Chapter 160 – Purple-Tier Phoenix (Part 3)

Both being in Silent Fortress and well-known as a merchant and a top-tier Demon Refiner respectively, No. 4 Coffin Shop and Today’s Demon King naturally knew each other—more accurately, they frequently engaged in business dealings. However, no matter how frequent, it was purely a transactional relationship with no personal ties. Thus, meeting under such circumstances wasn’t awkward at all.

Today’s Demon King was just surprised that Coffin Shop would team up with someone to farm mobs—and even do it for free.

At that moment, Yang Bailao (the archetypal exploited peasant) typed three more words—

[Local] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Can you hold?

438 successfully received his teammate’s concern—

[Local] Refined Into a Demon 715: No TAT

The hell?! Who has time for emojis at a time like this!!!

Coffin Shop facepalmed internally and stopped engaging with Demon King, rushing back to help 715 fight the opponent’s Purple Cabbage Pet.

While this meant Today’s Demon King could leisurely attempt to capture the Golden Phoenix over and over, if he didn’t step in, 715 would 100% die—and then he wouldn’t even have a chance to compete for the pet!

438 didn’t know what Coffin Shop was thinking. All he knew was that the strongest Demon Refiner pet in all of Huaxia Online was currently battling his 502 (pet). Barring any surprises, Bell Maiden would be dead within the next three rounds. To make matters worse, the Purple Cabbage Pet had a special skill: when attacking an enemy’s pet, the enemy Demon Refiner themselves would also suffer 50% of the same damage! So ever since 502 started fighting the Purple Cabbage, he’d been chugging HP potions nonstop—there was just no end to it!! TAT

When he reached 438, Coffin Shop immediately noticed the issue and offered a solution—

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Recall your pet.

For a Demon Refiner, recalling a pet mid-battle was practically suicide. But without hesitation, 438 obeyed.

Coffin Shop seemed to have anticipated his decisiveness. Almost seamlessly, the moment 502 was withdrawn, he charged forward!

For the first few rounds, aggro remained on 438. However, as Coffin Shop continued attacking, the Purple Cabbage Pet finally switched targets and latched onto him.

438 had been chugging potions so frantically his hands were shaking. Sometimes, when his potions were on cooldown, he had to run around the lake in a pathetic scramble. Now that he finally had a breather, he let out a long sigh—only to be interrupted mid-sigh by a shout—

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Damn it, capture it already!!

438 jolted in fright, quickly snapping back to attention. By then, Today’s Demon King had already exhausted all his MP attempting captures and was busy replenishing it. Seizing the opportunity, 438 began his chant!

[Combat] Refined Into a Demon 715 failed to capture the Golden Phoenix.

438 took a deep breath, reminding himself to stay calm. Today’s Demon King had attempted at least ten captures in that same timeframe without success—failing once was perfectly normal.

438 remained calm, but Today’s Demon King was anything but. He hadn’t expected Coffin Shop to go all out like this. Moreover, the merchant’s gameplay surprised him. In Silent Fortress, Coffin Shop was just a buy-and-sell merchant—his zombie account’s sole purpose was to vend at the city gates all day. And now, this very account was holding its own against his purple-tier pet, only slightly at a disadvantage?! Were you fucking kidding him?!

Frustrated as he was, Demon King decisively recalled his Purple Cabbage and summoned his second pet—still targeting Refined Into a Demon 715!

438 was mid-chant for his second capture attempt when he was abruptly interrupted. Upon closer inspection—holy shit, the adorable Purple Cabbage had turned into an African Lion!

He immediately abandoned all thoughts of the phoenix, hastily downed another HP potion, and resumed his frantic lakeside sprint.

Coffin Shop scoffed but didn’t hesitate to rush over and pull aggro again.

Demon King ignored the two of them and began his twelfth capture chant.

This time, the Golden Phoenix graciously indulged the players—or perhaps it had become mesmerized by its own reflection in the lake. In any case, it hovered above the water’s surface, showing no intention of flying away. It didn’t attack either, just elegantly perched there, allowing capture attempts one after another.

In this world, there are no pets that can’t be captured—only Demon Refiners who lack patience.

Twelfth chant—70%…

80%…

90%…

95%…

Interrupted!

The chant was interrupted!

No—it was forcibly disrupted!

Today’s Demon King nearly ground his teeth to dust. But when he looked up, those two were still tangled up with his African Lion!

More people had arrived!

Two more of them!!

Before Today’s Demon King could even make out the newcomers’ IDs, he was engulfed by a fiery crocodile and a stunningly beautiful fairy girl. He recognized the fairy—someone had posted screenshots of her on the forums. But could someone please explain what the hell that ice-blue crocodile was?! Spitting blizzards like it was the Snow Queen or something!!

And just like that, Today’s Demon King met his demise in a blizzard, completely baffled.

His death was unjust—he hadn’t even seen his attackers’ IDs, let alone had the chance to scream, “Why attack me?! If you two wanted the phoenix, you could’ve just tried capturing it yourselves, TAT!” But at the same time, his death was perfectly justified. A squishy Demon Refiner versus two high-tier pets was like a paper doll standing still while elite mobs pummeled it—getting one-shot was inevitable.

With Demon King’s death, the African Lion pet automatically vanished.

438 and Coffin Shop were both stunned by the sudden turn of events—until the second wave of uninvited guests spoke up—

[Local] Wandering Monk: Damn it, capture it already!

[Local] Moriarty: Damn it, capture it already!

Coffin Shop recognized these two. Though they were still practically strangers who’d only crossed paths once before, a shared curse and a hurried command were enough to bridge the distance between them…

438 no longer hesitated. Holding his breath, he immersed himself in the endless sea of chanting.

An eternity seemed to pass—long enough for the three guardians on the perimeter to start yawning, long enough for Demon King to log back in only to be instantly murdered again, long enough for five unfortunate passersby to be slaughtered by the guards, long enough for World Chat to start pinpointing the lake’s coordinates—before the RNG God finally relented—

[Vanilla] Refined Into a Demon 715 has captured the Golden Phoenix!

The world erupted—some cheered, some cursed, but most were simply envious.

438, however, remained dazed for a long while before finally stammering out—

[Local] Refined Into a Demon 715: Monk, Moriarty, I don’t know what to say… how to thank you two. You’re both Demon Refiners too, but instead of going for the phoenix yourselves, you helped me together. I…

[Local] Refined Into a Demon 715: It’s all Coffin Shop’s fault! He bought up all my materials! Now I don’t even have anything to give you two!

[Local] Refined Into a Demon 715: Wait, no—I still have some in my storage! Hold on!

[Local] Moriarty: Hold on my ass! If you really wanna thank us, hand over the phoenix.

[Local] Refined Into a Demon 715: [biting lip]

[Local] Refined Into a Demon 715: [struggling]

[Local] Refined Into a Demon 715: [trembling]

[Local] Wandering Monk: Alright, just kidding. We didn’t come specifically to help you—just happened to be passing by. Not helping would’ve felt like we owed you something =_=

[Local] Moriarty: My crocodile’s badass, right? The blizzard skill is thanks to that Soulstone of yours. Monk’s fairy was also upgraded with Ephedra Herb, so don’t worry—we’re just repaying a debt.

Coffin Shop hadn’t said a word the entire time, but he understood the situation. Even if he hadn’t, he’d have sensed it—Refined Into a Demon simply had a knack for turning the entire world into his debtor.

With the Golden Phoenix claimed, Spirit Valley quieted down. The two helpful players still had other pets to catch and quickly took their leave, leaving only Coffin Shop and Refined Into a Demon to head back. However, when they reached the gates of Vanilla City, they were immediately swarmed by onlookers.

[Local] Indian Mane: The Golden Phoenix is here! 715, show it off already—stop hiding it!

[Local] Inkblade: Agreed.

[Local] Manicurist: Hurry up, don’t be shy!

438 was in high spirits, and when people are happy, they don’t mind doing something a little outrageous—like flaunting an OP pet and soaking up the envy.

[Local] Refined Into a Demon 715: [Golden Phoenix]

After posting its stats, 438 summoned it directly. A burst of golden light rapidly rose, its glow dispersing in the air before finally taking the form of a radiant phoenix. With a gentle flap of its wings, the glittering dust it shed painted the very air in dazzling hues.

The crowd fell silent—especially the Demon Refiners. Even after playing Huaxia for so long, none of them had seen a boss this flashy, let alone a pet. Based on its beauty alone, even if it weren’t a purple-tier pet, it would still be priceless. And that wasn’t even considering the eye-searingly OP skills listed in its stats.

After a long pause, someone finally snapped out of their awe—

[Local] Liu Banshan: Looks flashy and has plenty of skills, but how’s its combat performance? Why not take it for a spin in Spirit Valley and give us a show?

Coffin Shop, bored out of his mind, had been about to remind 715 that showing off a little was enough—but when he saw this, he narrowed his eyes. Just as he was about to warn 715, the Demon Refiner instantly replied—

[Local] Refined Into a Demon 715: Are you trying to lure me into Spirit Valley to kill me and steal my pet? (⊙o⊙)!

The onlookers facepalmed. Did he have to ask so innocently?!

Coffin Shop burst out laughing. He’d forgotten that beneath this guy’s Wu Dalang (the meek cuckold) exterior lay the heart of Wang Xifeng (the cunning strategist).

438’s big, innocent eyes were the ultimate weapon. Those with ulterior motives slunk away in shame, while the remaining spectators, having gotten their fill of the phoenix, gradually dispersed.

Coffin Shop waited for Refined Into a Demon to enter the city, but the latter remained rooted in place. Puzzled, Coffin Shop asked directly—

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Not going in?

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: I am.

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Then move.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: It’s just… I feel a little uneasy…

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: About what?

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Do you think I kinda stole Demon King’s pet just now?

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: You captured it first.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: But I didn’t capture it right—I thought it was a red-crowned crane, but he immediately picked the peacock.

Is there a difference? =_=

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Put yourself in his shoes—if I were him, I’d be so frustrated. His intuition was sharper, and if Monk and Moriarty hadn’t intervened, the phoenix would’ve been his. We basically ganged up on him.

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: So?

He had a bad feeling about this…

[Vanilla] Refined Into a Demon 715: [Today’s Demon King] Sorry for stealing the phoenix and getting you killed! Don’t hold a grudge—I didn’t mean to, but you know how it is, no Demon Refiner could stay calm facing a Golden Phoenix, right? >_<

The world fell silent. No one interrupted, afraid of drowning out the other party’s reply.

To Coffin Shop’s surprise, the usually taciturn Today’s Demon King actually responded—and, for the first time ever, with a full four words—

[Vanilla] Today’s Demon King: Outplayed. Nothing to say.

Coffin Shop exhaled in relief. Though he didn’t know why he’d been worried, at least Refined Into a Demon hadn’t done anything outrageous…

[Vanilla] Refined Into a Demon 715: Not at all! Your Purple Sweet Potato Ball pet is amazing too!

[Vanilla] Yinbing Jiedao: ……

[Vanilla] Flying General of Dragon City: ……

[Vanilla] Inkblade: ……

Where the hell was this guy’s Commander?! Hadn’t the guild issued any rules like “Ban this guy from using World Chat and Megaphones”?!! Was their entire guild composed of “The More Aggro We Get, The Happier We Are” types?!!!!!

Today’s Demon King reverted to his aloof self, not typing another word.

Coffin Shop understood him on a deep level.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Whew, I feel much better~

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: I can tell.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Hehehehehe

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: ……

[System] Refined Into a Demon 715 has gifted No. 4 Coffin Shop a Nine-Tailed Fox.

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: What is this.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: A pet.

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: I only take materials.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Who said I’m selling it? It’s a gift!

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: I’m a zombie.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: …I know!

Well, he couldn’t be blamed for being suspicious. After the Purple Sweet Potato Ball incident, his faith in 438’s discernment wasn’t exactly high.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Even though this one’s only orange-tier and not as valuable as the phoenix, as far as I know, no Nine-Tailed Fox pets have appeared yet, so it’s still rare. You can sell it or give it away—it’s yours now!

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: A thank-you fee?

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: A token of gratitude.

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Is there a difference.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Semantics! Semantics, okay?!

[System] No. 4 Coffin Shop has gifted Refined Into a Demon 715 a Matchmaker’s Spring Water.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: ?

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: A return gift.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: No need! I gave you something because you helped me catch the pet. If you give me something back, this’ll never end.

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: The guy who sold me the materials said this is divine water for refining pets.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: See ya!

Coffin Shop felt a gust of wind brush past his face—and just like that, not a single hair of Refined Into a Demon remained in sight. =_=

The good news arrived about ten minutes later—

[Vanilla] Congratulations to Refined Into a Demon 715 for refining the Fire Phoenix!

Coffin Shop wasn’t surprised by the successful refinement—after all, he’d sold three bottles of Matchmaker’s Spring Water before, and all his customers praised it as a godly refining tool. But refining a Fire Phoenix with it? Game designer, did your chemistry teacher also teach history…?

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Did you see it?? Did you see it??

Though they’d parted ways, the party hadn’t disbanded, and Refined Into a Demon was still using the party chat.

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Saw it.

He wasn’t the only one—the entire Vanilla Forest had witnessed it. After successfully capturing the Golden Phoenix, Refined Into a Demon 715 had refined it into a Fire Phoenix. While it was hard to say whether gold, wood, water, or fire was stronger, the fact that it made the World Announcement at least proved he hadn’t completely ruined this god-tier pet.

[Vanilla] Indian Mane: 715, you’ve got guts! You refined such a good pet right away?

[Vanilla] Water Flowing Cup: 715, post the stats.

[Vanilla] Liu Banshan: It must’ve been ruined. “Fire Phoenix” just doesn’t sound as valuable as “Golden Phoenix.” It made the World Announcement because the pet’s base stats were good—it wasn’t completely wrecked.

[Vanilla] Refined Into a Demon 715: [Fire Phoenix]

[Vanilla] Inkblade: Holy shit…

[Vanilla] Water Flowing Cup: What the actual fuck…

[Vanilla] Indian Mane: What the motherfucking shit…

Not a single one of its original OP skills was missing—and at the very end, there was a new addition—

[From the Ashes]

Description: Passive skill. 7% chance to revive upon death.

[Vanilla] Flying General of Dragon City: This isn’t a Fire Phoenix—it’s a Golden Finger Phoenix…

[Vanilla] Indian Mane: Fuck this! I can’t take it anymore! Laozi is retiring with my pet! TAT

The onlookers were stunned. Coffin Shop was dumbfounded. He couldn’t wrap his head around it—

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: You refined this with Matchmaker’s Spring Water?

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Hehe, divine water isn’t something you just use willy-nilly. I fused a Fire Dragon pet hatched from a Zhurong Egg with the phoenix—didn’t expect it to work so well! ~\(^o^)/~

“Work so well” was an understatement. Even a low-tier pet with a self-revival skill could fetch an astronomical price! But… a Zhurong Egg hatching a dragon pet? What kind of sorcery was that…?

[Vanilla] Congratulations to Refined Into a Demon 715 for refining Phoenix Seeking Phoenix!

Goddammit, stop spamming the system announcements!!

[Whisper] Refined Into a Demon 715: Used the divine water this time, hehehehe.

No need to ask—the doubled “hehe”s were proof enough of this refinement’s quality.

World Chat went berserk. One-third demanded 438 post the stats again, one-third vehemently accused him of hacking, and one-third gave up on life, silently releasing their worthless pets and logging off to reconsider their Huaxia career paths.

This time, 438 didn’t show off. He didn’t just refrain from posting stats—he didn’t make a single peep in World Chat. He only had a few minutes left before his three-day limit was up. Spending them talking with a good friend was far more meaningful—

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Stats improved?

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Secret~

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Skills increased?

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Secret~

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: You could describe it abstractly.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Insanely badass and OP~\(≧▽≦)/~

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Noted.

……

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: How many minutes left?

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: One and a half.

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Then let’s quickly discuss a more serious question.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Okay [serious face]

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Why does the Nine-Tailed Fox you gave me only have eight tails.

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Uh…

[Party] No. 4 Coffin Shop: Hm?

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Oh, don’t sweat the small stuff! With so many tails swishing around, one less isn’t even noticeable!

That’s not the point…

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715: Remember to come find me in Lover’s Constellation my guild is Ghost Server Legion server is Huaxia Summit my teammates have lots of good materials I’ll convince them to sell to you hey handsome hey goodbye hey see you soon—

Hey, wait!

[Party] Refined Into a Demon 715 has entered Lover’s Constellation.

[System] Party disbanded.

[Local] No. 4 Coffin Shop: ……

He was really curious about the story behind that missing tail!