Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Yun Shang Commandery remained peaceful.
...
In the secret realm map, the afternoon sun cast dappled shadows of trees onto the grassland. Lin Zhao, Shen Xingchen, and Chen Xue, the three giants of the Crimson Moon Knights, sat on the grass, deliberating.
"Swish!"
Shen Xingchen swept her hand, sharing the recently updated buff effects of the Kyushu capitals with Lin Zhao and Chen Xue. Except for Baidi City, the capital, which was not yet open, the data for the remaining eight provincial capitals were all laid out before them—
Tianji City: [Expedition] The farther one travels from the city, the stronger their combat power. [Horse Taming] Mount effects +25%.
Lanxi City: [Desperate Battle] The less health, the stronger the combat power.
Baima City: [Vigor] Attack +3%, Defense +3%.
Changle City: [Progress] Experience gained +10%.
Lingbo City: [Commerce] Player selling price to NPCs +25%.
Yunmeng City: [Bountiful Harvest] Monster gold coin drop rate +30%.
Chunan City: [Herbs] Speed of herb, ore, and wood refresh +50%. [Mastery] Production skill proficiency +25%.
Tianque City: [Agility] Magic damage +15%.
...
Everyone reviewed them carefully once more.
Shen Xingchen said, "The main city characteristics of all major cities are here. Let's reconfirm now, our Crimson Moon Knights' final choice for a secondary capital city is Tianji City, the capital of Yun Prefecture, correct?"
"Yes."
Lin Zhao nodded. "Tianji City's city characteristics are actually quite good. Horse taming, mount effects increased by 25%. Our Crimson Moon Knights live up to our name; the players we recruit are mostly cavalry-based. We will definitely be forming a pure heavy cavalry legion in the future. This 25% increase in mount effect will be quite significant."
He added casually, "Besides, the Expedition effect is quite interesting. I like it."
"Expedition..."
Chen Xue pursed her red lips and smiled. "The Expedition city characteristic should correspond to the historical event of the 530,000 Yun Prefecture cavalry's expedition to the Northern Wastes. Although they were wiped out in the end, their achievements were still commendable."
"Yes."
Lin Zhao smiled. "After we establish ourselves in Tianji City, I might not be spending much time within its borders."
"Going to the Snow Region Heavenly Pool?"
Shen Xingchen looked at him.
"Yes."
Lin Zhao nodded gently. "Returning home, and if possible, rebuilding it."
"In that case..."
Shen Xingchen smiled faintly and said, "Many players who love game lore will truly have their dreams fulfilled. Lin Baiyi returning to the Snow Region, perhaps a new legendary chapter will unfold."
"Perhaps."
Lin Zhao smiled slightly. "A single tree cannot form a forest. My individual strength will not achieve much. The Crimson Moon Knights behind me will likely be the main force of the Snow Region Heavenly Pool in the future. Therefore, even if there is a legendary chapter, each of us will be a participant, not just my chapter."
"Mmm-hmm~~~"
The two beautiful ladies nodded in unison.
Lin Zhao continued to examine the main city characteristics, explaining to the two vice-leaders. "Lanxi City, formerly the capital of the Great Chen Dynasty, is now the capital of Yan Prefecture. The less health, the stronger the combat power. This should correspond to the Heavenly Pool Army composed of descendants of the Great Chen Dynasty. That Heavenly Pool Army fought a desperate battle at the Snow Region Heavenly Pool, leaving Lanxi City with the 'Desperate Battle' characteristic."
"It might have a surprising effect in major battles."
Shen Xingchen smiled, her dimples appearing. "In the future, after we settle in Tianji City, we should try to avoid provoking people from Lanxi City. With this city characteristic, players from Lanxi City will be like berserkers, difficult to deal with!"
"Indeed!"
Lin Zhao smiled slightly, his fists lightly colliding in front of his chest, looking forward to the opening of the main cities. He continued, "Ning Prefecture's Baima City, 3% attack and defense increase, moderate, not too strong, but not too weak. Shu Prefecture's Changle City, experience gained +10%, destined for players in Changle City to have higher levels in the future, suitable for those who prefer level suppression. Liang Prefecture's Lingbo City, selling prices +25%, suitable for large guilds to farm and sell money. Huang Prefecture's Yunmeng City's Bountiful Harvest characteristic is the most outrageous, gold coin drop rate +30%. It's foreseeable that Yunmeng City will be peaceful, and a large number of gold farming studios will move in to make money. Large guilds will hardly go to Yunmeng City. As for Furong Prefecture's Chunan City, it's a dedicated main city for production types. Our Crimson Moon Logistics Group will directly move into Chunan City then, with no other considerations."
"Mmm."
Chen Xue listened and recorded with the system's built-in notepad. "Noted."
"..."
Shen Xingchen cast a meaningful glance at Chen Xue. This Xue Qiancheng was truly a capable assistant with maxed-out political skills. It was no wonder that despite the Crimson Moon Knights being heavily suppressed before, their morale remained intact. She likely played a significant role in this. For a moment, Shen Xingchen felt a sense of complexity. How to interact with Chen Xue in the future was a learned art.
She pondered for a moment, then settled her mind. From now on, she would only be responsible for the Crimson Moon Knights' diplomacy and planning for the guild's future development. She would absolutely not interfere with the guild's internal affairs, leaving everything to Chen Xue, and trying to avoid any friction with Chen Xue. After all, she was only working for the Crimson Moon Knights for half a year. She came happily, and she would leave happily.
Lin Zhao continued his analysis. "The last capital city, Yu Prefecture's Tianque City, Agility, +15% magic damage, suitable for guilds with many mages. It will have a strong advantage in monster grinding. However, this will cause the entire guild to be severely unbalanced. For now, we won't consider this. In truth, there are very few secondary capital cities in the current national server suitable for large guilds to settle in. Tianji City, Lanxi City, Baima City, and Changle City. The other four main cities are only suitable for development-oriented guilds. But with the opening of 'Tian Xia,' opportunities are fleeting. I believe guilds with a bit of ambition will not choose to bury their heads in development."
"Mmm."
Chen Xue nodded and smiled. "Agreed. Indeed, only the four cities near the north are suitable for pure combat guilds. The others are basically for development and making money. Although many people will settle there, the overall number should be far less than the first four."
Lin Zhao took a deep breath. "Therefore, we will face too many challenges when we settle in Tianji City. Shen Xingchen, pay attention to the movements of various guilds these days. It would be best to subtly ask them which main city they intend to go to. It's always good to know in advance which guilds will be in Tianji City."
"Understood."
Shen Xingchen nodded. "Leave this to me."
"Mmm."
Lin Zhao stood up, glanced at the time, and smiled. "It's only one o'clock in the afternoon, still early. I won't be mixing in the secret realm map this afternoon. Half an hour ago, the last foggy map in Yun Shang Commandery opened, in the top corner. I plan to go check it out and improve myself in the remaining days before settling in Tianji City."
"Solo?" Shen Xingchen asked.
"Yes."
"Alright."
Shen Xingchen smiled faintly. "Your strength is indeed suitable for solo play. Don't worry about the secret realm map here; Chen Xue and I will handle it."
"Okay."
"Xingchen."
Chen Xue picked up her spear and stood up. "How about we form a team this afternoon too? You and Lu Li for output, Roman and I as tanks, Qing Ning for healing. Five people grinding monsters together. Roman and I both have sword gear now, our damage is very high, and we're grinding monsters in the secret realm, so our leveling speed will definitely be super fast. What do you think?"
"Feasible!"
Shen Xingchen stretched her long, slender legs. "Then let's contact people and start grinding."
"Mmm!"
...
Yun Shang Commandery, northwest border.
In a desolate land, a fine steed galloped past. It was Lin Zhao, riding his Snow Rock War Horse, with the Dragon Slaying Sword and Qinglu Sword strapped to his back, galloping forward.
Shortly after, a desolate forest devoid of life appeared ahead. The forest was filled with decaying fallen leaves, and the branches were bare. It was only late autumn, yet it already had the bleak and desolate appearance of deep winter. Lin Zhao frowned, feeling an inexplicable resistance to the atmosphere here, likely the work of the Northern Four Tribes.
"Ding!"
Battle notification: Please be aware, you have entered the treacherous map [Withered Bone Forest]!
The last map to spawn in Yun Shang Commandery, it should not be lacking in rewards. Moreover... it seems likely to trigger a faction quest. Lin Zhao was filled with anticipation and urged his horse into the Withered Bone Forest.
At this moment, Lin Zhao had just reached level 70. He had spent most of his time in recent days on PK, territorial disputes, and leading the guild, without focusing on leveling. This level 70 only ranked fifth in Yun Shang Commandery. The first place was Shen Xingchen at level 73, far ahead. The rest were level 71 or 72, mostly ranged professions like mages and archers, which are easier to grind and level up quickly.
He slowly rode his horse into the forest.
"Rustle..."
Shortly after, a rustling sound came from the soil ahead. Lin Zhao quickly raised his hand and drew his Qinglu Sword, narrowing his eyes. Ahead, a patch of soil covered by withered leaves bulged, and then, a skeleton wearing an iron helmet and wielding a rusty spear rose up. As it completely emerged from the soil, there was something beneath it: a warhorse clad in rotten mount armor, its skeleton exposed. Judging from the armor and decorations, it was the skeletal remains of a cavalryman from Yun Shang Commandery!
"Damn!"
Lin Zhao frowned, an involuntary shiver running down his spine. He was afraid of ghosts. Now, a skeleton cavalryman stood before him, holding a spear and looking eager to attack. It was somewhat eerie. If it were him back in the Snow Region Heavenly Pool seeing this scene, he would have long since burned a demon-suppressing talisman or a disaster-dispelling talisman!
The next second, the monster's attributes appeared before his eyes—
[Cavalryman's Withered Bone] (Gilded-grade monster)
Level: 75
Attack: 1250-2400
Defense: 1000
Health: 10000
Skills: [Charge] [War Stomp] [Cavalry Charge Formation]
Description: Cavalryman's Withered Bone. Once Yun Prefecture cavalrymen, these border patrol cavalry were brutally slain by a powerful ghost cultivator. Even in death, they found no peace. Their loyal souls were refined by the ghost cultivator into lost spirit essences, and their bodies became shambling corpses, ultimately reduced to puppets of the ghost cultivator. Young heroes, upon encountering these Cavalryman's Withered Bones, should kill them without hesitation. To ferry their wandering souls is the best reward for their past loyalty.
...
"Ghosts again..."
Lin Zhao frowned, raising his sword to attack. It was time to unleash carnage!