The member of the Divine Fist Sect player died on the spot.
Behind him, a burly man with a stubbly face, dressed in the attire of a constable, drew a long sword.
With a graceful flick, he shook off the blood clinging to the blade.
Then, after wiping it clean with his sleeve, he sheathed the sword.
His movements were smooth and flowing, without the slightest hesitation, exuding the aura of a master, catching the attention of all players present.
“Whoa, who’s this grizzled expert? Anyone know?”
“Judging by the constable’s uniform, probably a constable.”
“Truly, a word from a gentleman is worth more than a whole book.”
“Pfft, I warned that idiot, but he wouldn’t listen. Now he’s been one-shot. Serves him right.”
“NPCs are supposed to be respectful to us, why would they draw their sword and kill?”
“No clue.”
“So fierce. From now on, we better be more cautious. Losing a level takes forever to get back.”
Perhaps it was out of respect that the Song Dynasty showed towards the Celestial Alliance, repeatedly showing restraint, which emboldened the players.
But seeing the constable draw his sword to kill brought consequences, and players began to restrain the darker, more violent impulses inside them.
“Constable Qin, you’re in big trouble now.”
The County Magistrate looked at the vanishing corpse on the ground, his dazed expression snapping back to reality.
His eyes were complicated as they turned to the constable standing before him.
Qin Long calmly clasped his fists and replied, “County Magistrate, I only killed an assassin. How is that a big deal?”
“You…”
The County Magistrate sighed, “Forget it.”
He didn’t want to blame Qin Long too harshly.
After all, this life was saved by him.
If he punished Qin Long now, his men would lose heart.
If there was a next time, no one would stand up to protect him.
But if he didn’t hold Qin Long accountable, it would be difficult to explain to the sect.
“As an imperial official, I have to maintain order. The Divine Fist Sect disciples tried to assassinate me without distinction, whether before the court or the alliance, we stand justified.”
“But Constable Qin, you might not be afraid openly, but behind the scenes, be careful. Though the Divine Fist Sect ranks lowest among the sects, they aren’t ordinary people like you and me.”
Qin Long clasped his fists again and bowed.
“Thank you, County Magistrate. If the Divine Fist Sect truly acts unreasonably, my sword will not reason with them.”
The County Magistrate smiled bitterly.
“Alright then. I owe you my life, Constable Qin. If you ever need help, just come to me.”
“Understood.”
Qin Long bowed his head in acknowledgment.
Their conversation was naturally overheard by the surrounding players.
The group exchanged confused looks.
It felt like they, the players, had become the villains.
“Well said. This NPC… no, this hero, clearly the other guy started it. The hero’s attack was justified. If that guy comes back for revenge, our Shu Mountain’s True Shameless Sword will definitely assist.”
A Shu Mountain player shouted, stepping forward to clasp his fists towards Qin Long.
Seeing the white garments of this sect disciple, different from the Divine Fist Sect, Qin Long didn’t dare be arrogant.
Since they treated him politely, he couldn’t respond coldly.
Clasping his fists, he replied, “Hero, you flatter me. Please just call me Constable Qin. Qin Long thanks Brother True Shameless Sword of Shu Mountain.”
“Haha, Constable Qin has a good temper.”
Seeing True Shameless Sword and Qin Long getting along so well, the players finally understood.
“Damn, that guy’s just brown-nosing to raise this expert NPC’s favorability.”
“So sly, really sly.”
“I think we should stop calling him True Shameless Sword and just call him Truly Shameless.”
“Don’t just stand there, what if this expert has a hidden quest?”
“How do you know?”
“Didn’t you see that world-weary look on the expert’s face? Dare you say there’s no backstory?”
“Makes sense!”
Chen Xiaoyan and her group had just arrived when they saw a crowd of players fawning over an NPC, acting like bootlickers.
This scene truly stunned them.
Could there really be a hidden quest with this NPC?
“Xiaoyan sis, let’s go see what’s going on.”
“Okay.”
They stored their mounts back in their inventory and prepared to approach.
But just as they neared, a few surprised shouts came from the players.
“Finally, a healer has arrived!”
“Healer?”
“Where? Where?”
At the mention of a healer, the players stopped flattering and immediately turned to search.
Sure enough, two extremely distinctive pink tube dresses in a team quickly caught their attention.
“There they are, two beauties from Tianxiang.”
“Tianxiang sisters, please carry me.”
“Mom, look at me! I’ve died twice here already. Mommaaa!”
“Huh? Didn’t you just arrive?”
“Mind your own business.”
“Tianxiang sisters, looking for a partner! I’ve got big gear, great healing, and tons of gold.”
“Scram! You’re disgusting. Are you two forming a team? Sister can hook you up with some gear.”
Facing the surging crowd, Chen Xiaoyan and Chongchong were so frightened they wanted to run, but before they could move, they were surrounded.
“Xiaoyan sis,” Chongchong hid timidly behind Chen Xiaoyan.
She turned back with a smile and comforted softly, “Don’t be afraid. Watch me.”
“Yanzi, I’m getting a little jealous. Why didn’t I get matched with the Tianxiang sect?”
Seeing Zhao Longjun smirking maliciously beside her, Chen Xiaoyan ground her teeth in frustration.
Not scared?
Then where’s the protection?
Serves him right for being single forever.
But now she had no time for him.
Taking a deep breath to calm her anger, she looked at the group of players.
“Stop, stop, stop. My name is Chen Xiaoyan. I’m currently the highest level in Tianxiang, with four healing skills. I guarantee you’ll get through this dungeon, but, well, it’s not free. One hundred thousand gold per run.”
One hundred thousand gold per run—only a fool would agree, but that was exactly the point.
This would send most running for the hills.
What she didn’t realize was that her words stunned not only the players but also Chongchong and Liu Yue.
“Xiaoyan sis, what are you doing? This will ruin your reputation,” Chongchong whispered anxiously.
“Shh~”
Chen Xiaoyan gestured for silence, unfazed.
Reputation?
What use did she have for that?
“Huh? Sister, are you crazy wanting money? One hundred thousand a run? Why don’t you just rob them?”
Chen Xiaoyan crossed her arms and smirked, “If you think it’s expensive, don’t use me. I’m not forcing anyone.”
“Disgusting attitude. So many players in Yihua Tianxiang, you really think you’re the only one?”
“Leaving, leaving. I’ll wait for another healer. Can’t afford this one.”
“Ugly people making trouble.”
“Um… sis, even though this Tianxiang girl is a bit greedy, she’s not ugly, right?”
“Ugly heart!”
Chen Xiaoyan’s single sentence cleared away ninety-nine percent of the players, and she was very satisfied with the result.
But a few people still hadn’t left.
Looking at the IDs above their heads, one caught Chen Xiaoyan’s eye.
“Mu Qingxue?”
She blinked adorably.
Wow, what a coincidence to run into her here.
[My Fate Is Mine, Not Heaven’s: Yanzi, that woman in white is Shu Mountain’s number one, Mu Qingxue, the big shot.]
[Chen Xiaoyan: Obviously, her ID is right there. I’m not blind.]