38: Chapter 38 Post-War

The retreat of [Dark Night] marked the end of the protracted power struggle in Novice Village.

The [Dawn] guild achieved a complete victory, not only purging the internal traitor but also dealing a crushing blow to [Dark Night]'s forces in Novice Village. Once the news spread, the entire Novice Village was in an uproar.

"Have you heard? The [Dawn] guild wiped out three of [Dark Night]'s strongholds overnight!"

"That's amazing! Ye Liuli truly deserves to be the number one female player in Novice Village!"

"And I heard there's someone named Chen Ergou who used a magical potion to make the [Dark Night] members turn on each other!"

Various discussions rose and fell, and the names of Chen Ergou and Ye Liuli became the hottest topics in Novice Village.

As the greatest contributor, Chen Ergou naturally received a generous reward.

"This is your reward," Ye Liuli said, handing a bag of gold coins to Chen Ergou. "Five thousand gold coins, plus the status of Honorary Elder of the guild."

Chen Ergou took the gold coins, weighed them in his hand, and grinned until his eyes narrowed into slits: "Oh my, how could I accept this?"

"You don't want it?" Ye Liuli raised an eyebrow. "Then give it back."

"I want it, I want it!" Chen Ergou quickly stuffed the gold coins into his backpack. "One dare not refuse a gift from an elder!"

Ye Liuli rolled her eyes at him, but her eyes held a smile.

"By the way," she said, "there is one more thing."

"What is it?"

"In three days, the teleportation array to the main city will open in Novice Village," Ye Liuli said. "By then, all players who have reached level 20 can head to the main city."

Chen Ergou's eyes lit up: "Is the main city finally opening?"

"Yes," Ye Liuli nodded. "The main city is called 'Tianqi City', and it is one of the largest cities in 'world descent'. It is completely different from Novice Village; the competition is more intense, the forces are more complex, and there are many more experts. Are you... ready?"

Chen Ergou scratched his head: "I'm prepared, but..."

"But what?"

"But I'm only level 18, I'm still two levels short," Chen Ergou said, somewhat distressed. "Can I reach level 20 in three days?"

Ye Liuli thought for a moment and said, "There is a way."

"What way?"

"There is a hidden dungeon in Novice Village where the monsters give high experience points," Ye Liuli said. "If you can clear that dungeon within three days, you should be able to reach level 20."

"A hidden dungeon?" Chen Ergou remembered something. "Is it the one mentioned by that beggar NPC?"

"Yes," Ye Liuli nodded. "That dungeon is called 'Sword Saint Ruins', and it is said to be the place where Sword Saint Xiao Wuchen trained back in the day."

Chen Ergou's heart stirred. The place where Sword Saint Xiao Wuchen trained? Maybe he could find clues to the second style of the 'Sword Saints Three Styles'!

"I'll go!" he said immediately. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow," Ye Liuli said. "I will accompany you."

Chen Ergou was taken aback: "You're accompanying me?"

"What, you don't want to?" Ye Liuli raised an eyebrow.

"I do, I do!" Chen Ergou nodded quickly. "With Guild Leader Xiguang escorting me, I couldn't ask for more!"

Ye Liuli snorted softly, but the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

"Then it's settled. See you at the village entrance tomorrow morning."

"Got it!"

Chen Ergou watched Ye Liuli's retreating figure, his heart filled with anticipation. Main city, Tianqi City, here he comes!