Chapter Twenty: Visiting the Guild Headquarters

Chapter Twenty: Visiting the Guild Headquarters

The guild founded by Han Qishao was called Divinity, a name that immediately suggested its ambition to surpass all other guilds and claim supremacy across the entire server. Before Shen Ce even caught sight of the headquarters’ gates, he was already stunned by the long, winding queue. Such an extravagant spectacle was a first for him in “Heaven’s Dominion”—the crowd stretched on endlessly beneath the blazing sun, inching forward at a snail’s pace.

At first glance, Shen Ce noticed the ratio of male to female players was roughly equal, and though no one shouted loudly, there was plenty of hushed whispering. He guessed Han Qishao had stationed someone to maintain order here. Shen Ce finally realized Han Qishao truly possessed the qualities of a guild leader. After all, a guild could only recruit members once it had received formal approval from the City Lord’s Mansion, and he and Han Qishao had just returned from there not half an hour ago. Yet already, such a staggering number of applicants had gathered—a viral prowess for promotion that was almost frightening.

In any game, organizations like guilds and factions were always the most fiercely contested by players, and reputation and powerful members were the ultimate factors in climbing the guild rankings. As a B-rank guild, Divinity already enjoyed superior prerequisites, laying a solid foundation for its future development. As Han Qishao led Shen Ce on a tour of the guild headquarters, he was keenly aware of the admiration in Shen Ce’s gaze, and his smile grew ever more radiant, his handsomeness impossible to ignore.

Shen Ce quietly examined the towering walls and turrets outside the estate, unconsciously comparing them to those of Ling Shui City. He found the heights nearly identical; the only thing missing was the armored NPC guards. Once the garrison arrived tomorrow, it would truly look the part.

Upon passing through the gates, Shen Ce finally spotted the person responsible for recruiting new members at the head of the queue—a slightly plump man referred to by Han Qishao as Brother Xin. He was busy speaking with the players before him and didn’t notice Han Qishao and Shen Ce’s arrival. As for the others, today’s overwhelming influx of newcomers meant that no one came forward to chat with Han Qishao, the guild master.

After wandering around, Shen Ce found the place impressive: the roads were wide and smooth, the buildings clustered together with a strong mythological and retro flavor. Down the central avenue, a crescent-shaped lake had been skillfully inlaid, its waters shimmering with swaying masses of snowy white blossoms. Dew on the petals sparkled beneath the sun, adding a refreshing coolness to the scenery.

“Qishao, how many members can your city accommodate? Judging by today’s sign-up frenzy, won’t it be overcrowded in a few days?” Shen Ce glanced at the slowly moving queue and asked.

Han Qishao followed Shen Ce’s gaze, his voice calm: “A C-rank guild can hold five hundred members; a B-rank guild, a thousand. It’s not a huge number. Can you guess why so many are signing up now? I had someone announce in the world channel that anyone who arrived before four o’clock today could join directly, plus they’d receive a small bonus. Starting tomorrow, though, entry will depend on level or special skills.”

Seeing Shen Ce interested, Han Qishao eagerly began discussing city planning. The Divinity headquarters was situated in a remote valley near Frostleaf Plain and Ling Shui City, boasting a vast area. The monsters surrounding the estate varied in level; the nearest species had already been wiped out, while those farther away could be used for leveling. Once the guild's reputation grew, they could consider expanding Divinity's territory further.

Shen Ce listened intently, inwardly impressed. Though the guild was only just founded, Han Qishao was already thinking far ahead. Truly, those who plan succeed; without plans, all falls apart. Just as Shen Ce was reflecting on this, he noticed several buildings in the distance painted a pale blue-gray, different from the usual silvery tones. A lively throng was constantly entering and leaving these structures. Shen Ce pointed to one of them, asking, “What’s that for?”

Han Qishao smiled lightly: “That’s the weapons shop. The surrounding area is the trading market, so there are several potion and ingredient shops here as well.”

An idea stirred in Shen Ce’s mind. Though he disliked being bound by an organization, he recognized a rare opportunity for cooperation between himself and Han Qishao. “Qishao, I’m not a Divinity member, but could I open a shop here? If I buy the storefront, I’d ask to be exempt from annual rent, but I’d promise to sell all my best goods here first. It’s a win-win, isn’t it?” Shen Ce was confident this proposal would tempt Han Qishao, especially since he had already expressed interest in Shen Ce’s equipment.

The Treasure Pavilion he ran in Ling Shui City, though co-owned with Shui Linglong, still required paying a hefty monthly rent to the city lord. Accumulated over time, it became a substantial sum. Touring Divinity’s headquarters, Shen Ce’s opinion of the guild rose steadily. The era of guild competition in “Heaven’s Dominion” had arrived, and trading and living zones were becoming ever more refined. Aside from unique cases like Shen Ce, most high-level players preferred to rely on powerful guilds, which made guilds’ purchasing power formidable.

Han Qishao raised his eyebrows, still a bit regretful. His patience had been spent hoping to persuade Shen Ce to join, but cooperation was better than nothing. “Of course you can, Zero. Actually, the Treasure Pavilion is co-owned by you and Shui Linglong, right?”

Shen Ce nodded, unsurprised that Han Qishao could see through his relationship with Shui Linglong. “Since you’ve agreed, thank you. I’ll discuss it with Linglong when I get back.”

As the two were speaking, a pretty girl in pink suddenly rushed over recklessly. Shen Ce narrowed his eyes and discreetly stepped aside, avoiding a collision.

“Qishao, you’re finally back! How’s that, my publicity work paid off today, didn’t it?” The girl put her hands on her hips, laughter shining in her eyes.

Han Qishao glanced at her askance: “Was it your publicity or Brother Xin’s?” Then he smiled apologetically at Shen Ce, his lowered lashes casting a faint shadow beneath his eyes. “Qingqing, could you speak a little more quietly? And it’s not good for a girl to rush around like that—you almost ran into Zero just now.”

Shen Ce didn’t realize Han Qishao had changed how he addressed him; the girl named Qingqing was simply too lively. She suddenly noticed Shen Ce, crying out in surprise: “It’s you, you…” Halfway through, she awkwardly rubbed her nose, seeming to recall something embarrassing and unable to finish.

The crowd had already been startled by her loud voice, and many now recognized Han Qishao’s identity, their curious gazes growing more frequent.

“Which one’s the Divinity guild master? Is it the white-robed priest or that lightly armored hunter?”

“Obviously, the hunter—didn’t you see the guild master badge on his chest?”

“He’s so handsome! Unparalleled, really. Strong and good-looking, he couldn’t be more perfect. Does he have a girlfriend?”

“I think the pretty girl next to him might be—don’t they look good together?”

“Don’t guess. I heard the girl called Qingqing is his sister, and she’s actually with Brother Xin; they’re a couple in real life, too.”

…

The chatter grew louder, and many female players were gazing at Han Qishao with dreamy eyes, nearly surrounding him. Shen Ce surveyed the noisy crowd, furrowing his brow. “Qishao, let’s leave it at that for today. Don’t forget our cooperation; let me know when you’ve picked a shop location.”

Han Qishao stroked his chin. “Actually, the headquarters still has plenty of empty shops. There are several good choices, and since you’re here, why not pick one right now?”

Only then did Shen Ce notice Han Qishao’s shift in addressing him. Aside from Selos, he was the second person to call him that. Shen Ce felt a bit awkward but didn’t say anything, since he and Han Qishao were now collaborators. In truth, how they addressed each other shouldn’t matter, but his personality made him dislike getting too close to others.

Shen Ce’s gaze flickered. “All right.” With Han Qishao accompanying him, he carefully surveyed the available properties. At the third shop, Shen Ce made his decision. The location was excellent—it was one of the first shops seen when entering the trading district. After some thought, he decided to keep the name “Treasure Pavilion,” with Shui Linglong handling all decoration and management.

As Shen Ce was about to leave Divinity’s guild headquarters, Han Qishao handed him a bronze token. Since Shen Ce wasn’t a member, entry would otherwise be troublesome, and the NPC guards checked every visitor to prevent enemy incursions. The token would ensure his future access.