Chapter 469: Carrot and Stick

Chapter 469: Carrot and Stick

Handsome Hong.

To most of the senior members of Netherspirits’s Claw, this teenager was just an insignificant member from a wealthy family known for his generous spending. A portion of those below average, high-tier equipment obtained by the clan were often bought by him. He was a steady source of income for the clan and was thus quite welcomed because of that, despite that being his only contribution.

To put it simply, one would never have too much money. Although Handsome Hong sometimes did exploit the Clan prestige to intimidate and bully other players, he was usually pardoned if he did not go overboard. In the face of monetary reward, quite a number of Netherspirit’s Claw members were actually more than willing to provide Richie Hong some personal services.

Dark Dragon had also received some benefits from Richie Hong before, thus his impression toward the young guy was okay.

But no one could bail him out forever…

Like today, Dark Dragon was definitely not going to help him out and risk offending Fallen Angels.

Ever since all the Clans and Leagues were forcefully disbanded and Fallen Angels had risen into power dominantly after that, Dark Dragon could not deny that the Winter Demon at present day had outgrown him to the point beyond reach and expectations.

In the past few hours, Netherclaw had also warned him several times to control his temper from here on out. The leader pleaded him to let go of his grudge and make peace with Qin Ruo.

Even without Netherclaw’s warning, Dark Dragon actually knew it well himself.

Qin Ruo was no longer the weak Tier 4 Elementalist that needed to depend on Violet Orchid, Slayer’s Heart, or Homme Fatale anymore. The current Qin Ruo was already a capable Elementalist that could solo kill the Tier 4 Ultimate Boss Galbis. The Winter Demon, the founder of Fallen Angels, had become a Champion of the Angel Faction that no one would take lightly.

Dark Dragon stopped moving and scowled at the few players near the innermost furnace while ignoring Handsome Hong growing protests. He ordered the agitated teenager in a commanding manner, “Don’t bring your personal issues to the Clan, get out of here now.”

This did not only make Handsome Hong dumbfounded, but it also struck the few Netherspirit’s Claw members beside Dark Dragon as odd.

The four followers behind Dark Dragon were not some good-for-nothing fellows like Handsome Hong. They were all experienced players that had joined Netherspirit’s Claw for a long time. Hence, they were not as ignorant and quickly recognized that Qin Ruo, Dark Dragon’s biggest enemy, was standing among the few Fallen Angels members.

In the past, the quick-tempered Dark Dragon would certainly have dashed out immediately the moment he heard the Aquamancer’s name. He had never shied away from his desire to trash Qin Ruo if he happened to meet him. So his current abnormally calm voice was rather out of place. They were surprised that he actually berated Handsome Hong and asked him to stay out of trouble instead.

‘Did the sun rise from the west today?’

They were clueless, of course. This was because none of them had secretly contacted Netherclaw like Dark Dragon just did. He received the confirmation from his Clan Leader that every single word coming out from Subjugator’s arrogant breath was nothing but the truth.

Although Netherclaw did not provide him any further details, the fact that two Tier 5 Champions were restrained helplessly at the peak of Galbis’ Lair by Fallen Angels mysterious spell was sufficient to ring alarm bells in Dark Dragon’s head.

In light of Dark Dragon’s harsh tone, only did Handsome Hong finally realized he had messed with the wrong people this time. He stuttered and waved his hand to signal his subordinates to leave Moonwaltz’ Smithy with him in dismay.

***

Subjugator handed over the pile of ores he had dug out from Galbis’ Lair to Moonwaltz Rimbo when all that happened.

“Wow, Grade 4, and Grade 3 as well! Brother Subjugator, how kind of you!”

Moonwaltz Rimbo had apparently fitted comfortably into her role as a professional Blacksmith. She was all smiles having received all the rare metal ores.

“As usual, I am not going to charge you any fee since there is a Grade 3 material provided. Let’s see, Firebreath Saltpeter combined with Ancient Darksteel is just nice for a Fire Elemental Legendary Weapon. The Magic Mithril can add Magic Damage to it too. Do you guys have any Enchantment Gemstones? It will be wonderful if the gemstone happens to be a Fire Elemental and equipped with Burn Damage.” Moonwaltz Rimbo had realized that the line of people in front of her were actually with Subjugator. So she talked to them like old friends too and requested for the additional materials. She even looked back boldly at Subjugator and said, “Am I right, Brother Subjugator?”

Subjugator nodded enthusiastically to the question. He grinned playfully and rubbed his hands in front of his comrades. “Didn’t you guys hear her? Please donate your best Enchantment Gemstones to the little girl now.”

“Just how thick is your face?”

Black Rock gripped his backpack nervously and exclaimed, “Just because of some little girl’s words, you dare to ask us for such valuable items so blatantly. What a good friend you are.”

“That’s right, we are not that close anyway.” Despite saying that, he willingly retracted his extended hands. An Enchantment Gemstone that carries Burn Damage was extremely rare. How was it possible that any of them would happen to have one so conveniently?

This was when a soft voice was coming out from the crowd.

“Why push it with the Enchantment Gemstone? We don’t even know whether you can manage with the current materials.”

“What did you say?!” Moonwaltz Rimbo had a sensitive pair of ears. She immediately pinpointed Qin Ruo as the one who had spoken but did not immediately recognize him.

“There are only two pairs of Firebreath Saltpeter and Ancient Darksteel here…” Qin Ruo paced slowly to the front of everyone and said, “Even though you are at Grandmaster level now, the chance of success is still too low. So it’s still too soon for you to think about Enchantment Gemstones at the current stage.”

“You…” She was pissed, not knowing that this person in front of him was the generous customer who had once provided her twenty opportunities to hone her Advanced Blacksmithing skill.

This was the first time Moonwaltz Rimbo met someone who doubted her ability. She was, no matter what, the first Blacksmith that had attained the Grandmaster Rank in the entire Angel Faction. Player usually came to her begging for her service. She had never encountered someone who questioned her success rate like Qin Ruo just did. Despite not at 100%, Grandmasters still had the highest probability of success as compared to other tiers.

“Brother Subjugator, is he your friend as well? Since he doesn’t trust me, why are you seeking my service? Hmph!”

Moonwaltz Rimbo tilted her head. She seemed no longer interested in the business given by Subjugator.

Subjugator was getting edgy. He gestured Qin Ruo with his eyes and secretly messaged him, asking him not to be too harsh with the little girl.

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Well, Qin Ruo completely ignored him and laughed instead. “I wouldn’t be here if we don’t have confidence in you, little girl. Not that I didn’t get a taste of your success rate before. Why the angry face?”

“What?”

Everyone else was baffled as well.

Moonwaltz Rimbo turned her face back around and reassessed Qin Ruo. If she was being honest to herself, she knew, deep down, that what Qin Ruo had just said was true. She did not succeed all the time, that was for sure. But being a reputable Grandmaster, it was hard not to get annoyed when someone doubted her skill.

When she heard that the person in front of her claimed that he had witnessed her workmanship before, she immediately threw him a suspicious look.

“I beg your pardon?”

“You have forgotten me this soon?” Qin Ruo purposely said in a sad tone, “What a heartless little lady.”

“…” Subjugator was speechless seeing Qin Ruo toying with the little girl like the teenager before this.

‘I didn’t know that… Captain is actually is a pedophile…’

Moonwaltz Rimbo thought that Qin Ruo’s voice was oddly familiar. She scratched the back of her head and thought hard looking at Qin Ruo’s face. “Any other clues?”

“Twenty Ancient Darksteel?”

“Ah!” She immediately recalled him once he said that. Pointing at Qin Ruo, Moonwaltz yelled in disbelief, “Scoundrel!”

Around the furnace, people were seen flinching.

***

“Captain, did… did you do something indecent to our little sister Moonwaltz?”

“Sigh. I’ve always thought that our captain is a loyal person that only loves Xiaoxiao. I never would have guessed you are this kind of person. Moonwaltz, you poor child.”

“No, that’s not what happened!” Moonwaltz Rimbo was embarrassed by Black Rock and others’ insensible teasing. She tried to explain but kept getting interrupted.

“Moonwaltz, don’t you try to defend him. Don’t be afraid, even if he is our captain, we will not be biased. Why don’t you be his junior wife? Ouch! Please don’t little sister. We are in the Safe Zone which forbids dueling. We will both be thrown into prison!”

Before Black Rock could avoid the incoming attack, another attack had pierced his fragile heart first. It was Qin Ruo’s voice, “Give me back my Despair Set.”

“Eh? Come on, I am just joking. Actually what I wanted to say is, usually nowadays those little girls are not exactly honest. When they say you are bad, they don’t actually mean it. It’s more unusual if they outright say that you are good. Right, captain? I actually think that the little girl likes you! Ouch! No… My little lady! Please put down the hammer. Let’s settle this by conversation and not confrontation. We are civilized people! Jeez!” Black Rock started to dodge up and down the smithy hall. He was being chased down by the red-faced Moonwaltz all over the place and keep on shouting innocence.

***

After the needless commotion, everyone finally got to know how Qin Ruo and Moonwaltz Rimbo had actually met.

They also finally understood why Moonwaltz called Qin Ruo a scoundrel. The nickname was derived from the fact that he owned the Villain Set.

The little girl bowed out of regret for calling him that.

“Brother Qin, I should not have called you a scoundrel. I am sorry, truly sorry. Can you please forgive me?” The little girl raised her small face to check out Qin Ruo’s reaction.

“Forgive you?” Qin Ruo did not forget to roll his eyes at Black Rock while questioning Moonwaltz back. But right after that, he had a glimpse at Dark Dragon who was still standing near the entrance as he was unsure whether he should approach them.

An idea came to Qin Ruo’s mind. His tone suddenly changed. “I will forgive you, if only you promise me one thing.”

“Ah?” Moonwaltz Rimbo stood up anxiously and asked hesitantly, “What will that be?”

“Join Fallen Angels.”

“What?” Moonwaltz Rimbo immediately shook her head vigorously. She explained, “Sorry, I can’t do that. My grandfather has set a rule. We will only mind our business and should never get involved with the conflict between Clans. We won’t make much money if we are dragged into endless politics.”

“You shape metal because of the money?” Qin Ruo exposed the little girl bluff straightforwardly.

“…” Moonwaltz was stunned. Her eyes darted left and right as she was flustered. She changed the subject. “Shape metal? We call that forging…”

“That’s not the point. Just answer me, do you agree to join my Clan or not? If yes, I will provide everything, including the Firebreath Saltpeter for you to play with. In future, whatever we got, it goes to you too. If not, all I need to do is just develop another Blacksmith from my Clan. Whatever Grade 2 or Grade 3 metal we came across in the future will have no business with you or your grandpa.” Qin Ruo raised three fingers in front of the hesitating Moonwaltz. “You have three seconds to decide.”

Subjugator was amazed by Qin Ruo carrot and stick approach.

‘Well played! Rare metals are Moonwaltz’s weakest spot. Qin Ruo saw through that instantly and utilized it against her! Slick!’

***

While Moonwaltz Rimbo was facing a tough dilemma, a young and sharp voice suddenly interjected from behind Qin Ruo and company, “Of course it’s a yes. Moony, isn’t the answer obvious?”

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