Chapter 812: Drunk Dream Fairy Drizzle

Although the preview for the new event had arrived somewhat late, a vast multitude of people had already swarmed into every shop early this very morning.

Even the newly opened branch in the Eastern Continent was experiencing an overwhelming surge of patrons.

All customers could enter the event's grand arena, capable of accommodating over a hundred thousand souls, via their personal "My Space," where seat numbers were automatically assigned; those unable to enter the venue, or even barred from securing a machine due to the packed shops, could view the proceedings through the official live-streaming platform.

Logging into the stream immediately granted one thousand Penguin Beans, which could be wagered on preferred contestants to win even more, with the final remaining beans redeemable for various prizes.

Sera cast a brief glance at the prize shop, only to find the most conspicuous spots occupied by grand displays:

"Out-of-print Sky Sets for 'Dungeon & Fighter'?"

"All Champion Skins for 'League of Legends'!?"

"A collector's game bundle containing ten classic titles!?"

Beneath these lay a dazzling array of numerous other gifts.

At the very bottom was a consolation prize offering one hour of computer time for a single Penguin Bean (limited to once per person).

A few elves exchanged glances, their faces flushed with intense excitement: "Is the boss having a blood-sweating clearance sale!?"

"The boss gives discounts every single time and always gives us free things; I'm almost too embarrassed to accept them..." Lorleen muttered.

"What are you all discussing here?" Irina of the Assassin's Brotherhood and several knights from the Golden Gryffin Knights had only just obtained their tickets to this new event within "My Space," choosing this brief respite to buy some instant noodles and drinks when they overheard the chatter. "What are you murmuring about?"

"We were saying how the boss has been giving us so many gifts lately," a group of elves said, their hearts filled with trepidation. "And now he's giving away so much more. I feel we ought to present the boss with some gifts in return."

"You think so too!?" Helen exclaimed in surprise.

"I think so as well!" Tykes added from the side.

"Then what should we give him...?" The crowd fell into a lively discussion on the sidelines, taking advantage of the time before the event commenced.

...

The audience arriving at the venue for this event was immensely vast, leaving the entire arena packed to its limits, to say nothing of the players who had registered to participate in the activities.

However, as the chief planner and host of the event, Nalan Mingxue was hardly the careless sort; before anyone took their seats, every single person registered for the event swiftly received a questionnaire, each tailored uniquely to their respective branch shops.

Sera, deep in discussion, naturally received one as well.

"A qualification questionnaire...?" Sera stared at the document that had arrived on her communication jade. "Question one: In 'League of Legends,' there is a champion who shares a profound connection with 'Assassin's Creed.' The phrase he utters most frequently is..."

"Eh...? League of Legends? Assassin's Creed!?" Sera looked at the questionnaire and then at the first question, beneath which four options were listed.

"a. Only in the act of slaughter do I truly blossom, like a flower in the dawn."

"b. We are of one mind, are we not?"

"c. Live by the blade, die by the blade."

"d. You wish to see the world you know destroyed, do you not?"

"Hmm... this question..." Sera pondered for a moment. "This won't stump me!"

She hastily selected an answer and proceeded to the next item.

"In 'World of Warcraft,' which of the following actions are correct (multiple choice):"

"a. A Warrior shouts 'Hey, grandson!' while executing the 'Taunt' skill."

"b. A Mage casts 'Polymorph' on an enemy whose health is critically low."

"c. A Paladin, cornered with no way out by enemies, leaps off a cliff and casts 'Divine Shield' upon himself."

"d. Silvered Bronze Breastplate, sold for five gold pieces a garment."

"Ugh... this..." Sera and several other elves rubbed their temples. "Let me think..."

Before the event opened, a profound silence enveloped the entire internet cafe; evidently, everyone was immersed in answering the test.

Meanwhile, Li Haoran, acting as the technical director, sat before his computer with a solemn expression.

Owner Fang, the executive producer, sat right beside him.

Li Haoran spoke: "This is the first automated grading script created by our Wuwei Daoist Alliance. It has been tested many times before, however, and is absolutely foolproof."

...

Soon enough, Sera received a notification: "Ah!? I got an 87, I passed!"

"I got a 91! I passed too!" Lorleen cried out in pleasant surprise.

"A 90 for me!" Irina proclaimed proudly from nearby.

She then let out a joyful exclamation: "Does this mean we can join the event to win those prizes?"

"Look! It seems the event is starting!" Sera pointed toward the colossal stage in the center with absolute delight, where the dazzling lights shone with magnificent splendor.

Amidst a burst of thunderous cheers and from the depths of a splendid display of fireworks, two figures were seen drifting down gracefully from the heavens.

"Years pass like a song."

"Time flows like a river."

The woman on the left, clad in a jade-green gown that lent her an enchanting and coquettish grace, began: "It must have been several years since the two of us last collaborated."

Beside her stood a woman in robes as white as snow, drifting like a celestial immortal, her beautiful eyes sweeping over the surroundings: "Indeed, it has been many years since I parted from Friend Ningbi. I did not expect our reunion would once again be graced by such a sea of people."

"We thank all our fellow Daoists for taking the time out of their busy schedules to participate in this event," Fairy Qingyun spoke, offering a gentle bow.

"So, is Fairy Qingyun feeling terribly excited right now?" Ningbi asked playfully from the side.

Fairy Qingyun patted her chest: "In truth, I am deeply thrilled. When I was preparing to come, I never imagined there would be so many people."

Ningbi also bore a slightly nostalgic expression: "I recall that the number of people last time was less than... a quarter of what we see today, correct?"

"Yes," Fairy Qingyun nodded in agreement. "At that time, I truly believed it was an immense crowd, but looking back now, I realize I was far too naive."

"Naturally, we have rewards far more bountiful than in previous years for everyone this time!" Ningbi announced. "However, we can give you a small preview: today is by no means just an ordinary event."

"It carries an extraordinary significance!" Fairy Qingyun agreed with a nod. "As for what that significance entails, we shall leave you in suspense for now."

Fairy Qingyun then continued: "In fact, I have always envied Friend Ningbi. Do you know why?"

"From 'The Legend of Mir,' 'Dungeon & Fighter,' and 'The Legend of Sword and Fairy,' to 'World of Warcraft' and 'League of Legends'... walking this path, Friend Ningbi must have experienced far more unforgettable things than I."

"And many unforgettable melodies as well."

"I wonder which one Fairy Qingyun favors the most," Ningbi inquired.

"Hmm... 'The Legend of Sword and Fairy,' particularly that piece, 'An Immortal Dream of Return'."

"Oh, the upcoming melody might very well be related to The Legend of Sword and Fairy," Ningbi remarked.

"Next, let us welcome Elder Su Tianji to open this event!"

With those words spoken, the two figures swiftly drifted away.

"Eh? Elder Su?"

"She won't land flat on her face, will she...?" A murmur rose from the crowd beneath the stage.

"Maybe a chest will appear out of nowhere and swallow Elder Su alive..." A large faction of anti-fans began digging up Elder Su's old embarrassments.

Just then, vast immortal mists billowed across the stage, and a celestial melody seemed to descend from the highest heavens, accompanied by the surging sea of clouds and rising peaks of the immortal mountains projected behind the stage.

The celestial light of Qionghua flared into existence, and the sword intent of Shushan pierced the heavens. The mortal realm felt distant and faint, while the immortal path loomed grand and boundless; in an instant, it was as though everyone had been transported back to that very sect of immortals.

Amid the sea of clouds, the ethereal notes of a zither seemed to drift, crisp and clear like pearls dropping onto a jade plate. A celestial maiden sat enthroned upon the mist, her pale hands tuning the strings as her voice rose in a melodious, winding refrain, singing:

"Clad in a straw cloak amidst the misty rain, I quietly await the sky to break through the clouds.

Listening to the sublime melodies of the Three Pure Ones, it is also known as 'Thus have I heard.'

With a turn of the hand, the lines of fate are reversed; with a flip of the palm, the universe is re-established.

Whether a Daoist or a monk, why must one distinguish between them?"

"!!!"

The young companions stood utterly transfixed by the sight!

"Th-this... isn't this Elder Su!"

.