In the game, every NPC has an intelligence level, which determines the computational power allocated to them. Their level is displayed via the color of the border around their avatar: white for the lowest, followed by green, blue, purple, red, and gold.
According to the official explanation:
White NPCs are Level 1, with minimal computational power. Aside from a few fixed lines, they won't react to your antics, shouting, or insults.
Green NPCs are Level 2, with richer dialogue. They will warn you about inappropriate actions. Many main guards fall into this category.
Blue NPCs are Level 3, equipped with basic AI. You can have simple conversations with them, and they remember important interactions with players.
Purple NPCs are Level 4, with higher computational power, comparable to acquaintances or colleagues you rarely interact with in real life.
Red NPCs are Level 5, fully treatable as human. They have distinct personalities; for example, upper-class NPCs are status-conscious, and soldiers are proud and honor-driven.
Gold NPCs are Level 6, representing elite humans. They are exceptionally intelligent, able to see through verbal traps and anticipate player strategies. These are typically faction leaders.
As the vice-leader of the faction, Shilin Lizhua is a red-level NPC. Luyun realized he had been a bit late to prepare and had been distracted by thoughts of his newfound powers, slightly reducing his enthusiasm for the game. Otherwise, he would have reminded Kuiran Budong, the guild leader, to leave a good impression on Shilin Lizhua, which would have greatly benefited the guild.
But it didn't matter much. At his current level and guild strength, encountering a vice-leader NPC was like a small company CEO meeting a deputy mayor—mostly ignored.
The Phantom Light Lynx controls 95% of the Million Stone Forest map. A small plot on the map belongs to wandering Redstone Dwarves, which cannot be claimed as guild territory. Thus, all 40 available guild lands are under Phantom Light Lynx control.
Kuiran Budong streamed his negotiations with Shilin Lizhua to the guild channel. Deep inside a massive cave, a 3-meter-tall lynx with pale yellow fur streaked with white stripes was handling official matters in front of a long stone table. Four purple-level NPC assistants stood beside it, flanked by dozens of lynx guards. These guards were smaller than Luyun's level-20 wolf character in appearance but still much taller than his small wolf form at just 30 cm.
Kuiran Budong didn't yet have direct dialogue privileges with Shilin Lizhua. He stood in front of one of the assistant's desks, reviewing the list, while players could display their observations. Luyun opened a small synchronized window to watch the list.
"What the heck? I remember there were many Level 3 stone resource lands in the beta, but now they're gone. Only a few Level 2 remain."
"Stone first? Any particular reason?" Kuiran Budong asked.
"What's the Wind Territory? Special land? Why does Million Stone Forest have a wind-attribute land?" a guild member asked briefly.
"Farming! Farming! Choose agricultural resources to increase food production for many NPCs," another member insisted.
"I also played the beta. I think iron is better. Build a blacksmith shop, craft lots of equipment, no need to buy from others," said another, relaxed.
"Listen to me! Stone and wood are crucial early on for building. Later, in guild wars and faction wars, they're essential military supplies. Level 2 stone has double the defense of Level 1. Level 3 stone is too luxurious. Hurry up! Only three Level 2 stone lands are available. Don't hesitate," Luyun urged.
"Vote now, everyone! Old Huang, Old Yang, beauty, vote quickly!"
Kuiran Budong initiated a vote with four options: Level 2 Stone, Level 2 Iron, Level 2 Agriculture, or Wait. Multiple selections allowed.
Luyun chose Stone and watched the votes rise. With 105 members online, the vote finished in three minutes. Level 2 Stone received 62 votes, Agriculture 55, Iron 40, and Wait 39. Luyun breathed a sigh of relief—if he hadn't suggested it, Agriculture would have likely won. Food was abundant in-game, so it wasn't a limiting resource.
"Done. I selected Stone. The location is central-left on the map, west of Yongguang Town. Now we wait for the vice-leader's approval."
Luyun advised Kuiran Budong privately: "Remember to thank the vice-leader respectfully, as if addressing your school principal."
"I get it," Kuiran Budong replied.
Watching via video share, Luyun saw Kuiran Budong receive documents from the assistant and approach Shilin Lizhua. Upon speaking, Luyun almost laughed:
"Long live the great Phantom Light Lynx! Long live its leader, the lord of Million Stone Forest, the invincible and mighty Shilin Hengguang! I, the humble Shadow Wolf Kuiran Budong, humbly request the protection of the great Phantom Light Lynx, willing to go through fire and water, endure death without hesitation, for the guild Wolf Tracks Across the Horizon." He raised the land application document overhead.
Shilin Lizhua's tone was calm, with a faint thunderous undertone: "Exaggeration. Education level?"
"Undergrad, third-year Finance."
"Still studying? Study well. Level 2 Stone, huh? Not bad. Approved. Small one, work hard and be prepared." With a gesture, the mark appeared on the document, which then floated back to Kuiran Budong.
"Thank you for your guidance. I will study diligently and improve every day." Kuiran Budong exited the cave.
"Wow, didn't expect that. Zhouzhou, you really know how to flatter," one player remarked.
"Your eloquence, yet no girlfriend in third year? Any secrets?" joked another.
"I'm just lazy to use it," Kuiran Budong replied.
Players who experienced the beta knew faction NPC favorability was independent, and the guild leader's actions could improve relations with other factions.
"Purple-level and above NPCs, treat them as real people. You won't regret it," Luyun advised.
"Where's the land? We'll start building the guild," players asked.
"The location is marked on the map. Check the announcement and go if you can," Kuiran Budong responded.
"Nearby! I see a light gate ahead. I'll go now."
"I love building, I'm going too," another added.
"Check the building guide. Many posts on the forum," Luyun reminded.
"Got it. Everyone, wait for me. I'll be there soon."