Chapter One

Yancheng.

This tranquil city had recently become a gathering place for many martial artists and wanderers. The long Yanglong Avenue that runs north to south was crowded on both sides, packed with throngs of people. On closer inspection, it was clear that some among them dressed and acted quite differently from the others, exuding an air of curious spectators.

[World]

Big Apple: So lively! What’s going on here? Why are so many NPCs crowding over? Wait, am I seeing this correctly? Aren’t there quite a few high-level NPCs from various sects nearby?

Queen’s Dog, That’s All: You’re right. I just checked—several NPCs in disguise are all watching this place. The Beggar Sect is always around, but Starfall Gate, Heart-Seeking Alliance, and Universal Pavilion are here too. I bet there are a few whose identities can’t be traced, all keeping an eye on this.

Master of External Consumption: So what kind of major event could attract so many people?

Sneaky Dog: You’re clueless, yet you came to watch the drama?

Big Apple: Hehe, isn’t it fun to watch? Don’t you like a spectacle? So what’s going on here? Hurry up and tell everyone.

Sneaky Dog: It all starts with a person—it was he who brought all this about. Ye Junyan. That name isn’t unfamiliar, right?

Queen’s Dog, That’s All: Of course. Isn’t he the former number one in the world? Who doesn’t know about the player who comprehended one of his sword marks and instantly leveled up three times?

And it wasn’t a level-three boost during the newbie period—it was three levels after level eighty, which placed that player among the top experts in Sword Trial. Above that, only Master and Grandmaster existed, and at that time the game hadn’t even opened those tiers. That’s why the player’s triple-level-up was so shocking.

After all, the experience needed to level up grows exponentially in the late game.

It’s what others work tirelessly for, slaying countless monsters and completing endless quests to achieve.

For a while, everyone envied that player, and Ye Junyan’s name echoed in every player’s ear. Many tried to follow his traces, hoping to trigger a similar lucky event.

Though fortune didn’t strike twice, many gained unexpected rewards, and Ye Junyan’s feats gradually spread among the player base.

Rumor had it he was a renowned hero, famed for his martial prowess and free-spirited ways. In his youth, he roamed the land, making many friends—and just as many enemies. But his skills were unmatched; though some harbored grudges, none could challenge him.

Over a decade ago, Ye Junyan vanished for a time, only to reappear with a child in his arms, claiming she was his daughter. He withdrew from the world, settled down to raise her, founded a small sect, took on a disciple, and seldom involved himself in the affairs of the martial world.

Once his daughter grew up, Ye Junyan returned to the Jianghu. Though his sect was small, none dared provoke them. Yet, a year ago, Ye Junyan disappeared once more. Rumors spread that he had discovered the ultimate martial secret—the path to shattering the void.

And his daughter possessed Ye Junyan’s martial arts and the key to this path.

Wealth moves hearts, but the martial world covets ultimate power even more.

Yet, out of respect for Ye Junyan’s reputation, no one dared make a move. But as time passed, patience wore thin.

So, word spread that Ye Xiyin—Ye Junyan’s daughter—had left Sucheng and come to Yancheng, sparking rumors she had news of Ye Junyan.

Finally, someone made their move, eager to uncover the truth.

And those lurking in the shadows—well, they were even more numerous.

Donut: Everyone’s here today because we suspect this new NPC might trigger an important quest. You know, the main storyline has been stalled for ages.

Big Apple: No way. Just an ordinary NPC—how could they be tied to the main quest? Maybe a significant side quest at best.

Sneaky Dog: Who cares? More quests, more fun.

As they spoke, a commotion broke out nearby: a group had arrived on Yanglong Avenue. About ten or so, swaggering and poorly dressed. In their midst was a slender figure, dragged forward by a rope.

Unhappy with the crowds, the leader bared his teeth and shouted, “Move aside! The Serpent Gang is on business—don’t block the way!”

Their arrogance was unbearable. A player couldn’t help but mutter, “Serpent Gang? So cocky. Never heard of them before.”

His words, not whispered, appeared in the [Nearby] channel, and someone replied, “That’s exactly why they’re pushed out as cannon fodder.”

Clearly, there was more to the story, and everyone urged the player to share more.

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[Nearby] Spectator: I don’t know much, but rumor has it many are after Ye Xiyin’s secrets this time, and the presence of so many sect experts means the news is real. Yet, a small, unknown gang snatched the chance first—it’s obviously a setup, using them to test the waters. Why? Probably because they fear Ye Junyan’s reputation.

Ye Junyan may be missing, but his fame still makes people wary.

If they move against Ye Xiyin, what if it draws him out?

Many hesitate for that reason.

But these foolish Serpent Gang members are eager to be the vanguard, so others are happy to watch.

[World]

Let Me Farm More Tianyuan Gold Crystals: I see, no wonder so many martial folk are watching. But judging by the child’s situation, Ye Junyan hasn’t shown up—he must be truly gone. It’s a pity for this NPC; she looks quite frail. I checked—she’s only level one. Honestly, even ordinary folks are level seven or eight, and the sturdier ones are ten. A level one? That’s a glass doll.

Big Apple: Impossible! The child of the world’s top master—even if she’s not a prodigy, she should at least be mid-tier. Level one, really?

Chestnut Is Delicious: Wow, it’s true. This NPC is so weak—now she’s fallen into the hands of this gang, her chances look grim. Say, if I dash in to rescue her, would I trigger some major quest?

Chestnut's Dad: You? Heroic rescue? More like a bear fleeing.

As they bickered, someone in the crowd suddenly exclaimed, “Whoa, what a beautiful NPC!”

The crowd, eager for excitement, craned their necks. That was when Ye Xiyin, the captive, slightly lifted her chin, revealing her face.

Indeed.

She was stunning.

As one of the hottest holographic games, Sword Trial’s NPC modeling was a major selling point. The game boasted countless handsome and beautiful characters. The developers had even opened a voting channel for NPC looks, with frequent polls, endless merchandise, and thriving fan creations.

A virtuous cycle for the game’s expansion.

Players were well-versed in beauty, and the game itself allowed for appearance tweaks, so most looked pretty good.

But even seasoned players had to admit—this NPC was truly beautiful.

Her face was cool and striking, chin slightly raised, revealing just half her features, yet already captivating. Most distinctive was her aura: wounded and fragile, she moved like a willow in the wind, stirring pity and tenderness.

Many gasped quietly, already rushing to open their screenshot interfaces.

In the Four Southern Tower beside the street, others were also observing the scene below.

Near the window, two seats had been bought out. One man wore fine clothes and lightly waved a fan despite the mild weather, betraying no hint of a martial background, though his words were tied to the drama below.

“Well, you’re in luck.” Xu Ziche flicked his fan, nudged a wine cup to his other hand, and watched with amusement. “I hear this NPC is gorgeous—go down now, and you’ll be the hero saving the beauty.”

When the person across from him shot a cold glance, Xu Ziche shrugged and fell silent.

“It’s just a quest,” the other replied, rising with his sword and gazing below.

Seeing this, Xu Ziche knew action was imminent. He stretched lazily and grinned, “Competing with NPCs for the rescue—what a thrill.”

-

Rough hemp rope bit into slender wrists, red marks showing below.

Enduring the pain, Ye Xiyin watched the dialogue from the world channel and gave a bitter smile.

He could only smile bitterly now.

Who would have thought that after a nap, he’d find himself inside a game, as an NPC?

And not just any NPC—one with a special identity. The child of the world’s top master, yet frail and sickly, with a missing father and a heap of enemies left behind.

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He’d finally tracked down a clue about his father, only to stumble into a trap. Poor original host: already weak, exhausted from the journey to Yancheng, surrounded by burly men, frightened, and when next he awoke, Ye Xiyin was inside.

Even if the original host’s story was just a device to continue the game’s plot, Ye Xiyin couldn’t help but feel pity.

Of course, now the pitiful one was himself.

Ye Xiyin had always lived alone, but peacefully and free from worry—until he crossed into this world of swords and slaughter.

With Ye Junyan’s unresolved legacy, Ye Xiyin could hardly claim luck.

The only silver lining: just like the players, he was bound to the game system. He could level up through the system, and he possessed maxed-out life skills.

But at his current level, he was the type who’d die at a monster’s touch.

Looking at the nearby Serpent Gang members, all at least level thirty or forty, and his own perilously low health bar, Ye Xiyin felt his brief second life was about to end.

He was working through escape plans with zero success probability when the previously orderly surroundings suddenly erupted in chaos.

“Who’s there?!” the Serpent Gang’s lead disciple barked, only to be met with a sharp flash of sword light.

The newcomer was utterly brazen, ignoring all rules—especially the city’s ban on killing NPCs—and with a single stroke, ended the NPC’s life.

Blood dripped from the blade, falling to the ground, awaiting the game’s cleanup refresh.

The sudden turmoil startled the watchers in the shadows, and the attacker’s identity was more startling still.

“Crane Courtyard?!” someone shouted, revealing the newcomer’s name.

This name was famous not only among players, but NPCs as well.

A rising genius, his reputation rivaled Ye Junyan’s. Most importantly, rumors said he had once challenged Grandmasters, making him a legend among NPCs. He was also the top player on the rankings.

No one expected the first move to come not from restless NPCs, but from this leading player.

While NPCs questioned his intent, the players were thrilled.

If Crane Courtyard was involved, it had to be an important quest. They scrambled—some hoping to cut in, others afraid the quest would be disrupted and inaccessible, adding to the chaos.

They were disorganized, but Crane Courtyard was not. He efficiently dispatched the blocking NPCs, planning to leave before city guards arrived.

-

The players’ chatter reached Ye Xiyin’s ears.

After crossing over last night, he had urgently familiarized himself with this world’s settings, its martial sects, and top players.

Whatever Crane Courtyard’s goal, Ye Xiyin saw this as a rare chance to escape.

Most importantly, players seeking NPCs rarely acted rashly unless the NPC was a notorious villain. Even for quests, they wouldn’t casually kill.

Crane Courtyard’s arrival was perfectly timed—Ye Xiyin couldn’t help but feel excited.

With this in mind, he eagerly lifted his face toward the newcomer.

Thus, when Crane Courtyard finished off the NPC in front and approached his quest target, he was met with this sight:

The small NPC’s face was pale, a bead of blood rolling down his cheek, but his gaze was burning—adoring, trusting, and dependent.

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