Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Approaching the Second Test (Five Updates)
Junlin and his team, though they hung out together, would still occasionally log into the game. After all, they had to confirm when the Second Test phase would officially start. No sooner had they logged in than they received the completion notice for the second task of the Nine Dragon Key. The 500 Contribution Points were just handed to them like that. It had to be said this task was truly earned while lying down.
Xu Nian, on his end, also received the reminder for the completion of the second task of the Nine Dragon Key.
"[Host Task Completed, reward evaluation: Grade A!]"
"[Reward: Second Test Opening!]"
Looking at the System Reminder, Xu Nian knew the Second Test Players were about to officially arrive. More chives were coming to contribute their part.
Junlin and his team also chose to leave the Nine Heavens Alliance with Xu Nian. The opening of the Second Test required the return of Xu Nian, the Sect Leader. The group bid farewell to Cui Shengshu and the others. As they were leaving, Cui Shengshu’s smiling face made Junlin and his team somewhat puzzled.
What’s with this Non-player Character changing faces as quickly as flipping a book?
It seems this round of forced storyline might have succeeded.
The new task for the Nine Dragon Key hasn’t been given out yet—could it be that this task is over?
Of course, Junlin and his team didn’t want the task to end. After all, its rewards were plentiful! What they needed most now were enough Contribution Points!
"Have you noticed? The Sect Leader seems to have smiled a lot today. Looks kind of scary."
"I’ve always speculated that the Sect Leader is a high-level AI with specific programming."
"Hard to say. What if it’s the Damn Game Designer controlling him?"
"I also feel that the Sect Leader is actually controlled by the Game Designer, but I’ve never found any proof."
"..."
Junlin shook his head and laughed. "We shouldn’t care about that. I feel that when we return this time, the Second Test will probably start."
It had to be said, his guess was spot on!
Xu Nian’s goal was indeed to tidy up a bit and then prepare for the Second Test’s commencement. The Nine Dragon Key task had paused, likely due to the Second Test. After all, the Second Test was linked with the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure. For the players, this would involve many more people. Once the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure emerged, a great battle was inevitable. It was still uncertain who would be the final winner. However, Xu Nian had already kept the list for the Nine Dragon Key. Once this news spread, the entire Jianghu would likely be shaken.
「Not long after they left the Nine Heavens Alliance’s territory.」
A group of riders came galloping from afar.
Feiyu Clothing, Xiu Chun Saber!
"HOLY SHIT, the Brocade Guard?"
Poisonous Panda, looking at the troop approaching them, said enviously, "This game even has the Brocade Guard! I wonder if we can join them. They’re so cool."
"I think we need to get some recognizable clothing," Under the Phoenix Tree nodded. "Such clothing will give us an identity and raise our fame!"
The galloping Brocade Guard passed directly beside them, led by none other than the Great Yin-Yang Hand, Gong Longfei. As he passed Xu Nian and the others, Gong Longfei’s gaze swept over Xu Nian, cold and detached.
After rushing to Fengxiang Prefecture, they found it had not been conquered by the Blood Demon Sect. In fact, the Blood Demon Sect itself had crumbled. After some inquiries, they were bewildered.
Heavenly punishment with thunder strikes?
Could such an event actually happen?
If not for so many people discussing it, they might not have believed such a thing.
The matter involving Zhou Yuntong was also clarified by the Northern Tribunal of Inquisition. Someone had stolen the official seal to frame him, implicating Zhou Yuntong, who was far away in Fengxiang Prefecture. The Brocade Guard did not explain who exactly it was. For Zhou Yuntong, this matter could be considered closed. He didn’t wish to make a big fuss either.
The person behind my misfortune is definitely one of the three Brocade Guard Thousand Households in the Capital City. I’ll eventually return anyway, so there’s no hurry to investigate.
This time, the crisis in Fengxiang Prefecture was resolved, and Gong Longfei helped handle the aftermath. Upon learning that the Profound Yellow Sect had protected Fengxiang Prefecture, even fighting the Blood Demon Sect to the death, Zhou Yuntong felt immense gratitude towards Xu Nian.
Had Fengxiang Prefecture fallen, I would have lost more than just my head!
My entire family’s lives could have been at stake!
Fortunately, the matter was resolved.
After sending off Gong Longfei, Zhou Yuntong immediately went to the Profound Yellow Sect, planning to personally thank the Seventh Prince. However, he didn’t expect Xu Nian to be absent from the Profound Yellow Sect. Instead, Xu Nian had gone to the Celestial Origin Mansion, and they had just brushed past Gong Longfei and his entourage.
The Centurion narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Sir, those few people we just passed seemed to have the same aura as the individuals who appeared in the Dense Forest where we rested earlier."
Gong Longfei gave a nonchalant hum. "Don’t worry about them. Let’s head back first. I’ve received news that Cui Shengshu from the Nine Heavens Alliance visited Dafang Mansion. This matter might be problematic. We should return and inquire with the Nine Heavens Alliance."
"Yes!" The Centurion quickly nodded.
As for the young people they had just encountered...
What do they have to do with us?
As long as they weren’t wanted criminals, the Brocade Guard couldn’t be bothered with them.
Junlin watched the Brocade Guard leave and then turned to ask, "Sect Leader, they were Brocade Guard, weren’t they?"
The others also looked over.
Xu Nian nodded. "Indeed. Every prefecture has a Brocade Guard Thousand Households stationed there, each a Grandmaster Realm expert. That’s why Jianghu People daren’t cause trouble."
"Is there a Brocade Guard stationed in Fengxiang Prefecture too? How come I’ve never seen them?" Junlin asked, looking at the others with confusion.
They all shook their heads. They usually gathered together, so how could they have possibly seen the Brocade Guard?
Xu Nian explained, "When the Blood Demon Sect invaded, the Brocade Guard members were coincidentally called away, which is why we never encountered them. If the Brocade Guard Grandmasters had been present, the Blood Demon Sect wouldn’t have dared to act so brazenly."
What can the Brocade Guard do anyway?
My players will not be inferior to them in the future.
When I return to the Capital City, it will be time to sweep through with my players.
Now, what he had to do was simple.
Summon the Second Test Players. Prepare to search for the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure. And... Consort Shen!
The first two tasks are simpler; the players will handle them. But Consort Shen is a problem. I have absolutely no recollection of this woman. I’m even curious why His Majesty didn’t execute her. His Majesty actually allowed this woman, who had an affair involving both his daughter and his son, to remain In the Palace. What is the meaning of this? However, Consort Shen’s arrival in Fengxiang Prefecture is clearly a sign of ill intent.
"After returning, prepare immediately to recruit a new batch of disciples for our Profound Yellow Sect!" Xu Nian declared, having come back to his senses. "The Profound Yellow Sect will definitely surpass forces like the Nine Heavens Alliance in the future!"
The five from Lingxiao Hall were bewildered.
What did that mean?
Is he telling us the Second Test will begin right after we return to the Profound Yellow Sect?
So suddenly?!