Chapter 5: Mission

[Main Quest Unlocked: Survive! (Newcomer’s Trial)]

[Quest Objective: Survive more than seven days in Daqing Village! Upon completion, you will be rewarded with one hundred minor merits! Note: You must not leave the area within a three-mile radius of Daqing Village during the seven days. Violators will be eliminated!]

[Scenario Introduction: In the ninth year of Taihe in the Great Xia Dynasty, northern Hu barbarians invaded, causing widespread devastation. At this time, a group of Hu cavalry has broken through the defensive lines and approached Daqing Village, preparing to attack the village. Survival or death—you must make your choice!]

[Side Quest: Eliminate the invaders! In the face of great danger, you will be rewarded with fifty minor merits for each Hu cavalryman killed, one hundred minor merits for each Turu warrior slain, and three hundred minor merits for each Shaman killed!]

[This quest scenario: Small-scale! Quest difficulty: Harsh!]

“Great Xia?!”

Kang Shouli gasped in shock, “Before the Great Zhou was the Great Shang, and before the Great Shang was the Great Xia! Could it be that we’ve been transported back into history itself? How is that even possible?”

“Returning to history is impossible, but it’s highly likely that we’ve entered a small world created by extracting a fragment of that historical battle.”

Wu Ming’s heart stirred slightly as he glanced toward the others.

Upon hearing about the Hu invasion quest, Huang Ying and the others’ expressions changed repeatedly. Particularly Xiao Yu, who softly cried out in alarm, “The term ‘Shaman’ refers to the combined title of healer and priest among the steppe tribes, and they possess sorcery skills. The Turu warriors are the elite fighters among the Hu tribes… We…”

It seemed this girl had gradually accepted the reality and was even beginning to consider the possibility of completing the mission.

“Hu cavalry are fierce and ruthless, leaving nearly nothing untouched in their wake! Their mounted archery skills are unparalleled. It might take two of us working together to take down just one!”

Qin Hu stepped forward, clearly signaling his intention to team up with Wu Ming.

“Indeed!”

Wu Ming looked around and saw anticipation in Huang Ying’s eyes, while even Kang Shouli remained silent.

In times of disaster, obeying the strong is instinct.

The slight discomfort they had felt earlier quickly faded away like dust.

Seeing this, Wu Ming secretly shook his head.

People from all corners of the world, who didn’t even trust each other, how could they unite and face a powerful enemy together?

Therefore, he originally had little expectation of these “teammates.” Now, upon hearing that it was a survival-type quest, his heart tightened first, then relaxed somewhat.

The tension came from the realization that the Main Temple estimated their strength was far inferior to the Hu cavalry, hence assigning a survival quest without other requirements, which made the challenge even more daunting.

The relief came from the absence of team-based evaluation, meaning he wouldn’t be dragged down by incompetent teammates.

Still, maintaining outward unity and combining their forces was better than going at it alone.

Thus, Wu Ming pointed toward the village in the distance, “Is that Daqing Village? Should we go and investigate the situation first?”

Suddenly, his expression stiffened.

Because the smoke that had been rising halfway into the sky began to drift upward again. A gentle breeze passed by, rustling the leaves, and the entire world seemed to suddenly “come alive.”

[Ding! The main quest has begun, and an immediate task has been issued!]

[Immediate Task: Arrival! You must reach Daqing Village within one incense stick’s time; otherwise, the quest will be considered a failure!]

A message appeared in the consciousness of Wu Ming and the others, along with a sundial-like timer whose needle spun rapidly.

Wu Ming and the others were momentarily stunned; the words “quest failure” gave them a very ominous feeling.

“Let’s go!”

Qin Hu was the first to dash forward. As a gang member, he was very pragmatic, believing that might makes right.

Regardless of whether this was a joke or a conspiracy, the fact that someone could directly implant information into his mind meant that even if he was being played, he had no choice but to accept it.

“There’s no penalty for failing the main quest because those who fail will be dead anyway… but now…”

Xiao Yu and Huang Ying exchanged glances, watching Qin Hu’s retreating figure, sharing a bitter smile.

Seeing Huang Ying’s pleading gaze, Kang Shouli’s knees felt weak: “If Miss Huang doesn’t mind…”

“Master Kang offering your assistance is something I’m deeply grateful for; how could I possibly mind?”

Huang Ying gracefully took Kang Shouli’s arm, her soft voice instantly filling him with confidence: “Miss Huang, rest assured, as long as I’m here, no one will dare to harm you!”

Although he was a spoiled young master, comparable to Wu Ming’s former self, and addicted to wine and women, he had at least reached the second level of martial arts cultivation—the Flesh Stage—with well-developed muscles, more than capable of carrying someone.

“It seems I’ll have to take you along then!”

Wu Ming scratched his nose and grabbed Xiao Yu by the collar, striding forward. With a few quick leaps, he overtook Kang Shouli and rapidly caught up to Qin Hu.

“Thank you, Big Brother Wuming!”

Though she was being carried by her collar like a child, Xiao Yu’s face bore a sweet smile.

Observing her up close, Wu Ming could now clearly notice her fragrant breath and her fair, delicate skin, which surpassed even the finest porcelain doll.

“Miss Xiao Yu, you still haven’t told me your full name!”

While running, Wu Ming’s breath remained steady and deep as he found time to ask.

Xiao Yu’s mischievous eyes twinkled, and she mimicked Wu Ming’s previous tone: “The world of martial arts is perilous; I never leave any traces behind! Ouch…”

Before she could finish speaking, she received a light tap on her forehead from Wu Ming, causing her to cry out in protest.

Understanding her limits, the young girl quickly became more obedient, though she couldn’t help but grumble under her breath: “If only I had brought my treasure pouch…”

Suddenly realizing her slip, she fell silent.

Wu Ming, however, remained unfazed. From their conversation, he could tell she came from a distinguished background. Upon hearing her mention a magical item similar to his own, which had also been excluded from this world, a thoughtful expression flickered across his face.

The time limit of one incense stick wasn’t particularly long. For ordinary people, especially a woman like Huang Ying who lacked even the strength to tie up a chicken, reaching Daqing Village would be as difficult as climbing to the heavens. However, for Wu Ming and the others, who had trained in martial arts and possessed several levels of cultivation, it posed no significant challenge.

As they passed the boundary stone marked “Daqing Village” and reached the village entrance, Wu Ming received a notification in his mind that the immediate task had been completed.

Letting out a slow breath, Wu Ming gently set Xiao Yu down.

“Thank you, Big Brother Wuming! You’re such a good person!”

Smiling happily, Xiao Yu thanked him and turned her gaze toward Kang Shouli’s direction, her expression anxious: “Hurry up! Time is almost up!”

At this moment, the sundial needle in their minds still had only dozens of seconds left before reaching zero!

Observing the two figures and noticing the visible strain on Kang Shouli’s face, Wu Ming’s eyes gleamed with thought: “With Kang Shouli’s speed, he might barely make it. Should I…”

Qin Hu suddenly laughed fiercely and stood up, blocking the path before the boundary stone.

“What are you doing?” Xiao Yu’s face was filled with alertness.

“What does it look like?” Qin Hu sneered, “I’m just testing whether this quest is real or fake—or perhaps it’s all just a trick to deceive us…”

So saying, he took several stones in his hand and prepared to aim.

“Wait a moment!”

Wu Ming suddenly spoke up.

“What? Isn’t this also what Brother Wuming wants to try?” Qin Hu replied coldly, “I’m just making my intentions clear…”

“Perhaps, but there will be many other opportunities to test things—we don’t need to do it right now!”

Wu Ming shook his head.

Qin Hu locked eyes with Wu Ming, his gaze nearly freezing, then suddenly burst into laughter: “Fine! I’ll give Brother Wuming this face today!”

“Huff… huff…”

Under the watchful eyes of the two, Kang Shouli finally crossed the boundary stone with Huang Ying just before time ran out, his face filled with relief: “Thank you, Brother Wuming, for your help!”

“Hmph!”

Kang Shouli had witnessed Qin Hu’s actions moments ago, and his eyes were practically spitting fire.

“What? You got a problem? Wanna pick a fight? You spoiled little rich kid, I’ve had enough of you!”

Qin Hu sneered fiercely, his intimidating gaze directly fixed on Kang Shouli, causing him to sweat and retreat, almost hiding behind Wu Ming.

“This guy… Could it be that he thinks he’s in a new world where he can do as he pleases?”

Wu Ming watched coldly, beginning to understand Qin Hu’s psychology.

At this moment, the benefit of maintaining a facade of peace became evident. Qin Hu’s actions were clearly pushing the others toward his side.

Of course, in Qin Hu’s eyes, everyone except Wu Ming might be burdens, but Wu Ming didn’t see it that way. After all, everyone had their own strengths and values.

Therefore, he immediately adopted a mediator’s attitude: “Let’s all say less for now. Right now, we should consider how to interact with the locals…”

He pointed to the surroundings.

Only then did Qin Hu and the others realize that their group had been standing outside the village, neither advancing nor stopping, already drawing the attention of the villagers. Indeed, some of the stronger villagers were quickly gathering.

In times of chaos, no matter where people lived, the locals were always fierce and vigilant, skilled in forming defensive settlements—otherwise, they would have been swallowed up long ago by various forces.

“In my opinion, they are very wary of outsiders! They’re just waiting for their leader to arrive…”

Wu Ming glanced at the villagers pointing and whispering nearby, lowering his voice: “Before that, we should coordinate our stories! After all… if we are seen as enemies by Daqing Village and driven out, we’ll truly be calling to heaven with no response and calling to the earth with no reply!”

Under the pressure of life and death, even Qin Hu had to yield, cooperating with Kang Shouli, who felt deeply humiliated.

“Hehe… Esteemed guests have traveled far, and I have been remiss in my hospitality!”

Sure enough, moments later, an elderly man with a ruddy complexion, white hair, yet brimming with vitality, came forward accompanied by several young men, bowing respectfully: “This old man is Wang Qiao, the village headman. I wonder what are your honorable names and where do you hail from?”

The five exchanged glances, and finally Wu Ming stepped forward: “Respected elder, greetings to you. We are…”

Thanks to their quick coordination of stories moments ago, Wu Ming and the others finally had a plausible background. According to Wu Ming’s explanation, he and Kang Shouli were noble young masters from distant counties, traveling with their concubines and maids when unfortunately encountering Hu cavalry, which scattered their entourage, leaving only these few survivors.

Huang Ying and Xiao Yu, of course, were described as wives, concubines, and maids, while Qin Hu’s rough appearance forced him to be introduced merely as a bodyguard.

“What? Hu people?”

The village headman Wang Qiao’s expression changed, and a wave of unrest rippled through his followers behind him before he managed to calm it down, saying: “Apologies for the rudeness, honorable guests! The Hu invasions have been worsening, and our young men are like startled birds, causing embarrassment. Please come inside for tea, and let this old man properly host you…”