Ita Era

Chapter 159 Tianmen Village

These past few days, Ding Shi has been considering the truth. The Ace of Hearts doesn't have any skills, but it has a special attribute: Fusion Enhancement.

Currently, Ding Shi has two poker skills: "Unaccustomed to the Environment" and "One Hand Cannot Clap." "Three Missing One" is a special skill card and is unrelated to poker. "Unaccustomed to the Environment" has been combined once, consisting of the 7 of Spades and the 7 of Hearts, forming a pair. A pair of 7s plus an Ace is also a pair in Texas Hold'em.

"One Hand Cannot Clap" is the Ace of Spades; adding the Ace of Hearts creates a new pair. However, "One Hand Cannot Clap" is a tank skill used to draw aggro, and Ding Shi doesn't consider himself qualified to be a tank, so enhancing "One Hand Cannot Clap" would be meaningless.

Ideally, you should fuse four cards first, and then fuse the Ace of Hearts.

Ding Shi thought of the Ace of Hearts because he considered two pairs: one pair of black and red 14 and one pair of black and red Ace. What would happen if he used a fusion card to fuse them together?

After much deliberation, Ding Shi decided to find the fifth truth card first, since two pairs aren't considered a big hand in Texas Hold'em.

They waited for seven days. During this time, Yu Yuan and his group participated in a small gold-digging instance and made a considerable amount of money. They boasted and gave Ding Shi a shopping list, with each person receiving a 5-dollar tip.

Ding Shi transported supplies back and forth through the teleportation array, while the members of the Fireseed forces waited near the array to move the supplies. Finally, Ding Shi brought beer and half a sheep, and it was another Fireseed party.

Before the party started, everyone settled scores and grievances over the third round of the feudal era. Hua Shan carried the whole party, while Ding Shi ran away with his head in his hands.

After the party began, Yu Yuan explained his plans for the future of Fireseed. With the emergence of social media platforms, he planned to divide Fireseed into two units. One unit would be responsible for Ding Shi and his team, while the other unit would be in charge of construction, production, and logistics.

During the development phase of Fireseed City, Yu Yuan and Chu Yu will reduce their visits to dungeons and focus on managing Fireseed City. Therefore, today's party will select a deputy chieftain from among them at Ding Shi (3-5 PM).

Yu Yuan first cast a gentle gaze at Ding Shi: "My commander is exceptionally capable, not only corrupt and lawless, but also wreaking havoc in the court, plotting to usurp the throne, and wielding immense power..."

Ding Shi gave an awkward laugh and said, "Haha, you stingy guy."

Victim Wang Meng raised his hand: "I object."

Su Su said, "I support you." She took sides unconditionally.

The woman in red made a definitive statement, saying, "Choose one between me and Wang Meng."

Ding Shihou flipped off the bench and walked behind Wang Meng: "Wang Meng, the leader of the Dragon Gang in City A, a godfather-like figure, is suspected of smuggling cigarettes, cars, and fuel. He controls 80% of the entertainment venues in City A and 80% of the sex workers in City A. He owns thirteen companies disguised as legitimate businesses, two underworld branches, and has close business ties with the Italian White Hand Gang and Mexican gangs on the West Coast of the United States."

Ding Shi walked up behind the woman in red: "But I chose the woman in red because she's pretty."

The woman in red was speechless. To object would be to deny her own beauty. To support her, however, was to seek support based on her abilities.

Wang Meng raised his large, fan-like hand: "I also choose red." The situation was similar to what Ding Shi had described. What Ding Shi didn't mention was that, due to Ding Shi's meddling, the Dragon Gang had begun to spiral out of control. Their ambitions were too great, and their cleansing process too slow, forcing them to retain two underworld branches to handle the problems. Under the guidance of a master, they planned to establish a company overseas, but unexpectedly, Ding Shi seized control.

Wang Meng didn't want to lose control of Yixia Company, but he couldn't compete with Ding Shiming for it. Ding Shiming was also certain that Wang Meng wouldn't turn against him.

Wang Meng was a ruthless warlord who conquered the country, not a wise ruler who could maintain it.

Although Hongyi lacked extensive management experience, her flexible personality was the main reason for her victory in the second round within the context of the feudal era. While Hongyi may lack strategic vision, she possesses a resolute and decisive character, which is particularly evident in handling local and personal issues.

What the group of five needs is cohesion, not management skills. Therefore, the person in red is clearly the most suitable candidate.

Looking at Ding Shi, he is quite capable, has some cleverness, and is receptive to advice.

Ding Shi has two problems. First, he prioritizes his personal interests over the collective interest. He doesn't mind taking the lion's share while the collective gets a scrap. But he won't just sit back and watch the collective feast. Strictly speaking, Ding Shi is a pest of the collective, but his well-rounded abilities, good personality, decent character, and strong tolerance make him a core member of the group.

The second point is that Ding Shi has a more detached attitude towards games compared to others. To put it bluntly, he's cynical; to put it nicely, he's spontaneous. To use an imperfect analogy, while others run dungeons to make money, Ding Shi also runs dungeons to make money, but his purpose is to satisfy his desire for challenge and a sense of accomplishment.

As for Su Su, nobody mentioned her at all.

The woman in red successfully became the deputy chief.

……

The world of Ita brought loneliness and fear to its inhabitants, as if only the seven of them remained in the world. But the bonfire in Fireseed City made them feel that at least seven of them still existed.

During the party, Ding Shi asked Yu Yuan about Tie Zhenzhen, a prospective member. Yu Yuan replied that Tie Zhenzhen had already joined the Brave Tribe.

Yu Yuan explained the reason in a low voice, saying, "I want to maintain a male-to-female ratio of 7:3."

Ding Shi asked, "Didn't you mistake the man in red for a man?"

Yu Yuan thought about it for a while and realized it made a lot of sense.

As they were talking, Wang Meng drew a Tang sword: "Ding Shi, come here. Chu Yu, step down from the arena."

The arena is the newest building in Fireseed City. Not only is it inexpensive to build, but it also eliminates real casualties. Even when Fireseed City adopts a safe mode, PvP can still be conducted in the arena. There are modes that restrict Force items and modes that do not restrict Force items.

Wang Meng chose the normal mode, double-block mode.

Su Su immediately ran over to Ding Shi to complain, "He bullied me a few days ago, help me get revenge." After the arena was completed, everyone went up to have a go, and Su Su was so badly beaten by Wang Meng that she questioned her existence. From giving up one hand to finally giving up all four limbs, he knocked Su Su away with just a collision.

The arena opened, and both men drew their swords. When Wang Meng saw Ding Shi equipped with the Swift Sword and Shield, he had a bad feeling. Ding Shi's Swift Sword and Shield was not effective against powerful weapons, such as maces or giant axes. However, it was a nemesis of light melee weapons like the Tang sword.

After their swords clashed, both men took a step back. Wang Meng's swift slash came flying, and Ding Shi met it with his right hand. His Tang sword struck the hilt and guard of the Swift Sword, which had already pierced Wang Meng's heart. 1:0.

In the second round, Wang Meng abandoned his wide-ranging attacks and chopped with his Tang sword, instead resorting to agile thrusts. Ding Shi raised his sword and thrust it through Wang Meng's abdomen in three moves.

Ding Shi utilized the characteristics of the Swift Sword, combining speed in attack with strong defense. Even without attacking, Wang Meng's Tang sword would find it difficult to penetrate Ding Shi's sword and shield.

One disadvantage of Eastern swords is their poorly designed handles, which fail to provide adequate hand protection. Western swords, such as the spherical swift sword used by Ding Shi, have handles that resemble a net, covering Ding Shi's right hand and giving him more offensive options in sword fights.

Ding Shi twirled his sword, sheathed it in front of his chest, and gave a knightly salute.

Wang Meng immediately saw through the deception: "Have you received professional training?" Whether his swordsmanship was professional or not was unknown, but his pretentious gestures were definitely professional.

Ding Shi gracefully sheathed his sword and replied, "I've been practicing for five days, only 15 hours a day." Su Su slapped her thigh: "That's right, Ding Shi's family has a martial arts school, how could I forget?"

Meeting Hua Shan's gaze, Ding Shi said to the taciturn Hua Shan, "And the library."

Hua Shan's eyes lit up, and she raised her hand to send over a friend card.

Yu Yuan also said, "Everyone should really go to Ding Shi Martial Arts School to practice when they have time."

Ding Shi replied, "Welcome everyone! This island villa is a never-sleeping island, with a buffet restaurant, winery, library, martial arts school, nuclear power plant, island ring road, pier, and yachts for fishing trips." For Ding Shi, most facilities were free. For everyone else, all facilities were chargeable.

Guests are not allowed to enter the main house without the host's permission. As long as you don't entertain guests, your life won't be disturbed by visitors.

Perhaps it was good luck of Huosheng (the author), because on the second day after attending the gathering, which was the eighth day of waiting, the Nightmare difficulty dungeon, "Love in Tianmen Village," was finally unlocked. The bad news is that the Nightmare dungeon only refreshes every three days, and it won't be open for another two days.

The rest of the Fireseed tribe entered dungeons today, either normal or hard.

The Love Story of Tianmen Village tells the love story of a young couple who fall in love and eventually settle down in Tianmen Village.

The instance is no longer labeled "Folklore," and "Folklore" does not imply it's a "ghost" instance; it is directly labeled "Ghost." Furthermore, this instance seals items, but not Force or skills. Conversely, items cannot be taken out of the instance.

These are all the hints that the "Love in Tianmen Village" dungeon provides to players.

The sealed item annoyed Ding Shi, as it meant his Soul-Binding Seal was unusable. Now, he could only hope there were enough villains in the dungeon and enough ghosts to capture.

During the two days of waiting, Ding Shi suspended his swordsmanship training and devoted 15 hours a day to the tedious and monotonous practice of hand seals, practicing with both hands. Now his palm light technique is already highly proficient, and he can even perform hand seals with both hands in coordination, although the time he can reduce is very limited.

……

7:30 AM, dungeon preparation time.

After Ding Shi had eaten and drunk his fill, he instructed 711 to keep an eye on the house and then entered the dungeon with his three skills. As for what to bring along, don't even think about it; these kinds of dungeons will automatically give you a set of clothes once you enter.

Inside the preparation room, a video showing a map of Tianmen Village was played first.

Tianmen Village is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a long and narrow shape. A stream divides the village in two, with varying depths and three bridges spanning the water. Some houses are located on the remote mountainside, while others are scattered at the foot of the mountain, creating many irregular paths. It is estimated that there are about a hundred households.

In the center of the village stands a two-courtyard ancestral hall, and at the village entrance is a funeral service shop.

The instance is set in the Republican era, but it offers advanced technology from a non-Republican era. Firstly, there are public restrooms, as not everyone can use bamboo strips effectively. Secondly, the initial mode of transportation is a tour bus with a guide.

The story behind this instance is that there is a divine tree on Tianmen Mountain. Couples who kiss by the tree will receive its blessing and are guaranteed to grow old together. As a result, a group of single men and women from the provincial capital came to see it, and Ding Shi was one of the single men.

Main quest: Kiss other humans for more than ten seconds near the sacred tree.

Advanced Main Quest: Feng Qiniang officiates the wedding under the Divine Tree. You can choose between the main quest and the advanced main quest; the advanced main quest offers higher rewards but is also more difficult.

The mission lasts seven days, and you leave by tour bus on the eighth day. Even if you don't complete the main mission, you can still leave, but you won't receive the completion reward.

Overall, it's quite similar to the Peach Blossom Village instance, with many similarities. For example, they arrived by carriage and left on the eighth day. Peach Blossom Village has a Third Sister, and Tianmen Village has a Seventh Sister. Both Peach Blossom Village and Tianmen Village are villages, and both have villagers, etc.

Ding Shi noticed something odd about Tianmen Village from these materials. The village wasn't large, but the roads were quite wide, about two meters across. Secondly, the village lacked convenience stores, activity centers, and village committees. These things would be normal in the context of the Republic of China era, but what was unusual was that the only shop was a funeral parlor.
The funeral parlor is located at the entrance of the village. It is quite large, but it stands alone and is far from the villagers' houses.

Ding Shi suddenly realized something, so he replayed the video and then paused on the overall view of the village, discovering that the village was shaped like a coffin.

Isn't that unnecessary? Ita wouldn't scare players just for the sake of scareing them, would it? What's the reason for this design?

Players who can enter Nightmare-level dungeons not only have a strong heart, but also some tricks up their sleeves, so is this a battle of wits?

At 8 o'clock, enter the instance. You don't need to wait for a bus on the roadside; you will be automatically refreshed on the tour bus.

Ding Shi spotted Sha Bi at first glance, and Sha Bi also spotted Ding Shi in the same row. The two exchanged glances: What? They immediately dismissed the idea. The situation was unclear, the instance was unknown, and fighting now would not benefit either of them.

The female tour guide took the microphone: "Hello everyone, today we will be heading to the Republic of China era and staying at the famous romantic destination, Tianmen Village. We will now begin taking attendance. Please stand up and greet the people in front of and behind you when your name is called."

Female tour guide: "Nangong Guang".

A monk stood up. He was a real monk. Although he was wearing a set of coarse clothes, he was not only bald, but also had six ordination scars.

The monk put his hands together and said, "Amitabha, you can just call me monk."

Female tour guide: "Sima Liu".

A nun stood up, removed her monk's hat (she also had ordination scars), and bowed to everyone with one hand in front of her: "This humble nun is a disciple of the Shudao Mountain. You may call me nun or little nun."

"Wait a minute." Foolish Dagger was a little confused: "Are you monks and nuns from before the Ita Era, or from after the Ita Era?"

The monk stood up again and replied, "Benefactor, I joined the Buddhist order after the Ita Era and became a disciple of Abbot Fahe of Muguang Temple."

The young nun said, "I was a doctoral student at a Buddhist academy before the Ita Era. After entering the Ita World, I entered the Wuse Nunnery in the Shu Road Mountains by chance."

The tour guide introduced the second group: "Ouyang Zhang."

A male Taoist priest stood up, eliciting gasps of amazement. This priest was a household name from before the Ita Era. He was incredibly handsome, a true heartthrob, who debuted as a trainee and within a year was linked to numerous married and unmarried female celebrities. A year later, a high-ranking figure in the entertainment industry divorced and married him. She then took him on variety shows and other programs. In just two years, he had become known as a teacher.

Ouyang Zhang: "All past matters are settled. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Please call me a Taoist priest."

Ding Shi: "I bet the next one is a female Taoist priest?"

As expected, a female Taoist priest stood up and introduced herself as a Taoist nun.

(End of this chapter)