Red Leaf Town, the slums, the Drunken Heart Bar.
Tie Jian Kuang Shi and several of his underlings were drinking heavily in a private room on the second floor of the Drunken Heart Bar, downing glass after glass of Tom Liquor, having a grand old time.
Ever since an hour ago, when Tie Jian Kuang Shi had posted a guild declaration on the official forums, placing a bounty on Shi Feng's head and vowing an endless war against him, the Martial Alliance had suddenly become the center of attention.
Who was Ye Feng?
Almost every veteran player in the entire White River City region had heard of him.
His name still hung on the Glory Board outside the entrance to the Dark Moon Cemetery dungeon.
After clearing the dungeon, he had killed the Martial Alliance's top expert Tie Jian Kuang Shi on the spot, earning recognition as a top-class Divine Realm Swordsman. The video of Shi Feng killing Tie Jian Kuang Shi had even been used by numerous Swordsmen as a learning reference.
On top of that, all sorts of rumors were circulating—claims that the Ice Snow Goddess had some deep connection with Shi Feng, maybe even something more. Otherwise, how else could one explain why a goddess of her stature would skip bringing her own guild's elites into the Dark Moon Cemetery and insist on bringing an outsider instead?
Many players had long been resentful of Shi Feng, and now with a bounty on his head—a staggering ten thousand Credit Points per kill—plenty of gamers were tempted. Killing Shi Feng wasn't just about the monetary reward; it was about the honor. Slaying an acknowledged Divine Realm expert would prove one's strength was no joke.
Right now, major conglomerates from around the world were pouring into the Divine Realm, recruiting talent. As long as you could prove your strength, you'd earn the favor of these powerful groups and receive generous compensation. Why wouldn't you go for it?
"Boss Tie Jian, that was a brilliant move! The moment that declaration went out, it was so satisfying. That Ye Feng is dead meat this time. Even if he doesn't die, he'll be miserable—other players will be hunting him down day and night, making it impossible for him to level up." Ximen Piaoxue said while drinking, piling on the flattery.
"Hmph, that's nothing. The real show is still to come," Tie Jian Kuang Shi said with a cold laugh. "Right now that bastard is hiding where he can't be found, but that doesn't matter. I don't believe his teammates can't be found. Once we kill his teammates back to level zero, I guarantee he'll come out. And the moment he dares show his face, Jue Tian will take action. That'll be his end."
Just as Tie Jian Kuang Shi was laughing coldly, Shi Feng received a friend communication request on his end.
"Are you all right?" Bai Qingxue suddenly asked.
Shi Feng was slightly surprised that Bai Qingxue would reach out to check on him. He shook his head. "I'm fine."
"If things get difficult, I can mobilize the Snake of the Body's forces in the White River City region to deal with the Martial Alliance. They'd back off targeting you very quickly." Bai Qingxue said it lightly, as if it were nothing. But only Shi Feng knew how terrifying it would be if the Snake of the Body went all out against the Martial Alliance. Bai Qingxue's tens of thousands of fans alone would be enough to wipe out the Martial Alliance, to say nothing of the numerous experts the Snake of the Body could deploy. The Martial Alliance wouldn't last more than a few days before dissolving.
"Thanks. I'll be careful," Shi Feng said gratefully.
No sooner had he finished talking with Bai Qingxue when another communication came through.
"Brother Ye Feng, are you all right?" Ci Xin asked with concern.
"I'm fine." Shi Feng chuckled, feeling that this scenario was awfully familiar.
"Good to hear. I saw that the Martial Alliance declared war on you and put a bounty on your head—ten thousand Credit Points per kill. They've also included your friends, with a thousand Credit Points per kill for each of them. I know quite a few experts who've taken an interest in you, and they'll definitely come looking for trouble. Having so many people on your tail is a real hassle. You should lay low for a while, or better yet, come level up with us. Those experts will at least give the Assassin Alliance some face. And if anyone doesn't know when to back off, I can help deal with them."