Apocalypse: Everyone Levels Up, I Return to the Time Before the Server Opened-Chapter 83

Chapter 83: A Rare System Quest in Version 1.0!

“Accept!” Ye Qiu’s eyes lit up with delight.

System quests were a rare occurrence, especially in the current version 1.0 of the game.

Most quests had to be triggered by speaking directly to NPCs, and only in very rare cases would a system quest automatically appear.

However, once the Version 2.0 update rolled out and the Central Continent became accessible, system quests became much more common.

Unlike the Eastern and Western Continents, where NPCs were aware of players, the NPCs in the Central Continent didn’t know players existed.

As a result, the situation would reverse entirely.

“You’ve got a slick tongue, kid!” Elder Zhu Yanhong finally snapped back to her senses, gritting her teeth.

As a dignified elder of the sect, how could she be spoken to with such tone and attitude!

Ye Qiu put on a look of grievance. “I was merely stating a fact. I’ve long heard that the Sword Sect holds the world in its heart and that Elder Han is a true cultivator of the path, spreading the Dao far and wide. The Sword Sect is revered as the top professional organization of all! It was precisely because of my admiration for the Sword Sect and my respect for Elder Han that I gathered the courage to be the first Outer Human to attempt to join!

“But to be ignored by everyone… and even told to leave… my heart is in pain! This is not the Sword Sect I imagined!”

His tone rose and fell dramatically, stirring emotion like a tragic poem.

All the elders present were left speechless. Even Elder Zhu Yanhong was stunned, unable to respond for a moment.

Somehow… it did feel like this might be their fault.

After a long pause, Elder Han Wenqing finally spoke in a calm tone, “Proceed with the test.”

For the first time, his gaze showed a glimmer of interest as he looked toward Ye Qiu.

“Yes!” the other six elders immediately responded.

Here in the Sword Sect, Elder Han Wenqing held the highest authority. Even the sect master had to treat him with utmost respect.

That was the power and influence that came from true strength and seniority.

Zhu Yanhong turned to Ye Qiu and said coldly, “Since Elder Han has agreed to your assessment, let me be clear: if you answer incorrectly or fail to meet the requirements during the test, you will have to leave. And you are not allowed to continue making baseless accusations that we’re bullying you or treating you unfairly!”

Ye Qiu shook his head like a rattle drum and solemnly replied, “With the great Elder Han watching over everything, I trust none of you would ever stoop to bullying or making things difficult for me~!”

“You—!”

All the elders’ eyes widened.

This kid! Was he using Elder Han to threaten us?

Zhu Yanhong snorted, suppressing irritation, and declared, “The first part of the test is to assess your affinity with the sword!

“We Sword Sect disciples, from the moment we set foot on the fifth floor of the tower, are surrounded by countless swords — inserted, embedded, or hanging on walls and the ground.

A qualified swordsman, one who truly loves the way of the sword, would naturally notice them.

“So, tell us. From the very first step you took into the Sword Sect up to this main hall, how many swords are there along the path?”

With a smile, Zhu Yanhong fixed her gaze on Ye Qiu, waiting for his response.

The other elders all showed knowing smiles as well.

After all, in the long history of the Sword Sect, no Outer Human had ever joined. This time would be no different. They’d use this as a perfect opportunity to push him out politely but firmly.

Even Elder Han showed no change in expression.

After all, the question was valid and centered around the “sword.” As long as that remained the core, no matter how tricky the test, he wouldn’t interfere.

Besides, this outsider was only Level 20 and hadn’t even changed class yet.

No matter how open-minded Elder Han was, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to admit such a person into the sect.

Ye Qiu was stunned for a moment, then a relaxed smile spread across his face.

Sure enough, the NPCs’ methods of gatekeeping hadn’t changed even a bit from his past life. This was the exact same question that stumped players who had failed to join the Sword Sect in the previous timeline.

Seeing Ye Qiu’s calm expression, Zhu Yanhong felt a vague sense of unease, but couldn’t pinpoint why. This was supposed to be an incredibly difficult question. Even current sect members or some elders might not be able to answer it.

“Quit stalling! Answer already!” she barked impatiently.

Ye Qiu closed his eyes and carefully recalled everything. From the moment he stepped into the fifth floor of the Sword Sect, his eyes had scanned the entire area, mentally counting every sword he saw.

He double-checked his mental tally against his memory from his past life.

Finally, he opened his eyes and spoke fluently, “On the right wall near the entrance, there are 11 swords inserted. On the left wall, there are 3 inserted and 5 hanging. In the center of the main hall, a giant sword is planted upright. At the left passage entrance, there are 7 swords. At the right passage entrance, also 7 swords.

“I didn’t walk through the left passage, only the right. Inside, swords hang every 7 meters on both walls, a total of 8 swords. Finally, here in the main hall, the circular platform has 9 swords.

“That makes a total of 51 swords!”

The entire hall fell into silence.

All the elders looked visibly shaken. They exchanged glances, astonished. Zhu Yanhong’s smile froze, and even Elder Han Wenqing opened his eyes again, revealing a rare look of surprise.

But Ye Qiu continued, “However… the real total is actually 52 swords. Because, there’s one very special sword.”

Some elders blinked in confusion.

Then Zhu Yanhong quickly interjected, “You were so close! But in truth, there are only 51 swords. Why would you say 52? Such a shame!”

Although she said it was unfortunate, her face was full of relief and glee.

Three or four other elders nodded in agreement and echoed her words.

“Yes, definitely 51. The left corridor was newly constructed for Outer Humans and doesn’t match the right passage.”

“He’s quite sharp to count all 51, but to add an extra sword at the end… Such a shame!”

“He probably mistook some disciple’s dropped sword.”

“Fate plays tricks. One misstep!”

Only two elders remained quiet — the oldest one, Elder Huang Tai, and, naturally, Elder Han Wenqing.

Suddenly, Elder Han’s calm voice rang out, “Continue.”

His tone was serene, but his words silenced the room in an instant.

All the other elders stared at him, stunned.

What did he mean “continue?”

Wasn’t the test already over?

The correct answer was clearly 51 swords. Ye Qiu had made an error. Why let him keep speaking?

Unless...

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