However, they first failed in stealing the tribute, then their foundation suffered damage because of Dragon Tiger Sect's counterattack. Once Eleventh Crane and the others returned to Murong Clan, they worked together with Dragon Tiger Sect to deal a destructive blow to Heaven Domination Sect.
At that moment, the news of Happy rising to the third place on the Famous People Rank traveled over. Heaven Domination Sect instantly felt even greater pressure, and from then on, they were worried every single day that he would return and destroy them. The sect was tormented both physically and mentally, and it slowly fell into decline.
A month ago, there were only a few weaklings left in the sect, which had reached its last days.
When he heard that, Happy finally remembered that he had been ambushed by Heaven Domination Sect during his journey when protecting the tribute. At that time, he had even made the decision to destroy Heaven Domination Sect when he returned. By the looks of it now, there was no need for that. Heaven Domination Sect was completely ruined.
"Eldest Senior Brother, lately, Dragon Tiger Sect has been growing stronger and stronger, and they're already showing signs of becoming the strongest sect in Gusu City!"
That was what Whirlwind Young Li said when they sat down in Jade Gate Restaurant.
"But Nine-tattooed Dragon really knows how to act. He restricts his sect members quite well, and they do not cause trouble while they're outside. They're also very polite to all of us from the Murong Clan."
"Oh?"
Happy quirked an eyebrow at that. Last time, Dragon Tiger Sect's master had indeed placed restrictions on his sect members, but it had to have been quite hard to keep them up until then.
"That's true," Orchid Researcher said excitedly. "Every single time we go out and search for a place to train, the people from Dragon Tiger Sect will call Whirlwind Young Li Big Brother Wind and make way for us. Then, Young Li will be so smug."
"Researcher, what are you saying? I'd forgive you if you said all this embarrassing stuff in front of other people, but why did you say that to our eldest senior brother? They're doing that because they respect our eldest senior brother, you know?" Whirlwind Young Li glared at Orchid Researcher while looking very embarrassed.
Happy could not help but smile. "Where's Eastern Green Gate and the others?"
"Ah… they should be doing quests. Eastern is seriously very powerful right now. Not only is he in Mystical Realm, but he also obtained four high-tier martial arts from his master. He's much more powerful than us. Right now, he's the leader of Gusu's Six Swordsmen."
"Gusu's Six Swordsmen?" Happy was stunned.
"This is what happened. We thought that others will definitely say we're tooting our own horn if we asked you to join our party after you created such a great name for yourself. So, Eastern, Azure Wolf, Xuan Kun, Xuan Zhong, Qian Kunzi, and I formed a six-man party. We intended to explore the game in the future and catch up to you. Right now… hehe, we can be considered to have some degree of success. We're known as Gusu's Six Swordsmen."
"Not bad." Happy smiled and lifted his wine cup. "A toast to Gusu's Six Swordsmen. Come, cheers!"
The group responded loudly.
Once they drank, the atmosphere became lively.
Whirlwind Young Li summoned his courage and said boldly, "Eldest senior brother, I have to say, one day, I, Young Li, will definitely make my way to the Famous People Rank like you. I will definitely fight until I become famous!"
While they laughed, another toast was naturally born.
"Eldest senior brother, I've been thinking about something all this while." After they drank three full pots, Whirlwind Young Li suddenly stared at Happy. "Look at you. You're now insanely famous, but sometimes, I think that you're really weird. Over this period of time, you never joined or built any sect. You didn't even join Chivalry Sect, which is both famous and powerful. You only care about becoming stronger. You look like you have a goal, but we really can't understand what you're trying to do."
"I think I'm living a pretty good life right now."
Happy's face was as calm as ever while he poured himself a cup of wine with a smile.
"I don't think that's good, truly! Eastern and I have been waiting since a long time ago in hopes that you'll build a sect! Last time, you could push that task away, but now, you have fame, power, wealth, and you have a good head on your shoulders! You have everything, and we're just waiting for you to spread your wings and fly! Forget about Gusu City, you can even build your own empire spreading over all of Jiangnan!"
Eleventh Crane and the others by the table also stared at Happy with expectation...
Chapter 297 - Tempted, New Plans
Just when Whirlwind Young Li said those words because of his tipsy state, Thunderous Battle and Little North came over to reunite with Happy. They strode over, drew the curtains, and cut off all the sounds around them.
"That's right! In truth, I really can't accept working under a girl!"
Thunderous Battle sat down brusquely next to Happy under everyone's gazes, and he spoke in a manner as if he was voicing his thoughts. "Medicinal Stone is right. It really feels awkward playing around with you students. Happy, since your friend said this, why don't you think about this properly and see whether there's a possibility for you to build a sect of your own in the future!"
Happy did not say anything. He just watched Thunderous Battle quietly while he listened to his real thoughts.
Thunderous Battle poured out all that he had thought about over the past few days in one go.
"Happy, you have to understand that if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have mixed together with a group of students. Little North and I have only gained our own achievements in the game because of you. Your skills, strength, and bearing are all unquestionable. There are also many things about you that are subtle and can't be described with words… Charm, I guess? Anyway, both of us got a higher starting point because of you, and we managed to see more things! Naturally, we also hope that we can have even greater achievements in the game later on!"
Happy remained quiet, but he nodded silently. He could understand their thoughts.
Thunderous Battle was only a normal Blessed Realm player who trained hard in an ancient tomb. Based on his progress at that time, it would have been very hard for him to reach Mystical Realm so fast. At best, he could only be considered a normal player who was between first-rate players and second-rate players.
Little North did indeed have a good starting point because of his identity as a Corpse Controller, but unfortunately for him, his understanding toward controlling corpses was not high. He only used his zombie puppets as toys to frighten others. When he ran into the truly powerful or a group of players, he would absolutely not be able to bring out the strength he should have. It was no wonder then that Happy had not heard of his name before even though he had such a powerful hidden job class.
If Happy had to put it in unpleasant terms, then without him, Little North would have definitely brought insult to that job class!
However, whenever Happy had the chance, he would give pointers to the duo, and he would also subtly reveal some tiny tricks while they did their daily training. Their improvement was stunning, and right then, they were both in the Famous People Rank. They had quite a lot of achievements under their belt, and Happy also felt the success of being a good teacher.
"Do you think that you don't have room for development in Beautiful Robes Faction?"
"It's not that I don't think we don't have room for development. With you around, I think that everything is a possibility… but if you're the sect master, we'd definitely be even more dazzling."
Thunderous Battle's eyes sparkled, and he spoke in a very straightforward.
"Last time, I could use the reason that you're wary of the sects that you once offended as an excuse behind why you're not forming a sect, but now, I don't think we need to be worried about that at all."
"Hmm?" Happy quirked an eyebrow.
Littl
e North butted in at that moment with a smile, even though he had not said anything before. "Five Venoms' destruction was entirely because of you, boss. All of Fallen Feathers Sect's elites had died, and their foundation was heavily damaged. They are in their last days in the game. The world outside is aware that if this happened once, it might be a coincidence, but with two examples, which of the small sects you offended would dare to attack us?"
"We don't have to care about the small sects. The only ones who can provoke us as of now are Class One Hall and Towering Palace…"
The more Thunderous Battle spoke, the more serious he became. He stared Happy in the eyes, and once he noticed that a profound light had entered them, he knew that his words had become effective. He thus decided to continue striking while the iron was hot.
"A sect needs elites to support it. This is not something that you need me to tell you. It's something that you can do. If you need more, Little and I can be considered two. If it's you, I believe that Medicinal Stone will join us as well.
"Also, the thirteen staff-using monks from the four sects we ran into are quite good. I've already contacted them briefly, and there's a large possibility that we will be able to draw them to our side. There are also quite a number of people from Wudang Sect who are good, and they hold you in high regard. It would be no problem for us to draw them to our side."
Happy quirked his eyebrows. He seemed to be slightly tempted.
Even though the thirteen staff-using monks' performance had been average in the royal mausoleum, that was because the environment there was simply too bizarre, and everything happened too suddenly.
When they exited the royal mausoleum, the thirteen staff-using monks had not showed any fear when they faced Soaring Tiger Sect. That had been completely at ease. From that alone, he could tell that the Demon Slaying Staff Formation could absolutely stand on its own! They should have no problem in handling one or two top-class elites.
Forming a good relationship with the thirteen staff-using monks was an unexpected reward. If they could be drawn to their side, they would be a powerful strength.
Wudang Sect was slightly inferior in that regard, but Ouyang Qing… How should he be described? He was a very passionate person, and he was very observant in battlefields. He could be considered a powerful player who was very cordial and could control a situation.
"Happy!" When Thunderous Battle noticed Happy's reaction, he felt happy, and his voice also became excited. "As long as you say yes, I promise you that these people will all appear in front of you within three days!"
Happy cast Thunderous Battle a glance. He did not answer nor acknowledge him. Instead, he s.u.c.k.e.d in a deep breath and began running a simulation in his head.
He could not give up on Beautiful Robes Faction.
But it was clear that Thunderous Battle and Little North had been thinking about it for some time. If he asked them to get rid of that thought and just join Beautiful Robes Faction, he would definitely dampen their enthusiasm on the matter. Since they had already formed the outline of a sect in their heads, he could…
"Thunderous Battle, if that's the case, you will be the sect master."
"What?"
Thunderous Battle, Little North, and the others (Whirlwind Young Li, Eleventh Crane, Orchid Researcher, Dawn Lotus, and Xu Lang) who had been listening excitedly but had never spoken were completely flabbergasted by Happy's sudden words.
Thunderous Battle's expression turned slightly sour. He stood up with a loud whoosh from his seat.
"Why should I be the sect master?!"
"Listen to me." Happy knew that Thunderous Battle had misunderstood him. His expression remained as usual, and he explained calmly, "Beautiful Robes Faction is something that I've been building since a long time ago. My friends and I have poured a lot of our blood, sweat, and tears in it. Even though I still haven't joined the faction right now, but every single person in my university knows that Happy is part of Beautiful Robes Faction! If you ask me to form another sect right now… the situation will become bad."
"Then, are you saying that my plan won't work? Wouldn't that mean I just wasted my breath?"
"You didn't waste your breath. Didn't you just say that you're rather reluctant to work as a lackey for a girl who's still a student? If that's the case, go be a sect master!"
"If you're not around, how can I bring those people to my side?"
Thunderous Battle rolled his eyes and downed a large mouthful of wine.
Happy did not immediately offer an explanation. He smiled before he turned to face Eleventh Crane.
"Big Brother Crane, will you be willing to join the sect Thunderous Battle built?"
"... Huh."
Eleventh Crane was first stunned before he stared into Happy's eyes under everyone's incredibly shocked and puzzled gazes. He seemed to have come to understand something. He pondered over it for a moment, then he nodded slowly.
"I won't have a problem joining if it's Thunderous Battle. He's considered a top-class fighter on his own. Besides, everyone knows his relationship with you in the game. As long as you two continue to be in a party, others will naturally connect you and Thunderous Battle together. Thunderous Battle also said that he originally wanted to elect you as the sect master. I would agree to join such a faction."
Even Thunderous Battle put on a contemplative expression.
"If you put it that way, it's somewhat logical. Even if you don't show your face, I can still use my name to form the sect. This way, we won't affect Beautiful Robes Faction, and we can also…"
Those who were smart would always see more at the hint of an idea.
Thunderous Battle understood the intricacies of the matter once he pondered over it carefully. He then placed his palms together in surprise and delight.
"Haha! Alright! I'll go and choose the place for the sect later."
Happy smiled and lifted the wine cup in front of him.
Beautiful Robes Faction was a pure university factio, so management would surely be problematic once those from elsewhere joined in, and it would be very easy for different circles to form inside the faction. Right then, Thunderous Battle's suggestion had coincidentally allowed Happy's originally stable train of thought to reach a new breakthrough.
Chapter 298 - Setting Their Sect in a Spot Rich With Resources
Thunderous Battle's impatience caused many people to laugh at him.
Even though the problem regarding the sect had been solved and they faced no other problems, setting up a sect was still a major thing. It was a serious matter, and they had to take many things into consideration.
For example, the sect's name!
It had to be mighty and domineering so that it would easily enter other people's hearts.
For example, Chivalry Sect, Class One Hall, and Towering Palace all gave off different temperaments. Chivalry Sect walked down the path of chivalry. The name of the sect alone told others of their purpose, and it entered deep into their hearts. Class One Hall was an old guild. Their name by itself held a brand effect, and it had a domineering air that made them a solitary entity. As for Towering Palace, the word towering meant that they would stand above the clouds, in a position way above others.
When Thunderous Battle turned his head around, he thought long and hard. But it was rather hard for him to come up with a name that was as great as those of the three sects.
Also, the location for the sect was a very huge problem. It involved the sect's future development and where it would eventually be headed. The resources and environment around the city, as well as the possibility of them becoming more outstanding compared to the other sects around them had to be considered.
If they set up their sect near the three top class sects, they would end up a tragic sight.
Also, if they built their sect in a city that had few resources, they would have problems guarding their sect. If all their sect members went far away to train and there were only a few people left, it would be easy for an elite to
just drop by and destroy their sect foundation. Such a situation would be terrible.
Thunderous Battle's understanding of sects was clearly not enough.
"Then let's just set the sect in Gusu City!" Whirlwind Young Li suggested. "Gusu City has pretty good resources. It has Cold Mountain Temple and Salt Road, which are two high-grade training grounds. If we go further, we can find an ancient tomb, and there are quite a lot of mountains around the area as well."
"That's right," Orchid Researcher quickly agreed. "A lot of our junior sisters and brothers from the Murong Clan would definitely join us too."
Dawn Lotus, Xu Lang, and Eleventh Crane nodded.
"Little Researcher is right. If we can bring in all the Murong Clan disciples into our sect, this advantage would be something other sects could not hope to compare to."
Even though the Murong Clan was not very famous right then, once someone managed to learn Shifting Stars, the clan would definitely become very mighty. Besides, those who could enter the Murong Clan all had pretty good starting stats.
Thunderous Battle and Little North looked at each other. It was clear that they were delighted by that suggestion, and they were also tempted!
"There's no need for that." At that moment, Happy finally spoke up and suggested something else. "We can hand over the task of drawing the Murong Clan juniors to our side to you lot. After all, you have already built up a reputation and fame as good seniors. They will naturally not run away.
"It'd be better if we're more cautious in regards to choosing the sect's location. We have to think ahead. One month ago, it was the world for Blessed Realm players, now, it's the world for Mystical Realm players. Soon, it will definitely be the world for Life and Death Realm players. We should at least set our resource pool on that level."
Since that was his experience from his previous life, Happy's words quickly caused the people to fall into deep contemplation, and soon, their thoughts resonated with his words.
Sword Among Us c1-1268 Page 153
