Chapter 88

As a major VIP, Yang Ting used his position as a co-magistrate in Hangzhou smoothly, and no one caused him any trouble, so Sun Ran had no chance to use his Daoist magic. However, Sun Ran was smart and had a clear perspective from the outside, so whenever Yang Ting had any confusion in his official career, he would come to Sun Ran for advice. Sun Ran, following the instructions of the game administrator, naturally devoted himself to assisting, and gradually became Yang Ting's advisor.

Time passed quickly, and half a year later, although Xiao Qian had not truly returned to life, her behavior and demeanor were no different from a normal person. Sun Ran thought that in this game, he would probably only have Xiao Qian as his partner, so he followed the game administrator's wishes and sought the help of Yang Ting and his wife. Under their auspices, he and Xiao Qian held a wedding ceremony and became a real couple.

After that, life became completely peaceful, and time flew by, with twenty years passing in a blink. During these twenty years, Yang Ting's official career was smooth, and he was promoted continuously. Now he was the governor of Zhejiang, a high-ranking official of the second rank, in charge of military and civil affairs in the entire province, with immense power.

For twenty years, Yang Ting was always safe, without any accidents, and even minor illnesses were absent due to the health-preserving technique. He was still in Hangzhou, but Sun Ran was no longer his advisor. Over the years, Sun Ran had deliberately kept a low profile and gradually faded from Yang Ting's sight.

At first, although Yang Ting tried to retain him, he was now a high-ranking official, with increasing authority and a broader perspective. He also had his own advisory team, so after a few attempts, he let Sun Ran go.

Since the mission was still ongoing, Sun Ran did not leave far away. He opened a pharmacy called Baoan Hall in Hangzhou to protect Yang Ting's safety.

A year later, Sun Ran and Xiao Qian had a son, named Xu Xuan, with the courtesy name Han Wen. This boy inherited all the best features of Sun Ran and Xiao Qian, was extremely handsome, and very filial. After the coming-of-age ceremony, Sun Ran handed over the management of the pharmacy to him and lived a semi-reclusive life with Xiao Qian.

In general, these twenty years were quite fulfilling.

According to Sun Ran's calculations, Yang Ting had another twenty years to live. After staying for another twenty years, his mission would be complete, and he would earn 200,000 credit points, plus additional income from killing several major demons. Then he could leave the Confucian world and give a big surprise to the three women, Lan Xin.

One night, Sun Ran was routinely infusing yang energy into his beloved wife, Xiao Qian. After a passionate session, Xiao Qian fell into a deep sleep, and Sun Ran was about to do the same, when he heard someone calling him: "Rose Tree, Rose Tree, are you asleep?"

"Almost, but you woke me up. What do you want?" Sun Ran said irritably. It was the middle of the night, and he had just finished, so the appearance of the game administrator seemed suspicious.

"There's a new mission," Chang'e said.

Sun Ran didn't even bother to open his eyes and said irritably, "Do you think I'm Doraemon? I've already taken on two missions, both of which are still incomplete. I don't have time."

"Ten thousand credit points!" Chang'e knew how to get to the point.

Sun Ran's eyes immediately opened wide. "Tell me more, what is the mission?" A gentleman doesn't let money go to waste.

Chang'e explained, "Two snake demons, one white and one green, have appeared in West Lake. They are very powerful. We've already sent a bronze-level maintainer named 'Fa Hai' to investigate. He plans to check the situation around West Lake tomorrow, and there's a high possibility of conflict. The company's upper management feels it's not safe enough, and since you're in Hangzhou, they specifically asked for your participation."

This mission seemed simple, and Sun Ran was quite interested, but he needed to clarify: "I want to make it clear that my main mission is still Yang Ting and Xiao Qian. I can't shift my focus to those two snakes. I can only watch and help if necessary."

"Don't worry, that's the board's intention. You'll act as an advisor, overseeing Fa Hai. If you see things getting out of hand, you can intervene," Chang'e was very cooperative this time.

"Alright, I'll take it. Tell me about their strength."

"The white snake is a high-level demon, having secretly practiced for at least a thousand years, reaching the third level. The green snake is weaker, at the second level. Since they are snakes, which are descendants of dragons, they have strong water control abilities. We're afraid Fa Hai might be at a disadvantage. You know, West Lake is famous, with many tourists. If something happens, many people will die, so Fa Hai is heavily restricted," Chang'e explained the game company's concerns.

In the ancient world of the Ming Dynasty, productivity was low, and transportation was poor. Only those with substantial means could afford to travel. Among these wealthy people, about 80% were talented ordinary players who had broken through their destiny through their own efforts, achieving substantial wealth. The remaining 20% were VIP players who paid extra, with good backgrounds, and it was not good for them to die too often.

This is the rule of the virtual game, where anything is possible. Ordinary players, through hard work, can achieve success, although the probability is low. The game company sometimes sets up a super example to encourage players. In the Confucian world, there is a role model, and a significant investment was made to create him: the founding emperor of the dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang was an ordinary player, a poor peasant, with his parents and siblings dying of hunger. He even became a monk to survive, but eventually, he met the right conditions, transformed into a dragon, and achieved the great feat of founding a dynasty. This inspired many ordinary players to enter the Confucian world, making it rapidly advance to the bronze level.

If not for this, everyone would be destined to be low-level players, and it would be better to live in reality.

Sun Ran nodded. "I understand. Don't worry, it's just two snake demons, they won't cause much trouble."

As long as a snake hasn't transformed into a dragon, it hasn't reached its peak.

"Your words reassure me," Chang'e felt relieved and quietly left.

The next morning, Sun Ran got up, took some silver coins, and told his old wife, Xiao Qian, that he was going to West Lake to investigate.

West Lake is a pearl on the ground, and it has been compared to Xi Shi since ancient times, with a reputation that spans the world. By nine o'clock, Sun Ran arrived at West Lake, found a teahouse, ordered a pot of West Lake Longjing tea, and waited patiently.

It was the Qingming Festival, but it was not a rainy day. The sky was clear, so there were many tourists by the lake, and the lake was full of beautifully decorated boats.

On one of the large boats, Yang Ting, the governor of the province, dressed in a blue robe, was drinking and enjoying himself with several scholar friends.

Now, as the governor, he held a high position and great power, and the others followed his lead.

Yang Ting spoke first, raising a cup of wine and smiling. "Today is a rare day off. Let's not talk about official business, only private matters. You are all good friends of Wen Chang, so please don't be拘束."

"A governor... Oh, no, Brother Wen Chang is right. Today, let's talk about poetry and enjoy ourselves," a middle-aged scholar quickly agreed.

The other scholars also cheered, and the courtesan in the corner played a tune at the right moment, bringing the atmosphere in the boat to a peak.

Suddenly, a loud shout came from the shore: "Where are you, demon!"

This was followed by many screams, including the shouts of soldiers, indicating that something terrifying had happened.

Yang Ting was no longer the county magistrate of old. He was not panicked but smiled bitterly. "It's rare to have a half-day off, but trouble has found us again. Let's go out and see what's happening."

The governor's calmness immediately calmed the scene. The scholars steadied their nerves, and the middle-aged scholar forced a smile. "Since Governor has such enthusiasm, we will naturally accompany you."

With that, he was the first to leave the cabin, and the other scholars followed. Yang Ting was the last to leave, and as soon as he did, soldiers surrounded him, protecting him in the middle.

"What's happening?" Yang Ting asked.

A soldier in iron armor stepped forward, pointed to the lake not far away, and said solemnly, "Governor, please look. There is a green snake causing trouble in the river, and the big monk is catching the demon."

Yang Ting looked over and indeed saw a huge snake, as thick as a waist, rapidly swimming in the clear lake, fighting with a monk on the shore.

The monk looked impressive, wearing a large red robe, with golden Buddhist light shining all over his body. He held a staff and was fiercely battling the snake, not only holding his own but also gradually gaining the upper hand.

"This monk has some skills," Yang Ting said calmly, showing no signs of panic. He had seen much more intense scenes and met much more powerful high-level figures. To him, this was just a minor issue, and he had a protective talisman, so he was not afraid at all.

His composure was noted by those around him, who secretly admired him. The governor truly lived up to his position, with a remarkable demeanor.

"Bad, the big green snake is heading this way," a soldier suddenly shouted.

The green snake, unable to defeat the monk by the lake, was now swimming directly toward the boat where Yang Ting was, moving very fast!