Chapter 61

Chapter 061: And He’ll Even Thank Us

After the one-click update.

This was bound to cause a massive uproar.

But Yan Cang didn’t immediately focus on the ensuing storm. Instead, he went straight to the Food Zone.

He was about to claim that long-overdue lunch.

When he saw that the pickup notification was already over an hour old, he had a sinking feeling.

“It’s cold!”

That phrase carried two meanings—after all, cold food was indeed terrible news.

But then, he noticed several unread messages from the vendor.

The first few were reminders: “Your dish has been prepared. Please collect it as soon as possible.”

The latest message, timestamped just a minute ago, brought a smile to Yan Cang’s face:

[Dear customer, we noticed you haven’t picked up your order for some time. We have properly reheated and insulated the meal to ensure its flavor. Please rest assured, you may collect it at your convenience. Enjoy your meal!]

“What a good person!”

Reading this, Yan Cang’s opinion of them shot up.

After all, in this resource-scarce Trial Ground, even reheating food took considerable effort.

He couldn’t help but praise, “This Cantonese restaurant really pays attention to service details.”

Then, he found it a bit curious: “What a coincidence?”

“Just as I was about to eat, the food happened to be reheated!”

Delighted, he also noticed how perfectly timed the message was.

He wasn’t suspicious of any conspiracy, but rather thought there might be other factors at play.

This led Yan Cang to think about the [Constant Fortune Coin] he had used earlier.

He instinctively checked his own status.

Sure enough, that faint sense of Good Fortune that had been lingering on him was now completely gone.

“So it’s been used up!”

“That bit of Good Fortune ended up being used here?”

He pondered, “Just in time for me to catch a hot meal?”

“That’s a pretty thoughtful outcome.”

“But… can Good Fortune power equivalent to just 1 Fate Point really achieve this?”

“After all, this affected the actions and schedule of a chef far away.”

He was skeptical, finding it highly unlikely.

Based on the consumption rate of [Fate Protection], it was almost impossible.

While Good Fortune could indeed make things go your way, it required a certain magnitude.

At the very least, 1 Fate Point wasn’t enough to pull this off.

There had to be other factors.

Yan Cang’s gaze naturally fell on his right wrist.

Looking at the elegant and luxurious bracelet, he speculated, “Maybe this [Fortune-Bearing Golden Mother] also played a part?”

“Perhaps it was a combination of both!”

He didn’t immediately dive into figuring it out.

With a hot meal that had been lost and found, eating was the priority.

He quickly confirmed the pickup.

A faint light flickered, and several exquisite, sealed food boxes, still radiating warmth, appeared on the dining table.

He quickly reached out, eagerly opening them.

Then, he arranged them one by one.

A table of beautifully presented Cantonese cuisine, perfect in color, aroma, and taste, lay before him:

Translucent shrimp dumplings, crispy-skinned and tender roasted goose, smooth and delicate white-cut chicken, rich and fragrant claypot rice...

Steam rose, and the aroma instantly filled the wooden cabin.

"Time to eat, time to eat!"

...

But while Yan Cang was immersed in the world of food,

the entire Fate Net was thrown into an uproar by the sudden update announcement and the new features it mentioned!

Originally, today's Faction Ranking and Personal Contribution Ranking had seen little change in their structure.

This had slightly reduced the discussion heat during the noon leaderboard refresh compared to previous days.

Now, two hours later, most people had already turned their attention back to their own affairs.

The novelty had worn off, and life had to go on.

The forum's buzz gradually shifted from leaderboard topics back to cultivation method practice tips, survival skill exchanges, and discussions about the People's Union Association.

Then, just a few minutes ago, when almost everyone was busy—at the same time—they all received that impossible-to-ignore update announcement.

The announcement was concise and powerful, yet packed with astonishing information:

"Fate Net Major Update Announcement"

[1. New Attribute Panel feature added. Users can view their own status and various attributes on their personal homepage.]

[2. New Withdrawal system added. Users can use Fate Points to exchange for physical currency with fortune-boosting effects through the relevant entry; unused physical currency can also be exchanged back to Fate Points at the same ratio.]

[3. New Trading House item details column added. Provides item information automatically appraised by the Fate Net system, facilitating safe transactions and reducing fraudulent behavior.]

[Friendly Reminder: The Attribute Panel allows users to understand themselves more clearly; the physical Fate Point currency has unique uses. May good fortune always be with you!]

...

Attribute Panel?

Physical currency for Fate Points? With special effects?

Item details column?

Every key point in the announcement seemed to contain a wealth of information, echoing in the minds of countless Fate Net users.

Though they hadn't yet clicked into the relevant features to understand the specifics, just these few lines of brief explanation...

Combined with the authority of the Fate Net, it was enough for everyone to realize:

As the announcement's tagline said, this was a major update capable of changing the current landscape.

Its importance was likely no less than the launch of the Trading House.

"Holy crap! The Fate Net updated again!"

"Three new features this time?!"

After a brief shock came a chorus of exclamations.

"Attribute Panel? Is that for real? Can we see our four-dimensional stats like in a game?"

"Fate Point currency? With fortune-boosting effects?"

"We can see item details now? Finally, no more being scammed by shady merchants!"

At this moment on the Fate Net, only a few people were exclaiming in the first instant.

More massive numbers of users stared at the expanded announcement, which now contained detailed explanations, and quickly began to act:

Some immediately clicked into their personal homepage, frantically searching for the newly appeared [Attribute Panel] entry;

Others went to the top-up interface and their Fate Point balance, looking for the [Withdrawal] option mentioned in the announcement;

Still others instantly switched to the Trading House, checking whether the product pages they had intended to buy now had the anticipated [Details] column.

...

Deep in the forest, at a hunting site.

A sturdy, powerfully built man had just finished off a wild wolf with a self-made stone spear.

Panting heavily, he stored the prey into his Fate Net Space, preparing to take a short rest.

The update announcement abruptly surfaced in his consciousness.

"The Fate Net updated?!"

The man quickly scanned the announcement's content.

He muttered under his breath, "A panel that shows attributes? Can I summon it with just a word?"

"So what would my attributes be now? Shouldn't be too bad... after all, I've been practicing that thing."

"Fate Net, open my attribute panel!" he thought to himself.

A concise interface unfolded before him:

[Name: Zhao Changfeng]

[Status: 78% (Fatigued, mild abrasion on left arm)]

[Essence: 1.7]

[Qi: 0]

[Spirit: 1.0]

[Talent: None]

[Skills: Iron Body Technique (Entering the Hall), Light Body Nine-Segment Guiding Technique (First Glimpse)]

...

Zhao Changfeng's gaze lingered for a moment on the [Essence: 1.7] and [Qi: 0].

His [Essence], more than double the average person's, was mainly thanks to the Iron Body Technique, which he had obtained from a Silver Chest on the very first day of the trial.

This cultivation method specialized in tempering the physique, enhancing strength and defense. He had trained hard these past days, and the results were significant.

As for the Light Body Nine-Segment Guiding Technique, he had seen and learned it on the Forum just yesterday.

Because he felt its effects were far less immediate than the Iron Body Technique, he had only practiced it once and hadn't paid much attention to it since.

He wasn't surprised that [Qi] was 0, as he had never come into contact with any supernatural methods involving energy.

"Status 78%, abrasion on the left arm..."

"Right, that's from yesterday when that beast ambushed me."

Zhao Changfeng glanced at the scabbed wound on his left arm, and even now, recalling that moment sent a chill down his spine.

Fortunately, the Iron Body Technique, besides improving physical fitness, also included minor techniques for enhancing defense.

Otherwise, this left arm might have been ruined.

Of course, this was also the main reason he dared to come hunting alone in the forest.

Now, looking at the attribute panel, he made a discovery: "I can view the details of my status and all three attributes?"

Curiously, he expanded them.

Immediately, dense rows of data and explanations appeared before his eyes.

"My reaction speed is clearly inferior to my strength and endurance! But that makes sense—the Iron Body Technique's effects are mainly concentrated in that area."

He pondered while looking at the data: "I've heard the Light Body Nine-Segment Guiding Technique has very comprehensive effects. Looks like I can't waste it. I should practice it once or twice a day, since it doesn't take much time."

"Oh? There's this much detailed information in the [Status]? This is even more thorough than a full-body checkup!"

"It even marks the thumb joint I sprained a few years ago."

"That liver thing... a tendency toward fatty liver? I think the hospital report I paid for mentioned that too!"

The accuracy of this information left him utterly astonished.

"What a powerful feature!"

...

At a camp on the grassland.

Inside a simple wooden shed, in one of the rooms.

Zhang Wei had just finished the gathering tasks assigned by his team and returned to his temporary shelter.

He'd had good luck today, finding a small patch of edible berries and a few pieces of flint, putting him in a fine mood.

The appearance of the update announcement caught him off guard.

Then, the words "Fate Point Withdrawal," "Physical Currency," and "Enhanced Luck" in the details made his heart skip a beat.

"Physical currency... Enhanced luck!" he murmured, his eyes instantly burning with fervor.

Zhang Wei thought of the supply crate he hadn't had time to open yet because he'd been busy at noon.

The results of his previous few chest openings had all been Black Iron Chests, which had already worn down much of his enthusiasm.

But now, seeing the explanation of the Fate Net's withdrawal system, hope kindled in Zhang Wei's heart once more.

Without any hesitation, he immediately searched for and clicked on the [Withdrawal] entry.

The interface shifted, and before him lay five coins.

When he saw the [Constant Fortune Coin (10 Fate Points)] and [Auspicious Fortune Coin (100 Fate Points)], he hesitated.

"Constant Fortune only costs 10, described as a sliver of good luck; Auspicious Fortune costs 100, but the luck is a bit stronger..."

He agonized nervously, glancing at the mere one hundred and twenty-some Fate Points left in his Fate Net account.

"Go for it! You can't catch a wolf without risking the bait! If I'm going to try, I might as well go for the better effect!" He gritted his teeth and made up his mind.

"I hope this helps me break free from the fate of Black Iron, maybe even open... a Silver Chest?"

Praying inwardly, he exchanged for one [Auspicious Fortune Coin].

Then, with trembling hands, he received a coin three and a half centimeters in diameter, inlaid with several strands of mysterious golden patterns.

The shimmering golden cloud patterns were especially dazzling and enchanting.

He gazed reluctantly at the coin worth 100 Fate Points for a moment before using it.

"Hum..."

The coin in his palm instantly transformed into a stream of golden light, merging into his body.

A strange sensation surged through his heart.

Zhang Wei felt a wave of smoothness envelop his entire body, as if the whole world had become a bit friendlier to him.

He hesitated no longer and reached out to touch the supply crate.

Light flowed, and the crate quickly solidified and transformed, revealing a deep, restrained bronze color.

"A Bronze Chest!" Zhang Wei's heart surged with excitement.

But then, a twinge of disappointment crept in that he hadn't gotten a Silver Chest.

He continued to pray as he opened the lid: "Weapons have the highest value; I hope I get a weapon."

With that, light flashed.

Inside the chest lay a gleaming iron axe, radiating a cold sheen.

"It really is a weapon, and an axe at that..."

"Jackpot!"

...

At a small riverside camp, the Trading House interface.

Li Mo was the logistics manager of this small team, responsible for selling the materials the team had collected and exchanging them for needed supplies.

At that moment, he had his eye on a large bundle of goods labeled [Vine]. The seller's description was simple and credible, asking for thirty Fate Points.

This bundle of vines looked plentiful and cheap!

The camp just happened to need a batch of tough materials to reinforce the fence or use as rope.

He was about to place the order when the Update Announcement appeared.

Immediately after, he noticed a new Details column on the product page.

[Details: Common grass-type vine, low toughness, prone to decay and breakage, not recommended for load-bearing or making precision traps.]

He couldn't help but glance back at the seller's description:

[Description: Saw a guide on the forum saying vines are divided into grass-type and wood-type, and wood-type vines are the good ones. I don't know if this is wood-type or not, but it was a real pain to gather, so selling cheap!]

Li Mo: "..."

Staring at the two pieces of information, he twitched his mouth in speechless exasperation.

He was glad he had been a bit slow and hadn't paid yet.

"Close call! I almost lost big money trying to be cheap!"

Still shaken, he then felt grateful for this new [Product Details] feature.

"Buying stuff will be so much easier from now on!"

Li Mo immediately shared this in the camp's team channel: "@everyone, the Trading House items now have appraisal info. Check carefully before buying."

"I almost got ripped off for thirty Fate Points!"

After the message was sent, the group chat erupted with exclamations like "I see," "Good thing we have this feature," and "The Chief is awesome."

...

At the same time.

After trying out the newly launched features, a flood of users poured into every corner of the Fate Net, excitedly sharing their experiences and discoveries.

The Regional Chat channel, temporary friend groups, and team work chats were instantly drowned in a sea of information:

"Hey everyone! Did you all see the Attribute Panel? My Essence is 1.1, Spirit is 0.9—is that normal?"

"My Qi attribute is 0. Anyone else not at 0? Step forward!"

"I just bought a Constant Fortune Coin, haven't used it yet. Feels reassuring in my hand, not sure what the effect is."

"It really works! I used an Auspicious Fortune Coin to open a chest and got a Bronze Chest, scored a decent Iron Axe!"

"For real? Don't just make stuff up, upstairs!"

"Picture proof! [Refined Iron Axe attached]"

"No way! So jealous! Too bad I already opened my supply box today."

"The Trading House details feature came just in time! I just saw a broken sword hyped as a divine weapon, but the details showed [Looks good on the surface, but internal structure is loose and extremely weak]. Speechless."

"Rip-off merchants won't last anymore. Joy for all!"

"These three new features on the Fate Net are amazing, and none of them are paid features!"

"Huh? None of them... Don't you need Fate Points to exchange for Coins? Those are expensive!"

"Expensive? Let me ask you—can't they all be exchanged back for Fate Points at the original price? How is that a charge?"

"True, and being able to buy something like Good Fortune—you should be grateful!"

"Also, the status bar details on the Attribute Panel mean we can freeload a full-body checkup that's far superior and more detailed than any hospital's, anytime, anywhere."

"You know, even without such a detailed health report, this would have been a package costing several thousand or even tens of thousands in the past!"

"Tsk... if it's free like this, won't the Fate Net be operating at a loss?"

"No idea, but we're definitely benefiting. Let's thank the Chief!"

"I have a question—why can we only be loyal to the Chief for 24 hours a day?"

"Long live the Fate Net! Long live the Chief!"

"Loyalty!"

...