Chapter 13: Main Quest 1 Completed

“Well done.” Zhao Gongming pulled a piece of cloth from somewhere and tossed it onto Wang Liang’s face, indicating he should wipe the blood away.

At the same time, his gaze fell on the Life-Cleaving Blade in Wang Liang’s hand, and he spoke with a hint of envy, “That blade must have the abilities to seek out weaknesses and deliver killing blows, right? That strike just now was truly impressive.”

“Mm.” Wang Liang had gotten used to these people saying things he didn’t fully understand. When he couldn’t follow the conversation, his replies became deliberately vague.

But Zhao Gongming didn’t notice Wang Liang’s discomfort. He sized up the Life-Cleaving Blade in Wang Liang’s hand. “This is a real treasure. Both ‘Weakness’ and ‘Execution’ are rare attributes. You’re lucky to have found it. If I were you, I’d convert this blade into an artifact as soon as we return. That way, its attributes will remain, and it can even grow stronger as you level up.”

While humoring Zhao Gongming, Wang Liang kept an eye on the battlefield. With the arrival of the heavy cavalry, the battle was effectively under control. This group of Yellow Sand bandits was stronger than the last, but only to a point. Working together, Niu Xuanguang and the heavy cavalry quickly wiped out all the bandits.

At that moment, Miss Ghost Mask was talking with the leading heavy cavalryman, apparently explaining her identity. Wang Liang glanced over; it was clear she was struggling, gesturing animatedly in an attempt to draw the cavalryman’s attention. Yet the armored rider merely nodded slightly, as if their earlier cooperation in battle had nothing to do with her.

“It seems we’re in for some trouble. We’ve run into a paladin specializing in mind magic,” Zhao Gongming remarked, always eager to comment like an omniscient bystander.

“A paladin? What’s that?”

“Nothing much—just a western class. Not worth mentioning. In the end, they either become birdmen or some kind of holy spirit. Useless, really. Just remember, this game’s main conflict is between the Orthodox and the Heretical Sects, but when it comes to the Western Church, both sides will intervene. So when you pick a class, don’t choose carelessly.”

“When can I pick a class? Do I have to wait until Foundation Establishment?”

“No need; classes aren’t tied to your level. There are primary and secondary classes. Some primaries require certain qualifications. You’ll need a teacher’s guidance, or you can check the Grand Plaza to see if any job scrolls are for sale. I’ll let you in on a secret: the Grand Plaza’s library has the Standard Book of Classes. Before you buy a job scroll or item, you can check there to see which jobs you qualify for.”

“What class are you?”

“Me? I’m a Wandering Taoist. I practice divination, monster and ghost catching, geomancy, formation setting, talisman drawing—many skills. Eventually, I can become a Heavenly Master, serve as an official in the heavens. It’s considered a relatively safe path.”

While Zhao Gongming spoke, Miss Ghost Mask finally proved her worth, striking up a conversation with someone from the caravan. But Wang Liang wasn’t optimistic about the outcome. It wasn’t her doing—rather, one of the white-robed merchants had noticed the situation and willingly came over to talk.

These white-robed figures were different from the armored knights. Some among them were colder than the knights themselves, while others were smooth talkers, coming across as merchants or diplomats. They were relatively easier to communicate with.

Almost simultaneously, a low whisper sounded in Wang Liang’s ear—Niu Xuanguang’s voice, he thought.

“It’s done. Main Quest One is complete. Now we need to make a decision. Everyone follow my lead: choose to help Niccolò and Matteo.”

Wang Liang looked around. He knew some experts could transmit messages directly into the mind, but this didn’t seem to be the case. Niu Xuanguang hadn’t even glanced his way, so how had he sent the message over?

Just then, Zhao Gongming explained, “That’s the team channel, like a private chat. Press the horn button and think what you want to say—that’s how you speak.”

Wang Liang realized, and also noticed that he could hold down his teammates’ portraits in the upper left corner for a one-on-one private chat. It was an interesting discovery.

While Wang Liang was enjoying himself, Niu Xuanguang had already finished explaining the mission via synchronized stream. Seeing the eager excitement on Zhao Gongming and Wei Ban’s faces, Wang Liang realized this was yet another common knowledge he didn’t possess.

[Main Quest Two: Escort Niccolò and Matteo eastward to the Jade Gate Pass, then unlock the third stage of the main quest.]

Such a simple quest line, yet in Niu Xuanguang’s explanation, it sounded like the plot of a major film.

Wang Liang still didn’t know who Niccolò and Matteo really were, but from the narrative he learned that the two brothers had come to China a few years before, met the emperor—someone named Kublai—and had helped deliver a letter from Kublai to the Pope, warning him that China’s legions stationed near the Danube had yet to be recalled.

This time, they were delivering another letter from the Pope, along with a precious treasure from the Vatican’s collection, in hopes of leaving a good impression on Emperor Kublai. The dozen or so armored knights were Holy Paladins sent by the Pope to guard the treasure.

Along the way, the Yellow Sand bandits they encountered were backed by two main factions. One was Persia, destroyed by the Empire; naturally hostile to the Church, their goal was to disrupt this tribute mission. The other comprised small nations along the Silk Road, which had survived off illicit trade until China’s advance into Europe nationalized all such activities. The survivors became bandits, preying on caravans.

Naturally, a caravan transporting such treasures was their prime target.

Wang Liang and his companions were now tasked with safely escorting this group to the Jade Gate Pass. During this time, there would be internal strife within the caravan, but against outsiders, they would remain united.

This window was precisely when Wang Liang’s group had to act. They needed to identify the various factions’ objectives before reaching the Jade Gate, where another choice awaited them.

From the intelligence they had, it was clear: Niccolò and Matteo’s mission was to deliver the letter, the paladins’ was to protect the treasure, while the intentions of the white-robed men remained unclear, though they undoubtedly had their own agendas.