Many players who had thought about how to seize some chance became quiet and no longer dared to act recklessly.
*****
There were only three days left before the final battle at Light Summit, and a manmade bloody storm swept through the entire game.
As martial artists from everywhere gathered at Mount Huangshan or made their way to it, some of the sects who were originally silent and lived together in peace exploded in all sorts of conflict.
They fought for resources, territory, and to take revenge…
Those sects were mostly sects that had sent some of their best to Mount Huangshan, which left their headquarters devoid of manpower. Upon seeing it, their enemies, who had been waiting for a long time, broke in and destroyed their headquarters as well as their sects.
There were also people who were ambushed by other players while they were on their way to Mount Huangshan, and they died in a foreign land.
All sorts of murders in the name of revenge and conflicts between sects rose in the plains, and it indirectly reminded some of the higher ups that while they were ordered around by the quest, they had to remain wary of their homebase being empty and prevent enemies from taking advantage of them!
*****
There were a total of eighteen thousand people within it.
They had gradually become the largest sect in Baokang, and quite a lot of the elites of Jade Fox Palace, Righteous Sect, and Blood Rivers Sect had also joined Mu Clan, especially those from Blood Rivers Sect. Ever since Blood Rivers in Nine Heavens had been killed twice and their foundation nearly destroyed by Cold Moon Palace, Blood Rivers in Nine Heavens had become dejected.
Besides, as Mu Clan developed by leaps and bounds, Blood Rivers in Nine Sects came to a deep understanding that his resolution, strength, and judgment were lacking. Because of that, he decided to lead a full-time merchant sect, and he shifted his focus to gaining resources and earning money. Quite a number of the elites in his sect were filled with gratitude toward Happy's help and Mu Clan's superior clan contribution system, so they chose to join Mu Clan.
Even though Blood Rivers Clan gradually became weaker and no longer had any authority in Baokang, it was still part of the alliance of the five sects that most sects could not hope to affect.
Blood Rivers Sect also continued to protect the resources in the second level of the five mines under the agreement made among the alliance of the five sects and just focused on development. Occasionally, he would invite the managers of the other four sects to have a feast together to discuss the trades of large amounts of resources.
On that day, Blood Rivers in Nine Heavens invited Thunderous Battle, Absolute Nonsense, Wu Qing, and the vice sect master of Righteous Sect, Zhao Wuji, as well as the sect master of the branch from Chivalry Sect, Look at the Swans Above, together.
"Haha! I didn't expect to see so many millionaires here! Light Summit is currently a very lively place, but it didn't manage to attract you! Haha! Come, let's toast to us thinking in the same manner!"
Absolute Nonsense laughed boisterously when he saw the people beside the table. Without another word, he filled up his cup with wine and lifted it.
The others looked at each other and smiled.
"Don't go about spewing nonsense. There's only one millionaire right now, and that's Nine Heavens!"
"That's right, toast to Nine Heavens! I just came here with Old Thunder to eat and drink for free."
"Haha…"
Even though they said that, the people still lifted their winecups and drank their wine in one go.
With a few cups of wine in their stomach, the sect masters who shared the best resources in Shennongjia began to talk about other things.
"You're just rambling at this point. Nine Heavens, Old Thunder, and I have a reason behind why we can't go to Light Summit, but you're still a player on the Dragon Rank. This is a good chance, if you don't go, isn't it too much of a waste?"
Zhao Wuji smiled and looked at Absolute Nonsense.
"We are here to defend Baokang, why are you worried?"
Absolute Nonsense naturally understood what Zhao Wuji meant, and he instinctively cast a glance at Old Thunder. "Stop tormenting me. I finally made the decision to give up on Light Summit after laborious effort. I really wanted to go for that quest, so you're just stomping on my wounds right now."
He paused, and his expression gradually became stern. He sighed and said, "In truth, in the beginning, I really wanted to go… You're here to defend Baokang, and I didn't think that many thieves would think about trying to take Baokang from us, but the game hasn't been peaceful the past few days…"
Absolute Nonsense glanced at Thunderous Battle and said slowly, "I am a person who will not forget past kindnesses. If it were not for Happy and Chivalry Sect's interference, we would have been destroyed in Class One Hall's hands a long time ago.
"I, Absolute Nonsense, have to maintain this situation, which has come after much hardship, for those ten thousand sect members of mine, and at the same time, maintain the peace in Baokang. I cannot cast aside Baokang and the five sects for Light Summit. Those things are nothing compared to Baokang."
"That's right, it's not as if there isn't any weaknesses within the current Baokang. What we need to do is make sure that no more weaknesses appear. At least, before Mu Clan becomes a force that can stand on equal grounds with Class One Hall, we must make sure that our priority is the stability of Baokang," Zhao Wuji agreed.
Thunderous Battle looked at the people around him in gratitude and said earnestly, "Everyone, Happy and I will remember your protection of Mu Clan and your hopes for it. We will definitely not let you down…"
"By the way, Big Brother Thunder, Vice Sect Master Lin asked me to enquire you about something on behalf of him. Is Mu Clan currently lacking in money?" Chivalry Sect's branch master suddenly said. "Our vice sect master said that if you do, he can provide a batch of resources beforehand, and you can pay him half a month later."
Thunderous Battle was stunned.
Lacking in money? When did that ever happen?
Chapter 404 - Solidify Position—Baokang
Thunderous Battle naturally did not know that the masters of the four sects had linked the matter of Mu Clan asking them for Phantasmal Crystal Ores four days ago to the matter of Heartless Iron proactively entering isolation to attempt making a fourth-echelon equipment.
They were filled with hope toward the best Forgemaster in Mu Clan, and they hoped that Mu Clan could rise to being a great sect that could stand on equal ground with Class One Hall, Chivalry Sect, and Towering Palace with the help of the first fourth-echelon masterpiece.
But against their expectations, in the next few days, Mu Clan was peaceful. Even when Heartless Iron egressed, there was no change on the Divine Weapons Rank, and no fourth-echelon masterpiece appeared.
It was very clear that the attempt to make the fourth-echelon weapon had failed.
That was not surprising. Right then, there might be Forgemasters around, but the failure rate was so high that it was shocking.
The four sects in Baokang were regretful, but they did not mention the saddening matter to Thunderous Battle. Instead, they used the feast of Blood Rivers in Nine Heavens and had Look at the Swans Above, who was the branch master of Chivalry Sect, to suggest what he did.
When Thunderous Battle noticed his old friends' deeply concerned gazes, he was stunned for a few seconds before he finally came to a realization.
"Oh, so you're talking about that…" Thunderous Battle chuckled unnaturally. "There's nothing to say. Besides, we haven't lost all the money we earned last time."
Everyone looked over with disbelief.
Even though Mu Clan had gathered up a lot of money, they used up quite a lot of it to gather at least seven sets of fourth-echelon materials, seven sets of third-echelon grade one masterpieces, so if all of them failed, Thunderous Battle would have lost at least two billion taels of silver.
Many of the large sects in
the game could not casually gather around two billion taels of silver, much less lose all of it.
Everyone was also worried that Mu Clan would be traumatized by the failure they suffered. Chivalry Sect's Lin Xiao was the most concerned about that. He went straight to extend his good will and said that he was willing to help Mu Clan get through the dangerous times.
The other three sects also mentioned that Mu Clan could pay in instalments for the trade of their resources. After all, they were not as rich as Chivalry Sect.
"Hehe, I have received your good will. If one day I truly need help, I will definitely mention it to everyone. Right now, you're too worried about the situation. We still have around one billion cash in the flow in Mu Clan, and there are thousands of refined masterpieces in the clan storage. There are no less than two billion taels of silver worth of resources with us. You know how many of those resources enter our storage every day. We really do not lack money right now."
Thunderous Battle's explanation relieved the four. Mu Clan's ability to get through the disaster made them breathe a sigh of relief. With the input from the resources of Shennongjia, they could cover the loss in less than half a month.
"By the way, Old Thunder, what is Happy doing now? I heard yesterday that he was still in the royal mausoleum. Does he also intend to give up on the quest in Light Summit?"
When the topic shifted from Mu Clan's resources to Happy, everyone's expressions betrayed their interest.
After all, a few days ago, Happy had entered Life and Death Realm and was now in the middle of the Dragon Rank.
As a famous martial artist, he had been the cause of multiple great news in the game, such as killing a Moksha Realm NPC alone, and many people believed that he would definitely not let go of the chance to take up the storyline quest at the final battle at Light Summit.
But there were also people who believed that Happy would not really dare to appear at Light Summit.
The three monsters of Class One Hall were all successors of ultimate techniques. Their call for manpower was very great.
Over the past few days, the three monsters of Class One Hall had geared themselves up with third-echelon grade one masterpieces, and someone said that Blood Robes' Star S.u.c.k.i.n.g Great Skill could absorb his enemy's qi and turn it to his own. He could easily challenge any martial artist in the game, including the current first and second ranked players on the Dragon Rank—One Emperor and Zhou Yu.
Vice Hall Master Barren Murderer might have died once, so his abilities were compromised, but his King of Abyss Art was incredibly extraordinary. A few days ago, he had killed a Moksha Realm NPC in a very flashy manner, so his fame had not diminished, but had risen instead. Someone said that once he returned to the peak of his condition, Barren Murderer's strength would not be beneath that of Blood Robes.
As for Dream Clouds, once she was pushed down by Phantasmal Shadow on the Phoenix Rank, she took back her crown lately. It was said that her Divine Flames Art had improved, but her fame seemed to have been overshadowed by her two vice hall masters.
From all that, it was clear that Class One Hall had recovered from their branch being destroyed and Barren Murderer's death. A group of people who loved stirring up trouble everywhere even started spreading rumors that Class One Hall might use that to attack Mu Clan. At the same time, they also said that Happy might give up on Light Summit and attack Class One Hall's headquarters.
Because of that, Mu Clan and Class One Hall seemed to have been pushed to the tip of the storm.
"I don't know the full situation right now. We can't ignore the threat from Class One Hall, and if Class One Hall really wants to attack us, Happy will definitely provide reinforcements over here."
"You have a few elites in Mu Clan like Little North, Silver Wolf, and All-powerful Medicinal Stone, who just joined you. All of them have the ability to challenge Light Summit."
"They won't go," Thunderous Battle answered firmly. "With them serving as garrison over here, Class One Hall will feel a little wary. After all, they cannot ignore Silver Wolf and Little North's abilities, unless Class One Hall completely gives up on Light Summit and attacks us.
"If they left though, Class One Hall would not hesitate to attack Mu Clan. After all, nearly half of the people in Mu Clan aren't powerful enough to go to war. We don't have many people who are great, and if our powerhouses leave, we will not be united."
The other four looked at each other and nodded. "Don't worry, from now on, our people will set up scouts sixty-two miles around Baokang. We will take turns to keep a lookout on the government-made roads and pay attention to whether there are any people from Class One Hall or a large number of unfamiliar faces getting close to Shennongjia until the end of the quest at Light Summit."
"Thank you so much." Thunderous Battle was incredibly happy.
Their suggestion was very good. If they extended the scouting line until it was sixty-two miles wide, not only would it provide Mu Clan ample time to react to the situation and mobilize their forces, they could also use the terrain to set up ambushes. They could take the initiative to attack and occupy various advantageous spots, which was very important.
Absolutely Nonsense smiled and said, "Stabilizing the alliance of the five sects is a shared dream between us. If we don't help you, who should we help? The game has just been launched for more than half a year, and Class One Hall already considers themselves as the leader of the game. No one is pleased with it.
"We really wish that they will come to Baokang to play. Chivalry Sect has set up a few branches in the cities nearby. They have more than four thousand people stationed there, and if we include the people from our sects, it won't be a problem for us to cripple Class One Hall."
The expression of Chivalry Sect's branch master Swans turned cold, and he snorted. "Class One Hall won't take that risk. Vice Sect Master Lin Xiao and Red Dust have already let the anger they felt for what happened to Beautiful Robes Faction burn in them for a long time. The branches nearby are filled with the elites from our sect.
"Unless Class One Hall mobilizes all their forces, they won't have a chance against us. But if that's the case, Class One Hall will also suffer a huge blow. They have to fend against Chivalry Sect and Towering Palace. If they bring ten thousand people here, it'll be easy for them to enter Baokang, but if they want to leave and go back? Hmph… It'll be very difficult for them."
When the four men heard Swans' accidental revelation, their expressions changed.
Chapter 405 - Gather in Mount Huangshan
There was only one day left before the final battle at Light Summit!
Dream Clouds, Barren Murderer, and Blood Robes continued to stay in Beijing.
"It's about time." The three monsters gathered together in the main meeting room of the headquarters. They cast a glance at the time, looked at each other, and nodded. They then walked to the field outside the headquarters.
While they moved, they spoke to each other quickly. "Happy's progress has slowed down; he hasn't reached Mount Huangshan yet. He should need a day to arrive. If we head out now, we'll be in time to reach Mount Huangshan."
"Very good. Mobilize our forces. We'll head out immediately." Dream Clouds felt relaxed, and she gave her order without hesitation.
*****
At the same time Mu Clan worked together to fend against Class One Hall's possible invasion into Baokang, Class One Hall was also fending against Happy's possible invasion warily.
As a m.a.t.u.r.e and large gaming guild, Class One Hall was even more cautious and careful compared to normal sects. During critical moments, they would advance gradually and carefully. They did not dare to take even a single wrong step, because they could not afford to lose. If they did, they would not just lose the reputation they acc.u.mulated, but their prestige and golden title as the strongest. Once they made a mistake, it would be enough for them to fall down from the top of the pyramid.
Even though Class One Hall's structure placed them at the top of the game, the
re were still a few thorns in their side, and the very first one of them was Happy!
The moment Barren Murderer died, they gained a whole new understanding toward Happy.
His dazzling and breathtaking sword was something that even Dream Clouds did not have the courage to block. Besides, Happy attacked even more madly than anyone else. When he should attack, he would do so with the force of a thunderbolt, and he would show no mercy.
When he should be calm, he would consider matters more than anyone else. Regardless of whether it was his hand in the development of his clan, his influence toward his clan behind the scenes, his grasp of the development of the game, or his control over fortuitous events, he was much better than anyone else.
Happy had also entered Life and Death Realm much earlier than they expected!
Besides, Happy seemed to have a direct connection to the fall of Vast Martial City's Black Willow Mountain Manor.
They were also worried that if they moved out, he would appear in Beijing.
Fortunately, Happy seemed to have the intention to avoid trouble, so both parties had some space to breathe.
*****
In less than half an hour, hundreds of Class One Hall members with great equipment and the presence of elites gathered in the field.
"Move out!"
The group tugged at their reins and flipped on their horses.
Blood Robes turned his head around and instructed a group of people standing on the stairs of the headquarters. "Evil Wolf, Monk, I'll hand over the headquarters to you. Remember that you are not allowed to have anything happen to it. Even if you die, you must last until we return."
Evil Wolf and Monk with Thick Eyebrows wrapped their fists in their palms at the same time. "Hall master, vice hall masters, do not worry. With us around, nothing will happen. Everyone, please have a safe journey."
Dream Clouds nodded. Without any hesitation, she tugged at the reins and rushed into the streets with her horse. She was followed by Blood Robes and Barren Murderer.
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