Adventure World Online (AWO)

Peach Blossom invited Chang Long to walk arm in arm, browsing through the handful of shops set up by merchant players. Most of these shops were associated with small hotels run by players in the merchant profession. These hotels functioned similarly to tents or shelters but were exclusively sold to merchant players, offering special features like hotel management options. Peach Blossom mostly dragged Chang Long to jewelry shops since she had a great passion for collecting accessories.

"Here, Peach Blossom, this is for you,"

Chang Long said, handing over a matching bracelet and earrings set to Peach Blossom, who looked at them with sparkling eyes.

"Are you really giving this to me?"

Peach Blossom asked excitedly, admiring the jewelry in Chang Long's hands but hesitant to take them.

"Yes, but you have to promise to stop throwing tantrums and acting out. You're beautiful, you know, but all that beauty fades when you act spoiled and angry all the time,"

Chang Long replied with a smile. That smile caused Peach Blossom's heart to skip a beat. Though it was gentle, something about the atmosphere around Chang Long made it feel like a smile of a reaper.

"Do you promise? And just so you know, if you behave well, you might get more of these from us. We found a lot of them from the Cave of a Million,"

Chang Long added, pushing the jewelry closer to Peach Blossom, making her want to grab them desperately.

"Alright, I promise. I'll be good and won't throw any more tantrums for no reason,"

Peach Blossom finally agreed. Chang Long placed the three pieces of jewelry into Peach Blossom's hands, causing the young girl to beam with joy—not just because she received beautiful accessories, but because they came from Chang Long. In her excitement, Peach Blossom jumped to hug Chang Long, but they were interrupted by a small voice.

"That's enough, you're squishing me,"

Anya floated out from Chang Long's body like a spirit, her small black wings fluttering as she flew, scattering sparkling silver dust from the tips of her wings.

"Anya!"

Peach Blossom exclaimed, a bit startled since she had not seen Anya since separating from Chang Long.

"It's me. You should show some restraint. Chang Long is the Reaper King now,"

Anya said in a reprimanding tone. The others in the group perked up when they heard Anya's words.

"Reaper... King?"

Peach Blossom repeated, confused by what the title meant but sensing that it was something very important—after all, it carried the word king.

"A-are you saying you've completed the Reaper King quest, master!"

Kimhant, who was about to report on the ship rental, asked excitedly. The duo Oliang and Wet Trash Can, along with Draco, Rafael, and Siegfried, all showed signs of excitement. Even those who tagged along later and did not fully understand the significance of what was being discussed were swept up in excitement.

"Uh-huh, thanks to that guy. Don't worry, I'll repay him thoroughly!"

Chang Long responded, her voice almost a whisper, but everyone heard it clearly. The chill that followed sent shivers down their spines. Anya, annoyed by the stares, returned to being embroidery on Chang Long's outfit as usual.

.....

"Uh... the ship is ready. Shall we depart now, master?"

Kimhant swiftly changed the subject.

"Good. Lead the way,"

Chang Long replied. Kimhant, relieved, began leading them toward the ship. It seemed that whenever Chang Long mentioned the mysterious person responsible for her beaten state and Kitsune's death, her mood was on the verge of exploding.

Everyone gradually boarded the ship, including the confused group of Four Tao and the couple, Ten and Fahsai. TaoKaowNian grabbed Hero's arm, asking with uncertainty,

"Where are we even going?"

"To Kirisakura City,"

Hero answered casually, in contrast to his friends, who seemed agitated about boarding the Maritime Association's ship for the first time.

"Why? Weren't you supposed to take White Tiger and Fahsai to change to the Sniper profession?"

TaoHuayNomSod asked in shock, not expecting Hero and Jane to actually follow Chang Long's group.

"Jane already told you that these two aren't suited for the Sniper profession. But hey, think about it while we travel with them. If by then they still haven't changed their minds, we'll help them become Snipers,"

Hero smiled nonchalantly and made his way onto the ship.

"Wait, Hero. I have another question,"

TaoHuYee called out to Hero again, looking like he was dying to ask something.

"What is it?"

Hero turned, starting to show a bit of irritation.

"It's just... that Chang Long person, is their name Chang Long or master? I hear some people calling them Chang Long, and others call them 'master,' and I'm confused,"

TaoHuYee scratched his head as he asked.

"It is Chang Long. Kimhant calls her 'Master' because he's basically her lackey. But trust me, he's not to be pitied. You should be jealous of him for getting to travel everywhere with Chang Long,"

Hero explained before quickly heading up the ship, giving no room for more questions. The Four Tao hurriedly followed, afraid of being left behind.

The ship unanchored and set sail into the dark, peaceful night. The cool and tranquil atmosphere accompanied their journey towards Suvarn Port City on Aseana Island. Afterward, they would hasten their journey to Kirisakura City, seeking out the Fox Valley and the shrine of Inari God. First day of the seven they had was already gone. Whether Chang Long would find the shrine in time and successfully complete Kitsune's rebirth as a pure-blooded Sacred Beast was now in her hands—and those of her friends who had come to help...

.....

The ship that Chang Long's group rented docked at Suvarn Port City the next morning. Everyone quickly disembarked, ate a hurried breakfast, and immediately set off again. It was clear that this journey was even more urgent than their previous trek from the Starting Town to the port. The ones struggling the most were White Tiger and his girlfriend, Fahsai, who were both only level thirty, with minimal speed and mobility skills.

Cat-Faced Angel made use of her stubborn zebra, Sara. Although it often liked to stop and lazily munch on grass by the roadside, this time she dangled a can of soft grass in front of it, tying it to the end of a long stick. With Sara now constantly chasing the can, the issue of its grazing along the way was finally solved.

Draco summoned his favorite pet, Firetail, a rare fire dragon beast, and let Peach Blossom ride it since she was slower than the rest. The sight of Firetail left the Four Tao, Destiny, and Cat-Faced Angel stunned. Not only was it a rare monster, but it also seemed to have evolved twice already.

Jane and Hero told their friends not to worry about keeping up, knowing full well that White Tiger and Fahsai would never be able to match their pace. Moreover, pushing themselves too hard would only tire them out unnecessarily. Jane suggested that they take their time and meet up at Kirisakura City instead. The Four Tao had no choice but to agree, even though they were dying to follow Chang Long's group. They knew whatever mission this powerful group of players was on would be anything but ordinary.

However, they had two new players, White Tiger and Fahsai, who had just reached level 30. Their Swift Movement skill had not even reached level 10, which was considered difficult to level up—on par with the loyalty of pets. Chang Long had discovered the truth behind this skill early on in the game. From the moment she set foot in the game, she had to constantly run for her life from various snake beasts, which caused her Swift Movement skill to skyrocket. She realized that the key to leveling this skill was simply running over extended periods. However, as the level increased, it required even more running to raise the skill further.

Resigned to their slower pace, the Four Tao switched back to a speed that White Tiger and Fahsai could manage. Meanwhile, Chang Long's group quickly disappeared from sight. The Four Tao could only sigh in frustration, wondering when they would be able to travel as swiftly as the wind like them.

The journey to Kirisakura City took another full day. They reached the city by the afternoon of the next day and immediately began heading north. A vast snowy plain came into view. This desolate tundra was home to beasts camouflaging in the snow, such as yetis, snowmen, and Yuki-onna, who still haunted Wet Trash Can with their terrifying presence. There were also snow owls, reindeer, and occasionally, if one was unlucky—or lucky, depending on perspective—a pack of regal but deadly wolves.

Beyond the snowy plain to the east lay a forest of pine trees, also blanketed in snow. It appeared quiet, eerie, and slightly menacing. Without hesitation, Chang Long's group ventured into the snow-covered pine forest. There, snowmen, snow owls, and red-eyed snow rabbits occasionally ambushed them. The path was winding and labyrinthine, and it took several loops before they finally found what was called the Fox Valley.

The Fox Valley was hidden deep within the forest, concealed by rocks and pine trees. When they finally reached the valley, all they saw was a sea of white snow, scattered rocks of various sizes, and more pine trees. There was no sign of any life.

"I thought we'd see foxes everywhere!"

Oliang grumbled in disappointment as he scanned the area, finding not a single fox, despite this place being called Fox Valley.

"Come on, we're only at the entrance. Maybe we'll find them deeper inside,"

Draco suggested. With that hope, everyone continued walking further into the valley, hoping to finally spot a fox or two.

But as they ventured deeper, no one saw a single fox. Instead, they felt numerous eyes constantly watching their every step. The group decided to split up and explore the winding paths to search for the shrine of Inari, thinking the foxes might be gathered there.

After hours of searching, their efforts were in vain. Whether they looked behind rocks or through dense foliage, none of them found the shrine. Another day had passed with no progress. By twilight, they gathered around a campfire, sharing what they had discovered. Everyone mentioned feeling mysterious eyes following them no matter where they went.

"It has to be ghosts. I'm telling you!"

Wet Trash Can said, terrified. Despite encountering Chang Long's ghosts often, he never quite got used to them.

"Ghosts? Come on, Wet Trash Can! You're overthinking it. Maybe it's just some beast that is really good at camouflaging,"

Peach Blossom replied, unconcerned, though she held onto her brother's arm a bit tighter.

"I think we should sleep early. With just three days left, things might get crazy. We've come here in a big group, and we still haven't found Inari's shrine,"

Oliang suggested.

"Or maybe… there's a specific condition for finding the shrine. Like a particular time or ritual we have to follow?"

Destiny proposed.

"That's a good point. Just like how you can only meet Goddess Veritas at the Sacred Water Pond on the Starting Island by tossing a coin on a full moon night. Maybe there's also a condition to finding Inari's shrine."

Siegfried said. The others, except for Chang Long, looked at Siegfried with excitement.

"Really? I had no idea. In fact, I've never even seen the Sacred Water Pond!"

Destiny exclaimed.

Of course, very few players knew about the pond. Despite the beauty of Doi Buppha, which had hundreds of flowers, the path leading there was swarmed with snake beasts of varying levels, discouraging most players from visiting. That was why the western gate of the Starting City was always so deserted.

"I think we should get some rest. We still have to search for Inari shrine tomorrow,"

Jane suggested cheerfully.

"But I think something feels off here. We haven't seen a single fox since arrived, and I keep feeling like we're being watched. I don't think I'll be able to sleep."

Peach Blossom hugged her brother's arm even tighter, nervously glancing into the surrounding darkness.

"Come on, Peach Blossom, you can sleep next to me,"

Chang Long beckoned her over as she pulled out the tent she had won from the raffle with Destiny and Cat-Faced Angel. She had never used it before and was not sure how big it would be. After searching for a suitable spot for a few moments, she found a space just the right size, not far from the campfire. She placed the small tent on the ground, waiting for it to expand.

The tent quickly grew in size. It was not much larger than the regular ones sold in stores. The tent was pristine white, trimmed with gold ribbons. There was a small rain shelter above the entrance and cute pink flower pots hanging on either side. The tent's top was adorned with a golden spire about a meter long, ending in a five-pointed star.

Everyone asked to take a look inside, curious if the interior would be as elegant as the exterior. At first, they were hesitant, worrying that if they all crowded inside, the tent might collapse. But as they stepped through the entrance, they were amazed to find the inside was far more spacious than it appeared from the outside. There was a circular living room with three plush sofas in front, a round table with five chairs next to it, and a hallway leading to four bedrooms. At the far end was a luxurious bathroom. Each bedroom had two single beds placed in opposite corners.

"It's bigger than I thought!"

Chang Long exclaimed.

"It's like a portable house!"

Wet Trash Can said, clearly impressed with the tent.

"If it's divided into rooms like this, feel free to stay here tonight,"

Chang Long offered, prompting her friends to excitedly rush in to claim their rooms.

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