly!" Little Milk Bottle immediately chimed in, looking at Tu Hu expectantly.

"They say that when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. Now that you've ascended to demigod status, shouldn't we, the chickens and dogs, also take off and have a blast?"

The mage in the group also came over, rubbing his hands and laughing:
"Hehe, the initial investment has yielded huge profits. I never expected this opportunity to be so lucrative. Our future is bright!"

Even the usually composed Rock Rock made a rare joke:
"I think Bangbang can go to the Ancient God Arena to test the waters, show the power of the Sword of Civilization, and take advantage of the Ancient Gods to fleece them. Maybe he can clear the arena directly... I'm just afraid that you are too strong now, and the Ancient Gods will personally come down to fight you and not give you a chance to clear the arena."

As everyone chatted amongst themselves, the campfire was filled with a joyful atmosphere once again.

Although it was a joke, every teammate's eyes gleamed with anticipation, eager to know what kind of future their captain, who had received such an incredible opportunity, would lead them to.

Tu Hu listened to his friends' words and fell into deep thought.

Having just returned from that long period of time, he hadn't really thought carefully about specific plans for the future.

But looking at the group of brothers who had given him everything they had when he needed it most, he had the idea of ​​getting rich first and then helping those who were still poor.

I was able to get this opportunity back then entirely thanks to the strong support of my teammates.

They even dismantled their rune weapons to gather enough sacrificial power for the teleportation array.

Now, it's time to repay them.

Thinking of this, Tu Hu raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces, a confident smile playing on his lips:

"The Ancient God Arena is indeed a good place. With my current strength, it wouldn't be a problem for me to go there and get a few million sacrificial power back."

He paused, then spoke firmly:
"Once we've gathered the sacrificial power, we brothers will split it equally. Then, you can upgrade your equipment whenever you want, and open up your star vein slots whenever you want. Our team's good days are coming!"

"Yay!" Little Milk Bottle was the first to cheer and jump up:

"Brother Hard is awesome! Now my healing staff can be rebuilt."

"Haha, I knew following Brother Hard would be the right choice."

"Chickens and dogs are ready, awaiting takeoff."

Seeing his companions' excited expressions, Tu Hu felt a familiar feeling return.

In this joyful atmosphere, Rock suddenly asked curiously:
"Bangbang, have you ever thought about... returning to the Dream World again, to see the Rongling civilization that you have protected for over a thousand years?"

"Over a thousand years! You can develop an attachment to even a potted plant, let alone an entire civilization. Can you really let go of it completely? You can't just give it up like that, but there will always be something left in your heart, right?"

Tu Hu was taken aback upon hearing this, and the smile on his face froze.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head:

"I'm not going back. My connection with the Rongling civilization has ended, and my mission to protect it is complete. The Rongling civilization has now defeated the world's will. Even if a new world's will emerge in the future, they have enough time and ability to deal with it. There's no need to go back just to see it."

After speaking, Tu Hu looked up at his teammates in front of him, a smile returning to his lips:

"Besides, I have my own path to walk now, and I also have partners here who need my protection."

A brief silence fell around the campfire, broken only by the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore.

The teammates nodded in understanding, and no one said anything more.

Perhaps, some concerns are best kept in one's heart.

"Let's go." Tu Hu stood up, brushed the sand off his clothes, and his eyes gleamed with eager anticipation.
"Let me go and check out the Ancient God Arena, and see just how much profit this Sword of Civilization can make."

"That's exactly what I was waiting for!" Sui Fengpiao was the first to jump up, the dagger twirling nimbly between her fingers before she gripped it tightly.
"Hehe, I can't wait to see Brother Hard's invincible form as he dominates the battlefield."

Just then, the little bottle suddenly spoke, its face showing a thoughtful expression:

"Brother Hard, I suddenly thought of a question. The time flow rate in the Monster World and the Dream World is 13300 times different, which is equivalent to a day in heaven being a few decades on earth. Is it possible that the Rongling Civilization, after developing to the limit of its small world, will, like the Dream World back then, eventually descend upon the Monster World in pursuit of a broader future?"

This question caused everyone to stop what they were doing, and all eyes were once again focused on Tu Hu.

Tu Hu was taken aback at first, then smiled and shook his head:

"I had already considered this point. Before leaving, I specifically instructed Xing Tong that the future of the Rongling civilization should focus on the development of its own world and not repeat the mistakes of the Zhimeng civilization, otherwise it would be easy to..."

When he got to the second half of the sentence, Tu Hu's voice unconsciously lowered, and a hint of uncertainty flashed in his eyes.

At this moment, the little bottle winked playfully and said in a tone of someone who had been there:

"Brother Hard, you don't understand, do you? I verbally agreed to what my dad told me, but how to actually do it... it's up to me. Some ideas will definitely change over time."

Little Milk Bottle's words were like a thunderbolt, leaving Tu Hu completely stunned.

Yes, what makes him think that the Rongling civilization will always follow his instructions?

A mature civilization is destined to forge its own path.

Perhaps when the small world is developed to its limit, the Rongling civilization will have similar ideas to the Zhimeng civilization, wanting to witness a wider world.

He turned around abruptly, looking at the guide floating beside him:

"Guide, is this even possible?"

When questioned, the guide opened his eyes and said indifferently:

After you left, the Rongling civilization, under Xing Tong's leadership, completed the reconstruction of its major cities in just 12 years. Now, Xing Tong has initiated the Star Leap Project, and they will arrive in a few days... By the way, their landing location is quite dangerous; for the specific level of risk, you can refer to the Tianhuo Clan at that time.

　This chapter is being updated ahead of schedule.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)