Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 81: Return

Split personalities?

Xu Wang had prepared numerous ways to reject Chi Yingxue, ranging from sarcasm, realism, harsh scolding, to feigned politeness. Yet, he was caught off guard by this fantastical excuse.

What was more, Chi Yingxue seemed utterly serious. His expression was earnest, and his eyes were as clear as water.

“You’re really good at passing the buck…” Qian Ai, putting aside personal grudges, couldn’t help but admire the creativity. It wasn’t just about having wild ideas; it required acting skills.

Chi Yingxue ignored him, focusing only on Xu Wang.

After a long stare, Xu Wang chose caution. “We can’t trust you.”

Chi Yingxue’s emotions receded, his gaze becoming calm. “No one can see through someone else instantly. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be recruiting again today.”

Xu Wang’s eyes darkened. “Are you spying on us?”

“If you must use that term, then yes, I’m observing everyone,” Chi Yingxue admitted frankly. “I was looking for a team with a saved progress that wanted to change members, and you fit the bill.”

So he hadn’t joined any team yesterday, just waiting for today?

Xu Wang: “Why?”

“A team that can reach save points won’t be weak. Wanting to change members implies strict requirements for teammates,” Chi Yingxue explained. “I like teams with high standards and strict demands.”

Xu Wang silently turned to his teammates.

Wu Sheng spoke pragmatically. “Pursuing efficiency is a virtue.” Then he quickly embraced his true feelings. “I won’t comment on his character.”

Qian Ai expressed regret with a smile. “Unfortunately, we don’t meet his criteria.”

Kuang Jinxin, after getting Xu Wang’s nod, turned to Chi Yingxue, sharing the truth. “Our previous member left to follow his idol.”

“Idol?” Chi Yingxue frowned, seemingly unfamiliar with the term.

For matters of fandom, they turned to Qian Ai. “An idol, beloved, true love.”

Kuang Jinxin nodded vigorously. “If you’re looking for a strict team, we’re not it.”

Chi Yingxue’s eyebrows raised slightly, curious for details.

Kuang Jinxin explained earnestly, “We are a team that seeks joy in overcoming challenges.”

“……” Chi Yingxue’s expression mirrored the four of them when they first heard about his split personality.

With both sides’ intentions clear, Xu Wang took a symbolic step back, his stance evident. “We don’t know when ‘Yan Wang’ might emerge, if he truly exists. We don’t want to take that risk.”

If they couldn’t believe Chi Yingxue’s story, there was no point in discussing it further. But even if they did, it was a gamble.

Chi Yingxue looked at them for a while before speaking again. “I don’t like someone else occupying my body, so I’ve always sought a way to prevent Yan Wang from emerging.”

When he referred to “someone else”, Xu Wang saw no unnatural emotions in his eyes.

He genuinely considered “Yan Wang” a separate person, not just another side of himself.

“If I say I’ve found a way to prevent Yan Wang from emerging,” Chi Yingxue’s voice brought back Xu Wang’s attention, “would you believe me this time?”

It wasn’t a plea, but an equal inquiry.

Xu Wang realized that Chi Yingxue had never wavered in his goal.

Even after being questioned and rejected, his calmness now carried more determination, like a pine tree on a mountaintop, standing tall regardless of the storms.

The same person, yet drastically different personalities. If this was an act, Xu Wang wanted to personally award him an Oscar.

“Give us three minutes.”

Leaving these words, Captain Xu pulled his teammates aside to discuss privately.

“One definitely costs money, the other could cost lives.” Xu Wang laid out their two options, seeking collective wisdom. “What do you think?”

“How about taking a day off?” Qian Ai offered a new perspective. “Maybe tomorrow we’ll have a plethora of good options…”

He paused, feeling something odd about his own suggestion.

“Bringing in any new member has its risks. A stranger with a single personality isn’t necessarily safer than someone with split personalities we’ve encountered.” Wu Sheng glanced at Chi Yingxue, who was still waiting nearby. “His capabilities and the attitude he’s shown so far…”

Xu Wang was surprised. “You want to add him?”

Wu Sheng sighed, looking at Xu Wang. “It’s you who wants to add him.”

Otherwise, they wouldn’t even need three seconds of discussion.

“If you vote yes, I’ll follow, but if he hurts you…” Wu Sheng paused for a second. “Or any of us again, we’ll kick him out, no discussion.”

Xu Wang knew that Wu Sheng cared about his friends, but he rarely saw such a straightforward expression of it.

A wave of emotion swept through his heart, warm and joyful.

“Alright.”

Qian Ai wasn’t sure if he was being oversensitive, but he always felt that Advisor Wu’s phrase “or any of us” sounded like a polite afterthought.

But regardless, he wanted to express his position. “I vote against.”

Two votes in favor, one against.

The three companions looked at Kuang Jinxin.

“To be honest, I’m quite curious about him…” Classmate Kuang said, looking at Qian Ai’s increasingly dark face, and swallowed. “Uh, I abstain.”

Qian Ai gritted his teeth. “Don’t worry about me.”

Kuang Jinxin shook his head seriously. “I vote to abstain, but we should still add him. Since the result won’t change, why intentionally make you angrier?”

Qian Ai: “……”

This kind of honesty is what makes people angry, okay?!

“Alright, that’s settled then.” Xu Wang clapped his hands. “He’s responsible for efficiency, we’re responsible for happiness.”

When Chi Yingxue clicked to accept the invitation to join the team, he didn’t know that his role had already been unilaterally decided.

“Aren’t you going to ask what method I’ve thought of to prevent Yan Wang from appearing?” He thought this was the most important step before joining the team.

“If this method doesn’t require our intervention, then there’s no need to speak of it.” Xu Wang looked at him, speaking very clearly. “Firstly, we can’t distinguish between truth and lies, and secondly, this is your privacy. There’s no need to report it. We just want a stable outcome.”

“Ding—”

[Roster]: Chi Yingxue joined the team.

“Ding—”

[Roster]: You have 5 minutes of exemption time. Choose [Retreat] or [Kick]. Countdown begins now.

Apart from Qian Ai, who struggled with this final opportunity for two seconds, the other four didn’t care.

The countdown to regret didn’t affect the mission line. After a few seconds, the five were automatically transmitted back to the save point, 1310.

Before the scene became clear, a voice was heard—

“Damn, they’re coming!”

Xu Wang could tell; that was Li Zijin’s voice.

But this tone… They’re treating them like Voldemort!

“Li Xia, pull her into the corridor—”

The first thing Xu Wang saw was Li Xia crazily dragging the faceless woman in white into the corridor as instructed by his team captain.

A big hole had been chiseled into the wall. Wei Menghan and his team weren’t in sight, but faint voices could still be heard from deep within the secret passage—

“Lei Zi, climb faster… I hear them…”

Wu Sheng, Qian Ai, and Kuang Jinxin stood still, some looking at the ceiling, some at the walls, pretending to understand nothing.

Chi Yingxue also didn’t move, but his eyebrows twitched slightly when he saw Han Buting’s team.

Xu Wang quickly explained to the new teammate, “Our reputation… is a bit complicated.”

Unexpectedly, Chi Yingxue smiled wryly. “My reputation isn’t great either.”

“Chi Yingxue?!” Li Zijin was at the back of his team. He was already stepping out the door, but then he heard a familiar voice, turned around, and widened his eyes.

Han Buting and Li Xia, who were busy leaving quickly, didn’t notice the change in Xu Wang’s team. But with Li Zijin’s shout, they looked back into the room from outside.

Then, they froze, looking back at Xu Wang and his team, mixing something else into their hatred.

“Quick, get rid of your ghosts.” Xu Wang waved his hands like shooing flies, feeling slightly guilty. “Sooner or later, you’ll have to add one of our former teammates, so we’re even.”

After all, it was about taking someone else’s former teammate. Whether it was unwanted or who left voluntarily, there’s always a sense of poaching.

Han Buting, Li Xia, Li Zijin: “……”

There might be a misunderstanding; the emotions mixed in their hatred were of relief.

“Whoosh—”

A beautiful flame ignited on the ceiling.

Han Buting’s team exchanged glances, and with a “bang,” they closed the door from outside. The coordination and speed were of the utmost survival instinct.

The inconspicuous door seemed like a boundary between two worlds. The fire and heat disappeared instantly, leaving only the quiet corridor and the fallen, faceless woman in white.

Han Buting used a prop to collect her, then said, “It’s not safe here. Go next door and wait.”

Today was different from yesterday. Only one ghost crawled out of the hole in the wall. The subsequent four ghosts didn’t appear at all. Wei Menghan’s team enjoyed the secret passage, while Han Buting’s team had to deal with the faceless woman first, holding onto the beautiful imagination that “the other team should have already entered the painting,” preparing to summon the four ghosts later.

As it turns out, all beautiful illusions are just that: illusions.

But that team added Chi Yingxue, which was… truly delightful.

“Haa—” The normally reserved Captain Han entered the safe 1309 and sighed towards the chandelier, feeling relieved and vindicated.

As for that phrase about adding a former teammate sooner or later, it was vague and selectively ignored.

Li Zijin also felt schadenfreude but was more puzzled. “Why did they add Chi Yingxue. Did they forget the amusement park incident?”

“Getting through the levels is more important than past grudges.” Li Xia sat down, counting the remaining yellow talismans.

Li Zijin: “But you can’t just add anyone, right?”

Li Xia: “Skills are more important than character.”

“Is this a matter of good or bad character?” Li Zijin was frustrated. “That’s a lunatic!”

Li Xia looked up, asking seriously, “Isn’t that in line with their team’s style?”

Li Zijin paused. Images of cupid, death’s gaze, poisonous mushrooms, vomiting, and original scripts flashed through his mind…

“I have no problems anymore.”

Confirmed through the soul, they were destined for each other.

……

1310. After [(Defense) Let the Storm Come in All its Fury], the room was in disarray.

“Next, we just wait for the painting to pull us in,” Xu Wang said to Chi Yingxue. “I’ll explain the specific mission line after we go in.”

From the moment he joined the team, the new teammate was automatically included in the main team’s mission line and saved by the “Owl”.

“Okay.” Chi Yingxue wiped his wet hair back, revealing a smooth and beautiful forehead.

Xu Wang appreciated the sight for a few seconds but was then patted on the shoulder by his advisor, instantly turning into shock, and continued the previous topic. “You bit them all to death?!”

Chi Yingxue was stunned for two seconds before catching up with his team captain’s leap in logic, explaining, “I was infected with the zombie virus and couldn’t control my actions.”

“You alone bit all three of them to death?” Wu Sheng confirmed the details again, very calmly, without any emotion.

“Yes.” Chi Yingxue answered.

Wu Sheng nodded. “Impressive.”

Chi Yingxue crossed his arms and laughed nonchalantly, sensing that the compliment wasn’t entirely genuine.

Xu Wang secretly sized up the new teammate, feeling that he was either genuinely magnanimous or truly indifferent. Whether it was Wu Sheng’s caution, Qian Ai’s obvious hostility, or Kuang Jinxin’s eager curiosity, Chi Yingxue saw it all but didn’t mind, nor did he show any desire to delve deeper.

This person was like the opposite of the previous Chi Yingxue, who would have stirred up everything around him, even waving to them from afar before plunging into the sea. But this one was like a climber, only looking at the mountain peak, indifferent to whether it was spring, summer, autumn, or winter around him.

The heatwave rose again with a shower of flaming petals.

In an instant, the five were in a medieval European village.

Like yesterday, the villagers hurried to the execution square, ignoring them.

“Captain, the [Stationary Box] can be used now!” Kuang Jinxin checked out of habit and was pleasantly surprised.

The teammates opened their [Stationary Box] together, and indeed, there was no gray; all icons were vibrant and complete.

Wu Sheng quickly compared the differences between the two days, and the answer was clear. “It doesn’t work with other teams. We must do the mission alone.”

Xu Wang suddenly felt wronged. “It’s not like we dragged them in yesterday…”

“They mentioned using some props yesterday,” Qian Ai vaguely remembered. “Something from the love line?”

Wu Sheng looked up, and at the small square, the wood under the cross was almost ready. “We must have missed something.”

The five headed to the execution site, familiar with the path. Xu Wang didn’t disturb his advisor’s thoughts. Instead, he took the time to give a “prelude” to the new teammate.

Of course, this time Captain Xu didn’t use an “original script” and just conveyed their experience from yesterday, not adding any extra details.

Chi Yingxue listened quietly, understanding Han Buting’s team’s rapid retreat, and could probably even guess the feelings of the other team they didn’t meet in the secret passage.

“So, our mission is to deal with the evil spirit?” He needed to clarify the goal.

“For now, yes,” Xu Wang said. “But we can’t rule out new clues later.”

“Understood.” Chi Yingxue said, opening his [Stationary Box] to show Xu Wang. “This is all my stationery. Whether you prefer to combine them or use them individually, either is fine.”

Chi Yingxue’s [Stationery Box] had nine items in total. It was easy to remember after a glance, especially as the other party had no intention of limiting their time. The arm extended towards them remained still, as if saying, “Feel free to look”.

Xu Wang couldn’t quite describe his feelings.

There was definitely surprise, as the [Stationery Box] is a challenger’s lifeline, and showing it means opening one’s heart.

But Chi Yingxue’s words always gave Xu Wang a sense of “I’ve given you my things. Use them as you please.” If he truly considered them his people, there should be discussions and coordination, like what tactics I’m used to, what tactics you’re used to, how we should mesh…

Chi Yingxue raised his eyebrows slightly with a puzzled look in his eyes.

Xu Wang looked at his face and suddenly felt a bit guilty, thinking he might be too nitpicky.

“For tactical issues, consult our advisor.” Xu Wang pulled Wu Sheng over. “He’ll teach you our combat system.”

Chi Yingxue nodded to Wu Sheng. “Thanks.”

“No trouble.” Wu Sheng looked up at the sky. “But not right now.”

In the sky, light blue petals were flying towards the blazing cross.

Like yesterday, the fire beneath the cross weakened amidst the dancing petals, and the villagers scattered in all directions.

“Amy—”

Following the young man’s shout from under the tree, the girl with the torch rushed over again.

“Lao Qian.” Wu Sheng looked at his teammate. “Go keep an eye on York. Once he runs, follow him to see where he lives!”

The tactics changed abruptly, and Qian Ai was momentarily confused. “York?”

“The guy under the tree.” Kuang Jinxin remembered the name.

With many questions in mind but seeing Amy about to act recklessly, Qian Ai didn’t have time to ask and dashed towards the tree. Otherwise, York would soon run faster than a rabbit.

Just as Qian Ai reached the tree, Amy burst into flames.

After York ran away and Qian Ai followed, Amy had become a charred corpse.

With the shadow of the previous experience, the remaining three tried not to look. Chi Yingxue glanced twice with a calm expression.

Wu Sheng began explaining his thoughts. “The flow of time here is slower than outside the painting.”

With this statement, Kuang Jinxin and Chi Yingxue were still confused, but Xu Wang understood. “Because they want to give the challengers enough time to find the love line prop in here?”

“Right,” Wu Sheng said. “There’s at least four and a half hours until the evil spirit arrives. It can’t just be for us to eat a pot of poisonous mushroom soup.”

Xu Wang didn’t want to recall that part of the story. “What do you plan to do?”

“We’ll split into two groups. One group will go home with Cornina, and the other will look for clues and props in the village.”

“Reasonable division of labor, scientific tactics.”

“That’s it?”

“…How did the ‘Owl’ assign you to me!”

Satisfied, Advisor Wu rescued Cornina from the cross and then started chatting and advancing the plot.

Xu Wang tried to interject several times but couldn’t, so he just stood quietly beside, supporting his advisor with mental power.

Kuang Jinxin wanted to step forward, but seeing Chi Yingxue motionless, he turned and saw the latter watching their captain and advisor with a faint smile.

He was puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

“In one sentence, they basically know what the other person wants to say.” Chi Yingxue withdrew his gaze, looking towards Kuang Jinxin. “The understanding between your captain and advisor is impressive.”

“There have been times of communication failure too. I’ve seen the captain get frustrated twice…” Kuang Jinxin responded halfway, then realizing something was off, his brow slowly furrowed, correcting himself, “It’s ours.”

Chi Yingxue titled his head slightly. “Huh?”

Kuang Jinxin looked straight into his eyes. “They are our captain and advisor.”

He emphasized the word “our” without any concealment.

Chi Yingxue understood, and his eyes and brows relaxed, showing a warm smile. “I accept the criticism and will make serious corrections.”

Kuang Jinxin looked at him somewhat confusedly, always feeling that his warmth was like mist-covered glass.

The Chi Yingxue from the amusement park was dangerous, but his emotions were tangible. Kuang Jinxin could still recall the displeasure of that Chi Yingxue when Li Zijin interrupted the fight, the inexplicable anger on the Ferris wheel, and the annoyance and anger when being taunted by his own advisor with the illusory stationery.

Wu Sheng’s conversation with Cornina this time wasn’t so formulaic. In addition to the necessary main storyline, he chatted about various things, firstly to probe the NPC’s information capacity, and secondly to wait for Qian Ai.

But until Qian Ai returned breathlessly, Wu Sheng hadn’t obtained any useful information. Cornina had very limited information provided to her, only related to the mission line itself, aside from the basic knowledge of a medieval village girl.

Hei Momo from 4/23 would exploit loopholes in the rules, Yuan Zai from 3/23’s save point would even ask, “What does the next level mean”, but Cornina didn’t show even a hint of curiosity.

Wu Sheng gave up on the idea of giving her a card.

With York’s residence confirmed, the next step was to split into two groups.

“I’ll look for clues in the village with Wu Sheng.” Xu Wang clarified the division of labor. “Lao Qian, you, Xiao Kuang, and Chi Yingxue, go home with Cornina.”

Qian Ai, still catching his breath, was startled. “The three of us?”

Xu Wang laughed. “You think you’re more suited for finding clues?”

Qian Ai: “Not really…”

“Then that settles it.” Xu Wang looked towards Kuang Jinxin. “Take care of Lao Qian. Don’t let him eat mushroom soup again.”

Kuang Jinxin immediately patted his chest. “Leave it to me!”

Qian Ai: “……”

How much of a glutton do people think I am!

Chi Yingxue complied with the arrangement, following Cornina with Kuang Jinxin.

Xu Wang quickly grabbed Qian Ai, who was lagging behind, and whispered another instruction. “Keep an eye on Xiao Kuang.”

Qian Ai followed his captain’s gaze and finally understood when he saw Chi Yingxue’s back.

“Don’t worry.” His last words were said with a sense of mission.

Watching his teammates and Cornina leave, Captain Xu wasn’t really at ease. If possible, he would feel safest going home with Cornina himself, in case Chi Yingxue tried any tricks, as he would definitely notice faster than Lao Qian.

But letting Lao Qian search for clues… That would be less reliable than leaving him to watch Chi Yingxue.

Wu Sheng knew what Xu Wang was worried about, and because he knew, he was more puzzled. “Why don’t we just take Chi Yingxue with us to look for clues—keep him close and watch him?”

Leaving Lao Qian and Xiao Kuang to go back to Cornina’s house would be safer.

“That would be too obvious in showing our distrust,” Xu Wang said. “Since you thought of it, how dull would Chi Yingxue have to be not to see it?”

“Are we supposed to pretend to be united and friendly when we’re already on guard?” Wu Sheng felt tired for him.

“This is a period of mutual assessment and adaptation,” Xu Wang stated seriously. “If we can get through it, then the unity and friendship will be genuine.”

“Is Chi Yingxue also assessing us?”

“Of course.”

Seeing Wu Sheng still unconvinced, Xu Wang didn’t bother with more words, simply concluding, “Getting along with people is an art. If everyone were as straightforward and blunt as you, we’d disperse before forming a bond.”

Wu Sheng frowned. “I do have a few friends.”

“Then cherish them.” Xu Wang turned, heading towards the first stop in their search for clues—under the tree. “You’re spared the effort, all taken care of by the other party…”

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