Evening.
Wang Ju prepared a table full of delicacies, including soft-shelled turtles, wild rabbits, and large roosters, making for a very sumptuous meal. Zhang Jun was helping in the kitchen, his knife falling like rain. In a few seconds, a large rooster was transformed into a pile of diced meat. Luo Man and Mo Chenxue were busy washing vegetables and peeling garlic, while Ding Chi cheered Zhang Jun on from the side, exclaiming, "Rabbit, what great knife skills!"
Lin Zhao, Shen Xingchen, and Chen Xue took advantage of this leisure time to stand on the second-floor balcony, gazing at the garden and the distant lake. The evening breeze blew, carrying with it a scent of the lake that was refreshing and invigorating. The three of them did not participate in preparing dinner, not out of laziness, but because they were the "brains" of the entire Scarlet Moon Knights studio. With the announcement of the new expansion map, it was up to the three of them to strategize and plan.
...
Shen Xingchen lightly swiped her phone, and lines of text immediately appeared, detailing the locations and specifics of several treasures within the Goblin Treasure—
[Gemstone Mine] (S-class): Garrison strength S. After capture, every 10 minutes yields: Guild Experience +100 million, Guild Treasury Gold +1w, Guild members gain +30% experience while occupying.
[Gemstone Mine] (A-class): Garrison strength A. After capture, every 10 minutes yields: Guild Experience +50 million, Guild Treasury Gold +5000, Guild members gain +20% experience while occupying.
[Gemstone Mine] (B-class): Garrison strength B. After capture, every 10 minutes yields: Guild Experience +30 million, Guild Treasury Gold +3000, Guild members gain +10% experience while occupying.
[Oil Refinery] (S-class): Garrison strength S. After capture, every 10 minutes yields: Guild Experience +100 million, Guild Treasury Gold +5000, Guild members' attack and defense increased by 15% while occupying.
[Oil Refinery] (A-class): Garrison strength A. After capture, every 10 minutes yields: Guild Experience +50 million, Guild Treasury Gold +3000, Guild members' attack and defense increased by 10% while occupying.
[Oil Refinery] (B-class): Garrison strength B. After capture, every 10 minutes yields: Guild Experience +30 million, Guild Treasury Gold +2000, Guild members' attack and defense increased by 5% while occupying.
...
Lin Zhao and Chen Xue studied them carefully for a while.
"The output data for the mines is quite clear."
Shen Xingchen's lips curved into a smile. "If you want to make money, capture the S-class Gemstone Mines. They yield 10,000 gold in 10 minutes. In 24 hours, that's 21.6 million gold. Our Scarlet Moon Knights are in dire need of funds right now. If we can bring in over 20 million gold to the guild treasury daily, Lin Zhao won't have to work so hard. After giving half to guild members as bonuses, we'll still have plenty left. It'll be very profitable."
"That's fine."
Chen Xue smiled. "However, the competition for these S-class mines will undoubtedly be fierce. Not only us, but guilds like Seeking Immortals, Unbounded, Guanghan Palace, and Azure Knights will also vie for them."
Lin Zhao's sword-like eyebrows furrowed, and he remained silent.
"What are you thinking about?"
Shen Xingchen glanced at him. "As the leader, do you have any ideas?"
"Yes."
Lin Zhao said, "Actually, we could consider dividing our forces. One group could attack the S-class Gemstone Mine, and another could target an A-class Oil Refinery. If we capture the A-class Oil Refinery, we'll gain a 10% attack and defense buff, which will be crucial in guild battles. We'll send a small contingent to defend this A-class Oil Refinery to secure the buff, and then commit all our elite forces to the struggle for the S-class Gemstone Mine. I believe this is the optimal strategy for now, though the pressure will be considerable."
He scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "I've been fighting in the Northern Region for some time, so I'm not entirely familiar with the current guild situation in Tianji City. The specific implementation will depend on your operations, Xingchen."
"Let me first outline the current situation in Tianji City."
Shen Xingchen's beautiful eyes looked at Lin Zhao as she explained. "First, the strongest guilds in Tianji City are not us, but Seeking Immortals and Unbounded, both claiming to be T1. Seeking Immortals currently has over 15,000 members and is the strongest. Unbounded has over 12,000 members and is second. Our Scarlet Moon Knights are third, with over 8,000 members. While fewer in number, we are strong in combat. Following us are several other guilds: Guanghan Palace with over 9,000 members, Azure Knights with over 8,000, Prosperous Peony with over 9,000, and All Sinners with over 7,000."
Lin Zhao took a deep breath. The situation of more people and fewer resources had never changed. There were only six mines in total, not enough for one guild each!
"What about the attitudes of the other guilds?" Lin Zhao asked.
"Hmph~~~"
Shen Xingchen chuckled. "Azure Knights, Prosperous Peony, and All Sinners have all clashed with our Scarlet Moon Knights before, so they clearly won't ally with us. As for Seeking Immortals... Xian Bai, due to his relationship with Leng Yan, has always had a lukewarm attitude towards our Scarlet Moon Knights. Therefore, the only two guilds we can potentially ally with are Unbounded and Guanghan Palace."
"What are your plans?"
"After dinner, you'll go back to the city. I've arranged to meet with the leaders of Unbounded and Guanghan Palace in person. If the three of us can join forces, we might have a slight chance."
"Okay."
Lin Zhao nodded readily. "I'll listen to you!"
...
Night, Tianji City, Han Yue Tower Restaurant.
Shen Xingchen hosted a banquet, with Lin Zhao accompanying her. Shortly after, a man and a woman ascended the stairs and sat in front of Lin Zhao and Shen Xingchen. The man was named Shu Mei Jian Qing Feng, one of the ten beta testers, an level 80 Swordmaster, and the leader of the Unbounded guild. The woman was named Dark Girl, a petite girl, an level 79 Swordmaster, carrying a greatsword disproportionate to her size, with a sweet smile.
"You're here~~~"
Shen Xingchen smiled slightly. "We've been waiting for you."
"We ate late, apologies."
Shu Mei Jian Qing Feng smiled. Just like in the small town before, he was a gentle and refined young man. Although a Swordmaster, his killing intent was not strong; on the contrary, he seemed like a sword cultivator who had read many books.
Dark Girl stared intently at Lin Zhao and said with a smile, "I've heard some rumors recently. The White-robed Leader's real name is Lin Zhao. You were actually the 11th person in the beta test, the Lin Baiyi from the Snow Domain Heavenly Pool?"
Lin Zhao scratched his head, wishing he could remain low-key, but it seemed the news had gotten out.
Shen Xingchen smoothed things over with a smile. "Dark Girl, you seem to have become even more beautiful recently. Have you lost weight? Your face shape is much better than before."
"Really?"
Dark Girl smiled. "I hope so~~~~"
"Let's get straight to the point."
Shu Mei Jian Qing Feng said, "An hour ago, Xian Bai and Li Canghai both approached me. The matter they discussed is likely the same – forming an alliance to compete for the Goblin Treasure. I assume your goal, White-robed Leader and Shen Xingchen, is the same. Since we all have the same objective, let's be direct. How do you envision our cooperation?"
"Simply put, cooperation for mutual benefit."
Shen Xingchen pursed her red lips. "Currently, Seeking Immortals has the strongest theoretical strength in Tianji City; even Unbounded falls short. The current situation is that Seeking Immortals is leading the development in Tianji City, and the three of us can only follow behind. However, this Goblin Treasure event is a variable. So, I propose that the three major guilds form an alliance and exclude Seeking Immortals first."
Dark Girl said, "Cooperation is possible. Let's first discuss how to divide the mines."
Lin Zhao said, "Our Scarlet Moon Knights are poor and ambitious. We desire that S-class Gemstone Mine the most. Additionally, we will send elites to occupy an A-class Oil Refinery to enhance our attributes. Once we secure the first stage of the competition, our Scarlet Moon Knights will become stronger. As for the rest, you can choose."
"The Scarlet Moon Knights have quite an appetite..."
Shu Mei Jian Qing Feng smiled. "Your goal is exactly the same as Xian Bai's."
Dark Girl smiled meaningfully. "White-robed Leader, are you implying that Guanghan Palace will be the supporting role? You know... among these six mines, the S-class Gemstone Mine is the most profitable. Whoever occupies this mine can obtain significant financial income and maintain the leveling speed of all guild members."
"That's right."
Shen Xingchen did not deny it and smiled. "Although the Scarlet Moon Knights only have 8,000 members, our average guild level is 75.9, and our average combat power is 3041. To my knowledge, Guanghan Palace's average level is 73.2, and their average combat power is 2679. There is no offense intended; I am merely stating facts to maximize everyone's benefits in this event. In this battle, the Scarlet Moon Knights will be the main attackers. Once we secure an S-class Gemstone Mine, we can assist you in gaining more benefits, gradually chipping away at and pushing other guilds out of the Goblin Treasure map."
"Alright."
Dark Girl giggled playfully. "I was about to get angry, but your explanation is reasonable and logical. It seems I have no reason to be angry anymore."
Shen Xingchen chuckled. "That's because you're smart."
Shu Mei Jian Qing Feng smiled faintly. "Then how do you plan to arrange us Unbounded?"
"Unbounded is very strong."
Shen Xingchen said, "With over 12,000 members, an average level of 74.1, and an average combat power of 2804, we are second only to Seeking Immortals in Tianji City. Therefore, my suggestion is that Leader Qing Feng can first lead your forces to capture a B-class Oil Refinery. We'll let others fight for the S-class mines. Then, Leader Qing Feng can lead your forces to support the Scarlet Moon Knights and help us take that S-class Gemstone Mine. Afterwards, we'll split our forces to help you take the S-class Oil Refinery, maximizing Unbounded's combat power, and then together attack Seeking Immortals, driving them out of the competition. As for the other guilds... they generally won't pose much of a threat. You can divide the remaining mines among yourselves."
"Drive Seeking Immortals out of the competition?"
Shu Mei Jian Qing Feng said ruefully, "Can Xian Bai tolerate that?"
"As long as we are strong enough, he'll have to tolerate it whether he wants to or not."
"Understood."
Shu Mei Jian Qing Feng stood up.
"Have you decided?"
Lin Zhao also stood up and looked at him with a smile.
"Decided. Unbounded will cooperate with you."
Shu Mei Jian Qing Feng smiled. "See you later. I will take orders from Shen Xingchen then."
...
He smiled and walked out, Xian Bai's smiling words still echoing in his mind: "Brother Qing Feng, there's nothing to discuss. Together, we are invincible in Tianji City. The S-class Gemstone Mine and Oil Refinery will be ours, Seeking Immortals, and the A-class Gemstone Mines and Oil Refineries will be yours, Unbounded. Each takes what they need, how about it?"
Shu Mei Jian Qing Feng chuckled. Unbounded did not want to be subordinate to others; at least one S-class was essential. You call me brother, Xian Bai, but do you truly understand my personality? In comparison, the negotiations with Shen Xingchen and Baiyi were more comfortable.