Chapter 148: The Mad King

Everyone is already so diligent; as a game developer, a senior transplanter, and a member of the players, how could Ji Ming possibly not lend a hand?

"AdaiEr, I just remembered I have something I need to go out for…"

"Huh?"

AdaiEr, who was reading a novel behind the counter, looked up blankly and saw only the doctor's white silhouette.

Although the peak foot traffic on Commercial Street occurs in the evening, noon is still a minor surge, so during this period virtually every shop is open.

Ji Ming entered a carpenter's shop, looked around, and immediately began massing troops like a khan.

"This one, this one, and also this one—pack them all up and take them away!"

The old carpenter, raising his eyebrows, was napping on a lounge chair and was still bewildered by Ji Ming's intrusion.

It got intense—a doctor came to buy a plane in the middle of the day!

But money that isn't earned is wasted, so the old fellow gladly took the cash and even gave Ji Ming a small trinket for free.

Before the Mad King could issue a command, they squealed and scrambled back, completely lacking any fighting spirit.

The knife‑carrying man sighed again.

The dungeon's technology level is relatively low; so far, the strongest metallurgical craft may even be a kobold that's already dead and can't die any further.

【Intelligence: 23】

Speaking, he gazed across the lake, and his smile gradually hardened.

【Special: Knocking Stun Club Lv. 2, Accurate Throw】

No need to guess; it's definitely a relic the Mouse Kids picked up while cleaning the battlefield.

But now, under the Mad King's command, this group of goblins has already lost a third of its non‑combat personnel by the mid‑stage.

Three steps away, he opened the game store, ready to snap a screenshot, but the items on display caught his eye.

Meanwhile, the man kept talking to himself.

"Anyway, with just ordinary connections you can't get in now, even holding money won't help."

The mess grew darker the more it was described, so Ji Ming shut up, hoisted his bundles, and, under AdaiEr's stare, clattered up to the second floor.

And to exterminate a hundred humans, they'd have to sacrifice over a thousand goblins—this deal is far too unprofitable.

"You're lucky; these past two days more people have been trying to move from the Outer City into Inner City. Many are smashing pots to sell iron; everyone from grandfathers to grandmothers is begging to get into Inner City."

"Stay calm, stay calm!"

After soothing the little girl, he followed the address left by Ku Po and arrived at the nearby clerk's office.

Without pausing, Ji Ming turned and headed to the adjacent blacksmith shop and magic‑item shop.

…Ji Ming could already picture a MOBA scene where a werewolf, bearing the 'Unstoppable' banner, charges in to harass.

But what showed up in the drawer today was a sharp fang, and the break at its base indicated it had been violently ripped off.

This… isn't simple!

True enough—when you work hard, others will surely work hard too.

But victory will definitely be paved with the corpses of one's own clan.

The nearest office was downstairs of an apartment, but Ji Ming didn't see Ku Po; instead he met two men and a woman—three tax clerks.

Now that things have come to this, can we just rush forward with the remaining two thousand‑plus goblins?

Yes.

【Curses: Fart Technique, Cramp Technique】

For example, a blood‑stained Ice Arrow scroll, or a dagger with obvious wear marks.

The initiative is on my side; I can totally open up the plan, right?

"Hahaha, I, the king, am a great genius!"

Another clerk said it with absolute certainty.

There was even an abstract, harsher task—rating the goblins' death conditions.

【Unevaluable: Corpse Stitching Technique, Grave Digging Technique, Farewell Technique】

"I heard that because of this, some people are secretly selling humans to mercenary bands, and they'll take anyone—men, women, old or young."

But after all that, he finally realized just how powerful this pile of junk skills really is.

"It's all hard…"

"Wow, that's really terrifying."

After a moment's deliberation, he issued the order.

Consequently, the players scoured Dog Village but found no handy production tools, only some stone implements they could use.

It wasn't just bows and crossbows; even the catapults that previously required close range were now passive.

…

Just four words: beautiful appearance, kind heart, ah.

It turned out a few wooden nails were hidden on the side of the high wall; it instinctively tried to move the obstacle away, but got impaled.

And as the screenshot was posted to the public screen, the busy players all swarmed over in a hive.

Such intensity is heart‑warming.

So he still rearranged the traps before lying on the bed, fully clothed.

No matter what, they gave him intel, and Ji Ming originally wanted to find a reason to give them a discount.

Even Death God hasn't recklessly reopened things, yet nobody wants to squat over a urinal just to cause trouble.

"Isn't that Dr. Ji Ming? You're here to see Captain Ku Po, right?"

【Actually, this one even knocked down a goblin warrior; I'm still pondering…】

If it were an ordinary beggar, that'd be fine, but this is a wild werewolf beggar with blood‑red eyes, already gone berserk.

He shook his head.

He let out a startled cry and hurriedly bought one of the tools.

Although it should be enough for the players, they'll have to restock at the earliest tomorrow, at the latest the day after.

Although it was well hidden, there were faint bloodstains on the collar, and a hint of fatigue in the eyes.

That's because they were scared stiff, so midway they reduced the violent forced demolition and mindless wandering; otherwise they'd all be dead.

【Rejuvenation Elixir Crafting·Proficient→Excellent】

Ji Ming wrapped himself in gauze.

It was like Tom being toyed with by Jerry, a endless stream of various wails.

Because the mall was slow to update, the players had an extra batch of exchange points in the past two days, so the stall's goods were quickly snapped up clean.

In the end, only Death God remained standing before Ji Ming.

If yesterday's Lake‑heart Island was a clumsy turtle, today it's a hard‑to‑chew hedgehog.

"What an inconvenience, there's an internal ad‑hoc meeting for the handlers this afternoon, and Captain Ku Ke was just called away."

But Qiu Yi looked at the now empty inventory list and simply scratched his head slowly.

Sss—

They took the slip and glanced at it.

He didn't know where he'd found an old book, but he copied the formations on it and rigorously trained his goblins.

He's already trapped the humans here; why must he still fight them?

But the players knew that when the goblin army passed last night they had recruited all these wild monsters, so before noon they cleared the area's monsters completely.

The players were preparing at full strength, and Feng Wang was no idle either; compared with yesterday, they've changed dramatically.

Feng Wang was about to burst into a wild laugh, but quickly restrained himself.

Besides that, there were scarce resources like nails, screws, glue, which can't be obtained at all in the dungeon.

But before getting close, he kept muttering.

As Shu Shu's old den, although it's been busy outside these days, it occasionally sends subordinates here with things it doesn't need but Ji Ming might.

So now he isn't afraid of AdaiEr noticing anything odd; he can act openly.

【Level: 13 (165/240)】

【I bet 100 Happy Beans, three hairs can safely reach the middle stage】

Ji Ming had no choice but to write a note.

A hint of bewilderment appeared in Feng Wang's eyes; being unable to communicate with anyone, he couldn't help but start doubting himself.

Although the strike report from An De Lu's side is still uncertain, given the current situation, the necessary precautions must still be taken.

But.

Watching the floating numbers in midair gradually drop to zero, the transparent wall vanished, and Feng Wang waved his arm, leading the goblins out of the garrison once more.

Now is a critical period; every minute and every second matters.

Soon, reality confirmed that his caution was correct.

"No, I have other business for him."

Moreover, their range has increased greatly, and their force has also been amplified considerably.

"The Inner City gate is surrounded by a crowd every day. For us two, if we didn't know a tax‑handler who could help get us in, my brother here might have bled to death."

No, why are so many random things popping up on your side!?

Feng Wang's previous spirit had completely vanished; he could only sigh deeply and sit back on the throne.

When they're not triggered, each hides tightly, and when they activate they're impossible to guard against.

The warriors guarding Feng Wang even carried a long‑handed stone axe and a stone slab shield, looking incredibly imposing with their hulking frames.

It turned out he and the wounded person on the bed were adventurers forced to change professions after Sunlight City halted its expeditions.

"Don't worry, the captain has already instructed us; we'll definitely strengthen night patrols in your area, and no more companions or loli succubi will cause trouble."

【Talent: Wood Element Affinity·Excellent】

"What's going on?"

And with a pot of third‑generation Rejuvenation Elixir coming out, the long‑awaited level‑up notification finally appeared again.

They had planned to deliver goods safely at noon, but when they passed a dark alley, a beggar suddenly leapt out.

There were even magic scrolls that had supposedly sold out, and unprecedented iron armor.

【Agility: 6】

And unlike the laughably poor gear before, even if it's just a wooden stick, today each of them at least has a weapon.

Seeing AdaiEr beside him, about to speak but holding back, Ji Ming pressed his hand.

……

Good news: they definitely won't dare to charge out and counterattack.

But when they reached the storage room for materials, they found that the herbs brought from Outer City were down to a mere handful.

I didn't expect to see him again at high noon; it was utterly absurd.

When he finished all the work here, it was already afternoon.

Amid the surrounding warriors' continual boisterous laughter, Feng Wang, pleased with himself, rose from the throne.

"I used to be a member of the Iron Chain Squad in Outer City, and I've received many favors; I just hope Captain Ku Ke can keep an eye on them."

However, their abilities were insufficient, so they couldn't join the debt handlers and instead became bodyguards for a small shop's deliveries.

"Come by often, Dr. Ji."

"Hope Shu stays safe."

The Mad King cursed angrily once, but did not announce a retreat; instead, he wanted to see what the vanguard would encounter next.

After saying goodbye to three tax collectors, Ji Ming returned to the Clinic.

He wasn't afraid of spot prices being high; with Dr. An's help, his buddy is now filthy rich and just bought his mother's!

He found a partner to help deliver the goods, and the blacksmith shook his head while holding the hammer's handle.

Wait…

"Whoa, the… Mysterious Merchant!"

Qiangzi and Ma Yi deliberately had Death God come over for testing in the afternoon, but even he, a highly mentally focused intelligent being, could hardly cross the entire bridge unscathed.

【Life Skill】

The daylight always passes quickly; as the sun set, he ate, saw AdaiEr off, and then shut the Clinic's doors.

【Falling into the water to feed the fish, turning into spring mud to protect the flowers, Uncle Yi!】

I thought this NPC had completely gone offline, yet still miss them—

This size, this curvature… it's actually a cheetah‑man's tooth!

Could the Outer City already be this dangerous, that even the Fangclaw family's hunters can be gravely injured?

Thinking of this, Ji Ming clasped his hands together again.

Suddenly, he grasped an inspiration.

Coincidentally, he's been in Inner City for a few days already; he needs to go back and report his safety to Lao Nv Shi.

Through a pipe spanning a thousand eight hundred li, the caring wooden‑fish sound can be sent to the big deer's head.

"This bunch of damned humans are truly scheming, only causing harm!"

"Let me look for Cooper and see if he can help us look after everyone in the Iron Chain squad."

【Look at this one: with a mortal body, he ate eight traps before dying, maximally protecting teammates—a god among gods!】

"You all, each leading two hundred clan members…"

"Ha ha ha, yesterday I was the Mad King rushing to finish; today I come prepared, and will surely slay them leaving no armor behind!"

"Three goblin warriors lead five hundred ordinary goblins to clear the way, focusing on dismantling defenses!"

"Sigh, it's scary to think about it…"

The wounded one's face had already turned pale, surely unable to answer, so Ji Ming prepared medicine while asking his companion.

Apart from the traps and obstacles on the bridge, there were merely a few catapults that looked ridiculous.

Ji Ming felt a vague familiarity, thought for a while, and finally recalled where he had seen it.

Dammit, you guys made that southern country thing and ruined all the poison gas bombs in my shop, right!?

Oh my god, you even hold a big meeting inside, is it really that bad?

"It seems last night's events were real; otherwise why would the doctor buy an iron groin guard?"

Crush herbs, simmer medicine, explode, serve.

It was already terrible; the tools were unwieldy, let alone complex parts—just scraping a wooden board could make one break into a sweat.

Just a few steps after stepping out, a goblin warrior's painful shout echoed from the bridge.

【Profession: Apprentice Alchemist】

"This is…"

【Potion: SpiritGathering Liquid Crafting·Proficient, Rejuvenation Liquid Crafting·Excellent, Coagulation Powder Crafting·Proficient, Poison Gas Bomb Crafting·Perfect】

He darkened his expression; among the eight warriors nearby, he waved his hand and summoned five of them.

"Morton Blacksmith Shop, plus two newly appointed tax collectors… oh, they're easy to find, don't worry, not a problem!"

Not to mention this bunch, already low‑IQ, now tainted by demonic aura into big idiots, all greenish.

"Um… Mysterious Merchant, are you out of poison gas bombs here? I've already used up mine."

So the goblins' war against humans stalled for a while.

Applying Second‑generation Rejuvenation to his wounds, the man in tattered leather armor with a warblade at his waist began to speak amid his grief.

Whatever he said yesterday, he had seen it from near the island; since the humans finally brandished weapons and rushed at him, he probably also knows what trump cards they hold.

He left the full consultation fee, supported his companion, and slowly left the Clinic.

"Doctor, I'm not saying all this to make you pity us, or because you're a good person—what use is your pity to us?"

【Name: Ji Ming】

【Combat Skills】

Since defeating the goblin leader in Stage Three, all of Mysterious Merchant's goods have been moved to the game's mall, and they have never appeared again.

【Magic: Ignition Spell, Enchantment】

"Doctor, I'm of the bronze race; what good is buying low‑level magic scrolls, you'd be better off buying some stamina pills and taking care of your health…"

"Bro, I mean no harm, don't slash me!"

Attacking humans is a special operation; attacking ghosts can also be a special operation.

This guy is too much of a jerk; Ji Ming felt his hair stand up under his stare and almost couldn't help but want to step back.

【Free Attribute Points: 55】

Ji Ming first crafted some poison gas bombs, then made some Rejuvenation Liquid.

【Charisma: 23】

Bad news, I can't even charge in myself, let alone others.

Watching his dwindling inventory, he opened his current true panel.

So he followed the silent armory northward, and the Mad King, tracing yesterday's tracks, arrived at the Sacred Tree Lake.

"Or… if you have something to tell us, that's fine too?"

Ji Ming immediately thought of the terrifying legend about An De Lu.

Then he saw the players all raise their ranged weapons, and in the next instant arrows rained down.

He changed his outfit, spread a mat, and stood in the small plaza.

That day, the human monsters not only refilled to full ranks, but how could their combat power also surge?

—After all, they can at least smelt iron ore into iron rods.

When renovating the new Clinic, he specifically instructed Ku Po to watch the airtightness of the potion‑brewing room's main door, and also demanded an extra door on the other side of the corridor.

If he could go back a month, and Ji Ming could see what his stats would look like a month later, he'd definitely quit at the start.

Last time it was still the warriors acting on their own; a group of scattered heroes could sprint straight to the middle of the bridge without issue.

【Normal: Basic External Injury Treatment】

【Free Skill Points: 5】

【Only half a body left yet still crawling, a tribute to classic zombie movie scenes, the gold content is maxed out, okay】

In a rare spare moment, he napped for a few hours, and the time reached ten p. m.

The defensive works had also spread onto the island, where they placed catapults of a similar design to yesterday's but clearly upgraded, and a massive odd contraption made of wood and metal.

"I knew hard work would pay off; it must be the officials sending us supplies!"

He bottled all the potion liquid neatly; this time Ji Ming didn't set up a stall, but threw all the medicines straight into the game's marketplace for public sale.

Ji Ming: …

【This one‑armed move is a guaranteed win; after all, it can't shift the obstacle.】

(Sweating soybeans) The planner of this wave wants to boost which character, huh? Is the KPI pressure that high?

Under the humans' head‑on strike, the vanguard's already precarious morale collapsed instantly.

Thus, the brutality of this battle is evident.

The players were naturally delighted, all grabbing cameras, while the livestream audience started a cyber casino again.

But now, the bridge has not only been rearranged, but the obstacles and traps have completely changed in appearance.

One can only say his reputation truly precedes him; before any introduction, people already recognized him.

Having no choice, Ji Ming had to return to Sunshine City to restock.

"When we storm the island later, leave no prisoners. I want to watch the humans being sliced into mince and see how they try to revive!"

【Scroll: Calming Talisman Crafting·Excellent, Ward Against Calamity Talisman Crafting·Excellent, Breath‑Stopping Talisman Crafting·Excellent】

With the same troops, yesterday they at least covered more than half; today they stalled after only half the way?

If Feng Wang were also a player, he'd already be cursing now.

After glancing outside the door to confirm no one was there, he lowered his voice.

【HP: 9】

Moreover, they might even revive; if we die here it's truly over.

During the toss, a goblin warrior brandishing a shield staggered, nearly falling off the bridge.

Thus, unlike the last chaotic swarm, these goblins moved and turned with great order, at least no longer getting lost or chaotic.

To give players a monster grind, Ji Ming actually had Xi Er Wei Ya resurrect a batch of goblins this morning as an experience pack.

Feng Wang rubbed his forehead, forcing himself to calm down.

Watching the solemn faces of the surrounding goblin warriors, he tapped the railing, his gaze drifting outward.

Afternoon tasks are usually few, but as the sun set westward, a severely injured patient whose entire leg had been shattered arrived at the Clinic.

Immediately a player raised both hands and bounded over, running toward it.

And that was only the beginning; a myriad of traps kept appearing on the bridge, all coordinated with the obstacles.

He packed up the things on the table, and the mage also lifted his brush and sighed.

【Race: Pureblood Human】

"In that case, even if something happens, there'll always be an acquaintance to help collect the bodies, right?"

Unlike the violent agencies that once flaunted power, the three of them looked far from glamorous.

With another wave of his hand, he didn't even need to speak; the goblins slowly spread out, encircling the entire lake.

"Yeah."

He pushed open the potion‑brewing room's door and habitually pulled out the drawer of the medicine table.

But now, among the newest items listed in the marketplace were many carpenter tools, and the accompanying illustrations showed them to be finely crafted metal pieces.

The warrior's intellect far exceeded that of the other berserk goblins, and he quickly grasped the meaning.

"Ah, I'm exhausted, it's like talking to a three‑year‑old!"

Five warriors led a total of a thousand goblins away, while three warriors remained by the lake; with all the fighters and over a thousand goblins under his command, he could easily encircle those players.

Under his own leadership, he easily encircled this group of players!