Chapter 104: Digital Cruise (XVII)

Chapter 104: Digital Cruise (XVII)

The fastest player in the entire game!!

Even Xie Fangcheng felt his heart racing and spirit soaring at this moment.

After all, no matter how strong he was, he couldn't catch up, constantly succumbing to speed. The frustration and suppression experienced were not something others could understand.

Xie Fangcheng seemed content, "No need to be too fast."

Xie Fangcheng added, "As long as I can catch up with Ji Ge, it's fine."

The nearby players cast sidelong glances.

Was this what he called "no need to be too fast"? Ji Ge was the fourth-ranked player on the leaderboard!

Even though Ji Ge was more attack-focused than speed-focused, his number of cleared levels and being Ji Chaoyang's younger brother, which afforded him superior skills and items compared to other leaderboard players, made him one of the top twenty fastest players.

If it were the Nie Shuangshuang before her downgrade, she would dare to claim her speed could surpass Ji Ge's, but how many "mad rabbits" were there in this game?

Xie Fangcheng's ambition was indeed a bit lofty!

Nie Shuangshuang didn't think so.

"He will catch up eventually." Given Xie Fangcheng's efficiency in clearing levels, if it wasn't a time-limited instance, his clearance speed would depend solely on how quickly he could defeat the BOSS, which was exceptionally fast.

For average players to clear a level five instance, the general preparation time would be considerably long.

Preparing props, researching strategies, contacting helpers... This is the scientific approach.

Bathing and fasting, offering incense to Buddha, selecting an auspicious day... This is the metaphysical approach.

Both aspects complement each other and are indispensable.

Now look at Xie Fangcheng, sometimes he's so fast that he doesn't even need to stop for a meal. It won't be long before his base speed increases, then what are Ji Ge and Ji Chaoyang to him but mere targets to be beaten left and right?

Nie Shuangshuang remarked as such, adding a prerequisite, "That is, if Ji Ge manages to survive until your base speed develops."

It seems that Xie Fangcheng doesn't harbor any obsession with "defeating Ji Ge". He is examining the items in his hand. Zhang Dao'an's remark, "I wonder if there are better ones" holds tremendous influence; those aspiring to join Ronghua now view this as one of the entry tests.

Brother Xie needs speed!

However, obtaining speed is not something that anyone can achieve through mere items; currently, the two items in Xie Fangcheng's possession are indeed the highest-speed items available.

Wei Yuan hesitated for a while, noticing that Zhang Dao'an had no intention of stopping the discussion. He even listened patiently, occasionally inquiring the players claiming to know the whereabouts of faster items or skills for further details, clearly genuinely considering their options.

What is this situation?!!

First, Wei Yuan gestured with both hands to calm the crowd, "Everyone, please remain calm!"

Once the surrounding crowd settled down, meeting his gaze with anticipatory eyes filled with various intentions, Wei Yuan uttered, "Let us discuss this," before pulling Zhang Dao'an back into the room.

Before closing the door, Wei Yuan peered out, gesturing to Xie Fangcheng to follow.

"Brother Xie, Brother Xie, could you join us, please?"

Xie Fangcheng was also curious to see how much speed these items could add, and amicably followed them into the room.

As soon as the door closed, Wei Yuan couldn't hold back any longer, "What exactly are you two thinking? Could you perhaps explain it to me?"

"Explain what?" Zhang Dao'an asked.

"The items! These expensive items... You're just accepting them like that? The motives of those joining Ronghua aren't that simple! Take that Han Zhiyan just now, for instance! Not a single truthful word came out of that kid's mouth. He claims he wants to join Ronghua, but who knows what he's really planning!"

"So?"

"What do you mean 'so'??"

Zhang Dao'an questioned him, "Is there a problem with people like him joining Ronghua?"

"Ah..." Wei Yuan was momentarily stunned.

Zhang Dao'an observed him, "Let me put it this way, Ronghua is now impoverished and barren. Even if he is a swindler, what could he possibly swindle here? Emotional attachment?"

"Uh..."

Wei Yuan found himself at a loss for words, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

"So your point is... as long as they come, we should accept them?"

"Give money or props, and you're in."

"..." Wei Yuan opened his mouth, realizing belatedly, "You... were you serious just now? Uniting all forces that can be united? Can unity be achieved with money?"

Professor Zhang gave him a look: "I won't bother explaining war economics to you, but you should at least be familiar with the concept of sunk cost, right? In three days we will exit this instance. Do you think there will be a swarm of players waiting outside, ready to take us down?"

"What?" Wei Yuan exclaimed in shock.

Zhang Dao'an looked at him helplessly: "Why do you think I informed these people early on that Manager Jie comes from the underworld? Do you think I’m playing the role of a professional consultant? Ji Chaoyang has already blocked you, he is preparing to deal with Ronghua. Do you really think you have the luxury of time to prepare slowly?"

"These players who want to join Ronghua, regardless of whether they harbor ulterior motives, will unconditionally side with us first when the cost they have to bear becomes substantial."

Wei Yuan couldn't figure it out: "Then why are we entering the instance? Wouldn't we be better able to counter Ji Chaoyang's tactics outside?"

"How would you counter?" asked Zhang Dao'an.

Wei Yuan froze.

Zhang Dao'an looked at him: "Uniting all forces that can be united does not work outside. Because outside the instance, the Chaoyang Guild holds an absolute advantage. Not only do they have more people, but as I see, half of the screens in the player lobby are maintained by them. They far exceed Ronghua in terms of discourse power and information flow. Only within the instance does Ronghua have an absolute advantage."

Why they have an absolute advantage doesn’t need explaining from Zhang Dao'an, as Wei Yuan could understand it — because Ronghua possesses the strongest player in the entire game.

At this time, having listened to Zhang Dao'an, Wei Yuan stood still for a long time before asking: "So, the current recruitment standard for Ronghua is... anyone can join as long as they pay?"

This was hard for Wei Yuan to accept, or to put it another way, it was hard for the current members of Ronghua to accept.

Ah, Ronghua, a final utopia for many players, how could they let just anyone act under the name of Ronghua so casually? If these newcomers cause chaos and tarnish Ronghua's reputation, what will they do?

Just then, Zhang Dao'an looked at him: "Wei Yuan."

Don't underestimate Zhang Dao'an; although he can sometimes be quite venomous, he rarely addresses people by their full names.

He tricked Nie Shuangshuang many times but when calling her, he would say "Miss Nie". This is someone who maintains a certain distance and displays polite manners.

At this moment, calling Wei Yuan by his full name, Wei Yuan paused: "Huh?"

"Have you ever harmed innocent players?"

"Ah," Wei Yuan paused for a moment, then nodded honestly, "Yes. But that was unavoidable, in instances where there is competition between players, it's a matter of life and death. But I have never harmed anyone unnecessarily!"

"But if your actions of harming innocent players were to occur in the real world, would you be considered a 'bad person'?"

Wei Yuan froze.

Zhang Dao'an looked at him seriously: "Many players are law-abiding citizens in the real world, with flaws big or small, such as being selfish or cowardly. They are not 'bad people' in a peaceful world, just ordinary people. But in this game, the standard for an ordinary person has changed; as long as you don't deliberately kill other players unnecessarily, you are considered a 'good person'. The criteria for being a good person has been relaxed — to put it harshly, if we judge the players who are still alive in this game by the moral standards of peacetime, none of the existing players in this game are good people, including the members of Ronghua."

"Why can most people be law-abiding citizens in the real world, but in the game, they all become blood-stained executioners? Because society has changed. Killing is against the law in the real world, but in this game, it's a necessity. Selfishness, intrigue, harboring ulterior motives... these are all part of the game's culture. In peacetime, well-fed and affluent people can donate money and goods as acts of charity, is this not a good person? But if this kind of good person continues to donate money and goods in this game, they would be endangering themselves. Would they still donate? Are they still good people now?"

Zhang Dao'an continued, "Good or bad is determined by the surrounding environment. Don't treat the ordinary people in this game as morally degraded enemies. You asked me about 'uniting all forces that can be united,' if there are forces 'that cannot be united'... I genuinely don't believe there are forces that cannot be united or won over. In my eyes, the actions of many players are merely the behaviors of 'ordinary people' considering their self-interest, just like that scheming Han Zhiyan outside, he hasn't taken any outrageous actions yet, only harboring 'thoughts'. What's so unattainable about people like him? Has what he done so far crossed the moral red line? Morality is subjective; I only judge the end result, not whether they harbor ill intentions. You, me, we are just players, and we have no right to stand on moral high ground to judge those struggling on the edge of life and death in this game; that would be too arrogant."

Upon hearing those words, even Jie Fangcheng couldn't help but cast a glance at him.

This young man really... he would be perfect for a labouring job!

Weiyuan pondered deeply, feeling somewhat abashed by his words, "You're right... but I have a small question."

"What question?"

Weiyuan inquired in a meek and honest manner, "Well, I mean, hypothetically, if among those who join, there are individuals who are truly deplorable, I mean, those who commit heinous crimes, what do we do then? Do we have to tolerate such people?"

Other guilds generally only consider one's strength; as for one's character, as long as it doesn't cause trouble with the wrong people, everyone tends to overlook it.

Weiyuan was quite worried that Zong Daoan shared this sentiment.

However, looking at Professor Zong's demeanor, perhaps he intends to reform those with a lower moral compass?

After all, he seems exceptionally suited for a role in indoctrination... no, imparting knowledge and wisdom!

Zong Daoan merely looked at him impassively, "Hmm, at such times, in any case, these individuals have already paid their dues."

Since they have already paid, kicking them out or simply eliminating them wouldn't really affect Ronghua in any way.

Weiyuan: "..."

Weiyuan: "..."

Damn it!

Weiyuan thought to himself, is this guy really a professor?

Damn it!

Jie Fangcheng also thought to himself, it would be a waste if Zong Daoan didn't take up this role for several thousand years.

Zong Daoan asked, "Do you have any other questions?"

Weiyuan opened his mouth, "No, no more..."

Zong Daoan nodded, continuing to quietly observe Weiyuan.

Weiyuan: "..."

Weiyuan asked, "What do you mean?"

Zong Daoan pointed towards the door.

Weiyuan, holding back tears, exclaimed, "Brother, just speak plainly!"

"...Get out."

"Oh!"

Without another word, Weiyuan opened the door and stepped out.

Zong Daoan turned his head to look at Jie Fangcheng.

Jie Fangcheng felt somewhat bewildered, "What's the matter?"

Zong Daoan simply scanned him up and down before shaking his head, "Nothing."

Having said that, he too exited.

Jie Fangcheng scratched his head in bewilderment.

Now alone in the room, Jie Fangcheng hastily donned the two new artifacts he had acquired.

Before putting on the shoes, he cautiously sniffed them. Detecting no odd smell, he reluctantly slipped them on.

After changing, Jie Fangcheng took a few strides and felt quite satisfied.

He estimated that his current speed might be around two hundred; though incomparable to Nie Shuangshuang, it decidedly surpassed Qi Chanyang. Against the ordinary level-one bosses, he should be able to give chase and attack now.

"Truly divine equipment!"

With that thought, Jie Fangcheng opened the door.

At the doorway, Weiyuan proved his capabilities once again. Having absorbed Zong Daoan's ideological guidance, he promptly organized a well-structured dungeon recruitment fair. Two tables brought out from the room were placed in the corridor, bearing a "Ronghua Guild" nameplate. Several Ronghua players temporarily acted as HR, screening and registering the credentials of players desiring to join Ronghua.

The conditions for joining Ronghua were established.

Twenty million points!

This historically high guild entry fee initially caused many players to furrow their brows, but they quickly agreed without hesitation.

What's twenty million, after all?

Considering Jie Fangcheng's prowess and the current dilapidated state of Ronghua!

With our capabilities, wouldn't we be taking up a senior management role once inside? Wouldn't we become the backbone of Ronghua?

Everyone has witnessed Jie Fangcheng's abilities, and Ronghua has a small membership. Wouldn't this mean daily opportunities to garner points and items while shadowing the big shots?

A twenty million point investment in exchange for a potential top position in the future's number one guild and to curry favor with the big shots is worth it!

Indeed.

Even though they had just joined Ronghua, many players were already fantasizing about Ronghua rising to the top of the points leaderboard and envisioning themselves as influential figures within the guild.

Although they agreed to the rule that payment grants entry to Ronghua, Weiyuan added a clause: individuals of corrupt morals will be expelled from the Ronghua Guild.

Seeing this, someone asked, "Boss Wei, what constitutes 'corrupt morals'?"

Wei Yuan cited an example: "Ji Ge is a prime instance of moral degradation."

The group exchanged astonished glances, none daring to respond.

Despite Ji Ge appearing crazed and borderline psychotic, he was undeniably the fourth-ranked player on the leaderboard. Even if everyone harbored negative opinions about him, no one dared to articulate it explicitly.

Wei Yuan was truly unrestrained... Uh, a person of candid remarks!

In the past, Wei Yuan would have viewed those who feared Ji Ge to the extent of remaining speechless as utterly cowardly.

Individuals like those didn't deserve to be in Ronghua; Ronghua's members were iron-blooded warriors unafraid of death, pioneers willing to sacrifice everything for their ideals!

But now, Wei Yuan started reflecting upon himself first.

Not only him, but many Ronghua players also didn't particularly appreciate the "admission to the guild upon item handover" approach. After Wei Yuan's fervent expression of his opinions, everyone began to feel remorseful, questioning whether they were being too demanding and nitpicky towards the average person.

Everyone was a player, a fellow compatriot, and should not impose such harsh standards upon one another.

It was in this harmonious atmosphere that Jie Fangcheng emerged from the door.

Many players looked up, their initial thought being an inward exclamation of "Damn."

Green.

It was just too green.

The outfit Jie Fangcheng was wearing, the "Elven Blessing," resembled a forest elf's attire, and the "Agile Divine Boots" he wore resembled the boots of the wind god, accentuating an overwhelming aura of verdancy.

Moreover, both pieces were rare equipment.

The essence of rare equipment was its subtle luminescence.

While some players fancied glowing equipment, feeling it added a cool flair, the majority understood the wisdom in not flaunting wealth, typically concealing such items with an outer layer.

As the game evolved, market demands created opportunities. A significant part of the in-game fashion industry was driven by modifying the appearance of artifacts, like adding a layer of light-blocking paint to glowing armor or covering a luminescent robe with another robe. Generally, upon acquiring high-quality equipment, players would visit a shop to modify its glow, resulting in rarely seeing flashy players in dungeons.

Coincidentally, the players who contributed the "Elven Blessing" and "Agile Divine Boots" intended to sell them for points, hence they hadn't been modified yet.

Therefore, everyone was fortunate enough to witness a rare sight of a glowing player... and it was fluorescent green, no less!

It was a sight that brought tears to the eyes with a single glance and induced a gag reflex upon a second look.

This artifact truly lived up to its status as rare divine equipment! Did it also enhance magical attacks??

Jie Fangcheng reached out to adjust the green cap he was wearing. Despite his fair complexion, radiant lips, white teeth, and deep black eyes that resembled tranquil ponds, coupled with a skin tone that hinted at a lack of sun exposure, presenting a hauntingly beautiful allure, the surrounding green luminescence was so intense it practically stung the eyes.

Nie Shuangshuang could hardly bear to look directly at him, exclaiming, "So green! So glaring!"

"Green, you say?" Jie Fangcheng responded cheerfully, "I think it's quite alright."

As long as the attributes were good, Jie Fangcheng was willing to wear any color. The large red plastic mushroom hairpin on his head was testament to this. Manager Jie indeed didn't mind aesthetics as long as the items were clean; he could accept anything.

Nie Shuangshuang squinted in pain after only two glances.

This garish combination of bright red and green is not something just anyone could pull off.

However, Zhang Daoan sized him up, his expression unchanged.

"Not bad."

Not bad???

Half of the people present were either looking up at the sky or down at the ground, refusing to look at Xie Fangcheng, while the other half were already rubbing their eyes in distress. And this is considered "not bad"???

Unable to hold back, Nie Shuangshuang started singing, "Brother Xie, have you ever heard that song? Love is a kind of light, so marvelous, pointing us towards the future we desire!"

"What?"

"The song 'Green Light'!" Nie Shuangshuang said with a bowed head, "If you're determined to dress like this from now on, I think you could totally get a recording prop to accompany your grand entrance with the background music from 'Green Light'... My God! The more I think about it, the more it resembles QQ Show! Wait for it, I'll find you some wing props when I go back, even adding six wings to you! Let's blind them with our brilliance!"

After she finished speaking, the surrounding people shuddered at the thought of that scene.

"What nonsense is this?" Xie Fangcheng couldn't help but smile wryly, also lowering his head, "Is there something on the ground? Why are you always looking down?"

"I'm protecting my eyes!" Nie Shuangshuang replied.

"Isn't this an exaggeration!" Xie Fangcheng exclaimed, turning his head in search of someone who understood him.

As he turned his head to scan the crowd, everyone who met his gaze quickly looked away.

When his gaze landed on Zhang Daoan, Zhang Daoan remained impassive, not even blinking, and even nodded in approval, "Not bad."

What a great buddy!

Xie Fangcheng felt moved.

The crowd looked at Zhang Daoan, their expressions filled with admiration.

The man was now wearing a well-fitted trench coat, with broad shoulders and long legs, appearing quite sophisticated, exuding a high-level aesthetic sense. At this moment, he was nonchalantly uttering blatant falsehoods, without even a hint of hesitation; didn't he even rehearse for this???

Meanwhile, the players in charge of inputting information completed their task quickly, and someone couldn't help but ask, "What's our next step? Are we going directly to fight the BOSS, or shall we 'interact' with other players?"

The player who spoke was visibly excited.

He was also someone who had been discarded as a pawn due to vulnerabilities in the outside world. Now, he was eagerly looking forward to the leader in front of him guiding him to punish the wicked and promote the good, eliminating those nauseating "friends".

Zhang Daoan, however, shook his head, "No rush."

"Ah? Then what are we doing now?"

"We wait."

"Waiting for what?"

"Waiting for someone to willingly lose points to us," Zhang Daoan said impassively.