Everything is ready

"In the finals, are you still considering how to make tomorrow's activities more advantageous?"

"A Pot of Old Wine acquiesces with a sense of admiration."

"He's not foolish; how could he not discern the purpose behind One Jiang Han's actions? However, he reluctantly admits that if it were him, he would not overthink it."

"After contemplation, he sends a message: 'You owe me a favor. My profession is somewhat unique, and in the future, I am likely to encounter high-difficulty tasks. I hope you can lend a hand when the time comes.'"

"Perhaps, he could expose the opponent's disguise, revealing their intentions to the public, but it is unnecessary."

"Firstly, the favorability of the player masses towards the Slaughter Pavilion is a significant boon. Reputation often accompanies benefits, and this need not be overly elaborated."

"Secondly, debunking the opponent serves little purpose. One Jiang Han's intention to kill players for profit has nothing to do with him. He doesn't believe that, at this stage, players using a sea of tactics can overwhelm the opponent."

"Even if it were him, it would be merely an attempt. If unsuccessful, he won't force it. After all, what he needs more is event rewards, not the first kill of One Jiang Han."

"The greater the reward, the greater the difficulty. This is something all players understand; it's just a matter of taking a gamble."

"No problem!"

Jiang Han readily agrees on the spot.

If the other party really needs his help, the task's difficulty is undoubtedly extraordinary, and he is certain to gain benefits from it.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Congratulations on winning the championship in the 'World Martial Arts' (Eastern Region). Please choose the type of reward equipment (limited to one item)!

Suddenly, a detailed system bell rings in Jiang Han's ears.

"Can the first-place winner freely choose equipment components?" Jiang Han's spirits rise as he examines the equipment, finally making a decision, "Ring!"

The Clear Wind Ring is indeed excellent. It also comes with the special ability Clear Wind Protection, providing a 20% damage mitigation. However, as a level 30 dark gold equipment, its attributes are barely satisfactory, bordering on elimination.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: 'World Martial Arts' officially concludes. Thanks to the adventurers for their participation and support!

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Congratulations to the adventurer Dark Prelude · One Jiang Han for becoming the 'World Martial Arts' (Eastern Region) champion. You have received the following rewards: Level +5, Reputation +50000, S-rank rare skill 'Shattered Stars,' spirit-level equipment 'Ring of the Beginning,' and spirit-level equipment 'Storage Ring'!

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Congratulations to the adventurer A Pot of Old Wine for becoming the 'World Martial Arts' (Eastern Region) runner-up. You have received the following rewards: Level +4, Reputation +30000, S-rank item 'All Out Attack,' and spirit-level equipment 'West Wind Greatsword'!

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Congratulations to the adventurer Slaughterer of the Mortal Realm for becoming the 'World Martial Arts' (Eastern Region) third-place. You have received the following rewards: Level +3, Reputation +25000, A-rank item 'Pure White Mirror,' and spirit-level equipment 'Radiant Spear'!

...

A large number of system messages almost flood the screen.

The rewards for 'World Martial Arts' are not only for the top ten before the finals. As long as they are participants, regardless of being eliminated in any round, they will receive certain rewards, albeit more or less.

"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..."

Golden light continuously falls, and the rewards for 'World Martial Arts' increase by a full five levels, propelling Jiang Han to level 72.16%. The accumulated experience from before has not disappeared.

Jiang Han quickly opens his inventory, locking his gaze onto two exquisitely patterned rings—

'Ring of the Beginning' (Spirit-level)

Attack: 600-630

Health: 80,000

Effect: +50% Attack

Effect: +20% Attack Speed

Special Skill: 'Heart of Courage'

Required Level: 70

Introduction: In this world, many situations are unavoidable. Walk and stop, never forget your original intention.

'Storage Ring' (Spirit-level)

Introduction: A ring that all warriors on the Eternal Continent must have, the higher the level, the more it can store.

Effect: Increases inventory by 100 slots

Additional Effects: +10% Attack, +10% Defense

Required Level: Level 60

(Note: The storage ring is not considered equipment and takes effect when carried.)

...

Quite excellent pair of rings. Compared to the Clear Wind Ring, the 'Ring of the Beginning' boasts three to four times higher attack values, and it comes with a considerably powerful passive skill.

'Heart of Courage' (Passive) (A-rank): For each enemy present, defense increases by 2%, up to a maximum of 50%!

As for the Storage Ring, although he already has a Silver-level one, the 30-slot inventory is sometimes insufficient. In contrast, the Spirit-level Storage Ring increases the inventory by 100 slots and also provides additional attack and defense, truly a rare find.

Equipping the two rings, Jiang Han's attack power surges once again. He immediately opens the basic information panel to check the details—

'Dark Prelude · One Jiang Han' (Dark Gold-level BOSS)

Level: 72

Health: 8,078,400

Attack: 16,830-18,089

Defense: 8,033-8,978

Reputation: 233,800

Luck: 3

Introduction: When the judgment of light descends, the evil Dark Swordsman will undoubtedly be the first to face it.

...

Eight million health points, with a maximum attack of eighteen thousand!

As the base attack value and various percentages increase, the power of the S-rank talent Dominance's final attack boost of 50% becomes evident. Simultaneously, his health surpasses that of the same-level Dark Gold-level BOSS!

Curiously, he opens the ranking list of Dark Camp powerhouses. With the help of the system, Jiang Han finds his own ranking—

971,400, Dark Prelude · One Jiang Han

Undoubtedly, this means that he has entered the ranks of the top one million in the Dark Camp, and the extent of his strength can be imagined!

"Although those who can defeat me in the Dark Camp do not exceed one million, considering the Bright Camp, there are probably close to two million powerhouses who can stand a chance against me." Jiang Han sighs with mixed feelings, "I still cannot be too careless..."

"Swoosh!"

The scene changes, and Jiang Han returns to the Goblin Forest.

"Kill!"

A group of goblins rushes toward him.

"Alright, alright, can't I kill them? Look at how anxious you guys are!"

...

Quickly dispatching the goblins, Jiang Han picks up the dropped silver coins. He then opens his inventory once again, examining the S-rank rare skill book rewarded for winning the 'World Martial Arts' championship—

'Shattered Stars' (S-rank)

Introduction: A true powerhouse can shatter stars with a snap, and this is

 precisely the manifestation of the formidable Shattered Stars.

Effect: Gathers all the body's strength to increase the next attack's damage by an additional 500%.

Cooldown: Ten minutes

Required Profession: Melee-type professions

(Note: Area-of-effect skills are ineffective.)

"What a brutal skill!" Without further ado, Jiang Han selects to use it.

'Shattered Stars,' an undoubtedly worthy S-rank rare skill!

What does a 300% additional increase mean?

It implies that 'Shattered Stars' will stack with the original attack's damage, not just boost that one hit to 500%!

In simpler terms, with the basic damage of Death Spirit Slash at 250%, using 'Shattered Stars' to stack, the next hit becomes 750%. This is still under the circumstances of amplifying a B-rank skill. If another skill with an originally high damage comes along, it's simply unstoppable, challenging even deities!

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Congratulations on learning the skill 'Shattered Stars'!

"Very good, with 'Shattered Stars,' the lack of a high-burst skill is also remedied."

Jiang Han takes a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart, calming his emotions. Standing in the dense forest, he looks through the interwoven tree leaves, gazing at the radiant sun: "All things are ready..."

It's too early to be happy now.

The last SS-level mainline quest relied on the assistance of the Sword God to overcome the difficulties. If there is a plot this time, will something go wrong? Jiang Han still has no clue.

Involving the Radiant Church, an exclusive mainline quest that attracts the attention of many demon gods, he doesn't know how it will end...