Chapter18:Player Rank

"Ding! The Lamp God Nicotine has joined Huanghuang Island and pledged allegiance to you. Congratulations to the player!"

Lei Jiu was naturally ecstatic at Nicotine's surrender, though not entirely unexpected.

In this scenario, rewards and penalties are evidently calculated based on the difficulty chosen and its completion.

If the attempt fails, there's nothing to discuss. But if successful, the type of reward ultimately depends on which technique Lei Jiu selects to pursue and how it's executed.

Despite relying on his unique skill for an advantage, Lei Jiu isn't hypocritical. After all, the skill of infinite analysis is part of his strength, right?

Even if it involves some level of cheating, it's done with the tacit approval of the system, so he feels justified.

"Nicotine!"

"Island Master!"

"How do we integrate the islands?"

Facing Nicotine's puzzled expression, Lei Jiu realized he had to figure it out himself.

"Luo Zheng! Where's the center of the island?"

After mentally reviewing the island map he'd explored earlier, Lei Jiu opened his eyes. "It should be the largest remnant on the north side of the square."

Nodding, Lei Jiu gestured for Nicotine to accompany them. "Let's go, we'll go together!"

The group reached the central area, and as Lei Jiu stepped in, the system prompted again.

"Ding! The player has entered the central area of the island. This island falls within Huanghuang Island's sphere of influence (100 kilometers * the square of the island's level) and can be merged. Does the player confirm the fusion?

Friendly reminder: Unknown risks may exist on the outer islands, so players should exercise caution when choosing to merge!"

"Confirm the fusion!" Lei Jiu resolved to face any risks.

"The fusion request has been accepted. Please adjust the island fusion!"

As two island models appeared before Lei Jiu, he noticed his subordinates couldn't see them.

Huanghuang Island's terrain was fully visible, but their current island remained shrouded. Despite incomplete exploration, it seemed harmless.

After studying the system guidance, Lei Jiu understood the fusion process. As the subject island, Huanghuang Island needed to be the focal point of the fusion.

With the terrain being flat, there was no need to cut the island into pieces. It could seamlessly integrate with Huanghuang Island's agricultural area.

Opting for a direct merge, the island trembled slightly as the small area they stood on collapsed. A beam of light shot out, hitting the square's stone statue where the magic lamp was hidden, revealing a hidden compartment.

Lei Jiu wondered if they'd faced repercussions had they not dealt with Nicotine first. Would the suddenly awakened Nicotine have intervened?

Regardless, this was only the second challenge. The first was the vanished shield outside the ruins. If Nangong Ding lacked archaeological expertise, they'd have had to force their way in.

As the island swiftly merged, Lei Jiu observed the shocked farmers in the distance.

"Ding! Congratulations to the player for becoming the owner of the 99th fusion island, earning the island 500 reputation."

"System Announcement: Huanghuang Island has successfully merged with the islands, earning the island 500 reputation."

Surprisingly, they made it into the top 100. Lei Jiu had already given up hope, assuming others had surpassed the 100 mark.

Due to the system's liveliness, it couldn't gather 100 people, leading to casualties. Most island owners featured on TV were likely sent to the Laya continent as adventurers.

Lei Jiu reviewed Huanghuang Island's details, thrilled by the land expansion, now including 300 hectares of fertile soil.

With the population continuing to grow, Lei Jiu planned to expand cultivation, diversifying their food sources.

After finalizing plans, Lei Jiu returned to camp with his team, welcomed by the shocked farmers.

Seeing Nicotine floating behind Lei Jiu, some cried "Monster!" in alarm.