Chapter 506: 506
 

“Damn, we have to brainstorm strategies?” Newcomer Mu Zi wore a pained expression at once.

The vast majority of the members felt the same. Upon hearing that they had to come up with strategies, their enthusiasm immediately waned.

“Can’t you just think it up, Li Yao? We should just leave it as it is. If we were capable of this, we would have been making a difference long ago,” Guardian Angel also complained, shaking her head.

Li Yao laughed, “That’s why I want you guys to come up with strategies. I’m not all-knowing, I may overlook things. Who knows, maybe my plans are flawed? Then we would all end up going down the wrong path, right?”

“Stop joking around, Li Yao. When have you ever messed up? You always have boss fights under control,” a member named ‘Happiness is a Disease’ muttered.

This is a rule in all guilds and we, Starfire, are no exception. Moreover, if it were so simple, I could have just assembled a random group for dungeon raids. Why would I need you all?” Li Yao sternly said: “What I need is a team- a team that embodies spirit, cohesion and creativity. Technical skills are just one aspect. If you guys continue with this attitude, either I’ll replace you all or I might as well give up on the first kill. I won’t participate in the exploration, the guild team will have to fend for itself. After all, many guild leaders only participate in management and don’t participate in exploration.”

“No, don’t!” cried Guardian Angel. She immediately became serious. “You have a point. There will be times when you’re not here and I have to command the team. If I don’t have any skills, how can I gain the respect of others? Okay, I will definitely take the strategy planning seriously.”

The rest also promised to correct their attitudes. What a joke, if Li Yao didn’t partake in the exploration, their newly-formed team would stand no chance against the top guilds.

As for replacing them, no way. They had finally become part of the Starfire core group, why would they want to leave?

Despite this, they had already integrated into Starfire and had considered it their home in the game; speaking realistically…

The progress of the Starfire guild is currently leading everyone else. They have already started tackling the second boss while the other top guilds are still stuck dealing with outpost issues.

This boss was to be the first world kill. The difficulty level of this team-based boss was so high that it had been criticized by many. Many players and ordinary guilds found it difficult to pass even the normal level difficulty.

The first kill this time has a high value. Not to mention the potential equipment rewards, just the glory of having their names in lights for achieving the first world kill was enough to get their blood boiling.

In reality, everyone is just ordinary people. Isn’t the purpose of playing games to establish a reputation and spread your fame far and wide? If they gave up such a golden opportunity, they would be fools.

Moreover, there are members in the Starfire guild who have not entered the core team and are eager to replace them.

“Since it has been decided, each one of you will earnestly implement a strategy, except for Dudu,” Li Yao said.

“No, big brother, don’t underestimate me. Just wait, I’m going to create the best strategy. Maybe you’ll rely on my strategy to pass the second boss.” Dudu was initially resistant to the idea of brainstorming a strategy but became displeased when Li Yao said she didn’t have to. Just a moment ago, she was worrying about how to avoid coming up with a strategy.

Sister Li said, “I presume you all understand the guild leader’s meaning. Starfire wants an excellent team— not a team that would disintegrate without the guild leader. Even without the guild leader, we want to be the strongest. This is our goal. Therefore, you cannot be negligent with your strategies. If I find out, I’m sorry, the guild leader may let it slide, but I won’t go easy on you. We don’t need any slackers in our core group.”

“Understood!” Everyone suddenly perked up. The executive vice president was very intimidating. She kept a clear record of everyone’s contributions and shortcomings, and rewarded or punished accordingly. Everyone knew that Li Yao had entrusted her with the guild’s affairs and didn’t interfere in these matters.

Following that, the members went offline one after another. As per the usual rules, they were given eight hours of rest.

Li Yao gratefully glanced at Sister Li. The role of the ‘bad guy’ was never easy. The bright and positive image had always belonged to him, while Sister Li was always viewed as the ‘bad cop’.

“Someone has to take care of these things, and this is my responsibility. You should focus on how to defeat this boss. You don’t need to worry about other trivial matters,” Sister Li said.

“Alright, thanks for your support,” Li Yao nodded and logged out.

“I really need to thank you, sister. Without you, this guild probably wouldn’t have been as prosperous as it is now. His personality isn’t suited to managing these trivial matters,” Feng Yi said with a smile.

“That was a wish of mine. I should be the one thanking Li Yao for giving me this opportunity. Without him, Starfire wouldn’t even exist, let alone be prosperous,” Sister Li shook her head and said. “Besides, isn’t this our guild?”

Feng Yi nodded and said, “Yes, our shared guild. At the very least, we have quite a few companions.”

“Yes, get some rest. You talk about me, but you’re pushing yourself harder than I am,” Sister Li gestured. She went offline along with Dudu.

Feng Yi stayed online for a while before quietly logging out.

Seven hours later, Li Yao logged back in to find everyone had arrived. They were enthusiastically discussing how to defeat the boss.

This was the result he wanted.

“The guild leader is here, Big Brother, say something. I think we can arrange the formation like this, but Happiness, this idiot who knows nothing, is arguing that my formation is risky,” said newbie Mu Zi.

“That’s because it is. With this formation, we don’t have to worry about a group wipe, but how would we quickly neglect healer input? If we can’t kill him first, no matter how much damage we do to the Ancient Tree or the boss, it wouldn’t matter,” countered Happiness is a Disease.

Li Yao sat down and joined in the discussion. Half an hour later, he said, “Listening to you all, I know that you have put in effort. Many of your ideas are constructive. The saying ‘Two heads are better than one’ holds true. I have duly noted your ideas. Now, let me share my specific strategies.”

Everyone’s attention refocused. Whenever Li Yao mentioned something similar to their ideas, they couldn’t help but revel in the fact and show off to the others.

“You weaklings, no matter how many times you come, you’ll only end up as sacrifices.” The half-human, half-horse High Priest emerged from under the tree as usual.

The sound of hoofbeats filled the air. Li Yao took out a scroll to use, causing the sight of the centaurs to disappear.

“Let’s go. Everyone, brace yourselves. Strive to succeed the first time round,” Li Yao encouraged.

Under the ceaseless chatter of the High Priest, the Starfire members again ascended the altar. Meanwhile, the High Priest’s spell had completed, fully corroding and controlling the four Ancient Trees behind him…