Chapter 14: Far Ahead!
The official announcement was seen by Xu Xiaofeng as a sign of indulgence, but to the vast majority of players, it meant something entirely different.
Infinite possibilities? Players and NPCs decide together?
Does that mean that even if I’m broke and powerless, as long as I find a special NPC and trigger a special quest or system, I can strike it rich and stomp on those wealthy players below me?
Because of this, many players started to dig through their newbie village once again.
From eighty-year-old grannies to six-year-old kiddos, looking for anything from a bald-headed old dog to egg-laying hens. It didn’t matter if it was useful or not, they just yelled a couple of times.
This got those NPCs glaring daggers at the players, and if they caught even a whiff of mischief, they’d grab ’em on the spot.
On the other hand, those neglected quests suddenly vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving many annoying tasks resolved in no time.
Believe it or not, some players actually found a little treasure in the chaos.
They quickly began posting and sharing their gains, and soon even put together a dedicated thread for it.
When the players from Beginner’s Village 66 heard about this, they went, “Oh ho! Speaking of treasure, we’ve scored some ourselves! And quite a bit too!”
They promptly showed off their pile of “high-level quest items,” even the player who had been nearly roasted in the forums for sharing a broken shoe bounced back with enthusiasm.
“See, see! I told you this was a legendary item, and you all didn’t believe me! I understand—you’re just jealous, spitting all that negativity while secretly sipping your lemonade.”
After deliberation, internet users discovered… why is it again Beginner’s Village 66?!
Haven’t they had enough of special quests and items? Other newbie villages have one or two at most, while it’s like wholesale over there—are they even trying to let the rest of us live?
Xu Xiaofeng stumbled upon these threads too and poked her cheek awkwardly.
First of all, let’s make one thing clear—it’s not my fault; it’s those NPCs who are to blame.
Secondly, I think what these NPCs did was right!
You see, those rewards are limited goods—you snooze, you lose! If you come late and don’t get the goodies, that’s on you. Plus, when you have no chance of getting rewards, they toss you a consolation prize.
Even if those consolation prizes are practically useless and just gather dust in the warehouse, the morale boost they bring is through the roof!
Look at the posts, how hyped they are, flexing all over the place—what a thrill!
An eminent person once said, the enjoyment of material things is cold, but the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment is what’s truly noble!
So, all those material goods? Hand them over to me! I’m a person of good fortune; I need to chill it out.
With that thought, the world suddenly seemed so much brighter, all because of me, this kind-hearted little angel.
If Xu Xiaoyue could see what was happening in Xu Xiaofeng’s head, she would probably say, “You could have just taken them directly, but instead, you want to coddle the players? Seriously, I’m dying here.”
In the Fiery Conflict Guild, they were discussing this very matter.
They came to a unanimous conclusion—our guild leader is something else! The leader had sensed that NPC’s uniqueness right from the start and began plotting accordingly.
They all inquired about the guild master’s strategy.
In response, the leader just smiled mysteriously: “Everything is proceeding according to my plan. Just follow my instructions, and we’re already far ahead.”
He certainly couldn’t say that his favorability had jumped a whopping ten points and that he spent over ten million on crickets!
After hearing their leader, the executives felt reassured.
Indeed, following the right boss is a delight.
“So, Guild Leader, what’s our next move?”
The leader thought for a moment and said, “Let’s get two more Diamond VIP cards first, and our top priority should still be leveling up through exploration.”
So, another wave of big customers rolled into Xu Xiaofeng’s shop.
Besides the Fiery Conflict Guild, other major guilds came to buy cards too.
By the time evening rolled around and the crowd dispersed, Xu Xiaofeng had sold over forty VIP cards, including one Supreme VIP card and more than ten Diamond VIP cards.
When Old Bond heard about this, he was utterly flabbergasted.
Are these Outsiders all fools? They know it’s a pitfall and still jump right in.
He panicked, “Girl, let’s talk about something.”
“Grandpa, as a big businessman, we must uphold integrity. I know Grandpa Bond is all about keeping his word, right?”
“Ahahaha… naturally, naturally. But this isn’t a done deal yet, so…”
“So, Grandpa wants to raise the stakes?”
I’ll raise you something big! Such a cute little brat, but why’s your heart so black?
Watching Bond sputter, Xu Xiaofeng proposed, “How about this, Grandpa? I heard you have connections in the Imperial Capital? Could you write me a letter of introduction?”
The Imperial Capital—Emerald City, is actually considered the main city for players. As the capital of the Jade Emperor Kingdom, the resources there vastly outstrip what this little town can offer, meaning more chances to earn money.
In just over ten days, most players would leave the newbie village for the capital, and once they left, there would be no teleporting back.
So what Xu Xiaofeng was doing now was simply accumulating initial capital, preparing for her big moves in Emerald City.
And with Emerald City being the only main city in the Huaxia Server of the Otherworld, it would gather thousands of players, making it a prime place for business.
“You want to go to Emerald City?” Bond frowned. “Girl, that’s a real big deal, and you’re a stranger there. Without us old neighbors to help you, aren’t you just asking to be taken advantage of?”
Falling Leaf City was simple and wholesome, and the NPCs were incredibly kind to Xu Xiaofeng. Even Bond only teased her lightly due to business, but deep down, he was genuinely concerned.
What can you do? Who wouldn’t love such a cute little loli?
But in the Imperial Capital, those wealthy elites also love little lolis, though their kind of love might be a little different.
“So, Grandpa, I’m just asking you to introduce me to someone.”
“No way, too dangerous. I won’t agree.”
“Grandpa! I just want to see the big world in the Imperial Capital!”
“You’re too young; it’s a no-go.”
“Grandpa~, please help me out.” The little loli shook Bond’s arm.
“Ah, my ears must be failing me with my old age—what did you say?”
After much coaxing and wheedling, Bond still didn’t budge.
It was a stalemate. The little loli could pout and be cute all she wanted, and the old man could play the age card all he liked. When magic spells collided, neither side gained any ground.
“Fine then, Grandpa, goodbye! Remember to adjust my share when we settle accounts later.”
Let’s deal with the future later; I need to make some money first.
“Hmph, you little stinker! I’ll keep my word, don’t you worry!”
