Chapter 92: Digital Cruise (Part 5)

Chapter 92: Digital Cruise (Part 5)

In fact, before arriving, everyone had experimented with what would happen if a player with higher digits issued a command to a player with lower digits, but the latter resisted and genuinely rebelled.

Nie Shuangshuang was initially somewhat worried. Although the butler NPC dressed in a tailcoat didn't mention the consequences of rebellion in the hall at that time, based on her past gaming experiences, penalties for violating the rules tended to be severe.

Under Zhang Daoan's request, Qi Chanyang issued a task to Jie Fangcheng.

"Uh... could you dance a little?"

Jie Fangcheng glanced at him and remained unresponsive.

Nie Shuangshuang was puzzled: "Is it because the request is too simple that there's no penalty?"

"There's a countdown," Jie Fangcheng spoke.

In truth, Jie Fangcheng's vision had already changed.

The room, once spacious and brightly lit, now seemed ensconced in a sallow glow, akin to being blanketed with a blood-stained tissue. The objects in his line of sight appeared as if smeared with a viscous layer of blood, even limiting his field of vision. It felt as though the air before him was filled with a red fog, blurring everything beyond a distance of two or three meters.

At a level parallel to his eyes, a vibrant red five-minute countdown appeared, accompanied by several lines of small text.

[Alert: You have been assigned the task "Dance" by player [Qi Chanyang]. Please complete the task before the countdown ends.]

[Notice: 1. Players are required to earnestly complete the "Dance" task; failure to comply will trigger [Guardian Attack].]

[2. You cannot accept another task until this one is completed.]

After reading it, Jie Fangcheng couldn't help but say, "Is that it?"

Nie Shuangshuang would have been considerably worried if the penalty involved something like instant death, but a guardian attack... Of course, if it were any other player triggering this, it would indeed be a fearsome punishment.

The NPCs enforcing the guardian rules are evidently very strong, especially in this level-five instance.

But who was before them now? Jie Fangcheng.

Aside from the NPCs he couldn't catch up with, who else couldn't he beat just by brandishing a stick?

A guardian attack, you say? He'd be thanking his lucky stars if he didn't initiate an attack on the guardians.

After listening, Zhang Daoan gave a slight nod, remarking, "Just don't kill off all the guardians if there aren't many."

"Got it!" Jie Fangcheng rolled up his sleeves.

The five minutes passed in a blink of an eye.

As Nie Shuangshuang was still straining her ears to determine the source of the incoming guardians, Jie Fangcheng had already turned around.

"Here they come."

In the next instant, a massive wave surged forward. Under the pitch-black night, the sea swelled, rushing onto the deck before hastily receding, leaving behind two octopuses over two meters tall.

A piercing alarm rang in Jie Fangcheng's ears.

[Warning! Warning! You have exceeded the time limit for your task! The guardians of the Abraham Cruise are furious with your actions! They will launch an attack on you lasting for 30 minutes!]

The two octopuses raised their heads, their writhing tentacles intertwining as they climbed onto the second-floor deck, seemingly about to reach Jie Fangcheng's window imminently.

They appeared to move slowly but their pace was far from sluggish.

In the past, the individuals present would have found this scene terrifying and adrenaline-pumping, urging an immediate escape.

But now, Nie Shuangshuang even had the leisure to taunt: "Even the octopuses are faster than you."

After her teasing, she noticed Jie Fangcheng's face change, and he rushed towards the floor-to-ceiling window at breakneck speed, flinging it open and darting out.

Nie Shuangshuang swiftly followed suit.

What has happened? Why has his expression suddenly become so grave?

Nie Shuangshuang rushed to Jie Fangcheng's side.

She was fast. By the time she got there, Jie Fangcheng had just opened the window. He locked eyes with the two octopuses, said something under his breath, and then with a bold step forward, charged straight at the octopuses.

Nie Shuangshuang's reaction instantly plunged everyone else into a tense atmosphere. Wei Yuan quickly adopted a battle stance, inquiring, "What happened? What did he say?"

With a stoic face, Nie Shuangshuang turned and replied, "He said, 'This octopus looks quite wet; I can't let it enter my room.'"

Everyone: "..."

Just two or three minutes later, accompanied by the sounds of splashes, Jie Fangcheng leaped back onto the deck.

Drenched, he pointed towards the bathroom as he reached the balcony.

Nie Shuangshuang was confused, "Why?"

Zhang Daoan had already gone to the bathroom to fetch a towel for him.

As Jie Fangcheng dried his hair, he grumbled, "These guardians are really annoying."

Nie Shuangshuang couldn't hold back, "You're the annoying one! Still obsessed with cleanliness even while raiding a dungeon?!"

Jie Fangcheng frowned, "If the octopus came in, it would make the floor and bed all wet. How would one sleep at night? Who likes sleeping in a wet bed? Do you?"

After saying this, Jie Fangcheng hesitated for a moment, recalling that this girl had once declared she was willing to kiss a zombie, he wasn't quite sure the extent of her unusual tastes, so he cautiously added, "Of course, I don't mean to disrespect your personal preferences, it's just that I'm not accustomed to it."

Ugh!

Nie Shuangshuang was lost for words.

But after Jie Fangcheng had finished drying his hair and body, he suddenly turned around, his brow furrowing.

"There's more?"

The alarm sounded once again.

[Warning! Warning! You have exceeded the task time limit! The guardians of the Abraham Cruise are extremely furious with your actions! They will initiate a 30-minute attack on you!]

This time, four jellyfish were charging forward.

Jie Fangcheng sighed, tossed the towel onto the balcony, and dashed out once more.

This time he was more cautious. After repelling the four jellyfish, he didn't return, instead standing directly on the deck,

Amidst the rustling sea breeze, he embraced the stick in his arms. His silhouette looked both graceful and bizarre.

Nie Shuangshuang couldn't help but feel the urge to make a sarcastic remark.

"Doesn't this guy resemble the Monkey King? He's just missing a headband."

"What do you mean by 'Supreme Treasure'?" Wei Yuan asked.

"It's from 'A Chinese Odyssey', haven't you seen it?"

Wei Yuan shook his head: "Before I died, we were poor and didn't have a TV at home."

Nie Shuangshuang paused for a moment, then patted him on the shoulder: "Don't worry, you'll have the chance when we get back."

All Wei Yuan did was smile: "Let's go with the flow."

Meanwhile, Jie Fangcheng finally returned after fending off another wave of eight bizarre fish-like creatures.

"Is it over?" Nie Shuangshuang asked.

"Yes."

"What did the notification say?"

"It notified me that [Guardian Attack Ended]," Jie Fangcheng said somewhat resignedly, "If it was a simple task, I would have just done it. Those fish were quite sticky."

Nie Shuangshuang admitted candidly: "If you weren't here and we were assigned a task, we would definitely have to do it."

Now, Jie Fangcheng and his group had come to find Gu Zailai. After Gu Zailai issued the task with such grandiosity, Jie Fangcheng paused for a moment.

He turned to look at Nie Shuangshuang and Wei Yuan standing at the doorway: "The countdown has changed, now it's ten minutes."

It seems that the time limit is also related to the difficulty level of the task.

Gu Zailai didn't know what they were discussing, but after issuing the task, he received a notification saying [Task Issued Successfully], and he was instantly ecstatic.

This youngster indeed doesn't have a number as high as his! He's doomed!

On the other side, Nie Shuangshuang was still inquiring: "So, are you going to wait for the guardian to come up?"

"I don't think so," Jie Fangcheng said, scratching his ear, "The constant alarm in my ear is quite annoying."

"Huh? Are you planning to jump into the sea? Can you swim?"

"Nope," Jie Fangcheng replied, turning to Gu Zailai, "Hey, can you swim?"

Gu Zailai was stunned.

The watch displayed not only numbers but also the rules for issuing tasks.

One of the rules was that tasks encouraging suicide could not be issued.

The idea of jumping into the sea was something he just picked up from Shu Yuan. The guy might be a bit foolish, but he indeed provided some inspiration.

Because, strictly speaking, jumping into the sea couldn't be considered suicide; what if one just wanted to take a quick dip?

But judging by the state of this sea, plunging in would certainly spell doom.

At this moment, Jie Fangcheng wore an incredibly nonchalant expression, prompting Gu Zailai to involuntarily respond to him: “I will...”

“See, the lad agrees.” Jie Fangcheng promptly fetched a bundle of rope from his system backpack, tied up Gu Zailai, secured the other end around his own waist, and handed the loose end to Wei Yuan.

“I'll go down. Once the task indicates it's complete, I'll shake the rope—then you pull me back up, alright?”

Saying so, he ushered Gu Zailai out of the room.

In his vibrant gaming career, Gu Zailai had never experienced such a scenario. Only after stepping outside and being hit by the sea breeze did he regain his senses.

“What do you think you're doing??”

Jie Fangcheng found his reaction quite baffling: “Taking a leap into the sea, wasn't that your request?”

“If you want to leap, go by yourself! Why are you dragging me along?”

Jie Fangcheng couldn't help but shake his head in amusement: “Has this kid been knocked senseless? Is this a matter up for negotiation now? You're already like a turtle trapped in a jar, my friend!”

In the midst of their conversation, Jie Fangcheng had already dragged Gu Zailai onto the deck. Gu Zailai struggled furiously, trying to activate his skills, but for some reason, the man holding onto him seemed to possess a special ability that firmly suppressed him, preventing the use of any skills.

Subsequently, the two of them made a “splash” as they jumped into the sea together from the deck.

Nie Shuangshuang even added a voiceover, playfully echoing: “You jump! I jump!”①

Soon after, she felt Zhang Dao'an turning his head to glance at her.

Nie Shuangshuang suddenly felt a shiver down her spine, and instantly turned her head back.

However, Jiang Daoan had already diverted his gaze.

In the sea.

In the pitch-dark waters devoid of any speck of light, Gu Zailai felt as if he hadn't plunged into the sea, but rather fell into a deep well during winter.

The water was bone-chilling, the surrounding sea pressed down heavily, it felt like countless icy spikes were piercing through him... perhaps the comparison was more than apt.

Gu Zailai felt a harsh impact on his ribcage, followed by a slimy sensation enveloping him.

His grip loosened at some point, enabling him to finally use his skills.

A pair of serpentine vertical pupils opened underwater, and the sight before him made his hairs stand on end instantaneously.

Uncountable bizarre marine creatures swarmed around him, with a strange fish gnawing at his calf.

—— This scene seemed eerily familiar.

Among his abilities, many involve summoning serpents; at his pinnacle, he can summon hundreds in a single instance. This serves as a testament to the prowess he takes great pride in.

Gu Zailai takes pleasure in tormenting his adversaries. The moniker "Cobra" was bestowed upon him chiefly due to an encounter five years ago during a nationwide dungeon event, where he, not yet a top contender in the rankings, crossed paths with a woman who was then ranked twenty-first on the leaderboard.

The woman was beautiful, yet icy and aloof, a lone ranger without allegiance to any guild.

Attracted by her good looks, Gu Zailai contemplated establishing a rapport with her during the dungeon run.

Although she was a "big shot" on the leaderboard, her stunning appearance led him to suspect that her ranking might not be entirely earned, at least not in the way his, which was purely based on skill, had been.

Considering the mediocre abilities of the others in the dungeon, wouldn't this woman have to rely solely on herself to complete the mission?

However, he hadn't anticipated that his advances would be rejected.

Furthermore, this woman actually possessed considerable skill, managing to lead a group of average players to the final stages of the dungeon.

Gu Zailai spent each day anticipating her failure, yet on the last day, 37% of the players in the dungeon remained, with her clearly playing a pivotal role.

This couldn't be allowed to continue.

He felt compelled to dampen this woman's soaring spirit!

So, on the final day, Gu Zailai deceitfully alarmed the twenty-first ranked female player, making her believe that the players at the base were in trouble, prompting her to hurriedly abandon her task and rush back to the base.

Subsequently... she found herself blindsided by Gu Zailai's "Song of Ice and Fire" attack.

Yet even though she was struck, her top-tier ranking wasn't for show, astonishingly holding onto life and even finding the strength to counterattack.

Left with no other choice, Gu Zailai summoned every snake he could to drain her endurance.

In the end, the once verdant forest was strewn with fresh blood, the ground littered with the carcasses of snakes, with only a battered King Cobra and a severely injured Gu Zailai struggling to remain standing.

Since that moment, his nickname was set in stone.

Cobra - a moniker he took great pride in.

But now, the marine creatures encircling him resembled besieging snakes, their pairs of eyes fixated on him menacingly.

Being the hunter was undoubtedly satisfying, but becoming the prey was a distressingly terrible experience.

Gu Zailai enjoyed witnessing the desperate, grotesque struggles of his dying adversaries; now, finding himself in that position, he only wished he had extra hands to fend off his attackers.

A massive jellyfish collided into him, causing Gu Zailai to stagger backward, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

He fervently commanded his summoned snakes to attack the surrounding monsters, but in the pitch-black ocean, such resistance was akin to a mayfly trying to shake a tree.

Despite unleashing countless skills and utilizing numerous rare items, it was all in vain.

His lower leg had been reduced to mere bones, but there was no time to consume any potions.

This wasn't looking good...

Before Gu Zailai, an indistinguishable entity covered in tentacles broke through the snake barrier, its massive tendrils reaching out to ensnare him.

Just at that moment, he felt a sudden jolt from the rope tied around his waist, pulling him swiftly to the surface.

As the tentacles pursued him in fury, Gu Zailai's vision blurred momentarily, only to refocus on Xie Fangcheng below him, holding onto the rope with one hand and fiercely smashing the tentacles with a stick in the other.

The sea churned tumultuously.

Gu Zailai was momentarily stunned.

Above the sea's surface... floated an array of bizarre corpses.

Were all these creatures defeated by this person?

Damn... How can there be such a formidable player?

The rope retracted rapidly, and upon reaching the deck, Nie Shuangshuang quickly asked, "How did it go? Is the mission accomplished?"

Just after Xie Fangcheng had entered the sea, the rope began thrashing erratically, making it impossible to discern from the deck what was transpiring in the pitch-black waters below. All they could witness was a scene reminiscent of a torpedo hitting the water, with marine creatures in a frenetic upheaval, their screams almost audible from the deck. Soon, motionless bodies of sea monsters began to emerge, unclear whether dead or merely unconscious.

Everyone had no choice but to wait.

It wasn't until Xie Fangcheng, standing atop a shark, gestured towards them that they finally pulled him up.

Xie Fangcheng nodded, "Done. There was another countdown after I went down, all sorted within a minute."

Wei Yuan, who had accompanied him on a previous run, couldn't help but inwardly criticize: The word "just" was used quite liberally here; an average player would have been done in about ten seconds.

Looking at Gu Zailai, this young man was indeed among the top twenty players; though morally reprehensible, his abilities were not to be underestimated.

However, he was now marred and battered, with both legs gnawed to bones from the knees down.

Having finally climbed up, Gu Zailai tremulously opened his system backpack and guzzled down a bottle of system elixir.

Since Xie Fangcheng had completed the task he posted, the reward had been automatically deducted.

Xie Fangcheng's score had changed to 178, while he plummeted to 12.

Spot #1!

With such a score... he couldn't even afford tomorrow's base points!

Would he need to find other players soon to score points from??

But clearly, his concerns were too premature as Xie Fangcheng squatted before him once again, thrusting the list in his face.

"Hand these over, or I'll throw you back into the sea right now."

Gu Zailai's fingers trembled.

If it had been earlier, he might have put up a struggle, but after what he had just endured in the sea, he knew all too well that being thrown back in would leave him with no chance of survival.

Resigned to his fate, Gu Zailai took the list. A quick glance revealed that the person who created the list knew him all too well; it was evident that he had been a target for quite some time.

"This one, and this one, plus these two, are one-time use, I utilized them in the previous dungeon, so I cannot hand them over. These other two were damaged during a fight with another player."

Gu Zailai selected six items that were quite valuable, albeit not exceedingly so.

He knew that the other party might not agree if he chose the more valuable items, but with these six items as a compromise, surely the other party wouldn't abandon the rest over such a small discrepancy?

Xie Fangcheng turned around.

Zhang Daoan cast a glance, fully aware of Gu Zailai's underlying intentions.

Among the six items he had chosen were defensive and offensive tools, along with an invisibility talisman capable of deceiving NPCs. Clearly, he believed that these items would help him survive through this dungeon.

As long as he could withstand this dungeon, there would be prospects ahead.

However, Zhang Daoan seemed indifferent, giving a nod of agreement: "Alright."

After presenting half of the items, Gu Zailai attempted to negotiate further: "I can't give you everything at once. How will my personal safety be guaranteed? Let's do this: I'll give you half now, and before exiting the dungeon, I'll..."

Xie Fangcheng slammed his stick against the wall behind Gu, who narrowly avoided a potentially fatal blow to his head.

"Hurry up, let's finish this and get back," Xie Fangcheng said, clearly impatient.

Gu Zailai gritted his teeth, but dared not disobey, continuing to hand over the items reluctantly.

Nie Shuangshuang and Wei Yuan, once notable figures on the scoreboards, seemed calm despite the scattering of "rare" illuminating objects on the ground; even Qi Chanyang was dumbfounded.

Was this the prestigious path Xie was on? How come he seemed so adept at robbery? Was this a skill nurtured in the upper echelons??

After scattering his equipment all over the ground, an act that required immense restraint to not mourn the loss of his hard-earned treasures, Gu Zailai looked up: "Can I leave now?"

Zhang Daoan nodded: "Go."

Xie Fangcheng added a warning: "Don't cause trouble, or I'll bash your head in!"

For others, it might just be a threat, but Gu Zailai, having had a few close encounters with that stick, clutched his aching arm and silently opened the door to leave.

Only after his departure did Nie Shuangshuang inquire: "We're just letting him go like that?"

Zhang Daoan simply nodded.

"The one seeking revenge is nearby; it's no longer our concern."

Zhang Daoan had noticed something strange back in the hall.

The look in the eyes of the deceived player was not that of betrayal, but a deep-seated hatred that had been suppressed for a long time.

Gu Zailai considered this person a fool, unaware that he was the one being deceived.

Thus, shortly after he stepped out of the door, the surroundings suddenly plunged into darkness.

He lifted his head, momentarily stunned.

Shu Yuan, that foolish lad, stood right before him.

Gu Zailai felt a jolt of shock inside, but maintained a stoic expression on the outside: "Get lost! Or I'll slaughter you!"

Shu Yuan responded with nothing but a cold chuckle.

Everyone had one opportunity each day to assign a task to a player with a lower numerical value. Although he had issued a task in the hall earlier, he hadn't used up this chance since Gu Zailai's value was higher than his own.

Just a while ago, he had stealthily hid near Gu Zailai's room, but was somehow detected by the man wearing glasses.

The man didn't expel him, but merely nodded subtly at him, mouthing: "Wait."

From his corner, he overheard everything that unfolded in the room afterwards.

Indeed, the tables have turned!

Gu Zailai had a well-known reputation, how could Shu Yuan possibly be unaware?

He had feigned foolishness to solicit a team-up with Gu Zailai, hoping for an opportunity to avenge the seemingly aloof but genuinely gentle girl.

Shu Yuan understood his own limitations - no matter how high the public dungeon's clearance rate was, it wouldn't reach substantial heights. He had exhausted too many items and points in the last dungeon just to survive; the clearance rate in the public dungeon was simply too low for him.

Why not drag him to hell before dying! Surely, in hell, the gap in their power wouldn't remain as vast? Together with Jingjing, they could finally exact vengeance upon their nemesis, couldn't they?

Shu Yuan fixed his gaze on him, fingers trembling slightly: "I command you... to jump into the sea! Circle the ship twice before returning!"

"You son of a..." Gu Zailai erupted in fury, as a ten-minute countdown appeared before his eyes.

He activated his skill, but Shu Yuan just laughed heartily. After being sent flying by a slap and coughing up blood, he vanished swiftly before him.

Only a sea of red and that alarming countdown remained in front of Gu Zailai.

"Aaaaahhh!" He screamed, on the verge of breakdown.

.

In Xie Fangcheng's room, Nie Shuangshuang and Wei Yuan were meticulously sorting through Gu Zailai's "inheritance".

"We can give this to Sui Sui. This thing is worth about four million." Nie Shuangshuang selected a weapon resembling a cleaver. Although not a rare weapon, it increased strength and would fetch a good price. It was somewhat similar to the item Xie Fangcheng used, suitable for novices.

Qi Chanyang already had a similar weapon, clearly there was no need for another one.

Then, without any reservation, Nie Shuangshuang picked up the green bracelet that housed the flower fairy.

"I'm taking this. The market price is probably around two hundred million. I'll repay it slowly."

Xie Fangcheng paused, "Repay whom?"

"You, of course," Nie Shuangshuang stated plainly, "You were the one who put in the effort to defeat Gu Zailai, naturally, all these belongings are yours. Is there any doubt?"

Xie Fangcheng couldn't help but chuckle: "Just take them, why bother with what's yours or mine? What use would I have for them anyway?"

Nie Shuangshuang held the "Hymn of Ice and Snow" in her hand as an example: "That's where you are mistaken. Take these two guns for instance, their kind are powerhouse weapons on the props leaderboard, virtually priceless. The last one sold was the 'Grain of the Universe', ranked ninth on the weapon leaderboard, with a transaction value of forty billion points, plus two rare props and a rare skill. How could I possibly feel at ease taking something of such value for free?"

"Don't I still owe you a substantial amount of points?"

"The values are completely unequal!"

Xie Fangcheng remained indifferent: "They all look the same in my eyes."

Nie Shuangshuang was touched.

Xie Fangcheng continued: "Besides, I might need to use your share in the future..."

Nie Shuangshuang glared at him.

Wei Yuan also picked up an item.

"'Ideal Space', does any of you need this?"

Nie Shuangshuang understood at a glance.

"Is it for Qiao Mai?"

Wei Yuan smiled sheepishly.

Qiao Mai was his girlfriend, they met in Ronghua and have maintained a great relationship over the years.

Both were orphans in reality and had never considered leaving this game, hoping to spend a long and lasting time together.

This 'Ideal Space' wasn't a rare skill, seeming rather insignificant. It allowed one to arrange the room layout at a fixed location according to personal preference, worth about a hundred thousand points on the market, but it was hard to come by.

At this moment, as Wei Yuan requested it, Xie Fangcheng generously gestured: "Take, take, take!"

Wei Yuan didn't stand on ceremony: "Thank you."

After picking up two items, they just sat there. Qi Chanyang remained completely motionless, not even glancing at these items.

Xie Fangcheng grew impatient after urging them a couple of times, decisively grabbing two of the shiniest items and stuffing them into Zhong Daoan's hands.

"Yours."

He then divided the remaining items into three portions, shoving them into the arms of Nie Shuangshuang and the others.

"Take them and leave, it's time to sleep!"

Wei Yuan's face turned red, hastily pushing them back: "This won't do, this won't do, it's unacceptable."

These were so many items, representing the entire fortune of the fourteenth-ranked player. He hadn't contributed anything, how could he possibly have the cheek to take them?

Xie Fangcheng withdrew his staff, "Leave, now!"

Nie Shuangshuang coughed lightly, always accustomed to being bold, but at this moment, she appeared somewhat coy while holding the pile of items, "Isn't this too much?"

Xie Fangcheng couldn't help but smile wryly, "I mean, big sister, please hurry up and leave, I'm getting really tired here."

Only then did Nie Shuangshuang nod with restraint.

Qi Chanyang was so thoughtful and considerate of others. Just as they were about to reach the door, he suddenly paused, "The national dungeon event is about to start. Given my low number of completions, a level one dungeon would suffice for me. I won't need these items yet. President Wei, you and Sister Shuangshuang should take them and distribute them to whoever needs them in the guild."

Wei Yuan was even more moved, rejecting the offer, "But since Brother Xie gave them to you, you should keep them. I will figure something out for how the others will clear the national dungeons."

Nie Shuangshuang hesitated too, "How about we don't divide them now and just stack them together? When we return, we can organize these items, understand their attributes, and decide who can utilize them. Everyone indeed needs these items for the national dungeon due to our inadequate strength. But since they were given to you, you should keep them as a loan. Would that be alright?"

Nie Shuangshuang also looked at Xie Fangcheng for his opinion.

Xie Fangcheng smashed the table with a clang, looking at them expressionlessly.

Everyone dispersed like birds and beasts.

Zhong Daoan was the last to leave, holding two items that Xie Fangcheng had directly retrieved without checking what they were.

But the radiant glow of the rare items was dazzling, similar to the golden sparkle that came with orange weapons in browser games.

At this moment, Zhong Daoan held one in each hand, even smiling as he showcased them to Xie Fangcheng.

Only after seeing them did Xie Fangcheng feel something was amiss.

[Item: Princess Crown · Rare]

[Description: You are the sole heir to the king. In this turbulent and chaotic era, are you ready to wear this princess crown?]

[Tip: Remember, not only appearance can deceive the eyes, but also demeanor and actions.]

[Function: Transform into a princess, with everyone within a fifty-meter radius becoming your subjects!]

[Special Skill 1: Princess Decree]

[Function: Issue decrees, altering the rules of the kingdom. But bear in mind, you are only a princess, not a king.]

[Special Skill 2: Knight's Oath]

[Function: How could a princess be without knightly guardians by her side? Summon your knights and let them pledge their loyalty to you!]

The other item was also a rare one.

[Item: Clown Mask · Rare]

[Description: A clown is supposed to bring joy to their audience! If they don't laugh, has the clown done something wrong?]

[Tip: But remember, a clown never makes mistakes. Be careful! If they don't laugh, it will get angry!]

【Function: Summon a clown to entertain your opponent or provoke the clown's anger.】

Zhong Daoan seemed utterly unconcerned, even complimenting with good humor, "The crown looks quite nice."

Xie Fangcheng touched his nose, "Cough, does it?"

After showing them to Xie Fangcheng, Zhong Daoan returned the two items to his system backpack, then waved at him as a goodbye gesture.

"Thank you for your hard work, goodnight."

"Goodnight, goodnight!"

After closing the door, Xie Fangcheng took a bath and laid down on the bed with closed eyes.

He opened his eyes three minutes later.

Oh no.

He was genuinely curious, what would Zhong Daoan, who always appeared as a courteous university professor, look like wearing that princess crown?

A cross-dressing expert, perhaps?

.

Unfortunately, just as Xie Fangcheng lay down and was about to fall asleep, he heard the sound of fighting coming from the ship.

Opening his eyes, he groggily walked out of his room, bumping into Zhong Daoan who was coming to find him.

Zhong Daoan looked as if he had anticipated this.

"The fight has started," he said with a calm demeanor.

"Ah..." In the middle of Xie Fangcheng's yawn, Nie Shuangshuang, Wei Yuan, and several members of the Ronghua Guild also emerged from their rooms.

Most people present had actually anticipated this scene.

Because the points awarded in the dungeon were too few, there would always be some players unable to afford the basic expenses for the next day.

Under such circumstances, there would surely be people who directly rob others of their share, perhaps forcing players with lower scores to assign tasks to themselves using methods like those employed by Gu Zai, thereby earning the differential scores, or perhaps employing even more despicable means.

"Damn it! Aren't we in the same guild?!" A furious roar erupted from the distance.

After someone responded to him, the furious individual fell silent.

Everyone was very quiet, having heard what the response had been.

——"Think about your partner, they are still out there."

The person being threatened might not be the one with the lowest or highest score, and perhaps not the weakest in terms of strength.

But at this moment, those with loved ones and vulnerabilities outside are the easiest to break.

"Should we intervene?" Nie Shuangshuang couldn't help but ask.

"Let's wait till tomorrow," Zhong Daoan said, watching quietly, "These guild players won't utterly annihilate the players from their own guild who lost points today. They will ensure these people survive until tomorrow morning, at least to see what happens if the points are insufficient before they take action. Solo players, apart from Gu Zailai, are generally average in skill and wouldn't rashly attack others under these circumstances. Tonight should remain relatively calm."

So spoke Zhong Daoan.

Nie Shuangshuang and Wei Yuan were no longer surprised by such incidents, and everyone gradually retreated to their rooms.

Xie Fangcheng was somewhat curious, "Wouldn't it be more convenient if I just beat all the NPCs?"

Zhong Daoan shook his head, "Keeping these NPCs alive is beneficial. After all, there are too many players now, and the skill levels of these Ronghua players vary greatly, making protection difficult."

"Oh." Xie Fangcheng nodded in understanding.

Zhong Daoan looked towards the directions where noises were still emanating and smiled, "Growing up in a harmonious society has its downsides. They fear unarmed murderers but are not afraid of police armed with real guns and bullets."

Xie Fangcheng froze, then couldn't help but smile too.

"You might have a misconception about me."

"What?"

Xie Fangcheng pointed to himself, "I am not a guardian of peace."