Chapter 81 Cooperation (2/2)

In The New Age, there was a special job known as the 'Prophet.' Only Priests and Paladins could become Prophets, but they must first accumulate enough reputation to become a prestigious member of the Holy Church, and then be promoted to become a member of the Parliament. Only then would they fulfill the requirements to become a ”Prophet,” but that was not the end of the story. These players must still make 10 successful prophecies during the Conferences of the major cities before they could finally be promoted as a Prophet. Once successfully promoted, they could get several rare skills, and enjoy titles equal to the Duke level.

However, once they failed in making accurate prophecies, they would be stripped of their statuses and be Silenced for an entire month, meaning they could not use their skills for that month.

The Divination Scryer was legendary divine equipment which could help them accurately predict future events.

Of course, the one that Lin Jie held in his hands now was fake. It could not predict the future but had the ability to record events.

As masters of the game, the system allowed players to record videos on their own without any additional equipment. Thus, what use was there for a piece of equipment whose sole function was to record videos?

Lin Jie opened up the Scryer and saw that its remaining magic power could allow it to record 60 minutes of video.

'This is enough!'

Lin Jie recalled a gaming strategy he had come across in his previous life and started exploring the alleys of the City of Light by himself. Finally, he found a dilapidated house. The wood used to build the house was decaying and crumbling to pieces, while the whole house gave off a disgusting smell.

This was the House of the Antique Collector Larolle!

Lin Jie pushed the door and was greeted with a big swarm of flies which flapped their wings and kept making annoying wheezing sounds. He almost got pushed out of the house by them.

”Hehehehe…” A series of sinister laughter echoed in the air.

Lin Jie rolled his eyes and thought to himself, 'Well, I still can't avoid this.' After which, he took out a gold coin and threw it into the air.

BOOM!

Shadows rushed to cover the gold coin, and it disappeared without a trace. The flies disappeared in a blink of an eye. An old Mage wearing a cloak stared greedily at the gold coin in his hands, and the pale skin on his face seemed like it would start peeling off at any time… He gave a hoarse laugh and greeted Lin Jie, ”My esteemed guest, what do you want?”

To make any deal with the Antique Collector Larolle, one had to first spend 1 gold coin. The point was that most of Larolle's collections were limited, or there would only be just one piece!

The Transaction Pane was called out.

Glazed Half-Centaur Pocket Watch: Priced at 20 gold coins.

Water Element Drinking Water: Priced at 20 gold coins

Essence Fluid of the Kajia Mountain's Guardian Dragon: Priced at 20 gold coins…

The items sold here were mostly expensive but useless items. At least, that was true for most players.

For example, the Water Element Drinking Water was known as the most disgusting and most expensive freshwater in The New Age. It was made from Water Elements that were sealed. When one drank it, the Water Elements would resurrect and jump about on his tongue.

Another example would be the Giant Dragon's Essence Fluid. In actual fact, it was the secretion produced by one male and one female dragon when they mated…

Lin Jie bought all these items without a care for his money. All the hard-earned money he had gained from the past month was gone in an instant…

”Whoa, there is still such a thing?” Lin Jie's eyes brightened when he caught sight of an item.

Half Catwoman Slave: Priced at 100 gold coins.

”Heh heh, you have an eye for exotic goods,” the old Mage gave a lecherous laugh. ”This Half Catwoman was a Nobleman's favorite item. If not for the fact he met his downfall, he would never sell her. There is only one of these items available now, and it's hard to say whether there will be more of such items in the future. She has the body of a woman, and at the same time also has a cat's ears and tail. She always appears lazy, and there will be a few days in a month when she enters her estrus period…”

Lin Jie was, after all, a hot-blooded virgin guy. Subconsciously, an image of a fair Catwoman with her tail being pinched while performing intimate acts appeared in his mind's eye…

”I'll take this!”

With a big wave of his hands, he spent the last 100 gold coins in his pockets.

The old Mage's gray eyes gleamed. Waving his right hand, the items in the shop which Lin Jie bought flew through the air and landed in front of him.

Among them, there was a cage which was about half a person's height. A Half Catwoman was half-squatting inside the cage. Her furry tail was curled up beneath her, and she pursed out her lips, making a loud and lazy 'Meow' sound.

”This Catwoman is just in the midst of her estrus period for the current month…” The old Mage flicked his finger, and bright specks of light - an Arcane spell - enveloped the Catwoman's petite but hot body. ”I will help you apply this Arcane spell for free. This will reduce the weight of your load.”

Lin Jie nodded and put all the luxuries, which cost 200 gold coins in total, away in his backpack.

At the moment when the Catwoman was put in, she sucked her fingers naughtily, and her tongue gently rolled over the tip of her fingers, revealing two cute little tiger teeth. From this angle, one could also see her two large fair boobs trembling slightly while she made an innocent ”Meow——”

'Heavens, who could stand this!?'

Lin Jie shoved the cage inside his backpack and shuddered. 'I am afraid no man can resist it…'

Of course, the purpose of buying this Catwoman was not for his pleasure. Lin Jie had a very serious purpose. Since the price of this Catwoman was so high, wouldn't it cost ten thousands of gold coins once inflation occurred?

This Half Catwoman Slave was not a human being. Though she looked like a human being, her intelligence was equal to that of a beast.

Once he got back to town area, Lin Jie made his way to the City Leader's Mansion.

Technically speaking, there were two groups of people who governed the Guild of Light; one would be the Empire, while the other would be the Holy Church. Similar to the Emperor and the retired Emperor of the past dynasties in China, the former ruled the country, while the latter became the advisor behind the throne.

By right, all governmental affairs in the city should be decreed by the City Leader.

The magnificent City Leader's Mansion was strictly guarded by stern-looking guards. Due to the massive power the Holy Church had in the City of Light, the Imperial Army simply disregarded the City Leader and did not even bother to reserve horses for him. The poor City Leader thus ordered all the available manpower he could command to surround his own mansion in a bid to protect himself against any possible threats.

”Stop!”

Two guards wearing luxurious gemstone armors and holding sharp spears shouted sternly, ”Unauthorized people are not allowed into the City Leader's Mansion.”

Lin Jie coughed dryly. ”I have something to request from the City Leader.”

One of the guards glared at him. ”Unauthorized people are not allowed, this is the rule!”

”Seems like I need help with some lingua franca here.” Lin Jie took out 30 silver coins, weighed them in his palms, and placed them into the guards' backpacks.

The guards' eyes gleamed, but they still commented in a serious tone, ”Though the rules are ruthless, followers should be flexible. Get in!”

Lin Jie swaggered into the City Leader's Mansion. Numerous guards patrolled the place, and from time to time they passed by Lin Jie.

Fortunately, Lin Jie knew the correct amount to bribe the guards. At this stage of the game, if he bribed less than 30 silver coins, the patrol guards inside the mansion would come up and extort more money from him. If they were not satisfied with the amount given, they would just kick him out.

However, if he gave more than 30 silver coins, he would be regarded as a sucker. The guards would be insatiable and expect more from him. If he refused to give them more, he would still be kicked out.

30 silver coins were just right!

Pushing open a magnificent door which was engraved with all sorts of gems and golden threads, Lin Jie immediately caught sight of the City Leader of the City of Light. He was sitting on the main seat in the hall, which was made of Mithril gold mix, and enjoying the fruits handed over to him by his servant maids.

”Most respectable City Leader,” Lin Jie called out respectfully when he was still some distance away.

The City Leader was shocked. In fact, he fell straight off his chair in fear and shrieked loudly, ”Guards! Guards! Where are you!? Someone has barged into the City Leader's Mansion! Help!”

——

Chapter 84: Tsundere Phoenix

No one would have thought that the City Leader who was in charge of the City of Light would be such a weakling. He was now hiding under the chair, shivering uncontrollably without a care for his image as a leader of a city. Lin Jie pretended as if he did not see this.

Meanwhile, the guards seemed to have become accustomed to the shouts of this weak guy, and they continued going on about their patrolling duties.

Lin Jie approached the City Leader and saluted to him respectfully. ”My Lord, the series of dodging actions you displayed just now were just so delicate. Even the Great Holy Mage would not be able to attack you.”

The City of Light City Leader's full name was Albert Caesar.

Though magnificent-sounding, this name did not give its owner the befitting courage and strength. There were rumors that Albert had suffered from paranoia since he was born. He could often see the wandering spirits and even make conversation with them. As such, Albert had always lived in fear since the time he was a child, causing him to develop his timid character.

He must live in a place he was familiar with, and he strictly forbade any changes to be made to the structures in his house. Or else, he would panic and lose all his senses.

The City Leader was slowly lifted up by his servant maids and looked around in confusion. After a long while, he finally confirmed that the 'thing' standing in front of him was a living person. Heaving a sigh of relief, he fell back down to his chair.

”Soldier, state your purpose.” The City Leader placed his legs onto the soft bosoms of his slaves and enjoyed massages from them. He swayed his head gently and was in such a comfortable state that he almost started whistling a tune.

Lin Jie took out the iron cage that held the Half Catwoman Slave, opened the cage and smiled.

In a bid to keep out offensive sexual contents in the game, the game designers had specially designed the Half Catwoman slave's image. Although she was naked, there was fur covering her nipples. As she slowly crawled out from the cage, her fair skin glistened like the winter snow while she shook her cute cat's tail. The Half Catwoman Slave slowly crawled to the City Leader's side, opened her tempting little mouth, licked the City Leader's earlobe and made a lazy but charming sound.

This scene was definitely too inappropriate for young children.

The City Leader's eyes gleamed, and his hands inched forwards eagerly towards the Catwoman's private parts.

Lin Jie started the recording function of the fake Scryer! The scenes in front of him were recorded into the Scryer and played over again, just like a movie.

”Cough, cough…” Before things got too far, Lin Jie made a dry cough hastily and commented, ”Most respectable City Leader, are you satisfied with this gift?”

”Oh, yes, definitely.” The City Leader sniffed the Catwoman's body, inhaling in her body odor and asked with a wide smile, ”Say now, what do you want? Title? Manpower? Or authority to manage the city?”

”I want a piece of land.” Lin Jie projected the map of the City of Light into the air and pointed to an open space in the city's center.

The City Leader raised his brows and questioned loudly, ”Do you think a mere female slave can be used to exchange for a piece of my land? Is it even worth it?”

”Isn't it worth it?” Lin Jie threw the question back.

The Catwoman was right in the midst of her estrus period. She started licking the man in front of her, without giving a care to the dozens of human beings who were watching this scene. Her figure was simply seductive.

”Hahaha, oh yes, she's worth it!” The City Leader laughed and gave a wave of his hands. ”But you, the people from the alternate realms, have not yet been authorized to buy estates. How about postponing this request, and coming back to me when you finally get the permission to buy lands? I will give this piece of land to you. Deal?”

Lin Jie replied respectfully, ”Thank you, my Lord.”

”Leave then!” the City Leader couldn't wait for another moment. He gave an impatient wave and ordered all his servants to leave too.

Seeing this, Lin Jie guessed there might be a sexy scene coming up soon in the main hall of the City Leader's Mansion.

He deactivated the recording spell of the Scryer, curved up the corners of his mouth and left the City Leader's Mansion.

Lin Jie visited several senior officials personally and presented the luxury goods to them in the same way. Some of his targets included the Commerce Supervisor of the City of Light, the White-clothed Godfather of Sunshine City who was in charge of people's livelihoods, the Trade Supervisor of Prague City and the Gladiator of the Triumph City, Loka.

There was one similar characteristic within all these people—they were all greedy people!

There were many buildings in the city which players were not allowed to purchase at the beginning stages of the game, such as the Auction House, Horse Stables and Casinos, etc. As the influence of The New Age had spread to the real world in many ways, the virtual properties in the game were even more expensive than properties in the real world. Wouldn't it be such a waste if one did not buy them in at the low sale prices in the beginning, then sell them off when there was high demand for these virtual properties in the market?

Only idiots would watch such great opportunities pass by!

Thus, Lin Jie decided to resort to certain means in order to get what he wanted.

Most of the NPCs in The New Age had their own worldviews and values, and they had a certain understanding of the players from the alternate realms. Many stingy NPCs would often deliberately lower their tasks' rewards, yet lots of players would still be eager to complete their tasks.

As such, the NPCs thought they grasped the truth: the IQ levels of the alternate realms players were generally not high. As long as they employed certain means, even the Lord God (system) couldn't fault them.

Seeing that incident would be happening soon and the game's structure would be changed, Lin Jie decided that he should focus on improving his stats.

He felt that his level in the game now was not that important when compared to his current stats. Saying that the gaming level was still invariably an obvious performance marker of a player's progress.

Lin Jie looked at his stats: currently, his Attack and Damage values were around 167-221 (Heritage Broken Blade), and 101-138 (Withered Leaf Sword). This was triple the Attack values than Warriors of the same level. Even for Mages with Dark Gold Wand Shards, they could only deal out about 130 basic Mana attacks on average.

Lin Jie's weakness still lied in his Defense capabilities!

A Berserker required high Defense capabilities, especially if he could not use skills that required near-death statuses. This was especially so for now as Mages were the majority in power. The Defense against Mana attacks was thus ever more so important.

Lin Jie took a look at the Kiara Beast King Armor he wore on himself and focused his attention upon the center of the armor. There was a scratch as if it had been torn by wild beasts. There was supposed to be a gem engraved here originally!

At this stage of the game, it was impossible for players to get hold of the other fragments of the Kiara Beast King Armor. The only possible item he could get now to enhance the armor would be the Kiara Beast King Enchanted Gem. It was located at the Level 20 map, the William Castle, which was an Unexplored Map. There were many vampire bats and Vampires staying there, and it was commonly known as the bane of the melee jobs.

Lin Jie's stats were not enough to challenge it now!

He returned to the Sky Provisions Shop and took out some Augmenting Gems, and then walked towards the center of the City of Light.

Other than using Enchanted Scrolls, the only other way one could enhance their equipment would be to use Augmenting Gems! A piece of equipment could only be enhanced to a maximum of 10 layers, and at every 6th and 8th layer, hidden attributes would be revealed. If it was enhanced to its full value, its additional enhanced attributes would be activated!

Focusing on Enhancing had always been considered by players as the fastest way to go bankrupt. However, in order to be able to get the Sub-Legendary fragment, Lin Jie decided to give it his all!

A female barbarian who was scantily dressed stood in the center of the City of Light. She was definitely very sexy, and hard muscles surrounded her 36E huge bust. Perhaps, this was considered beautiful in the eyes of the Barbarians?

This Barbarian, Maria, was the NPC in charge of Enhancing!

Not every city had Enhancing NPCs. There was only one such Enhancing NPC around in the City of Light, and thus her business was very good. Maria urged impatiently with her hands akimbo at her waist, ”Those little ones who are hogging on to the Enhancing Furnace, be fast! Or else Maria shall throw you all into the furnace!”

”Wow, hahaha, +6 success, I have revealed my equipment's hidden attributes by 5%! Great earn!” Someone holding a freshly Enhanced weapon laughed maniacally.

On the other hand, some people were crying and had sullen expressions. ”Wth, I continued at Enhanced +7, but failed at +8, and everything I gained was gone?! I am not playing this game anymore!”

The price of the Augmenting Gems was very expensive, and as the number of players reaching Level 10 was increasing, Augmenting Gems had become the synonym of a luxury good.

As such, many rich players regarded the Enhancing process as a fun hobby, as their main intention was to attract the attention of the onlookers, especially the pretty girls around.

Of course, not all of the people besides the Enhancing Furnace were like these. Take for example the little loli with double ponytails standing in front of Lin Jie.

”I can help you Enhance your equipment! Successful +1 for 1 silver coin! If unsuccessful, I won't take your money!” The little loli's dark double ponytails hung down to her waist. Lin Jie suspected if she let her hair down, it would even reach her backside.

Lin Jie knew this little loli. Her name was Tsundere Phoenix, and she was a well-known figure for her superb Enhancing skills in his previous life.

With a pretty look, a sweet voice, and her innate cuteness, Tsundere Phoenix had managed to start a business from nothing using the Enhancing Furnace. She would help players Enhance their equipment. If successful, she would charge them 1 silver coin, and would not collect money from her customers if the enhancing process was unsuccessful.

Just imagine, both the equipment and Augmenting Gems belonged to a person, but how was it possible then that the chances of enhancing successfully could become higher after this little loli handled them?

This was definitely not the case. Tsundere Phoenix knew where her charm lied exactly and making use of this, she had actually managed to earn a living for herself just by helping players enhance their equipment. For a whole two years, she had never changed her price, and it remained at the condition: successful +1 for 1 silver coin.

Secretly though, Tsundere Phoenix had been experimenting with the Enhancing process, including the rumored 'Padding skills,' the 'Coin Flipping Tips' and so on.

Many big-hearted grown men would simply not be able to ignore this cute little loli who looked just like an underage 15 or 16-year-old girl.

Just imagine the following scene: a good-looking little loli came by your way and showered you with compliments. All she needed was a chance to help you enhance your equipment and at the condition of 'successful +1 for 1 silver coin'. How could you reject her request, especially when it was just a mere silver coin?

Most players would relent in and think: Okay, I will give it to you, you shall help me enhance my equipment… What? You failed!? My equipment which was previously Enhanced till +7 was ruined now? Oh wth… oh my, please don't cry, I am not blaming you. Come, I shall give you a lollipop!

When she finally broke into smiles from tears, her innocent smile would warm the hearts of these rich players. All the anger and frustration that they once had with her for ruining their equipment in the Enhancing process would simply feel like nothing.

Using this tactic, Tsundere Phoenix had actually managed to make a living for herself for two whole years without risking anything of her own. In fact, she had managed to come up with a whole theory of Enhancing equipment, and her chances of Enhancing equipment had increased. From the beginning when she was just hoping to get lucky, she had actually become an expert at Enhancing!

However, Tsundere Phoenix remained stationing besides the Enhancing Furnace and continued her Enhancing service at the price of 1 silver coin per Enhancement. This was a gesture in return for those who had helped her out before.

”Big Brother, do you want to enhance your equipment? Why not try my services? I have created the Phoenix's Original Theory of Enhancement, and it will definitely increase the chances of Enhancing your equipment successfully!”

Lin Jie's equipment gave off imposing vibes, and this little loli immediately noticed this sucker—cough, she meant kind-hearted person. Thus, she rushed over to sell her services and patted her chest in an attempt to show her confidence.

When her boobs bounced like a water ball due to her actions, the passersby swallowed their saliva.

Lin Jie laughed. ”Successful +1 for 1 silver coin?”

”Yes, yes. This price is absolutely the most value-for-money!” The little loli nodded her head fervently and wriggled her finger. ”Big Brother, would you like to give it a try?”

In his previous life, Lin Jie did not understand the process behind Enhancing equipment, and thus he had employed Tsundere Phoenix to help him with the Enhancing process for many of his equipment. At that time, although Tsundere Phoenix still styled a double ponytail, she had grown up and was generally more gentle and mature, giving off sexy vibes.

It was such a magical moment when he saw her once again now. This little loli with a crisp voice standing in front of him seemed to gradually merge with the image of Tsundere Phoenix in his previous life.

”Sure, help me enhance these then,” Lin Jie took off the Flame Walker Pauldron, the Wolf Soul Necklace and the Withered Leaf Sword. He called out the interface pane beside the Enhancing Furnace and set the dealer as Tsundere Phoenix. After which, he clicked OK, and threw in 30 Augmenting Gems.

Tsundere Phoenix's eyes brightened up at this gesture, and she rubbed her hands gleefully. ”Wow, this is a great deal! Big Brother, watch carefully, I will definitely help you enhance all your equipment to +10!”

The Enhancing Furnace became heated, and a magical flame wrapped around the Augmenting Gems. It dissociated the gems, and bright specks of light covered the Wolf Soul Necklace…

Whoosh—

Enhancing failed!一夫当关,万夫莫开 (Chinese pinyin: yī fū dāng guān, wàn fū mò kāi) is a Chinese idiom depicting the scene of a heroic figure holding out against thousands of enemies whilst he guards the mountain pass. This idiom first appeared in the ancient Chinese classic”淮南子” (Huai Nanzi) and had been used by Tang poet Li Bai in his famous poem 蜀道难 'Perilous Journey to the Land of Shu'.