Global Game: I Can Choose Instance Rewards-Chapter 461 - 329: Cave Entrance, Phantom Figure

The feedback from the slate beneath his feet was just as it appeared—vibrations and strange noises came with the slightest pressure, as if it could collapse at any moment. Wang Zhifan walked step by step, trying to control his force with agility and evenness, delaying the anticipated collapse of the spiral staircase.

But when he reached the middle point and could see the views of the three layers above, the spiral staircase still maintained its original appearance and hadn’t truly collapsed, which made him feel a bit disappointed.

"Is the design of this staircase so simple? Just need to be agile to pass? It’s a bit too boring..."

Wang Zhifan thought and looked up at the third layer above, finding only a piece of deep darkness there, as if it were a moonless and starless night. However, he, with extraordinary perception, knew that there were some malice hidden in the darkness, malice from some enemies he also did not find very interesting.

"Boring."

Feeling displeased, he immediately stopped maintaining his careful tread. Just a slight force under his feet caused the entire spiral staircase to emit sounds of tilting and shattering, quickly beginning to collapse. At the same time, he leaped into the air using the basic steps of the Wind and Thunder Heaven-Treading Skill, heading toward the third layer, ready to start the clearing work with no surprises.

Yet before he reached the slate at the edge of the third layer, he suddenly noticed something unusual about the collapse of the stairway he had deliberately caused.

Specifically, the entire staircase didn’t turn into a heap of stones but rather fell entirely into a pitch-dark hole that had appeared below at some point, without a hint of sound coming from within, giving off a strange look.

"So there’s a trick hidden here? It’s indeed a bit interesting..."

Wang Zhifan felt a spark of exploration’s desire, so he immediately separated out a Dream Me Avatar to actively plunge into the pitch-dark hole below, while he himself lightly landed on the slate of the third layer, drawing the Wolf-Slaying Blade from its sheath with his right hand, using his left to assist.

In the darkness of the third layer, nearly instantaneously, substantial malice surged toward Wang Zhifan. These were evil non-corporeal entities, and there wasn’t just one; they launched a cold attack from within the deepest darkness.

Wang Zhifan had anticipated this situation long ago. He effortlessly wielded his blade with one hand, and as his energy circulated, he slashed a vast, radiant blade light across the whole third layer, temporarily illuminating the empty space, accompanied by faint, nearly imperceptible whimpering sounds from various spots—it was the reaction of many evil spirit bodies being collectively slain.

"Solved, just as simply as expected."

Clearing all the enemies with a single slash didn’t surprise Wang Zhifan in the least, because he knew very well that the Great Dream Saber Scripture was outstanding at causing mental and spiritual damage, effectively suppressing this type of enemy. The evil spirits didn’t have a chance to display their allure before being collectively dispatched.

With all enemies eliminated, he observed the light of the entire third layer rapidly restoring, changing from the previous deep darkness to an ordinary dim environment, and at the same time, a towering phantom also formed ahead, facing him.

"Hello, human."

The outline of the silhouette didn’t resemble a human; it looked more like a projection of some sinister existence. It appeared at that moment, issuing a somewhat enthusiastic greeting toward Wang Zhifan.

"Who are you?"

Wang Zhifan couldn’t sense any obvious malice from this blurred non-human figure, but he didn’t think it was there to befriend him either, so he calmly asked.

"I am a merchant, one who worships fair trade and can provide valuable assistance as you climb this tower."

The phantom quickly answered, its tone full of enthusiasm, which inexplicably reduced one’s wariness and aversion toward its unclear form.

"Tell me precisely what help you can offer."

Wang Zhifan felt this guy was somewhat interesting and promptly pursued further inquiries.

The phantom didn’t hold back and responded shortly after a slight pause:

"I can provide you with equipment needed for combat, potions needed for healing, wisdom needed for growth, fulfill the abilities you wish to acquire, and accomplish the desires you want to achieve... all of it can be provided to you, as long as you can afford the price."

"Oh? What do you want? It’s not ordinary gold coins, is it?"

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Wang Zhifan’s face; he knew that a being capable of making such grandiose statements certainly wasn’t short of money and must be after something else.

"Of course not."

The phantom denied as expected.

"There are many things I like, but what I love most are souls, unique souls, especially special ones like yours that deeply fascinate me... I’m willing to grant any wish of yours, as long as you agree to sacrifice your soul to me.

Of course, I will only come to collect your soul when your lifespan is nearing its end and will never interfere while you’re young and happy."

The silhouette explained its demand, which made Wang Zhifan see numerous flaws.

"Alright... do you know where the Demon King is? I need to find him."

Wang Zhifan continued, seemingly inclined to accept the offer.

"Of course, I know."

The phantom replied confidently without hesitation upon hearing him.

"But before telling you the answer, you need to sign your name on this contract, then I will complete this transaction as agreed."

The phantom responded in a tone full of temptation, unfurling a piece of parchment ablaze with faint flames in front of Wang Zhifan. The parchment was covered in dense writings, none of which Wang Zhifan could understand.

"You want me to sign a contract selling my soul just to learn the whereabouts of a Demon King? Do you consider this a fair trade?"

At this moment, Wang Zhifan couldn’t help but burst out; he felt this phantom was too problematic, nowhere near as clever as it pretended to be. Its fraudulent nature was written all over its face.

But the other party didn’t have such self-awareness and instead explained the rationality of the transaction.

"Human, a Demon King is a hidden and powerful existence. Seeking its whereabouts is harder than any task, if ordinary people traded their souls for this information, I would never agree, as it would result in a severe loss for me. But your soul is different; it has greater value. I’m willing to sign this future-signifying agreement for it."

"Oh... you are indeed so kind... I’m truly touched..."

After hearing the nonsense, Wang Zhifan slightly nodded, his gaze fixing on the mysterious contract before him, making the phantom feel hopeful about concluding the transaction.

But in the next moment, a light blade composed of countless golden dust and crimson luster pierced through the contract, creating an irreparable hole on its surface. The next instant, the light blade split it into two, causing the phantom, who had been eagerly anticipating the development, to unleash a roar of disbelief.

"No! This cannot be! My treasure!"

The phantom seemed extremely shocked, unable to believe its contract would be ruined by a human, and in such a severe manner.

"Die along with your treasure!"

Wang Zhifan didn’t care about its roar at all. Not only did he use the suddenly drawn Time Blade to sever the phantom’s contract, but he also intended to attack the phantom itself, even though it didn’t seem to be its true form.

"Human! I will remember you! Await my endless vengeance!"

Perhaps alarmed by the extraordinary power of the Time Blade, the phantom quickly hurled a parting threat before its figure dissipated, unwilling to face Wang Zhifan’s subsequent attacks.

Unexpectedly, though, Wang Zhifan wasn’t planning to let it go. Holding the Time Blade, he activated a rule ability toward the direction it had escaped.

"Rewind!"

Accompanied by the temporal capabilities of the Time Blade, the phantom that had just vanished reappeared in its original spot, looking utterly bewildered.