Book 3 Chapter 6 – The One Who Always Shows Up

　　More and more people gathered around the Tower, and, although at first sight they didn't seem any different from normal tourists, a closer look revealed an oddity common to all; instead of admiring the landscape in the distance or the tower itself, they were mostly preoccupied with observing those around them. Most cl.u.s.tered into small groups of three to five people, and a certain distance was always maintained. The people that looked at Li Huaibei had cautious and alerted expressions, save for a few who saluted him with a nod. However, when their attention s.h.i.+fted toward Li Yiming and Liu Meng, their cautiousness turned into curiosity.

　　"Quite a lot of people, I see." Li Yiming had also noticed the flow of people around him, including those who were different. With his experience and acquired alertness, he spotted at least forty people.

　　"These are only the ones you can see easily. There are others who are even more prudent and hide themselves." Li Huaibei eyes swept across the residential building around the square, halting briefly at a few windows.

　　Suddenly, a flash of light tore through the sky, illuminating the tip of Mingzhu Tower briefly. Then, a rainbow-like halo spread out above the city like the ripple on the surface of a lake. Everyone raised their heads to look at the supernatural manifestation.

　　"It's starting." A shout was heard from the crowd.

　　The characters on the giant advertis.e.m.e.nt panel beneath the tower twisted and wriggled until one single word remained: Survival.

　　Whispering was heard.

　　"A survival domain?" A few exchanged their worries.

　　"A survival domain?" Li Huaibei uttered. "Well, this is going to be interesting."

　　The single word remained on the advertis.e.m.e.nt panel for about three minutes, then it slowly faded away and something else appeared. This time, it was a number: 30.

　　"Thirty days?" Another wave of surprised cries came from the guardians on the public square.

　　"Do you know what a survival domain is?" Li Huaibei turned around and asked Li Yiming.

　　Li Yiming shook his head earnestly.

　　"Usually, in a domain, you need to look for clues and figure out yourself what the goal of the domain is. However, with large-sized domains, things are a little different. I've said earlier that this is just like an examination, you'll get plenty of mouth-watering rewards if you pa.s.s, and if you fail, well that's just how it is. This survival domain exemplifies what I've said perfectly. The goal is simple: survival. That's the will of the domain, and if you can survive for the number of days indicated on the panel, thirty days, then you'll have succeeded in this domain."

　　"I only need to survive?" Li Yiming was baffled. 'Well that's pretty easy isn't it? All I need to do is find a place and hide for a bit.'

　　Li Huaibei chuckled at his question and lit up another cigarette. "The purpose of the large-sized domain is to filter out the weaklings. To make those who are strong even stronger. There's a lot of opportunities that you wouldn't want to miss. Also, look at those around you… Do you think that hiding will work?"

　　Li Yiming looked left and right and saw the gravity written on his peers' faces.

　　"The rewards are very simple. If you can kill or subdue specified targets, you'll be able to obtain life marks."

　　"Targets?" Li Yiming looked around alarmingly.

　　"The targets aren't the other guardians. Beasts or monsters, most likely."

　　"Beasts…" Li Yiming thought about the Dragondogs. At least that was more agreeable to him than having to kill other guardians.

　　"But you shouldn't let your guard down. Many guardians die in the hands of their peers in big-sized domains like this." Li Huaibei reminded him.

　　"Why?" Li Yiming asked.

　　"Well, it's only human to be selfish. Not to mention that each guardian usually has a treasure of his or her own." Li Huaibei said in a voice that let through a little bit of frustration.