Chapter 338 - Chapter 338: Marshland Dragon, the Stir Caused by Mr. Zhao, and Elven Etiquette (2)
Chapter 338: Marshland Dragon, the Stir Caused by Mr. Zhao, and Elven Etiquette (2)
The one who courted death was Zhao Liangchen, Mr. Zhao. So, what’s that got to do with Ji Chen?
“Where was that swamp where you encountered the Marshland Dragon?”
Monkey Gift and Monkey Gift Hair didn’t hesitate. It was just a swamp filled with monsters, and they had no intention of going there a second time. There was no harm in revealing its location.
Monkey Gift took out a map and marked a location on it.
“Big Boss, if you really plan on going there, you must be cautious. Not only are the Marshland Dragons fearsome, but there are also many powerful wild creatures along the way.
We had to employ quite a few tactics just to return in one piece.”
Recalling the perilous journey they had faced, they shuddered and silently swore never to take such a dangerous mission again.
Ji Chen glanced at the map. It was about a four-day journey from Maple City, well beyond rhe city’s security perimeter.
However, there was a downside: this Marshland was far from the coastline and deep into the mainland. This meant that without suitable terrain, his combat capabilities would be significantly compromised.
Moreover, as the Crown of the Ocean was a pure aquatic unit, amphibious units weren’t that compatible with it.
After some contemplation, he ultimately decided to go.
It’s still the same old saying: the greater the risk, the greater the rewards.
As the first unit in rhe military talent tree capable of evolving using external factors, Dragon Blood Murlocs were of extraordinary significance. With their Dragon’s Might skill, they already stood out from other units.
Advancing to the end of the Dragon Blood tech tree might even allow them to evolve into beings akin to dragons.
This was a temptation Ji Chen couldn’t resist, and it was worth taking a risk for.
After marking rhe swamp’s location on his own map, Ji Chen stowed it away in his backpack.
He casually tossed two bags of coins onto the table, creating the sound of clinking gold and heavy objects hitting the surface.
Looking at the bewildered faces of Luo Yang and the Monkey brothers, he leisurely remarked, “These two bags of gold are for you.
Also, inform the players in Maple City that Zhao Liangchen will never mistreat those who help me.”
With that, Ji Chen flashed a smug grin and left with Alice.
He certainly had the demeanor of an old-school playboy.
It wasn’t until Ji Chen descended the stairs that the three men reacted.
“Damn, that guy knows how to show off I”
Monkey Gift rolled his eyes. It was the first time he had seen a player act so ostentatiously in this world.
“Indeed, but he’s also quite generous!” Monkey Gift Hair’s eyes gleamed as he looked at the two bags of gold on the table.
Judging by the sound of them landing, each bag contained at least several hundred gold coins.
Just by saying a few words, they could earn so much. This is too easy.
While Monkey Gift and Monkey Gift Hair joyfully divided the spoils of gold coins, Luo Yang, on the other hand, gazed at the staircase as Zhao Liang Chen departed, deep in thought.
With Ji Chen’s ostentatious behavior in taking over the Cat Tail Tavern, although some players secretly mocked him as a sucker, it was precisely because of this behavior that his name spread like a virus throughout the entire player community in Maple City overnight.
In a single night, every player in Maple City knew about the arrival of Zhao Liangchen, the young master who had become rich by selling rare resources, with a fortune of billions. Even players in nearby regions heard his name, causing quite a commotion.
There were many admirers, jealous individuals, and those seeking sponsorship.
Of course, the aftermath of this commotion was not limited to that alone.
Leaving the Cat Tail Tavern and returning to the carriage, Raymond, who had been left behind, brightened up and came forward with his big belly.
“My lord, you’re back. Did everything go smoothly?”
“Yes, not bad.”
“By the way, the expenses incurred from renting the entire Cat Tail Tavern tonight will be your responsibility to settle and wrap up. Remember to act like a subordinate of an extravagant playboy and be a bit arrogant!”
Raymond was momentarily puzzled, wondering what kind of game this was again. But since it was the lord’s order, he had to comply.
“Understood.”
Ji Chen nodded and boarded the carriage, heading back to Maple Harbor.
Maple City permitted entry and exit at night, but only for those with special privileges, and Ji Chen was among those fortunate enough to have such privileges.
After showing the entrance token to the gate guards, they were quickly allowed through. A team of elite soldiers was even dispatched to escort them back to Maple Harbor.
During the return journey, the moonlight was serene, casting a pleasant glow.
The gentle night breeze was soothing, accompanied by the song-like chirping of insects, which calmed the soul.
Taking off the Illusory Mask and returning to his original appearance, Ji Chen leaned back in the carriage, reminiscing about his visit to the Black Gold District.
What struck him the most there was rhe current stare of the players.
Players had only been in this world for a few months, and at their current stage, they couldn’t match the depth of experience possessed by the natives, who had lived here for decades, centuries, or even millennia.
However, players were a creative and adaptable bunch of beings. Amidst numerous limitations, dangers, various races, and factions, they had found a place suitable for their survival.
The player alliance on King Kong Island and the Black Gold District in Maple City were living examples he had witnessed.
Given time, players might become an important force in this world.
Returning to his senses, Ji Chen looked at Alice, who was sitting across from him and smiled.
“How did this lord’s performance as the gullible nouveau riche go? Did it look convincing?”
Alice smiled faintly.
“The original appearance already fit the role quite well, but with your exceptional acting skills, if you hadn’t revealed it, you could have easily passed as a true nouveau riche. Even if a real one appeared, they would have been put to shame.”
Ji Chen:
If Alice weren’t completely on his side, he would have suspected that she was mocking him.
Back at the estate in Maple Harbor, after a quick wash, Ji Chen lay on the bed, holding Alice’s soft body, and soon fell asleep.
He slept until noon rhe next day, lazily waking up.
While enjoying a fine lunch prepared by the butlers and maids, a visit from an elf occurred.
The visitor was the taciturn elf martial officer. Upon seeing Ji Chen, he performed an impeccable elven etiquette, exuding a full sense of nobility.
Perhaps due to the Silvermoon Dynasty’s formidable power, in order to distinguish themselves from other races, the royal family and nobles had developed an intricate system of etiquette.
The complexity of this system could be compiled into a book, and its intricacy put human royal court etiquette to shame.
From audience with the Queen to every word and action, there were clear textual standards.
Even a martial officer like the one in front of Ji Chen exhibited exceptionally proper etiquette.
In comparison, Ji Chen appeared much more casual.
He sat in his chair with a carefree attitude, using a fork to directly skewer a piece of prime steak that had undergone over a dozen processes, and took big bites.
In one hand, Ji Chen held a glass of wine and downed it in one go.
He even crossed his legs casually.
However, no one in the room raised objections to his demeanor, not even Brett.
Moreover, Brett had already sensed that he might not last more than twenty rounds against Ji Chen, so he had no objections.
In this world, strength was paramount.
The strong could do whatever they pleased and even change customs and trends.
However, Ji Chen noticed Brett’s presence and restrained himself slightly. He set down his fork and wine glass, then got up to greet him.
“Mr. Brett, do you have something to discuss with me?”
“Lord Ji Chen, our ambassador requested me to deliver a letter to you.” Brett produced an uncreased envelope.
“A letter?” Ji Chen was somewhat surprised and reached out to take the envelope, examining it closely.
The envelope was made of some material he couldn’t identify but had an exquisite texture. It was adorned with golden floral patterns, and a faint floral fragrance lingered in the air.
In the center of the envelope, it read “Confidential: Exclusively For Lord Ji Chen’ in both Elvish and the common language used across the continent.
Wow, even the elves paid so much attention to an envelope?
“In addition to this letter, our ambassador also asked me to convey that it’s best for you not to leave the safety zones of Maple City and Maple Harbor in the next few days. The troll tribe in the northern Alvin Mountains seems to be getting restless again.”
The troll tribe?
Ji Chen’s interest was piqued..