Chapter 140 - 110: The First Fishing Tournament

As time went on, players gradually adapted to the new version. Veteran players like Li Miao and Faraway accumulated enough Wax Oil to advance to the [Molten Slag] Tier.

"The buff from the Fire Ignition Seed has increased slightly, and my Warfire capacity has increased significantly..."

Li Miao mused, observing the changes after his Tier advancement.

Other than those two changes, there weren’t any other particularly obvious benefits—at least, none they had discovered yet.

"Another five Levels or so and we should be able to go to the Battlefield Relics," Faraway mused, then added, "And maybe there’s one more thing. High-Tier creatures probably have some kind of suppressive effect on Low-Tier ones."

Li Miao stroked his chin, pondering. "You know, I think you’re right."

Now that Faraway had mentioned it, Li Miao felt there might really be something to it.

Practically all of them had challenged the Golden Bull Guard at the entrance to the Relics, trying to take it on both solo and as a group.

The Golden Bull Guard definitely exerted some kind of suppressive effect on them—a sense of pressure or an intimidating aura. It wasn’t strong, but it was undeniably there.

Though the Golden Bull Guard’s Agility was relatively low, it had a wide area-of-effect Skill. That, combined with the canyon’s unique terrain, made its attacks incredibly difficult to dodge.

This was why they still hadn’t managed to defeat the Golden Bull Guard.

At this thought, Li Miao stood up.

"Then let’s go farm some more Wax Oil to raise our Levels. Once we’re ready, we’ll go to the Relics and try the Golden Bull Guard again."

Faraway nodded in agreement.

As the only available three-person instance, the Golden Bull Guard was undeniably difficult. This also seemed to suggest that the Relics beyond it held both immense dangers and opportunities.

They needed to be thoroughly prepared before making another attempt.

...

「Three days later.」

After a glance at the time, Brother Yu glumly reeled in his line. He glanced around before packing up his fish basket.

He then teleported to Candle Island.

Once he arrived at the most crowded fishing spot on the shore, Brother Yu sent out a notice, telling everyone to gather and see the results.

While people were still gathering, Brother Yu spotted Pai Daxun in the crowd.

"How was the haul?" Brother Yu asked curiously.

"..." Pai Daxun scratched his head and pulled out a fish of ’Common’ rarity, a sheepish look on his face. "Brother Yu, I don’t think I stand a chance this time..."

At this, Brother Yu was secretly delighted.

’Hahaha, I can’t believe this kid’s as unlucky as I am. Three days and he couldn’t even catch a single ’Rare’ fish. He’s totally screwed.’

"Well, that’s a shame." Brother Yu sighed and patted his shoulder, offering a simple consolation. "Don’t worry about it. I’ll take you with me next time, and we’ll definitely land a big one."

’Even though this kid knows how to get on my good side, and I like that about him, I can’t just change the rules. That would be making a fool out of all the other players.’

As the two of them spoke, the other anglers began to gather.

In addition, a crowd of curious onlookers had gathered as well.

One by one, the anglers laid out their best catches from the past three days.

"Alright, I’ll start taking a look. Keep telling the others to get over here."

After a quick word, Brother Yu eagerly began his inspection.

[Large Sea Star] [Large Sea Cucumber] [Blue-spotted Sea Turtle] [Flying Fish]...

Although the variety was impressive, most were just ’Rare’ catches, and some players even presented ’Common’ ones just to make up the numbers.

Just as Brother Yu, hands clasped behind his back, was appraising the catches one by one, a commotion broke out.

"Ahem! Make way, make way! Careful you don’t bump my colossal Rare Treasure!"

A Demon Summoner player walked in, slowly and deliberately, struggling under the weight of a massive fish he was carrying.

"Holy shit, it’s that big?"

"I’m screwed, mine’s only ’Rare’..."

Seeing the massive fish in his arms, a good number of players groaned in despair, knowing they were out of the running.

[Yellow Croaker]

[Type: Item]

[Rarity: Rare Treasure]

[Explanation: Though a relatively common type of fish, its size is exceptionally rare, making it a true Rare Treasure of the sea.]

"Whoa." Brother Yu zipped over to the Yellow Croaker. He stroked its body, clicking his tongue in amazement. "This thing is massive..."

"Hehe." Seeing even Brother Yu’s reaction, the player strode proudly in front of the crowd. He tilted his head back, an unstoppable grin spreading across his face.

’Victory was in his grasp.’

However, a voice from an unexpected interloper made him freeze.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! It’s a Rare Treasure, sure, but the codex entry for it is already unlocked. What’s there to be so proud of? My turn!"

Following another commotion from the back of the crowd, a player emerged, carrying his own unique catch. He strode forward with a swagger like he owned the place.

"Check this out!"

After pointing to his catch, the player crossed his arms, striking a pose that looked down on all his rivals.

When the crowd saw his catch, they gasped in unison.

It was a peculiar fish, with each of its sides a different color.

[Two-faced Fish]

[Type: Item]

[Effect: ?]

[Rarity: Rare Treasure]

[Explanation: A special fish with differently colored sides. It is extremely rare to find in the ocean.]

"Damn! These scales are gorgeous!"

"Another Rare Treasure!"

"Holy cow, I’ve really seen it all today!"

"Ooh." True to his fickle nature, Brother Yu was instantly drawn to the new fish. He gently stroked its body. "Now this is a fine specimen. And it’s one that’s never been caught before."

’Damn it!’

Seeing the reaction from Brother Yu and the crowd of onlookers, the player who had been so triumphant moments before felt his world come crashing down. His shoulders slumped in defeat.