This strength was well deserved for their hard-fought battles in the Ming Dynasty.
This [Tribulation Immortal] task, whether it was about human nature or real life-and-death combat, was worthy of this harvest.
If the other players managed to defeat Li Changzhou and become Immortals, that would be reasonable too, even though they lacked the human nature aspect, their combat strength was very, very strong.
"However," Yang Qinglan lifted her eyes and smiled, "if you agree, the whole world will study you, whether they have a grudge against you or not."
"You might even see tutorial videos like in League of Legends, Honor of Kings, 'Three-minute no-damage pass through Li Changzhou,' 'One-shot flow through Li Changzhou,' 'I actually found a BUG during the Human Tribulation,' 'Looks impressive but useless, Li Changzhou could only last thirty seconds?!'" Li Qianxia spoke with conviction.
"What's with the last one?" Turquoise Pool asked with a serious expression, turning to Yang Qinglan, "Only thirty seconds for real?"
Yang Qinglan asked Li Qianxia: "I have no idea, how do you know he can only last thirty seconds?"
"I—I," Li Qianxia stammered for a moment, "I'm talking about game strategy, can you please not start driving in front of this twelve-year-old cutie?"
"So it was game strategy," Turquoise Pool breathed a sigh of relief and laughed, "Sorry, concern leads to chaos."
...Three women, one drama.
Li Changzhou couldn't be bothered to interject.
"Isn't there any benefit, only being studied? No advantages?" Li Qianxia asked, blinking.
What belonged to her brother belonged to her!
The rewards given by the system must be very good!
"Reward skill."
"Skill? What kind of skill?" Turquoise Pool asked.
"First, an S- rating skill; if you hold out undefeated for a year, you receive an S rating; ten years undefeated, and you get an S+ rating. After that, there's nothing."
"So, putting it this way," Yang Qinglan sorted through the information, "one year of being studied by people in exchange for an S- rating skill."
"You're so sure I'll be defeated within a year and won't get the S or S+?" Li Changzhou was displeased.
Yang Qinglan smiled and glanced at him: "Of course, I believe in you, but if you can still hold out after the whole world studies you for a year... whatever position you want, I'll work with you."
"Oh!!!" Li Qianxia covered her mouth, her eyes wide.
Yang Qinglan blushed and quickly explained: "I was talking about Cultivation, 'Yin Yang Double Snakes'!"
"Yang Qinglan is a formidable rival," Turquoise Pool mused aloud somewhat inexplicably, "Not only is she beautiful and has a great figure, she's as provocative as I am."
"Does anyone actually admit they are provocative?" Li Qianxia was shocked repeatedly.
"Mainly calling her provocative," Turquoise Pool said with a radiant, attractive smile.
It felt like they were back to competing with each other.
"I'll remember that," Li Changzhou said in a low voice, with a smile to Yang Qinglan.
Yang Qinglan rolled her eyes at him and said, "Don't be impulsive. Even if no one can defeat you in a one-on-one fight after a year of being studied, the national teams from various countries could join forces to take you down."
"But I want the positions," he insisted.
"If you want cheese, go buy it yourself," Yang Qinglan responded coolly, her ears turning a bit red.
The phrase 'whatever position you want, I'll work with you' was definitely the most embarrassing historical moment of her life.
Because she was so innocent, she blurted it out without thinking, only having the 'Yin Yang Double Snakes' positions in mind!
"I also suggest you refuse," Turquoise Pool didn't continue joking around, "Even if you can hold out for ten years, it's just an S-, an S, and an S+ rating skill, which aside from the S+, don't amount to much for you."
"But my brother's White Card is full, he needs to buy the Black Card himself," Li Qianxia said.
"Waiting one and ten years for the S and S+ ratings respectively, in such a long time, three S+ ratings could all be bought," Turquoise Pool still held her view.
"Hmm—" Li Changzhou fell into a dilemma.
Worried his head was full of 'positions,' Yang Qinglan added, "Even if you hold out for a year, doing... that kind of thing, I have the final say."
Li Changzhou smiled faintly.
"Then there's nothing to talk about, three S ratings..."
Suddenly, he stopped speaking.
All three of them looked at him: "What happened?"
"System just sent another email, promising me an S- rating skill immediately if I agree, and also help to restore some of the [Black Mist]."
All three fell silent.
[Black Mist] was of no use in combat, and the one time it made mosquitos swarm around corpses, Li Changzhou was unable to command it at all.
"If part of the [Black Mist] could be restored—," Yang Qinglan also started to hesitate.
"I think we can't agree!" Li Qianxia suddenly became serious, "The system is too generous; it's definitely not right! Brother, no way!"
Turquoise Pool didn't feel she had a say in the matter.
This was too important; she was confident about taking down Li Changzhou, but as for now, she didn't have that capability yet. As an outsider for the time being, she couldn't voice her opinion on such a critical life decision.
She looked at Li Qianxia and Yang Qinglan.
Li Qianxia was firm, insisting on Li Changzhou refusing;
Yang Qinglan was seriously contemplating.
Both were very decisive and direct in meddling with Li Changzhou's life.
The trio had gotten used to facing things together, thinking collectively, and making decisions for each other on their journey.
"I've decided to try," Li Changzhou declared.
"Brother!" Li Qianxia exclaimed.
For a player, both Instinct and Skill were incredibly significant, not to mention that now he had to expose his combat style and techniques, allowing the whole world to study them.
What difference was there from a BOSS that had revealed its health bar?
"Don't worry." Li Changzhou patted his sister's shoulder for comfort.
He withdrew his hand: "The system email said they chose me because I am currently the strongest Immortal; it's likely not targeted at me, and even if it is, what is there to be afraid of?"
Li Changzhou smiled, continuing:
"Risk comes with opportunity. I am now Earth's strongest player; without pressure, how can I improve? Exposing myself is a good choice, and I will make the system realize what are self-inflicted consequences and an indomitable east wind."