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### Chapter 11: Contradiction Fermentation
"Ling Feng? What's going on?" Emperor Blood Killing Heaven asked, his tone shifting to seriousness.
With a wave of his hand, the noise around him fell silent. Even one of his gang members, who had been struggling against a swarm of goblins, froze in place, letting the creatures take him down without a word of protest.
Ling Feng, a young man with sharp features, glanced around nervously before he replied. "Emperor Blood, our team discovered a level 4 one-handed sword of green quality in the warehouse."
"Level 4? Green quality? Are you sure?" The Emperor's eyes widened in shock, his heart racing.
"Absolutely!" Ling Feng confirmed, his expression betraying little emotion despite the gravity of the news. "Along with the sword, we also found a level 4 boss material—the [Hillside Sheep Leader's Horns]. Someone must have defeated the level 4 boss and decided to put these up for auction."
"Could it be the Zhantian Guild who defeated the boss?" Emperor Blood Killing Heaven frowned, skepticism creeping into his voice. "But that doesn't add up! Why would they auction such powerful gear instead of keeping it for themselves? Zhan Tianjian is a warrior!"
"No, it's not the Zhantian Guild that took down the boss." Ling Feng's face grew more serious. "I suspect a solo player managed to defeat the level 4 boss and is now selling the loot because they can't use it themselves."
"A lone player?!" Emperor Blood Killing Heaven struggled to believe it. He was fully equipped with level 3 gear, and even facing the level 2 boss, the [Goblin Boss], felt like a daunting task. How could someone possibly take on a level 4 boss alone?
Ling Feng pressed on, his tone firm. "My deduction is sound. The same player also listed an excellent green skill scroll—[Fatal Strike]. This skill is unmatched for warriors looking to level up. No guild would willingly sell something of this caliber."
As Ling Feng detailed the attributes of [Fatal Strike], Emperor Blood Killing Heaven couldn't help but compare it to his own skills. His only damage-dealing skill, [Critical Strike], dealt a mere 120% physical damage. In contrast, [Fatal Strike] boasted a staggering 170% to 340% damage output with a cooldown of just 3 seconds. The difference was like night and day.
"What's the name of this player?" Emperor Blood Killing Heaven's demeanor turned serious, a glimmer of determination in his eyes.
"His name is Nemesis," Ling Feng replied gravely.
### Five Minutes Later
At the bustling warehouse of Novice Village No. 002, a crowd of players swarmed around the entrance, their voices a blend of excitement and confusion.
"Oh my god! There are really materials for level 4 bosses in here!"
"I'm still stuck at level 1 while others are fighting level 4 bosses!"
"Which big guild has the power to take down a level 4 boss?"
"This player, named 'Nemesis,' who is he? Which guild does he belong to?"
As players speculated and exchanged rumors, Emperor Blood Killing Heaven arrived on the scene with his gang. However, they were met by an unexpected figure blocking the entrance.
The figure grinned at them. It was Zhan Tianjian, a middle-aged man with a weathered face that spoke of years of experience in the game. He held his sword casually, watching Emperor Blood Killing Heaven with a knowing smirk.
"Ah, Emperor Blood Killing Heaven," Zhan Tianjian said smoothly. "I've heard about you reserving leveling areas. It's my responsibility as the largest guild in the game to ensure the balance of our ecosystem."
"Balance? You're so generous," Emperor Blood Killing Heaven retorted, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Yet he knew he couldn't afford to provoke the powerful guild.
Changing the subject, he asked, "I'm here to see the green-quality skill scroll. You're blocking the door—care to let us in?"
"Of course not," Zhan Tianjian replied with a grin. "The warehouse is a public place. I wouldn't dream of denying you access."
He made a sweeping gesture, inviting Emperor Blood Killing Heaven and his crew inside. With a fierce glare at Zhan Tianjian, Emperor Blood Killing Heaven led his group through the door.
Inside the warehouse, they found themselves in an independent space, much like a magician's hut. Here, Zhan Tianjian was nowhere to be seen—only the NPCs and Emperor Blood Killing Heaven's team remained.
"What was that smug grin about?" one of his gang members muttered. "Who does he think he is?"
"Silence!" Emperor Blood Killing Heaven snapped, his patience wearing thin. The gang quickly quieted, sensing the tension in the air.
Emperor Blood Killing Heaven turned his attention to the auction interface, searching for the skill scroll. He quickly confirmed that the attributes of [Fatal Strike] were just as Ling Feng had described. The bidding price had skyrocketed to 500 psionic coins.
"We need to get our hands on this scroll!" he declared, determination etched on his face.
"But Emperor Blood, we don't have enough funds!" Ling Feng protested, concern in his voice. "Not only are we competing with Zhan Tianjian, but there's also a player named Snow Leopard from Novice Village No. 1 bidding against us."
"Snow Leopard?" Emperor Blood Killing Heaven frowned, unfamiliar with the name.
Ling Feng explained, "Snow Leopard is the leader of a popular guild in No. 1 Novice Village called the 'Relevant Department.'"
"The 'Relevant Department'? What a strange name." Emperor Blood Killing Heaven rubbed his chin in thought. "No matter. We must secure that skill scroll—whatever it takes!"
"But…"
"I know we're low on funds, but I have a plan. You'll take a group to Novice Villages 3 to 7 and charge every player entering a 'village fee' of at least 1 psionic coin!"
"Just 1 coin per player? We could make a fortune!" Ling Feng exclaimed, starting to see the possibilities.
"Yes! With tens of thousands of players in the novice villages, we could rake in psionic coins in no time," Emperor Blood Killing Heaven replied, confidence radiating from him.
"But, Emperor Blood! This will cause a backlash! Players will unite against us and kick us out of the game!" Ling Feng cautioned, panic rising in his voice.
"Stop being foolish!" Emperor Blood Killing Heaven struck Ling Feng lightly with the hilt of his sword, annoyance clear in his eyes. "During this operation, you'll need to pretend to be part of the Zhantian Guild."
"Act as if we're the ones enforcing these fees? But why?" Ling Feng asked, still confused.
"Because it will give us plausible deniability! If we say we're working for the Zhantian Guild, the blame won't fall on us. Do you understand?" Emperor Blood Killing Heaven insisted, his voice firm.
Ling Feng nodded slowly, a mix of apprehension and understanding settling in. The plan was reckless, but the potential rewards were undeniable. The game was just beginning, and the stakes were rising.
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### (End of this chapter)