Chapter Ninety: Boss Wu Enters the Game

After the boss was defeated, the others cast their spells to return to the city, leaving only Zhang Shan, marked with a glaring red name, to grimly continue grinding monsters. Red names can't return to the city.

Slashing players is exhilarating for a moment; keep slashing, and the thrill endures. But being red-named is anything but pleasant. After turning red, you can't idle and grind passively, nor return to the city—otherwise, you’ll end up locked away in a dark cell.

He resigned himself to the slow grind; after all, he was nothing but an emotionless grinder. Killing monsters for an hour could cleanse about a hundred points of infamy. By seven or eight in the evening, he should be able to wash his name clean.

Time passed steadily.

Finally, damn it, the red name was gone.

He started casting the return spell; Zhang Shan didn’t want to stay here another moment. Although he had spent several days grinding here before without feeling impatient, grinding monsters with a red name always felt uncomfortable. The constraints of being red-named were truly unpleasant.

He’d head back and list the axe for auction, hoping it would fetch a good price.

Back in the city, he teleported to the auction house and listed the red axe dropped by the East Sea Dragon King. Starting bid: one copper coin, no upper limit.

The one copper starting bid wasn’t meant to insult the East Sea Dragon King; that’s simply all it was worth. As for the axe, it was collateral damage—a token copper coin for courtesy.

Billionaire? Who cares—come slash me if you disagree.

He set the auction duration to two hours, perfectly timed for the peak hours when players were most active, whether casual or professional: eight to ten in the evening. Who wouldn’t log in then for a couple of rounds?

With the item listed, he confirmed the auction.

He launched another round of advertising—after all, even the finest wine fears a secluded alley. Most of the day had passed; those big shots might have forgotten about it. He didn’t want someone to really snatch it for a copper.

World channel:

"Dragon King’s Battle Axe is now up for auction, starting at one copper coin, auction lasts two hours. Interested friends, check it out at the auction house."

"Damn, one copper? The cheapest red equipment in history, is it not?"

"Don’t compete, that axe for a copper is mine."

"Legendary player is really out to antagonize the East Sea Dragon King, what a slap in the face. The mighty president of the Dominance Guild’s weapon is worth only a copper?"

"So what if he’s offended? Is the legendary player afraid of anyone?"

"Exactly—someone who can chase down over a hundred players single-handedly, would he worry about making enemies?"

"The East Sea Dragon King isn’t exactly a saint—he had it coming."

"He sure did. Who does he think he is, running wild in Anyang City right after founding a guild, not knowing his place?"

"Even if the legendary player couldn't beat them, the Storm Guild could easily crush them."

"Maybe he’s played too many capital games, thinking a bit of money makes him the boss in-game as well."

"Agreed. Keep at it, kid. Let’s make sure these capital bosses don’t trample us."

"Enough chatter—back to grinding. Once I win the axe, I’ll go grind monsters."

"Damn, you need to win the axe before you grind? Can’t you grind first and auction later?"

The advertisement worked well; it quickly drew the big shots’ attention back.

After listing the axe, Zhang Shan didn’t leave right away. Since he was already in the city, he’d check the auction house—maybe he’d find a good deal.

He didn’t bother with gear; his level-twenty purple equipment wouldn’t be replaced yet, no need.

He mainly searched for divine materials.

He carefully filtered through the materials section.

What’s this? Someone actually listed divine materials?

Material: Some mysterious substance.

Starting bid: one hundred gold coins. Buyout price: one thousand gold coins.

The player selling this must have gotten it from regular monsters; otherwise, it wouldn’t be so cheap.

Luckily, it had only just been listed. Otherwise, even if no one knew what it was for, someone would have bought it already—a thousand gold coins is pocket change for the top players. Might as well buy and store it; who knows when it’ll become useful.

He hurried to buy it out, not wanting anyone else to snatch it.

With the deal done, Zhang Shan now held two pieces of divine material. He’d slowly accumulate more, aiming to stock up before others forged their divine artifacts.

He stored the materials in the warehouse and logged off for dinner.

He removed his gaming helmet and lay quietly on his bed for a while.

Today had been a good day—the East Sea Dragon King dropped a red axe for him, and he got the Heart of Nature from the Wolf King, greatly boosting his panda pet’s health. Plus, he managed to snag a divine material at auction for a thousand gold coins—almost unbelievable.

The New World truly is full of endless possibilities, vibrant and exciting.

It’s been over a week since the game launched; he wondered if Boss Wu had any plans to play. He dialed to ask.

The call connected.

"Boss Wu, are you off work yet?"

"Been off for a while—no overtime pay, so I leave right on time."

"Have you played New World?"

"No, the helmet’s too expensive, I can’t justify buying one."

Hearing this again, Zhang Shan couldn’t help but sigh. Ordinary working folks, once they have a family, face enormous pressure. Zhang Shan, being single, couldn’t relate directly, but he could sense the stress from his friends’ changing lives.

Working life is tough.

"I’ll get one for you, have it delivered to your home."

"No need, you’re not exactly rolling in it either."

"I’m doing alright, made some money in New World."

"Damn, just a few days and you’ve made money in-game?"

"Heh, lucky streak."

"Is it for real?"

"Of course! Check the forums—you’ll see my name everywhere. My character’s called Six-Barrel Bodhisattva."

"Damn, I’ve seen the forums! You’re that legendary player? When did you become so badass?"

"Got lucky, rolled a good talent at the start, then scored a divine artifact. Otherwise, I’d just be another nobody."

"That luck—you must have ancestors watching over you. How did you land so many good things?"

"Maybe all my bad luck finally turned around—heh."

"Alright, go ahead and get it for me. Consider it striking back at the rich."

"No problem, I’ll place the order now. The courier will be at your door in half an hour."

"Okay, add me as a friend once I’m in-game. I’ve already picked a name: Daoist with a Blade. Shouldn’t be taken yet, right? Remember to accept."

"Actually, let me add you. My friend requests are off—otherwise, I’d get swamped."

"Badass, celebrity treatment!"

"Heh, hanging up now. I need to eat. I’ll add you in half an hour."