Chapter 192 – The Legion Leader’s Tribulations (Part 1)

Fang Zheng’s true battle in the Sailor Zone began when he obtained the enhanced Golden Hoop. As a healing Wandering Physician, his HP and defense were already decent, and while the Golden Hoop was only level 55, its 17% boost was equivalent to a level 70 ordinary orange-tier accessory. Now, with it upgraded to level 70 and the boost increased to 25%, it had become a top-tier orange accessory—or even entry-level purple-tier gear. It wasn’t exactly game-breaking, but it was undeniably brutal, especially in a setting where battles were often decided when HP dropped below half. It was like an extra layer of armor for the wearer, and if that wearer happened to be a healer who could repair their own armor…

[World] Axe Gang Leader: [Milk is Mom], can you just let me see your gear? I can die happy then!

[World] Milk is Mom: But you’re already dead ╮(╯_╰)╭

[World] Axe Gang Leader: But I can’t rest in peace like this!

In just two hours, Fang Zheng’s score rose from 600 to 850. This rapid climb was partly due to the Ghost Server Legion Leader’s class and gear advantages, and partly due to sheer luck. Throughout the entire process of setting and evading traps, he barely ran into any high-level players. Even when he did, they weren’t significantly stronger than him, so he managed to secure wins thanks to class differences and HP gaps.

It wasn’t until 12:13 AM, when King of the Gods sent out a megaphone message, that Fang Zheng realized the so-called “lack of high-level opponents” could also be phrased as “not running into any of those forty-something familiar faces from the Perfect Storm”—except for Big H. Fang Zheng had spotted him from afar once, and the guy must have seen him too, but for some reason, instead of coming over to say hi, he’d scampered off like a startled rabbit ╮(╯_╰)╭.

But this wasn’t due to good luck—it was because high-scoring players had already been forcibly moved out of the Sailor Zone into the next phase.

[World] King of the Gods: [March to Liangzhou] What’s the meaning of forcing a quit every time you see me in the PvP arena? Are you deliberately letting me win, or are you scared of losing to me? If it’s the former, I don’t need your pity 40 points. If it’s the latter, then at least give me an explanation instead of making it seem like we’re the ones who betrayed you by switching servers while you’re taking the high road and showing mercy.

Though Fang Zheng already knew that hitting 900 points would forcibly send him to the Legion Zone, he hadn’t yet looked into the specifics of this area. He vaguely suspected that, given the infuriating mechanics of the Pirate and Sailor Zones, this place wouldn’t be any more peaceful. Now, judging from King of the Gods’ words, the so-called Legion Zone was likely a PvP arena exclusively for legion leaders.

This setup was unexpected but made sense. Legion leaders usually spent their time strategizing—leading their legions in dungeons, open-world maps, and guild wars, or managing their legion’s growth and progress. They weren’t exactly “victors from a thousand miles away,” but nine times out of ten, they were safely stationed in the command tent. A legion leader’s ultimate mission was to lead their legion well. A PK-obsessed player might make a great vanguard, but they weren’t suited to be a commander—those types belonged in the Sky Arena, slaughtering their way through opponents. So, for most of the Flagship’s legion leaders, this kind of pure, no-holds-barred PvP was a brand-new experience.

In theory, the Legion Zone should have had detailed rules just like the Sailor Zone, but in the two-plus hours Fang Zheng had spent battling across Legion Island, he hadn’t found anything resembling a Legion Zone guide stone. In fact, he hadn’t even spotted a “third zone” beyond the Pirate and Sailor Zones on the island map. He figured the “Legion Zone” probably wasn’t an actual area on the island but a parallel-space PvP arena. Players who hit 900 points would be automatically teleported there, which was why it was so well-hidden.

But he wasn’t in a hurry. Only one of the three event days had passed, and he was already close to qualifying. He had two more days to explore this mysterious zone. As for now, after a full 24 hours with only three hours of sleep, the legion leader was completely exhausted. Back in his prime, he might have toughed it out, but now, though he hadn’t quite shrunk into a Lin Daiyu-esque figure, he could at least see the hopeful light from the “slightly chubby” realm. If he pushed any further, he wouldn’t need the Legion Zone—he’d just collapse outright.

Right as he was about to log off, March to Liangzhou’s reply popped up on the megaphone—

[World] March to Liangzhou: All of Galloping Through the Yellow Sands’ accounts are level 55. Why waste time on a fight I’m guaranteed to lose? There’s no betrayal, and there’s no mercy. You’re overthinking it.

Fang Zheng didn’t fully understand March’s reply, but the magnanimity in his words was clear. Compared to King of the Gods’ tantrum, March embodied the dignity a legion leader ought to have. That said, Fang Zheng had reservations about this habit of unconditional tolerance, regardless of whether the other party deserved it…

[World] King of the Gods: Am I overthinking it, or are you just pretending to be righteous? Only you know the truth. Back when we all agreed to switch servers, you refused to leave. Now, who are you putting on this act for?

See? Kindness invites bullying.

[World] Fist of the Gods: March, up until just now, you were still the only legion leader in my heart. I’ll say it to everyone’s face. But now, I’m truly disappointed in you. Not because you didn’t switch servers—but because you’re being so wishy-washy!

Tsk. Not only bullied, but also looked down upon.

[World] King of the Gods: See? Everyone’s sick of your behavior.

The words “only legion leader” were conveniently ignored, and March became the target of collective criticism. Though the rest of Outer Flame’s members stayed silent, the silent majority was often the accomplice of the evil side. With the involved parties not speaking up, outsiders naturally didn’t chime in either. For a moment, both the megaphone and World Chat fell quiet, as if deliberately clearing the stage for this prime-time soap opera.

Having witnessed March’s saintly behavior on the Perfect Storm, Fang Zheng genuinely had no interest in watching this unfold. If you were a meat bun, you couldn’t blame the dogs for following you. Everyone walked their own path, and the blisters on their feet were their own doing…

[Megaphone] March to Liangzhou: Want to know the reason? Then listen well.

[Megaphone] King of the Gods: All ears.

[Megaphone] March to Liangzhou: Because I feel like it. None of your damn business.

Meng Chudong had logged off to nap right after refining the Golden Hoop, telling Fang Zheng to wake him in two hours. The latter did so punctually, though with a bizarrely creepy smile that sent chills down Meng Chudong’s spine. When asked why, Fang Zheng refused to explain, only asking out of the blue, “Is tsundere a bound attribute for zombies?”

Later, when Meng Chudong logged back in, though he missed March and King of the Gods’ earlier exchange, he did get to witness the infighting within the Outer Flame Legion—specifically, Fist of the Gods, Mouse, and Ghost announcing on the megaphone that they’d leave the legion after the Lover’s Constellation event. Angel of the Gods and Flame remained to support King of the Gods, while Dragon Wonton completely gave up on joining Outer Flame, declaring that large legions were too chaotic and that he’d return to manage his own legion with his brother, Today I Bomb the School, instead of wading into their mess.

Meng Chudong had no interest in this drama, so after a glance, he threw himself into the grind for points. By then, the Sailor Zone was nearly empty; most of players who had arrived at the start of the event had already moved on. Most were part of the second wave who’d arrived on later ships. The ships varied in size, and so did the players’ strength—though the weak far outnumbered the strong. As a result, Birdy’s score rose steadily.

Fang Zheng woke up naturally at 8:42 AM Beijing time. The first thing he did was check on Birdy, only to catch him just as he was logging off.

“Why stop now?” Fang Zheng asked. Given Birdy’s usual persistence, he’d expected him to keep fighting longer.

“A bit tired,” Birdy said, clicking to confirm his logout.

Fang Zheng only had time to catch a glimpse of his score: exactly 900 points.

He was a little surprised. He’d gained about 250 points in two hours in the Sailor Zone. With Birdy’s skill, 600 points shouldn’t have taken him all night.

Birdy took one look at him and knew what he was thinking: “Didn’t just hit 900. Got into the Legion Zone at 4 AM. Been PvP’ing back and forth since then—gains and losses evened out.”

Fang Zheng was shocked: “Even someone like you could only break even? The high-score zone really is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, huh?”

Birdy shook his head: “Opponents aren’t the issue. Teammates are the key.”

Fang Zheng didn’t get it. What did teammates have to do with a solo PvP arena?

But Birdy didn’t elaborate, silently walking away and leaving Fang Zheng with a deep, exhausted back figure.

Fang Zheng double-clicked the game and entered the Sailor Zone. The moment he spawned, he stepped on a trap. The opponent was also a healer but specced as a DPS Healer. In the blink of an eye, three quick skills landed. Fortunately, Fang Zheng’s HP and defense were high enough to tank them. While the other healer was channeling Crimson Lotus Holy Fire, Fang Zheng retaliated with three skills of his own. Then the enemy’s Crimson Lotus Holy Fire hit, dropping Fang Zheng’s HP to near half, but Fang Zheng’s own Crimson Lotus Holy Fire followed up, instantly dropping the opponent below half.

880 points!

Almost the second they lost, the opponent started ranting in World Chat.

Fang Zheng wasn’t surprised. There were always sore losers who could only vent their frustration by flaming in chat…

[World] One-Ninth: [Milk is Mom] Insanely high HP and defense, average attack, decent mechanics. Advise all trappers to steer clear.

Where was the flaming? Where was the salt?! How dare you play the good Samaritan in broad daylight!

And where there were good Samaritans, there were those who cheered them on—

[World] Axe Gang Leader: That’s him! That’s the guy! Refused to show me his gear even as I died—knew something was fishy!

Seriously, did they think he could just edit his gear stats at will? =_=

Fang Zheng ignored these idiots to avoid dragging down his already questionable IQ.

But the power of public opinion was undeniable. Thanks to the crowd’s narrative, Milk is Mom had been branded a cheater. Wherever he went, the grass might still be green, but Immortal-Binding Ropes were nowhere to be seen. The ground was smoother than if a steamroller had passed over it, cleaner than the bare branches of winter trees. If he happened to stumble upon a random trap, the trapper would rush out to disarm it before he could step on it. It was bleak. Heartbreaking.

Looking around the Sailor Zone, everyone here was a latecomer. Ignorance was forgivable, so Fang Zheng excused them. But his former comrades-in-arms knew him well. Even if they’d already entered the Legion Zone, surely they still checked World Chat? Couldn’t they at least say one word in his defense?

[World] Big H: Milk Mom, how are you still not at 900? Been sleepwalking all night? I’m disappointed in you. Don’t tell anyone you’re from Huaxia Summit~~~

“A bystander watches you drown; a true friend pours oil and lights the match.” —The Flagship Revelation

Since he couldn’t rely on others’ traps, he’d have to take the initiative. But everyone who saw him immediately bolted as if he were a human bomb. A direct approach was out of the question, so Fang Zheng quickly set an Immortal-Binding Rope in the middle of a narrow path, then hid his little healer in a roadside bush to wait for prey.

Heaven rewards the diligent. After just five minutes, prey appeared.

The only thing Fang Zheng hadn’t anticipated was that this was familiar prey =_=

Should he jump out of his dark corner to warn the guy of danger? Or should he adopt a scientific, objective mindset—if he didn’t take these 10 points, someone else would—and let fate decide? One voice said, “Just jump out. He’s an innocent kid!” Another said, “This fat rabbit took forever to show up. You won’t get another chance!” A third voice snapped, “Will you two shut the hell up?!”

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Oh! Ghost Server Legion Leader!

How the hell did you spot me when I’m hiding this well? =_=

[Local] Milk is Mom: Hey.

[Local] Dragon Wonton: What a coincidence, haha!

With that, the Berserker cheerfully skipped over to Milk is Mom—perfectly avoiding the Immortal-Binding Rope.

Fang Zheng sighed and accepted his fate. On-screen, Milk is Mom rose from his crouch, spread his arms, and gave the Berserker a big hug.

[Local] Milk is Mom: Why are you running around here? Aren’t you afraid your purple ring’ll get stolen?

Fang Zheng chose to forget that he himself had nearly joined the thieving brigade. That said, even if he had stolen it, his goal would’ve been the 10 points—not the purple ring. For one, he’d experienced having purple materials stolen before, and it was downright heartbreaking. For another, bullying a soft bunny with “abuse me” written all over his face would probably send him straight to hell =_=

[Local] Dragon Wonton: I’m not running around! I logged off as soon as I entered the Sailor Zone yesterday, slept all night, and just came back. Figured there’d be fewer people during the day, so less danger.

[Local] Milk is Mom: Sweetie, given your overall strength, every time slot is pretty dangerous for you~~~

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Don’t be so blunt! TAT

[Local] Milk is Mom: Truth hurts, so just hurry into the Lover’s Constellation already.

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Actually, there aren’t that many fewer people during the day, so I was thinking of just going in anyway.

[Local] Milk is Mom: Then what are you waiting for?

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Saw you, wanted to say hi.

[Local] Milk is Mom: Hi said, now go~~

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Alright, alright, going now. Geez, I know you’re all amazing, but I’m not that weak either. Why does everyone treat me like this? Outer Flame too… Never mind, not like I want to join them anymore anyway. Too messy, no unity at all.

[Local] Milk is Mom: Oh? Finally wised up, huh? Good kid~~~

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Hey, hey, hey! I’ve been holding back, but you’re pushing it! >_<

[Local] Milk is Mom: ?

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Most of the Perfect Storm crew hit 900 by midnight yesterday. It’s already the second morning, and you’re still at 880.

[Local] Milk is Mom: ……

[Local] Milk is Mom: That’s because some sore loser who lost to me went around telling everyone my gear has impossibly high HP and defense, so now I’m a cheater, and everyone avoids me ╮(╯_╰)╭

[Local] Dragon Wonton: You use hacks??

[Local] Milk is Mom: NO!!!

[Local] Dragon Wonton: That’s what I thought. You weren’t that strong on the Perfect Storm—no way you’re hacking.

Why did having his integrity affirmed feel so unfulfilling? =_=

[Local] Dragon Wonton: But if everyone’s avoiding you, how are you supposed to earn points? You’re so close to 900—can’t get stuck here! Or are you planning to just enter the Lover’s Constellation too?

[Local] Milk is Mom: No, I’m going to the Legion Zone.

Dragon Wonton didn’t reply. Instead, he crouched down—an action that, from any angle, could only mean one thing: setting a trap.

Soon, the Berserker straightened up. Trap set.

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Go ahead.

[Local] Milk is Mom: Huh?

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Step on it.

Though Fang Zheng had a vague idea what was happening, he couldn’t believe it—

[Local] Milk is Mom: Why would I step on you?

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Are you stupid? I’m telling you to step on my trap.

[Local] Milk is Mom: ……

Who’s the stupid one here?! This level of kindness and naivety could only be matched by 438 in all of Huaxia! He was just a shady, shameless, middle-aged healer with a sleazy aura—he couldn’t handle this blinding halo of purity! He’d be burned to ashes TAT

[Local] Dragon Wonton: Stop overthinking it. It’s not like I’m helping just anyone. You helped me before, and I remember. Now it’s my turn to pay you back.

With that, Fang Zheng stopped being coy. He stepped onto the trap and, as the Berserker stood motionless, calmly began channeling.

Half a minute later, Dragon Wonton’s score dropped to 570, while Milk is Mom’s rose to 910. Without hesitation, the former chose to enter the Lover’s Constellation. As his figure slowly faded away, Milk is Mom was transported to the Legion Zone.

Fang Zheng had expected to see rows of battle lobby listings, but instead, a horizontal scroll unfurled in front of him. As he clicked, the scroll advanced bit by bit, revealing fragments of the legion’s past—

[X Year, X Month, X Day] The Ghost Server Legion was founded. Leader: Milk is Mom.

[X Year, X Month, X Day] Polly, 2B Fighter Jet, Refined Into a Demon 438, Mad Lad, Blood Bulls Don’t Graze joined the legion. Though just six brothers and sisters, in Huaxia, we had a home.

[X Year, X Month, X Day] The Ghost Server Legion welcomed its seventh brother: Crossplayer’s Blessing.

[X Year, X Month, X Day] The Ghost Server Legion participated in the Cross-server PvP Tournament. Though they didn’t win, they learned the meaning of camaraderie in battle.

[X Year, X Month, X Day] …

[X Year, X Month, X Day] The Ghost Server Legion merged into Huaxia Summit alongside Mirage Server. No one understood your loneliness, no one knew why you persisted—but you had each other, and so you had all of Huaxia.

[X Year, X Month, X Day] …

The scroll ended, and the battle lobby listings finally appeared. But Fang Zheng was still lost in thought.

Where was the promised brutal PvP? Who starts with emotional manipulation?!

After a long while, Fang Zheng finally calmed down. A few deep breaths later, he clicked to apply for a match.

As expected, opponents were assigned randomly by the system. Soon, his screen transformed into an ancient Roman coliseum, and his opponent stood at the other end—also wielding a healer’s hammer.

If not for fear of ruining his face, Fang Zheng would’ve punched himself immediately to dispel this absurd hallucination—because standing across from him was No Birds Over a Thousand Mountains?!