CHAPTER 18: CHAPTER 15: ASSESSMENT TEST

"This game is insane!"

"4999 for a reservation is one thing, but how does a test require 198 for a revival if you die once? Did the game developers used to be bandits?"

"Nailed it! This game claims to be 100% virtual reality, definitely fake. They just won’t let us into the game. The developers are just planning to sell this test to make money."

"It shouldn’t be, right? I heard that the Sword Saint, Luo Wushang, from Pilgrimage is playing it."

"I also think this game must have something special; otherwise, Luo Wushang wouldn’t be playing. But the developers are too confident. It’s just a test, and failing once costs 198. Who would spend money on a test that’s not even a real game?"

"You guys are making a big deal out of nothing. It’s just a test; why would you need a revival? Isn’t it passed in one go? You can’t pass it in one try, huh?"

"Hahaha, it’s finally my time to shine. I’ve been specializing in game testing for thirty years. See you all in-game, brothers!"

"Does anyone need a test power-leveler? Not 198, just 98 will do. Contact me if interested!"

...

With the announcement of Descent of High Martial, over a thousand comments flooded in less than twenty seconds. They completely turned the game review section into a game forum, talking about everything.

"What a bunch of boring people."

Luo Wushang looked at the game comments on her phone, couldn’t help but turn off the phone, and glanced at Zhang Qingwei beside her.

"Qingwei, this Descent of High Martial is truly a masterpiece. It’s one thing if the president doesn’t believe me, but you don’t believe me either?"

"Of course, I believe in what Sister Luo says, and the president believes too. Otherwise, why would he send Zhao Hu to investigate Descent of High Martial in detail?"

In the elevator, Zhang Qingwei, wearing a white shirt and a black skirt, with black-framed glasses, her long black hair cascading to her waist, exuded an intellectual aura with every move, responded with a smile while scrolling through the reviews of Descent of High Martial.

"You have to know, Zhao Hu has been overseeing those three new games, moving between them constantly, busy to the point of exhaustion, aiming to gain an advantage in those three new games. After all, Pilgrimage isn’t the only guild looking for a new home."

"Zhao Hu told me a few days ago that he’s seen many familiar faces in those three new games. Now that the president is willing to let Zhao Hu investigate Descent of High Martial, it’s already a significant decision."

"Familiar faces in all three new games?" Luo Wushang showed a surprised expression on her indifferent face, "Is the competition really this intense?"

Although Zhao Hu never gets along with her, as Pilgrimage’s Boxing Saint and a core member of Celestial Might, the faces Zhao Hu finds familiar must be those saint-level existences and the top members of those large guilds.

"Of course, or why else would your temporary recommendation be put in front of the review meeting by the president without hesitation?" Zhang Qingwei looked at Luo Wushang and shook her head, "As for this Descent of High Martial, I’ll arrange for some trainees to help you out."

"Qingwei, aren’t you going to play?" Luo Wushang looked at Zhang Qingwei with some expectation.

Although Zhang Qingwei is the president’s secretary, she was once a companion who joined Pilgrimage together with Luo Wushang. Luo Wushang is well aware of Zhang Qingwei’s formidable talent and skill.

If not for a car accident that impaired her brain and affected her nerve reactions, she might have achieved sainthood three years ago, instead of shifting to guild management and focusing on being the president’s secretary.

"Me?" Zhang Qingwei was taken aback, and her phone trembled slightly.

After a while, she sighed deeply, "I... better not. I’m not suitable for it now."

Virtual games, though different from computer games centuries ago which required players to play in front of a screen, are fundamentally similar, with electronic signals directly fed into the brain for a more immersive experience.

Disabled and immobile individuals can move freely in virtual games, which is far superior to computer games from centuries ago.

But for people with brain injuries, virtual games aren’t as accommodating.

Since the car accident, her neural response speed has decreased significantly. Playing ordinary games is fine and doesn’t affect daily life, but engaging in high-intensity combat is just not feasible.

"No, no, no!" Luo Wushang shook her head, speaking seriously, "That Descent of High Martial is different. Although it’s also a virtual game, the realism it offers is unparalleled compared to other virtual games."

"My control over the game character feels almost like real life. Descent of High Martial must be utilizing some new technology, and it might solve your problem, Qingwei."

"Using new technology?" Zhang Qingwei was stirred, gripping her phone tighter.

Over the years, her edges may have been smoothed, but that’s a lie ― she played Pilgrimage to challenge the world’s masters.

Not seeking invincibility but the thrill of a duel!

"Qingwei, you should definitely give it a try." Luo Wushang smiled, "It won’t cost you anything if you try. If the new technology does solve your problem, you’ll benefit greatly."

"Alright, when I find the time, I’ll give it a shot." Although genuinely moved, as the main manager of Celestial Might Guild, Zhang Qingwei had too many responsibilities to spare a moment to play.

...

The weather was clear, with a gentle and pleasant breeze.

In a four-story villa at the high-end Celestial Beauty Pavilion community, Zhao Hu, towering over two meters tall, glared fiercely at the few trusted associates standing before him.

"What did you say? Mythical Paradise is making a move!" Zhao Hu’s expression was anything but pleasant.

Mythical Paradise!

One of Pilgrimage’s five major guilds, even older than Celestial Might, having shone in several virtual martial arts masterpieces.

"Brother Zhao, it’s the early stage of the game, and seeing us initiate action in three new games, Mythical Paradise gathered a slew of experts to dive into the new game we favor most: Celestial Dragon Dynasty."

"Exactly, Brother Zhao. Mythical Paradise is utterly disgraceful, first discussing new game matters with the president, then immediately turning on us. We rushed over as soon as we got the news."

"Brother Zhao, we can only gather experts from the other two new games, and it’s best if a few Elders and vice presidents come too; otherwise, contending with Mythical Paradise will be challenging."

Zhao Hu’s trusted associates spoke urgently, visibly anxious.

Celestial Dragon Dynasty is their most anticipated new game, and if Mythical Paradise sweeps it clean now, catching up later would be tough.

"I understand; go prepare. I’ll log in immediately."

Zhao Hu waved them off, troubled, and returned inside, settled into the Virtual Game Pod, took a few deep breaths, and clicked on Descent of High Martial in the latest games.

"Luo Wushang! If not for your foolishness, the review could have passed, and the guild could focus on Celestial Dragon Dynasty."

"A game with 100% virtual reality? That’s a blatant lie!"

"Fine! Let’s see what’s so hard about this crappy game!"

Without hesitation, Zhao Hu clicked into the Descent of High Martial test.