Chapter 141: Chapter 141: The Second Offline Player Gathering (Five More Updates)
Internal First Test Group:
"Twenty Years Monk: Damn, this update has plenty of content! It feels like the Damn Game Designers have finally grown a conscience, wanting to give us Contribution Points?"
"Farmer’s Three Punches: Once there are too many Contribution Points, they’ll become worthless."
"Poisonous Panda: Seems like the game’s progress has reached a critical point, but I have no idea where the plot will head next."
"Junlin: It should be related to Sect Leader Xu Nian’s identity. A few of us were called and told to follow the Sect Leader to Capital City. I’m afraid the next major plot will involve the Imperial Family and might even lead to issues with the Temple Hall."
"Flourishing Flowers: How about meeting offline? Let’s meet at Junlin’s Hotel."
"Junlin: I’ll arrange it. The attendees remain the same. Prove your identity with your Game Helmet. I’ll also notify the Second Test Players."
"Flourishing Flowers: Don’t contact Xuanqing. I can’t guarantee I won’t hit him."
"Evil Queen Morgana: Go for it, Lord Flourishing Flowers! I’m rooting for your offline PK!"
"Chaotic Dance Steps: +1."
"Under the Phoenix Tree: +1."
"Abbess, Don’t Love Me: Can I bring my family this time? My daughter is on holiday, and I want to take her to the amusement park."
"Junlin: Sure, everyone can come. Bring your families, or figure it out if you’re single."
"Little Boss: I missed it last time, but I’ll definitely be there this time."
"Hero Xu Xian: I’ll go talk to the Second Test Players and see what’s up with them."
...
The Players’ second offline meetup was officially set. As for how many days it would require, that still depended on the game’s update schedule. After all, Luo Chenjun and his team hadn’t returned to Capital City yet, so scheduling it would likely take a few more days. Xu Nian still needed the Blood Demoness to investigate the Shen Family’s situation. If the Shen Family got involved, they would need to find a way to kick them out.
His plans were progressing meticulously, but the Second Test Players were worried about the meetup. Since they didn’t get along with Flourishing Flowers’ Cloud Lament Hall, the Second Test Players were hesitant about whether to go.
Internal Second Test Group:
"Half-Leaf: There’s no need to go, right? Flourishing Flowers is from the Beijing Circle. Who knows if he’ll try to give us a hard time?"
"Returning Swallow: I don’t want to go either. If we really want to meet up and have fun, we can just organize our own offline gathering."
"I, Xuanqing: But this time it’s on Junlin’s turf, and he also invited us. There’s no need to ruin our relationship with the people from Lingxiao Hall."
"Zhuan Jie: I’m in Demon City, so I can go anytime. Junlin is alright to deal with. I had a drink with him once; he’s a decent person."
"Newbie Thief: It’s worth checking out. Since it’s Junlin’s venue, Flourishing Flowers will likely show him some respect. Hopefully, things won’t get too ugly."
"Xiu Lu Lu: Should I book my flight then?"
"Drunken Poisoning: [Image Sent] Already booked."
"I, Xuanqing: Alright, let’s settle it then. Everyone should have some money by now. If you want to come, bring your Game Helmet. If not, no pressure. We’re all friends here; it’s entirely up to personal choice."
"Half-Leaf: I’ll pass. Just seeing Flourishing Flowers infuriates me."
"Returning Swallow: I’ll think about it. By the way, is Brother Tie Xue going?"
"Xiu Lu Lu: He probably won’t make it. I guess we all have an idea of his situation by now, right?"
...
The Second Test Players had been given a tough time by Flourishing Flowers and his group when they first went online. Although this was because the First Test Players had a Task, Flourishing Flowers and his group had been excessive at the time, forcibly trying to make the Second Test Players join their team. This action clearly angered many of the Second Test Players. This Half-Leaf was one of those who couldn’t stomach it. Now that the people from Cloud Lament were also planning to attend the offline meetup, they, as opponents, naturally wouldn’t go.
I, Xuanqing, considered things more long-term. Although Flourishing Flowers initiated the meetup, the location was Junlin’s family Hotel. Junlin had even personally invited them. The Second Test Players didn’t need to get too close to Flourishing Flowers, but there was no reason to offend Junlin. Not to mention, Little Boss was also attending. If they didn’t go, it would indeed be quite disrespectful.
After some discussion, they eventually agreed. Out of more than two hundred and eighty people, a little less than half agreed to check it out. The others declined for various reasons. Plainly put, they just didn’t want to meet the people from Cloud Lament. Having no other choice, I, Xuanqing, along with that small group, could only book flight tickets and head to Demon City.
Since there had been a previous gathering, Su Bei was quite familiar with the way. He immediately took a car to the Hotel. As expected, he was the first to arrive, despite a severe traffic jam halfway. After speaking with the receptionist, he used his Game Helmet to verify his identity and then headed straight to the Top Floor Banquet Hall of the Hotel. Junlin, as usual, was lying on a chair enjoying a massage. Seeing Su Bei arrive, he smiled and said, "I guessed you’d be the first one here."
"Well, it’s a bit closer for me." Su Bei scratched his head, then sat down next to Junlin.
A beautiful Young Lady in a Cheongsam also came out and gently began massaging Su Bei’s shoulders.
Su Bei picked up a bottle of soda water, took a sip, and asked, "Boss, what’s the situation this time? Why did Flourishing Flowers suddenly organize an offline meetup? Is he really going to clash with the Second Test Players?"
"Flourishing Flowers is no fool; he has to give me some face," Junlin said, gently shaking his head. "Have you noticed any changes recently? I mean physical changes, especially since you know about Flourishing Flowers’ showcase last time."
Su Bei understood and nodded, but he didn’t make a big deal out of it. After all, there were outsiders present, and being too high-profile wouldn’t be good.
Junlin, with a knowing look, then gestured for the two masseuses to leave. Both women tactfully exited the banquet hall.
Junlin then asked, "So, what’s your current situation? I’m really curious about the changes in you, our First Combat Power."
Su Bei scratched his head and explained, "At first, I didn’t notice anything. But lately, I’ve felt my body brimming with strength, and my reaction speed has also seen an incredible improvement."
As he said this, he casually tossed the half-full soda bottle he was holding towards a corner of the room.
Junlin didn’t understand his intention. But the next moment, he sensed a figure rush past. The speed was terrifying. Even he felt the force of the wind, generated by the movement, lashing against his body.
How is that possible?
In the corner, Su Bei caught the soda bottle and looked back at Junlin with a smile.
A change like this was far more terrifying than the Internal Energy Flourishing Flowers had managed to condense. Junlin was naturally aware of the existence of Internal Energy. After all, he also possessed it now. But he didn’t know how to use it. It seemed Martial Arts from the game couldn’t be practiced offline. Instead, it seemed that improving oneself in the game could alter one’s physical condition in the real world...