After completing the task, Lufeng bid farewell to Wu Ciren and returned to the center of Luoyang City to visit Zhou Tianshi again.
At that moment, a wandering gem merchant, Bao Shishang, passed by Lufeng.
Lufeng suddenly had an idea and quickly called out to the gem merchant. Gems are great for increasing attributes, and once embedded in equipment, they can raise one's attribute limits. With the Yuanbao Store no longer available, other items must be limited and sold by merchants like Bao Shishang or fixed NPC merchants like Fan Dacheng from Suzhou City. However, the gems sold by fixed merchants are twice as expensive and are all first-level gems, which provide minimal attribute boosts.
Upon hearing someone call him, Bao Shishang immediately stopped and without any small talk, directly brought up the items he had for sale. A goods interface appeared before Lufeng.
Lufeng glanced over it and was greatly disappointed; this gem merchant still only sold first-level gems. The only change was that all first-level gems were sold in limited quantities, with ten of each type available at one gold coin each.
Although it was disappointing, Lufeng still bought all the gems he needed; at least they were cheaper than those from Fan Dacheng. Currently, gems must be synthesized starting from the first level, making first-level gems highly sought after.
Based on his previous experience playing Heavenly Dragon, the Yellow Gemstone that increases strength, the Sapphire that boosts Spirit Energy, and the Black Gemstone that enhances Composure were generally not sought after; no one would bother embedding them as only newbies would go after such gems.
Thus, Lufeng spent 70 gold coins to buy ten Emeralds that increase Mobility, ten Rubies for health restoration, ten Emeralds that enhance Dodge, ten Yellow Crystals for Mystic Attack boosts, ten Blue Crystals for ice attack enhancements, ten Red Crystals for Fire Attack boosts, and ten Green Crystals for Poison Attack boosts. This took up seven material slots. Fortunately, gems of the same level could stack; otherwise, with only 20 material slots available, he wouldn't have been able to fit 70 gems.
Among these seven types of gems, only five were useful to Lufeng: Rubies, Emeralds (two types), Red Crystals, and Green Crystals. These were crucial for Xiaoyao. The effectiveness of other resistance attribute gems varied by individual and sect. Different sect members used different types of gems as well; however, Rubies were essential for every player.
Lufeng did not purchase four types of resistance attribute gems (Yellow Jade, Bright Stone, Moonstone, Tourmaline). Without the Yuanbao Store now available, players' enhancements in four attributes (ice, fire, dark, poison) would certainly be very slow; thus Lufeng felt there was no need to rush.
Currently lacking synthesis runes meant that first-level gems could not be synthesized either. Therefore, Lufeng stored all his gems in the warehouse. The warehouses in Suzhou, Luoyang, Dali, and Loulan were all the same; they were a level above current banks—not only could they store money but also items and equipment without any handling fees.
Once everything was sorted out, Lufeng visited Zhou Tianshi again and rode his Chocobo towards the center of Luoyang...
Now Lufeng eagerly hoped to reach level 30 soon. If he could make it into the top three ranks, he would surely receive gold coins as a reward from the System. Right now was a time when gold coins were scarce and needed in many places. On the other hand, reaching level 30 would unlock many daily dungeons for him to complete and significantly speed up his leveling process without having to worry too much about main storyline quests.
Before long, Lufeng returned to Zhou Tianshi's side.
Checking the time—it was exactly 11 o'clock—he had half an hour left until the daily Zhenlong Chess Game. Lufeng quickly said: "Tianshi, I have learned the essentials of mingling in the world; when can I participate in the Zhenlong Chess Game?"
Zhou Tianshi stroked his white beard and slowly replied: "Years ago, Wuyaliao, the leader of Xiaoyao Sect set up the Zhenlong Chess Game on Drum Mountain to select fated individuals to inherit Xiaoyao's legacy. Fortunately, Mr. Xu Zhu stood out among others and deciphered its intricacies; thus Xiaoyao's lineage continued to thrive in the martial world. This matter is now well-known among people and has become a tale in martial arts history. However, very few truly understand the mysteries within Zhenlong Chess Game; hidden within that Chess Game is a great method that martial artists dream of."
Lufeng was greatly intrigued: "What method?"
"Hehe~" Zhou Tianshi chuckled lightly and continued: "It's better if you comprehend it yourself. Your martial arts skills have reached a considerable level; if you can grasp this method within it, it will play a crucial role in your Vital Energy Control Technique and greatly benefit your martial arts future."
Lufeng was surprised and thought for a moment before asking, "What secrets does the Zhenlong Chess Game hold?"
Zhou Tianshi calmly replied, "Don't rush. I will introduce you to someone who can help you understand the many mysteries within. This person is named Wang Jixin, a renowned Chess Sage, located to the east of Luoyang."
"Thank you, Tianshi!" Lufeng said with a respectful bow.
Traveling east, Lufeng was filled with excitement as he headed towards Wang Jixin, contemplating his Vital Energy Control Technique. If he could break through and learn Bursting Qi soon, he would be able to excel in Asking Heaven, create a space for his aunt's Myth Studio, and secure a higher salary to get closer to his dream of rebuilding Beihai Orphanage.
After a long while, Lufeng finally found Wang Jixin.
Seeing someone approach, Wang Jixin quickly said, "It's not time for the Chess Game Activity to start yet. You can enter the lounge and wait. The mysterious treasures in the lounge are first come, first served and will aid you during battles!"
"Uh... I'm here to explore the secrets of the Zhenlong Chess Game," Lufeng explained.
Wang Jixin clasped his hands behind his back, stood tall, and slowly said, "The true essence of the Zhenlong Chess Game is simply about who can kill faster!"
Lufeng wanted to curse in disbelief: "I bought a watch last year! Is that really considered profound?"
Wang Jixin's expression darkened: "How can it not be? If you don't kill fast enough, the Chess Soul will emerge. Once the Chess Soul appears, your Experience will be halved, and originally non-aggressive pieces will turn into aggressive Chess Souls. The consequences are unimaginable."
Lufeng awkwardly smiled; he didn't expect the NPC to be so up-to-date and understand his words. If things got awkward, it would be troublesome. He quickly apologized: "Sorry, I wasn't talking about you. I just forgot that Chess Souls could appear."
Wang Jixin waved his hand dismissively and continued: "Another thing to note is that you can only enter the Linglong Chess Game once a day. You must seize the opportunity to enter; once inside, do not leave casually or you won't be able to enter again."
After listening to Wang Jixin's lengthy explanation, Lufeng was stunned. The anticipated Vital Energy Control Technique was not mentioned; had he upset him?
Not getting the secrets he wanted, Lufeng was determined not to give up and flattered Wang Jixin: "The Chess Sage is truly a Chess Sage; listening to your words is better than studying books. It's truly philosophical! I will definitely remember your advice about quickly eliminating pieces. I wonder if my Free Mode practitioners can comprehend Vital Energy Control Technique within the Chess Game?"
Upon hearing Lufeng's words, Wang Jixin felt a sense of relief: "Well, it certainly helps; whether you can comprehend it depends on yourself. The Zhenlong Chess Game greatly aids martial arts cultivation, especially in the world within the Chess Game. Given time, you'll understand its intricacies."
Wang Jixin left some mystery hanging in the air; clearly, his attitude towards Lufeng had changed.
Lufeng still did not get what he wished for and could only continue flattering himself: "Wang Chess Sage, I never expected you to become a Chess Sage at such a young age; you are truly a role model for us."
Wang Jixin stroked his white beard and asked in return, "Am I young?"
Lufeng looked up at the sky and, with a guilty conscience, lied, "Of course! Why not be my big brother? I have a brotherhood with Lu Song from Songshan."
Wang Jixin was taken aback at first and disdainfully said, "Lu Song is not worth mentioning; he isn't even fit to hold my shoes. You actually formed a brotherhood with him? There's no need to get close."
Lufeng was flustered and, feeling cornered, had to use his last resort: "Oh, I forgot! That was five hundred years ago. I haven't seen that kid Lu Song in hundreds of years either. However, I still regard him as my big brother. You know, one must have principles in life. Even if he is a beggar now, I still call him big brother."
Lufeng performed a dramatic act of Feigning Injury, showing genuine emotion and pretending to wipe away tears.
As expected, Wang Jixin was slightly moved: "Hmm, I didn't expect you to be so loyal. Alright, I'll forgive your previous nonsense and introduce you to a chess friend. His name is Liu Zhongfu, and he currently resides in Dali City. Go find him and seek his advice; this way, your understanding of Zhenlong Chess Game will deepen."
Lufeng was deeply touched: "Thank you, Chess Sage!"
"Hmm?" Wang Jixin's eyes shifted.
Lufeng immediately understood: "Thank you, Brother Wang!"
"Haha~" Wang Jixin laughed heartily: "Go on!"
……
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