Chapter 15: The Red-Bearded Dragon-Slaying Dwarf

Xiao Yang’s resolve to refuse remained unchanged.

Suddenly, an unexpected turn occurred. Beside him stood a stout dwarf with a long red beard, who scoffed disdainfully.

“Just another bunch of scum tricking newcomers!”

“Kid, where the hell did you crawl out from? Haven’t you even read the five rules for newcomers in the Divine Game?”

At these words, Xiao Yang glanced sideways at the red-bearded dwarf, and so did Ming Xuanzi. Yet the latter’s expression soured noticeably once he realized the dwarf’s rank.

“I don’t know why you say that. I am the heir of the Netherworld Cave from the Black Abyss realm!”

The red-bearded dwarf waved his hammer impatiently in response to this threat.

“Blabber all you want. If you’ve got guts, come find me outside this trading zone, in the Hellforge!”

Faintly, Xiao Yang noticed a purple glow shimmering from the hammer the dwarf wielded.

After exchanging titles, Ming Xuanzi fell silent, his face shifting, and with a grunt, he turned and walked away.

Seeing this, Xiao Yang knew he was in the presence of a heavyweight and immediately approached the red-bearded dwarf.

At first, the dwarf kept a cold stance toward Xiao Yang, but gradually, as Xiao Yang persistently addressed him with respect, the dwarf’s defenses softened. He began to swing his hammer animatedly, boasting about his exploits to this young comrade.

By the way, the dwarf’s name was simply “Redbeard,” or rather, this was just part of his rather lengthy name.

During their conversation, Xiao Yang learned about the five rules for newcomers:

1. Never reveal your innate abilities.

2. Do not betray your own realm.

3. Before the realm lord is born, never invite other players into your realm.

4. Avoid aligning with evil gods.

5. Do not casually add game friends.

Xiao Yang wanted to ask more about these rules, but Redbeard was not the explaining type. The more Xiao Yang asked, the more annoyed the fiery-tempered dwarf became.

“Ask all you want! Why do you need to know so much? Just follow them!”

Despite the scolding, Xiao Yang wasn’t offended, just somewhat embarrassed as he scratched his nose.

“Don’t be mad, Big Redbeard. I’m just inexperienced compared to you! By the way, tell me again about how you slew the Red Dragon!”

With the tone shifting, Redbeard’s anger dissipated. He happily recounted his dragon-slaying story, proving to be quite an entertaining character.

Toward the end of their chat, Xiao Yang asked earnestly:

“Today’s trouble… it’s not because of you, right?”

Xiao Yang, a level five player, addressed a level thirty-three dwarf lava blacksmith with genuine concern.

His lack of knowledge about the multiverse was clear; otherwise, he wouldn’t have dared to ask such a question.

The gap between him and Redbeard was akin to that between an alchemist and a second-rate fighter, or between a Red Dragon and the knight of a village it destroyed. They were on entirely different tiers, so there was no reason for Redbeard to worry about him.

Redbeard paused, casting a peculiar glance at Xiao Yang. It was evident this hot-tempered dwarf appreciated the sincerity.

With a large, hairy hand, he patted Xiao Yang on the back, nearly sending him staggering. Without the Divine Game’s protective rules in this trading zone, that blow might have knocked Xiao Yang flat.

After all, this was likely a dwarf who truly had slain a dragon.

“You worry about me? What does that have to do with you? I just hate those bastards!”

Xiao Yang nodded. His attitude wasn’t for show; he genuinely meant it. Redbeard saw that too, which was why he looked at Xiao Yang with some respect.

“Alright, if you ever want to craft gear, come to me. I like you, so I’ll charge you just the cost!”

With a hearty laugh, Xiao Yang tried to send a friend request, but Redbeard immediately rejected it.

“Idiot! Didn’t I tell you to pay attention to those five rules for newcomers?”

Again, Xiao Yang scratched his nose sheepishly.

Soon, Xiao Yang browsed Redbeard’s stall. As a penniless wanderer, he tried to haggle for a discount but was flatly refused.

Redbeard bluntly said that even his household had no spare grain, and he was running a lava workshop. No matter how many big shots Xiao Yang called, there’d be no discounts.

Faced with this, Xiao Yang sighed in frustration. Still, he really wanted some of the items on Redbeard’s stall.

[Flaming Longsword
Quality: Excellent
Type: Elemental Weapon
Requirement: Strength 10
Damage: 28, with burning effect
Description: An outstanding longsword inscribed with flame runes.]

The price was two hundred thousand spirit coins—completely beyond his means.

However, after listening to Redbeard’s stories for a while and forging a connection, Xiao Yang gained more than just tales.

Noticing Xiao Yang’s poverty, Redbeard rummaged through his personal backpack and surprisingly pulled out a few small pieces of junk that Xiao Yang could use. He sold them at scrap prices.

One thousand spirit coins for three white-grade items, about three hundred each—nearly a giveaway. Xiao Yang accepted without hesitation.

They were a leather chestplate, leather cap, and leather pants—the leather set.

[Leather Chestplate
Quality: Common
Type: Light Armor, Chestplate
Effect: Slightly increases defense.
Description: Yes, it’s a leather chestplate.]

The chestplate added a bit of defense, the cap a bit more, and the pants increased agility slightly. Though the bonuses were meager, they were far better than the filthy black T-shirt Xiao Yang had been wearing. At least with this set, he no longer looked like a total newbie.

He was quite pleased.

Later, while chatting with Redbeard and selling goods, Xiao Yang managed to sell a few green-grade zombie innards. The undead creature vendor had come over to buy them, though it was clear selling undead creatures wasn’t a lucrative business.

The undead mage haggled over a few dozen spirit coins, which wasn’t surprising. Most undead classes could summon their own minions, and necromancers who led legions had their own graveyards, so there was little need to buy undead creatures in bulk.

Otherwise, why would a level-thirty-something undead mage be so miserly over a few coins with Xiao Yang?

The scene faded.