Infinity, The Arcade Age

"Liu Huangshu, it's said that all farewells must come to an end eventually. You don't need to see us off any further."

"Though you say so, who knows when we'll meet again after this parting? Let me accompany you a little longer."

The sound of footsteps echoed as Qin Ming, now wearing an eye patch over one eye, glanced at Liu Bei, who had already walked them over ten miles from the city gates.

I finally understand why people say that while Liu Bei might not have been the best ruler during the Three Kingdoms era, he was undoubtedly the best boss.

This guy is too sincere—he genuinely treasures talent.

Because Guan Yu had recommended them, and after hearing that Qin Ming had been instrumental in killing Xiahou Dun and Li Dian, Liu Bei's affection for him had skyrocketed to 500 points—the level of a sworn brother in life and death—even surpassing his affection for Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

This man truly embodies "trust without suspicion."

Afterward, Liu Bei had been excessively hospitable, offering gifts, wine, and hosting a grand banquet to honor them in front of his generals, repeatedly expressing gratitude for their aid in supporting the Han dynasty.

When he learned that Qin Ming and the others had no intention of staying or serving under him, Liu Bei's attitude didn't change in the slightest.

And now, he was walking them out for over ten miles just to bid them farewell.

If I were truly living in the Three Kingdoms era, with such a genuine and heartfelt boss, how could anyone resist pledging loyalty to him?

No wonder, even with limited territory in Shu, Liu Bei had managed to attract so many talented generals and strategists. It was all because of his charismatic personality.

But, after his death and the passing of that generation, Shu would eventually fall into decline, lacking capable successors.

Qin Ming turned to glance at Liu Bei, still following closely. He sighed again, raised his hand, and cupped his fist respectfully.

"Your Highness, please don't see us off any further. Let's part ways here."

Liu Bei stopped walking, gazing at the three of them with a sorrowful expression.

"Every man has his own path to walk. I know my fortune is thin, and I cannot keep you by my side. But if one day you grow weary, you'll always have a place here with me. The gates of Shu will forever be open to you."

"Farewell!"

"Farewell, my friends!"

With a final nod, Qin Ming and Double-Gun Granny mounted their horses and galloped away into the distance.

Liu Bei and his men remained, watching the trio disappear over the horizon.

As their figures vanished entirely from view, Guan Yu sighed deeply.

"What a pity."

Liu Bei finally withdrew his gaze, smiling bitterly and shaking his head.

"Shallow waters cannot hold dragons. It is my inadequacy that I cannot retain such heroes. Come, let us return."

With a heavy sigh, Liu Bei turned and began walking back toward the city.

In a grove not far away, Qin Ming and Double-Gun Granny stood beside their horses, watching Liu Bei's retreating figure in the distance.

After a long silence, Double-Gun Granny stroked her horse's mane and sighed.

"Truly, Liu Huangshu is a man of unmatched virtue. He's a paragon of benevolence and integrity. Tell me, do you think his kindness is genuine, or is it all just an act, like some people say?"

Qin Ming, holding his horse's reins, remained expressionless as he shook his head.

"I don't know, and I don't want to know. I only know one thing—if someone can pretend to be a good person for their entire life, then they are, in fact, a good person. Let's go. This place isn't for us. We were destined to meet, but not to stay."

With that, Qin Ming turned and started walking. Double-Gun Granny quickly followed.

"Hey, didn't Liu Bei invite you to share his bed last night? That was a prime opportunity to deepen your bond! Why did you refuse?"

"Are you stupid? The last person who invited me to 'share their bed' was Zhao Xiong! He wanted to… you know… violate me! Now every time someone says those words, I get chills down my spine. You try it and see how it feels!"

"Relax! Liu Bei's different. He often shares his bed with others in good faith. It's not like he'd try anything funny with you!"

"I'm not going to try, and I'm not risking it! From now on, if anyone brings up 'sharing a bed' with me, I'll end them on the spot… women excluded."

"Geez, you're hopeless. Even with one eye gone, you're still thinking about that nonsense. Careful, or someone will take out your other eye too!"

As their bickering continued, the two figures gradually vanished into a bright white light.

They had returned.

Ding-dong! This World: Three Kingdoms II – First Act

Calculating results… Calculation complete!

Main Mission: Kill the First Act Boss, Li Dian (Completed)

Result: The adventurer did not meet the promotion criteria. Promotion failed.

Rewards:

5,000 Points

5 Free Attribute Points

1 Bonus Gold Plot Attribute Point (for early completion of the promotion task)

The scenes from Qin Ming's time in Three Kingdoms II flashed before his eyes in a rapid slideshow.

The cavalry battle in the river, the fierce duel with Zhao Xiong in the camp, the cunning ambush of Li Dian, the desperate battle and final explosion with Xiahou Dun…

The final image froze on the moment Xiahou Dun ignited his bombs, charging Qin Ming with a furious roar as both of them prepared for mutual destruction.

Staring at the grim faces of the two one-eyed men in the image, Qin Ming smirked slightly.

Not bad. The rewards this time are decent, if not exceptional.

It seemed that, despite triggering the Second Act boss, Xiahou Dun, Qin Ming had failed to unlock any hidden quests.

However, the bonus Gold Plot Attribute Point was a significant gain—something he'd never even heard of before.

Aside from these rewards, Qin Ming also obtained a massive haul of keys:

44 White Keys

8 Green Keys

3 Blue Keys

1 Dull Silver Key (from Li Dian's deputy)

2 Regular Silver Keys (from the Zhao brothers)

2 Radiant Silver Keys (one each from Li Dian and Xiahou Dun)

The Radiant Silver Key from Xiahou Dun even gleamed faintly with gold light—clearly an exceptional drop.

As per their agreement, Qin Ming got first pick. Naturally, he chose Xiahou Dun's Radiant Silver Key.

He then traded Li Dian's key and all blue and green keys to Double-Gun Granny in exchange for all the white and remaining silver keys.

Final Distribution:

Qin Ming: 44 White Keys, 1 Dull Silver Key, 2 Regular Silver Keys, 1 Radiant Silver Key.

Double-Gun Granny: Everything else.

Despite acquiring the Green Dragon Crescent Blade earlier, Double-Gun Granny still felt embarrassed, thinking she'd gained far more than her share.

But Qin Ming didn't mind.

In addition to the keys, Liu Bei had also gifted each of them a Bronze Warhorse Bell—a Dull Silver-tier item usually requiring significant points to redeem.

This guy, Liu Bei… he doesn't hold back when it comes to rewards.

(End of Chapter)