The third server-wide announcement immediately set the players buzzing.
Although Brother Fa had already revealed on the forums that the closed beta was coming soon, and had even asked players to fill out a feedback form, judging by the update schedule for True Otherworld, most people thought the closed beta wouldn't arrive for at least another month or two. No one had expected the usually laid-back development team to move this fast.
Most players welcomed the news and looked forward to it. After all, the new Dark Mountains map had opened, the prerequisite quests for the Black Calamity were done, and even the reputations for the Blackflame Stronghold and Blood Pact Clan were available. It was obvious that something big was in the works.
Everyone was ready for it.
But for some players who weren't exactly ordinary, the news had come as a bit of a shock.
The moment Old Qin saw the update announcement, his eyes narrowed. The newly minted "Meat Grinder Major" sprang into action almost at once. He soon found Cat Brother outside a bunker, where players were milling about in small groups. Cat Brother was about to return some equipment, so Old Qin walked up, patted him on the shoulder, and said quietly:
"Cat Brother, come with me. I've got something to ask you."
"Oh, sure."
Cat Brother had maxed out his combat talent, but he wasn't some crude, brutish guy.
In fact, he was the well-brought-up sort, and he had great respect for elders like Master Qin.
At Master Qin's call, he immediately handed the weapons Cold Night and Wam's Headsman to his buddies, asking them to return them for him.
Once they'd reached a secluded spot, Master Qin looked around, took off his Orb of Computation, and switched it off. He gestured for Cat