CHAPTER 139: RING’S NAME

"Challenging the heavens through architecture," Xu Tao whispered in awe. "The cultivators in your world sound fierce! I’ve never heard of such a cultivation path before..."

But things didn’t end there. The next moment, a familiar chime echoed in his ears.

[

New Quest Generated: Reach the top of the broken Tower of Babel!

Quest Details:

Challengers on a pilgrimage—face the challenges on each floor and reach the top.

Quest Rewards:

Bonus Stat Points: 100 × Floors Cleared (Applicable to all challengers)

Note: You can exit the tower after clearing each floor, but you can’t re-enter. Make sure to head into challenges you can handle, or retreat before you get overwhelmed.

]

Almost as if responding to Jehanne’s words, a new system window appeared before Xu Tao. It was a new quest, asking him to clear the tower, floor by floor.

"Looks like we can leave this place after clearing just one floor, at least," he commented.

"Ohhh!"

His words reassured the anxious crowd, cheering them with awe and excitement.

"However, it also appears that clearing the tower will make you stronger with each floor you complete."

He continued, explaining the mechanics he understood.

"I’m not sure if the challenge on each floor is general or individual, but isn’t this a great opportunity to get even stronger?"

After the Diamond Bus grind, everyone here had reached near level 1000. As such, they weren’t weak anymore. Xu Tao judged that they all had a solid chance at clearing at least one of the tower’s challenges—whatever form they took.

Of course, he didn’t forget to warn them, either. "As long as you don’t overestimate your strength, this should be a great challenge to power up. What do you think?"

Murmurs spread among the crowd—hesitation, excitement, and uncertainty all blending together. But a few figures were already decided.

"I will join you, Sir Tao!" Jehanne nodded, her expression firm. "This is definitely God’s trial for His faithful believers... and I dare not miss any opportunity to grow stronger!"

"If my Emperor is going, then I shall come as well."

Zetian unfolded her fan, covering her mouth as she spoke.

"Pui, pui~!" chirped Pepe, pressed tight in a hug against Zetian’s chest. His beady eyes burning with unjustified confidence—as if he too were ready to conquer a tower or two.

"We shall follow the Grand Elder’s lead!"

Next were Yifa and the outer disciples, cupping their fists while announcing their intent to join.

"As long as Saint Jean is going, we shall head to battle alongside you!" Even Jehanne’s soldiers raised a hearty war cry, affirming their resolve.

"Well, I’ve got nothing better to do anyway." Achilles shrugged, smiling confidently. "Clearing this tower’s challenges should be a good way to pass the time."

"Sir Tao."

Finally, Arthur stepped forward. But before continuing, he removed the ring from his finger and held it out.

"First, I should return this ring," he said.

"Oh..."

Xu Tao hadn’t expected Arthur to do that. After all, he had passed it on with the thought Arthur might claim it for himself. Still, judging by Arthur’s expression, Xu Tao couldn’t refuse the item.

He reached out to take it back—but—

CRACKLE!

"...!"

The mysterious ring emitted violent sparks, pushing Xu Tao’s hand away. It didn’t hurt, but the sign of rejection was obvious. Arthur, still holding the ring, wasn’t harmed—but his eyes widened in confusion.

"What’s... this?" he asked, stunned.

Xu Tao was curious too, so he quickly checked the item’s description through the Lost System. What he saw shocked him—the item’s name had changed!

[

Item Name: Ring of Shlomo

Rank: UR

Type: Soul-Bound Equipment (Current User: Arthur Pendragon)

Effect: Through the oath that binds souls, allows the wearer to call upon the 72 powerful Demon Lords and place them under his beck and call.

Note: It is said this ring was once given to a wise king who used it to make his country prosper. In the right hand, it shall bring peace and abundance. In the wrong hand—chaos and the end of times.

]

"Huh...?!" Xu Tao blinked in disbelief.

He hadn’t expected such an overpowered item to suddenly appear out of nowhere!

"This ring... It seems it chose you as its owner, Arthur," Xu Tao explained, pointing at the little golden trinket. "From what I read, it lets you summon powerful Demon Lords... I’m not sure what kind, but I guess you’ll only find out when you try it later."

"What...? This ring chose me...?" Arthur gasped, glancing at the golden sword by his waist.

Just like the ring, Excalibur was an artifact that "chose" its wielder. Now, with two soul-bound items, he couldn’t help but mutter to himself.

"Do I have a thing for soul-bound items, or what...?"

In any case, now that he couldn’t pass the ring to anyone else, he had no choice but to wear it. And somehow, the knowledge of how to summon the Demon Lords came to him naturally—like a memory long asleep.

CLAP!

"Alright, enough of that," Xu Tao clapped, drawing everyone’s attention. "First, let’s see what this tower’s challenge is."

After all, the only way to exit the Tower of Babel was to clear at least one trial. Everyone understood that clearly by now.

"There are two staircases leading up. And judging by the numbers marked on the first step, it seems there’s a limit to how many can go up each."

He pointed this out, showing off his keen eye. "That means we’ll need to split into two groups."

"I’m coming with you, Sir Tao!"

"Of course, I’ll go with you, my Emperor."

"Master Tao, please allow me to accompany you!"

Almost at the same time, Jehanne, Zetian, and Yifa raised their voices, eager to follow Xu Tao.

"If you girls are going that way, then I’m choosing that side too." Achilles raised his hand casually, joining the fray.

"That’s..." Xu Tao hesitated.

With all the girls—and Achilles—wanting to join him, Xu Tao briefly worried about party balance. But then he realized something important.

"I almost forgot. Our levels are almost equal now..."

That’s right! After the Diamond Bus Experience, everyone here had levels ranging from 948 to 950. That meant the power difference between Jehanne and even the outer disciples was no longer large.

"Don’t worry, Sir Tao." Arthur spoke up, thumping his chest confidently. "You can leave this side to me. I’ll protect everyone, even if it costs me dearly!"

"No, no—do it moderately. Each to their own..." Xu Tao smiled wryly, a little overwhelmed by Arthur’s sacrificial tone.

But knowing what kind of ring Arthur now possessed, he thought to himself:

"Well, with your new ring, I guess you don’t need to worry about any challenge..."

Letting out a sigh of resignation, Xu Tao fixed his gaze toward the staircase curving toward the next floor and shouted:

"...Let’s go!" he shouted, not knowing what trial awaited them next.