Chapter 11: The First Shunhuonan Bully

Chapter 11: The First Shunhuonan Bully

In Yang Shan's plan, to even have a shot at the opportunity of "Alchemist Qin Wu", he needed to first reach the rank of Battle Master. The location of this opportunity was overrun by hordes of second-tier elite magic beasts, the Ironhide Rats. Unlike the Feral Bulls, these creatures were aggressively territorial, attacking any player or Npc they detected. Worse, they rarely acted alone, often swarming in packs. For a Douluo-ranked player, facing seven or eight of them at once meant certain death—even Yang Shan, with his High-Rank Yellow Tier golden cultivation technique, couldn't hope to survive multiple attackers. The Ironhide Rats were, in many ways, far more dangerous than the Feral Bulls.

Still, Yang Shan's leveling on the grasslands had gone smoothly. With a powerful cultivation technique, a strong weapon, and seasoned combat experience, he'd risen steadily to Eight-Star Douluo. Unfortunately, his luck seemed to have run out today—no Earth Attribute Spirit Cores had dropped. After exhausting his Douqi, he paused to rest, opening the in-game forum to check what players were discussing.

Three years of gaming experience meant the memories of the game's early versions were hazy. Maybe scrolling through would jog his memory.

The forum buzzed with topics. Besides the usual chatter about guilds and the early-game experience, the most popular thread revolved around "Yang Shan."

The immersive protagonist experience in Novice's Secret Realm had won praise from most players. Even after leaving the realm, the Npc interactions and leveling felt incredibly polished. Sky Brilliance Co. had designed a variety of first-tier magic beasts—wolves, jackals, tigers, panthers, snakes, rats, birds—each with attack patterns modeled after third- or even fourth-tier beasts. However, their low AI and inability to use Douqi made them manageable. Though their attacks could pierce a Douluo player's defenses, the damage was trivial. Even inexperienced players could eventually kill them by enduring some losses.

This phase of the game was meant to challenge players: difficult, exhausting, but rewarding. Players were subtly learning the game's open-ended combat system. Sky Brilliance Co. feared that if they made leveling too easy, players might crumble when facing stronger magic beasts later, triggering a wave of quits.

As for guilds, most recruitment posts Yang Shan saw were unfamiliar. The game had just launched, and major guilds from other titles were still testing the waters, as were wealthy players.

While browsing, a group of players approached from the south. Leading them was a young man scoffing, "Who made up this rumor about Feral Bull bones boosting bust size?!"

A lanky player beside him chuckled nervously, "Boss Wang, who cares how it started? Just get the drops for Elder Pang Yan. Once you gain her favor, hehe—"

Wang Tianhao stroked his chin, "Flirting in-game’s different. In real life, those gold-diggers? Show them my bank balance, and they’re like horny bitches booking hotel rooms. No fun."

He added smugly, "Sky Brilliance’s artists nailed it, though. Pang Yan’s curves? Out of all the girls I’ve had, none matched that natural pair."

The lanky player, Xiao Ji, pointed at Yang Shan, "Boss Wang, there’s another player over there!"

Wang glanced at the scattered Feral Bulls, then waved casually, "Xiao Ji, old rules."

"Got it!" Xiao Ji dashed toward Yang Shan, brandishing his blade. "Hey, pal! Move along!"

Yang Shan closed the forum and turned, smirking, "Claiming the spawn point? Really?"

Xiao Ji pointed at his twenty-man group, "See us? We’re clearing this spot. Use your eyes!"

Yang Shan tilted his head, "You sure you’re the one with vision?"

Resource wars were common in Battle Through the Heavens, but Yang Shan wasn’t backing down—not with his Frostbite Blade in hand. Whoever challenged him would die.

Xiao Ji sneered, "Tough guy, huh? Want me to send you back to town?"

He hadn’t noticed Yang Shan’s blade differed from standard gear. Tension spiked—Yang Shan was ready to kill him when Wang Tianhao marched over, his group trailing behind.

"Xiao Ji, what’s taking so long?" Wang barked.

Xiao Ji spat, "Boss, I’ll finish him now!"

Wang Tianhao shot a disapproving glance at Yang Shan’s Frostbite Blade, "Finish? I told you to be polite! Don’t drag Shunhuonan’s trash attitude here!"

Xiao Ji froze, "Huh?"

Earlier, Wang had ordered "the usual" approach, but now he’d flipped. Compared to Xiao Ji’s thuggishness, Wang seemed almost courteous. "Friend, are you farming here?" he asked Yang Shan.

Yang Shan nodded curtly.

"Good. I’ve got a quest needing Feral Bulls. Here’s a thousand soft bills—move somewhere else, yeah?" Wang offered.

Unlike Xiao Ji’s threats, Wang’s approach was polished—handing over cash instead of bullying. Most players would take it and book a massage parlor. Yang Shan replied, "Not that I won’t, but these mobs are too tough for you. Dying’ll cost XP."

Before Wang could answer, Xiao Ji snapped, "Bullshit! You’re calling us weak?!"

"Know who I am? Shunhuonan’s first Dreamshatter, Mastery Emperor! I’ve farmed every boss there!" Xiao Ji boasted, but Wang Tianhao kicked him mid-sentence.

"Shut up! I’m talking!" Wang barked, smoothing his collar with a smile. "Ignore him. Actually, I’m interested in your weapon too."

Ah. The real motive emerged. Wang had eyed Yang Shan’s blade the moment he saw it. Yang Shan was clearly soloing—how many players here could solo second-tier elites alone? Without a Global Announcement naming the first Battle Master, everyone was still Douluo-ranked. Yang Shan’s Frostbite Blade was the edge.

"Sorry, it’s not for sale", Yang Shan said flatly.

Wang chuckled, "Money talks. How about this—" He raised a finger.

"Ten thousand?" Yang Shan guessed.

Wang almost laughed, signaling Xiao Ji. The lanky player seized the chance, "Ten thousand? You’re underestimating Boss Wang! Ever heard of Shunhuonan’s First Lord? Wang Tianhao?!"

Shunhuonan, infamous for its pay-to-breathe economy, had been a cash-cow Mmo until its shutdown two weeks ago. Becoming its top spender required millions—literally.

Yang Shan realized: Another rich kid from old servers. He’d seen Wang Tianhao types before. Money bought convenience in Battle Through the Heavens, but not power. Sky Brilliance Co. refused to sell raw stats. Everything had to be earned. With microtransactions from cosmetic sales, they’d already raked in billions. Selling power-ups? A reputation killer.

"Ten thousand for your blade?" Wang repeated. "A steal."

Yang Shan smiled, "Still not selling."

"Too low?" Wang frowned.

"Money’s not the issue", Yang Shan lied.

Wang scoffed internally, Acting humble? Cute. Aloud, "Twenty thousand!"

Yang Shan shook his head.

"Fifty!"

Still no.

"A hundred thousand!" Wang roared.

Yang Shan grinned, "Deal."

Wang Tianhao blinked. "…"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end