C10 Immortal Body

Spirit Beads +550

???

"How is this freakish creature only valued at 550 Spirit Beads?"

The disparity between the Mantis Shrimp and the Ribbon Sawtail Fish was stark!

Why does it only fetch 50 more Spirit Beads than the fish?

Xiao Hao couldn't suppress his bewilderment.

Indeed, a level 10 wild monster is pegged at 550 Spirit Beads.

The minor bosses in Beginner Village have nearly all been conquered.

Just one more minor boss and the final boss remain.

This streamer is seriously impressive; while other players begin with lesser monsters, he dives straight into battling minor bosses.

Yes, most players can hardly locate a boss, yet this streamer stumbles upon them with ease, even venturing far to encounter such rare bosses.

This streamer's luck is off the charts!

???

Xiao Hao was flabbergasted once more.

Had he been taking on the game's boss-level monsters from his very first encounter?

No wonder the game seemed absurdly challenging, with even the bug-like Shadow Hippocampus proving to be a tough opponent. How do the rest manage?

He had unwittingly been playing on hell mode...

And luck?

Wasn't he just following the live chat's suggestions?

With a bit more thought, Xiao Hao pieced it together.

The viewers weren't interested in watching him tackle minor monsters!

They were there for the boss fights.

So, of course, they steered him towards the bosses.

Little did these viewers realize, they were the ones guiding Xiao Hao.

Xiao Hao was torn between laughter and tears.

Upon summoning the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Xiao Hao couldn't shake the feeling that it had diminished in size.

The status page confirmed that the Peacock Mantis Shrimp had reverted to level 0.

Uh...

Alright, it takes exactly 550 Spirit Beads to reach level 10, which matches the number of beads it dropped.

Regrettably, the guardian's level can't exceed that of the Shellfish House.

With all 550 Spirit Beads expended, the Shellfish House ascended to level 5, the sea horses to level 5, and the mantis shrimp to level 4.

Riding atop the mantis shrimp's armored back, he wouldn't have to walk on his own anymore.

Ahhh! I want to ride a mantis shrimp too!

It looks so majestic!

So cool, I'm jealous...

It's even more majestic than a flying horse!

Perched on the armored back, Xiao Hao felt no jostling whatsoever.

The mantis shrimp's dozen pairs of red limbs moved with such stability.

Xiao Hao pulled out some spicy strips from his spatial pocket and browsed through the live chat and forums.

His stamina was down to 50, and he'd need to gather soul tonic herbs tomorrow.

How did he know his way back?

After a moment, Xiao Hao spotted a glowing aquatic plant and offhandedly explained, "Ah, that's the landmark, so this is the way."

???

This host has an incredible memory!

I'm so envious, as someone who's directionally challenged!

My goodness, the host can navigate kilometers in the dark sea by these tiny landmarks? Isn't he worried about mixing them up?

I'm so useless.

Back in the day, I survived by clinging to the coattails of the pros. Compared to the streamer... never mind, there's no comparison.

Xiao Hao could feel his cheeks heating up.

Good thing he had a thick skin.

Keep the compliments coming, don't stop.

He opened the forum, only to find it dismal as ever.

No useful information in sight, Xiao Hao casually logged off.

Unbeknownst to him, his brief appearance had already been noticed.

Players hadn't even had the chance to hail him as a big boss before Xiao Hao logged off again, leaving those eager to follow in his footsteps feeling frustrated.

Hey, which general skill do you think the streamer picked?

No idea, but I've heard the Peacock Mantis Shrimp is incredibly rare and possesses many unique skills.

Only then did Xiao Hao remember he hadn't yet chosen a general skill.

He'd been in such a rush to get back to the Shellfish House for repairs and upgrades that he hadn't paid close attention.

Xiao Hao immediately accessed the Peacock Mantis Shrimp guardian's information page.

Guardian (General): Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Attributes: Metal, Water

Level: 4

Skills:

Emerald Armor: The Peacock Mantis Shrimp's shell is made of metallic Emerald Armor, offering formidable defense that's virtually immune to physical attacks from peers.

Mantis Scythe: The scythe-like tentacles of the Peacock Mantis Shrimp are incredibly sharp, with the special ability to slice and pierce, making it nearly impossible for same-level adversaries to defend against its Reaper's Scythe.

Rcss Tentacle: The Peacock Mantis Shrimp can deploy numerous Rcss Tentacles to either attack or ensnare its foes. Remarkably, these tentacles are capable of regenerating.

Sea Fan Peacock Tail: The mantis shrimp's peacock tail can stir up undercurrents or waves, and it can even gather water molecules from the air to create waves in an arid environment.

Immortal Body (Passive Skill): The Immortal Body significantly enhances the Peacock Mantis Shrimp's physical condition, tapping into the creature's latent potential. This is crucial for the Peacock Mantis Shrimp to freely unleash its abilities.

Wow, the Peacock Mantis Shrimp's antennae are truly resplendent.

It's hard to tell if this scale is that scale, but they certainly look alike.

Upon seeing the final skill, Xiao Hao's heart leapt!

He was interested in the other four skills, but the last passive skill was essential—the key to skill execution!

Heaven knows the frustration Xiao Hao felt, possessing the abilities of the Shadow Hippocampus but being unable to use them properly!

He could only activate them for a few seconds at a time, quickly becoming exhausted after just a couple of attempts.

His body must have been incredibly frail.

Immortal Body!

That's the one I have to pick!

The game panel glowed a soft red, with five skills emitting a gentle green light.

Xiao Hao mentally selected Immortal Body, and a prompt immediately appeared.

Do you want to select the General Skill - Immortal Body?

Is that even a question?

Yes!

A surge of warmth erupted from his core, spreading to his limbs as sweat poured from his skin. Xiao Hao could even sense his blood circulating, scorching like lava.

Back at the Shellfish House, Xiao Hao discovered an added kitchen in the Level 5 base. He hurried to the bathroom without a second glance. Stripping down, he revealed his sharply defined abs.

Xiao Hao paused, surprised. Did this skill come with a body sculpting effect?

Not dwelling on it, he turned on the shower. The cool water cascaded over him, generating a mist of steam.

After a while, his body temperature finally normalized. Xiao Hao cleared the fog from the large bathroom mirror and admired his chiseled physique, his lips curling into a triumphant smile.

He found himself wondering which lucky girl might benefit from his generosity in the future.

As Xiao Hao pondered this, he snapped back to the present.

He'd cross that bridge after navigating the current crisis.

The crisis was still looming; his monk's serenity must remain unshaken!

Xiao Hao threw together a set of pajamas and stepped out of the bathroom.

Only when he settled into bed and fired up the game panel did he notice the flood of comments streaming in.

His skin was unbelievably smooth!

His gaze was resolute, a sheer layer of moisture adding to his allure. The nightgown, barely visible, lent a sensual, misty effect.

So refined, yet not at all oily. I thought live game streams didn't have beauty filters. How does the host look like he's cranked it up to level ten?

He had just acquired the Immortal Body skill, which brought a literal rush of adrenaline.

Caught up in cooling down, Xiao Hao had completely forgotten the live stream was still running...

And just like before, he emerged nonchalantly in his nightgown.

This was it!

Another moment for the social death highlight reel!

Xiao Hao clutched the quilt close, his face flushing red.

He silently thanked his stars he wasn't in the habit of sleeping in the buff; that would have sent his embarrassment through the roof!

"Let go of that quilt and come at me!" he joked to himself.

As if!

Glancing at the kitchen, Xiao Hao realized he could finally make use of the soul tonic herb he'd stashed away.

Too bad he'd snacked too much upon returning; he wasn't the least bit hungry.

Exhausted from the day's battles, he couldn't muster the energy to cook.

He flicked off the Shellfish House lights and whispered, "Good night."

His viewers swooned. "My husband's so tender, even saying good night to himself."

"He's so dashing, with such a sense of ritual. I'm going to start saying good night to myself too."

"Sweet dreams. You'll definitely harvest that soul tonic herb tomorrow!"

"Yes, we're right here with you!"

"Sleep well, An."