Chapter 122: Paid Visit

Chapter 122: Paid Visit

Jie Fangcheng stated this with undeniable conviction and righteousness. Zhong Dao'an turned his head slightly to give him a brief, indifferent glance. But when Jie Fangcheng looked back at him, Zhong had already averted his gaze.

The trio were quite noticeable in the player's lobby.

Even without considering Lang Gu, who was dressed like a character from a cosplay event, Jie Fangcheng's vibrant red, green, and yellow outfit had already blinded many.

However, not many people recognized him as Jie Fangcheng, the infamous hacker they were planning to take down.

Mostly because his previous public appearances featured a more consistent attire: a T-shirt paired with jeans, and a white rabbit carrot-themed hair band, creating a youthful and understated look.

The game lacked the feature to post photos or videos on forums, making it hard for everyone to remember his face.

Therefore, during the promotion by Chaoyang Guild, they could only focus on his collegiate attire. No one could have anticipated that after a dungeon where he exhibited a youthful and charming aesthetic taste, he would transform into a green frog in the next.

As for the hair band still firmly on his head... frankly, most people would involuntarily look away upon seeing him, avoiding giving him a second glance.

Thus, the three of them left the bustling players' lobby without much fuss, with others even intentionally steering clear of them due to Lang Gu's sudden murderous rampage.

Once they left the players' lobby, locating the Chaoyang Guild became remarkably easy.

Three buildings surrounded the players' lobby. Jie Fangcheng had visited one of them, which belonged to the Ronghua Guild, while the other two were easily recognizable.

The Professional Players' Guild building bore a vibe resonant with lifestyle players, festooned with hundreds of banners advertising various offerings, from real estate sales to guild recruitment, and even matchmaking services, emphasizing a money-driven entry.

The other building appeared pristine and very top-tier guild-like.

"Right there," Jie Fangcheng pointed out to Lang Gu.

Lang Gu, still without a clear understanding of the current situation, kept asking novice-level questions as they walked.

Queries like 'Where is this?', 'What is this?', 'How to add a friend?', 'Who are we going to attack?', and 'Who is Ji Chaoyang?' bombarded them non-stop, akin to a barrage of endless 'whys'.

Jie Fangcheng briefly explained before growing impatient, gesturing grandly, "After we eliminate Ji Chaoyang, you can join the guild and let them explain it to you."

Lang Gu hesitated, "Joining a guild? Isn't that inappropriate? Wouldn't I have to file a report when I return?"

Jie Fangcheng, now emboldened by having a dedicated clerk, rebuked Lang Gu's concerns without a hint of conscience, accusing, "What do you mean by that? How can you compromise your normal duties just to avoid filing reports? Without immersing yourself in it, how will you understand the intricacies of the entire game? How will you unravel the true nature of this incident? Lang Gu, negligence and laxity are unacceptable!"

Hearing this, the straightforward Lang Gu's face turned red. He hesitated before gritting his teeth, affirming, "Alright, I understand."

Consequently, as the trio arrived at the entrance of the Chaoyang Guild building, Jie Fangcheng commanded with a sweeping gesture, "Charge in!"

Without another word, Lang Gu followed suit and entered the building of the Chaoyang Guild.

This was Xie Fangcheng's first visit to the Chaoyang Guild's territory, and from the entrance, the leading guild among the players indeed looked quite impressive and well-established.

Tall, grand, and constructed with a certain majestic grandeur.

In comparison to the deserted Ronghua, the bustling entrance of the Chaoyang Guild faintly resembled a secondary player's lobby.

This was understandable, given the Chaoyang Guild's more than three hundred members, along with numerous other business ventures including dungeon strategy services, which witnessed a substantial boost, especially after the downfall of the Ronghua Guild last year that led to a significant decline in freely shared strategies on the forums.

At this time, the majority of the players coming and going at the entrance were not members of the Chaoyang Guild.

Therefore, upon arriving at the entrance, the trio attracted only a few extra glances due to their attire. The news about the murderous outbreak in the player's lobby had already spread like wildfire, but details describing Lang Gu's appearance hadn't circulated to that extent yet.

Thus, when the trio stepped into the main gate of the Chaoyang Guild, they only experienced a sense of daily tranquillity.

The hustling players only spared them a brief glance before returning to their respective business.

With such ordinary and tranquil surroundings, even the sword-wielding Xie Fangcheng wouldn't charge and attack the surrounding players impulsively, let alone Lang Gu, who was not prone to killing on sight.

"Who should we kill?" Lang Gu asked.

Xie Fangcheng rubbed his nose, and after a sweeping glance around, his eyes suddenly brightened.

"What a coincidence, there's someone we know!"

In the southwest corner of the Chaoyang Guild's first-floor lobby stood a self-service machine for selecting dungeon strategies. Tong Xin Xin - the player from the Chaoyang Guild who had previously cleared the High Merit Academy dungeon with them, was hesitating whether to purchase a strategy guide.

Actually, within the Chaoyang Guild, strategy guides for ordinary dungeons were freely accessible to its members.

However, after the High Merit Academy incident, Yue Chen sought out Tong Xin Xin to inquire about Xie Fangcheng's circumstances.

Xie Fangcheng.

Naturally, this player left a deep impression on Tong Xin Xin, considering that she would have perished in that dungeon if not for him.

Knowing Yue Ge's tendencies to carry out his search ostentatiously, Tong Xin Xin understood that divulging information about Xie Fangcheng would amount to betraying the person who had saved her.

Eventually, Tong Xin Xin chose to remain silent, even though she was fully aware that her effort to shield Xie Fangcheng was futile. Sooner or later, the Chaoyang Guild would manage to uncover all the details about him.

But the information could not come from her.

Although Yue Chen didn't express anything, Tong Xin Xin understood that her actions were frowned upon within the guild.

Tong Xin Xin was in a dilemma. Yue Chen had treated her well, and she had enjoyed many benefits from the guild. Making such a choice now might naturally lead to her expulsion from the guild, which would be understandable.

So be it, then.

Thus, fraught with conflict, Tong Xin Xin awaited a possible ejection from the guild.

Perhaps the management was too busy to bother with her insignificant self, or perhaps Yue Chen hadn't disclosed her refusal to provide information about Xie Fangcheng; either way, Tong Xin Xin managed to stay. However, since that incident, she never availed herself of the internal benefits of the Chaoyang Guild again.

Now, just like other non-guild regular players, she stood hesitantly in front of the automated strategy selling machine, contemplating whether to purchase a few guides, when suddenly, a familiar voice echoed from behind her.

"Xinxin, huh?"

Tong Xinxin swiftly turned around.

So green!

Tong Xinxin couldn't help but shield her eyes, peeking at Jie Fangcheng through her fingers.

"Ah... Brother Jie."

Jie Fangcheng greeted casually, "What are you up to?"

"Uh, buying some strategy guides."

"Oh," Jie Fangcheng said, his casual greeting quickly giving way to his actual intention, "Do you know where your guild leader is? I have some business with him."

Tong Xinxin was taken aback.

The discussions on the forum regarding Jie Fangcheng being a cheater were rampant, and naturally, Tong Xinxin was aware of it.

But in her heart, claiming that Jie Fangcheng was a cheater was most likely a scheme orchestrated by Ji Ge to undermine him.

Now, Jie Fangcheng was boldly standing on the grounds of the Chaoyang Guild, bearing a sword and accompanied by two assistants — one of whom she recognized, the one named Zhang An, who in reality was Zhang Daoan, a player whose intellect was profoundly intimidating.

The trio seemed quite nonchalant about seeking Ji Chaoyang, and it was easy to deduce that their intentions weren't good.

Tong Xinxin's mind raced, trying to play the mediator at this moment, "Are you looking for the guild leader because of the rumors on the forum? It might not be his doing, but rather Ji Ge's. Our guild leader is quite reasonable. How about I pass a message and you sit down and have a proper conversation?"

Jie Fangcheng zeroed in on the key point, "Sit down and have a chat? Sure."

Would the conversation eventually lead to a fight to the death?

Tong Xinxin didn't have Ji Chaoyang in her friends list. She opened her list, sent a message to Yue Chen, and began chatting with Jie Fangcheng.

"Brother Jie, what dungeons have you cleared recently? Ah, [Digital Cruise]? What is that? A tier-5 dungeon! Impressive. Do you belong to a guild now? You joined Ronghua? Ronghua... not bad. Ahem... Brother Jie, who is this person with you?"

Jie Fangcheng introduced, "Lang Gu."

Lang Gu gave her a cold glance, without uttering a word.

Tong Xinxin didn't mind, cheerfully suggesting, "How about we go out and have a meal together later? It's almost a national dungeon... hold on, Yue Chen has replied to me."

Tong Xinxin opened Yue Chen's message, her expression gradually changing to one of surprise and gravity.

Her gaze shifted from Jie Fangcheng to Lang Gu.

A murderous madman had appeared in the player hall, killing at will without any pattern.

This matter was all the rage, and naturally, Tong Xinxin was aware of it.

However, she never anticipated that this homicidal maniac would stand before her, seemingly having a close relationship with Jie Fangcheng.

What was going on?

Zhang Daoan could tell from her expression that the player called Yue Chen probably mentioned something about Lang Gu in the message.

He turned to Tong Xinxin, "This Lang Gu here is a public officer from the Underworld."

"...What?" Tong Xinxin looked bewildered, feeling as if she had just heard something monumental.

Zhang Daoan simply reminded her, "You had your suspicions about Manager Jie's identity before, hadn't you?"

Indeed, Tong Xinxin had harbored doubts during their time in the "High Achievement Academy" dungeon.

With her sharp intellect, she realized that Jie Fangcheng's capabilities couldn't be simply explained by labeling him as an "advanced player"; there had to be something more to him.

Now, hearing this outrageous statement from Zhang Daoan, Tong Xinxin was more inclined to believe it compared to others.

Once she believed it, another question promptly surfaced in her mind.

"So your visit this time is to..."

"To take down Ji Chaoyang," Jie Fangcheng said tersely.

"...", Tong Xinxin was stunned, "Why?"

Jie Fangcheng elaborated, "It's a long story, but suffice it to say, he very much deserves it."

Tong Xinxin involuntarily took a step back.

This young lady hadn't betrayed Jie Fangcheng before, and she wasn't about to betray the Chaoyang Guild now.

"Brother Jie... I cannot divulge the guild leader's whereabouts." Tong Xinxin declared after a moment of internal struggle, her teeth clenched as she suddenly drew her weapon from her backpack, "I'm sorry, our guild has already issued the orders."

Latest announcement on the guild channel: Attack on the first floor of the guild hall, three individuals in green and red attire.

With a face brimming with valiant resolve, Tong Xinxin prepared herself. Around them, members of the Chaoyang Guild who received the message also began to take notice, gradually drawing their weapons and subtly forming a circle around Jie Fangcheng and his companions.

Oddly, Jie Fangcheng's expression relaxed considerably in this tense situation.

He cautioned, "Though we've cleared dungeons together, I won't hold back if anyone dares to attack me, you know!"

Tong Xinxin pursed her lips, as if attempting to offer a smile, yet restrained herself given the circumstances.

She was a newbie player, not having cleared the mass multiplayer dungeons, and her skills couldn't be activated outside of the dungeon environment, yet she still charged forward.

Jie Fangcheng swung his massive sword mercilessly. However, as it descended towards her, the person who claimed he wouldn't hold back seemingly moderated his assault.

Tong Xinxin was knocked aside, yet she didn't sustain any significant injuries.

Her attack seemed to have ignited a spark, as the surrounding players unleashed their assaults one after another.

Jie Fangcheng swiftly pulled Zhang Daoan behind him, swinging his massive sword in a semicircle. It resembled a fan unfolding, clanging loudly with a thunderous noise, sending the numerous charging players flying back at a speed matching their advance.

Lang Gu's face turned white with shock, hesitating, "Some of these people have merits!"

In simple terms, if they fought these people, they could potentially be beaten to death.

Jie Fangcheng reached into his backpack and handed him a stick.

"Merits? What merits? Obstructing law enforcement deserves this! Hurry up! We'll go eat once this is over!"

Tears streamed down Lang Gu's face, as he seemingly saw a palm-thick stack of A4 paper beckoning him.

But as the players charged again with furious roars, Lang Gu swung the stick at them, tears still streaming down his face.

On the other side, Jie Fangcheng felled a group of people and even captured a prisoner.

"Where is your guild leader?"

His treatment of these players was not as gentle as it was with Tong Xinxin. Those struck by the back of his sword wailed "aiyo aiyo" on the ground, writhing in pain. The captured player, pale-faced, confessed reflexively.

"On the top floor..."

Jie Fangcheng released him.

"Move! To the top floor!"

Carrying his sword, he left behind a floor filled with players moaning in pain and a hall echoing with tales of a second homicidal maniac.

.

Ding—

Thanks to the grandiose architecture of the Chaoyang Guild's building, finding one of the four elevators was easy.

Upon reaching the top floor, the elevator doors opened and Jie Fangcheng was the first to step out.

There was no one in sight.

Zhang Daoan had anticipated this scene.

Despite rumors on the forums claiming Jie Fangcheng used cheats, that was just a deceit targeted at ordinary players who were unaware of the truth.

Ji Chaoyang, the one spreading these rumors, clearly knew who Jie Fangcheng was, and understood the extent of his capabilities and whether he could stand against him.

Therefore, not finding him was expected. On the other hand, if Ji Chaoyang had been easily found, Zhang Daoan would have considered the possibility that he had devised a method to counter those from the underworld.

With the top floor deserted, Zhang Daoan could somewhat ease his apprehension.

Compared to the other levels, the top floor was somewhat smaller, which didn't matter in the grand scheme of things as it contained only a single room.

Since he was already there, Jie Fangcheng kicked open the door of the lone room and strutted in, only to walk back out moments later with a look of frustration.

"Nothing here, it seems to have been vacated long ago."

This indicated that Ji Chaoyang had foreseen this, relocating his stronghold early on.

Lang Gu asked, "What do we do now? Isn't it possible to halt the game by killing the boss?"

It was Zhang Daoan who responded instead.

"Even killing Ji Chaoyang might not bring the game to a halt."

Jie Fangcheng had never heard him say something like this before, pausing momentarily, "What do you mean?"

"The program has already been established and doesn't require constant maintenance. Even if Ji Chaoyang dies, the program won't collapse. To truly end this game, the most reliable approach would be to release the Book of Life and Death."

Jie Fangcheng frowned, "Then why did we come here?"

Zhang Daoan remained silent, simply gazing at him.

After a brief moment, Jie Fangcheng realized, "Oh... it was my idea to come here."

However, returning empty-handed didn't quite align with Jie Fangcheng's modus operandi.

He glanced at the solitary room behind him.

"Since we're already here..."

Two minutes later, the façade of the prestigious and stylish Chaoyang Guild building displayed two banners similar to those on the Professional Players Union building - red background with black letters.

One banner read: Ji Chaoyang, you can run, but you can't hide forever. You're due for a beating sooner or later.

The other banner announced: The Ronghua Guild is recruiting. Contact player Wei Yuan for details.

.

"Holy shit!" Inside the dining area, Wei Yuan couldn't help but swear upon receiving the news, though his expression was one of exhilaration, "This is just too awesome!"

After Jie Fangcheng's departure, the individuals at Ronghua were quick to learn about the "clean-up operation".

After all, not many knew Jie Fangcheng, but many were acquainted with the folks at the Ronghua Guild.

While the players' lobby was a scene of fervent battle, numerous players remained dedicated to their mission. Noticing the sudden influx of Ronghua members, who at a glance seemed to lack formidable figures, and considering known figures like Nie Shuangshuang and Wei Yuan to be well-known has-beens, several actually brandished their weapons and charged forward.

However, they overlooked the fact that not only were Ning Suisui and others still present, but Ronghua had also welcomed eight fresh recruits.

These eight players were veteran gamers brave enough to venture into level-five instances, not the sort to be easily overpowered by a few assailants.

"What are you doing?"

After restraining the attacking players, Wei Yuan asked with a hint of confusion.

"Boss Wei, it's not like we specifically chose to attack you, it was a decision made by all the players!"

A unanimous decision by all players?

Over there, Nie Shuangshuang had already gotten wind of the current situation through messages from friends. Once she mentioned it, everyone quickly realized that this was evidently a scheme orchestrated by the Chaoyang Guild.

"Damn it! We haven't even gotten our revenge on Ji Chaoyang yet, and they dare to pick a fight with us!"

"Let Brother Jie beat Ji Chaoyang into a pulp! Then bind him and bring him here, we'll beat him to death together!"

"At this point, we are sworn enemies with the Chaoyang Guild. We might as well launch an attack on them directly!"

Wei Yuan hurriedly intervened, "Don't go and be a drag there! If you go, Brother Jie will have to look after you!"

Although people verbally criticized him for being a dampener, deep down they all acknowledged the truth in Wei Yuan's words.

"So, what should we do now?"

Wei Yuan observed the large group of people in front of him.

In fact, a portion of the Ronghua players who hadn't entered the instance were also actively chatting in the guild channel, eager to understand what exactly had transpired.

"Let's head to the dining hall for now. We can devise a more detailed plan once Brother Jie and his team return."

In a grand procession, about thirty players from the Ronghua guild, along with Ning Suisui's squad and some idle players who were jointly clearing the "Digital Cruise", all headed to the dining hall together.

The dining hall was inherently a hub of gossip. Many players were discussing the recent "clean-up operation" there, and amidst their conversation, the main characters of the operation arrived.

Upon the arrival of the Ronghua group, a hushed silence fell over the dining hall. Numerous pairs of eyes fixed on them with a mix of concern, scrutiny, and malicious intent.

The members of Ronghua were no strangers to these gazes. After securing the largest private room on the second floor, a group of nearly fifty people entered gradually, reigniting a buzz of discussion in the main hall on the first floor.

The dining hall's doors were constructed by regular players and therefore had mediocre soundproofing.

Seated inside the private room, the group could clearly hear the noisy chatter from outside the door.

"Oh my, is that group from Ronghua? Did I just spot the Golden Leopard Squad?"

"They probably just came to have a meal together... but how dare they walk around openly now? Aren't they afraid of being attacked?"

"Didn't you read the forum? They apparently have cheats now. Maybe every member of Ronghua has rare skills and items at this point, what do they have to fear?"

"I tell you, the Ronghua Guild is not what it used to be. I heard they've started charging fees in instances. Just look at them now, they're nothing like before, sigh."

"Isn't that obvious? Having cheats makes them extraordinary now."

Nie Shuangshuang, with her fiery temper, slammed the table and stood up abruptly, "Are they insane? I'm going to have a word with them!"

"Alright, alright!" Wei Yuan grabbed her arm, "What's the point in arguing with these strangers? We are at a disadvantage when it comes to public opinion, there's no helping it."

Wei Yuan had been prepared for the fact that the main backer behind the forum was the Chaoyang Guild.

"Let's order, get the chef started. We can chat while waiting for Jie Ge and the others."

Nie Shuangshuang had always been close with Ning Suisui and the others. Despite the minor unpleasantness in the dungeon, the ladies soon gathered and engaged in a lively chat.

Meanwhile, Wei Yuan was replying to messages from friends while not forgetting to chat with Jie Fangcheng.

Learning that Ji Chaoyang was so cunning and had already fled made Wei Yuan quite furious.

But he soon found out that Jie Fangcheng literally dismantled the top floor – quite literally.

The whole Chaoyang Guild building echoed with the sounds of renovation from the top floor. From afar, the once majestic and towering building of the Chaoyang Guild was being truncated, under the watchful eyes of many, making it appear utterly disgraceful, adorned with two red banners fluttering conspicuously.

Wei Yuan regretted not being at the scene, having to rely on Jie Fangcheng's dry account of the events.

"That's exhilarating!"

Although Ji Chaoyang wasn't beaten up, disfiguring the guild building, coupled with the Chaoyang Guild's prime location and the bustling player lobby that day, was a great way to disgrace them.

A spirited Wei Yuan encouraged through messages: "Jie Ge, Jie Ge, do you have the time? Why don't you just dismantle the entire Chaoyang Guild building?"

Jie Fangcheng asked: "Am I a demolition team?"

In his heart, Wei Yuan felt it was quite similar, but he dutifully replied: "Of course not, but isn't it somewhat unsatisfying to just dismantle the top floor and hang a banner?"

After a while, Jie Fangcheng replied: "Indeed."

"So..."

"We found evidence of Ji Ge taking a key NPC out," Jie Fangcheng summoned him, "Forget the meal, your elder brother suggests, why don't we set up a paid tour at the Chaoyang Guild building, letting players witness the good deeds done by Ji Ge?"