The Only Two Normal People
White Egret Mountain Ruins.
The morning sun is just rising.
It was warm and cozy.
Less than a hundred miles away, deep within the Thunder Swamp, lightning flashed and thunder roared.
Accompanied by Tianpeng's series of sharp calls.
The edge of White Egret Mountain.
Teams of people gathered Herb Gatherer lined both sides of the mountain path.
They were playing miniature suonas (traditional Chinese wind instruments).
To guide the spirits and monsters who came to offer their congratulations from all directions.
The sun climbed into the sky.
The summit of White Egret Mountain.
A dense multitude of spirits and monsters gathered together.
Compared to its previous state of ruins.
The place had already been renovated at Youpeng's request.
On the platform at the very top stands a statue of a roc with outstretched wings, ready to take flight.
Next came the rows of cave dwellings in the style of Peach Blossom Mountain.
Before the meeting even started.
The spirits present then invited three or five friends.
Enjoy the stunning scenery at the top and bottom of White Egret Mountain.
but.
The newly emerged Thunder Marsh Overlord clearly lacked patience.
She called out repeatedly from the mountaintop plaza.
Accompanied by that sound.
A terrifying thunderclap erupted from the depths of Thunder Swamp.
Strong winds also swept up the mountainside of White Egret Mountain.
The sightseeing spirits could only smile wryly as they hurried to the square.
A short while later.
Hundreds of spirits and monsters took their seats in the plaza at the top of the mountain.
Most of them are well-known figures in Peach Blossom Mountain.
They can come.
This illustrates the significance of the title "Thunder Marsh Overlord".
On the mountain road near the west side.
A black gust of wind flashed by.
The Herb Gatherer on either side seemed to want to stop him and ask his name.
Unfortunately, the other party came and went very quickly.
In the blink of an eye, they disappeared into the crowd.
"There are so many people here!"
"I just don't know how many people are truly concerned about Peach Blossom Mountain..."
"And how many of them have ulterior motives?"
A black wind swept into the crowd.
Finally, he sat down nonchalantly in an inconspicuous corner.
The monsters beside him glanced at him.
He then looked away without any interest.
In response to this.
' Black Wind Monster Ripley ' was very satisfied.
The Black Wind Monster is his identity as a spirit in Peach Blossom Mountain.
And Ripley.
That is his real name—
Ripley is a drow born on the Mystra Southern Continent.
However, during childhood.
He took advantage of the social unrest in Zhuoer to voluntarily leave the community.
After that, he wandered around the Southern Continent.
Ultimately, they earned a considerable reputation among the various factions near the south coast.
This was true at least before the Black Blood Soldier swept across the Southern Continent.
As a Ascension-grade wanderer.
Ripley has an exceptionally keen ability to assess the relative strengths of his allies and enemies.
So after Vilan and his party arrived in Mystra.
He then joined the White Wolf, the Fairy Lord, and others in burying their heads in the sand.
Subsequent events proved otherwise.
Ripley's strategy was very successful.
A wanderer of his caliber.
Even if the enemy deliberately causes him trouble.
It is also very difficult to find any trace of him.
During the time when Vilan ruled the Southern Continent.
Ripley has been very discreet in preserving his strength.
Unlike White Wolf and others.
He did not participate in the "Whale Leap Incident" because he sensed a danger far beyond his capabilities.
This seemingly weak decision also proved to be incredibly wise.
Ripley will never forget the sword strike that pierced the skull of the Whale Shark King by the Clear Spring Sect Master! As a Perception Upgrader.
That scene was etched deeply into his mind like a brand.
Whenever he closes his eyes.
He would involuntarily recall that shocking moment.
And when he opened his eyes...
The back is often soaked with sweat.
After that.
This Ascension-grade rogue has now added another survival rule to his repertoire—
"Never go against Roger!"
therefore.
This trip to Peach Blossom Mountain.
He was actually very resistant.
Alas...
He has been under the control of the Ether Witch for some time now!
Recalling the Ether Witch.
Ripley also felt a pang of bitterness.
That woman appeared out of nowhere.
Their methods are extremely sophisticated.
She not only forcefully approached Ripley.
He also revealed Ripley's long-hidden weakness.
This time.
Ripley could no longer maintain his principle of remaining aloof.
Under the coercion of the Ether Witch.
He reluctantly became the other party's follower.
The reason it was half-hearted was because they were reluctant.
It was because Ripley was still somewhat moved by the grand vision of the historical currents and the future that the Ether Witch had described when she found him.
If it weren't for the Ether Witch.
He had absolutely no idea about Historical World.
He had no idea what those people fighting outside were doing.
He'll just keep playing the coward card to the very end.
In a sense.
It was the Witch who ignited Ripley's deep-seated ambition.
When that ambition burns at its brightest.
He even had the urge to become the "God of Wanderers"!
However, this impulse only lasted for three seconds.
Because three seconds later.
Ripley was then informed.
The Witch's request for his assistance in this operation strongly suggests that he might encounter the sect leader of the Clear Spring Sect! The man who left a shadow in his heart.
Unless it is truly irresistible.
Ripley would never come here! It's just that compared to the shadow of the Clear Spring Sect Master...
The Witch's coercion was more direct.
therefore.
Under pressure.
He still came.
As a follower of the Witch.
They also serve as vassals of the Great Secret Realm Mythic+ players.
With the Witch's help.
After entering the Great Secret Realm.
Ripley then discovered that he had similar abilities to regular players.
The Black Wind Monster he chose was quite powerful among the many spirits and monsters of Peach Blossom Mountain.
In terms of status.
He is also an elder of "Eternal Joy Village".
His words carry weight.
Ripley is a decisive guy.
After the initial confusion and fear.
He quickly immersed himself in the world of Peach Blossom Mountain.
in this regard.
He did it flawlessly.
These days.
He has coldly observed many "outsiders" who were maliciously expelled because of their careless remarks.
He himself looks almost exactly like the Black Wind Monster from before.
camouflage.
For someone like him, who had just been promoted to Ascension-grade, this was a piece of cake.
Gradually.
He even began to enjoy the novel experience of the Great Secret Realm.
Although he was still worried that he might inadvertently offend Roger —after all, the Clear Spring Sect Master was known for being vengeful.
But that's the reality.
He could only tell himself:
"It was just assistance."
"Peach Blossom Mountain is so big..."
"I probably won't have a direct confrontation with that Sect Master..."
He wasn't just comforting himself in this way.
In terms of practical actions.
Ripley was also very careful.
After entering Peach Blossom Mountain.
He maintained only a minimal frequency of contact with the Ether Witch.
Then I did some basic intelligence work.
The rest of the time was spent slacking off.
For him.
The story of the "torrent of history" mentioned by the Ether Witch is certainly exciting.
But preserving your life is the most important thing.
Therefore, any event that could potentially lead to conflict.
He avoided them all!
This avoidance.
They've avoided it until now.
"Why..."
"I hope today will pass peacefully."
A corner of the square.
Despite his seemingly calm demeanor Black Wind Monster was actually experiencing immense inner turmoil.
This "emergency operational meeting" was initiated by Youpeng.
He didn't want to come at all.
But the village chief of Eternal Joy Village has gone mad for some reason.
He was specifically asked to attend the meeting of the Thunder Marsh Overlord as one of the representatives of Eternal Joy Village.
On the other side...
The Ether Witch, who had been silent for a long time, also issued a warning.
He must attend this meeting.
and.
The Witch also demanded that Ripley report the entire contents of the meeting to her! Given this drow's dangerous instincts...
Naturally, he sensed that this meeting was unusual.
Unfortunately, there are always times when you can't escape something.
final.
He had no choice but to bite the bullet and come to White Egret Mountain.
Out of dissatisfaction.
He arrived right on time.
"This Youpeng... seems to have a problem."
The Black Wind Monster sat down.
They then noticed the Dao Lord's unusual behavior.
The other person's eyes were very sharp.
And from the very beginning, he kept circling around everyone.
She seemed to be carefully scrutinizing all the visitors.
That kind of gaze is very unpleasant.
Ripley noted this.
Some of the spirits and monsters had already frowned.
"No, if they were outsiders like me, they wouldn't be so arrogant..."
Ripley's mind raced.
He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Then he started observing the other people.
But at this very moment...
The impatient owner spoke up.
She spoke quickly, "Peach Blossom Mountain has been very unsettled lately."
"Fortunately, I have Raize firmly under my control."
"I've heard that everyone has encountered some difficulties... The brothers of Peach Blossom Mountain have always been of one heart and one mind, so why don't we sit down and have a good talk, and hopefully we can resolve the problems as soon as possible!"
"Of course... although I have taken control of Leize, I am still young and may not be able to win people's hearts. Therefore, the next meeting will be chaired by Master Xile of the Four Symbols Temple."
As he spoke.
Her gaze then fell upon the Iron-Eating Beast clan beside her.
Among the Iron-Eating Beast.
An elderly man with clasped hands and a kind face slowly walked out. "Thunder Lord are too modest."
"Four Symbols Temple and Jade Ring Mountain have not participated in Peach Blossom Mountain's internal affairs for hundreds of years. Logically speaking, I should not break the rules."
"But..."
"I do have a few important matters I'd like to discuss with you all..."
This Master Xile has excellent oratory skills.
A few words were enough to put the crowd at ease.
The square gradually quieted down.
Ripley frowned slightly.
Joy is a powerful, Iron-Eating Beast ascetic monk.
It is said that it is responsible for guarding the Fiend Demon's Heart on ordinary days.
For hundreds of years, they have never left that "Land of Earth Extinction".
Now he's back in action.
Could it be...
"Could it be that the Four Symbols Temple wants to interfere in the internal affairs of Peach Blossom Mountain again?"
"This is not good news for the Mantis Demon..."
Ripley silently made a mental note of it.
However, this was followed by Master Xile speaking.
He is now completely relaxed.
It looked like an ordinary meeting.
The newborn Youpeng wants to prove himself.
They secretly allied with the equally restless Four Symbols Temple.
This is an internal matter of Peach Blossom Mountain.
Internal strife might even erupt.
It didn't matter to him.
Thinking about this...
He couldn't help but cross his legs.
Get ready for a good show.
"... Let's get back to the main topic."
first.
I would like to first appeal to all my colleagues on behalf of Four Symbols Temple and Jade Ring Mountain.
The Mantis Demon ' attacks have become increasingly fierce recently.
The battle Jade Ring Mountain is becoming increasingly intense.
The Iron-Eating Beast clan alone might not be able to hold out.
Even Zhu Lianlian, the number one expert of our clan, was injured..."
On stage.
Master Xile, with a sorrowful expression, complained to the spirits from various forces below.
The words fell.
Before anyone else could even speak...
Suddenly, Youpeng shouted sharply, "We must provide assistance!"
"As I just said, we brothers should be of one heart and one mind. How can we let the Iron-Eating Beast clan resist the Mantis Demon?"
"Everyone needs to get moving!"
"I, Lei Ze, will be the first to send troops; the other forces naturally cannot be negligent!"
Her voice was short and sharp.
It makes people feel uncomfortable all over.
But no matter what.
Youpeng's intense voice had already echoed throughout White Egret Mountain.
Upon hearing this...
Ripley almost burst out laughing! This young phoenix.
That's hilarious!
Does she really think that by using the prestige of her ancestors to wipe out Lei Ze, she can use the same method to deal with other forces?
Not to mention the complex and intertwined relationships of hatred among the various factions in Peach Blossom Mountain.
Speaking of the current situation...
Ripley was calmly reasoning and analyzing in his mind!
A wave of enthusiasm erupted in the square over there!
Listening to the voices of the crowd.
The Black Wind Monster couldn't help but show an incredulous expression.
"We must provide aid!"
"I, Yougu, will be second! Eight Hundred Flower Demons are ready at any time!"
That is the Flower Immortal in the secluded valley.
If Ripley remembers correctly.
This guy is the one who attacked Youpeng's mother.
He then became withdrawn for many years afterward.
This guy and Youpeng must be mortal enemies, right?
She was the first to respond? Ripley was a little confused!...
"That makes sense!"
"We're all brothers!"
"How could we just stand by and watch the Iron-Eating Beast bleed to death?"
This is Dragon Tongue Beast from Tianhu Lake.
The Black Wind Monster smacked its lips.
He vaguely remembered.
The water demon of Tianhu Lake has always been at odds with the Iron-Eating Beast.
They always believed that the mountain fox and the Mantis Demon had been driven away.
The water demons of Tianhu Lake are the largest clan in Peach Blossom Mountain.
However, the internal factions within the water demons are far too complex.
This gave the Iron-Eating Beast an opportunity to take advantage.
Logically speaking...
The water sprites were just hoping all the Iron-Eating Beast would die! Ripley was increasingly confused.
"I second that! I second that!"
"It's time to let them taste the magic treasure of Eternal Joy Village!"
have to.
Another elder from Eternal Joy Village also spoke with great enthusiasm.
Ripley was completely dumbfounded.
But on the square...
The spirits and monsters were filled with excitement.
It was as if the dispute that had lasted for many years had vanished into thin air.
This scene of shared hatred and indignation...
This completely contradicts Ripley's understanding! One could be swept up in the crowd.
When other people's eyes fell on him.
He could only shout loudly, bracing himself for the worst:
I second that!
"We must provide aid!"
"We're all brothers..."
After a rather passionate declaration.
Many of the bigwigs present expressed their opinions.
Master Xile looked pleased.
In a short time.
The guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.
That concludes the discussion.
All the forces in Peach Blossom Mountain, led by Raize, have confirmed the specific details of reinforcing Jade Ring Mountain! This instantly made the previously leisurely Ripley serious.
He sensed something was amiss.
"Could it be that these guys had been secretly in contact all along?"
"That's not right..."
"We hadn't heard a single word about it before..."
Ripley felt a bit of a headache.
If Peach Blossom Mountain is truly united as one.
The pressure on the Mantis Demon faction on the Jade Ring Mountain battlefield will inevitably increase sharply.
At that time, it won't just be the Ether Witch, the new Mantis Queen, who will be in trouble.
He, as an inside man, probably won't be able to escape unscathed either!
This thought came to mind.
Ripley then began to observe the expressions of the important figures with some unease.
They appeared perfectly normal.
It was just a little bit more about the excitement of reaching a consensus.
While Ripley was calmly observing...
Master Xile spread his hands.
Press down.
The noisy square fell silent instantly.
That moment.
Ripley's unease intensified!
But then Master Xile gently said:...
"Next is the second topic—"
There have been rumors recently.
Celestial Devil Invasion Peach Blossom Mountain!
I must clarify something here...
According to our investigation at Four Symbols Temple.
There is no such thing as a Heavenly Demon! This is probably a rumor spread by the Fiend Demon Hu Li!
Please do not believe this!
Master Xile's voice seemed to carry a calming power.
At the beginning.
Among the spirits and monsters, some voiced their objections.
It can happen very quickly.
Everyone nodded involuntarily.
"There are no Heavenly Demons!"
"Repeat it!"
"There are no Heavenly Demons!"
They said it with a smile.
Looking at the people around me, they smiled and confirmed this information.
Ripley found it increasingly absurd!
How could there be no demons?! In the past few days, he has seen countless grass snakes, white rats, gray swallows and other monsters being beaten to death by the villagers in Eternal Joy Village!
Such an unusual phenomenon.
It is very similar to the "Demonic Possession" legend of Peach Blossom Mountain.
That's why he hid it so carefully! But these people...
Do you really believe there are no Heavenly Demons?
this.
How is that possible?
Thinking about this...
Ripley looked at the "Master Xile" with a hint of fear in his eyes.
This monk is definitely not normal!
That young roc was most likely bewitched too! The rest...
Before Ripley could finish thinking...
Everyone in front has made their statement.
Suddenly.
All eyes were on Ripley!
That moment.
Ripley felt even worse.
But as a Ascension-grade wanderer.
His thinking remained clear.
He knew he had to do something.
This thought came to mind.
Ripley controls the Black Wind Monster.
He stood up in full view of everyone and said, "Well, I think... it's too hasty to draw conclusions now."
"Some strange things have been happening in Eternal Joy Village lately..."
"Master Xile doesn't have direct evidence to prove that the Heavenly Demon doesn't exist, does he?"
I managed to finish saying all that.
His gaze swept back and forth across the crowd.
Try to find allies who support you.
What chilled Ripley to the bone was...
Everyone looked at him with astonishment!
They were looking at me like I was an alien! Oh no.
Ripley knew something was wrong.
The next second.
Then the Master Xile asked with a smile, "Oh? You object to 'no heavenly demons'?"
"This is strange..."
"Could it be..."
"You are the Heavenly Demon!?"
Speaking of the last sentence.
His voice suddenly rose a notch.
That moment.
Everyone looked at Ripley with questioning and suspicion! His soul felt as if it were being slashed by knives!
"No..."
"No..."
Black Wind Monster explained dejectedly.
He knew he was in trouble!
Think about it carefully.
These people in the Great Secret Realm are not necessarily all truly wholesome souls.
Their ideas are inherently difficult to measure using normal thinking.
I was a bit too reckless!
Ripley sighed inwardly.
But the next moment.
Master Xile nodded easily. "You said 'no,' so you also agree that 'there is no Heavenly Demon'?"
The Black Wind Monster was slightly taken aback.
Immediately.
He answered with ecstatic joy, as if he had touched upon the true meaning of this world. "There are no Heavenly Demons!"
"Repeat it!"
"There are no Heavenly Demons!"
In an instant.
The tsunami-like pressure vanished without a trace.
Smiles returned to everyone's faces.
Their eyes were also gentle and friendly.
It's as if everything that just happened never occurred!...
"The mechanics of this Great Secret Realm are... truly bizarre!"
Ripley thought to himself, having narrowly escaped death.
"However, one thing is certain."
"Their intelligence isn't very high..."
He felt he had mastered the operating rules of the Great Secret Realm!
The deathly silence in my heart gradually began to stir with joy.
then.
In the following statement.
He seconded all of them.
really.
No one made things difficult for him anymore.
Everyone was having a great time together.
Peach Blossom Mountain seemed to be united as never before.
Ripley watched coldly from the sidelines.
Although I don't know exactly what happened.
But now he suspects he's involved in a "major event" being forcibly propelled by the World Will! He has experience with such events.
Ripley had encountered something similar with the Ether Witch in the "Fire Vortex".
He speculated.
The addition of the Ether Witch may have put too much pressure on the Mantis Demon faction.
The will of the Great Secret Realm forcefully propelled the various factions of Peach Blossom Mountain to unite.
This is to achieve a certain delicate balance.
"This is bad for the Witch and Hu Li..."
"On the contrary, it is an opportunity."
Ripley thought calmly.
It was at this moment.
The amiable Master Xile on stage spoke again:
"Now, let's move on to the most important topic of this meeting!"
"... The legendary Golden Carp!"
These words were spoken.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the square.
Ripley held his breath in anticipation.
He became increasingly excited.
He knew.
The next piece of information is even more important to the Witch! Because it concerns the ownership of the Great Secret Realm!...
"As long as I pass this information on to the Witch, she should be very satisfied, and my mission will be complete..."
"Call."
"It's good that I didn't run into Roger."
The Black Wind Monster let out a long sigh of relief.
He looked at the stage with anticipation.
Master Xile resorted to his old tricks again.
They lowered their voices.
The Black Wind Monster pricked up its ears.
But at that very moment...
Suddenly someone gently patted him on the shoulder.
Immediately afterwards.
A voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz sounded in his ear:
"They've all gone mad."
"Brother Hei..."
"We're probably the only two normal people here!!!"