Change the rules once again, Duan Jiude

As time passed, at precisely 8:00 AM, the second outbreak of interdimensional rifts erupted after months of anticipation. 

What stunned the global network, however, was the fact that Z Nation experienced only 45 high-level rifts. Even more astonishing, all of them were neutralized within an hour and a half. 

"How is Z Nation this strong? I feel like moving there!" (Y Nation language) 

"Upstairs, let me advise you to wake up—Z Nation green cards aren't handed out to just anyone." (E Nation language) 

"This is a disaster for all humanity. Z Nation should step up to aid weaker nations like ours in FL. Powerful nations have a responsibility to assist!" (FL Nation language) 

"Exactly! Z Nation should send the Sky-Splitting Hunter Corps to our R Nation. After all, we're neighbors!" (R Nation language) 

"To the two above, maybe try begging your patron state for help instead." (D Nation language) 

"Z Nation refraining from exploiting this chaos to retaliate against your two countries is already a kindness. How dare you make such requests?" (FZ Nation language) 

"Exactly! Z Nation is still the best. Especially here in our Bay Bay region—companies sealed the newly emerged rifts almost instantly. Their speed? Definitely number one!" 

As online discussions raged, people worldwide began realizing a crucial truth: Z Nation's strength was unmatched—far exceeding that of any Western superpower. 

This realization triggered emergency meetings in M Nation. As the reigning global hegemon, they felt compelled to negotiate with Z Nation. But their frustration mounted when they discovered that Z Nation's leadership had gone completely silent—calls unanswered, as though Z Nation had vanished from the planet. 

To add insult to injury, dispatching envoys wasn't an option; Z Nation had to grant permission for any visits. Without that approval, no one dared set foot in their territory. 

Amid these deliberations, Z Nation's official diplomatic department released a groundbreaking statement: 

The Hunters' Guild would be permitted to operate abroad, offering assistance to weaker nations. However, any territory and resources acquired during their missions would belong solely to the guild responsible for securing them. 

This announcement sent waves through the international community. As the details of the agreement surfaced, many Western powers were livid. The terms of resource allocation were outrageously skewed in Z Nation's favor, but with hundreds of rifts still unresolved in their territories, they had no choice but to swallow their outrage. 

Smaller nations, on the other hand, eagerly sought Z Nation's cooperation. They believed that if their citizens could gradually grow stronger, they might someday overcome the monsters lurking within the rifts. The initial investment, though steep, was deemed worthwhile. 

While countries debated Z Nation's proposal, a simultaneous notification echoed across Blue Planet: 

"Congratulations, Survivors! You have successfully endured the second wave of interdimensional rift outbreaks. The next outbreak is scheduled to occur in 1,423 hours, 59 minutes, and 55 seconds." 

The announcement of a two-month reprieve sparked jubilant celebrations—short-lived as they were. The next notification shattered the momentary euphoria: 

"Based on data analysis, adjustments will now be made to interdimensional rift events: 

1. The **Challenge Rift Mode** will be activated (designated by yellow rifts). 

2. Deaths in Challenge Mode will not result in real-world fatalities but will carry penalties (e.g., debuffs such as weakness, fatigue, curses). 

3. New rifts will emerge weekly. Failure to close them within the given timeframe will result in escalation of their levels until the next outbreak, when they will erupt alongside existing rifts. 

4. The Honor Board will be launched. Players earning over 1 million Honor Points will be ranked. 

5. The Auction System will be implemented." 

The static notification screens triggered collective despair across Blue Planet. 

While most didn't fully grasp Challenge Mode, the third directive was a grim revelation. Failed strategies previously only led to local rift eruptions, manageable by stationed defenders. But now, failure would allow rifts to escalate in severity. 

Upgrading a C-level rift to a B-level—or worse, A-level—would unleash unimaginable horrors. 

The cumulative impact of these heightened rifts, compounded by simultaneous outbreaks, spelled catastrophe: Blue Planet could lose up to a third of its population in a single wave. 

"Shit! Can anyone tell me how long I can survive? I just made it to B-class, and now the rifts are upgrading?!" (Y Nation language) 

"Aish! I don't want to die! Our great Wu Zixu, you must lead H Nation through this trial!" (H Nation language) 

"Z-Zukushima-kanji! We must apologize to Z Nation for past grievances and plead for their mercy!" (R Nation language) 

As chaos consumed the internet, the spotlight inevitably returned to Z Nation's announcement. 

It became evident that Z Nation alone possessed the capability to close high-level rifts. Their willingness to collaborate with other nations highlighted their dominance and expertise, further cementing their position as global leaders in interdimensional warfare. 

Unfazed by the turmoil, Xu Que sat in front of a Challenge Rift, his expression calm. 

Instead of entering, he extended his spiritual senses, searching for something amid the undulating energy waves. Within moments, military personnel arrived to secure the area. 

A soldier approached Xu Que cautiously. "Hello, comrade. This area is highly dangerous. Please evacuate to—" 

Before the soldier could finish, Xu Que stood and handed over a pre-prepared file and contract. 

"This is a Challenge Rift; there's no need for military intervention here," Xu Que said with a polite smile. 

The soldier hesitated but, upon examining the documents, stiffened and saluted respectfully. 

"Comrade Xu Que, my apologies for the interruption. Just to confirm, this is a Challenge Rift?" 

"Absolutely. You're welcome to verify." Xu Que's tone remained light. 

The soldier nodded and rushed to report to his superior. Minutes later, a grinning lieutenant approached Xu Que. 

"Comrade Xu Que, it's an honor to meet you. May I ask for a photo? My son is a huge fan of the Sky-Splitting Hunters!" 

"Of course," Xu Que replied with a chuckle. 

After a quick photo session, the military stationed a prominent "Challenge Rift" sign at the location. Xu Que shook his head in mild exasperation at the gesture. 

Unbeknownst to him, such signs would later guide countless challengers to greatness—especially those with color blindness or similar conditions. 

As the crowd swarmed toward the rift like moths to a flame, Xu Que's attention shifted. His spiritual senses detected a familiar aura approaching from the west. 

A smirk played on his lips. 

"Well, well, Xiao Dezi. I've been waiting for you!" 

Riding his flying sword, Xu Que soared toward Duan Jiude, his excitement barely contained.