The air here becomes thick and tense, the warmth and sense of purification emanating from the light barrier forms a strange contrast with the barren wasteland of the surroundings.

Even more unsettling is the ubiquitous repellent force, non-Light Attribute energies operate with noticeable sluggishness here, the closer to the light barrier, the stronger this feeling becomes, as if the whole space is gently yet resolutely rejecting the approach of impure beings.

Outside the light barrier is a bustling, tense temporary camp.

On the slightly elevated ground on both the east and west sides, there are distinctly flagged camps.

Flags representing the four elements of wind, water, fire, and earth flutter, the camp layout is rigorous, surrounded by simple defensive fortifications and patrols.

Members in Four Gods Sect standard robes or armor shuttle between them, discipline is strict, and even from afar, one can sense the obscure yet powerful energy waves of Level 2 in the center of the camp, the presence of a Magic Master.

They have clearly adopted a steady and cautious approach, with magic experiments occasionally lighting up in the camp, seemingly continuously testing and analyzing the properties of the light barrier.

In sharp contrast to the orderly sect camp is the sprawling, chaotic player gathering area on the vast open grounds of the south and north sides.

Tents, makeshift sheds, and even those simply sitting on the ground are everywhere.

The flags of various guilds are haphazardly planted on the ground, the noise, arguments, and selling shouts mixed together, the air filled with the smell of sweat, fire, and a kind of frenzied restlessness.

The number of players far exceeds Robert’s previous estimate, probably nearing five thousand, appearing like a swarm around a honey pot.

They look at the fuzzy golden light sphere inside the light barrier with unconcealed greed and desire.

Traces of conflict are everywhere, scorched land, undried blood stains, broken equipment fragments.

Players from different teams are wary of each other, small-scale friction occurs from time to time, only the common treasure yet to be obtained and the fear of the Four Gods Sect maintain a fragile, on-edge balance.

When the Star Embers, this hundred-member, uniformly equipped, strictly disciplined team appeared on the southern outskirts, it immediately drew lots of attention.

Many players recognized the Star Embers guild emblem, showing looks of dread, envy, or discontent.

Robert is quite reputable among players, his guild is known for its elite nature and high efficiency in completing tasks.

"Look, it’s the Star Embers’ people!"

"Is that Robert? His aura is indeed different..."

"Who’s that hooded figure among them? Why can’t we see the level?"

"Three question marks?! Damn, what’s going on?"

"Could it be a super NPC invited by Robert? A hidden plot?"

Whispers spread among the players, many turned their gaze towards Duke, closely guarded in the center of the team, silent.

The conspicuous [Lv.???] label was like a bucket of cold water, dousing many people’s eager provoking thoughts.

Robert ignored the commotion around, directing the team to halt about a kilometer from the light barrier, on a relatively wind-sheltered and expansive slope, quickly ordering the establishment of a temporary base.

The elite members began working smoothly, setting up simple alert lines, erecting several sturdier tents, the whole process efficient and quiet, forming a stark contrast with the chaotic player camp around. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Duke did not partake in these trivial affairs, he walked alone to the edge of the slope, facing the light barrier, his eyes beneath the hood penetrating that pale golden shield, striving to see inside.

Contrary to his expectation of encountering strong resistance or repulsion, when his Spiritual Power touched that pale golden light barrier, a strange sense of unobstructed passage came.

The barrier, which to others was like an iron wall, significantly weakening non-Light Attribute energies and producing a repellent sensation, actually exhibited a welcoming softness to Duke’s Spiritual Power probing.

Not only did the light barrier not obstruct, but it gently rippled, seeming to open an invisible exclusive passage for him.

Simultaneously, his Spiritual Power, bolstered by Divine Status, like the most sensitive tendrils, bypassed the barrier’s strong repellent field, attempting a more detailed perception inside, especially the state of the Light Seed and the distribution and activity patterns of the Energy Guards.

In his perception, the inside of the light barrier seemed like another world.

The Light energy thick enough to almost liquidate, forming a pale golden mist.

Those dilapidated buildings, ancient and majestic in style, bearing distinct and old traits of the Light Sect.

And at the very core, the Light Seed emanated its pure and vast fundamental waves, each pulse causing the surrounding Light energy to rise like a tide, also tugging at the hearts of countless outsiders.

He also saw those Energy Guards wandering in the ruins, humanoid halos, moving swiftly and silently, with an instinctive aggressiveness towards intruders of non-Light energy, their strength likely ranging from Level 1 to Level 1 Peak, with considerable numbers.

Inside the light barrier is not a haven of safety.

On the contrary, it is a realm extremely unfriendly to non-Light entities.

The pale golden energy mist permeating the air is not merely a background decoration, but a continually existing, high-concentration Light energy suppression field.

For Robert’s players, or any intruder lacking affinity with Light Attribute, being in it is akin to an ordinary person diving into the deep sea.