Getting this skill was pure luck—ridiculously good luck.

But that wasn’t what thrilled Zhang Luan most. What truly excited him was finally hitting level 15.

In the Divine God World, players triggered their first advancement quest at level 15.

This quest didn’t cap your level. Instead, it elevated your life essence.

You could skip it and keep leveling, but your combat power would lag further behind those who advanced.

Take Elder Muhong and Yanat—both killed by Zhang Luan earlier. They’d never undergone life advancement, giving him the chance to defeat them.

In his past life, the daunting advancement quest had scared Zhang Luan off. Only after world fusion did he get a Quest Completion Card, finally finishing it.

He’d completed just one advancement quest—but that was already impressive. Among players, the highest tier reached was merely four, achieved by that arrogant show-off who died by his beloved’s hand.

This time, he’d absolutely complete the quest. Only then could he become a true powerhouse. Difficulty didn’t matter—he had a Quest Completion Card.

Suppressing his excitement, Zhang Luan didn’t start the quest yet. He turned to the gloomy Yanat.

“You lost. What will you offer instead of your wager? Your trained Guardians obey you, right?”

Yanat understood: Zhang Luan wanted his total submission. As Akamana Temple’s Guardian instructor, Yanat’s surrender would hand his warriors to Zhang Luan too.

“This… Holy Son, what do you desire from me? Whatever it is, I’ll offer it willingly.”

He still refused. Even with doctrine, this sudden Holy Son wasn’t trustworthy. The Holy Maiden was one thing—but if Guardians fell to him, wouldn’t Akamana Temple become a dictatorship?

Besides, the Crimson Holy Maiden ignored matters outside doctrine. Only the Holy Maiden’s disappearance had drawn her from the Sanctuary of Sages.

“You have nothing I want. Forget it. I’m in a good mood—call this a normal sparring match. One advice: that wound stopped bleeding, but you should still get it treated.”

Zhang Luan just reminded him. Yanat’s HP had stabilized, but it was still slowly dropping.

Casualties happened in battle. His life or death meant nothing to Zhang Luan.

Zhang Luan was too eager. He just wanted a quiet place to complete the advancement quest and claim rewards.

The lower your level when starting the quest, the richer the rewards.

In his past life, he’d first attempted it at level 70—and even then, he hadn’t dared face it.

After all, it was practically impossible.

“Holy Son… Holy Maiden instructed me to take you to your palace for rest. Please follow me.”

Pretty maidservants stole glances at this unfamiliar Holy Son. After relaying Nan Fenghua’s message, they lowered their heads, cheeks slightly flushed. Raised as maids from childhood, they rarely saw men.

Even when they saw Guardians, it was only in their heavy silver armor. Otherwise, they faced Yanat’s stern, frightening face.

Now, seeing such a handsome Holy Son, their hearts beat faster.

Zhang Luan ignored their thoughts. He just needed an undisturbed place.

Following the maids, he soon reached a secluded yet prominent palace. Pushing the door open, a musty scent of history hit him.

“Holy Son, we’ll tidy this palace. The temple hasn’t had a Holy Son in ages. We didn’t even know this palace existed until Holy Maiden told us~”

One maid coyly leaned toward Zhang Luan, tugging her collar to show her charm. But his attention was fixed on his status panel.

He’d already learned [Hyper Gravity Field] on the way here.

All in all, he now had three Mythic-tier abilities, two Advanced skills, and a bunch of common skills.

This was already formidable. No level 15 player could match him. Even among natives, after his advancement, none at his level would surpass him.

Everything was going as planned—but it wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough.

Acamana City’s opportunities weren’t fully explored. Other towns held vast treasures. He hadn’t even visited the Goblin King’s hoard. Time was early; he had a long road ahead. Only by reaching the pinnacle could he survive forever.

Suddenly, a rich fragrance filled the air. Looking down, Zhang Luan saw the maid leaning against him, eyes filled with longing, ready to offer herself.

Normally, he wouldn’t resist such a beauty’s advances. But not now.

“Leave. I need to rest.” He waved them off, pushing the maid away and ordering all to exit.

The maid bit her lip in frustration but followed the others out.

With distractions gone, Zhang Luan finally settled the [Duel of Wagers] quest.

Completed B-rank quest [Duel of Wagers] – Rating: S – EXP: 200,000

Advanced Mana Potion ×10

Advanced HP Potion ×10

Guardian Stone (Advanced Item)

Heavy Judgment Greatsword Modified (Rare Item)

Zhang Luan chuckled at the gem. It was Yanat’s wagered stone, now in his hands another way.

But that guy had lied. The gem was only Advanced-tier, not Rare. Its effect wasn’t damage reflection—it protected the user.

The S-rank rating was excellent. Only a tiny fraction of players achieved it. MAX was possible—but required killing Yanat.

He hadn’t provoked Zhang Luan, and killing him served no purpose.

Even MAX rewards might not be much better. After all, it was just a B-rank quest. At best, he’d gain one more Rare item.

Honestly, he didn’t lack Rare gear. A bow and sword sufficed for now. If possible, he’d get better equipment later. Rare items were just stepping stones.

With rewards handled, Zhang Luan’s heart pounded with excitement. He opened the quest interface. The advancement quest option awaited.

[Start Advancement Quest!]