Chapter 1: Drinking Until the Sky Turns Dark (Bonus Update)
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Inside Flowerless Palace,
After two consecutive days of drinking, the male character and Fatty felt like the world was spinning even while lying in bed.
“Ugh…”
As soon as Fatty got up, he couldn’t hold back the urge to vomit, nearly losing his breakfast in the process.
The male character fared a bit better, though dizziness had him looking like a wilted flower.
“I say, bro, if we keep this up, we’re gonna kick the bucket right here.”
The male character sighed, “Who would’ve thought that the Second Palace Master and the Master Sister of Flowerless Palace would be our drinking buddies, and they refuse to leave the table until someone is clearly victorious.
And yet here we are, forced to accompany them—there’s no way out!”
Fatty wiped his mouth and looked at the male character seriously, “Let’s make a run for it.”
“Flowerless Palace is isolated out in the ocean. If we leave, we won’t even make it off the island.”
The male character dismissed Fatty’s suggestion entirely.
They fell silent for a moment, and dawn began to break. The palace came alive with all kinds of sounds.
Just as Luo Ying emphasized before, Flowerless Palace is all about the ladies.
Most of the new female players, however, were off enjoying themselves on the mainland—not chained to the dull training routines of the NPCs. Once they got a taste of adventure, they were unlikely to stick around the boring Flowerless Palace.
Before long, the sounds of morning exercises wafted in from outside.
Flowerless Palace placed extra emphasis on swordsmanship basics, and some of the newly initiated female disciples began their day at the training grounds, honing their skills.
So, there was a competitive atmosphere buzzing in the palace.
“Since we’re up early today, how about we hit the training grounds and have some fun?” Fatty suggested out of nowhere, shaking off his earlier fatigue.
The male character thought for a moment—since they were here to do a mission with the Master Sister, getting the lay of the land in Flowerless Palace wouldn’t hurt. He nodded in agreement.
The two hurriedly donned female clothing and checked themselves in a copper mirror to ensure there were no wardrobe malfunctions before stepping outside.
The training ground was filled with lively cries and beautiful, light-footed figures dancing around, making it hard for the two to take their eyes off the spectacle.
When the female disciples spotted the two unfamiliar girls, they didn’t mind at all; if anything, it motivated them to push themselves even harder.
After a while, a hearty voice came from behind them, “You two seem to be in good spirits!”
They turned around and immediately bowed. “Greetings, Second Palace Master!”
“No need for formalities,” replied a short-haired girl in a white dress, radiating confidence.
The Second Palace Master, named White Peach, was well-acquainted with Luo Ying; they had spent five years together in Half Moon City, fully aware of each other’s drinking capabilities.
Seeing the duo so interested in the training ground, she said, “This place doesn’t compare to the Heavenly Sword Sect’s training hall. It’s just a spot for the sisters to have fun. Want to go up and offer them some guidance?”
The male character and Fatty waved their hands fervently.
Come on, they weren’t main characters; what fun was there in pretending to be good at swordplay?
Noticing their reluctance, White Peach chuckled, “Alright, since it’s your first visit to Flowerless Palace, let me show you around and let you see the sights outside the island.”
“Sounds fantastic!”
After two days of nearly drowning in booze, the mere thought of getting out was a breath of fresh air.
“However, breakfast is a must, so let’s go, follow me to the dining hall.”
The duo followed White Peach to the restaurant, only to find Master Sister Luo Ying already seated, pouring herself a drink.
The potent scent of alcohol hit Fatty like a brick wall, and he nearly bolted, but White Peach blocked his exit.
“Have a drink in the morning to wake up! Come on, each of you get a jar of Bamboo Leaf Wine—nobody leaves before it’s finished!”
Fatty exclaimed, “Second Palace Master, I haven’t even brushed my teeth…”
“Don’t sweat the details. You’re in Flowerless Palace now, and you’ll follow my orders.”
With that, White Peach promptly plopped Fatty down in a chair.
The male character, ever the opportunist, scooted over to Luo Ying, beaming with a fake smile, “Master Sister truly has a great capacity for alcohol! I bet only the Second Palace Master can drink with you in perfect harmony.”
White Peach burst out laughing, “Well said! When it comes to drinking buddies, it’s only this Palace Master and Luo here on the same level. Bring a jar of wine!”
Male character thought, “…”
If I say one more thing, I might as well change my last name!
Now, they were stuck; escape was impossible, and it seemed they hadn’t realized how heavy the shadow of drinking would loom over them in Flowerless Palace.
Luo Ying, with her rosy cheeks and hazy eyes, looked at the two, “Now that you’re here, you must drink freely—don’t tarnish the Heavenly Sword Sect’s reputation! Otherwise, I’ll personally give you a spanking when we get back!”
White Peach laughed, “Why not find a few rugged men to serve her well? Guaranteed she won’t be able to get out of bed the next day!”
The nearby maids remained unfazed, clearly having grown accustomed to the Second Palace Master’s antics.
Fatty, “…”
Male character, “…”
In a place filled with women, this guy must be going crazy.
Had they known sooner that they were male, they might have left them drained dry. It’s no wonder Luo Ying hesitated to let them reveal their identities; it’s all part of the plan.
But so what if the banter was amusing? The three jars of wine before them presented their ultimate challenge.
“Drink!”
The two resolved to embrace their fate, raising the jars and pouring them into their mouths.
Considering their technique, at least half would spill down to their chests.
But hey, that was the goal—who would complain about drinking less?
“Bang!”
The male character slammed his empty jar onto the table, brimming with bravado.
Fatty, however, remained frozen in place like a statue, his expression twisted, mouth twitching uncontrollably.
“Ugh!”
He hugged his jar, promptly regurgitating what he had just drunk.
Luo Ying and White Peach acted as if they hadn’t seen a thing, merrily chatting and clinking glasses.
The male character gave Fatty a light pat on the back; the latter was in a sorry state, tears and snot mingling on his face.
“Guess I’ll help you back to your room.” The male character sighed.
Fatty, practically limp, was helped back to their room.
Behind them, White Peach’s voice rang out, “The girl who hasn’t passed out yet is about to set off!”
However, as soon as they entered the room, Fatty sprang back to life, looking as vibrant as ever.
“How was that, bro? My acting was on point, huh?”
The male character nodded. “The last two days, we’ve only partaken in food and drink—haven’t even mapped out Flowerless Palace. I have no idea what White Peach will drag the Master Sister and me into next.
Once we escape, you better map the whole place out. Just in case things go south, at least we’ll have a way to run!”
Fatty declared, “Leave it to me!”
Though he was worried about the NPC constantly shadowing the Master Sister, which made him feel less significant, he chose to sacrifice for the greater good.
He might d*e, but he couldn’t let anything happen to the Master Sister.
One day, she would learn the truth!
He was almost moved to tears by his own selflessness.
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P.S.: Fourth update! Bring on the votes!
