The invitation from the [System] still hovered on Lin Fan's virtual screen, its golden text gleaming against the bustling backdrop of Cloud Peak City. "Trial Participant Project." He'd never heard of it on any forum or in any document. This only solidified the mysterious and special nature of the invitation.
Lin Fan didn't rush to accept. Caution had become his second nature. He retreated to a secluded corner of the city, pretending to examine his map, but his mind was racing. This invitation wasn't an ordinary quest. It was directly from the "System," and it addressed him as "Nameless One," the pseudonym he'd used while remaining anonymous. This implied that, somehow, the "System" had bypassed the usual game mechanics to interact directly with him, and even knew about his "anomaly."
He recalled the rumors about "Nine Realms Immortal Realm being an experiment." Perhaps this invitation was part of that experiment. But what kind of experiment? And was it safe?
Lin Fan wondered if he was strong enough to face what lay ahead. He was at Qi Condensation Stage 5, possessed the jade pendant with its peculiar abilities, and had a decent amount of money. But he was still a novice in a vast world. If this was a trap, he'd be hard-pressed to escape.
However, if this was an opportunity... An opportunity to understand the jade pendant better, to delve into the Nine Realms, and perhaps even to find a faster way to earn money. An opportunity to escape his mortal fate, to truly change his life.
After careful consideration, Lin Fan made his decision. He wasn't a coward. He had taken risks since stepping into the game. Without daring, he would forever remain a poor mortal. Moreover, his intuition told him that this invitation wasn't necessarily a death trap, but a unique opportunity.
He clicked [Accept].
Instantly, Lin Fan's surroundings shifted. Space distorted for a moment, then he found himself standing in a stark white room, devoid of windows or furniture, with soft light emanating from all directions. The room seemed boundless, giving a sense of infinity.
Before him, a three-dimensional image of a faint azure spiritual entity materialized. It had no discernible face but exuded an ancient, majestic aura.
"Welcome, Trial Participant Nameless One," the entity spoke, its voice reverberating through the space, devoid of emotion yet imbued with immense power. "You have displayed exceptional qualities. You are one of the few 'Lost Ones' chosen."
"Lost Ones?" Lin Fan questioned, his heart filled with doubt.
"Lost Ones are stray souls, originating from another world," the entity explained. "You carry 'variables' that this world does not possess. And you, Nameless One, carry a very special variable – the Devouring Jade."
Lin Fan's heart pounded. "Devouring Jade"? So that was the name of his jade pendant! And it was a "variable"?
"The Devouring Jade is a fragment of a Great Dao Supreme Treasure," the entity continued, as if reading his thoughts. "It possesses the ability to absorb and refine all forms of energy, including those that this world cannot contain or transform. Its appearance is a rare event, and you are the one it chose."
Lin Fan was utterly astonished. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. The nameless jade pendant he'd picked up was a fragment of a "Great Dao Supreme Treasure"—something that sounded incredibly profound. And it could "devour" all types of energy?
"Why have you invited me to this Trial Participant Project?" Lin Fan asked, trying to maintain his composure.
"We are the Overseers of the Nine Realms Immortal Realm," the entity replied. "This world is a developing entity, a grand 'experiment' to seek energy balance. However, recently, an anomalous energy—which we call 'Chaotic Force'—has begun to invade and cause turmoil. This Chaotic Force cannot be absorbed or neutralized by ordinary spiritual energy, and it is gradually destroying the Nine Realms."
"The purpose of the Trial Participant Project is to seek out Lost Ones like you, those with special abilities or carrying variables that can contend with the Chaotic Force. Your jade pendant, the Devouring Jade, holds immense potential in this regard."
Lin Fan understood. So, this so-called "game" wasn't just a game. It was a world facing a threat, and he, with his jade pendant, was part of a potential solution. The mutated Rat Wolves, Ghost Hounds, and the Silent Abyss... all were signs of the Chaotic Force's invasion.
"So, what must I do?" Lin Fan asked.
"You will continue your cultivation journey," the Overseer stated. "We will grant you certain privileges to accelerate this process and guide you to locations where Chaotic Force appears. Your mission is to use the Devouring Jade to 'purify' the Chaotic Force, or at least collect it for our research."
"Privileges?"
"Indeed. You will be granted access to certain secret resources and cultivation techniques, things not available to ordinary players. Furthermore, all your market transactions will be absolutely protected; no one will be able to trace your true identity. And, as you reach certain cultivation milestones, we will unlock new abilities for the Devouring Jade."
Lin Fan considered it. This was an enticing offer. He would receive strong support, identity protection, and most importantly, the chance to explore the Devouring Jade further. In return, he had to face the "Chaotic Force," a threat far greater than anything he had ever encountered.
"And if I refuse?"
"There is no option to refuse," the Overseer replied coldly. "Once you have been chosen, your fate is bound to the Nine Realms. Moreover, the Devouring Jade will automatically seek out Chaotic Force. You cannot escape, Nameless One. We merely wish to provide you with the opportunity to do so more effectively."
Lin Fan understood. This wasn't an "invitation" in the usual sense; it was a "notification." He had been drawn into a much larger conflict.
"Alright," Lin Fan said, seeing no other choice. "I accept."
"Excellent," the Overseer stated. "From this moment forward, you are an official Trial Participant. Information and quests will be sent directly to your interface. Remember, time is the most valuable resource. Each time you purify or collect Chaotic Force, you will receive special 'Contribution Points,' which can be exchanged for more valuable resources from us. Good luck, Trial Participant Nameless One."
The spiritual entity's image faded and vanished. The stark white room dissolved, and Lin Fan found himself standing amidst the bustling Cloud Peak City once more. But now, everything was different. He was no longer a mere mortal focused on earning money. He had become a "Trial Participant," carrying a weighty responsibility and an earth-shattering secret.
He opened his system interface. A new tab had appeared: [Trial Participant Project]. Inside, there was an initial quest.
[Trial Participant Quest - Stage 1]: Purify/Collect 10 units of Chaotic Force.
Reward: 500 Contribution Points, Unlock new ability for the Devouring Jade.
Description: Chaotic Force often appears in areas where spiritual energy is polluted or absent. The Silent Abyss is a good starting point.
Lin Fan took a deep breath. Chaotic Force. So that was the cause of the mutations. And his jade pendant, the Devouring Jade, was the key.