Advanced Player

"Help! Help!"

"No!"

Screams echoed through the hallway as the dormitory’s defenses completely collapsed on the second night. The white-clothed ghosts broke through doors effortlessly, slaughtering many without mercy.

Some had managed to upgrade their doors using supplies scavenged during the day, barely holding off the ghosts for now. A few bold ones, heeding the broadcast’s instructions, ventured out to search for weapons refreshed at night, gaining the means to fight back against the ghosts and reaping greater rewards afterward.

In the management chat, most ignored the plight of ordinary players, their attention fixed solely on Ye Chuan. Watching him effortlessly clear the hallway of white-clothed ghosts, no one seemed surprised.

After all, if even the red-clothed ghosts couldn’t stop him, the second night’s weaker specters stood no chance.

[He’s really strong. What kind of weapon is he even using?]

[No idea. Must be something ultra-rare.]

[When are the high-level players joining? Watching him steamroll everything is boring.]

[This stream’s so dull. I’m leaving.]

Just then, an administrator chimed in—

[Relax. Once this dungeon’s permissions open up, high-level players will flood in. No one can resist free rewards.]

[They’re here.]

Soon, a rift split open at the top of the staircase, light swirling as two men and a woman materialized. Unlike the ordinary players, they were decked out in full gear—rifles, armor, the works.

"Ha! What luck—a no-entry-requirement dungeon? Hell yeah!" A bald man grinned wildly.

"Ghost Dorm is one of the harder beginner dungeons. Stay alert—the boss isn’t easy," the woman cautioned.

"Pfft. We’re high-level players. You really scared of a beginner boss?" The skinny man scoffed.

Right then, they spotted a group of white-clothed ghosts nearby.

"My turn!" The bald man summoned a massive cleaver and charged, cutting down the ghost in a few slashes.

"Feels good!" He hadn’t experienced such effortless kills in ages. Stats really were everything.

"Still reckless as ever." The woman sighed, then glanced at the skinny man. "What’s the plan?"

"Simple. Kill everyone in the dorms. We’re taking all the rewards for ourselves."

"Wow. No mercy for newbies, huh?" she remarked.

"Hey, you’ve killed more players than me. Don’t act all high and mighty."

The bald man wasted no time, hacking through a reinforced dorm door with his cleaver. Inside, a terrified player stared up at him.

"W-Who are you?!" the young man stammered.

"Oho, a fresh-faced kid?" The bald man licked his lips, glancing back at his companions. "Mind if I have some fun?"

"Go ahead," the woman shrugged. "Just finish him after."

"Sweet."

——

Meanwhile, after clearing the fifth floor of ghosts, Ye Chuan paused, sensing something off.

"Huh?" The dorm felt livelier than usual.

Checking his phone, he noticed many small groups had emerged, risking the night after hearing about the weapon refresh.

"Not enough ghosts tonight. Could use more." He ignored the others, frowning at the lack of enemies.

This didn’t add up.

The first night had red-clothed ghosts—why were these weaker and fewer?

Then he remembered the broadcast. Was there some hidden overseer controlling everything?

Yesterday, after realizing his strength, they’d sent the red ghosts.

At that thought, Ye Chuan looked up at the empty wall and flipped it off.

"Oi, you slacking? Throw more ghosts at me already!"

"Not enough to kill. Pathetic."

[Told you—he’s gotta be a high-level player. Knows we’re watching.]

[Damn, this guy’s got attitude. Actually taunting us?]

[Admin, can you wreck him? He’s too cocky!]

[Bet he’s using some rare item to cheese a beginner dungeon.]

The dungeon admin, clearly provoked, responded—

[Fine. Let’s see how tough he really is. I’ve got plenty more ghosts to spare.]

The moment Ye Chuan lowered his middle finger, the air around him twisted ominously.

A chilling mist of blood began to rise from the ground, and soon, dozens of black-clothed ghosts materialized, each radiating an aura far more menacing than the previous red-clothed spirits.

"Huh? That actually worked?" Ye Chuan's eyes lit up when he realized his taunts had genuinely summoned a horde of vengeful ghosts.

After a quick assessment, he noted that these black-clothed ghosts were no pushovers—each was at least at the late Qi Refining stage.

"Too bad they're still a bit weak." Ye Chuan shook his head. The gap between Foundation Establishment and those below it was like heaven and earth, and Ye Chuan had achieved Heavenly Foundation Establishment at that.

As the black-clothed ghosts lunged at him, Ye Chuan slashed out a few sword beams. When they dodged, he closed the distance instead—

A single swing of his peachwood sword, amplified by its ghost-slaying properties, instantly obliterated the first black-clothed ghost.

The other ghosts swarmed him, but though it seemed like Ye Chuan was surrounded, his Indestructible Chaos Body ensured not a single drop of blood was shed.

Like cutting through melons and vegetables, he swiftly slaughtered all dozens of black-clothed ghosts.

Gazing at the lingering essence they left behind, Ye Chuan collected it all with satisfaction. "This much? Lilith’s gonna have to call me Daddy now."

"Any more? Or are you tapped out?"

After storing the essence, Ye Chuan continued shouting into the empty air, but no response came.

Deflated.

Utterly deflated.

But soon, footsteps echoed behind him. Turning, he spotted two men and a woman descending the stairs.

"Huh?" Ye Chuan was surprised by the gear they wore.

Had these people looted so many good items?

Meanwhile, the trio was equally baffled when they noticed Ye Chuan—

Where were the ghosts of this floor? Why was there just one guy standing there?

"Nice loot." The bald man’s eyes locked onto Ye Chuan’s peachwood sword, instantly recognizing it as a treasure. Gripping his cleaver, he grinned and stepped forward.

"Mine now!"