Survival in an apartment, starting with a stroke of luck on a plane

For the next period of time, Lin Yu was able to completely relax.

After all, he only has seven days to rest. With his current strength, there's not much point in cultivating for such a short time. He might as well take the opportunity to relax.

Besides, even if we take a step back and assume the worst, there are still shadow clones cultivating in the Taoist study every day, so one more won't make a difference.

He leaned back on the sofa, feeling the increasingly dense dragon energy in the apartment. The Divine Fire Heart Sutra in his body slowly circulated, absorbing this pure energy, and his cultivation level increased little by little without him realizing it.

Golden-feathered eagle flew over from beside the statue, landed on his knee, rubbed its head against his palm, and made a soft, comforting gurgling sound.

Lin Yu casually stroked the smooth, warm feathers of the golden feather, but his thoughts drifted back to the "Seeking Immortality" world that had just ended.

Rule replacement, world renaming... what exactly happened behind the scenes? What did the system administrator 9527 do after collecting the fragments of the Heavenly Dao?

Or perhaps, before leaving, the True Lord fundamentally purified that world in some way that he could not comprehend?

After thinking for a while without finding a solution, Lin Yu put it aside for the time being.

Whatever the reason, the outcome was not a bad thing for him.

The immediate priority is to make full use of existing resources, consolidate our strength, and prepare for the next unknown world.

He probably never imagined that the administrator he was trading with had actually died for some special reason.

I'm no longer thinking about this.

He reopened the [System Trading Hall] and browsed it in more detail.

This time, he not only focused on equipment and skills that could improve his skills in the short term, but also began to pay attention to items that could improve his training environment in the long term or that had special strategic significance.

【Blazing Core (Platinum-level Apartment Facility): After implantation, the concentration of fire-type energy in the apartment is greatly increased, slightly improving the power and training speed of all fire-type skills.

Price: 52000 game coins or equivalent diamond-grade materials.

"It's good stuff, but too expensive."

Lin Yu clicked his tongue. Fifty-two thousand game coins. Although he was wealthy now, he wasn't one to squander money like that.

It seems that facilities that can change the state of an apartment are not cheap, much more expensive than regular equipment and skill cards.

He has a dragon vein, so his need for a single attribute bonus is not so urgent.

[Spirit Plant Garden (Gold-Tier Apartment Facility): Creates a small patch of spirit land, accelerating plant growth and slightly improving plant quality. Price: 4100 Game Coins.]

"This is interesting." Lin Yu stroked his chin. If he were to obtain any medicinal herb seeds in the future, this would come in handy.

But now, it's not very useful, so PASS.

【Universal Repair Tool (Platinum Grade Item): Can repair the durability or some special damage of Platinum Grade and below non-artifact equipment/items (can be used 20 times)】

Price: 5000 game coins.

"Not bad, I can keep one as a backup." Lin Yu thought for a moment and spent five thousand game coins to buy one.

This thing can save an important piece of equipment in a critical moment, so it's worth the price.

It can be used 20 times, which means it costs an average of 250 game coins per use. This is a great deal, as the price for repairing a platinum-level piece of equipment normally exceeds that.

He searched for items related to "dragons" again. In addition to the dragon materials he had previously purchased, higher-level items such as [True Dragon Scale] (diamond-grade material) and [Dragon Soul Crystal] (diamond-grade material) also appeared, but the prices were all astronomical, and they often required bartering, requiring the exchange of rare items of the same level.

Looking at the meager possessions in his pocket, Lin Yu once again realized that he was still a "newcomer" in the true high-end gaming circle.

"You have to take things one step at a time." Lin Yu had a good attitude and closed the trading house.

With the resource integration temporarily completed, he decided to relax in the entertainment area.

After a period of continuous high-intensity training and a nerve-wracking gaming career, proper relaxation is necessary.

After thinking for a while, Lin Yu decided to go out for a walk. He hadn't left the neighborhood for a long time, and the last time he went out, he went straight to the Time Cabin.

Without hesitation, Lin Yu stood up and said to Jin Ling, who was on his lap, "I'm going for a walk. Do you want to come with me?"

Jinling tilted her head and looked at him, seemingly thinking for a moment, then flapped her wings and flew up, landing on his left shoulder, showing her agreement through her actions.

As its strength increased, Jinling's intelligence seemed to also improve. Although it could not yet speak human language, it had no problem understanding Lin Yu's simple meanings.

After tidying up his clothes, Lin Yu left the apartment with Jin Ling.

The entertainment area remained as lively and bustling as ever.

Restaurants, bars, cinemas, and virtual game arcades of all styles line the streets, attracting a constant stream of people.

Players relax, communicate, and release the stress accumulated in the game world here.

Lin Yu chose a restaurant that looked quite stylish and went inside.

There are multiple restaurants in the entertainment area, offering all kinds of options, but the prices are all the same: one game coin for a meal.

So far, Lin Yu hasn't seen any more expensive restaurants, nor does he know if there are any special establishments in the neighborhood.

The restaurant's interior is elegant, employing simple illusionary formations to create a misty, ethereal atmosphere.

He found a quiet spot by the window and sat down, while Jin Ling stood obediently on the back of the chair he had specially pulled over, curiously looking around.

After ordering several dishes and a pot of tea, Lin Yu slowly savored the food, which indeed tasted far superior to the top-tier cuisine in the real world, while listening to the idle chatter of the players around him.

The topics mostly revolved around the recently concluded "Seeking Immortality" world and the strange tales of the world suddenly transforming into the "Cultivating Immortality" world.

Players from all over the community participated in this world, and the survival rate was actually quite high.

After all, the most difficult BOSS in the game died inexplicably. Although it killed a lot of people, the Great Qian was so big, and there were only 50,000 players. They were scattered all over the country, so even the strange dragon could not kill all the players in a short time.

However, the rules of the world changed again, and cultivation no longer required such caution, so most people returned safely.

"Did you know? What happened in the 'Seeking Immortality' world?"

"Of course I know. Damn it, if I had known, I wouldn't have run away so early. If I had stayed longer, I might have been able to get some benefits."

"Come on, haven't you heard how terrifying that last diamond-level monster dragon was? You're lucky to have survived."

"That's true... but who did it? Didn't those Platinum-level players in the league run away?"

"Who knows? There was no system announcement. I guess some hidden big shot made a move."

"..."

Lin Yu listened silently, his heart unmoved. He was the "hidden master," though he relied on the power of a True Monarch.

However, just as Lin Yu was enjoying his meal, a commotion broke out at the restaurant entrance, and several players dressed in matching bright red outfits with burning boxing glove logos embroidered on their chests walked in.

They looked arrogant as their gaze swept across the restaurant, finally settling on Lin Yu, who was sitting alone by the window.

The leader was a tall, muscular, bald, strong man whose aura was clearly at the peak of the Gold level. The people following behind him were all at the Silver level.

They walked straight toward Lin Yu.

Lin Yu didn't even lift his eyelids, continuing to slowly and methodically cut the meat patty.

The golden feather on its shoulder seemed to sense that the newcomers were hostile, and it tensed up slightly, its sharp eagle eyes fixed on the group.

"Kid, you're the Witcher?" The bald, burly man walked up to Lin Yu's table, his voice booming with undisguised hostility, drawing the attention of the surrounding diners.

Lin Yu then put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a napkin, looked up, and calmly asked, "Is there something you need?"

"I am Blazing Flame, the vice-captain of the Blazing Sun Fist Alliance!" The bald, burly man stared down at Lin Yu, his tone chilling. "Bone Crack is one of our men. He went on a mission last time and never came back. And the last person to have contact with him was you!"

Lin Yu understood immediately; they had indeed come for this matter.

After all, these guys' outfits are too distinctive.

His expression remained unchanged; he even picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said calmly, "So?"

Seeing Lin Yu's nonchalant attitude, Blazing Flame's anger intensified, but he seemed to be trying his best to restrain himself, and he roared in a low voice, "So? Don't fucking play dumb with me! Riftbone and his squad were wiped out, was that your doing?!"

Lin Yu put down his teacup, finally meeting Bao Yan's gaze directly, his eyes calm and unwavering: "So what if it is?"

His tone carried a hint of sarcasm: "In the game world, if you're not skilled enough, you die. Is that so strange? Why are you all looking for death too?"

Lin Yu had no intention of hiding or being afraid. Even if the rules of the community did not allow fighting, he was not afraid of anyone now.

Platinum level is already considered the top tier in the 9527 community. Let alone a Gold level vice captain, even if their guild leader came, Lin Yu would still treat him the same.

"You!" Bao Yan was so angry that the veins on his forehead bulged, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, and a faint heat emanated from his body, as if he was about to make a move at any moment.

The team members behind him also glared angrily, their expressions menacing.

However, Lin Yu remained calm and composed, even relaxing the golden feather on his shoulder, seemingly finding the group of people to be no threat whatsoever.

Bao Yan stared intently at Lin Yu, seemingly trying to see fear on his face, but he was disappointed.

Lin Yu's gaze was indifferent, and there was also a sense of... looking at a clown, which made him even angrier, but also more wary.

He could sense that the seemingly ordinary young man in front of him exuded an unfathomable aura, far beyond the so-called "gold level" mentioned in the intelligence.

After all, he couldn't sense the slightest bit of aura from this kid.

This is a very strange thing.

Moreover, this is a safe zone, and any form of fighting is strictly prohibited.

He dared not break the system's rules.

"Fine! Very well!" Blazing Flame forcibly suppressed the urge to attack, squeezing out the words through clenched teeth: "Lin Yu, I'll remember you! Don't think you're safe just because you're in the neighborhood! Let me tell you, the Blazing Sun Fist Alliance won't let this go! From now on, if we ever encounter you in the game world, the Blazing Sun Fist Alliance will make you pay for your broken bones with your life!"

This murderous threat elicited a murmur of surprise in the noisy restaurant.

Many players recognized the members of the Blazing Sun Fist Alliance and, knowing their strength, turned their attention to watch the spectacle unfold.

Faced with this blatant threat, Lin Yu suddenly laughed.

He laughed wildly, as if he had heard some funny joke.

"Are you done?" Lin Yu's smile vanished, and his eyes suddenly sharpened. "I'll also put my words here: if your Blazing Sun Fist Alliance wants to cause me trouble, I'm ready to oblige anytime. You'd better pray I don't run into you in the game world, or I'll kill you one by one."

Lin Yu's tone was calm, but the invisible pressure he exuded left Bao Yan and the others speechless for a moment.

They had no doubt that if this weren't a safe zone, this guy would have attacked without hesitation.

Lin Yu ignored the group of blustering but cowardly guys, casually tossed a few game coins to pay the bill, said "Let's go" to Jin Ling on his shoulder, and walked straight past the stunned Lieyang Fist Alliance members, leaving the restaurant.

Only after Lin Yu's figure disappeared through the door did Bao Yan finally let out a heavy breath; his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

His face was ashen, his fists clenched, but he couldn't utter a single word.

"Vice Captain, we..." one of the team members asked in a low voice, still shaken.

"Let's go!" Bao Yan squeezed out a single word through gritted teeth, and quickly led his men away from the restaurant.

After a brief silence in the restaurant, an even more heated discussion erupted.

"Holy crap! This guy's that strong? He's going head-to-head with the Blazing Sun Fist Alliance?"

"That's incredibly impressive. Looks like we're in for a good show."

"That's right, I've disliked the Blazing Sun Fist Alliance for a long time."

……

Lin Yu naturally couldn't hear these comments.

After leaving the restaurant, he took Jin Ling and strolled towards the player trading area.

The little incident just now didn't cause much of a stir in his heart.

The Blazing Sun Fist Alliance? Others might be afraid, but he had no worries. It was uncertain whether the guild leader could even defeat him.

……

Arriving at the long-missed player trading area, Lin Yu began to stroll around.

As before, the items in the player trading area are still diverse and of varying quality.

Black iron and bronze level equipment materials are the mainstream, but what's better than before is that Lin Yu can occasionally see silver level materials or items today.

This is really interesting; it seems that many people have reaped good rewards in the world of Seeking Immortality.

Of course, there were also many strange and unusual gadgets.

Lin Yu led Jin Ling slowly through the crowd, looking at the stalls on both sides with great interest.

Jin Ling stood on his shoulder, her sharp eyes curiously looking left and right, occasionally showing interest in some shiny little things, and gently pecking at Lin Yu's ear with her beak to signal him to look.

It seems that most birds have a special fondness for shiny things, and even the mythical beast Jinling is no exception. I don't know why.

"Don't miss out! A dagger I just brought back from the world of Seeking Immortality, incredibly sharp, with a slight armor-piercing effect! Only 24 game coins!"

"Selling one set of healing potions, instantly restoring 200 health points, bronze quality, bundled at a discounted price!"

Looking to purchase any item that increases Spirit attribute; price negotiable!

"Come and see! A mysterious stone slab unearthed from ancient ruins, suspected to be a legacy of knowledge, is only 200 game coins. Take a gamble and you might just strike it rich!"

The sounds of hawking and bargaining filled the air.

Lin Yu walked around, stopping frequently. Most things didn't catch his eye; with his current perspective and wealth, 99% of the things here were worthless.

However, the process of wandering around is also a kind of fun.

In an inconspicuous corner, a somewhat down-on-his-luck middle-aged player squatted there, with only a few dull-colored ores and a gray, unremarkable seed in front of him.

Lin Yu had already walked past, but the golden feather on his shoulder suddenly chirped softly, tugged at his hair, and its gaze fell on the dusty seed.

"Hmm?" Lin Yu stopped, squatted down, picked up the seed, and carefully sensed it.

The seed felt cool to the touch, its surface covered with fine lines, and it showed no energy fluctuations. The panel also indicated that it was just an ordinary seed of the Black Iron grade.

It also showed signs of necrosis.

I don't know why Jinling would choose it.

"Boss, how much is this seed?" Lin Yu didn't hesitate and went straight up to ask.

Regardless of whether it's useful or not, let's ask first.

Seeing a customer, the middle-aged player quickly looked up. Seeing the magnificent golden feather on Lin Yu's shoulder and his extraordinary demeanor, he dared not be negligent and said, "This... I found this in an ancient game world before. I don't know what it is. It's been sitting here for a long time and nobody wants it. If you want it, just give... give 1 game coin."

That's incredibly cheap.

Lin Yu paid 1 game coin directly.

Anyway, it's cheap enough. Even if these seeds aren't very useful, it's still worth it for 1 game coin.

After putting away the seeds, Lin Yu browsed the trading area for a while longer, buying some blueprints he didn't have and some apartment appliances to improve his quality of life at very low prices.

That was all that was gained.

After leaving the trading area, Lin Yu did not go straight back to his apartment, but went to the entertainment area and rented a training room to test his skills.

Lin Yu came here mainly to test his newly acquired power, as he still couldn't fully unleash his abilities in the apartment.

After all, the area is not large.

The training room was spacious and filled with various mannequins and all sorts of miscellaneous facilities, apparently for detecting injuries.

Lin Yu first activated the "Divine Fire Heart Sutra," and with his fingers like a sword, a condensed golden-red flame ray shot out, accurately hitting the alloy stake.

"laugh!"

A charred hole about an inch deep appeared instantly on the alloy pile, with traces of melting at the edges.

Data shows that the power of this strike has reached the gold level, and this was just a casual strike without using his full strength.

Then, Lin Yu activated the "Molten Flame Demon Body," and his body quickly turned crimson, his skin seeming to have molten lava flowing through it. He punched the alloy stake.

"boom!"

With a muffled thud, the alloy stake trembled violently, leaving a clear fist mark on it.

Then he put on the Hate Gloves.

The dark red gloves clung to his palms, and a cold and violent aura tried to spread along his arm, but it was immediately dispelled by the surging inner fire within him.

He threw another punch, this time with a faint dark red aura of menace in the wind.

"Bang!"

The alloy stake was struck again, the fist mark deepening. Simultaneously, test data showed that this strike carried a mental interference effect—the [Power of Hatred].

He then tested the effect of [Bloody Tear] by scratching the alloy stake with his bare hands, leaving several deep claw marks.

"Not bad." Lin Yu nodded in satisfaction.

This platinum-level equipment is indeed powerful, especially the several special effects it comes with, which can play an unexpected role in actual combat.

As long as he remains steadfast and is not affected by his negative emotions, this is a good support item.

Finally, a thought struck him, and he tried to activate the [Dragon Transformation] skill.

He hasn't used this skill since he acquired it, so he can take this opportunity to try it out.

The moment the skill card was activated, a torrent of power filled with resentment and destruction seemed to break through some kind of shackles and forcefully poured into Lin Yu's limbs and bones.

His magical power was rapidly depleting.

Intense pain and a feeling of being torn apart at the soul level came over him, and Lin Yu couldn't help but let out a low roar. This roar was no longer a human voice, but had a dull echo.

His body was undergoing terrifying mutations at a speed visible to the naked eye—

The bones emitted a sickeningly loud sound of dislocation and stretching, and the skin was torn apart by the rapidly expanding and mutated tissue beneath, yet it healed rapidly under a strange force, covered with a layer of dark, dull black scales that seemed to absorb all light.

These scales were not uniform; they varied in size, had rough edges, and some were even twisted, resembling the abstract outlines of countless tormented faces.

His body stretched and expanded rapidly, transforming in an instant into a terrifying dragon-shaped creature tens of meters long that almost filled most of the test chamber.

This is a miniature replica of the strange dragon that was slain by the True Lord.

The dragon's head was ferocious, and its eyes were two leaping dark red flames. The only consolation was that it hadn't turned into a collection of countless eyeballs.

Instead of majestic dragon horns on its forehead, there were only a few twisted, black bone spurs that resembled rotten tree branches.

As the dragon's mouth opened and closed, it revealed a dense array of jagged, sharp teeth, dripping with corrosive, jet-black saliva.

The massive dragon's body was covered not only with unsettling black scales, but also with occasional new, dark red, writhing tumors that exuded a strong stench of blood and decay.

Its limbs and claws were incredibly sharp, with faint black energy swirling around their tips, as if they could easily tear through space.

A terrifying pressure, far exceeding Lin Yu's own body and reaching the peak of the Platinum level, mixed with a nauseating stench, instantly filled the entire test chamber.

Even the golden feather perched on his shoulder, sharing his thoughts, couldn't help but let out a shrill cry filled with fear. It flapped its wings and flew away, landing in a distant corner, warily watching the "monster" that exuded a familiar yet repulsive aura.

Lin Yu (in his dragon form) coldly surveyed his surroundings with his dragon eyes burning with dark red flames.

He raised a dragon claw covered in black scales and wriggling tumors and casually swung it toward the specially made alloy test post.

"laugh--"

Without a deafening roar, the alloy stake, which was strong enough to withstand attacks below platinum level, melted and disintegrated instantly at the point of contact with the dragon claw, as if it had been thrown into strong acid, leaving a huge and twisted gap with wisps of black gas remaining at the edge, constantly corroding the surrounding metal.