The wind and snow raged, and Lin Zhao, clad in top-tier armor, strode through the blizzard, his Qinglu Sword glinting with a frigid blue light. With each step, he pressed onward, the distant roars of wild bears growing louder. Squinting, he saw them: Snow Territory Ironback Bears, their massive forms lumbering through the snow, each seeming to weigh tons. Their thick fur covered their bodies, and their eyes gleamed with savage ferocity as they fixed on the lone sword cultivator, deeming him a meager meal.
...
Snow Territory Ironback Bears, level 67 Dark Gold monsters, perfect for leveling.
Lin Zhao smiled faintly and increased his pace, his Qinglu Sword weaving in z-shaped patterns through the herd. In moments, he had lured over a hundred bears before engaging them. His sword whirled, unleashing area-of-effect damage, while he simultaneously sent forth his flying sword, Mingyue, to attack with its formidable skills, Feng Han and Han Shuang, or simply through basic attacks. With such a sharp flying sword, it would be a waste not to use it, especially considering its daily upkeep of 20,000 universal coins.
At this moment, Lin Zhao's critical hit rate had climbed to 12%, a considerable figure, capable of dealing double damage with every successful strike. The attacks of the Snow Territory Ironback Bears were almost negligible. As long as he maintained his assault, his 32% lifesteal was more than enough to keep his total health above 90%. After all, he was now quite resilient, with over 1800 true defense and 18,000 health, making him a formidable tank by any standard.
"Ring!"
As Lin Zhao continued to fight, Chen Xue sent him a call. She chuckled, "Xu Du has already started forming the White Robe Guild. He's pulled two assistants from the Youth Guild and is using the funds I provided to recruit people from other counties. The first batch he's hired are all friends he knew from the game, people he deemed skilled enough. The resettlement fee is around 10,000 universal coins per person. Do you think that's acceptable?"
"It's more than acceptable..."
Lin Zhao smiled faintly, "The money from selling the Snow Territory War Bows alone can recruit 190 people. That's excellent, and we're not stopping production. From now on, have Xu Du lead these people to level up outside the city. They'll also be producing items, and we can take 10% of the profits as guild fees. This way, the guild can sustain itself, and we won't have to bear the entire cost."
"Yes, that's a good idea. The Youth Guild seems to be using the same method, otherwise, Lu Han wouldn't be able to support such a large, high-level team of 500 people."
"Indeed. You might have to work hard during this period."
Lin Zhao added, "But don't worry, I'll make sure you have plenty to eat and drink in the future, A Xue. You can count on me."
Chen Xue narrowed her eyes, her dimples deepening as she smiled, "Then... will I be the first in line to benefit from following Alliance Leader Lin's lead?"
"Absolutely!"
Lin Zhao raised an eyebrow. "A Xue, you were the first person, besides Ding Chi and Zhang Jun, to join the Crimson Moon Knights. I will never forget that. Rest assured, I won't let you down, no matter what."
Chen Xue's smile grew sweeter. "That's good to hear. In that case, I'll go back to working hard for you."
"Mmm, and I'll continue leveling up."
Lin Zhao resumed his assault on the Snow Territory Ironback Bears, his sword a blur of motion. His next goal was distant: level 100. Upon reaching it, the Sword Master could undergo their second job change, obtaining the title "Sword Master." No longer would they be a mere sword wielder, but a renowned sword cultivator, a master in their own right.
No matter, leveling was the priority!
...
By eleven in the morning, over 2,000 Snow Territory Ironback Bears had been slain, but the bear meat drops were insufficient. Thus, the killing continued until past three in the afternoon. After slaying nearly 5,000 Snow Territory Ironback Bears, the arduous task was finally completed, gathering 200 pieces of bear meat. During this process, Lin Zhao's luck with drops was exceptional. He obtained over 1,000 hides of Snow Territory Ironback Bears, along with 3 pieces of high-level Golden equipment and 11 pieces of high-level Silver equipment, all of which could be sold for money. As for the numerous Black Iron and Bronze equipment, they were directly recycled for equipment, earning him a few hundred universal coins. With everything in disarray, it was crucial to salvage every bit of gain.
Returning to the giant rocks, the group of hunters remained, nearly frozen into blocks of ice.
"Alright."
Lin Zhao descended swiftly and bowed to the old hunter, "The Snow Territory Ironback Bears along the route have all been cleared. Here are 200 pieces of bear meat and 200 hides. You can take them home as proof."
"Ah..."
The elder trembled as he rose, "Young man, I am truly grateful... I don't know how I can repay you..."
"It's nothing."
Lin Zhao smiled, and in the next moment, the quest rewards were his—
"Ding!"
System notification: Congratulations on completing the quest [Snow Territory Ironback Bear] (Rank A). Rewards: Experience +30% for this level, Gold Coins +200, Reputation +400!
...
That was acceptable. Since it wasn't a main story quest, there were no charm points awarded. However, the 30% experience and 200 gold coins were quite good. Instantly leveling up to 61, Lin Zhao was content and saw no reason to complain.
The quest was complete, and the group of hunters trekked onward through the snowstorm.
Lin Zhao frowned. Although the quest was finished, he still followed with his Qinglu Sword, clearing out any occasional Snow Territory Ironback Bears that spawned along the way. After all, one should see things through to the end. Though it seemed a bit pedantic, Lin Zhao was determined to do so. If it were his teacher, Qin Suihan, he surely would have done the same.
He was different from other players. To them, this game was merely a means to support their families. But for Lin Zhao, half his life was buried here. There were too many things he couldn't let go of. To Lin Zhao, this was no longer just a game; it was a world he cherished deeply, a place worth defending with his life.
The group moved forward slowly. Not long after, they emerged from the sea of snow, and ahead, a snowy forest and withered bushes finally appeared. A little further, a small mountain village came into view, with scattered wooden houses nestled amongst the peaks. Wisps of smoke curled from chimneys, imbuing the scene with a sense of earthly life.
"Sword Cultivator Sir..."
The middle-aged hunter who had spoken disrespectfully earlier bowed to Lin Zhao, his eyes filled with remorse. "Thank you, truly thank you. Without your help, I might not have had the chance to see my wife and children again."
"You're welcome."
Lin Zhao nodded with a smile.
The old hunter also expressed his gratitude repeatedly, even inviting Lin Zhao to his home. However, all invitations were politely declined. After escorting the hunters back to their village, Lin Zhao spotted a fur and grocery merchant at the village entrance—a lean man named "Traveling Merchant," a randomly spawned NPC. Upon speaking to him, a "whoosh" sound erupted, and a trading interface appeared.
"Young sword cultivator."
The Traveling Merchant looked at Lin Zhao with a smile. "You have over 9,000 reputation points. Meeting me is truly your good fortune. Come, your fur goods will fetch five times their usual price from me this time."
"Oh, really?"
Lin Zhao smiled and placed a complete Snow Territory Ironback Bear hide into the selling interface. Instantly, a price appeared that made his heart nearly stop—
A full 30 gold coins!
Was this for real?
Lin Zhao confirmed again. It was indeed 30 gold per bear hide. After giving 200 hides to the hunters, he still had over 1,100 hides remaining. He sold them all in one go, accumulating over 33,000 gold coins from the Great Merchant Dynasty. The current exchange rate between the Huaxia server and universal coins was 1:24, which was astounding. He converted everything directly into universal coins, and in an instant, his account swelled with a staggering 800,000 universal coins. He had truly struck it rich once again!
"Young sword cultivator, farewell. Such opportunities only come once, and you have seized it!"
The Traveling Merchant smiled enigmatically and turned, disappearing into the mountains and forests.
Lin Zhao stared in the direction the Traveling Merchant had vanished, his brow furrowed. What did that mean? Was it truly the legendary "good deeds are rewarded"? If he hadn't escorted the hunters home, he surely wouldn't have encountered this Traveling Merchant. Coupled with his high reputation, the inflated selling price, these were all reasons why he had earned this fortune!
Cause and effect might not always exist in the mortal world, but it certainly did in this game.
...
He took a deep breath and immediately transferred 700,000 universal coins to Chen Xue, keeping a small amount for himself to buy Sea God Rock for refining his sword. Shortly after the transfer, Chen Xue's message arrived: "Where did such a large sum of money come from, Lin Zhao?"
"It's quite peculiar."
Lin Zhao recounted the story of completing the quest, escorting the hunters home, and encountering the Traveling Merchant.
"..."
Chen Xue's mouth agape, she pursed her lips. "I'm right next to the general store in Yunshang County. Do you know what the acquisition price for Snow Territory Ironback Bear hides is at the general store?"
"What?"
"20 copper coins each."
"..."
Lin Zhao was dumbfounded. "Holy cow... that Traveling Merchant, is he truly a once-in-a-lifetime encounter?"
"Mmm."
Chen Xue smiled and nodded. "It's basically like that. The plot design of this game is quite interesting. Those who achieve the Way are aided by many. Our Lin Zhao is kind and responsible, hence he received such a tremendous reward. For ordinary players, it's basically impossible. That's great, that's great. So, can I spend this money as I wish?"
"Yes."
Lin Zhao smiled, "As long as it's spent on the White Robe Guild, you have my full discretion."
"Understood."
Chen Xue was in an exceptionally good mood today. She chuckled, "I'm logging off now to go to the market with Sister Juzi. I'm buying a large wild mandarin fish to cook for you. Today's hero deserves a reward!"
Lin Zhao couldn't help but chuckle. "So grand?"
"Mmm!"
"Then I'll continue leveling up, waiting for the delicious food!"
"Okay!"
...
The Sky City Gate, top-floor hot pot restaurant.
Shen Xingchen was happily enjoying hot pot again, but today, she wasn't with Leng Yan. Opposite her sat a distinguished-looking man. He picked up a piece of tripe, his expression complicated. "Xingchen, I did go to Yunshang County with you and Leng Yan yesterday, but I really didn't do anything. Please don't interrogate me like a criminal, okay? My heart is pounding, and it's a bit unnerving."
"Oh?"
Shen Xingchen narrowed her beautiful eyes. "Brother, are you too embarrassed to tell me the truth after being taken down?"
"Ai ya, I know..."
Shen Lingyuan looked extremely awkward, wishing he could dive headfirst into the hot pot.