Chapter 7

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Effortlessly, they found a large group of laborers—this flexible way of thinking left Ye Xiyin in awe. He still wasn’t quite accustomed to this world and had forgotten such an approach existed. Clearly, there was still much to learn.

Yet, Ye Xiyin was not surprised that Xu Ziche’s personality would lead him to do such a thing. Interestingly, the first to come up with this idea was actually He Xiting.

This kind of big shot differed slightly from what Ye Xiyin had imagined—somewhat mischievous, perhaps.

“What are you thinking about?” The sudden question startled Ye Xiyin, who realized he had been staring at He Xiting without noticing.

“Nothing, nothing,” Ye Xiyin shook his head and looked at him innocently. He couldn’t let this golden opportunity know he was murmuring behind his back.

He didn’t ask further and instead shifted to other plans.

“Xu Ziche will check the inn shortly; we’ll explore the surroundings.” Although their ultimate goal was to uncover the inn’s problems and vindicate Ye Xiyin, they couldn’t just wait for other players to act.

Compared to all three moving together, it was better for Xu Ziche to explore the inn openly, which was dangerous, while He Xiting accompanied the physically fragile Ye Xiyin around the perimeter.

Ye Xiyin knew his current condition; forcing himself to act together would only slow them down, so he obediently agreed.

As they spoke, more players gradually appeared nearby.

With a teleportation point, movement was convenient, and soon many gathered near the inn.

Most came in teams, gathering in small groups, quickly occupying the nearby woods.

Clearly, this mysterious quest was quite alluring. Moreover, the player who first proposed the quest occasionally dropped hints about the inn in the world channel, spurring others to eagerly compete to be the first to find clues.

What they didn’t realize was that the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind—the true hunter was right beside them.

The two didn’t linger long, finding a secluded spot to slip into.

Generally, crime scenes are cleaned up in a few usual places: one’s residence, a deserted riverside, or a rarely visited grove.

Here, many areas fit the criteria.

Their first choice was the nearby bamboo forest.

Sheltered by trees, even if others explored, collisions were unlikely.

Soon, Ye Xiyin grew fond of the place.

It wasn’t for anything else—the abundant collectable herbs dazzled him.

When they rode horses yesterday, he had already been tempted by the sparkling medicinal herbs nearby; now in the forest, the herbs seemed to beckon him.

Who could resist such glittering treasures seemingly waiting to be gathered?

Certainly not Ye Xiyin.

He Xiting soon noticed the little NPC beside him acting oddly.

Whenever they passed herbs, Ye Xiyin was eager to pick them; soon, his eyes sparkled as he gathered them all.

He looked like he’d even pluck the roadside weeds.

Before long, his hands were full.

“You like these things?” Seeing Ye Xiyin’s arms overflowing, He Xiting finally spoke.

He was a bit puzzled by the NPC’s enthusiasm for these herbs.

These were not rare; if Ye Xiyin wanted some, he could easily trade in the city. He himself preferred to buy finished potions.

If Ye Xiyin needed herbs, He Xiting could have bought some for him in town without much trouble.

But under Ye Xiyin’s sparkling gaze, he kept these words to himself.

No need; the NPC seemed happy.

Ye Xiyin blushed, shyly hiding his face behind the herbs.

“My health isn’t good, so I make some medicines myself. I came in a hurry this time and didn’t bring many herbs, so seeing these in the forest, I couldn’t resist.”

“You make your own medicines?” He Xiting, unusually eager to learn about him, asked.

Ye Xiyin nodded.

“I can even make those jade marrow pills from last time. Once we’re in the city, if there’s an alchemy furnace, I’ll make some for you too.”

He felt embarrassed always troubling them.

The quest rewards were just empty promises for now; it was better to offer something tangible as a token of gratitude.

He Xiting didn’t lack medicines but accepted the gesture.

Noticing Ye Xiyin’s hands full and unable to hold more, He Xiting pondered briefly and opened the in-game store.

The game “Sword Trial” was excellent at monetizing—not just with clothing and weapon skins but also lifestyle items.

From lavishly decorated alchemy furnaces to kitchenware in cute, dreamy, and exquisite series, some even limited editions, and essential tools like herb sickles and baskets.

Among these, the highest seller besides the basic, plain basket was an exquisitely small one adorned with woven flowers.

Highly favored by players.

Games often create these flashy yet impractical items. He had never cared for them before but now thought this basket would suit the little NPC perfectly.

Without much thought, he placed the order, and the basket arrived in his hands the next moment.

Ye Xiyin pretended to be an ordinary NPC and didn’t see this scene.

If not for He Xiting’s presence, he would have wanted to use a backpack, but to avoid being caught for research, such thoughts remained just that.

“Put these inside,” He Xiting said, handing it over.

The pure white jade-colored basket was inlaid with slightly darker flowers, looking fresh, elegant, yet adorable.

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Big shots can be surprisingly girlish.

Ye Xiyin thought so but obediently emptied all the herbs into the basket. When he reached to grab them again, He Xiting lifted the basket himself, signaling Ye Xiyin to continue walking.

After some persuasion failed, Ye Xiyin gave up, and the two set off to search.

Occasionally, passing players were astonished by their appearance.

This was their first time seeing such a duo.

Usually, players collect directly into their backpacks; using a basket was rare, and even rarer was one person gathering while the other carried happily.

A couple? No, that couldn’t be. Couples these days preferred setting off fireworks and taking photos together rather than gathering herbs.

But everyone was busy searching for quest clues, so even if curious, they didn’t pay much attention, nor did they realize this pair was a player and an NPC.

This made their movement easier.

While gathering, Ye Xiyin also checked the world channel to track others’ progress. Undeniably, there was strength in numbers.

After more players joined, they quickly noticed something amiss with the inn.

They investigated not only the inn and its surroundings but also inquired within the city.

Based on recent activity, many people had disappeared nearby; although no evidence pointed to the inn, it was clearly suspicious.

Moreover, according to city folk, wild beasts and bandits were rumored to roam here, though mostly hearsay.

The latter’s truth was uncertain, but players unanimously dismissed the wild beast claims.

They had nearly turned the area upside down yet saw no beasts; it could only mean humans disguised as beasts.

Ye Xiyin watched with interest, never pausing his gathering, lest his distraction be obvious.

Compared to him, He Xiting was more relaxed, focusing on Ye Xiyin.

Seeing him gather only low-level herbs, he reminded, “If you’re missing any, just tell me. Someone in the city sells them.”

“Mhm,” Ye Xiyin nodded, busy enjoying the gossip, unsure if he truly heard.

He Xiting didn’t mind; he transferred some herbs from the basket to his own bag to free space.

After a long while, Ye Xiyin suddenly stopped.

“There’s a scent,” he sniffed, confirming it wasn’t his imagination.

A faint, lingering fragrance hovered nearby—fresh and elegant, quickening Ye Xiyin’s heart.

Holding his chest to calm himself, he felt compelled to investigate.

For some reason, it was an instinct—if he didn’t go, he’d miss something good.

“Shall we check it out?” he asked He Xiting.

This small matter was no reason to refuse, and He Xiting agreed readily.

With He Xiting beside him, nothing would go wrong.

Before they moved, Ye Xiyin took out two Clear Mind Pills to stay alert.

Better safe than sorry if danger lurked.

He Xiting pocketed the rare quality pill and swallowed it.

The two then followed the fragrance.

After winding paths, they arrived at a semicircular meadow.

In the middle stood a solitary silver-white flower gently swaying.

It seemed freshly bloomed; its petals were unfolding the last one, releasing an increasingly strong fragrance.

Soon, not only Ye Xiyin but many others would be drawn here.

He Xiting hadn’t seen this flower before and knew little about it.

Ye Xiyin recognized it at a glance, his tone excited.

“Silver Radiance Lotus?!”

“You know it?” He Xiting looked at him.

Ye Xiyin nodded.

“It’s an ingredient for refining the Fifth-Stage Minor Rejuvenation Pill. That pill can improve physical constitution and might help my health.”

For an NPC, that was the case; for players, it granted a permanent constitution increase.

Though small, it was a genuine boost—rare and coveted.

Ye Xiyin picked the evidently rare herb and promised, “If I manage to refine some pills later, I’ll save some for senior brother.” Provided they could gather enough herbs.

He Xiting showed little interest in the herb but asked, “Has your health always been poor?”

Ye Xiyin had looked pale when rescued yesterday, and after only a few steps today, seemed fatigued.

Ye Xiyin nodded.

There was no need to hide it; if he lied here, and the big shot misjudged his condition, lack of care could be fatal.

“I was born with a weak constitution, naturally frail. My father tried doctors, but to no avail. Even cultivation is impossible,” Ye Xiyin sighed.

If he could cultivate, at least he could kill a chicken to gain experience and avoid being so fragile.

He Xiting frowned deeply.

The little NPC’s condition was worse than he imagined.

Recalling how the other had faced three far more dangerous enemies last night despite this frailty, his discomfort grew.

“Sorry,” he suddenly apologized, startling Ye Xiyin.

“Why the sudden apology?”

“I shouldn’t have left you alone at the inn yesterday.” Without Ye Xiyin’s quick thinking, things might have gone badly.

Ye Xiyin thought the big shot was very responsible and shook his head.

“How could you think that?”

“Rather, I should thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t know how to return. You and Xu Ziche have your own affairs; you shouldn’t have stayed with me.” Ye Xiyin smiled gently yet spoke firmly, “Ultimately, I must have the ability to protect myself.”

“I’ll find a cure soon and won’t be a burden.”

He still had the game system; though he didn’t know how to cultivate yet, there must be a way.

To outsiders, these words only made him seem more pitiable.

“All right.” He Xiting’s tone softened, “When your health recovers, I’ll teach you cultivation.”

Ye Xiyin’s eyes widened slightly.

“Is that allowed? Sect techniques can’t be shared, right?”

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Ye Xiyin himself couldn’t join other sects; Ye Junyan hadn’t left him any cultivation methods. He had planned to ask senior brothers to teach him once he was well.

Unexpectedly, He Xiting brought it up first.

But players shouldn’t casually teach NPCs skills, and the learning methods differ between players and NPCs.

“My sect is special,” He Xiting explained.

“Sword Trial” had ten factions for players to choose from:

Shi Sect, Dao Sect, Hidden Guards, Beggars’ Sect, Floating Snow Tower, Universal Pavilion, Star Luo Sect, Flying Cloud Escort Agency, Question Heart Alliance, and Luo Shu Valley.

The other nine had their own cultivation methods, but Luo Shu Valley was different.

It was more of a reclusive faction, unlocked by completing hidden quests and trials testing intelligence, constitution, and other attributes.

Only those meeting criteria could join.

Rumor said no specific teachers taught skills there; only a stone celestial book stood, from which players gleaned knowledge through their own comprehension.

Players with prior martial arts knowledge or a penchant for exploring new game strategies thrived.

It sounded prestigious but was difficult to achieve.

First, entrance requirements were high; second, players needed excellent manual control to perform skills.

Few players joined, and some who entered but couldn’t adapt had to restart with other factions.

This led their game progress to lag behind the top tier.

Thus, players were cautious about choosing Luo Shu Valley.

He Xiting was one such player, luckily among the successful few.

“Your father’s techniques helped me greatly; we share a lineage, so teaching you is only natural.”

This sect setup was absurdly overpowered, Ye Xiyin mused.

He couldn’t help but admire He Xiting’s versatility.

“Senior brother, you’re amazing,” he praised.

He Xiting heard such compliments often and never minded, but from Ye Xiyin, it felt different.

They chatted as they walked, when someone approached swiftly.

It was Xu Ziche, following the team’s guidance.

“Why are you still here? There’s a discovery by the pond,” he reported immediately.

Ye Xiyin checked the world channel and saw many discussing the pond incident.

He had been engrossed in conversation with He Xiting and hadn’t followed progress, surprised by the quick update.

Without delay, the three headed toward the coordinates.

“The inn had few clues and looked ordinary, but I found traces of knife use inside—definitely not weapons typical of inns,” Xu Ziche shared. “As for the pond, players noticed many crows gathering there, sensed something off, and investigated. They pulled out a decomposing corpse.”

Despite the system cleverly pixelating the image, such gruesome news attracted many players.

Many uninterested in the quest before rushed over.

When Ye Xiyin’s group arrived, the pond was already surrounded by crowds.

Some had woven large nets from hemp ropes, fishing in the water.

Muffled voices could be heard:

“Four? Five bodies? How many are there? The culprit is brazen!”

The crowd was too dense for Ye Xiyin to see clearly.

He tiptoed, trying to squeeze in but misjudged the crowd.

Next moment, he felt light, and when steadying himself, found he was standing on a nearby tree.

He Xiting’s arm wrapped around his waist, steadying him.

The close proximity embarrassed Ye Xiyin, but he dared not move.

Others had adopted similar tactics, but all eyes were focused on the body retrieval, ignoring them.

Ye Xiyin relaxed and tried to focus on the task, though his flushed ears betrayed his unease.

Fortunately, Xu Ziche’s presence eased the awkwardness.

“This isn’t good. More people than I expected. If we don’t get the clues first, we won’t even get a sip of soup,” Xu Ziche fretted.

They only wanted to help Ye Xiyin vent, but now with so many lives involved, it was likely a major quest with substantial rewards.

They couldn’t let it slip by.

The challenge was how to seize the initiative amid so many players.

“Then let’s report it to the authorities?” A boy with black hair and white clothes blinked innocently, like an exquisite ink painting. His words, however, were visibly upsetting to some: “They can’t possibly outmatch the officials.”

This idea sparked Xu Ziche’s inspiration.

Exactly. Such a homicide must be reported. Being first with the officials would grant them the initiative and possibly more clues.

Players had long forgotten this approach.

Thanks to Ye Xiyin’s reminder.

“Smart, little junior sister,” Xu Ziche praised involuntarily.

A cold glare suddenly fell on him.

Xu Ziche twitched his mouth, thinking, “No way.”

He heard He Xiting say, “Who’s your little junior sister?”

His tone clearly disapproved of Xu Ziche’s familiarity.

Damn it, he knew it.

He Xiting, that scoundrel, still claimed he had no designs on the pretty NPC.