Chapter Four: A Beginner’s Journey

Qingluan Peak lies at the far western edge of the Zhongyuan continent in Huaxia, under the jurisdiction of Yizhou. Stretching a hundred li from north to south, the mountain is rich with medicinal herbs and home to rare animals and extraordinary birds, making it an adventurer’s paradise for players in the region.

With Zhang He leading the way, the group of five easily wound their way up along the bends beside the waterfall. It was only then that Zhang He learned the origins of his companions.

Their sect was a small one, called the “Order of the Unusual,” not an official organization, but one founded by players themselves.

Sects were a major feature in “Dynasty.” Broadly, sects fell into two categories. One consisted of official sects—those assigned by the central game system from the very beginning, each with its own characteristics, which in turn gave rise to a variety of professions. NPCs were rare in such sects; most roles were filled by players.

Prestigious sects enjoyed not just system-provided rewards, but also special privileges. Take the Shaolin, for example: any player who joined would gain an extra 10% bonus to both constitution and strength limits—a basic reward. If the sect was well managed, system bonuses would increase accordingly. Should a player rise to the rank of “Shaolin Abbot,” then if evildoers dared cause trouble at the temple, the local military commander might even dispatch troops to help. If the court itself was alerted, a bloody storm would surely follow.

It was for such reasons that countless players scrambled to join the great and famous sects, though the requirements were strict and not everyone who wished to enter would be accepted.

The other category was player-created sects, where the founder would often possess unique, self-created martial arts. These sects received no system rewards, but were free from rigid rules, allowing members to act as they wished.

This “Order of the Unusual” must be a minor sect—Zhang He had never heard of it. As for the “Order of Supreme Bliss,” he had heard many tales; it was said that their legendary one hundred and eight secret arts of the bedchamber could arouse much envy. To be honest, Zhang He was quite curious to see them for himself.

A bachelor, after all, must first understand the definition: a solitary stick.

The man with the saber was called Living Dead, level 25 at his first advancement, and leader of the group. The other four were all at level 23, their names: Wooden Elephant, Clothesline, Water’s Embrace, and Lark.

The five seemed to share a close bond, chatting and jesting as they went. They formed a pentagonal formation, keeping Zhang He safe in the center. Occasionally, wild boars would charge onto the mountain path; at any angle, two members would strike together, one stabbing, one slashing, and the beast would be grievously wounded at once.

In “Dynasty,” both player and monster alike reacted differently depending on their condition. When gravely wounded, strength and agility suffered a drastic drop. Once a wild boar was hit hard, the two would press their advantage and quickly bring it down.

Zhang He observed their techniques closely. Aside from Living Dead, whose basic skills were solid, the other four seemed rather inexperienced.

By level five, every player learned “Basic Weapon Arts,” which included the essentials: thrust, slash, chop, lift, flick, slice, sweep, parry, block, knock, and so on. This was a compulsory course for every player in the novice phase. Mastery of these skills would prove invaluable for future growth, and it was easy to distinguish a novice from an expert at a glance.

When Living Dead thrust his sword, his speed was only marginally faster than Wooden Elephant’s—a matter of similar strength. But in the follow-up, his slicing motion, both in speed and smoothness, was clearly superior. This was the mark of sound fundamentals and combat technique. Thus, the second strike from each resulted in very different damage values.

Living Dead’s damage: “–31.” Wooden Elephant’s: “–19.” Still, wild boars had only 100 points of constitution, so two such attacks in succession could kill one instantly.

Zhang He remained silent, content to reap experience without lifting a finger. Though he gained the least from each kill, at his current level 13, a single wild boar provided a 17% increase in experience.

He knew these people were working on their chivalry score and would protect him well, even treating him like a master. He had no wish to interfere; his policy was never to meddle in others’ business, but when something was his responsibility, he would see it through to the end.

Chivalry was a crucial attribute in “Dynasty.” You couldn’t gain it simply by killing monsters—or even by completing quests or defeating bosses. Chivalry came only from genuinely upholding justice and helping the weak. For example, guiding novices through leveling would grant chivalry, but only if you did so sincerely—no insults or discrimination allowed. Healing or restoring stamina for new players was required, and the game’s AI had a sophisticated system for evaluating your behavior. After verification, you would be awarded a certain amount of chivalry.

Chivalry played a major role. If you belonged to a reputable sect and wished to advance and learn more skills, chivalry was a key metric. If you led your own sect, chivalry became the very foundation upon which you might one day compete to become leader of the martial world.

As the six of them reached the level ground at the mountain’s summit, the waterfall’s stream broadened into a smooth river. After walking along its banks for a while, Zhang He said, “There will be more wild boars ahead. We should rearrange our formation—split into two groups, front and rear, to maintain continuous firepower.”

Living Dead hesitated, glanced at him, but decided that Zhang He seemed to know this place well. “Alright, let’s do as you say.”

Sure enough, before long, pairs of wild boars began appearing head-on. The first group would step up, strike once, then dart aside, letting the second group finish the job with ease.

Soon, they entered the great forest of Qingluan Peak, following the river. Zhang He crouched down, pressing his ear to the ground and listening intently. After a long while, he stood and said, “There are already people at the Pig King’s Creek ahead.”

Living Dead was taken aback. “How could you possibly know that?”

Of course, Zhang He didn’t reveal his secret. In truth, this was a trick born of necessity for novices: with few attribute points and low foundation, eyesight, hearing, perception, and recognition all suffered. This crude method allowed a beginner to hear farther.

Living Dead had never practiced such techniques as a beginner. Standing upright, he could barely detect anything fifty meters away.

Zhang He frowned. “There are two of them. They’re heading toward us. Their footsteps are light, more skillful than any of you—at least second advancement.”

The five listened, a mix of surprise and amusement in their eyes. You’re just a level 12 novice, they thought. If even we can’t hear anything, could you possibly manage it?

Had they seen Zhang He’s attributes at that moment, they might have been terrified:

Level: 12. Sect: None. Title: None.
Constitution: 10. Foundation: 28. Strength: 5. Inner Power: 5. Agility: 5. Mental: 0. Courage: 5. Fortune: 0. Defense: 5. Chivalry: 0. Evil: 0.…

In all honesty, these stats were abysmal. With only 10 constitution, even a pheasant near Yuhua Village could peck him to death in two bites. With 5 in strength, he couldn’t even wring a chicken’s neck. As for courage being “egg”—that was truly shocking. Unable in both literature and martial arts, useless in both hand and shoulder.

But Zhang He’s foundation attribute was truly frightening—most first advancement players didn’t have it so high. This meant he could see farther, hear more keenly, and required less experience to level up.

Ordinary novices would never dare allocate their points so recklessly.

He spoke again, face shifting slightly. “Their pace just quickened, but the direction is unchanged. They’re coming straight for us!”

Now the five could no longer laugh. They all heard the faint but distinct footsteps in the depths of the forest—a peculiar rhythm matching the torrent of the river nearby. It was hard to discern without careful attention. Clearly, whoever approached was not to be trifled with.

With a collective rustle, the five drew their gleaming sabers. Zhang He said calmly, “Don’t panic. The two of them may not be able to defeat you.”

Living Dead was unsure whether to believe him. This man acted like a veteran, yet he was clearly a novice at level 12. Still, Living Dead couldn’t help but ask, “Why?”

Zhang He replied coolly, “They may be stronger, but the fact that they sped up fifty meters out means they’re in a hurry—eager to find you, perhaps even more nervous than you are.”

Living Dead said, “And what does that prove?”

Zhang He replied, “It proves they’re not fully confident in facing you. If I’m not mistaken, you killed many of their allies on your way to Yuhua Village. These two must have heard what happened, and now carry a shadow of fear in their hearts. They’ll be extra cautious, and won’t attack recklessly without certainty. You outnumber them five to two; if you work together and spot their weaknesses, it’s entirely possible to defeat them.”

Living Dead was convinced.

Wooden Elephant, Clothesline, Water’s Embrace, and Lark all looked at Zhang He with awe. Though he wore nothing but ragged cloth armor, his calm demeanor was that of a true leader. At this moment, it seemed Zhang He was the leader, and the five of them the novices.

Living Dead asked, “How can you judge so clearly? Are you a high-level player’s alternate account?”

Zhang He gave a wry, philosophical smile. “Many have asked me that before.”

Living Dead asked, “And how did you answer?”

Zhang He sighed. “I may not have eaten pork, but I’ve seen pigs run. I’m just a theorist.”

Living Dead asked, “Did those people believe you?”

Zhang He said, “They didn’t.”

Living Dead asked, “And what happened?”

Zhang He replied coolly, “They all died.”

Living Dead drew a deep breath. “But I believe you.”

Zhang He said, “Don’t. They’re here.”

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