Chapter Nineteen: Trouble

"Damn your useless reminder!" At that moment, Yeyu cursed furiously, then raised his right hand and smashed the giant treasure chest to pieces, veins bulging clearly on his face.

"What kind of nonsense is this? Saying it like that? Who would have known it would turn out this way? And inside the Forbidden Land of Mount Tai, the ones called the Evil Church cultists—who would ever think they were the good guys? Damn it!" Qu Zheng said in a low voice, his eyes burning with intense anger.

"This is clearly the malicious design of the 'Divine Mourning' development team aimed at players. And now, only our server has been the first to receive this blessing, but with it comes a series of disasters," said 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' helplessly. "We’ve led all servers in unlocking the 'Ancient World' map section, only to now face the crisis of the 'Ancient Evil Bloodbath' threatening the martial arts world. I can feel their ill intent."

"Absolutely detestable. This development team has played a cruel joke on us. That warning was nothing but a sneering mockery of our foolishness, as if we’re incapable of thinking!" Huang Hong said furiously. At this moment, Luo Feng patted Huang Hong’s shoulder and said, "No, this impact isn’t limited to our server alone; it’s spreading to all servers. As long as one server can repel the 'Ancient Evil,' it represents our victory. In other words, dealing with the 'Ancient Evil' is a cross-server affair."

"But the occupied map—once one server occupies a location, other servers will be directly affected and their territories taken as well."

Yeyu naturally noticed this effect. He had thought it was only targeting the Xuantian server, but it was actually affecting all servers.

"In that case, we don’t need to worry so much. 'Divine Mourning' has plenty of top-tier players, even many like Zichuan-level players. So this isn’t something we need to fret over."

Huang Hong nodded after hearing this. "Besides, we’re just playing a game. Why be so serious? Those top players from other servers might even thank us for bringing such an exciting and challenging new dungeon. Players chasing legendary and divine-tier gear will have a fresh event to experience."

Yeyu’s expression gradually calmed, thinking that perhaps these matters were indeed not their concern. He shrugged and said, "That makes sense. Let’s just return to Taicheng."

Once the ceiling of the hall was pierced by the 'Ancient Evil,' Yeyu and his group used teleportation to return to the nearest city—the colossal city of Mount Tai.

In no time, they arrived back in Taicheng. Through this journey, Yeyu gained a clearer understanding of the true strength of 'Witch King, Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero,' realizing he was an exceptionally formidable player. Across the entire Xuantian server, few could stand toe-to-toe with him in a one-on-one duel.

With this in mind, Yeyu hoped to win over this 'Witch King' and perhaps leverage his reputation to establish their own faction base in this city.

"I say, 'Witch King,' would you be interested in bringing your guild to join us?" Yeyu asked gently, a warm smile on his face.

Upon hearing the invitation, 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' was momentarily stunned, then smiled but did not answer immediately, seeming to ponder.

During this silence, Yeyu and the others remained quiet, patiently waiting for the occasionally absent-minded 'Witch King.'

"Thank you for the offer, but I’ll have to decline. I believe you know I already have a guild—'Everlasting Loyalty.' It’s doing well. Though you have a fine guild, I must refuse your kind invitation," he finally said.

Upon hearing this, Luo Feng spoke, "You know about our—"

Before Luo Feng could finish, 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' interrupted, "Always so calm in difficult times. Though stealth players can be a bit unpredictable, your group is led by you. Besides your excellent leadership, your strength is admirable. On the Xuantian server, there's only one person who fits that description—you, 'Cool Night.'"

Everyone was stunned by his words. Except for Yeyu, no one realized that this 'Witch King' already knew who they were.

"Since when did you find out?" Yeyu asked.

"Though you hid all information, our cooperation has been ongoing. 'Calm in Difficulties'—even when facing stronger opponents—you, as the leader, remain composed and find ways to overcome challenges. As a string-class player, only one on this server can do that," 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' explained.

Yeyu did not deny this. Then the previously hidden title reappeared above his forehead: [Ancient World Supreme] Purple Illusion Realm · Guild Leader. Seeing this, even 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero's' calm face showed a trace of emotion. Though he had suspected it, seeing it firsthand was truly shocking.

Because this team, this force, this player was exceedingly famous on the Xuantian server.

"I’ve grown lazy over time and prefer to be alone. Running around leveling and doing dungeons is exhausting. Besides, I play a crucial role in 'Everlasting Loyalty.' Although I’m not the guild leader, they believe I should hold decision-making power," he added.

Yeyu understood the meaning. As the spiritual leader of one of the top ten guilds, if he left to join Purple Illusion Realm, rumors would swirl. More importantly, he would have to form a regular team to level and run dungeons, which didn’t suit his style.

With that in mind, Yeyu didn’t press further and shrugged with a smile, "If that’s the case, it’s fine. But if you ever want to join Purple Illusion Realm, you’re always welcome."

'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' paused, then smiled and nodded in agreement, "Alright."

As they walked through Taicheng, Yeyu suddenly furrowed his brow and glanced around, sensing something strange but unable to pinpoint it.

"Third brother, ever since we entered Taicheng, I noticed that when we’re with 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero,' other players keep glancing at us, almost as if they’re avoiding us," Qu Zheng whispered into Yeyu’s ear. Yeyu’s expression changed slightly. Looking around, he saw other players indeed seemed intentionally avoiding them, especially keeping their distance from 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero.'

'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' noticed this too. Seeing the players’ averted gazes, his face turned odd—uneasy, as if they feared being implicated simply by coming near him.

It was clear the players weren’t afraid of him, but rather afraid of being entangled in trouble by association.

"What’s going on?" 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' strode over and blocked three players’ paths, his expression turning fierce. He glared at them coldly, "Tell me, what’s happening? Why are you avoiding me?"

The three players, hearing his icy tone and seeing his menacing demeanor, let out a startled cry and turned to flee without looking back.

"What’s really going on? Why is everyone avoiding him?"

"It seems something serious has happened. Based on previous experiences, we should hide personal info to avoid unnecessary trouble," Luo Feng said, glancing at the quietly serious Yeyu. In a low voice, he asked, "What’s wrong?"

"It seems 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' has been targeted, or someone is deliberately going after him. But who could make all players avoid him so thoroughly?" Yeyu replied grimly.

As Yeyu spoke, 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero’s' mood worsened. Suddenly, a female voice came from nearby, drawing everyone’s attention.

"Witch Boss!"

The clear voice was filled with hope, obviously relieved to have found him.

A female player dashed out of a small alley, her eyes shining brightly.

Yeyu and the others saw her ID—'Striking Cat.'

She was an elder of the 'Everlasting Loyalty' guild, a sword-class player at level 39, considered an upper-tier player on the Xuantian server.

"Hmm? Cat Sister, what’s wrong? You look so anxious—is something happened?" 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' moved quickly to her side and asked.

'Striking Cat' looked very worried. "Where have you been all this time? We thought something happened to you."

"I went to the Forbidden Land of Mount Tai and just came back. What’s going on? What happened?" His tone grew heavier, knowing something bad was afoot.

"While you were gone, our 'Everlasting Loyalty' guild was attacked by 'Saints' World'..."

At this, 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero’s' expression changed dramatically. He stomped his foot and vanished in a shadowy blur.

"Third brother, something serious has definitely happened! I overheard their conversation—they’re in trouble," Qu Zheng said. His keen hearing picked up the exchange between 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' and 'Striking Cat.'

"Let’s go," Yeyu said without hesitation, mounting his Abyss Nightmare and urging it forward. The others followed closely behind.

'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero' and 'Striking Cat' went straight to the guild territory’s teleport NPC, evidently returning to their guild land.

Yeyu and the others followed, selecting the 'Everlasting Loyalty' territory on the teleport interface and arriving there instantly.

Upon arrival, their expressions darkened. The entire territory was engulfed in flames and smoke. Battle scars were everywhere, and in the distance, flashes of magic attacks lit the sky.

"'Saints' World'!" 'Cup of Wine, Trapped Hero’s' eyes were bloodshot with rage. Teeth clenched, he dashed like a dark shadow into the fray.

'Striking Cat' couldn’t keep up, crying out, "Witch Boss! Don’t… don’t go after them…"

Her words didn’t reach him. She dropped to her knees, her face worn and weary. Noticing Yeyu’s group, she turned her head and looked at them.

"Were you with Witch Boss when you came back from the Forbidden Land of Mount Tai?"

"We’re friends with him. What exactly happened? Why is the 'Everlasting Loyalty' territory under such a fierce attack? If the guild territory is destroyed, the attacking forces will directly absorb the guild," Luo Feng asked, concern furrowing his brow.

"'Saints' World' and 'Battle Song' have joined forces against us. Knowing Witch Boss has been away too long, they launched a brutal assault, setting a deadly trap for him. If he goes in, he’ll be in trouble!" 'Striking Cat' said anxiously, glancing at Yeyu as if recognizing him as the group’s leader. "Please, since Witch Boss is your friend, help him."

Yeyu bent down and gently helped her up, a soft smile on his face. "You don’t need to say that. I’ll help regardless."

"Thank you, thank you!" 'Striking Cat' smiled through tears.

"Let’s go!" Yeyu turned to Luo Feng and the others, nodding firmly.

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