Qin Yu glanced at his rewards, smiled slightly, and immediately used the skill book.

Acquired: [Advanced Shadow Step] [Vanish into Shadows]

He’d possessed Shadow Step in his previous life.

[Passive: 5% chance to dodge attacks.]

[Active: Boosts dodge chance and movement speed. Dodge rates by rank: Basic 10%, Intermediate 15%, Advanced 25%.]

[Cooldown: 60s. Duration: 10s.]

“Vanish into Shadows… Never seen this one before.”

This skill dropped only after clearing Shadow Sprint’s first challenge with an S-rank. Meaning—Qin Yu alone had obtained it.

Later players hitting S-rank would get Advanced Shadow Step only, never Vanish into Shadows.

Vanish into Shadows couldn’t be upgraded yet.

[Active: Grants full immunity to all attacks for 5 seconds while in shadows.]

[Cooldown: 12h. Duration: 5s. Charges: 2.]

Seeing this effect? God-tier. Absolutely. Five seconds of total immunity—a lifesaver.

It could dodge fatal blows, buying time to counter or escape.

Cooldown was long—twice a day—but two charges justified its value.

Qin Yu waited at Shadow Street’s exit. If Sugar didn’t emerge in one minute, he’d leave. Time was money; dead weight wasn’t an option.

With 30 seconds left, Sugar finally stepped out, completing Shadow Sprint.

Her rank: A. She received only the Intermediate Shadow Step skill book.

S-rank required a flawless run—and only one attempt.

Minimum for any Shadow Step? B-rank, granting the Basic version.

Sugar wasn’t doing badly. Compared to Qin Yu’s foreknowledge, she ranked highly among players.

“You’re too slow.”

Qin Yu moved on. Sugar, fresh from the darkness, hadn’t even caught her breath.

“Hey! Wait up—”

She hurried after him.

“Shh. Two more steps. Then silence. Move lightly.”

Sugar nodded, zipped her lips shut, and flashed a thumbs-up.

She’d passed Shadow Street thanks to him. This guy was legit. Lucky break today.

Sugar’s luck was shining!

Soon after, a vast cemetery loomed ahead—eerie, shadowed, swarming with monsters.

[Blind Gravekeeper Tier 2]

Around twenty.

Sugar pressed a hand over her mouth, moving with feather-light caution. Qin Yu strode naturally, soundless.

“I’m here, Xiao Xue…”

He whispered inwardly, gaze fixed on a distant grave.

He stepped resolutely into the Nameless Cemetery. A cold wind swept past. Sugar glanced at the sign, then rushed to follow.

*Crack!*

She snapped a twig. The Gravekeepers instantly swiveled toward her and charged.

Sugar flinched to flee—but Qin Yu clamped a hand over her mouth and hurled a stone aside.

The monsters veered. He yanked her away.

“I didn’t mean to,” Sugar murmured, eyes wide with helpless apology.

Qin Yu said nothing. Pulled her deeper.

The earlier noise had drawn most Gravekeepers off. But his next move would reignite their attention. Someone had to distract them.

Naturally—that someone was Sugar. Why else bring her?

Without her, he’d need to lure outside monsters to clash with the Gravekeepers. Now? Simpler.

He stopped. Sugar frowned, confused.

“Lure them away,” he signed.

“What? *Me* aggro them?” Sugar bristled. A beautiful girl sent to bait monsters? Seriously?

“And what’ll *you* do?”

“Yes or no.”

She hesitated—then nodded. She owed him.

“OVER HERE!!!”

Sugar screamed. Every Gravekeeper pivoted and gave chase.

As she darted through graves, Qin Yu seized the moment.

He grabbed a rusted shovel and dug.

*Clang—*

Metal struck wood. He brushed soil aside.

A crimson corner of bloodwood emerged.

Qin Yu bit his finger, winced through the sting, and began the chant.

“With my blood, I exchange for your life…”

The Blood Oath *she* once used on him. Now, his turn.

“…Blood of the bloodwood, revive my destined one!”

The Bloodwood Coffin trembled, shook free of earth, and glowed blood-red—matching the Blood Moon.

It rose, upright in midair, radiance flooding the cemetery.

Outside monsters surged toward the light.

“What is that?!” Sugar gasped mid-run. Too late—the Gravekeepers stampeded toward Qin Yu.

“Yu! Look out!”

The ritual’s light had restored their sight.

Qin Yu made no move to dodge.

Sugar braced for his end—

*Shhk! Shhk! Shhk!*

Dark-red thorns erupted from the coffin, impaling all twenty Gravekeepers top to bottom. A crimson execution ground beneath the Blood Moon.

Like skewering lamb kebabs.

Sugar gagged, turning away. Too vivid.

Qin Yu’s expression never flickered. He’d seen this too many times.

“Human… was it you who awakened me?” A sweet voice whispered in his ear. Qin Yu’s eyes glistened.

“Why do you know the Blood Oath?” Curiosity laced her tone.

“If I said… you taught it to me,” Qin Yu murmured, “would you believe me?”