The Hercules Beetle is a type of hard-shelled insect with a huge pincer-like structure on its head. The Hercules Beetles in this area are about one meter long and capable of flight.
Qiao Jingting observed the nest of the Hercules Beetles from a distance. It was his first time seeing flying creatures like these, and he knew from their 80-point difficulty rating that they would be quite challenging to deal with. Monsters with an 80-point difficulty rating were likely targets for players like Zou Yidao, someone on a higher level. Why would Bai Er run into this area?
Qiao Jingting began to suspect that the people from the Phantom Guild might be deceiving him. There might be Level 6 players waiting to ambush him here. But since he had seen someone engaging in monster hunting, he needed to make sure Bai Er wasn’t among them. He made up his mind and quietly approached the area.
The nest of the Hercules Beetles was a large tree hollow that cleverly portrayed the creatures’ habits while incorporating human-like elements. Dozens of holes were dug into the decaying roots of a large tree, with the largest hole serving as the entrance to the nest. These interconnected holes inside were reminiscent of a primitive cave dwelling.
Qiao Jingting ran closer, climbed a tree, and concealed himself among the branches and leaves. From there, he could see two groups of people facing off. Four of them wore masks, likely members of the Phantom Guild, while the other two were individuals with a totem-like design formed by silver ice equipment on them, probably from the Apex Guild.
Why would members of the Apex Guild be here? Weren’t they forbidden to enter the city by the Phantom Guild?
Qiao Jingting quickly thought of a possibility: they might have traveled here from other cities on the Azure Dragon Continent. Of course, if they had the money, they could have used vehicles like motorcycles, cars, or even airplanes, so they wouldn’t need to rely on their legs.
However, intruding into a city without permission to hunt monsters was risky. If discovered, they would be mercilessly killed, and guilds were prohibited from seeking revenge.
Unfortunately, the two members of the Apex Guild were at Level 9, while most members of the Phantom Guild were around Levels 6 and 7. The battle was hard to predict, so both sides were at a stalemate.
At that moment, one of the Apex Guild members produced something and threw it to the Phantom Guild members. The masked figures hesitated while holding the item.
The person from the Apex Guild with commanding presence said in a rough voice, “Just leave. Pretend you didn’t see us.”
Qiao Jingting became alert and listened closely.
After a moment of hesitation, the masked Phantom Guild members started to retreat from the Hercules Beetle’s nest.
Meanwhile, the two Apex Guild members entered the nest. The Hercules Beetles were passive, group-attacking monsters. They swarmed toward the two intruders, and the closer they got to the nest, the more beetles joined the assault. The Apex Guild members were soon surrounded by a dozen or more Hercules Beetles, making it hard for them to move.
The one from the Apex Guild who controlled earth-type abilities plucked up patches of grass and hurled clumps of dirt at the Hercules Beetles. A single hit was often enough to kill one. The other member was a Gu Master who summoned two bald eagles to attack the Hercules Beetles. However, despite the eagles’ imposing appearance, they couldn’t withstand the onslaught of so many beetles and were quickly killed. The Gu Master was overwhelmed, and the one with earth abilities had to protect him while fending off attacks. With the numbers of Hercules Beetles increasing instead of decreasing, he struggled to escape. He took out something from his pocket and shouted, “Get out of here!”
The Gu Master responded, “No grenades allowed here, don’t waste them.”
Qiao Jingting was taken aback.
Could Bai Er be inside?
He quickly jumped down from the tree and circled around to the back of the nest. Most of the Hercules Beetles were attracted to the two Apex Guild members, leaving only a few at the back. Still, even though there were only a few, he couldn’t underestimate them due to their 80-point difficulty rating.
Qiao Jingting prepared his healing scrolls and teleportation scrolls, took out his six-edged mace, and charged in.
One of the Hercules Beetles noticed him and swung its scythe-like mouthparts at him.
Qiao Jingting squatted down quickly, swung his mace forcefully, and shattered the scythe-like mouthpart. The Hercules Beetle fell to the ground but struggled to get up. Qiao Jingting planned to follow up with a blow to its head, but three more beetles charged at him. They surrounded him before he could finish his attack.
Qiao Jingting was attacked from all sides, and one of the mouthparts sliced off a large chunk of flesh from his shoulder. He swung his mace hard, but the outer shell of the Hercules Beetles’ mouthparts was covered in a layer of hard armor that was even tougher than human bones. Unless he struck precisely, he could hardly inflict damage.
Fortunately, Qiao Jingting’s goal wasn’t to kill them. He had no intention to stay and fight. He would only engage if he couldn’t escape. He dashed toward the tree hollow.
His movements were quickly noticed by the two Apex Guild members. They assumed he was here to hunt monsters and paid him no mind. Through the thick trees, they didn’t realize he had already disappeared into the tree hollow.
Qiao Jingting rushed into the tree hollow in a disheveled state and came face to face with the dark silhouette of a Hercules Beetle. Its mandibles snapped ferociously toward him. He quickly crouched down and swung his six-edged mace with force. The confined space in the hollow didn’t allow the Hercules Beetle to fly up, and the terrain here was naturally unfavorable for it. His mace struck the beetle’s head with precision, smashing its fragile skull. Artificial brain matter sprayed all over Qiao Jingting. Although it was fake brain matter and didn’t have a scent, it was sticky and viscous, making him feel nauseous. Indeed, the higher-level machine monsters appeared more realistic. While wiping the fake brain matter off his head, Qiao Jingting cursed under his breath.
Inside the tunnel, there was only one Hercules Beetle left. The one that followed Qiao Jingting inside was blocked at the entrance by him. He took down one beetle after another, killing four of them. No more beetles entered, mainly because the other two intruders had attracted all the beetles away.
Qiao Jingting looked up and saw numerous tree hollows of all sizes throughout the area. The Hercules Beetles were fond of dwelling in trees, whether for laying eggs or hunting. These machine insects didn’t need either, which showcased the game designers’ attention to detail.
He grabbed onto one of the hollows and climbed up while calling out, “Bai Er, Bai Er!”
Suddenly, a head popped out from a hollow above him. The person had skin as pale as a ghost and a captivatingly attractive appearance. Who else could it be but Bai Er?
“Damn it,” Qiao Jingting quickly crawled toward him.
Bai Er reached out and pulled him in, dragging him into the hiding spot.
Before Qiao Jingting could scold him, the narrow space of the hollow made him feel nauseous. The two of them were practically chest-to-chest, face-to-face. Being so close to another guy made Qiao Jingting extremely uncomfortable. He angrily cursed, “You troublemaker, why didn’t you hide in a rat hole?”
Bai Er calmly looked at him and asked, “What are you doing here?”
“If I didn’t come, were you planning to wait for death?”
Bai Er inquired curiously, “What does it matter to you if I die?” His tone wasn’t sarcastic but genuinely curious and puzzled.
Qiao Jingting smacked his head hard, saying, “Brothers who have fought together look out for each other. Do you think I’d just watch you die?”
Bai Er was taken aback and almost forgot to get angry. He furrowed his brows, looking puzzled, and asked, “Brothers?”
“If you’re about to die, wouldn’t your brother come to save you?” Qiao Jingting pushed his chest irritably. “Stay away from me, it’s too hot.”
Bai Er fell silent for a moment and then said, “He won’t come.”
“What?”
“Never mind.”
“You don’t have any points left, why didn’t you buy a teleport scroll?”
“Not enough points.”
“What about your weapon? Did you sell it?” Qiao Jingting saw Bai Er’s umbrella nearby.
“Customized weapon systems aren’t reclaimed.”
Qiao Jingting was so frustrated he wanted to strangle him. “So you plan to hide here and wait for someone to slaughter you?”
“I’m resting. Once I’m well-rested, I’ll go out and kill them.”
Qiao Jingting saw blood on Bai Er’s body. Resting wasn’t that simple. “Those two are Level 9, a God Hand and a Gu Master. You won’t stand a chance.”
A commotion came from beneath the tree hollow, and then the entire tree root began to shake violently. The underground soil well gushed upwards like a fountain, and it was the Level 9 God Hand who was lifted up by the soil.
Qiao Jingting handed a teleport scroll to Bai Er and said, “Teleport back.”
Space warped in an instant.
As Qiao Jingting opened his eyes, the scene changed from the collapsing Hercules Beetle nest to a tranquil river and a small wooden bridge.
Bai Er slumped to the ground. His slender physique seemed somewhat fragile, and his nearly translucent skin gave a sense that he might dissipate in the wind.
When Qiao Jingting looked up, he noticed people all around, mostly wearing eerie masks with a silvery mercury sheen. Some masks were decorated with various jewels, gold dust, metals, and feathers, making them quite appealing.
The woman who had teased him before walked over with an unexpected tone, “Two Level 6 players going after Hercules Beetles and surviving, not bad.”
Qiao Jingting ignored her and handed a healing scroll to Bai Er, all while pondering where to take Bai Er. Returning to Star Sun Horse was definitely not an option, as Bai Er didn’t have any points, and apart from Star Sun Horse, they couldn’t go anywhere else.
“Would you like to join the Mask?” a refined male voice sounded from behind.
Qiao Jingting saw the Mask players gesturing respectfully and then turned around to see a handsome man with a mask covering the right side of his face. The mask was uniquely designed, with intricate patterns outlined in black and gold powder that created a beautiful yet eerie appearance.
Qiao Jingting warily scrutinized the man named Zhao Mo Nong. He was currently the highest Level 10 he had encountered in the game. He shook his head and said, “No.”
Zhao Mo Nong raised an eyebrow. “Join the guild. Someone will take you to earn points, so you don’t have to be in such dire straits.”
“No, your guild lacks rules,” Qiao Jingting straightforwardly stated.
Zhao Mo Nong was slightly puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“The territory of the Mask doesn’t allow Peak members to enter, right?”
“Of course.”
“When Bai Er and I were attacked by Peak members at the Hercules Beetle site, your players didn’t drive them away. Instead, they took bribes from Peak and teleported back.”
Zhao Mo Nong dangerously narrowed his eyes. “Who was it? Point them out.”
Qiao Jingting glanced around and pointed to two people. “Him and him, and two others not present.”
The two men he pointed to turned pale with fear and desperation, and one of them cried out in panic, “Mr. Zhao, he’s spewing nonsense, we’ve never seen him before!”
Zhao Mo Nong pointed at the man who had previously pushed Qiao Jingting. “Go check at the Hercules Beetle site.”
“Yes.” The man used a teleport scroll and instantly disappeared.
Zhao Mo Nong turned to the two men and said, “Who else was with you at the Hercules Beetle site?”
The two men stammered.
“Speak,” Zhao Mo Nong’s voice grew stern.
One of them was so frightened that he blurted out two names.
“Bring those two here,” Zhao Mo Nong ordered.
Soon, the person sent to investigate the Hercules Beetle site returned, and the four individuals who were there when the Peak members attacked were also gathered.
The investigator respectfully reported, “Mr. Zhao, there’s no one at the Hercules Beetle site, but judging from the traces on the ground, Zheng Yi Long from Peak was here.”
Zhao Mo Nong coldly looked at the four people. “Tell the truth now, or you’ll regret it.”
The four people immediately dropped to their knees and pleaded with trembling voices, “Peak wants to capture them, we, we can’t defeat the Level 9 God Hand, please spare us, Mr. Zhao.”
“You can’t defeat them. You should’ve informed me and let Peak capture them on our territory. If word spreads, the Mask will become a joke,” Zhao Mo Nong said, his gaze chillingly fierce, “Only two out of you four can survive, and I won’t even need to lift a finger.”
The four people stiffened for less than half a second, then transformed and drew their weapons, beginning to fight each other.
Qiao Jingting coldly glanced at them and then bent down to pull Bai Er up from the ground. “Let’s find an inn to rest for a while.”
Zhao Mo Nong looked at them and said, “No matter what grudges you have with Peak, as long as you’re within the Mask’s territory, no one will be allowed to act recklessly. As compensation, you can stay for free at the best inn in the city.”
Zhao Mo Nong’s actions were for the benefit of other guild players and freelancers. Every guild promised to ensure player safety within the city and strictly prohibited players from engaging with monsters within their domain without entering the city. Since Peak was a mortal enemy of the Mask, the actions of those two individuals were like slapping the Mask’s face. As the second-in-command of the Mask, Zhao Mo Nong had to provide an explanation to the players.
Qiao Jingting nodded. “Thanks, big brother.” He grabbed Bai Er and walked towards the inn.
“Why were you pursued by Peak?” Zhao Mo Nong asked from behind.
Without stopping, Qiao Jingting pointed at Bai Er without looking back. “This kid killed members of Peak.”
Looking at the two figures walking away, a hint of amusement crossed Zhao Mo Nong’s smile.
Once they entered the guest room, Qiao Jingting threw Bai Er onto the couch, wiped the blood off his hands with a tissue, and then sat down, taking a deep breath. After going through a series of dangers, he finally felt fatigue.
Considering what had just happened, any deviation in the process could have led to their demise. For example, if Peak members had discovered their intentions earlier, if the Hercules Beetle’s nest didn’t provide natural hiding spots, or if the space within the tree hollow wasn’t low enough to prevent the Hercules Beetle from flying.
Thinking about this, Qiao Jingting shuddered and released his pent-up frustration by kicking Bai Er.
Bai Er protested, “What are you doing?”
“What are you doing?” Qiao Jingting retorted. “Didn’t I tell you to wait for us obediently at Star Sun Horse? Why did you stir up trouble?”
“They attacked first,” Bai Er replied coldly. “Anyone who poses a threat to me has to be eliminated. What’s wrong with that?”
“But you should also adapt to the situation. You didn’t go down to fight the two people from the Hercules Beetle just now. You knew you couldn’t win, right?”
“Of course, I only kill those I can defeat.”
Qiao Jingting fumed, “I wasted 1800 points to open the map just to find you. At least a few hundred points were spent on Shu Ai’s and Lu Xi’s teleportation to Star Sun Horse.”
Bai Er pursed his lips, looking somewhat uncomfortable. “I told you, you didn’t need to come.”
“If you say that again, I’ll slap you.” Qiao Jingting grabbed Bai Er’s collar, gritting his teeth. “I don’t care how you used to live, but if you follow me, Qiao Jingting, you have to follow my rules. If you’re in danger, we’ll fight to save you. Similarly, if we’re in danger, you have to come, no matter how far.”
Bai Er stared at Qiao Jingting for a few seconds before prying his hand off and turning his face away. “I get it. I owe you two lives now.”
Qiao Jingting pushed his head lightly. “You rascal.”
Bai Er lowered his head and remained motionless. His silky white hair covered his face, giving the impression that he felt wronged.
Qiao Jingting crossed his arms and sat in the chair, murmuring after a while, “What should we do next? These masked people are all strange and seem like lunatics. Their leader even dissects living people. I don’t want to stay here.” He paused. “That Zhao Mo Nong earlier, he’s not the leader of the Mask, right? He wasn’t one of the council members.”
“No, he’s not.”
“How about going to Dou Mu Xie? It’s a remote small city. It only costs 300 points to teleport there. It’s really cold, and there aren’t many people. We can ask Dao Ge and Shu Ai to come too. We can farm monsters there.”
“But I need 300 points first.” Bai Er looked up. “Let’s go monster hunting at night.”
“Okay.” Qiao Jingting sent a message to Shu Ai, informing them of the current situation. He told them to earn points at Star Sun Horse for now while they did the same at Jiao Mu Jiao. Later, they would all meet up at Dou Mu Xie.
In fact, he had previously visited Dou Mu Xie and thought it would be a suitable base for them. The city likely had few popular monsters around, resulting in a scarcity of guild members and adventurers. In a city where the temperature was so frigid, everyone would prefer to earn points in warmer areas. Without any popular monsters to attract attention, who would be willing to endure the cold? Even the major guilds would be too lazy to recruit there. Considering these factors, Dou Mu Xie was currently the easiest city to capture.
Qiao Jingting bought some food, closed his eyes, munched, and rested while contemplating the 1800 points he had wasted and the now distant prospect of refining his godly essence. He couldn’t help but sigh.
During this time, he decided to enter the Void Space. If Dao Ge’s analysis was correct, he might encounter something related to this city inside.
And yes, the names of these cities are peculiar, haha. But it’s not my doing; they are named after the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions.
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