I am the Arcane Archer, and all my skills are self-created.

Another day has passed.

On the evening of the fifth day, as the last rays of orange light disappeared below the horizon of the Tanaris desert.

Star has reached level 35.

He was the last of the ten to meet the standard.

Firstly, because his base level was the lowest, and secondly, because priests' kill efficiency was indeed lower than other classes. However, thanks to Li Wu's deliberate arrangement of last-hitting, he still managed to catch up.

"We're here! We're here!" Xingchen's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement.

"Congratulations." Immovable as a mountain patted him on the shoulder.

"Priests level up the slowest, you're already doing pretty well to keep up," Hua Zitong said.

Everyone stopped what they were doing around the fire.

Ten people – all reached level 35.

And Li Wu... level 38!

He was three grades ahead of everyone else.

What does this three-level difference mean? It means that during his five-day leveling process, he not only had to lead ten people to grind monsters, teach tactics, and command, but also had to solo high-level monsters during other people's rest time.

While others practice for twelve hours a day, he practices for at least sixteen.

But there was no sign of fatigue on his face.

This made Hua Zitong both admire and feel sorry for him.

"What's the situation now?" Li Wu sat down by the fire and looked at everyone.

"Everyone's level 35," Hua Zitong reported. "Regarding equipment, thanks to the accumulation over the past few days and the drop rate boost from Li Wu's luck stat, most people have upgraded their gear. The Steel Shield and Immovable Tank sets are the best, and with the Soul Forger set plus the high-quality pieces dropped in the desert area, defense is maxed out."

"What about the output?"

"Ink Trace and Wind Chaser have the best equipment, each with at least two level 35 rare items. Wild Bull and Mad Blade are a little worse, but still sufficient."

"What about treatment?"

"Seven-Stringed Glass's Whitemane top hat hasn't been taken off yet, it's too powerful. Star's equipment is slightly weaker, but the healing output is sufficient."

Li Wu nodded.

"Then let's go into the dungeon tomorrow."

The moment those words were spoken, everyone's breathing quickened.

It's finally coming.

Zul'Farrak. Level 35 raid. First clear.

"Get a good rest tonight and recharge your energy." Li Wu stood up. "Meet at the dungeon entrance at eight o'clock tomorrow morning."

"yes!"

The group dispersed and went to find places to rest.

Hua Zitong didn't leave; she stayed.

"Are you nervous?" Li Wu asked casually.

Hua Zitong rolled her eyes: "Why would I be nervous?"

"So what are you worried about now?"

Hua Zitong remained silent for a while.

"Stars."

"Um?"

"Sandstorm Judgment. If it were applied to him—"

"He can get through it."

Are you sure?

"I've trained him. He can now solo a level 35 elite in one minute. Sandstorm Judgment gives you thirty seconds, but the elites in the sand chamber only have 40% of their normal health."

Hua Zitong did the calculation: "40%... which means it can normally be finished in 20 seconds?"

"Yes. As long as he doesn't panic, he'll be more than capable."

Hua Zitong nodded, feeling somewhat at ease.

She discovered that the one-on-one training sessions Li Wu had arranged were not just for developing personal skills—he was preparing for this mechanism in the instance.

Every step has a purpose.

This is Li Wu.

"Okay." Hua Zitong stood up. "Then I'll go rest."

"Um."

Hua Zitong took two steps, then looked back again.

Li Wu sat by the fire, holding the Arcane Bow in his hand, gently stroking its blade. The weapon, radiating starlight, shimmered with different colors in the firelight.

Hua Zitong's lips twitched slightly, then she turned and left.

the next morning.

The Tanaris Desert, northeast.

A massive sand and stone complex stands amidst the yellow sand.

Broken stone pillars, collapsed city walls, and steps half-buried in the sand—this is an ancient Scorpion God temple, once glorious, now reduced to ruins.

In front of the main gate of the temple, there is a dungeon entrance that emits a dark golden light.

A line of golden text floated above:

Zul'Farrak (Level 35 Dungeon)

Recommended group size: 5-10 people

[First-time status: Not enabled]

Eleven people stood in front of the entrance.

"The conditions are good." Li Wu looked at the "Not Activated" icon. "No one has tried it yet."

"No guild in the entire 21st district has ever had a full-strength raid group at level 35," Hua Zitong said. "Ironblood Alliance and Rising Storm are still struggling in Scarlet Monastery. We are the first team qualified to challenge a level 35 dungeon."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Steel Shield rubbed his hands together.

Li Wu didn't rush inside.

He turned around and faced the ten people.

"Before we go in, I have a few things to say."

Everyone immediately fell silent.

"First, this dungeon is much harder than Scarlet Monastery. There are four bosses, each with different mechanics, requiring the entire raid to cooperate to defeat them. I can't handle everything alone."

These words put everyone on edge. Last time in Scarlet Monastery, Li Wu basically did all the work by himself. If he said he couldn't do it this time, then the difficulty of this dungeon was unimaginable.

"Second, follow orders. Hua Zitong and I will take turns giving commands; her words carry the same weight as mine."

Everyone nodded.

"third--"

Li Wu's gaze swept over everyone.

"This instance only allows ten players, but we have one extra, so we'll have to draw lots again!"

After Li Wu finished speaking, everyone realized that they did indeed have one extra person!

Li Wu's words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly stunning everyone who was just immersed in the excitement of the upcoming challenge of the new dungeon.

Eleven against ten.

There's one more person.

This simplest, yet most crucial, arithmetic problem has only now been laid bare before everyone.

"Holy crap, it really is!" Steel Shield was the first to react. He counted on his fingers once, then again, and finally slapped his forehead. "Li Wu, Vice President Hua, me, Immovable Mountain, Ink Trace, Seven Strings Glazed Glass, Wind Chaser, Mad Blade, Wild Bull, Star, Anchor... That's right, eleven!"

His shout immediately created a somewhat awkward atmosphere.

Everyone looked at each other, their eyes filled with complex emotions.

For five days, they ate and slept together, enduring the scorching sun in the desert, munching on dry rations in the cold wind of the night, facing countless monsters together, and watching their experience bar soar.

It can be said that these eleven people have become an inseparable whole.

Now, someone in this whole group must be left behind.

Who stayed?

Nobody wants to stay.

This is the first clear of the level 35 Heroic dungeon, Zul'Farrak!

In the entire 21st district, only their team was qualified to take on the challenge. The rewards for a first clear are obvious. More importantly, the glory is one that will be etched into the history of the 21st district.

Who would want to miss out?