The God-tier Quest immediately follows the Heaven-tier Quest—slaying the Six Great Dark Monsters. This selection includes: killing the Dark Twin Head Vajra, the Dark Twin Head Blood Demon, the Dark Yellow Spring Sect Master, the Dark Iris Sect Master, the Dark Woma Sect Master, and the Dark Skeleton Spirit. Completing any one of these tasks instantly grants the first-level equipment of the Heaven Demon set for one’s respective class. Warriors will receive the Heaven Demon Armor or the Sacred War Aegis; Mages can acquire the Magic God Cloak or the Neon Feather Robe; Taoists will obtain the Heaven Sovereign Robe or the Celestial Master Gown. This means that upon completing just one of these tasks, one instantly becomes the mightiest ranger in the world of Marfa Continent. Possessing any of these pieces of equipment allows even a ranger at the initial stage of the Red Moon to defeat a peerless expert like Xiang Jianli. This is arguably the most sought-after quest in the ranger world for hundreds of years, yet, regrettably, no one has ever managed to complete it. Furthermore, upon becoming a Heaven Demon Warrior, one is also conferred the title of First-Class Marquis by the Four Great Empires, becoming the Empire’s exclusive Heaven Demon Warrior. This is a magnificent opportunity to gain both fame and fortune. Unfortunately, the quest token for slaying the Six Great Dark Monsters remains unclaimed to this day.

Below the Heaven-tier Quests are the Human Ranking Quests, which require the slaying of the Ten Great Monsters. The Ten Great Monsters specified in the Human Ranking Quests are: Skeleton Spirit, Woma Sect Master, Zuma Sect Master, Iris Sect Master, Yellow Spring Sect Master, Bull Demon King, Twin Head Vajra, Twin Head Blood Demon, Red Moon Demon, and Dragon Sect Master. Slaying these ten monsters yields a complete set of Sacred War, Magic God, or Heaven Sovereign equipment, rewarded by the Royal Family. For hundreds of years, this has been the most enticing quest for rangers; however, to this day, no one has succeeded.

Below the Human Ranking Quests are the Earth Ranking Quests. The objective is to seize the Seven Great Magic Artifacts! In reality, the difficulty is not far removed from the Human Ranking Quests, though there are more opportunities for clever maneuvering. The so-called Seven Great Magic Artifacts are: the Skeleton Spirit’s Three-Pronged Water Splitter, the Woma Sect Master’s Woma Horn, the Zuma Sect Master’s Zuma Head Statue, the Iris Sect Master’s Iris Set, the Bull Demon King’s Carefree Fan, the Dragon Sect Master’s Dragon Spear, and the Yellow Spring Sect Master’s Yellow Spring Hammer. If these items are handed over to the Ranger Guild, one will receive a secret manual for a special skill rewarded by the Royal Family, such as Heaven Extinguishing Fire, Limitless True Qi, or Lion’s Roar. These offer a fatal allure to the rangers of the ranger world. Among these, I have already handed the Zuma Head Statue to Yue Zong, but Yue Zong clearly values the substantial treasure hidden behind the Zuma Head Statue more, as he has not submitted it to the Ranger Guild. If the passage to the Yellow Spring World can be found this time, the concentrated power of the Cangyue Ranger World might succeed in completing the first Human Ranking Quest in history: slaying the Yellow Spring Sect Master. Whether this success materializes, however, rests on fate. I am not optimistic about this. I have personally witnessed the terror of the Zuma Sect Master; it is absolutely beyond human capacity to contend with. Moreover, the Yellow Spring Sect Master is even more formidable than the Zuma Sect Master—I dare not imagine how powerful he is. Whether it is the God Ranking, Heaven Ranking, Human Ranking, or Earth Ranking, these quests are open-ended. This means they are accessible to everyone, regardless of status or guild level; success depends entirely on individual capability.

Following the Earth Ranking Quests are the Dragon Ranking Quests. Generally speaking, the Dragon Ranking Quests are considered the highest level tasks achievable within the scope of the ranger world’s capabilities. The quest types are incredibly varied, but without exception, their difficulties are astonishing. One quest is directly connected to me: capturing the Blue Lightning alive. No matter the method, capturing the Blue Lightning and delivering it to the hands of the Four Great Nobles or the Sabak authorities yields immense rewards. The reward is the city of Yunxi, located southwest of the area jointly claimed by the Four Great Nobles and Sabak. Valued in gold, this might equate to over a thousand gold bricks. It’s no wonder Qian Yue once said I was a figure of considerable value in the entire Marfa World. I couldn't carry that many gold bricks even if I wanted to.

Below the Dragon Ranking is the Tiger Ranking, known as the Tiger-level Guild Quests. The rewards for completion include astonishing amounts of gold and a deed issued by the Ranger Guild, equivalent to the land ownership of a small city. Such deeds are exceedingly rare in the ranger world. Having a deed means securing a guild stronghold, which can be developed into a marketplace or similar hub. Even if one chooses not to develop it, the deed can be sold for a large quantity of gold bricks. In short, the benefits are numerous. Even if divided among everyone, each person would receive a substantial share.

“Tiger-level Guild Quests—and they’re open-ended,” Long Xin unconsciously looked toward the others. “Let’s go check it out,” Long Qi pondered. “Since we’ve come to the Bone Demon Cave, it would be a waste not to explore past the fifth level.” “Indeed,” Dong Guan exclaimed excitedly. “We might even see large-scale group combat, which is a rare opportunity.” Although I was somewhat afraid of exposing my identity—being a wanted criminal ranked among the continent’s most notorious—I figured as long as I was careful, it should be fine. After all, this is the Cangyue Continent; I highly doubt Sabak would expect me to show up here. I nodded slightly. As for Jin Hong, he seemed helpless; it was clear he disapproved of this expedition. “Don’t worry, we can still cultivate along the way,” Bai Ling seemed to sense Jin Hong’s thoughts. “It won’t delay your training.” “That’s good then,” Jin Hong finally showed a faint smile. “With Xingchen joining us, the combat power of our Vanguard Hall will be even stronger!” Big Baldy was excited, and Fang Rou nodded vigorously, especially since I was a super expert who defeated Big Baldy in a single move. Clearly, Bai Ling invited us to join because she valued my combat strength. The Phoenix Nest Gang mobilized over three hundred people: two hundred Mages, one hundred Warriors, and the remaining thirty were Taoists. Additionally, the Heavenly Spider Gang brought over a hundred people. Word has it that on the third level, the Heavenly Spider Gang has another two hundred members waiting. Once the two teams merge, they will have over four hundred people. If the remaining two hundred members waiting near the rendezvous point on the third level join them, the total forces will reach six hundred, enough to form a formidable fighting unit. From the previous operation in the Zuma Temple, I learned that in large-scale battles, the power of Mages is paramount. All others, whether Warriors or Taoists, exist primarily to protect the Mages. Compared to the great battle at Zuma Temple, this triangular charge formation of just over four hundred people looked quite thin. Yet, even so, Long Xin and the others, participating in such a massive battle for the first time, were incredibly nervous. Although we had previously followed a large contingent of five hundred people along the main path into the second level of the Bone Demon Cave, we were merely trailing behind the main force then, never getting a chance to strike. Today is different, because now we are an integral part of the entire army, ready to engage in combat at any moment. “Relax!” Seemingly sensing the tension in Long Xin and the others, Bai Ling chuckled lightly, “Everyone will look out for you; there won’t be any real danger.” “Heh! This…” Long Xin and the others flushed deeply, especially Dong Guan. He had been acting like a senior expert earlier, but now his inexperience in major confrontations was seen through instantly—a huge loss of face. In contrast, my composure made Bai Ling display a trace of surprise. “Form up!” Bai Ling raised her sword, her expression solemn, completely transformed from her earlier demeanor. While her commanding presence was still slightly less imposing than the Wild Tiger’s Roar, it was clear that Bai Ling was a natural commander, possessing the solemn authority of someone leading an army. Under normal circumstances, the marching and operations of a large-scale army involve clearly defined roles. There is the overall Commander who directs the entire operation—currently Bai Ling—and the Hall Masters who command the four columns. Martial Hall! As the name suggests, this is the phalanx composed of Warriors, usually positioned at the very front. Their duty is to intercept all frontal attacks and protect the Mages. Commanding the Martial Hall for the Phoenix Nest Gang is a middle-aged warrior named Bai Zhan, whose strength is at least at the advanced stage of the Red Moon level. Magic Hall! Composed entirely of Mages, positioned behind the Martial Hall, they are the main attacking force of the entire army. Although there are only two hundred of them, the magical assault unleashed by two hundred people simultaneously is incredibly formidable. Long Xin and Dong Guan are assigned to the Magic Hall. Commanding the Magic Hall is Bai Fei, an advanced Red Moon Mage from the Phoenix Nest Gang. Taoist Hall! The phalanx of Taoists, supporting the Magic Hall and the Martial Hall. Long Qi and Jin Hong naturally belong to the Taoist Hall. Commanding the Taoist Hall is Bai Lan, a female Taoist of the advanced Red Moon level from the Phoenix Nest Gang. Vanguard Hall! This consists of the strongest Warriors in the entire army, numbering only thirty. Their purpose is to guard against all unforeseen events; normally, we are not required to engage unless facing an exceptionally powerful opponent. I, Long Zhan, and Fang Rou are all assigned to the Vanguard Hall. Commanding the Vanguard Hall is Big Baldy himself. The Four Halls quickly took their respective positions, forming the standard triangular charge formation. “Move out!” Under Bai Ling’s command, the mixed army—composed of the Phoenix Nest Gang, the Heavenly Spider Gang, and our small Wandering Dragon Gang—began advancing toward the entrance of the third level. Although it was the main path, we were frequently ambushed by large bands of Skeleton Legions. However, before they could even get close, they were blasted into charcoal by the Mages from the Magic Hall, much like our experience following the main group into the second level of the Bone Demon Cave. The only difference was that Long Xin and Dong Guan were busy enjoying themselves, while Long Zhan and Long Qi could only stare emptily. Jin Hong and I remained comparatively calm. Jin Hong is not an impulsive person, and naturally, I pay little attention to such minor skirmishes. Back in the Zuma Temple, I stood on the front line and nearly lost my life several times. Compared to that, the current situation was insignificant. The large contingent advanced swiftly along the main path, encountering no strong resistance. After ten hours, we smoothly reached the entrance to the third level and rendezvoused with Fang Yuan, who was waiting there with his over two hundred members of the Heavenly Spider Gang. We then continued our advance deeper into the Bone Demon Cave. The third level of the Bone Demon Cave was largely similar to the previous two: gloomy, dark stone walls inlaid with fist-sized luminous stones, casting a dim, sickly green light, and vague green mist flickering around us—it was even more eerie and bizarre than the first two levels. The temperature seemed slightly lower than above, and we could occasionally feel gusts of icy cold wind. I consider my nerves quite tough, but even I couldn't help but shiver slightly, goosebumps rising all over my body. This wretched place is truly not fit for living. I imagine the legendary Netherworld couldn't be much different. After regrouping, the combined force adjusted its formation and pressed deeper into the Bone Demon Cave. The main path was still flanked by countless side tunnels. Occasionally, we passed small, scattered guilds who were clearly not on a scouting mission. They were somewhat startled to see such a large throng of people. The group ahead of us automatically yielded the path, allowing us to take the lead. Not long after, we encountered the first wave of Skeleton Axe Fighters on the third level of the Bone Demon Cave. I have no idea which side tunnel these creatures crawled out of. They were advancing toward us with stiff gaits and menacing intent, numbering no less than a hundred. Taking this rare opportunity, I finally got a clear look at what the Skeleton Axe Fighters looked like. Their appearance was nearly identical to the Skeleton Spearmen, but their weapons were heavy, broad-bladed axes. According to the Ranger Handbook, a single Skeleton Axe Fighter’s combat capability was equivalent to an advanced Red Moon Warrior. However, like other undead creatures, they attacked purely based on instinct. I thought that if such power were combined with sophisticated tactics, our side would be in serious trouble. But this was just a thought; the greatest weakness of the undead is their lack of higher intelligence; all their actions are instinctual, which is the fundamental reason humanity can conquer them. I secretly mused that if the Skeleton Legion had a commander with comparable intelligence, the scene would be vastly different. But this thought quickly vanished. Because this was large-scale group combat, Long Zhan and I didn’t get the chance to clash head-on with the Skeleton Axe Fighters. They were obliterated by the Mages’ bombardment long before they reached the formation. Even the few who broke through the Magic Hall’s magical attacks were cut to pieces by the vigilant Warriors of the Martial Hall. We in the Vanguard Hall never had a chance to engage. Long Zhan held back a surge of energy but didn't get a single swing of his axe—he was deeply frustrated. In the Mage formation, Long Xin and Dong Guan were sweating profusely but looked excited and content; they were clearly enjoying themselves. Long Qi and Jin Hong, though not launching direct attacks, occasionally swung their weapons and cast Heal, Sacred Armor, or Ghost Shield spells, showing no lack of engagement. The great army advanced irresistibly, shredding every undead creature in their path with the concentrated magical fire from the Mages. After two days of marching, we finally reached the entrance to the fourth level of the Bone Demon Cave. The undead creatures here were Skeleton Archers! They resembled the Skeleton Spearmen but held a silver-white greatbow, strung with silver-white arrows, and carried quivers on their backs. It must be said that the Skeleton Archers were proficient in ranged attacks, and the force of the arrows they shot was astonishingly strong. In comparison, the Skeleton Archers' attacks seemed more organized because their volleys were almost always simultaneous, resulting in dense, whistling rain of arrows whose might was absolutely staggering. To withstand the Skeleton Archers’ arrow storm, the Warriors of the Martial Hall had to switch to massive battle shields. Generally, rangers in the Marfa world would not easily use defensive weapons like shields, as doing so would weaken their offensive power. Just like in the Zuma Temple, even when facing the combined assault of the powerful Zuma Archers and Zuma Guards, the Warriors relied on their fierce Battle Qi and the large surface area of their Infernal Battle Axes to resist the Zuma Archers’ attacks. However, this approach wouldn't work in the Bone Demon Cave, because the sheer force of the arrows shot by the Skeleton Archers was equivalent to the full-power attack of an advanced Red Moon Warrior—a far greater impact than those fired by the Zuma Archers. Even if Warriors could endure one or two arrows, how could they withstand the storm of dense arrows? In this situation, shields were the only option for defense. Whoosh—whoosh— A dense volley of arrows shot forth, the sharp sound of their passage piercing the air, causing a thrilling, scalp-tingling sensation in everyone. The Warriors firmly planted their shields into the ground, gripping the handles with both hands and bracing the back of the shields with their shoulders. Clang! Clang! Clang! A series of sharp, metallic collisions, like popping beans, as the incoming arrows violently struck the solid ground. The intense impact caused the arrows, once repelled by the hard shields, to erupt in dazzling sparks. Relying on their solid shields, the Warriors positioned at the rear held firm against the shockwave delivered by the arrows. The shields were angled slightly outward, forming approximately a sixty-degree angle with the ground where the cone-shaped blunt ends were inserted. This angle maximally offset the impact force of the arrows. Furthermore, the shields, two meters high, allowed the Warriors to accurately block the arrow fire from the Skeleton Legion. Yet, even so, the terrifying force of the arrows hitting the shields caused significant hardship for the Warriors holding the front line. Each arrow’s force was equivalent to an advanced Red Moon Warrior delivering a heavy chop with a broadsword onto the shield. Moreover, the density of the Skeleton Archers’ arrow fire was astonishing. After one such volley, each front-line Warrior endured at least twenty impacts from the powerful arrows. Many Warriors were shaken backward, the corners of their shields carving deep, alarming furrows into the ground. Despite looking battered, the Warriors had to grit their teeth and endure to protect the Mages behind them, pushing forward desperately, as this was the only way to maximally resist the Skeleton Archers’ firepower. The Mages behind them hid behind the Warriors, unleashing offensive magic with full force, doing their utmost to eliminate the Skeleton Archers and reduce the pressure on the front-line Warriors. After surviving one volley, the front-line Warriors would shift positions, allowing the rear-line Warriors to swiftly take their place. Warriors who had endured the fierce assault and suffered significant stamina depletion could then get a proper rest to recover their energy. Everything appeared orderly and disciplined. The mixed army of over six hundred people operated like a high-precision war machine. The perfect synergy between the three classes—Taoist, Warrior, and Mage—was manifested vividly in this moment. This reminded me of the wave-like rotational tactic the Warriors used in the Zuma Temple, but here they adapted a formation usually meant for attack into a defensive posture. The effect was quite good, ensuring that the Warriors at the front always maintained ample stamina to withstand the intense arrow fire. However, quite a few arrows managed to pierce the shield wall and wound the Mages in the rear. The powerful impact made even the Mages' Magic Shields struggle to fully deflect these penetrating arrows, and this was the first time our army sustained injuries. But the Mages were quickly restored to fighting condition thanks to the Taoists’ Mass Heal spell and the use of Great Wound Medicines and Healing Potions. This demonstrated that the Cangyue Ranger World possessed rich experience in handling such situations. Although the Skeleton Archers were undeniably much harder to deal with than the creatures on the third level, the massive army continued its unstoppable advance toward the entrance to the fifth level.