Chapter 109: Related Matters

"So, that is how the matter stands."

The three of them sat within a quaint teahouse nestled directly across from the Dongguan Library, listening in silence to Shen Qingqing's narration.

"This Dongguan Library is simply too much!" Xu Zixin's countenance bore a trace of indignation, clearly incensed on behalf of her dear friend's plight. "What would it hurt for them to spare a mere day or two?"

Shen Qingqing furrowed her delicate brows, taking a gentle sip of the fragrant tea within her cup before shaking her head. "It appears we have no choice but to devise another scheme."

"What other scheme is there left to devise now?" Xu Zixin grumbled, brooding off to the side.

Fang Qi found the display somewhat amusing. "So the grand promotional tactic in these parts amounts to nothing more than distributing handbills?"

"What do you mean, nothing more than handbills?" Xu Zixin shot him a sidelong glance. "Is that not how everyone advertises? Or does the great Proprietor Fang possess some superior method?"

Her eyes rolled slightly as she considered Fang Qi's establishment. "Even if you were to promote it within your shop, rallying every single player to purchase a copy, that would amount to a mere two or three hundred souls, would it not?"

A thousand volumes for two hundred odd people—unless each individual purchased five or six copies, how could they possibly sell them all?

Moreover, the players devoted to Diablo within the shop constituted a minority, not the multitude.

Fang Qi shrugged his shoulders; in truth, his original intention had been to utilize the official novel to generate publicity for Diablo II. If matters devolved to the point where he had to advertise it within his own shop, would that not be putting the cart before the horse?

After a brief moment of contemplation, Fang Qi gestured for the two women to draw near, whispering a few succinct words into their ears.

"Could such a thing truly work?" Shen Qingqing regarded Fang Qi with a look of astonishment, seemingly unable to comprehend the logic behind such an eccentric and unbridled method.

"Whether it works or not, shall we not know once we put it to the test?" Fang Qi remarked. "As for the remaining books, let us first deposit them at a small bookstore; when the time comes, all will be revealed."

"Very well then..." It was evident that Shen Qingqing harbored lingering hesitations, yet she ultimately nodded in agreement. "It so happens a friend of mine owns a modest bookshop. Though the location is somewhat sequestered, it ought to serve our purpose when the time comes."

Xu Zixin, however, stared at Fang Qi with profound skepticism. "Will this truly suffice?"

...

Within the internet cafe, Nalan Hongwu, An Huwei, Ouyang Zhen, and their peers—even Su Tianji, Ye Songtao, and the rest—were currently seated alongside Li Haoran within the lounge area.

The curtains had been drawn aside, allowing the sunlight from without to stream across the expanse of the glass wall, casting a remarkably bright illumination over the otherwise somber tones of the establishment.

"Xiaoyue, bring over a few cartons of Häagen-Dazs, if you please!" An Huwei called out casually.

Li Haoran surveyed the gathered assembly and let out a heavy sigh. "In the end, the entire burden has been thrust upon me... that rascal!"

Their objective, naturally, required no explanation. Fang Qi's performance in Counter-Strike earlier that day had allowed the majority of them to witness the formidable prowess of this novel classification of weaponry. Granted, such devastation was manifest through Fang Qi's own superlative techniques, yet setting artistry aside, the weapon system itself was mature and exceptional.

Ardent gazes converged upon them from all directions, but with the presence of Nalan Hongwu, An Huwei, and the other grandees, any remaining interested parties dared not even approach, let alone initiate negotiations.

They would simply have to intensify their research within the game itself...

An Huwei discovered that he had developed a genuine fondness for the confection known as Häagen-Dazs, requiring a carton each passing day. He scooped a large mouthful of the ice cream, inquiring as he chewed, "What you mean to say is... you young youngsters have collaborated to establish an organization solely dedicated to researching this new form of spiritual artifact?"

"That is essentially the gist of it," Li Haoran confirmed with a nod. "In truth, this endeavor was proposed by Miss Nalan. As for Proprietor Fang, as you all well know, he is consumed by his daily gaming and possesses no desire to manage external affairs. His willingness to act as our technical consultant this time was already a considerable surprise to me."

"What amusement is there in a few youngsters engaging in petty squabbles?" An Huwei was clearly covetous of such weaponry. If it could be integrated into the standardized armaments of the City Guard, what a magnificent sight that would be!

"Why not cooperate with this City Master? As for funding, this seat shall see to it entirely." With Old Master Nalan observing from the side, An Huwei naturally disdained to mince his words excessively.

Li Haoran could only proffer a bitter smile upon hearing this. "I am afraid that will not be feasible."

"Why not?" An Huwei's countenance hardened. "Could it be that this seat would allow you youngsters to suffer a disadvantage?"

"Proprietor Fang stated it is out of the question," Li Haoran replied, shaking his head with a wry grin. "He remarked that if others wish to conduct research, they may do so within the game; they may forge artifacts however they please, and he will not interfere. But as for our side, the matter is settled as it stands."

"What is wrong with that brat...?" An Huwei's face darkened.

In contrast, Nalan Hongwu burst into a hearty laugh, clapping a hand upon An Huwei's shoulder. "Speed is the soul of warfare, my friend. It appears you were a step too slow after all."

To Nalan Hongwu, Nalan Mingxue was a descendant of his own lineage, so he naturally harbored no jealousy. Furthermore, even if he were capable of developing such spiritual artifacts, it was highly improbable he would have any use for them himself; they were fundamentally intended for the posterity of the Nalan Clan.

"Preposterous! I must have a word with that boy Fang to argue my case!" Ye Songtao refused to believe in this absolute decree.

"This seat must seek him out as well!" Su Tianji was clearly disinclined to yield so easily.

No wonder he had dismissed them all to deal with Li Haoran; it turned out he was using the lad to play the villain!

Of course, once they had dashed their noses against the brick wall that was Fang Qi, they would cease to harbor such thoughts.

As for employing coercion? To say nothing of the enigmatic entity backing Fang Qi, the mere prospect of offending Old Master Nalan was an act they would never contemplate.

After all, regarding this weaponry, they could conduct whatever research they pleased; Fang Qi would neither interfere nor obstruct them. Once the initial fervor subsided, they would naturally grow quiet.

What Fang Qi desired was merely a simple research endeavor untangled from the web of conflicting interests.

As for the remaining multitude who cast avaricious eyes upon these weapons.

Likewise, they could research as they saw fit; it was entirely beyond Fang Qi's concern.

...

A game such as Counter-Strike, while entertaining to Nalan Hongwu, lacked the profound significance found within the likes of Legend of Sword and Fairy or Diablo. Spending an hour or two each day to sample its novelty was more than sufficient; the remainder of his hours could be spent within the Shushan Sect of Legend of Sword and Fairy, comprehending that lofty and profound realm of intent known as "The Highest Good is Like Water," or perhaps slaying monsters in Diablo.

And though Su Tianji possessed a keen interest in this new variety of spiritual artifact, having not yet completed Legend of Sword and Fairy, she naturally could not devote the entirety of her time to Counter-Strike. If she wished to indulge, two hours per day sufficed perfectly.

An Huwei, Ouyang Zhen, and the others were largely of the same mind. Furthermore, the benefits garnered from Counter-Strike did not manifest as cultivation progression through leveling up, nor did it offer the exquisite sword techniques found in Legend of Sword and Fairy.

Rather, it honed an individual's mental fortitude and concentration; thus, Counter-Strike would never become the mainstream focus for them.

Diablo and Legend of Sword and Fairy would naturally endure.

Of course, this did not preclude anyone from enjoying a casual round, for the game itself lacked the myriad constraints of levels present in its counterparts.

The primary demographic this game targeted was, in essence, the youth who had newly embarked upon the paths of spiritual cultivation or martial arts.

...

Pang Rulie exhaled a soft sigh of relief, sensing that he could finally hold his head high.

"As expected, a good many individuals have already perceived the threat..." This gathering had assembled a significant portion of the upper echelon of Jiuhua City.

Within the third tier of the Clear Wind and Bright Moon Pavilion, the vast space was almost entirely filled with occupants.

"Indeed, recruiting that fellow Huo Chong into our ranks was an extraordinarily wise decision!" Beholding such a grand spectacle, the corners of Pang Rulie's mouth stretched so wide they nearly reached his ears.