Chapter 234: The Head of the Tuoba Clan

Nie Yan prepared some consumables in Carol City at the Starlight Pharmacy, taking several potions that might come in handy. He stuffed all these potions, which players usually wouldn’t dare to use, into his backpack.

After leaving the Starlight Pharmacy, he went to a gemcrafter and embedded several defensive gems into his Skybound set. Using a large quantity of lucky gems, he successfully upgraded the Skybound set to +5.

After finishing these preparations, he headed toward the teleportation array.

At this moment, Shuise Yantou sent Nie Yan a message: “Please thank all the brothers of the Bull Tribe for me today. If it weren’t for you guys, we would have all been defeated in Dusk Forest, and I wouldn’t have been able to explain that to the boss.”

Nie Yan smiled slightly and replied, “Those that needed to be thanked have already been thanked.”

“Back then, our decision to leave the Bull Tribe was indeed a bit rash. I have some matters to handle, so I might not be able to return to the Bull Tribe today. However, at the latest tomorrow, I will bring the members of Dry Leaf Studio back to the Bull Tribe,” said Shuise Yantou.

“It’s okay. The Bull Tribe welcomes your return. The Bull Tribe’s doors are always open to you,” Nie Yan replied. He found it a bit strange that Shuise Yantou was speaking so seriously, but he didn’t think much of it. After this incident, Dry Leaf Studio would definitely not betray the Bull Tribe again.

Nie Yan chatted with Shuise Yantou for a while, then ended the voice call. He entered the teleportation array and teleported to Sonia Hamlet, heading northward in Sonia Hamlet.

Sonia Moonlight Grove was originally the homeland of the white elves. Later, it became human territory, and the white elves migrated out of this area en masse. However, the ruins here were still well preserved. Later on, it became a habitat for some beasts, such as Moon Bears, which were all level 35 creatures.

This area was the most densely concentrated with magical elements. When mages trained here, they could gain an additional 30% attack bonus. However, the creatures here also possessed formidable magical power. Even at level 35, only the most skilled top-tier players could train here.

A faint white glow spread throughout the grove. There were still traces of civilization and activity by intelligent beings.

After these recent battles, Nie Yan increasingly felt the importance of top-tier equipment. He glanced at his own gear. Besides the Skybound set and the Severance Blade, which were somewhat decent, the other pieces were merely average and clearly not the best. Compared to Nie Yan’s status as the leader of the Bull Tribe guild, his equipment was indeed somewhat underwhelming.

Creating a set of divine equipment that could be worn for a long time was truly no simple task!

He would take it one step at a time.

First, he would start with the Chapter of Order!

Nie Yan entered the grove, where several Moon Bears appeared. After enhancing themselves with magic effects, these Moon Bears possessed formidable combat power. Although Nie Yan could handle a few of them, he didn’t want to waste time here.

Nie Yan entered stealth mode and headed straight for the center of Sonia Moonlight Grove.

Various magical herbs grew in the grove, but Nie Yan’s gathering skill level was clearly insufficient.

He passed by several Moon Bears. These were massive white bears, with light blue star and moon patterns on their chests. Their muscular builds radiated immense strength.

Moon Bear: Level 35, HP 2200/2200.

The Moon Bears’ most powerful skill was Shockwave, which could knock opponents back and leave them stunned. Typically, warriors without a priest’s support wouldn’t dare to confront them head-on.

Following the traces of the white elves left behind in the grove, Nie Yan advanced through the forest. He seemed to sense the call of the Chapter of Order, although it was just an illusion. As he drew closer to the final Chapter of Order, he couldn’t help but feel excited.

At Saint Fies Cathedral in Carol City, some residents of Carol City often came here to pray.

Shuise Yantou, wearing the War God’s Faith set, appeared at the entrance of Saint Fies Cathedral. He walked in and scanned everyone inside. In the hall, rows of seats were arranged, and in the center sat a player wearing a white decorative robe. He looked about fifty years old. Although somewhat aged, he remained energetic and vigorous.

“Boss,” Shuise Yantou saluted the old man. Even he had to bow his proud head before this man due to the contract between them.

This old man was the patriarch of the Tuo Ba family, Tuo Ba Hongye, a legendary figure who had single-handedly founded the Tuo Ba family and led it to its peak.

“You’re here. I heard you took everyone from Dry Leaf Studio to confront Bi Luo Cang Qiong. Do you know the consequences of your actions?” Tuo Ba Hongye’s voice was filled with authority and anger.

“I understand.”

“Since you understand, why did you still do it?”

“For the sake of my brothers, I had no choice but to act! Although the outcome of this matter was beyond my expectations,” Shuise Yantou stared unyieldingly at Tuo Ba Hongye.

“You must remember, Dry Leaf Studio is just a studio. The purpose of a studio is to make money, not to make enemies everywhere,” Tuo Ba Hongye coldly looked at Shuise Yantou. Among all his employees, only Shuise Yantou dared to stare back at him with such pride and stubbornness, which greatly annoyed Tuo Ba Hongye.

“It’s true that the purpose of Dry Leaf Studio is to make money, but the brothers of Dry Leaf Studio are not machines for making money. Moreover, Dry Leaf Studio has completed its tasks, and everyone is free now!” Shuise Yantou solemnly said.

“Your actions have affected the operation of Dry Leaf Studio, and I have the right to manage it. Since you have already left the Bull Tribe, there’s no need to return. I have just signed a cooperation agreement with Cao Xu of Century Financial Group. Dry Leaf Studio will work for the Triumph Empire for a period of time,” Tuo Ba Hongye said. He had tried countless times but could never tame this proud wild horse, Shuise Yantou.

“Why? We just signed an agreement with the Bull Tribe. If we breach the contract, we will have to pay a huge penalty!” Shuise Yantou was taken aback. Asking him to leave the Bull Tribe and join the Triumph Empire was impossible!

“Cao Xu from Century Financial Group is willing to pay this penalty. You are to join the Triumph Empire tomorrow. This concerns the interests of the Tuo Ba family,” Tuo Ba Hongye said in an unquestionable tone.

“I will not leave the Bull Tribe, nor will I join the Triumph Empire! Today, it was the Bull Tribe that saved the members of Dry Leaf Studio. I, Shuise Yantou, will never betray any friend!” Shuise Yantou said. Before coming here, he had already prepared to face Tuo Ba Hongye’s wrath, but he hadn’t expected Tuo Ba Hongye to ask him to leave the Bull Tribe and join the Triumph Empire, which surprised him a little.

“Do you want to defy my orders? Don’t forget your position,” Tuo Ba Hongye’s eyes flashed with coldness. Shuise Yantou was merely an employee under his command, daring to speak to him like this!

“I solemnly declare that even if I leave Dry Leaf Studio, I, Shuise Yantou, will never betray any friend!” Shuise Yantou said firmly. If he left the Bull Tribe and joined the Triumph Empire at this moment, what kind of person would he become!

“According to the contract, if you leave Dry Leaf Studio within ten years, you will have to pay a penalty of 50 million. Considering how hard you’ve worked for five or six years, I suppose your earnings are probably only around 50 million. Also, don’t forget, without the protection of the Tuo Ba family, can you continue to run your studio?” Tuo Ba Hongye sneered. The cooperation with Century Financial Group was crucial to the Tuo Ba family’s interests, so Shuise Yantou had no choice but to comply!

“If that’s the case, I can only choose to leave Dry Leaf Studio and have nothing more to do with it! I will transfer the 50 million penalty to your account. Let me tell you, Tuo Ba Hongye, even if I leave with nothing, I will never betray a friend!” Shuise Yantou’s eyes flashed with cold light, like a predatory beast.

“You ungrateful bastard, get out!” Tuo Ba Hongye roared in anger. He didn’t believe that Shuise Yantou could survive without Dry Leaf Studio!

Shuise Yantou no longer paid attention to Tuo Ba Hongye’s outbursts and walked out of Saint Fies Cathedral, saying indifferently, “You don’t need to tell me. I will return this War God’s Faith set to Dry Leaf Studio!”

After leaving Saint Fies Cathedral, Shuise Yantou looked up at the sky and suddenly smiled like a child. After carrying so much burden, it felt truly light to let it go. Although he was leaving with nothing, at least he had gained his freedom. From now on, becoming a freelance player wouldn’t be bad either.

As he was about to leave Dry Leaf Studio, he hoped each of his former brothers could pursue a bright future.

Shuise Yantou glanced at the studio’s group chat, where his brothers were still excitedly discussing today’s events and looking forward to returning to the Bull Tribe.

He was reluctant to interrupt them, but he still sent a message in the group chat with a helpless heart: “Dry Leaf Studio can no longer join the Bull Tribe. Today, Tuo Ba Hongye has decided to have Dry Leaf Studio leave the Bull Tribe and join the Triumph Empire!”

Shuise Yantou’s words stirred up a storm, causing his brothers to feel anger and frustration.

Lengfeng Juejian: “Boss, making us leave the Bull Tribe and join the Triumph Empire, how is that possible!”

Mu’en: “Yeah, that would be too unfair to the brothers of the Bull Tribe!”

Lengfeng Juejian and Mu’en’s words immediately resonated with the players of Dry Leaf Studio.

“Tuo Ba family has partnered with Century Financial Group, and one of the conditions is for Dry Leaf Studio to join the Triumph Empire. I, Shuise Yantou, will never betray any of my brothers, including those in the Bull Tribe, so I have decided to leave Dry Leaf Studio. So, farewell everyone. I wish you all smooth sailing and a bright future,” Shuise Yantou said. His words were like thunder, exploding in the ears of these players.

“Boss, have you gone mad? Aren’t you afraid of the astronomical penalty fee? You’ll have to pay 50 million for this, which is your total income over the past five years!” Lengfeng Juejian asked in shock.

“Starting from scratch again isn’t scary. As long as I have my hands and feet, I won’t starve to death!” Shuise Yantou smiled faintly, having already accepted the situation.