Pu Yunfeng didn’t elaborate further, immediately returning to the guild to report the situation to the leader.
The Qilin Guild was located in the western district of the main city—in this Infinite Flow World, all players were concentrated in a main city called Infinite Kunlun. Major guilds had divided their territories, though more players remained independents scattered throughout various corners of the main city.
When not entering instances, players moved about the main city. Although all kinds of entertainment facilities were available, being trapped in the game world without being able to return to reality—coupled with mandatory instance entries every seven days and constant life-threatening dangers—drove players nearly insane. Everyone dreamed of escaping this damned place.
“You’re saying that while being chased by Waxwork Museum NPCs, you entered an Incense Shop, purchased Incense Paper Money and Fu Paper from inside, and these items could suppress the wax figures while also making them protect your team, ultimately ensuring your safety?” Guild Leader Jiang Tianhai was a burly, tall middle-aged man. Originally from military background, he had been inexplicably pulled into this Infinite Flow World three years ago and founded the Qilin Guild. He was known for his courage and strong sense of justice.
Pu Yunfeng had been a police officer in the real world, which was why he had chosen to join the Qilin Guild without hesitation.
“That’s correct.” He placed the remaining Cleansing Talisman on the table as proof he wasn’t lying. The reason he and his teammates had been so fortunate was because they encountered an almost divine Incense Shop.
Jiang Tianhai picked up the Cleansing Talisman to examine it: “This is the item?”
Pu Yunfeng: “Yes. At the time, half of my leg was nearly melted, but the Cleansing Talisman healed my wound. Qian Ming’s half-body injury was also treated with this talisman. Everyone witnessed this.”
Team members provided corroborating testimony.
“If it’s truly that miraculous, this item would be a priceless treasure comparable to the Spring of Life.” Jiang Tianhai’s expression turned solemn.
Pu Yunfeng hesitated before saying: “We’re still unclear whether this talisman can truly revive the dead like the Spring of Life. However, we can confirm that possessing this talisman guarantees survival in the Waxwork Museum instance.”
Cleansing Talisman—as the name suggested—should function for cleansing purposes. He speculated that its ability to heal wounds inflicted by wax figures stemmed from wax figures being a form of contamination. Once removed by the Cleansing Talisman, players’ bodies would naturally return to normal.
Jiang Tianhai: “Next time, try it in a different instance to see if it still has healing effects.”
Pu Yunfeng agreed: “Unfortunately, the Incense Paper Money was all taken by the wax figures. That item was even more powerful.”
Jiang Tianhai glanced at him but remained silent.
“Guild Leader, I’d like to post about the Incense Shop on the Player Forum so everyone can benefit from this opportunity,” Pu Yunfeng said gravely. “I hope everyone can survive and leave this terrifying place together.”
The Player Forum served as a communication platform where many players discussed strategies for various instances.
“That’s a commendable idea.” Jiang Tianhai approvingly patted his shoulder. “Actually, I received a message from Ye Yanzhou today. Their guild also had members who visited the Incense Shop and purchased Incense Paper Money.”
Pu Yunfeng’s eyes widened: “Their people also conducted transactions with the Incense Shop?”
“Hmm, probably a bit earlier than you,” Jiang Tianhai said. “After obtaining the Incense Paper Money, they entered another high-risk dungeon and confirmed that the Incense Paper Money does indeed hold significant appeal to NPCs.”Pu Yunfeng thought to himself, as expected of the number one guild—their methods were thorough and precise.”
Jiang Tianhai furrowed his brow slightly and added, “But there’s one thing—the Incense Paper Money can be freely given to teammates for use.”
At this, Pu Yunfeng also frowned.
In dungeons, items and skills couldn’t be traded arbitrarily; they could only be exchanged for points through the system interface. This prevented players from killing each other for loot. However, the Incense Paper Money could be freely transferred to teammates, which would undoubtedly create complications. After all, players were only human, and greed was a common trait. What if someone developed malicious intentions and killed their companion to seize the Incense Paper Money?
Something meant to bring hope could end up causing players to turn on each other—a far from ideal outcome.
“So, President Ye’s intention is to conceal the existence of the Incense Shop to prevent discord among players?” Pu Yunfeng asked.
Jiang Tianhai shook his head. “Not exactly. He merely proposed a suggestion—for the three major guilds to issue a rule stating that any player who kills a companion for Incense Paper Money will be hunted down by all three guilds. This should serve as a deterrent.”
This was also the reason Ye Yanzhou had contacted him. Jiang Tianhai had already agreed, and the leader of the second-largest guild had also approved Ye Yanzhou’s proposal.
Hearing this, Pu Yunfeng’s expression relaxed. “I’ve always found Ye Yanzhou to be somewhat enigmatic, neither entirely good nor evil. But when it comes to matters of principle, he really delivers.”
Jiang Tianhai nodded in agreement.
·
The next day, the three major guilds jointly posted an announcement on the Player Forum:
[Encounter an Incense Shop? Make a Trade!]
The announcement detailed two instances of players trading with the Incense Shop, reminding everyone that if they came across one, they should purchase as many items as possible, especially the Incense Paper Money, which seemed to hold a fatal attraction for all NPCs.
It concluded with a stern warning: players were forbidden from killing each other for loot. Violators would face joint pursuit by the three major guilds.
The announcement sent players into a frenzy, with comments flooding in:
【Holy crap, there’s actually such a miraculous shop?!】
【According to the description, every item in that shop can save your life.】
【No wonder Vice President Pu Yunfeng managed to lead his team out of the Waxwork Museum alive—he bribed the NPCs with Incense Paper Money! And the Cleansing Talisman can heal wounds inflicted by wax figures. With these two items, we won’t have to worry about dying in there anymore!】
【Yeah, countless people have lost their lives in the Waxwork Museum dungeon. Now there’s finally hope of clearing it!】
While many had speculated whether Pu Yunfeng’s abilities surpassed those of the top guild leader, the truth now revealed that it was all thanks to the Incense Shop.
【If the Incense Shop is so miraculous, could it be that the gods have learned of our plight and sent it to save us?】
【Sobbing Does this mean we might actually be saved?】
【I miss home… I really want to return to the real world…】
Perhaps because learning about the Incense Shop increased their chances of survival in dungeons, many players felt a renewed sense of hope and courage. They silently prayed to encounter the Incense Shop themselves, while their longing to return to the real world grew even stronger.
Pu Yunfeng looked at everyone’s comments and clenched his fists: We can definitely do it!
Xi Mufu was unaware of what was happening in the otherworld. She had been waiting for the third group of otherworld visitors to appear, but unfortunately, they never came even as the Spring Festival approached.
It was already the last ten days of the twelfth lunar month, with just over ten days left until New Year’s Eve. The festive atmosphere in Jingning Town grew increasingly vibrant—every household decorated with lanterns and streamers, while dragon and lion dances performed on the main street for tourists.
“The Spring Festival is almost here. Are the three professors really going to stay at the farm?” Xi Mufu asked Ji Jiu curiously.
She knew the three professors and their students had signed confidentiality agreements prohibiting them from leaving Jingning Town casually, but the Spring Festival was the most important holiday for Chinese people. Surely the professors would want to return home?
“Yes,” Ji Jiu said. “Their research has made progress.”
The three professors were completely absorbed in studying the rice grains. Now was a critical moment—even if they were permitted to go home, they might not agree to leave.
Xi Mufu brightened. “There’s progress?”
Ji Jiu nodded. “Animals that ate the rice you grew showed no adverse effects and actually became stronger. The professors believe it could be used to enhance human physical fitness.”
This was a remarkable discovery. If human lifespan could be extended as a result, it would surely cause a worldwide sensation.