wavenovel Chapter 57: A series of side quests, splitting the forces into two groups.
Chapter 57: A series of side quests, splitting the forces into two groups.
"Where's the captain? Why didn't it come back with you?"
When Lin Zhuo opened his eyes to replenish his energy halfway through his cultivation, he saw Shu Yuliu standing in front of him with a smile. He also saw Jin Xiaohu squatting by the water vat, scooping water with his paws to wash his face. His cat face was dejected, as if he had experienced inhumane abuse.
"Second Senior Brother, we brought you food!" Shu Yuliu waved happily.
Lin Zhuo did not waste this kindness.
Shu Yuliu was a very thoughtful person. The lunch he brought back for his companions contained no fish or dried fruit, but mostly meat, including chicken, duck, pork, and lamb, as well as tofu and seasonal vegetables, all of which were easy to eat with rice.
Lin Zhuo is not a picky eater, but he likes things that are easy to eat. Freshwater fish have many bones, and shrimp and crabs have shells, so diners need to be more patient when eating.
He doesn't dislike sweets, but he doesn't like eating sweets during meals, just like he doesn't like hearing a sentimental love song on a pop music playlist.
Shu Yuliu had observed her teammates' preferences, noting what each person liked and disliked to eat, and she had secretly memorized it all. Although she was socially awkward, she was incredibly meticulous and always took great care of those she knew.
While they were eating, Lin Zhuo heard a commotion outside the courtyard gate and put down his chopsticks to see what was going on. But before he could take two steps, Zhu Baixuan had already pushed the door open and entered, followed by an elderly couple and a middle-aged wealthy man.
The elderly couple were timid and hesitant, their faces aged and worn, like a pair of old earthenware pots placed on the edge of a well, ready to fall and break at any moment. They dared not take big steps when walking, and bowed their heads and smiled obsequiously at everyone they met.
The middle-aged tycoon, with a potbelly and a naturally auspicious appearance, was now frowning, clutching a silk handkerchief and rubbing it against his neck, standing close to the black and white child deity, pleading repeatedly.
Zhu Baixuan raised his hand to beckon to the team members and explained the situation to them.
The player had become quite famous in Liquan Town, attracting many curious onlookers, some seeking immortality and others praying to gods and Buddhas. While most were clueless fools, there were also genuinely distressed individuals in need of help.
For players, this means a quest has been delivered to their doorstep.
Considering that the crisis on Tie Yingjie's side in the main storyline has been temporarily resolved and there is not much for players to follow, it is time to expand some side quests.
Zhu Baixuan asked the person involved to explain the situation themselves.
The wealthy merchant spoke first, wailing and lamenting that his only son had contracted a strange and incurable disease, and that despite seeking out many famous doctors, his condition had not improved. Recently, a masked woman claiming to be a disciple of the Valley of Immortality had come to his door to treat him, saying that his young master needed a rare and precious elixir to eradicate the root of his illness.
"According to that female knight, even the famous Valley of Immortality has not had a physician find this medicine for many years. Now that she has news of the elixir, it will be extremely difficult to obtain it."
"I have prepared a thousand taels of silver to give her as travel expenses, hoping that this trip will be successful in obtaining the medicine to cure my son. However, she has been gone for several months without any news. I beg the gods to cast a divination for me and predict the whereabouts and safety of that heroine."
Upon hearing this, Lin Zhuo and the others suddenly realized what kind of side quest this was.
"Don't worry, just leave it to us," Lin Zhuo agreed.
The wealthy merchant hesitated, asking how much the divination fee and salary would be.
"What's the difference between money and dirt? Do you think you can't invite a deity without money, and you'll only feel at ease if you spend real money?" Lin Zhuo asked with a smile.
Although he had never spent money in the community, he had heard of similar situations. Many people who prayed to gods and Buddhas felt that if the masters they invited asked for too few offerings, they would think that the masters had no magical powers. The more expensive the master asked for, the more powerful he was.
The wealthy merchant chuckled, "A divine calculation indeed; I, a humble commoner, have had this thought."
"Here's what we'll do: starting tomorrow, you build a wooden bridge over the Qingshui River outside the town. We'll return with the medicinal herbs the day it's completed."
The wealthy merchant was overjoyed upon hearing this, praising his kindness and thanking him profusely as he departed.
[Network notification: A chain quest – Where is the Elixir (Part 1) has been triggered]
Where is the Elixir (Part 1): Searching for the Missing Immortal Valley Disciple "Fang Qinghan"
Difficulty: easy
Description: Why did Zhou Fuhu's only son in Liquan Town suddenly fall ill with a strange disease? Why has the disciple from the Undying Valley, who promised to find medicine for him, disappeared without a trace? Is the rare and precious medicine she spoke of real or fake? Perhaps it's all a scam from beginning to end, or perhaps you'll discover a miracle at the end of your journey. In any case, since you've already agreed to help, please find the mysterious herb gatherer first.
In open-world dungeons, the most difficult task is often not fighting a powerful boss, but finding a specific target in the vast sea of people on a huge map.
The game does not provide real-time maps or indicator arrows, making it extremely difficult to find people, and it severely tests players' reconnaissance and tracking abilities.
Fortunately, this is a well-developed dungeon, and players have guides with them.
After the wealthy businessman left, the remaining elderly couple, trembling, began to recount the truth.
It turns out that the two of them were once a wealthy and well-off family in the town, but they lost their only daughter while traveling, and their family line ended. However, they never gave up hope.
After searching for more than a decade, the elderly couple finally found a courtesan in Anzhou City who looked remarkably like their daughter. When they went up to acknowledge her, the woman scolded them and drove them away by her servants.
"That's our little Juan'er, there's no mistake!" The old woman cried, tears streaming down her face. "She still has the longevity lock we put on her ankle ourselves, how could we be wrong!"
The old man didn't cry, but kept pleading with the gods to save him from his suffering. He stubbornly insisted that he had seen the prostitute pleading for help, and all signs indicated that she was their daughter.
Shu Yuliu asked Lin Zhuo in a low voice, "Second Senior Brother, this task has been delivered right to our doorstep, shouldn't we do it?"
"Of course there's no reason to let them go. I'm itching to kill some more pigs and dogs," Lin Zhuo replied in a low voice.
"Great, thank you, senior brother." Shu Yuliu clenched his fist happily.
Lin Zhuo reassured the elderly couple, telling them that the matter was in their hands and they would handle it properly.
The two men were equally grateful. The old man took out a cloth bundle from his bosom, untied the layers of cloth, and inside were a dozen or so copper coins. He held them in his two hands and presented them to the deity as an offering.
"We don't want your money. Until things are settled, just keep an eye on Zhou the rich man who built the bridge and make sure he doesn't try to cheat us."
The two of them, supporting each other, slowly walked out the door, glancing back every few steps.
[Network Notification: Chain Quest - Searching for Home in the Mortal World (Part 1) has been triggered]
Searching for Home in the Mortal World (Part 1): Finding and rescuing the character "Hong Yingniang".
Difficulty: Normal
Description: A young child who mysteriously disappeared years ago suddenly reappears in Anzhou City. When her parents see her again, she has become a renowned and stunning courtesan. What stories have unfolded during her tumultuous journey? Why does she ignore her parents? Who is preventing her from redeeming herself and returning to her hometown? The most urgent task is to find her and find out the truth.
Taking on two side quests at once, and being located in two different places, and considering that both have time limits, it's inevitable that we'll have to split up to complete them simultaneously.
Zhu Baixuan doesn't interfere with the team members' arrangements, and even the team leader is willing to follow orders.
Lin Zhuo invited Shu Yuliu and Jin Xiaohu to speak freely.
After discussing it, the two men and the cat decided that since the disciple of the Undying Valley was a difficult woman to get along with, Lin Zhuo would definitely run into obstacles if he tried to contact her. Also, the place where the courtesan Hong Yingniang was located was not suitable for Shu Yuliu to go in and investigate. Therefore, they each took charge of one side.
"Let the captain go with you to find the medicine. Cat will come with me." Lin Zhuo was also worried that the combination of Shu Yuliu and Jin Xiaohu was not strong enough and would suffer setbacks outside.
"I'll listen to you." The girl in white raised her hand in salute, full of fighting spirit, and then clasped her hands in a fist salute to the giant panda, "Senior Brother, please take good care of me while I'm away."
"Hehe, no problem." Zhu Baixuan patted his belly.
Jin Xiaohu looked wary: "Let me make this clear first, I'm not responsible for dealing with people, especially women! They're all scheming."
"Yes, that just so happens I've been practicing my public speaking skills." Lin Zhuo agreed, then looked around at everyone. "Then let's not delay. Before everyone goes on their first long trip, let's go and make preparations!"
"Great!" Shu Yuliu raised her hand and cheered.
"Clang!" Jin Xiaohu struck the gong, still looking solemn and dignified.