Chapter 52: A Washboard From a Hundred Years Ago

“Server-wide announcement (China Region): The player [Lone Ranger] has consigned the item [Guild Founding Token] for auction at the auction house. Players interested in bidding may purchase entry qualifications at the auction management office in secondary major city zones. The auction is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM on May 9.”

“Server-wide announcement: …”

“Server-wide announcement: …”

The world’s first Guild Founding Token had been listed for consignment, and the system gave it due recognition by issuing a full-server announcement across the China Region.

All players in the China Region were informed immediately.

“Lone Ranger got the Guild Founding Token and isn’t using it himself?”

“Given Lone Ranger’s current reputation, if he created a guild, tons of players would definitely flock to join. It might even become a major guild.”

“Obviously! Just his individual strength is enough to attract countless followers.”

“Five years from now marks the thirty-year prophecy deadline—I hope Lone Ranger can grow strong enough to protect the world.”

Most players praised his actions, though there were still some who harshly criticized Jiang Chen.

“Heh, Lone Ranger clearly lacks any patriotic spirit. If he truly loved his country, he should’ve donated the Guild Founding Token to China instead of auctioning it. So selfish—no matter how strong he becomes, he won’t be a blessing for humanity.”

“Exactly. All he cares about is his own power. He never shared how to find the transition map boss, wasting the time of tens of billions of China players. How can someone like that be a world protector?”

“Anyone with a mindset of individual heroism contradicts China’s collectivist ideals. Lone Ranger should deeply reflect on his mistakes.”

Although many were bashing Jiang Chen just for the sake of it, their voices were quickly drowned out by other netizens.

“Lone Ranger brought benefits to millions in Green Valley Town and is now defending China’s dignity—and you dare slander him?!”

“Some people have been kneeling so long, they don’t know how to stand anymore. Forget them—they’re just trash.”

“What Lone Ranger has done is more than enough. Without him, we’d still be getting mocked by Korea on the forums. I just want to say: Thank you, Lone Ranger. You’ve made it possible for me to proudly say to the world: I am from China.”

“It’s because of parasites like you that China gets ridiculed by tiny nations like Korea. Don’t you feel ashamed?!”

…

Wilderness Ruins.

A mage player wielding a high-tier staff was farming a group of wild monsters using skills—this was none other than the player known throughout China Region as the “God of Magic”, Han Gongque.

“Guild Master, Lone Ranger’s actually putting the Guild Founding Token up for sale!” exclaimed a guild elite beside him.

Han Gongque fell into thought after killing the monsters.

“I heard that Lone Ranger used to sell gear back in the newbie village. Looks like he’s just a lone wolf player who isn’t wealthy. The token doesn’t serve much purpose in his hands—it’s understandable he’d consign it.”

“So, should we participate?”

“We can try, but I think it’ll be tough. You go to the auction tomorrow, bring three billion in funds.”

After speaking, Han Gongque went back to leveling.

The whole world knew about the Guild Founding Token. The competition was fierce, likely with interference from the national zone too, making it even harder. Rather than joining the chaos, better to use the time to grind levels.

…

Kyoto Level 1 Safe Zone.

At the top floor of the Liu Corporation building, ** was in a meeting when his private phone rang.

He calmly answered, “I’m in a meeting right now. If it’s not urgent, talk later.”

He was about to hang up when a panicked voice spoke from the other end.

“Dad, wait! Don’t hang up yet—transfer another ten billion to me.”

“Ten billion?!”

** was furious.

“The server’s only been open a couple of days and you’ve already spent ten billion?! Do you think money grows on trees?”

“Do you even know how much it costs annually just to reside in a level 1 Safe Zone? I’m breaking my back managing all this every day. If I collapse one day, you brat can go sleep in the slums!”

“….”

Thinking back on the ten billion used during the early server phase, Liu Jiannan was full of grievance. It sounded like a lot, but it burned faster than running water.

Add in getting scammed by that bastard Lone Ranger several times—buying equipment, pacifying subordinates, recruiting experts—it all added up fast. The ten billion was gone before he even realized it.

Trying to calm his father, Liu Jiannan quickly explained: “Dad, you haven’t played Hope World, so you don’t know what it’s like. The whole world is pouring money into it—ten billion doesn’t even make a splash.”

“Besides, I need the money to secure the world’s first Guild Founding Token. If we get it, the Chaoge Guild will skyrocket. With that control over resources, we can dominate every other guild.”

“Surely I don’t need to spell out the future benefits, right, Dad?”

** frowned. His son wasn’t completely wrong. In these uncertain times, Hope World had become humanity’s greatest hope. If not for his responsibilities managing real-world industries, he himself would’ve wanted to dive into that world.

He had only just heard about the Guild Founding Token, but he was well aware of its value. Getting it would indeed be a major win. But could it really be that easy?

“Dad, if you don’t say anything, I’m just gonna ask Mom instead.”

**’s eyelids twitched violently.

“Your mom’s money is my money! You little brat—trying to scam your dad by going around in circles?!”

“Now, now, Dad—don’t put it like that. Oh, by the way, I recently got my hands on a 150-year-old washboard. I was thinking of letting Mom have a look at it…”

“Ahem, fine—ten billion it is. But your mom’s not in a good mood lately, so don’t go bothering her.”

“Yes, Dad.”