career advancement

Jiang Han felt a bit perplexed.

"Inviting friends?"

"I invited your uncle. Is it faster to invite newly registered players?"

Despite the countless thoughts of complaints, Jiang Han continued to use the Insightful Eyes to explore the vast Purple Flame Bamboo Forest.

However, the progress hints provided by the system were by no means useless. Faintly, he sensed a strand of milky-white energy drifting from a certain direction, as if guiding the way.

Seeing this, Jiang Han headed towards the direction where the energy floated.

After another ten minutes...

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Congratulations on successfully finding the [Secret Realm Entrance]!

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Your mission [Search for the Secret Realm] is completed. You can now go to the mentor to claim your reward!

After a tedious exploration lasting an hour and a half, Jiang Han finally found the so-called secret realm. Although the surface of the tree trunk looked ordinary, touching it would evoke a milky-white brilliance, forming a vortex-like passage.

According to Cheryl, there were many rare mounts inside the secret realm?

Curious, Jiang Han, with a hint of curiosity, tried to enter.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Your strength is insufficient, and you cannot enter the secret realm for now!

Well, the mission is completed, so it doesn't matter if I can't enter.

Recording the correct coordinates of the secret realm, Jiang Han set off to return to the Ghost Marsh.

"Fortunately, I have the Insightful Eyes!"

On the way, Jiang Han recalled the entire process of completing the mission, feeling that the crucial point was the means of investigation.

Although the system's hints for finding the secret realm were somewhat absurd, he had to admit that the Insightful Eyes significantly shortened the time needed to complete the mission.

As a system reward for achieving the Golden First Kill, the Insightful Eyes were an S-Class skill, ten times more potent than ordinary reconnaissance techniques. This was the key factor in him finding the secret realm.

Returning to the Ghost Marsh, Cheryl immediately sensed it, revealing her figure from the mist, with a slightly surprised expression. "I didn't expect that in just a day, you could find the entrance to the secret realm."

"It's all thanks to strength."

Jiang Han's response was usually modest.

"..."

Cheryl was momentarily stunned, then shook her head with a smile. "Well, it's evident."

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Congratulations on completing the mission [Search for the Secret Realm] (Difficulty: A). Rewards: Experience +2500000, one rare skill book!

The experience was not bad, boosting Jiang Han's experience bar by one-third. However, what truly caught his attention was the additional reward.

Is this exploration-type mission so generous that Cheryl actually gave me a rare skill book?!

Hastily opening the inventory, he saw a quiet book with a blue cover lying inside –

[Chasing Shadows] (Passive) (S-Class)

Introduction: Skilled riders can fully leverage the advantages of mounts, allowing mounts to perform exceptionally and display greater excellence.

Effect: Under the riding state, mount resilience increases by 20%, and movement speed is additionally increased by 20%.

Level Requirement: Level 50

Occupation Requirement: None

...

Staring blankly at the skill details, Jiang Han was dumbfounded.

Mentor, you are really something!

I just innocently asked when I could ride a mount, and you gave me such a precious skill?

"How is it?" Cheryl asked, "Are you satisfied?"

"Satisfied, very satisfied!"

Jiang Han nodded repeatedly, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, Mentor!"

"No need to be polite."

Cheryl shook her head, then looked serious. "Now, as your mentor, I have officially joined the Dark Faction and become the Lord of Seaheart City. As the city lord, I bear the responsibility of defending the city and cannot stay outside for an extended period..."

"Are you saying..."

"Here, take these two scrolls." Cheryl took out two scrolls from her bosom and handed them to Jiang Han.

Jiang Han took them and immediately used the Insightful Eyes to check –

[Undead Sensing] (A-Class)

Introduction: Sealed with a special restriction, tearing it open will create a connection with the one who imposed the restriction.

Effect: After use, the level 193 Immortal-level boss, [Undead Swordsman Cheryl], will come to meet you as soon as possible.

...

Before attacking Seaheart City, Cheryl was at level 190. It was evident that she gained a level during the siege, but that wasn't the focus. The key was the effect of the scrolls.

"When the potential of the Dark Swordsman within you is rekindled, you can tear open the scroll to summon me. You can learn more skills from me," Cheryl said in a gentle tone. "Moreover, if you encounter an unbeatable opponent or face severe threats, you can ask for my help. However, I will be departing from Seaheart City, so even if I rush over with all my might, it may take some time if the distance is great."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Han's heart warmed. "Alright, I understand."

For his achievements today, he not only needed to possess a certain level of strength but also had mentors like Daniel and Cheryl, something other people couldn't easily come by.

"Phew..."

Cheryl let out a long breath and said, "These two scrolls serve as compensation for the next task you can't receive from your mentor until your strength improves. They are not given unconditionally."

"Thank you, Mentor."

Jiang Han understood Cheryl's words.

He naturally understood the meaning behind Cheryl's words.

In the game, there must be a fair "exchange" between the indigenous people and adventurers. All gains require a certain cost, which can be completing tasks or providing the indigenous people with the items they need, among other things.

Cheryl nodded, then solemnly said, "Well, I ask you, Dark Swordsman Jiang Han, do you regret joining the Dark Faction?"

"No regrets." Jiang Han sincerely expressed.

"Are you willing to direct your blade against the Light Faction?" Cheryl continued to ask.

"Willing!"

Jiang Han knew that this was probably a necessary question for the "second advancement."

"Very well, then... I, Undead Swordsman Cheryl, officially acknowledge that the strength of the adventurer Jiang Han has met the conditions for the advancement to Dark Swordsman!"

"Gurgle..."

In an instant, the blood in Jiang Han's body surged, and the cold energy rushed out from his chest, circulating through his limbs and bones. The purple-black glow overflowed from his skin, making Daniel's concealment technique unable to hide it, appearing quite eerie.

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Congratulations on completing the occupational advancement. Growth star rating has changed!

"Ding!~"

System prompt: Congratulations on becoming the first player to complete occupational advancement. Additional reward: Attribute points +20, item [Enhancement Bead] (A-Class)!

...

Free attribute points were quite precious, usually only rewarded to those with special honors. Moreover, the basic numerical values provided by free attribute points could be enhanced by various percentage bonuses, highlighting their considerable value.

"Didn't they say there needs to be an occupational advancement task?" Jiang Han was puzzled.

Cheryl smiled, "Didn't I give it to you in advance?"

"..."

Jiang Han suddenly realized

.

Searching for the secret realm was the occupational advancement task?

Can this game be played like this?