The battle between light and darkness

The development of the plot caught Jiang Han by surprise. It felt like it had just begun, and it already concluded. Dongfang Yixin's health remained thick, and various skills were left unused. The completion of the mission felt abrupt.

"I asked you to return the jade pendant, not to take your life," Dongfang Yixin explained, "It's just a formality. The so-called rules constrain people, forcing me to say things and do things against my will."

Jiang Han listened in a daze.

Such a mysterious mechanism!

What did the game rules mean to these NPCs? They could casually comment and complain?

"Leave," Dongfang Yixin sheathed her sword, giving Jiang Han a meaningful look. She turned and said, "After leaving here, the prologue of chaotic times will unfold."

The prologue of chaotic times?

Jiang Han had a faint sense that the game was about to introduce new events. He quickly asked, "What do you mean?"

"The hatred between the two major factions is deep-rooted and irreconcilable. A few days ago, the Light Camp recaptured the Dark City, indicating their thorough preparation," Dongfang Yixin gestured for him to leave, "You returning the jade pendant might be a twist of fate."

"???" Jiang Han became increasingly confused.

Could they stop speaking in riddles?

Or was the game's rules restricting them, preventing them from giving me answers?

"Exhale!"

Before Jiang Han could ask again, a strong wind suddenly blew, making it impossible for him to control his body. He was blown out of the Hidden Sword Pavilion.

Obviously, the Sword God chose to "see the guest out."

Jiang Han, imitating the style of ancient people, clasped his fists towards the Hidden Sword Pavilion, expressing his confusion, then quickly left.

Although the Sword God did not take action due to the plot, the NPC in the Sword Pavilion would not show mercy. Without Cheryl by his side, he would undoubtedly face certain death if encountered.

Arriving at the location where Cheryl entered the Sword Pavilion, he saw his mentor waiting.

"The jade pendant has been returned?" Cheryl asked.

"Yes."

Jiang Han nodded, looking at Cheryl's face with some astonishment.

Compared to when he hadn't entered the Sword Pavilion, Cheryl's face was still pale, but his mental state seemed much better now.

"Let's go."

He grabbed Jiang Han's arm and easily leaped out of the Sword Pavilion.

...

Afterward, the two of them left Qingfeng Town overnight, returned to the City of Heavenly Light through the teleportation array, and then reached the Ghostly Swamp.

"Jiang Han, I need to thank you," looking at the mist in the Ghostly Swamp, Cheryl exhaled heavily, as if relieved from some burden.

"Thank me?" Jiang Han was puzzled.

"After returning the sword, I am no longer a disciple of the Sword Pavilion," Cheryl smiled, "I can join the Dark Camp without any psychological burden."

At this, Jiang Han was taken aback, "You haven't joined yet?"

He thought Cheryl was already part of the Dark Camp.

"To join the Dark Camp, one must prove their allegiance to darkness," Cheryl replied.

Jiang Han, who had completed a similar task before, immediately understood.

Back then, to change his faction, he had to prove his allegiance to darkness by killing 1,000 players.

"As a disciple of the Sword Pavilion, I once swore not to point my sword at humans..." Cheryl spoke slowly, "Now, I no longer need to restrain myself. The enmity of the past must be avenged."

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Please note that your mentor has decided to undertake the quest [Devotion to Darkness] in three days!

Huh?

Jiang Han was confused by the sudden system sound.

What did Cheryl's quest have to do with me?

"Perhaps... Dark Swordsmen are destined to grow in slaughter," Cheryl's expression turned solemn, "Jiang Han, whether you are ready to face the baptism of war or not, when you join the Dark Camp, there will be no turning back!"

This...

What is all this about?

Jiang Han was completely bewildered.

However, the next moment, the system prompt provided an answer—

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: The actions of the Light Camp recapturing the Dark City have completely shattered the peace of the past, awakening the wrathful Demon God in the endless years of silence. The malevolent power accumulated in the darkness eagerly awaits a return through war!

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: The first expansion pack of "Eternal" — "Struggle of Light and Darkness" is officially launched!

...

Damn!

Watching the system announcement, Jiang Han was thoroughly stirred.

Is this going to be a large-scale event involving the entire server?!

At this moment, he suddenly realized.

If it weren't for the mission to return the jade pendant triggering Cheryl's "Return of the Sword" plot, he might not have made the decision to join the Dark Camp. In this way, the so-called "prologue of chaotic times" might have been postponed.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Please note that the Undead Legion led by the Level 190 Immortal-level BOSS [Undead Swordsman Cheryl] is preparing to attack the first-level main city [Seahaven City] in the Meiru area in three days!

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Please note that the Vampire Legion led by the Level 185 Immortal-level BOSS [Frigid Blood Moon Catherine] is preparing to attack the first-level main city [Zhuque City] in the Eastern area in three days!

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Please note that the Legion of Sin led by the Level 190 Immortal-level BOSS [Sinful Judgment Solomon] is preparing to attack the first-level main city [Thunder City] in the Sakura area in three days!

...

For a while, dozens of system sounds kept ringing in his ears, as if to prove the extensive scope of this event.

"First-level main city?" Jiang Han was astonished.

With the current strength of players, it seemed impossible to enter a first-level main city, let alone participate in the event.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: As a member of the Dark Camp, you have obtained the S-level main quest [Siege and Conquer]!

[Siege and Conquer] (Difficulty: S)

Introduction: The silent darkness is reviving. Only by contributing enough territory to the Demon God can you prove your worth.

Quest requirements: You will appear as the fifth wave of attacking BOSS, capturing the third-level town [Ice and Snow City] in the Romantic area!

Quest rewards: Qualification to enter the Demon God's treasury

Failure penalty: Death

...

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Please note that the Dark Legion led by the Level 40 Golden-level BOSS [Dark Sovereign Jiang Han] is preparing to attack the third-level town [Ice and Snow City] in the Romantic area in three days!

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Please note that the Torrential Legion led by the Level 50 Golden-level BOSS [Rage of the Waves Cain] is preparing to attack the third-level town [Sky Ghost City] in the Sakura area in three days!

...

It seemed to respond to Jiang Han's confusion. After the news of the attack on the second-level cities was

 broadcast, the third-level towns were inevitably drawn into the war.

Looking blankly at the system messages, Jiang Han felt a surge of excitement.

How should I put it...

Although he was only at the Golden level at the moment, he seemed to have experienced the thrill of being the final boss in a siege, right?

"It seems that you are not afraid," looking at Jiang Han's eager appearance, Cheryl felt gratified, "Very well, I hope you will triumph."

"Mentor, so are you."

Afterwards, Cheryl went deep into the heart of the Dark Camp. It seemed that he was going to organize forces and would also help bring back the "Dark Legion" he led.

"Ice and Snow City players, it's time for you to witness the power of a Golden-level BOSS!"

The more Jiang Han looked at the system announcement, the more flavorful it became. A smile full of goodwill appeared on his face involuntarily.