Chapter 25: The Merchant’s Audacity and the Azure Dragon’s Ire

Truthfully, Xue Hu had never anticipated that her very first night venturing out would lead her directly to the Azure Dragon.

Regardless of her previous expectations, the colossal creature now coiled before her was undeniably the ultimate objective for all players in this game: the Azure Dragon!

“I never imagined,” she mused, “that this ‘merchant’ identity would prove so incredibly useful.

Not only does my little donkey gallop swiftly, but by trading goods along the way, I’ve amassed a considerable fortune in gold and even stumbled upon some unexpectedly rare items.”

With no one else in sight, Xue Hu felt no apprehension about her true identity being revealed.

“So, it turns out players with a life profession aren’t just immune to monster attacks,” she remarked with a sigh of revelation, “they’re completely untouched even by the area-of-effect spells monsters unleash.”

The Enchanted Forest at night buzzed with significantly more activity than it did by day.

Not only had all the creatures transformed into menacing red-named monsters, but their damage output and health pools were considerably higher; some even boasted unique, formidable abilities.

Crucially, these nocturnal creatures appeared far more intelligent than their daytime counterparts.

Monsters of different species were even prone to clashing over territorial disputes—a sight utterly unimaginable during the day, when they would only engage players, incapable of inflicting harm upon one another.

Thus, as Xue Hu rode her “donkey” on her trade routes, she often found herself traversing zones of intense monster territorial skirmishes.

While these creatures never directly assaulted her, their unleashed magic and various area-of-effect attacks inevitably spread, reaching her periphery.

To Xue Hu’s astonishment, however, these very attacks simply vanished upon impact with her, causing not only no pain but absolutely no sensation whatsoever.

Despite these curious observations, Xue Hu had certainly not anticipated encountering the Azure Dragon on her inaugural day.

She had imagined the forest to be vast and labyrinthine, perhaps even riddled with intricate mazes.

Yet, as she diligently followed the supply points designated for her “merchant” profession, a system prompt materialized: [You have entered ‘Azure Dragon Forest,’ please proceed with caution.]

Safety, however, was hardly a concern.

No matter how formidable the Azure Dragon might be, it remained merely a game monster, incapable of violating the fundamental rules.

If players with life professions were immune to monster attacks, then that immunity was absolute.

This system notification, however, effectively informed Xue Hu that she had arrived at the Azure Dragon’s domain.

If she intended to locate the legendary beast, this was precisely where her search should begin.

The Azure Dragon’s physique was truly immense, stretching approximately twenty meters in length.

One might dismiss twenty meters as insignificant when viewing it as a slightly enlarged monster on a computer screen, but from a first-person perspective, that sheer length presented a formidable challenge.

Its colossal size made it difficult to even conceive of where to begin an attack.

At present, however, the Azure Dragon was deep in slumber, its massive form coiled into numerous loops.

With no creature within the forest capable of posing a threat, it confidently allowed itself to sleep soundly, even in the depths of night.

Despite her immunity to the Azure Dragon’s attacks, Xue Hu instinctively crept forward with utmost caution, slowly inching closer, dreading the possibility of disturbing its rest.

Her stealth proved largely futile, however.

The Azure Dragon possessed an expansive alert radius, and the moment Xue Hu merely stepped into its “red zone,” its eyes snapped open instantly.

“Ah!” Xue Hu yelped, startled by the Azure Dragon’s abrupt awakening.

Yet, she quickly recollected her “merchant” status, realizing there was no need to fear the formidable creature.

With her composure regained, she slowly advanced towards the dragon, her gaze intently studying the colossal being before her.

“Hmph, you insignificant insect, what are you yelping about? You’ve disturbed my beautiful slumber!”

The Azure Dragon fixed Xue Hu with a piercing glare, then snorted a plume of air, its voice resonating with a deep, rumbling tone.

“Damned coward, what good does it do you to scout me out under such a guise? In the end, won’t you all return as ‘warriors’ to challenge me, only to meet your demise one by one?”

“You… you know we’re ultimately here to capture you? You understand the very purpose of this game’s existence, is that it?”

Xue Hu reeled in profound shock at the Azure Dragon’s words.

“You’re merely an ordinary monster, aren’t you?” she pressed, her voice laced with urgency.

“How could you possibly know our objective? No, tell me, do you know what those entities beyond this game truly are?”

“Hmph, what does it matter if I know, or if I don’t?” the Azure Dragon retorted disdainfully.

“Why should I bother explaining anything to an insect such as yourself?”

The Azure Dragon cast a contemptuous glance at Xue Hu, then declared haughtily, “With attributes as pathetic as yours, I wouldn’t even need to lift a claw.

A single breath from my nostrils would be enough to obliterate you!

If fear guides you, then by all means, cling to this cowardly identity! Hahahaha!”

“Hmph, no matter how grand your boasts, you cannot escape the rules that bind you,” Xue Hu countered, a defiant glint in her eyes.

“You despise me? Then come and strike me!”

If you truly possess the power, then crush me with a single claw right now.

Otherwise, in seven days, your doom will surely arrive!”

Xue Hu was hardly a pushover.

To be scorned and mocked so brazenly by a mere game monster—how could she possibly back down or compromise?

Banking on her “merchant” immunity, which prevented the Azure Dragon from harming her, she brazenly escalated her taunts.

“Ultimately,” Xue Hu scoffed, “you’re nothing more than a monster pre-programmed by code.

To have even thought I could extract the secrets of the Destiny System from your mouth just now… how utterly naive of me! Hahahaha!”

“Very well, I shall remember you,” the Azure Dragon rumbled, its voice laced with cold menace.

“For this insolent provocation, I guarantee I shall repay you with the most ferocious attacks imaginable when the time comes!”

The Azure Dragon lifted its right claw, clenching it slowly, and spoke with an icy chill.

“There’s no changing professions here, little one.

If you lack the courage to face me, then by all means, cower in this pathetic, fleeting existence until the very last day, you coward!”