Chapter Forty: Zhang He’s Turning Point

Scout is also an auxiliary class in "Dynasty," focused mainly on delivering messages, gathering intelligence, and transporting small items, with combat as a secondary skill. Most players who train as Scouts are independent cultivators, but the system grants players without any affiliation an additional 20% to their agility stats. Combined with a swift, high-quality horse, Scouts move at remarkable speed, making them difficult to ambush. Even traveling from Yizhou to the distant capital, an average Scout can make the journey in at most seven days if the employer pays for express service.

The Scout that Er Lei hired was a system-generated NPC—a long-faced, burly man astride a Mongolian horse, galloping swiftly to the canyon noodle stall. This lawless, sparsely populated area posed no trouble for the Scout, but even if something had happened, he wouldn't have been at risk of being killed.

So, when a small red box was handed to Zhang He, he paid the Scout’s commission without hesitation—eighty taels of gold and thirty taels of silver.

The mission at the Tang Fortress had been fraught with danger; Zhang He’s cunning acquisition of the Blood Parrot Flower was hard-earned. Now that his time of toil had passed, it was finally time to reap the harvest.

Opening the box, he found, as expected, a crystal-clear pill inside, almost like a large crystal orb.

"Blood Dew Pill of Hundred Flowers: Usable by independent cultivators above level 20, with no sect affiliation; innate strength +10%, innate inner power +20%. This pill can only be taken once and has side effects. Use with caution."

It was indeed a first-turn elixir. Overjoyed, Zhang He savored the fact that all his toils—surviving the perils of Tang Fortress and fleeing to this lawless land—had been worthwhile.

Er Lei’s credit was impeccable, and his acquaintance with the alchemist was nothing short of miraculous.

Without delay, Zhang He bit and swallowed the Blood Dew Pill of Hundred Flowers. Warmth surged in his lower abdomen, soon boiling within him like water. He simply sat down to regulate his breath.

After a long while, his attributes had transformed drastically:

Level: 20, Sect: None, Title: None,
Constitution: 143, Bone Structure: 60, Strength: (First Ascension 55) +0, Inner Power: (First Ascension 48) +0, Agility: 24, Mind: 8, Courage: 15, Fortune: 0, Defense: 59, Chivalry: 4, Evil: 15...

Such is the power of the first turn. Strength and inner power had already evolved, entering the first realm—First Ascension. All player attributes are divided by realms: First Ascension, Moistening, Sublimation, Carefree, Dreamlike, Unadorned, Pinnacle...

Currently, the strongest players in "Dynasty" have trained their attributes up to the Unadorned realm; what lies beyond is still unknown.

Every breakthrough to a new realm is closely tied to job advancement.

For example, after the first turn, altered attributes advance into a new realm. The stats in the new realm start at zero, but their effects and growth rates are worlds apart from before. For instance, the Blood Dew Pill of Hundred Flowers grants innate strength +10% and innate inner power +20%. From then on, every level-up attribute point added is increased at 110% and 120% rates, respectively, while the First Ascension realm itself allows the original attributes to be utilized at 120% of their maximum combat effectiveness—a stunning change.

Upon reaching the next realm, these effects stack. Players at different stages, levels, and realms are simply incomparable, which is why, back on Skyward Path, when Ghost Rain Maple activated his inner power, his body shook with turtle-like force, instantly knocking out a group of people. The root of his power was here.

Of course, the side effects of this elixir are obvious. Only sect members or the truly virtuous can officially advance; unaffiliated wanderers or whiteboards do not enjoy such privileges. For instance, after a first turn in the Shushan Sword Sect, one would learn the introductory Sword Control Technique. But Zhang He’s elixir only superficially mimics a first turn in form, not in spirit—there is no martial art to learn.

Moreover, there is no title after a first turn, and thus no access to the martial arts, prestige, or bonuses of sect members. Additionally, one’s level resets to 20, though attributes remain unchanged—these are the side effects. On the other hand, Zhang He’s First Ascension foundation is far stronger than most; he reached level 33 before this makeshift first turn.

Energized after obtaining the innate elixir, Zhang He practiced his martial arts in preparation for the duel the next day. It was already past 1 a.m. when he logged off. Meanwhile, Fatty had turned on the speakers and was enjoying his nocturnal life listening to "When Will You Return?" The sounds of midnight movies echoed through the building, and Zhang He had gradually grown accustomed to them. Still, as the saying goes, young people’s resilience is built only through constant tribulation.

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight illuminated the golden plaque of Flying Rock Manor. The gravel and boulders in front had been cleared overnight, leaving a broad open space for today’s martial contest. Around the new arena, banners had been erected, and Feng Fei stood with several dozen retainers and guards, waiting in anticipation.

As the sun neared its zenith, a swift horse raced up the winding mountain path from the valley. The one-eyed man dismounted and bowed quickly before Feng Fei. "Master, the disciples of Shushan have arrived in the valley."

Feng Fei straightened, his voice ringing out, "Welcome our guests."

The three of them—Zhang He, Fatty, and Xiao Lingling—could not help but peer down in curiosity. To them, the Shushan Sword Sect was a rare encounter with true experts.

"Mighty Min River, lofty Shushan; only Shu breeds talent, spirits both extraordinary and upright." Throughout history, the Shushan Sword Sect held a high position in the martial world. Perhaps not as dominant as Shaolin or Wudang, but steadfast in their pursuit of righteousness and the eradication of evil, earning respect and admiration from all.

Four female disciples in blue Daoist robes appeared, surrounding a peerless beauty carrying a sword as they ascended the mountain.

None of the three expected their challenger to be a woman.

She wore a wide-sleeved Daoist robe of pure white, a feathered skirt trimmed in azure blue, and a green sash adorned with many-beaded tassels. Her soft hair was tied up, with a dazzling pearl chain cascading from her hairpin. The demon-banishing sword at her waist was decorated with peach blossom pearls. Her already delicate features, paired with her Daoist attire, gave her an ethereal, untouched beauty, as if she belonged not to the mortal realm.

Feng Fei led his followers to greet them, bowing, "To receive such distinguished guests from Shu is an honor for our humble manor. Miss Hua, you have traveled far with your party. Would you care to rest a moment in the Hall of Brotherhood, that I might fulfill my duty as host?"

"No need." The stunning woman waved a hand, her voice clear as she replied, "Hua Feihong, disciple of the Palace of Shaking Light under the Seven Sages of Shushan Sword Sect, sent by my master, Fairy Lingyin, to Flying Rock Manor to seek guidance from my elders."

At her words, Zhang He, Fatty, and Xiao Lingling were all taken aback. In Shushan, apart from the sect leader, there were the Seven Sages—Taiwu, Qingshi, Yipin, Yushu, Caogu, Tiebi, and Lingyin—each representing a different school: martial arts, chess, wine, literature, medicine, calligraphy, and music.

Hua Feihong’s reference to the Palace of Shaking Light meant she was a disciple of Fairy Lingyin, who specialized in music.

The Shushan tradition is vast and profound. The position of Fairy Lingyin has yet to be filled by any player, so for now, it’s held by an NPC. Even if her disciples are less than exceptional, their strength far surpasses ordinary disciples from Qingcheng or the Tang Clan.

Feng Fei suddenly said, "Since our last meeting, how is your master’s health?"

Hua Feihong replied coolly, "Thank you for your concern, elder. My master is in good health, and I thank you on her behalf."

Feng Fei sighed, "It has been many years since we parted. To hear that your master remains well brings me great comfort. Truly, Heaven protects the virtuous."

Hua Feihong continued, "My master often speaks highly of you, calling you broad-minded and free-spirited, a paragon of chivalry in our martial world."

"Oh?" Feng Fei laughed. "Did your master give you any other messages?"

...

In the distance, Fatty frowned and muttered, "Isn’t this all nonsense? She’s here to seek revenge, and he’s asking about her master’s health?"

Xiao Lingling scoffed, "What do you know? This is plot."

Fatty replied, "Of course I know it’s plot, but this kind of plot is pointless. I know martial artists should win people over with virtue, but when virtue fails, words are useless—you need weapons to convince people."

Xiao Lingling couldn’t help but laugh, "That’s a twisted logic, but it makes sense!"

Her laughter caught Hua Feihong’s attention. Her expression turned cold as she said, "You three are players?"

Fatty and Xiao Lingling were startled—the woman’s gaze was piercing.

Zhang He calmly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and countered, "From your tone, miss, are you a player as well?"

Hua Feihong’s gaze shifted to Feng Fei. Feng Fei cupped his hands, "These three are retainers of my manor. If Miss Hua would do me the honor, please give them a few pointers."

At this, Hua Feihong withdrew her icy demeanor, her eyes gleaming with both vigilance and excitement. Clearly, though fate destined one to contend with Heaven, sparring with people was its own delight. True masters found joy in dueling fellow players.

Yet Feng Fei’s words also betrayed a weakness—these three were not particularly strong, and needed to face Hua Feihong together.

But this was fair. It would seem excessive for the mighty Shushan Sword Sect to pick a fight with the humble Flying Rock Manor, but a three-on-one match made the contest justifiable for both sides.

"In that case, let us begin." Hua Feihong said coldly. Her ready agreement was not out of disdain for the three, nor arrogance, but rather stemmed from the confidence of a high-ranking Shushan disciple. She had never completed this quest before, and it didn’t matter if she failed again. However, to go against Feng Fei’s wishes might cost her sect reputation, or even affect her chivalry and prestige.

But Zhang He and his companions had no such concerns. Sectless and rootless, they were not the high-and-mighty, well-born favorites. As long as they could complete the quest and earn their reward, they’d gladly take on one, three, or even thirty or three hundred opponents—the more shameless, the better.

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