Just as Bai Xia stood frozen in thought, the Shadowfang Dagger—snatched away by Qingcheng through unknown means—began undergoing a profound transformation.

Violet-black radiance flooded into the blade. Its once metallic surface gradually turned translucent, finally crystallizing into glass-like clarity. Faint, shadowy veins pulsed within, hinting at danger and eerie allure.

Once the infusion completed, Qingcheng didn’t even glance at it before casually tossing it back to Bai Xia. Of course, the Shadowfang Dagger now stood worlds apart from its former self!

【Shadowfang Dagger】: Requirement: Level 10+ Assassin-class profession (Bound). Tier: Rare. Originally a refined iron dagger infused with shadow energy, later enhanced by unknown power for massive upgrade.

Attributes: Attack +180, Attack Speed +20%, Movement Speed +10%. Attacks inflict shadow energy; 5% chance to blind target.

Skill: Shadow Flash – Range: 5m. Instantly pierces all enemies in a straight line within range, dealing 200% piercing damage. Injects dark magic into the first hit target; detonates upon skill end for 300% dark damage. Cooldown: 2 minutes.

"Rare?"

Staring at the transformed dagger and its stats, Bai Xia was stunned. Just a few rubs in Qingcheng’s hands, and it jumped straight to Rare tier?!

But…

"The requirement’s now Level 10? Then I can’t even use it!"

Spotting the detail, Bai Xia looked up at the throne, face etched with confusion.

"Hmph." Qingcheng’s tone carried mild disdain. "Under my influence, you can wield it regardless of level. But really—so excited over a slightly sharper dagger? Compared to what you’re wearing, it’s not even trash."

*This sailor uniform?*

Bai Xia frowned, tugging her top and skirt hem. Before she could speak, the system flashed the black ‘sailor uniform’s details:

【Shura Deathbind】: Special Soul-Bound Equipment. Requirement: Unknown. Mystical armor from another world, refined over ages by a mighty entity. Ordinary appearance hides unimaginable power.

Base Stats: HP +20%, MP +20%, Phys Def +20%, All Elemental Resist +20%, Crit Rate +10%. On hit: 10% perfect evade, 5% double damage reflect.

Special: Reduces incoming phys/mag damage by 5%. Attacks add 10% non-elemental damage. Skill damage +20%.

Effects: 5% chance on hit to trigger Fear/Confusion/Blind; 5% chance to boost Atk/Mov Speed by 50% for 3s.

(Note: Shura Deathbind is a growing soul-bound gear. All stats scale with wielder’s level. Base stats apply off-equip; specials activate only when worn.)

"Whoa… damn!"

Stats flooded her vision. Bai Xia’s mouth fell slightly open. *Pinch myself? Am I dreaming?*

What *is* this thing?! HP, MP, defense, crit, resistances, evasion, reflection, immunity, bonus damage, skill boost, debuff triggers, speed surges—

And it *grows*! As she leveled, it’d evolve into a higher-tier form… wait, not Digimon—*damn*, a more advanced gear state with even wilder stats!

"Why’s a plain sailor uniform this OP?!"

She stared blankly at the outfit with its slightly over-the-top name.

Did this prove that old meme: *"No strength without cross-dressing"*? Honestly, she was shook. Even unevolved, these stats screamed legendary artifact!

She’d hated the outfit earlier—felt awkward in it. Now? Instant love.

*Sailor uniform? Big deal.* With stats like this, she’d wear lingerie without blinking.

Yep. Zero shame.

But really—what good was decency here? Couldn’t eat it, drink it, or spend it. Artifact over modesty? Obvious choice.

Moments ago disdainful, Bai Xia now stroked the skirt hem, nearly drooling—when Qingcheng on the throne let out a soft laugh. "Seems you’re quite pleased with this little one."

Pleased? *Absolutely.* Couldn’t be happier!

But…

"Unfortunately, to keep it, you must first complete the trial."

Qingcheng’s words snapped Bai Xia back. This gear wasn’t hers yet—just borrowed.

To claim it, she had to conquer the looming obstacle: the Lava Colossus!

She glanced at the increasingly agitated fiery giant in the distance. Her temples throbbed.

True, Shadowfang Dagger was upgraded. True, she temporarily wore near-legendary Shura Deathbind.

But the gap remained massive: six full levels, plus the Colossus’s defense. Any damage she dealt would be heavily reduced. And her fragile frame? Even with Shura Deathbind’s buffs, one or two hits from the Lava Colossus could end her. A single skill might one-shot her.

Rubbing her forehead, she heard Qingcheng add, "You understand the stakes. I’ll now teleport your companion inside to aid you—my final assistance."

"Wait! Why bring *him*? His weapon shattered! He’d just die pointlessly!"

Bai Xia cut in fast. She’d seen Tianzheng’s sword snapped by the gate. His backups were low-tier—teleporting him in meant suicide.

Qingcheng paused, then gave a slight nod. "I overlooked that. I’ll equip him anew within the trial. Consider it my last leniency. Ready for the challenge?"

"…More or less. Not like I can run anyway."