Chen Tianwen hadn’t eaten much before he stopped and started sipping tea while introducing Xiao Jie to the Pantheon.
"The Pantheon Guild can be said to be one of the oldest guilds in the Old Soil game, established during the game’s beta testing as one of the Five Major Guilds."
"The game even had a beta testing?" Xiao Jie found it hard to believe.
"Yes, and it was even a wipe beta testing. At the time, due to the lack of game risk warnings, nearly all of the first batch of beta testers died, but still a few people survived. They re-entered the game once it was officially released and formed the guild named Pantheon. The president of the Pantheon was one such person...
But these are all just legends, much like the rumors in many online games, they are somewhat distorted and exaggerated.
When I joined the Pantheon, it was already very powerful, so as to what exactly happened, I only heard from others’ rumors.
However, the style of the Pantheon really suited my tastes, pure elitism, only recruiting the strongest, disdainful of ordinary people.
Back then, I was very arrogant, so when the opportunity came, I didn’t hesitate to apply to join.
The Pantheon was very strict in recruiting. At that time, three of us were recruited together, and only one position was selected. The other two died during their trials.
Although the trials were harsh, for those who could officially join, they were exceptionally generous. All kinds of resources and information could be applied for as long as they were not too excessive.
I remember once, I wanted to rush Alchemy, and after applying, they immediately approved five thousand taels of silver for me... Of course, I also made a lot of elixirs for the guild afterward."
Five thousand taels! Xiao Jie thought to himself, damn, this guild is really rich.
"But with power comes duty. The president usually doesn’t manage much, but once he issues a quest, no matter how hard, dangerous, or unreasonable, it must be completed unconditionally.
As a result, I couldn’t stand it after less than half a year, especially when the issued quest went against my personal principles..."
Chen Tianwen didn’t specify what exactly happened, but it was clearly not something good.
"Eventually I chose to quit, but while it’s hard to get into the Pantheon, it’s even harder to leave. For those who left the guild, the Pantheon would ruthlessly hunt them down.
I hid for a long time, using the technique of Qimen Dunjia to conceal my tracks, yet eventually, they found me.
A few days ago, I had a premonition that something bad was going to happen. Luckily, I had learned some skills from ’The Book of Changes’ Divination that allowed me to predict the future to some extent. In the end, I figured out a plan called escaping death by a hairsbreadth."
Xiao Jie worriedly said, "Although you escaped this time, what will you do if they attack again?"
Chen Tianwen shook his head, "The way the Pantheon operates is very arrogant. They scorn the idea of persistent bother, usually only striking once in whatever they do, including assassination.
If I survived, then I’m basically safe."
Xiao Jie thought to himself, you really dare to gamble, planning an escape from death; if it were me, I’d definitely seek help from Captain Lin.
Chen Tianwen continued, "So regarding whether you want to join the Pantheon, I think you should think it over carefully before deciding, focusing on two main points. First, what you really want.
Second, whether you can bear the consequences of that choice."
Xiao Jie thought to himself, why does this sound so familiar? Damn, isn’t this what I told Xiao Wang.
"You’re right, the consequences, they definitely need to be considered—I think I’d better not get involved with the Pantheon," said Xiao Jie.
While speaking, he suddenly asked, "Then why don’t you talk to Captain Lin? Wouldn’t it be safer to have official involvement?"
Chen Tianwen’s expression suddenly became serious, "Xiao Jie, remember we once talked about how if a person’s strength reaches a certain level, they might even ignore the restrictions of conventional laws? The master of the Pantheon is likely at that level, which is why I’m reluctant to tell Captain Lin. It would only lead to more conflict. The Pantheon might let me go, but if I drag the Game Administration Bureau into this, escalating the conflict, then I would be completely at odds with the Pantheon, and I’m not ready for that step—at least not now."
Not now? So, maybe later.
Xiao Jie thought to himself that Chen Tianwen might also have some ambitions of becoming an Immortal and God.
But it’s not hard to understand, being exposed to this game, and especially since he’s already a high-level Magic System player, wanting to advance further is quite natural.
Is the master of the Pantheon really that incredible?
Yet he didn’t continue to ask, feeling a heavy feeling in his heart.
After having had his fill of food and drink, Xiao Jie bid farewell to the two.
Walking home, Xiao Jie gazed at the bustling night scene around him, still pondering.
Although today’s events had wasted some time, they had also clarified his own issues. More importantly, they had strengthened the understanding among players from Jiangbei City.
In the future, if there were any troubles, he could confidently seek help.
As for joining a guild, Xiao Jie had already made his decision.
Upon reaching home, Xiao Jie entered the game once again.
It was already eight or nine o’clock by then; it was pitch dark in reality, and it was also night in the game.
But Xiaofeng City, being the main city of Fengyin State, was still brilliantly lit even at night. The streets were brightly illuminated, lanterns hung high, and candles were blazing. Inside the teahouse, there was a constant stream of guests. As Xiao Jie stepped out of his room to the second-floor hall, he saw Yuan Bai already drinking and singing with a group of people.