98: Chapter 98 The Hero's Orphan

Arrow of the Moon's fingertips instinctively curled up.

Zhao City, as one of the starting main cities, guides players toward two different secondary main cities after reaching a certain stage in the quest line—

Thousand Light City, which belongs to the Roman God Clan's sphere of influence, and White Stop City, which is within the Elf God Clan's radiation zone.

Of course, she hoped Chen You would go to White Stop City!

As long as he remained in the Elf God Clan's radiation zone, whether searching for the Mysterious Merchant or for future deep cooperation, he would hold the absolute initiative.

But it was a specific quest that determined the branching path... she couldn't remember.

For a top-tier player like her who had long since left the beginner stage, those tedious low-level quests were like stones by the roadside; who would bother to remember what they looked like?

No, she couldn't let him figure it out himself! What if he chose incorrectly...

Arrow of the Moon instantly made up her mind.

[Arrow of the Moon]: Zhao City's main quest is very complex; different choices lead to completely different areas.

[Arrow of the Moon]: If Guild Leader Chen is unfamiliar with it, I can immediately arrange for one of the guild's elites most familiar with the quest lines to guide you. This can ensure you take the optimal route and save a lot of time.

Looking at this reply, Chen You raised an eyebrow.

So enthusiastic?

The serious face of the social relations expert, Pan Yu, flashed through his mind.

This optimal route, I'm afraid, is the optimal route for Moon Gods Radiance, isn't it?

Chen You knew the truth clearly but did not expose it.

[Chen You]: Thank you for your kindness, Guild Leader Yue, but I'm not in a hurry for now. I'll take a look myself first.

After sending the message, he directly closed the chat box.

On the other end, Arrow of the Moon stared at the polite yet distant reply and couldn't help but be stunned.

Her long, slender eyelashes trembled slightly, wanting to say something more.

In the end, she also closed the chat box.

...

Inside the Supreme Tower.

Chen You didn't take Arrow of the Moon's 'little scheme' to heart at all.

For professional matters, one must ask the most professional person.

He turned to look at the exclusive customer service representative, Hill, who had been maintaining a smile beside him.

"Hill, I have completed the exploration of Wailing Valley. What is the next main quest? How long until I can enter the next main city?"

Data streams flashed across Hill's azure blue eyes as she seemed to retrieve his quest status.

"Respected supreme member, your efficiency is unmatched."

She slightly bowed, her tone respectful.

"You only need to go to the East City Training Ground and report back to Centurion Luo Yi of the Garrison Army to unlock the subsequent quests."

"You only need to complete two more main quests at most to enter the next main city."

Two quests.

So fast?

Chen You had a clear idea.

"Understood."

He nodded, turned around, and left the Supreme Tower.

...

Zhao City, East City Training Ground.

This was still one of the liveliest places in the entire main city. Countless beginner players were fighting against the Garrison Army here, sweating profusely.

The sounds of clashing weapons rang out incessantly.

Chen You's appearance inevitably caused another stir.

"Look! It's that big shot!"

"Hiss... It really is him! The one who activated Destruction Mode!"

"Why is he coming to the training ground? Is there some hidden quest?"

Facing the awestruck and curious gazes of the surrounding players, Chen You ignored them and walked straight through the crowd to the edge of the training ground.

Centurion Luo Yi of the Garrison Army was holding a long saber, supervising the training of the new recruits.

Upon seeing Chen You, he immediately put down what he was doing and strode forward, a clear look of respect on his face.

"Lord Chen You! You have returned!"

"Mm."

Chen You replied concisely, "The vengeful spirits of Wailing Valley have been purged."

"That's wonderful!"

Luo Yi exclaimed happily upon hearing this and clenched his fist forcefully.

"A piece of the dark cloud hanging over Zhao City has finally dispersed! Your merits will surely be remembered by everyone!"

【Ding! Main Quest [Threat of the Vengeful Spirits] Completed!】

【Gained Experience X20000, Zhao City Prestige X3000!】

The familiar system notification rang out, and his experience bar increased slightly.

The joy on Luo Yi's face was quickly replaced by solemnity and gravity.

"My Lord, your power is unquestionable. Now that the matter in the valley is settled, there are two new matters that require the aid of your strength."

As his voice fell, two brand-new quest options popped up before Chen You.

【The Hero's Orphan (Main Quest)】: Several days ago, Centurion Meng Tu of the Garrison Army sacrificed himself to stop the spread of the vengeful spirits, sealing himself along with them.

Now that the valley has been purified, the hero can rest in peace.

Please take this news, along with his memento [White Feather Insignia], to his daughter, Meng Xiao, in the Old District. She has waited too long.

【New Storm (Main Quest)】: Scouts have detected extremely unstable energy fluctuations at the edge of the [Fallen Swamp] to the south, suggesting a new evil is awakening.

Please go and investigate to uncover the truth.

One story quest, one exploration quest.

Chen You hesitated almost none.

His goal was very clear—to unlock the main city teleportation as soon as possible and pave the way for the national team's future plans.

The quest [The Hero's Orphan] was the answer Hill had provided.

"I choose [The Hero's Orphan]."

Luo Yi sighed, took out a white feather badge stained with some dried blood from his In my arms, and solemnly handed it to Chen You.

"A hero should not be forgotten, and his family should never be let down. I entrust this to you, my Lord."

【Acquired Quest Item: White Feather Insignia】

...

After bidding farewell to Luo Yi, Chen You headed towards the so-called 'Old District' according to the quest guidance.

Unlike the wide streets paved with pure white giant stones on the main thoroughfare, the road leading to the Old District was made of bluish-gray flagstones.

The buildings along the road had also changed from tall and magnificent stone structures to low, ancient, rustic wooden and stone mixed huts.

The clamor gradually faded away, and the surroundings became exceptionally quiet. Only the sound of his own footsteps echoed in the narrow alley.

Time here seemed to move half a beat slower than in the bustling downtown area.

Chen You soon found the address marked by the quest.

It was a very ordinary small courtyard. The wooden fence was somewhat aged but kept very clean.

There were no precious flowers or plants in the yard, only a few patches of lush green herbs emitting a faint, fresh fragrance.

A half-worn wooden door stood quietly there.

Chen You took a deep breath and raised his hand to knock.

"Knock, knock, knock."

A moment later, faint footsteps came from inside the door, and the wooden door was pulled open a crack with a 'creak'.

A delicate face, slightly wary, peeked out from behind the door.

It was a young girl who looked only six or seven years old, wearing a faded linen dress and with her hair simply tied back.

Her eyes were large and bright, like a startled fawn, nervously observing Chen You, the strange visitor.

"Excuse me... who are you looking for?"

The girl's voice was somewhat timid.

"Are you Meng Xiao?"

The girl hesitated and nodded.

"I was entrusted by Centurion Luo Yi of the Garrison Army to bring you news of your father, Meng Tu."

"Father!"

Upon hearing these two words, the girl's body trembled violently. The wariness in her clear eyes was instantly replaced by an eager anticipation that was almost scorching hot.

She pulled the door open wide, staring tensely at Chen You, her voice trembling:

"Is... is my father coming back?"

Looking at her eyes filled with hope, Chen You felt an inexplicable pause in his heart.

Although he knew this was just a fabricated story, those eyes were so sincere.

He fell silent for a moment and slowly handed over the [White Feather Insignia].

"The threat of Wailing Valley has been eliminated."

He chose the gentlest way of phrasing it.

"Your father... was a true hero. He protected Zhao City with his life."

Meng Xiao's gaze was fixed tightly on the familiar insignia.

There were still traces of blood that had long since turned dark brown on it.

The expectation on her face flickered violently, like a candle flame buffeted by a strong wind, then slowly, little by little, extinguished.

The air seemed to freeze.

She didn't throw a tantrum; she just stretched out her slightly trembling hand, took the insignia, and clutched it tightly in her palm.

For a long, long time.

A single, crystal tear slid silently down her pale cheek, splashing onto the bluestone slab and shattering into a small water flower.

"Waaah—"

She could no longer bear it and burst into loud sobs.