Chapter 5: All that glitters is not gold.

Considering the optional task one, the newcomers also understand that they may truly need to save their lives in order to significantly enhance their favorability and gain tangible benefits

It is said that Zhu Hao followed Gao Xu from a distance, watching him appreciate flowers and admire objects, to the point of nearly being driven to madness.

Indeed, the scenery of Linjiabao is quite beautiful, and the utensils are luxurious and exquisite. However, you don't need to behave this way, do you? Going through each item and touching them as if it were an antique exhibition

Oh, this is a rare opportunity. Taking advantage of this kid getting into trouble and being unable to extricate himself, I should quickly head over to the training ground to take a look. I believe I can still make it back in time. Upon witnessing this scene, Zhu Hao immediately burst into laughter, his figure turning as he swiftly used his lightness skill to dash away.

Strangely enough, after a grand banquet, the spirited crowd should have headed straight to the Hidden Dragon Cave, yet Lin Tiannan instructed everyone to take a break for the time being, to rest and regain their strength before setting off again

Even the most naive newcomers are aware that there must be something amiss, and they all turn their gaze towards the experienced individuals

Ah, another kind-hearted person from the realm! The newcomers were overjoyed and hurriedly followed Xu Lang and the others. After a round of conversation, several articulate newcomers immediately received notifications indicating that their favorability had increased. Even though there had been some initial doubts, those feelings had now vanished without a trace.

After six hours of rest activities, it was impossible to only converse indoors. Gao Xu, after surveying the furnishings in the hall, was the first to push open the door and step into the back garden of the Lin family estate

As soon as other thoughts arose, Zhu Hao's heart felt as if it were being scratched by a cat's paw, but Tang Mei'er maintained strict control. If discovered disobeying orders, the consequences would be quite severe

Although there is inevitably some disappointment, the seeds of hope have been unknowingly sown. The three experienced individuals silently observed, their eyes flashing with a peculiar brilliance.

After hearing Lin Tiannan's plan, the newcomers began to harbor a glimmer of hope for the success of the demon-slaying operation. With their minds becoming more agile, they couldn't help but glance at the available tasks.

The leader is still being too cautious; look at this kid's fervent demeanor, how could anything go wrong? With this time, it would be better to observe the sword techniques of the Lin family disciples at the training ground within the fortress. If one could comprehend even a move or two, that would be a C-level skill, which would be quite a gain, after all, such opportunities are rare.

This person is undoubtedly a history enthusiast, Gao Xu. Just look at his demeanor; Qin Guang and Zhu Hao cannot help but display expressions of disdain, and even Tang Mei'er, after glancing at him a few times, no longer pays attention.

These death flags are extremely outrageous, even if a character was originally not meant to die, once they utter these words, it is unfortunate; disaster comes from the mouth, comrade

Zhu Hao was unaware that as soon as he left, Gao Xu casually glanced over here and quietly sighed, "Tang Meier indeed sent Zhu Hao here. Little does she know that while a useless subordinate is easy to control, a mindless individual can be quite troublesome when they cause trouble!"

Tang Meier displayed a soft expression, wanting to speak, but was interrupted by Qin Guang's cough. It was Zhu Hao, who remained stoic and silent, that finally spoke: "Consider optional task one; it has already indicated that gaining the favor of the storyline characters will provide guidance. Don't you understand this spare time? However, the difficulty involved, hm, you'll know once you try. Brother Qin's silence is also for your own good, to prevent you from being left with mere empty joy"

Boss, this time our luck is quite good! Among the newcomers, there are no troublemakers, yet most of them are very greedy. Hey, this bait is sure to catch them! Seeing the newcomers going about their own business and no longer paying attention here, Qin Guang let out a sigh of relief and excitedly began to chatter in the channel.

However, as soon as Xu Lang and these three characters in the plot opened their mouths, it was a blatant death flag! What a letdown, is this for real?

It is exhausting for my subordinates to pretend to be experts, Tang Meier's tone softened a bit: "Precisely because of this, we must be more cautious! Do not forget, we are responsible for guiding the newcomers. If they all perish, the penalties for failing the mission will be significant, and we cannot afford a second failure"

The so-called death flag refers to certain phrases commonly spoken by characters in films and television dramas just before they are about to die. For example: "After this battle, I will return home to get married," "My child is about to be born, or tomorrow is my child's birthday," "You all go ahead, I'll take care of this here," "Once this matter is done, I will wash my hands of it and retire from the world," "There is a criminal among us, how can we possibly sleep together? I am going back to my room!"

Qin Guang, considering the considerable penalties, could not help but look grim. After much hesitation, he cautiously asked, "Boss, is it really worth it for us to do this? What if that item doesn't fall? Wouldn't that be a huge loss?"

However, it was unclear what he had said. A seemingly high-ranking maid glanced at the fragments on the ground, maintained a stern expression, and led him out of the back garden. The demeanor was clearly indicative of impending compensation and punishment

"Zhu Hao, follow him!" Tang Meier's gaze flickered as she looked at Zhu Hao, giving him a subtle signal with her eyes

This break lasted for six hours

In this fragrant garden filled with birdsong and blooming flowers, clusters of vibrant blossoms abound, with peonies competing in beauty, exuding unparalleled opulence, leaving Gao Xu in awe and entranced.

"Hmph, fortune lies in danger; where in this world is there a one hundred percent guarantee?" Tang Meier shot a cold and piercing glance at Qin Guang, causing him to shiver and feel a pang of regret before he continued, "Do you think I prepared the treasure bell for nothing? As long as there are no unforeseen circumstances, I have an eighty percent confidence of success; this is already the utmost limit of what can be achieved... Before long, I, Tang Meier, will become a formidable figure in the limelight. At that time... I will ensure that that fraud dies without a burial place!"

Boss, why waste time on this kid? It's obvious he's a loser, and he's probably the first one to feed the snakes! After being silent for a long time, Zhu Hao began to complain in the team channel. Although he had a good appearance, he was a case of "all show and no substance." Once he opened his mouth, it was likely to cause trouble. Therefore, before entering the world, Tang Meier strictly ordered him not to speak too much. Aside from the necessary lines, he only needed to maintain a taciturn demeanor.

However, what Zhu Hao said is indeed true. Even if a newcomer with the best eloquence flatters and praises with flowery words, it only raises the favorability by a few points, at most making the attitude of the characters in the story slightly warmer, which is still a far cry from providing guidance.

The last sentence generally appears in the worlds of Conan and Kindaichi

Thus, the glimmers of hope that had just emerged were ruthlessly extinguished by the death flag, leaving the newcomers with tear-filled eyes. Yet, they were astonished to find that the veterans seemed utterly unconcerned, continuing to engage in lively conversation with the three narrative characters, nurturing their relationships

Just when he was in a dilemma, Gao Xu, perhaps too excited, accidentally knocked a vase to the ground, which shattered into pieces with a loud crash. Immediately, the servants and maids of the Lin family gathered around, and Gao Xu, with a mournful expression, repeatedly apologized.

Yet among the newcomers, there was one individual who seemed completely out of place, entirely ignoring the characters in the storyline, instead wandering around and examining everything, with a smile on his face that seemed to bloom.

***

"Do as I say, remember, we cannot afford any mistakes this time!" Tang Meier's voice, cold as frost, echoed through the team channel. Zhu Hao shivered at this, deeply fearful of her past methods, and dared not say much. He hurriedly complied and followed her out.