CHAPTER 12: CHAPTER 9: THE BEGINNING OF A NEW STORYLINE?

"Vagabonds from other races want to take over our Abandoned Area?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Qi’s expression became much more serious, surprised that such conflicts could occur even in the Abandoned Area.

Chasing Light City is managed by multiple races together, and it’s quite peaceful within the city. But once you get to the outskirts, everything changes, with various gangs often clashing fiercely.

The gang fights are exceptionally brutal. Lin Qi, on his way to the Cangjing Weapon Shop, once witnessed a fight between gangs himself. Hundreds of people fought until one side was completely annihilated. The horrific scene is something Lin Qi hasn’t forgotten to this day.

The severe gang conflicts result in very few people willing to join them unless they’re truly desperate or seeking a future, as the gangs control a significant amount of resources and are generous to their members. Those who survive are much better off than ordinary citizens inside the city.

"Don’t worry too much," the one-eyed middle-aged man noticed Lin Qi’s concern. He approached, patted Lin Qi’s shoulder, and said with a smile, "Even if a fight breaks out, we won’t act like the gangs. After all, this is just a resting place in the Abandoned Area. It’s not worth risking our lives. We’re more there to show our strength."

"..." Lin Qi felt even more anxious hearing the man’s reassurance.

Vagabonds living in this Abandoned Area could leave, but how could he leave?

Run while carrying the Martial Arts Hall?

"All right, let’s head over quickly." The one-eyed middle-aged man seemed puzzled by Lin Qi’s worsening expression and continued to comfort, "If the situation turns bad, we can just run. Although we’re from different races, we’re all vagabonds and wouldn’t do too much harm to each other."

"You go first, brother. I’ll grab some weapons and call some people over." Lin Qi didn’t wait for the one-eyed man to say more, turning to rush to the Martial Arts Hall’s basement to fetch the bow and arrows.

As Lin Qi rushed toward the rest area, Fang Zhen and his group, also stirred by the commotion, emerged from the basement, each holding an Alloy Shovel, their eyes constantly scanning the street, fearing they might miss anything.

"Oh my god! There are so many NPCs in this game!" Fang Zhen looked at the growing crowd of vagabonds on the rundown street, his eyes shining with excitement. "If we could get quests from them, it would be fantastic."

"These people are so realistic!" Twilight of the Gods was similarly thrilled. "Look at them, not only are their clothes different, but even their facial expressions are so genuine. The game developers are truly dedicated."

"With so many NPCs gathering, something major must be happening. We should go take a look, maybe we can trigger a special quest," Fang Zhen suggested.

"Brother Zhen, don’t forget, the Hall Master doesn’t allow us to leave the Martial Arts Hall area. Remember what happens if you leave?" Twilight of the Gods reminded.

"Damn it, these game developers are cruel, letting us see but not touch." Fang Zhen looked at the street filled with NPCs, feeling somewhat dissatisfied.

The current phase of Descent of High Martial is in testing mode, and their activity range is limited to the Black Obsidian Martial Arts Hall. Before, Twilight of the Gods wanted to test how much Descent of High Martial had developed and tried to sneak out to explore the outside world.

But Twilight of the Gods hadn’t made it 10 meters past the Black Obsidian Martial Arts Hall when he collapsed as if losing his soul, showing symptoms similar to a network disconnection.

After a while, Hall Master Lin Qi walked over, dragged Twilight of the Gods back, and issued a directive that without his arrangement, leaving Black Obsidian Martial Arts Hall was prohibited. It’s dangerous outside, and leaving means taking responsibility for the consequences.

Because of this, Twilight of the Gods has been behaving much better lately, focusing on underground work instead of pushing the limits of Descent of High Martial.

"We may not be able to go there, but we can watch from here." Wushang, holding a shovel, rolled her eyes at the two, thinking their perspective was somewhat limited. "This game is still in development. The NPCs gathering must be a test by the developers, and we’re beta testers. If we aren’t allowed to participate, we can at least find a way to watch."

"Watch?" Fang Zhen was a bit startled. With night falling, he wondered how they could watch.

"The higher you stand, the further you see. Just climb higher." Wushang pointed to the roof of the Black Obsidian Martial Arts Hall.

"Right! We can climb up there and take a look," Twilight of the Gods realized.

The entire Black Obsidian Martial Arts Hall covers over 80,000 square feet, akin to a gigantic sports arena. The roof is more than 30 meters high, offering a decent view of the area where the NPCs are gathering, which isn’t far away.

"You three, come with me."

While the three discussed how to climb onto the Martial Arts Hall’s roof, Lin Qi emerged from the rest area, holding a Compound Bow and nine Black Steel Arrows, and directly gave the order.

Even though Fang Zhen and his group are relatively weak, with Wushang being just a middle schooler, making them no match for the seasoned vagabonds in the High Martial world, as the one-eyed man said, having more people adds to the momentum, which could intimidate the other side.

"Is it possible for us to go too, Hall Master?" Fang Zhen trembled a bit after hearing this and couldn’t help but ask Lin Qi.

"I knew it, with the system update and so many NPCs gathering, the officials must be planning something big," Twilight of the Gods said excitedly, clenching his fist. "Good thing I have no class tomorrow, so I can stay up all night!"

"Is something major happening outside, Hall Master?" As the vice president of Celestial Might, Wushang had long been unflappable and directly asked Lin Qi the key question.

"Not really, just a bunch of vagabonds wanting to take over our area. We’re heading over to fight them," Lin Qi said straightforwardly, without holding back.

"I knew it!" Twilight of the Gods had a hint of fanaticism on his face. "The new storyline is about to activate! And it specifically tests the combat system!"

"A faction battle?" Fang Zhen was also pleased. "I was just thinking that a game named Descent of High Martial, having us digging and farming daily, didn’t make sense. Finally, we’re testing the combat system."

Meanwhile, Wushang, who remained silent, also showed a change in expression, gripping her shovel a bit tighter.

"Now let’s see how Descent of High Martial’s combat system performs. If it’s as good as Pilgrimage, we can report to the president."

Wushang was somewhat nervous about this. Celestial Might is a huge enterprise; switching games poorly could be a big blow.

Even though Descent of High Martial’s simulation has outperformed any virtual game on the market, if the combat system isn’t good, it’s difficult for Celestial Might to choose Descent of High Martial, since the guild is famous for martial arts games and has always focused on combat training for its members.

"What are you spacing out for? Hurry up and follow me!" Lin Qi looked at the three, who were motionless and appeared thrilled. He couldn’t guess their thoughts and directly ordered.

"Yes!"

The three snapped back to reality and quickly followed Lin Qi out of the Martial Arts Hall onto another street.