Without wasting a second, Mu Lan and Beng Zeng headed straight for the Paladin Trainer. Within three or four minutes, they stood before him—and the NPC immediately spoke.
The AI in Defying the God was astonishingly advanced. NPCs didn't just recite lines—they reacted like real people. When the Paladin Trainer saw Beng Zeng, he greeted him warmly. After all, Beng had just completed all his novice training quests, and that data was automatically shared with relevant NPCs so they could offer appropriate challenges.
"Young Paladin," the trainer said, eyes gleaming with approval, "your spirit is well-forged. And a Paladin's true strength flows from the harmony between soul and shield. If you wish to strengthen your spirit further, you must undertake the trial I now offer. Succeed… and your soul will awaken."
Ding!
[Hidden Quest: The Paladin's Spirit]
Only Paladin initiates who have completed all novice trials may accept this quest. Success depends entirely on the strength of your spirit.
Complete the trial to earn a legendary reward. Fail… and face severe consequences.
Objective: Awaken the Paladin's Spirit
Time Remaining: 3:00:00
[Reward]
Soulshield
[Failure Penalty]
–50 Fame
Beng's face paled.
"Mu… I accepted the quest, but there's a time limit, and I have no idea how to complete it! What do we do? If I fail, I lose 50 Fame—you know how devastating that'd be! Help me!"
"Calm down," Mu Lan said firmly. "Just tell me the details. We'll get it done—and get you that shield."
"Alright, Mu…" Beng took a breath and explained everything.
Before leaving the city, they made one last stop: the Archer Trainer. The NPC greeted Mu Lan with a respectful nod—and handed him his finished quiver without delay.
[Magical Quiver]
Level: 0
Attack Bonus: +1–5
Attack Speed: +5%
Special: Infinite Arrow Generation
This item binds to the wearer upon equipping. Upgradable.
Equip now?
[Yes] / [No]
Mu Lan clicked Yes without hesitation.
The quiver settled onto his back—and glowed. A soft white light pulsed from its surface, far more radiant than any standard gear. It didn't just look powerful—it felt alive.
"Whoa!" Beng's eyes widened. "Mu, you're literally shining! Don't tell me you already finished your quest while I'm still stuck with mine! How dare you get ahead of me!"
Mu Lan smirked. "Just wait until you see the rest of my gear when we start hunting. You'll be speechless."
"Ugh, fine! But what about me? I thought we were supposed to be the invincible duo!"
"We will be," Mu Lan said, clapping him on the shoulder. "But first—let's finish your quest. You've only got three hours left. If we don't wrap this up in time, you'll lose 50 Fame… and I'll never let you live it down. Let's move."
Outside the city gates, chaos reigned.
Hundreds of players swarmed the low-level zones, mobbing every spawn point. Thirty players would descend on a single Level 1 monster, shredding it in five minutes—and splitting pathetic XP among them.
"Mu," Beng groaned, "there's no space to fight! If we go deeper, we'll hit stronger monsters. What do we do? Losing 50 Fame feels inevitable…"
"Relax," Mu Lan said calmly. "We're getting you that shield—no doubts. Let's head to the Level 5 zone. I've got a feeling that's where we need to be."
"Level 5?!" Beng nearly choked. "Are you insane? It takes thirty people five minutes to kill a Level 1 mob! How long do you think it'll take us to kill a Level 5 monster? I should just accept my fate and take the penalty!"
Mu Lan turned to him, eyes steady.
"Do you trust me or not? I said we're getting you that shield—and we are. And not just any shield. It'll be just like my quiver: bound, upgradable, radiant. Don't you want a glowing shield of your own? Believe in yourself. We're doing this."
Beng hesitated… then nodded.
"Alright. Lead the way."
After 45 minutes of walking, they reached the Emerald Forest.
Sunlight filtered through the canopy, painting the mossy ground in dappled gold. The air smelled of pine and earth. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale.
But beauty hid danger.
This was the territory of the Green Wolves—sleek, silent predators whose emerald fur blended perfectly with the foliage. Standing nearly a meter tall, they moved like shadows, striking with lethal precision.
[Green Wolf]
Level: 5
HP: 500
Attack: 50–100
Mu Lan checked the quest timer.
Time Remaining: 2:00:00
"Perfect," he said, nocking an arrow. "Let's awaken your spirit, Beng."