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CG 74: The First Guild Member
🕑 Added 2024-07-28 16:20:47 +0000 UTCKai leaned back, considering how to explain the concept of a guild to Chen Wei. He didn't know if they used that word in this world, so he decided to use a term more familiar in this setting.
"Chen Wei," Kai began, "I'm starting my own faction within the sect."
Chen Wei's eyes widened. "A faction, Senior Brother? But you're already a Legacy Disciple. Why would you need a faction?"
Kai smiled. "Being a Legacy Disciple is great, but it's also isolating. I think we can accomplish more if we work together as a team."
"I see," Chen Wei nodded slowly. "And what would this faction do, exactly?"
"Well," Kai said, "we'd support each other in our cultivation, share resources, and take on missions together. It's about pooling our strengths and covering each other's weaknesses."
Chen Wei looked intrigued. "That does sound beneficial. But won't the sect elders disapprove?"
Kai shook his head. "Not if we do it right. We're not going against the sect, we're just organizing ourselves to be more effective within it. Think of it as... a study group, but for cultivation."
"I understand," Chen Wei said. "And you…you want me to be part of this faction?"
"Exactly," Kai nodded. "You'd be one of the founding members. But before you decide, let me explain the rules I've come up with."
As Kai spoke, he noticed blue text appearing in his vision.
Guild Rules Added:
Loyalty to the guild and its members
Share information beneficial to the guild
Assist other members when possible
Keep guild matters confidential
Contribute a portion of personal gains to guild resources
Do not harm other guild members
Betrayal of guild rules will result in the Guild Leader being notified.
Kai blinked, surprised at how the system was integrating his impromptu rules. Well, that's convenient. I guess I'm on the right track.
"Those sound like reasonable rules, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said. "But what will you call this faction?"
Kai grinned. "I'm calling it the Trident Guild."
Chen Wei's eyes lit up with recognition. "Guild? Ah, like the Merchant's Guild in the city or the Alchemist's Guild in the sect? That's a clever choice, Senior Brother."
It's a common term here after all. I definitely should have known that if I wasn’t so obsessed with just cultivating. Well anyway, that makes things much easier.
"Exactly. I thought it would be fitting for our group. It has a certain... professional ring to it, don't you think?"
Chen Wei nodded. "Indeed, Senior Brother. It sounds very official and respectable."
Using a familiar term will make our guild seem more legitimate to others in the sect. And it reduces the risk of standing out to any potential isekai protagonists who might be around.
"I'm glad you approve, Chen Wei," Kai said with a smile. "The Trident Guild has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"
“Yes, Senior Brother,” Chen Wei nodded.
"So…," Kai said, "would you like to join the Trident Guild?"
Chen Wei stood up and bowed deeply. "It would be my honor, Senior Brother."
Chen Wei has accepted the guild invitation. Where would you like to place the Trident Mark on his body to show allegiance?
Kai blinked, taken aback by the sudden message. A mark? I didn't expect this. Is it just to show allegiance, or does it have special abilities like my own?
"Chen Wei," Kai said, trying to keep his excitement in check, "as a member of the Trident Guild, you'll receive a special mark. Where would you like it placed?"
Chen Wei looked startled. "A mark? Like... a tattoo?"
"Not exactly," Kai said, though he wasn't entirely sure. "It's more of a spiritual imprint, I believe. It won't be visible to others unless you choose to reveal it."
At least, I hope that's how it works. I should probably check the details before we proceed.
"System," Kai thought, "can you give me more information about this mark?"
The Trident Mark serves multiple purposes:
It identifies guild members to each other.
Guild members can communicate with each other from a distance
Members can use credits earned through missions to activate the mark's powers at a limited degree.
The mark will be visible to non-guild members when its abilities are in use
Kai's eyes widened. This... this is huge. My guild members could potentially condense Qi like me, or even... respawn after death?
"Chen Wei," Kai said, trying to keep his voice calm, "the mark is more significant than I initially realized. It will grant you access to special abilities as you complete tasks for the guild. Think of it as... a cultivation aid."
Chen Wei's eyes lit up. "Really? That's amazing! In that case, I'd be honored to bear the mark. But where do you think it should go, Senior Brother?"
Kai considered for a moment. "How about on your right shoulder blade? It's easy to conceal but also accessible if needed."
Chen Wei nodded. "That sounds perfect."
Kai stood up and placed his hand on Chen Wei's right shoulder blade. He felt a brief surge of energy, and Chen Wei gasped.
"Did you feel that?" Kai asked.
Chen Wei nodded, his eyes wide. "Yes, it was... warm. And it felt like... like a surge of power?”
Kai smiled. "Good. That means it worked. Now, Chen Wei, I need you to do something for me. Can you go find Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi and bring them here? It's time to invite them into the guild as well."
Chen Wei bowed. "Of course, Senior Brother. I'll find them right away." He turned and left the room.
As the door closed behind Chen Wei, Kai let out a long breath. That went better than I expected. Now, let's see what else this guild system can do.
Guild members who die and have enough credits to respawn will reappear at the location of the Guild Leader.
Kai nodded to himself. That's incredibly convenient, especially if someone gets killed in a place where they're stuck. It's like having a mobile respawn point.
He opened his map function and noticed a new feature. Chen Wei's location was now visible as a small blue dot.
Interesting. So, I can always see where my guild members are. And... wait, is that...?
Kai noticed another dot on the map, this one gold in color. He zoomed in and saw it was labeled "Sect Master."
Oh yeah, since the tea ceremony, I could see the Sect Master's location too. With how strange he’s been acting, at least I'll know if he's nearby or following me. But then again if he's spying from far away with some Enlightenment level technique, I won't know so I still need to keep my guard up.
Kai sat down, he began to plan out potential missions and ways to earn credits for his guild members.
We'll need to start small. Maybe some gathering missions in the nearby forest? Or we could offer our services to other disciples for a fee. As we build up our reputation and resources, we can take on bigger challenges.
He thought about the trading operation he and Chen Wei had discussed earlier. That could be our first big guild project. We'll use our combined knowledge and resources to corner the market on certain cultivation supplies.
It's like setting up a player-run economy in an MMO. Find the most in-demand items, control the supply, and watch the profits roll in.
He began jotting down ideas in a notebook, occasionally glancing at the map to check Chen Wei's progress. The blue dot representing his first guild member was moving quickly through the sect compound.
Kai paused in his writing, a new thought occurring to him. I should probably come up with some sort of initiation ceremony. Nothing too elaborate, but something to make new members feel like they're part of something special.
He began sketching out ideas for a simple ritual. Maybe a recitation of the guild rules, followed by a symbolic gesture... like clasping hands over the Trident Mark? Which might be a little difficult for Chen Wei…And we could have special robes or accessories for guild members to wear during meetings.
Kai chuckled to himself. Look at me, getting all caught up in the details. But that's what makes a good guild leader, right? Attention to detail and planning for every contingency. Not only that but humans love to feel part of a group, even if these humans could collapse a mountain with a thought.
He turned his attention back to the guild interface, exploring the various menus and options available to him as the guild leader.
Guild Management Options:
Member Rankings
Mission Assignment
Resource Allocation
Kai was so engrossed in his planning that he almost missed the sound of footsteps approaching his door. He quickly closed the guild interface and composed himself, trying to look casual as he waited for the knock.
Here we go. Time to expand the Trident Guild.
The door opened, and Chen Wei stepped in, followed by Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi. Liu Wei looked curious, while Zhi-Zhi was perched on Liu Wei's shoulder.
"Senior Brother," Chen Wei said with a bow, "I've brought Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi as you requested."
Kai nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Excellent work, Chen Wei. Please, everyone, come in and make yourselves comfortable. We have much to discuss."
This is it. The real beginning of the Trident Guild. Time to see if I can turn this ragtag group into a force to be reckoned with. Let the recruitment begin!
Comments
David Ellis
Copyright doesn't exist in that world, so he should market his own brand of chewing gum as a novelty item! 🤪
