Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

Chapter 84: Love

When Chi Yingxue dissipated the stationery effect, the epiphyte flower fell back to the ground and got squashed, suddenly turning into a charged twig.

All five of them saw this magical transformation and looked at each other in disbelief. Chi Yingxue, being the closest, stepped forward and bent down to pick it up.

His translucent fingers passed through the twig, catching nothing.

To this world, they seemed to have become intangible.

But their voices could still be heard, as Kuang Jinxin soon weakly reminded them, “Captain, the flowers are over there…”

Everyone turned to look. Cornina, who had fainted at some point, was sitting in a corner of the kitchen, with the epiphyte flowers lying quietly next to her on the ground.

They looked as if they had never been part of the battle, as pristine as if they had just been plucked from the tree, dew still clinging to their fragrant petals.

Xu Wang looked at the flowers, then back at the charred twig by the wall. Something suddenly flashed through his mind but eluded his grasp.

At that moment, the epiphyte flower emitted a faint blue light.

The light, no longer dim, grew stronger and brighter, illuminating the entire kitchen.

In the psychedelic colors, the epiphyte flower slowly transformed into a human figure.

He or she appeared to be sixteen or seventeen years old, with delicate features, clear eyes, skin so pale it was almost transparent, and a body lightly draped in cloth. The face was a mix of a boy’s and a girl’s, like an elf stepping out of a forest.

Bending down, it gently kissed Cornina on the forehead.

Its eyes were brimming with emotion, freely pouring out.

In the quiet blue light, everyone heard the whispering words of love—

“I remember that wonderful moment,

As before my eyes you appeared,

Like a vision, fleeting, momentary,

Like a spirit of the purest beauty,

…

Then to my soul an awakening came,

And there again your face appeared,

…

And my heart beat with a rapture new,

And for its sake arose again,

A godlike face, an inspiration,

And life, and tears, and love, and you.”

As the whisper faded, everyone left the illusion of the oil painting and returned to 1310.

The room was so quiet that it seemed as if the whispers were still echoing in their ears.

The secret door in the wall remained but was now silent, as Teacher Wei’s team had probably already moved on to the next part of the escape line, struggling somewhere in the Castle Hotel.

There was no more noise from Han Buting’s team in the hallway, and even the traces of the fight had faded, with only the charred black marks on the walls remaining distinct.

The luxurious canopy bed, with its dark green silk sheets, now held a cluster of light blue flowers.

Dark green and light blue, complementing each other beautifully.

“Those last words spoken by the epiphyte flower…” Xu Wang looked at Wu Sheng, asking out of curiosity, “Is it still a love poem?”

Wu Sheng nodded cleanly. “Still a love poem, still by Pushkin, 1825, ‘To Kern’*.”

*This poem was written by Pushkin for Anna Kern. There are various translations of it online.

Xu Wang: “You answered too quickly…”

Knowing some classic love poems was one thing, and he believed in Wu Sheng’s photographic memory, but this speed of retrieval without even a search…

“I spent some time specifically reading books on this topic,” Wu Sheng said, pausing for a few seconds. His gaze moved from Xu Wang’s face back to the epiphyte flower in the middle of the bed, finishing the sentence softly. “It left a deep impression.”

Xu Wang wondered if it was just his imagination, but in those few seconds of silent eye contact, it seemed like Wu Sheng was waiting for him to say something or give some sort of reaction.

But…

The only reaction he could think of was to complain about why on earth you would read love poems.

Does our advisor really want this?

“Whoosh—”

The dark green silk sheets suddenly ignited with a translucent flame, which quickly engulfed the epiphyte flower.

The fire was focused, not harming the sheets or the canopy, just burning the light blue flower.

The change happened too quickly for anyone to react, and the epiphyte flower was charred. The flame disappeared in an instant, like a claw hurrying back to its master.

But as it left, the remnants of the epiphyte flower turned into a small, charred twig, and the intact epiphyte flower reappeared next to it.

Just like the scene in the painting not long ago.

Even Qian Ai, slow as he was, understood. “The epiphyte flower was the substitute, and the 1829 braided girl was Cornina.’

Kuang Jinxin agreed. “The epiphyte flower used itself to deceive the evil spirit. Unable to escape, it could only confess through letters.’

‘It probably didn’t expect Cornina to come looking for it following the address.” Wu Sheng analyzed calmly. “Because once Cornina entered the Castle Hotel, she risked being discovered by the evil spirit.”

Xu Wang agreed with Qian Ai, Kuang Jinxin, and Wu Sheng’s outline of the love story. From the experiences inside the painting and various clues, there couldn’t be a second script. But he felt something was missing…

Chi Yingxue listened quietly, without any disturbance in his heart. Compared to the NPC’s deep emotions, he was more concerned about: “What’s the mission?”

There should always be an endpoint to a mission line.

“Back to 1829.” Xu Wang gave up on pursuing those elusive feelings. He carefully picked up the epiphyte flower and looked at his companions. “We promised to help her find the person who wrote the love letter, and now we have the answer.”

The hallway was empty. They didn’t know where the other teams were fighting, but the five companions’ return journey was smooth. Before reaching their destination, they took a detour to check room 1825.

1825, the year of the love poem the epiphyte flower recited to Cornina—the beginning of this phase, when they followed the 1829 “I Once Loved You” to find the braided girl, thus truly starting the love story.

But the same trick didn’t work twice. There was nothing in 1825.

Just as they were about to leave, a loud “boom” came from outside the window, shaking it.

Startled, the five rushed to the window to see what was happening.

They saw a huge pit blasted open on the lawn of the Castle Hotel. The turf flew everywhere, revealing dark soil. Not far from the pit, three challengers were busily setting up new explosives, their faces glinting in the sun with the sheen of hard work.

On the other side, one person operated an excavator while another directed from outside. Under their skilled cooperation, the northeast corner of the lawn was also being destroyed, seemingly about to connect with the other pit.

Kuang Jinxin: “Are these five people a team?”

Wu Sheng: “Judging by their objectives, definitely a team.”

Qian Ai: “Working together to destroy the lawn, what kind of mission is this?”

Chi Yingxue: “……”

Xu Wang couldn’t figure it out either but was glad their team didn’t choose such a physically demanding task.

Ignoring all that, the five, carrying the epiphyte flower, quickly returned to 1829.

Cornina opened the door, but as they entered to tell her the truth, they found a familiar old man with gentle eyes sitting in a chair.

“Are you… here to save our progress?” Xu Wang couldn’t think of any other reason.

The polite elderly writer stood up but was no less surprised than them. “You know Nancy?”

Nancy, the name of the girl with the braids in this life.

“You know each other?” The girl with the braids looked at the five friends and then at the elderly writer, also startled.

The three parties exchanged glances, and the air suddenly became quiet.

Xu Wang and his team hadn’t mentioned the love story to the elderly writer at all, only asking about finding inspiration based on his identity as a writer, leading to legends and a save point. With just these, there was no reason for the writer to appear here.

Seeing that neither side spoke, the girl with the braids took on the role of a communicator, explaining to Xu Wang and his team. “I met Mr. Dokken in the banquet hall on my first day here. I’m his loyal fan!”

Then, to the elderly writer, she said, “Mr. Dokken, these are the people who kindly helped me find the letter sender.”

The elderly writer suddenly realized, returning to his kind smile. “So it was you who helped Nancy. How is the progress? Any clues?”

The five companions: “……”

Not just clues, they had the answer.

But just before reaching the end, suddenly having an audience, it all seemed like a conspiracy!

After a moment of silence, Captain Xu confirmed for the last time with the elderly writer—

“Can we save?”

“No.”

“Thank you.”

The five quickly gathered in a corner of the room.

Qian Ai decisively suggested, “Just tell the truth.”

Kuang Jinxin agreed, “Yeah, face the challenge as it comes!”

Wu Sheng shrugged. “I’ve always said, just go for it.”

Chi Yingxue smiled. “Don’t worry, we can always clear the field if needed.”

Xu Wang: “……”

If it weren’t for that last sentence, he would have been reassured!

Refusing to ponder over the meaning of “clearing the field”, Xu Wang, holding the epiphyte flower, approached the girl with the braids.

Taking a deep breath, he didn’t bother with any preambles and simply revealed the truth. “The letters are written by it.”

The girl with the braids and the elderly writer beside her were both stunned.

Just as Xu Wang was about to explain everything, a dark red shadow suddenly appeared on the wall behind the girl and the elderly writer.

Xu Wang’s heart sank. He had anticipated a final battle with the evil spirit, but he didn’t expect that a few words of truth would trigger the revenge of the evil spirit!

The epiphyte flower in his hand emitted a strong, blinding blue light.

“I finally… found you…”

The shadow turned into the evil spirit, howling and fiercely pouncing towards the girl’s back!

But the epiphyte flower transformed into a human figure, embracing the girl from behind at a faster speed!

The evil spirit hit the epiphyte flower, but a faint golden light suddenly emerged from the slender, frail back!

The evil spirit was forcefully repelled, letting out a painful, shrill scream.

The epiphyte flower, ready to be scorched by the flames of hell, was momentarily confused.

But the five onlookers saw clearly that the golden light came from the elderly writer’s cane!

Now, the cane in the writer’s hand had turned into a cross, and he held it up to the evil spirit. His entire demeanor changed, as if two figures were superimposed on one another, both like the original writer and like another person.

Xu Wang and Wu Sheng glanced at each other.

There was no mistake.

It was the priest they had heard about in the village, who Amy had confessed to.

“Amy, let go,” the writer said, still in the elderly man’s voice but now with the calmness and peace of a priest. “Cornina is not a witch, but the moment you harbored malicious intent, you became an evil spirit.”

“She used witchcraft to control those petals… I wanted to save the entire village…”

The elderly writer shook his head, saying no more and only repeating, “Let go.”

The evil spirit laughed wickedly. It sounded so evil that it sent shivers down everyone’s spines.

In the next instant, the walls of the entire room burst into flames!

In just a few seconds, the five friends could barely hold on!

The elderly writer sighed almost inaudibly, and the cross he held suddenly emitted an extremely bright golden light.

The flames were extinguished instantly.

The evil spirit twisted in agony, but in just a few seconds, it completely turned to ashes in the light.

The cross turned back into a cane, and the elderly writer now truly resembled a priest. He turned around, looking at the epiphyte flower still protecting the girl with the braids, then at the five friends, apologetically smiling. “I’m sorry, I should have done this back then.”

Wu Sheng, Qian Ai, Kuang Jinxin, Chi Yingxue: “……”

Xu Wang: “Cough, better late than never.”

Turns out, the boss was here.

The girl with the braids finally saw the person protecting her.

As she began to speak in confusion, the epiphyte flower gently placed its palm on her forehead.

The girl with the braids peacefully fell asleep.

The epiphyte flower carried her to the bed and gently covered her with a blanket.

Xu Wang watched, baffled. After all the hardships, just when the moment to confess arrived, why pause now?

“I only said the letter was written by you, nothing else,” he hurriedly reminded, as a participant in this love story.

The epiphyte flower gently shook its head. “When she wakes up, she will forget what you said too.”

Xu Wang was stunned for a moment before understanding the implication, incredulously asking, “You erased her memory?!”

The epiphyte flower looked down at the sleeping girl with a tender gaze. “The evil spirit has dispersed, and she should return to her own life. There’s no need for her to remember the letter, nor me.”

Xu Wang: “…Are you content with this?”

A hint of confusion appeared in the eyes of the epiphyte flower, but soon, it was replaced by a clear resignation. “She doesn’t even know who I am. Her love was not for me, but for the illusion woven by those letters… just like me.”

Xu Wang: “……”

What realization is this? That it also didn’t love Cornina, but an illusion in its heart?

Is the ending of the love story to tell them that there is no such thing as love and fairy tales are all lies?

Then what is true love?!

The epiphyte flower quietly watched him for a long while.

Xu Wang almost thought the flower had heard his inner roar.

But in the end, the flower left him with an ambiguous statement—

“I have never truly been burned by the flames of hell.”

Before Xu Wang could ask further, the epiphyte flower returned to its original form, falling back into his palm.

Five people, one flower, two NPCs.

The world was quiet again.

There was no joyous “ding—”

Only the persistent “bang bang bang” of the excavator outside on the lawn.

Xu Wang, holding on to the last bit of hope, looked at the priest. “Can we submit our answer now?”

Priest: “No.”

Xu Wang: “Thank you.”

The five friends looked at each other, completely lost for direction.

Kuang Jinxin: “Haven’t we reached the end of the love story line?”

Qian Ai: “This is a bit awkward…”

Chi Yingxue: “Do I need to interrogate this priest?”

Wu Sheng: “……”

Xu Wang: “Xiao Chi, stay away from the old man’s cane. I’m afraid he might hit you.”

Finding a corner away from the noise of the window, Xu Wang sat on the carpet, lost in thought.

Qian Ai, seeing he was untangling the events of the past two days, asked Wu Sheng, “Aren’t you going to help think?”

Wu Sheng looked at him and suddenly asked, “Why did the epiphyte flower give up?”

Qian Ai scratched his head. “Didn’t it say the girl didn’t love it, but an illusion?”

Wu Sheng: “How did it come to that conclusion?”

Qian Ai: “……”

Wu Sheng: “Did the epiphyte flower truly love her?”

Qian Ai: “It should, right? Otherwise, how could it endure being a substitute and burned for life after life?”

Wu Sheng: “Then why did it say, ‘I have never truly been burned by the flames of hell’?”

Qian Ai: “……”

Wu Sheng: “……”

Qian Ai understood Wu Sheng’s mood. “It’s better to leave it to the captain to figure out such a confusing storyline.”

Wu Sheng: “Mm.”

Qian Ai: “Why did you choose this line in the first place?”

Wu Sheng: “Young and naive.”

Qian Ai: “…I forgive you on behalf of the moon.”

A few minutes later, the priest turned back into the elderly writer. Although confused about the situation, he decisively said goodbye, just as abruptly as last time, as if in a hurry to go back to collect his salary.

In the corner, Captain Xu took out a letter.

Not the ones given to them by the girl with the braids later, but the letter that guided them at the very beginning of the love line, with only one poem on it—”I Once Loved You”.

The love poem was not long but filled with sadness from beginning to end.

Especially the last two lines, “But may God bless you, and may someone else love you as I did,” were heart-wrenching.

For a while, Xu Wang thought this was the tone of the love story line—that they were about to experience a story of unrequited love and hopeless resignation.

But looking back now, the epiphyte flower indeed gave up, but without heartbreak. Instead, it was more open-minded and clear than when in love.

Even when in love, the letters it wrote to the girl with the braids were filled with passionate emotions, never showing a hint of discouragement or despair!

Xu Wang suddenly looked up. A few steps away, Kuang Jinxin and Chi Yingxue sat quietly, not sure how long they had been watching him.

“Any discoveries?” Kuang Jinxin, seeing the “epiphany” in his captain’s eyes, immediately asked with anticipation.

Xu Wang confidently said, “There’s another person.”

Kuang Jinxin was astonished.

Chi Yingxue, leaning on his hand, was initially indifferent, but Xu Wang’s conclusion suddenly piqued his interest.

“Another person?” His voice rose slightly, carrying a subtle anticipation. “Someone more difficult to deal with than the evil spirit?”

Xu Wang: “…There’s another heartbroken person who loved but couldn’t have it.”

Chi Yingxue paused, then smiled at Xu Wang. “Oh, that’s nice.”

“……” Xu Wang swore he just received a 😏 emoji.

Seeing that he seemed to have really figured something out, Advisor Wu and Classmate Qian, who were distant from love, immediately gathered around.

Wu Sheng asked the most practical question, “Evidence?”

Xu Wang lifted the letter in his hand. “This poem isn’t about the epiphyte flower. Its silent love for Cornina brought it happiness, not sorrow.”

Wu Sheng: “……”

Xu Wang: “Think about the poem it recited to Cornina in the painting. It said, ‘And my heart beat with a rapture new.’ Just being able to silently love her was enough to make it happy.”

Wu Sheng: “…Mm.”

Qian Ai: “Captain, actually, the advisor doesn’t understand, nor do I, but it’s okay. Continue.”

“Never truly burned by the flames of hell…” Kuang Jinxin muttered to himself, then suddenly, his eyes widened in realization, looking at Xu Wang. “There’s someone else protecting the epiphyte flower. That person is the real substitute!”

Xu Wang almost despaired in the bewildered gazes of Qian Ai, Wu Sheng, and Chi Yingxue, but now he almost wanted to hug Classmate Kuang and kiss him. “Exactly! Only those who can feel sadness, heartbreak, jealousy, and despair experience true love!”

Kuang Jinxin: “That’s why the epiphyte flower didn’t confess and also erased the girl’s memory!”

Xu Wang: “This whole ordeal wasn’t about their love story!”

Kuang Jinxin: “……”

Xu Wang: “……”

Together, they had an epiphany. “The twig!”

Wu Sheng, Qian Ai, and Chi Yingxue listening in silence: “……”

They might be more suited to digging holes in the lawn outside. 

The author has something to say:

Ah, love, the little demon that grinds people down~~(～￣▽￣)～

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

Chapter 83: Epiphytic Flower

Five people, one NPC, and a cluster of epiphytic flowers.

The night was deep like water, and the evil spirit could arrive at any time, leaving the companions with little time to plan their tactics.

“We’ve searched the entire village and found no other main storyline items. It’s almost certain that this epiphytic flower is the love line’s prop,” Xu Wang said as he pulled out paper and pen from his backpack and handed them to his advisor. “But how to use it, we can only guess.”

Taking the paper and pen, Wu Sheng quickly listed four possibilities. “Active attack, passive defense, direct entry into the main storyline, or delayed activation—these are the four directions I can think of right now.”

“Direct entry into the main storyline would be great.” Kuang Jinxin fantasized about an easy and effortless future.

“It’s not very feasible.” Xu Wang didn’t want to discourage him, but this was based on the experience of their companions. “Li Zijin and his team still had to manually exorcize ghosts even with their yellow talismans.”

“Active attack and passive defense are fine, as long as they protect against fire. I don’t want to be burned again…” Qian Ai’s requirements were simple—just a bit of safety.

“What does delayed activation mean?” Chi Yingxue pointed to the fourth item on the paper.

“It will take effect after a delay,” Wu Sheng explained.

“……” Chi Yingxue frowned slightly, confused, not quite sure if he had heard an explanation or not.

Qian Ai and Kuang Jinxin sympathetically looked at their new teammate.

“We’ll use our abilities to resist the evil spirit first. The prop will activate only if we endure for a certain period,” Xu Wang interjected, explaining for his advisor.

Chi Yingxue suddenly understood. The joy in his heart dispelled the faint shadow of “Wu-style explanation”. “I like this direction.”

Direct entry into the main storyline? Too boring.

His barely concealed anticipation caused a crack in his usually warm and gentle demeanor.

Xu Wang caught a glimpse of a combative spirit in that crack.

In a competitive world, was it better or worse to have a fighter on the team? Xu Wang couldn’t be sure. But on second thought, their team seemed to have come this far not by seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages but by feeling—if it felt right, whether they suffered together or were happy together, it all seemed okay.

Not good. They seemed to be managing their team spirit as if they were in a relationship—Captain Xu frowned and fell into deep worry.

Meanwhile, Advisor Wu continued mapping out on the paper. “Based on the four possible ways the epiphytic flower could work, we’ll set up four plans: A, B, C, and D…”

Qian Ai, Kuang Jinxin. “Yeah.”

Advisor Wu drew arrows and branches under each plan. “Each plan might have unexpected outcomes, so I’ve also prepared four contingency patches: E, H, G, and S…”

Qian Ai, Kuang Jinxin: “Okay.”

After a few rounds, the paper was filled with a complete mind map by Advisor Wu, with boxes, arrows, guiding lines, and key symbols.

Qian Ai and Kuang Jinxin took the tactical map, studied it seriously, and memorized it in detail, occasionally asking questions like, “How exactly should we position ourselves for Plan Gamma?” or “Do these four patches need to correspond exactly to the plans?”

Chi Yingxue silently listened to the entire process: “……”

Kuang Jinxin, having grasped the tactics, realized their new teammate hadn’t participated in the learning. He looked up to find him leaning by the window, admiring the moonlight again.

Enjoying the moon wasn’t a problem, but the moon couldn’t help defeat the evil spirit.

Kuang Jinxin looked on for a while, then stood up, leaving Qian Ai still memorizing diligently, and quietly approached Chi Yingxue.

Feeling someone near, Chi Yingxue turned around. Half his face was basked in the indoor light while the other half in the moonlight, creating a strangely beautiful fusion.

Kuang Jinxin was momentarily stunned, then regained his composure and asked, “Aren’t you going to memorize the tactics?”

Chi Yingxue didn’t expect him to approach so directly, but his lips still curled into a gentle smile. “It’s too troublesome.”

Kuang Jinxin shook his head in disagreement. “If you try to save effort now, it’ll be more troublesome during the fight.”

“Don’t you think a battle where every move is calculated is boring?” Chi Yingxue’s voice was light, like a whisper or a sigh.

Kuang Jinxin looked at him quietly for a long time before saying, “This isn’t a game.”

Chi Yingxue laughed softly, countering, “Isn’t it a game if no one dies no matter how we fight?”

Kuang Jinxin fell silent.

In fact, when he approached to ask, he didn’t intend to force Chi Yingxue to study; he was just curious about his thoughts. Now, he understood.

“Don’t worry.” Chi Yingxue gave him a reassuring look. “I won’t hold you back.”

Kuang Jinxin shook his head almost reflexively. “We are teammates. There’s no holding back or not—only good or bad performance.”

Chi Yingxue paused for a moment. A strange feeling crossed his heart, and he was unable to discern what it was or even if it was related to Kuang Jinxin’s attitude or words.

After a while, he remembered to respond. “I will perform well.”

Kuang Jinxin believed him. “You are very capable. I know.”

It seemed like the conversation should end there, but the young man in front of him didn’t seem to have any intention of leaving.

Chi Yingxue raised an eyebrow in curiosity, waiting for what was next.

“I’m going to say something, but don’t be upset,” Kuang Jinxin suddenly said.

Chi Yingxue’s interest peaked. “Go ahead, say it.”

“You haven’t stayed long in your previous teams, and I don’t think it’s necessarily because of Yan Wang,” Kuang Jinxin stated his judgment without any criticism.

Chi Yingxue’s smile gradually faded, but he inexplicably wanted to hear more.

“They want to escape from here, to be free,” Kuang Jinxin said. “But you want to play.”

Chi Yingxue fell silent, his eyes darkening. The air pressure around his body dropped significantly. “He even skimped on the play. At least, I want to see the scenery at the end.”

“Can you talk to Yan Wang?”

“…Huh?”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Chi Yingxue’s brewing storm of low pressure halted midway.

“It’s like…” Kuang Jinxin struggled to find a suitable analogy. “Imagine closing your eyes and meditating. Can you connect with Yan Wang in your mind, like making a phone call, sending a WeChat message, or a voice or video call.”

“Sometimes… I can voice chat.” Chi Yingxue wasn’t even sure why he blurted out those last three words.

Kuang Jinxin’s eyes widened in surprise, not expecting a real connection, and immediately said, “Then tell him, he can’t always be so capricious, tricking teammates, opponents, and even himself. It’s too foolish.”

“……” Chi Yingxue took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “I’ll try to convey your message.”

Kuang Jinxin sincerely said, “Thank you.”

Chi Yingxue, as if compelled by a ghost, asked, “Don’t you have anything you want to ‘educate’ me about?”

Kuang Jinxin really didn’t. This new teammate had attitude, confidence, a firm entertainment orientation, and goals. Someone who knew what they were doing and enjoyed it seemed more mature than the one on the Ferris wheel. He might not agree with some of his views, but he felt it wasn’t his place to offer “education” or “advice”.

In the quiet eye contact, Chi Yingxue’s eyes slowly narrowed, not liking this reality for no reason. “Really, not even a little?”

Kuang Jinxin was troubled, not understanding why mentioning the reason for leaving the team didn’t anger him, but now he seemed unhappy.

“Light colors.” Kuang Jinxin scrambled for a suggestion, sincerely. “You look good in light colors.”

Chi Yingxue was stunned for a moment, then responded with mixed feelings. “Oh.”

Kuang Jinxin turned and went back without Chi Yingxue noticing. Lost in thought for who knows how long, when he refocused, Xu Wang’s face was in front of him.

Chi Yingxue was startled, managing not to move, but his eyes flickered noticeably.

“I’m not as cute as Xiao Kuang, but you don’t have to show such obvious terror,” Xu Wang said dryly, handing the epiphytic flower to Chi Yingxue. “Take care of this. It’s up to you now.”

“Me?” The damp bark connected to the flower’s roots felt cool against his palm.

“You want to improvise, right?” Xu Wang said, “Perfect, we also don’t know how to use this flower, so you adapt as necessary.”

“This is the most crucial prop.” Chi Yingxue didn’t like tactics, but that didn’t mean he didn’t understand the situation.

“So it should be given to the person with the strongest fighting ability,” Xu Wang stated matter-of-factly.

Chi Yingxue stared at him, trying to find calculation in his face or eyes. “Xiao Kuang said I don’t fit in.”

But he failed because Xu Wang straightforwardly nodded. “Yeah.”

Chi Yingxue: “……”

“But being unsociable has its advantages,” Xu Wang said slyly. “Less politeness and face-saving, more direct communication.”

Chi Yingxue raised an eyebrow inquiringly.

Xu Wang patted his shoulder solemnly. “Your only strengths are your looks and fighting ability. Protect the former and utilize the latter. Even if you annoy others, you’ll still be considered a treasure of the team.”

Chi Yingxue: “……”

“Oh right, you don’t need to worry about other tactics, but there’s one you must remember, willing or not.” Xu Wang suddenly turned serious. “Plan P.”

P?

Perhaps still dwelling on Kuang Jinxin’s comment about “you want to play”, Chi Yingxue’s first thought was, “P-L-A-Y? Play?”

Xu Wang was somewhat disappointed in their lack of understanding. “P-A-O*, run.”

*This is the pinyin for (跑) which means to run away/escape.

Chi Yingxue: “……”

For a while after seeing his new captain leave, Chi Yingxue thought of nothing and just stared blankly at the wall.

By chance, he was the first to notice a shadow moving across the corner of the wall.

“It’s here,” he warned immediately.

All companions sprang to action, on high alert.

The shadow disappeared into the kitchen.

The five, protecting Cornina, entered the kitchen together.

Against the wall where the shelf was placed, it was as red as burning coal.

The wooden shelf started to emit a charred smell, its edges blackening.

Xu Wang turned to signal Chi Yingxue but found him already holding up the epiphytic flower towards the shelf.

Chi Yingxue was quicker than he expected.

Unfortunately, nothing was triggered.

The burning red on the wall slowly formed a ghostly figure, and from a distant, unknown place, a hellish wail sounded—

“The witch… must… be burned…”

The ghostly figure separated from the wall, flew to the ceiling, then dived down, heading straight for Cornina, who was protected by the five!

The epiphytic flower still showed no reaction, clearly indicating the fourth scenario, delayed activation of the prop, automatically initiating “Plan Delta”.

Without needing Wu Sheng’s shout, Kuang Jinxin was already on it—[(Offense) Ferocious Spirit*]!

*(凶神恶煞) Idiom referring to a ferocious god/demon/evil spirit but now later used to describe a very ferocious person.

Just as Amy’s ghost swooped down, a blue-faced, fanged ghost appeared above the five, confronting Amy’s ghost!

One fiery red, one dark blue—the two fierce spirits instantly entangled in an East-West showdown, ghost against ghost.

As they fought, Amy’s ghost figure grew fiercer, and the temperature in the kitchen soared, scorching hot!

Chi Yingxue held the epiphytic flower like a model, not knowing when it would react. He was already bored, and now he couldn’t even calm down to keep his cool.

Suddenly, a cold breeze began to blow.

Chi Yingxue froze, hearing the notification in his ear—

[Owl: Someone used [(Defense) Ice Age] on you~~]

The walls, which were baked red, were slowly covered with a layer of frost, which quickly melted under the heat, only to be replaced by new frost.

Chi Yingxue looked at his new teammates.

Kuang Jinxin was concentrating on controlling the blue-faced ghost in the air.

Xu Wang was focusing on the wall, sweat already forming on his forehead.

The [Ice Age] slowed down the heating of the kitchen but couldn’t cool it down.

The [Ferocious Spirit] was visibly losing ground.

The power of their stationery was significantly weakened in the mission line.

Chi Yingxue looked at the flower in his hand, intuitively feeling it would be key in the end, but how? Who knows.

The petals had already wilted in the heat.

Chi Yingxue sighed, relieving his sore arm and switching the flower to the other hand, continuing to elegantly hold it, waiting for the mission line’s call.

“Patch S!” Wu Sheng shouted, bringing Chi Yingxue back from his reverie.

The blue-faced ghost had vanished, and Amy’s ghost was now more fiercely ablaze, with flames starting in the corner of the wall causing the [Ice Age] to rapidly fade.

[Owl: Someone used [(Offense) Strong Wind Blows] on you~~]

[Owl: Someone used [(Defense) Shelter From the Storm] on you~~]

The first notification was for the evil spirit.

The second was for the five companions.

Chi Yingxue couldn’t hear the first one but felt a sudden gust of wind, nearly getting lifted off the ground, but it stopped almost instantly around the five of them.

The real windstorm was for the evil spirit.

The wind acted like a barrier, preventing the evil spirit from getting close.

Chi Yingxue, standing next to Qian Ai, clearly saw him activate another stationery: [(Offense) Mass’s Gospel]!

A glowing bible suddenly appeared in mid-air, floating in front of the evil spirit, which was surrounded by the fierce wind, rendering it unable to escape, almost as if it was being forced to listen!

The next moment, the whispers of the gospel filled the kitchen.

The evil spirit howled in pain amidst the gospel’s sound, its fiery form twisting and contorting!

Ghost against ghost, ice against fire, gospel purifying the evil spirit… Chi Yingxue didn’t like formulaic battles, but objectively speaking, Wu Sheng’s highly targeted deployment greatly enhanced the use of their stationery and their collective fighting power.

Chi Yingxue had been part of teams that freely improvised, usually lacking in strength and overconfident. Sometimes, he even wanted to send them home on behalf of the NPCs.

The light of the bible, at some point, dimmed.

Chi Yingxue looked up, frowning slightly in the glaring firelight.

Not good.

Stationery could harm the evil spirit, but only to a limited extent. No matter how long the stalemate lasted, the evil spirit always gained the upper hand.

Plan D was about delaying until the key prop activated.

So the stalemate itself was the purpose of this battle.

But when would the prop activate?

The four fighting companions didn’t rush him, not even casting an anxious glance, but Chi Yingxue was growing impatient himself.

He regretted taking on this task.

Without the flower, he could do whatever he wanted, but now he was completely stuck.

“Xiao Kuang—!” Qian Ai suddenly shouted.

Chi Yingxue stumbled backward after being bumped, and when he looked up, the formation had already broken. Kuang Jinxin was tackled by the evil spirit, protecting Cornina beneath him, while the evil spirit burned his back!

Qian Ai used some stationery, producing a chalice in his hand, and swung it at the evil spirit!

The evil spirit momentarily left, and the chalice whizzed over Kuang Jinxin’s back, missing its target!

But it did rescue Kuang Jinxin from the burning.

The four were out of formation, using their stationery to the fullest in a struggle against the evil spirit!

Chi Yingxue was the most relaxed.

He didn’t know if it was because he was holding the epiphytic flower, but the evil spirit never came for him.

Wait? If the evil spirit was afraid of the epiphytic flower itself, why not give it directly to Cornina and let it protect its actual target?

Chi Yingxue glanced at Xu Wang, fighting fiercely, unable to believe he would make such a basic mistake.

Approaching the corner, the girl was shivering in fear.

Chi Yingxue offered her the pale blue flower, commanding, “Hold this.”

Cornina’s already scared face turned more terrified as she almost shook her head off. “No—take it away—”

Chi Yingxue was stunned by this reaction.

Xu Wang, noticing his new teammate’s actions, said in frustration, “We would have given it earlier if we could. She’s afraid of everything related to magic!”

A cluster of flowers beloved by humans—does that count as related to magic?

Chi Yingxue didn’t know.

All he knew was that this was the first piece of communication he had received since the battle began.

[“You wanted to improvise, right? Well, we don’t know how to use this flower either, so just adapt as you see fit…”]

[“That’s why we need to hand it over to the person with the strongest combat ability…”]

It sounded good in theory.

But what about in practice? Now, the epiphytic flower was completely inert, just sitting there with him, like a piece of decoration.

Chi Yingxue sneered internally, but as he watched the four people in front of him retreating step by step and the epiphytic flower in his hand remaining silent, he felt increasingly frustrated.

He could tolerate a boring fight, but if this went on, those four would just be sent home!

His eyes, reflecting the light of the fire, gradually darkened, becoming as black as the night.

Chi Yingxue slowly turned around, positioning himself in front of Cornina, and softly called out, “Hey, Amy.”

In the roaring heatwave, his voice was very soft.

The evil spirit, chasing after Qian Ai, seemed to hear him, pausing ever so slightly.

[Owl: Someone has used [(Defense) Treading the Clouds*] on you~~]

*(腾云驾雾) Idiom referring to riding on the clouds and fog, like how immortals do. It also describes the behavior of a person who’s in an abnormal physical or mental state or describes supernatural abilities or skills.

Chi Yingxue listened quietly to his defense stationery taking effect, holding his breath and concentrating as a swirling white mist slowly gathered at his feet.

Suddenly, without warning, he soared into the air like an arrow released from its bow, charging straight towards the evil spirit!

The evil spirit sensed the danger and tried to dodge, but its speed suddenly slowed, as if surrounded by a faint silhouette of silk threads!

Chi Yingxue didn’t know which teammate’s stationery produced these threads, but he was very satisfied with the effect.

In an instant, he reached the evil spirit, and without hesitation, he slammed the epiphyte flower, which he had been holding in his palm for a long time, right into the face of the evil spirit!

If that hollow space could be considered a face!

The four teammates below held their breath.

The moment the evil spirit was hit by the epiphyte flower, it suddenly turned into a physical form—the burnt Amy!

The evil spirit, with its arm already charred and shrunken, crashed into the wall with a “bang” under Chi Yingxue’s palm!

The golden threads around it faintly glowed, restraining her resistance!

Chi Yingxue withdrew his hand, causing the epiphyte flower to fall softly to the ground, its buds and petals completely smashed.

The teammates, including Chi Yingxue, were stunned, but he quickly recovered, clicked on his arm, and the next second, he held a cross gleaming with a cold light!

Before the four below could react, the sharp end of the cross was already plunged into the heart of the charred corpse by Chi Yingxue!

Amy struggled fiercely, but Chi Yingxue’s wrist, gripping the cross, was immovable, almost nailing her to the wall!

No one paid attention to the epiphyte flower on the ground anymore.

But at this moment, it emitted a faint blue light and then slowly floated up, regaining its previous appearance. The opened buds emitted a faint fragrance, and the buds yet to bloom were slowly unfolding!

Amy stopped struggling. Her empty eye sockets were fixated on the floating epiphyte flower, and in her eerie, hoarse voice, filled with unwilling resentment and curses, she said—

“You can protect her for a moment… but not for eternity… Next time, I will find her first…”

The evil spirit slowly vanished in the increasingly strong pale blue light. It wasn’t destroyed, but merely lying dormant, waiting for the day to return.

Chi Yingxue realized his body was becoming transparent.

He instinctively looked down, and the four new teammates below were also becoming transparent.

Were they leaving the oil painting?

Chi Yingxue couldn’t be sure, but he knew the four below were all looking up at him, their eyes filled with various “explicit emotions”, which made him uncomfortable.

Qian Ai, the conflicted type—I acknowledge your strength, but I still don’t think highly of you.

Kuang Jinxin, the enthusiastic type—You’re even more impressive than I imagined.

Wu Sheng, the pleasant surprise type—This classmate, I think you can play a smart strategy.

Xu Wang, the old and comforting type—I knew I was right about you.

This was a team overflowing with emotions, incredibly so.

In the silent exchange of glances, Captain Xu turned his back, quietly exited his [Stationery Box], as if he never used a stationery called [(Defense) Awe-Inspiring* Golden Silk], hiding his contribution.

*(浩然正气) Idiom referring to upright and awe-inspiring.

……

Two hours earlier, on the way back to Cornina’s cabin.

Wu Sheng: “You’re giving the epiphyte flower to Chi Yingxue?”

Xu Wang: “We don’t know how to use it anyway.”

Wu Sheng: “It’d be fine if it activates on its own, but what if it requires the user to figure out a way?”

Xu Wang: “That would be ideal.”

Wu Sheng: “You have that much confidence in him?”

Xu Wang: “Not at all.”

Wu Sheng: “……”

Xu Wang: “He’s even more aloof than the Chi Yingxue from the amusement park. Such a person finds it hard to truly see others as teammates.”

Wu Sheng: “Then why agree to add him to the team?”

Xu Wang: “I can’t give up on his combat ability… and his face.”

Wu Sheng: “Could you repeat the part, but louder?”

Xu Wang: “So I still want to try and see if I can inspire some camaraderie in him.”

Wu Sheng: “……”

Xu Wang: “Someone has to trust first. When the team is fully assembled, if I can do this, maybe he won’t leave.”

Wu Sheng: “Impossible. He’s obsessed with Li Zijin.”

Xu Wang: “……”

“If it fails,” Xu Wang looked at his advisor with a suddenly pitiful expression, “You can’t blame me.”

Wu Sheng: “……”

Where does this “you” come from? It’s only him being emotionally manipulated here!

Not wanting to see another pitiful face, Wu Sheng led his team captain to imagine a bright future. “What if it works?”

“If it works…” Xu Wang looked up at the starry sky, suddenly afraid to think further.

If Chi Yingxue really had enough combat power to decisively defeat Li Zijin’s entire team and truly considered his teammates as partners, then maybe, they would be invincible.

Combat power needs to be supported by belief.

No matter how much fun they have, it can’t compare to the desire to march forward alongside your companions.

Kinky Thoughts:

Speaking of ferocious spirit (凶神恶煞), you can check out another project by my favorite author called Evil As Humans, which is named after the idiom. I highly recommend it.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

Chapter 82: Malice

Cornina’s cabin.

“…So, that’s all your dark history.” Qian Ai took the thermos from Kuang Jinxin, drained the warm tea inside to soothe his throat after talking for so long, and then advised his teammate, “Next time, could you add some goji berries?”

Chi Yingxue slightly frowned. “Did I really push Xiao Qian?”

“No, you and I perished together,” Kuang Jinxin corrected, putting the thermos back into his backpack.

Chi Yingxue’s disapproval deepened, and after a moment, he nodded as if sighing. “That’s Yan Wang’s style.”

“Don’t think it’s over just by saying you don’t remember.” Qian Ai felt compelled to remind his teammate. “You and Yan Wang are essentially using the same account. If he kills someone, you are just as culpable.”

Split personalities or whatever, Qian Ai didn’t understand. He believed one should be responsible for their actions. At the very least, he needed to make Chi Yingxue aware of what his other self had done. If he joined the team without any psychological burden, Kuang Jinxin might tolerate it, but Qian Ai couldn’t.

“I apologize on behalf of Yan Wang.” Chi Yingxue looked at Kuang Jinxin, losing his casual demeanor, and spoke earnestly.

Kuang Jinxin and Qian Ai thought differently. He didn’t know why, but he naturally treated Yan Wang and Chi Yingxue as two different people. “It’s not your fault.”

Chi Yingxue thought it was a retort, but upon closer inspection, he realized Kuang Jinxin’s eyes held no resentment or anger, only hidden confusion.

All along the way, his eyes were filled with these question marks.

Unusually, Chi Yingxue felt a hint of curiosity. “Is there something you want to ask?”

Kuang Jinxin had many questions, but since they were talking about the Ferris wheel, he asked, “Do you know why Yan Wang jumped with me? Do you understand his reasoning?”

Chi Yingxue paused. Something flashed in his eyes, but it was too quick to discern.

“I don’t know,” he said with a resigned smile. “Yan Wang’s personality has always been unstable. No one knows what goes on in his mind.”

“Not even you?” Qian Ai was surprised.

Chi Yingxue sighed softly. “All I know is that whenever he appears, no matter how well a team works together, he can ruin everything.”

“That’s for sure. Who would dare accept someone like that?” Qian Ai felt a sense of kinship, but then remembered the subject of their mockery was right there, agreeing with them, which added a weird twist.

“Do you… hate Yan Wang?” Kuang Jinxin asked softly, as if worried that speaking too loudly would let Yan Wang hear.

Chi Yingxue quietly looked at him for a while, then suddenly raised his hand, gently touching his cheek, his thumb tracing his brow bone, whispering, “Would you like someone if you had to fight with them for the right to live?”

Kuang Jinxin was stunned, motionless, even forgetting to breathe.

He suddenly felt that Chi Yingxue wasn’t looking at him but rather at the reflection of another Chi Yingxue in his pupils.

“What are you doing!” Qian Ai slapped Chi Yingxue’s hand away and pulled Kuang Jinxin over. His face scrunched up in disgust. “Talk if you have something to say. Don’t be creepy and touchy!”

Chi Yingxue looked at his suddenly reddened hand, his gaze becoming somewhat vacant, as if he had lost part of his spirit.

“Come on, I just hit you once. You don’t have to overact like that…” The sudden silence made Qian Ai uneasy.

Chi Yingxue suddenly opened the [Roster], tilting his head to look at it for a few seconds.

Then, he slowly raised his eyes, his gaze sliding past him to fall on Kuang Jinxin’s face.

“Kuang… Jinxin?” His tone was very light, with a rising inflection at the end, casually enticing.

Qian Ai swallowed, pulling Kuang Jinxin back with him. “Stop this trickery or I’ll kick you out—”

Chi Yingxue curled his mouth, his eyes flashing mischievously, like a child thinking of a clever prank.

“Xiao Sijin.” He cheerfully declared Kuang Jinxin’s new nickname without any intention of seeking his approval.

Kuang Jinxin stared at him, stunned. More than getting a nickname, he was more concerned about Chi Yingxue, feeling that the person in front of him had changed.

“Are you… Yan Wang?” he asked cautiously.

For a moment, Chi Yingxue’s smile froze in his eyes.

The next instant, a whirlwind of emotions surged in his beautiful eyes—joy, anger, confusion, and realization—all unrelated and crudely mixed together, creating a bewildering blend of colors.

“Get away—” Chi Yingxue suddenly yelled, his face clouded with fury.

It was unclear whether he was yelling at others or at the other self within him.

In any case, Qian Ai immediately scooped up Kuang Jinxin, transforming into “Raging Lightning Qian”, and zipped to the corner of the room. If the crack in the wall was wide enough, he would have squeezed in.

“This fucking transformation…” At that moment, Qian Ai found himself missing the evil spirit. At least their target was clear, their methods direct, and the little flames they carried dispelled the darkness!

Chi Yingxue abruptly stood up, looking around like a cornered beast, his movements frantic but his eyes dark and threatening.

“A wardrobe,” he said in a terrifying, deep voice, as if struggling fiercely with an internal force. “Is there a wardrobe?”

“Upstairs bedroom!” If he wanted gold bars right now, Qian Ai would have melted them for him.

Chi Yingxue sprinted upstairs.

Soon, there was a commotion above, followed by a sound like a wardrobe door closing with a “bang—”

The world became peaceful.

Qian Ai held Kuang Jinxin in his arms for a long time, not letting go.

Kuang Jinxin struggled to lift his head, asking, “Are you trying to protect me, or are you scared and need to hold onto something?”

Qian Ai: “……”

Reluctantly releasing his teammate, Qian Ai skipped the question and issued an order. “From now on, don’t go within a meter of Chi Yingxue!”

Kuang Jinxin knew Qian Ai was worried but still found it difficult. “What about during battles?”

“Even more so,” Qian Ai answered without hesitation. “Let the opponents go near him. It’s guaranteed to scare one to death or drive a pair insane.”

Kuang Jinxin imagined the scenario and laughed. “If Yan Wang knew you thought of him like that, he would definitely be angry.”

Qian Ai took a moment to digest and catch up with Kuang Jinxin’s separate perceptions of Chi Yingxue and Yan Wang, curiously asking, “So Chi Yingxue wouldn’t get angry?”

“He wouldn’t,” Kuang Jinxin said, then thought for a moment before shaking his head. “He doesn’t care about these things.”

Footsteps came from the stairway.

Qian Ai stood in front of Kuang Jinxin, fully alert.

Chi Yingxue walked down slowly, looking pale with slightly white lips, but had calmed down. Seeing their guarded expressions, he smiled sheepishly, half apologizing and half explaining. “I talked too much about his bad side, and he got upset.”

“We can be overheard?” Qian Ai was shocked, momentarily forgetting the scare he just had. His curiosity piqued again.

Chi Yingxue nodded slightly. “Whenever he wants, he can hear.”

Kuang Jinxin asked, “And then, does he remember?”

Chi Yingxue looked at him leisurely, as if he knew what he was going to ask. “Yes. But when we switch, when he comes forward and I recede, I can’t hear, see, and, of course, have no memory of it.”

Having his thoughts seen through didn’t make Kuang Jinxin uncomfortable. He earnestly asked, “Why?”

Chi Yingxue shrugged. “He’s more domineering than I am.”

Kuang Jinxin stated, “But you are the main personality.”

“Exactly because the main personality is weak, avoiding, and afraid to face pain, a secondary personality is born,” Chi Yingxue said with a smile, but his eyes were cold. “The main personality is the most useless.”

“The mushroom soup is ready—” Cornina came in with the same pot as yesterday, brimming with enthusiasm.

Qian Ai pulled Kuang Jinxin back a step, feeling queasy just from the smell, as if seeing little figures dancing in the steam rising from the pot.

Chi Yingxue, who had been briefed on the mushroom soup by his new teammates, had no interest in taking risks and helped Cornina set the soup down before gently saying, “We’ll handle it. You can do something else.”

Cornina insisted, “I’ll serve it for you.”

Chi Yingxue didn’t mind, and, seeing her persistence, let her be.

After serving the soup, Cornina returned to the kitchen.

The aroma filled the living room. This was a huge test for Qian Ai, who was prepared, pulling out a tiny glass bottle with a green liquid from his pocket.

The brain-awakening artifact—menthol oil.

With the little green bottle in hand, all smell and temptation were gone. One sniff can dispel poison and revitalize the spirit.

While Kuang Jinxin indulged in the fragrance of the menthol oil, Kuang Jinxin noticed the bloodstain on Chi Yingxue’s cuff.

It wasn’t there when he had run upstairs just before.

“What method did you use to stop him?” Kuang Jinxin could confirm that the person in front of him was still Chi Yingxue. The Yan Wang that briefly emerged was pushed back again.

Chi Yingxue frowned at the smell of the oil, then became lost in thought for a moment.

“Is he afraid of the wardrobe?” Kuang Jinxin asked more specifically.

“No.” Chi Yingxue lifted his head, smiling a bit. “He’s afraid of the dark.”

“Afraid of the dark?” Kuang Jinxin didn’t expect such an answer, murmuring to himself. “Sounds like a child.”

“A naughty child,” Chi Yingxue said, like a worn-out adult admonishing a naïve young man. “You wouldn’t like him.”

Kuang Jinxin suddenly became quiet, staring at Chi Yingxue’s cuff.

Chi Yingxue followed his gaze and saw the red stain.

After a long silence, he pulled up his sleeve, revealing a fresh wound on the inside of his forearm, as if scratched with a nail or something else not very sharp. The wound was rough.

“Darkness is for him, pain is for me.” Chi Yingxue looked up, his eyes gentle and smiling. “That’s my method.”

Kuang Jinxin had no more questions and settled back into the corner.

Qian Ai, sniffing the menthol oil and listening to this esoteric conversation, was reluctantly calm amidst his irritation.

Chi Yingxue sat at the table, guarding the pot of poisonous mushroom soup, resting his cheek on his hand, gazing at the moonlight outside the window.

When Xu Wang and Wu Sheng returned, this was the scene they encountered.

The three teammates looked towards the door as they heard the noise. Kuang Jinxin, like an eager puppy, was the first to get up and rush over, his eyes shining brightly, full of expectation. “Captain, Sheng Ge, did you find anything?”

“We found a lot.” Xu Wang walked into the living room with a joyous expression, sat down on the floor, and carefully presented a small bunch of pale blue flowers.

The bunch had seven or eight stems, each bearing five or six pale blue flowers. Some were fully bloomed, while others were still buds. The stems were entwined, sharing a single root, but instead of soil, there was a small piece of bark.

Wu Sheng called Cornina out of the kitchen and joined their teammates in a circle.

“It was this flower that put out the fire and saved you,” Xu Wang said to Cornina.

Cornina looked at the flowers, still clueless. “Where does this flower grow? I really don’t remember ever seeing it.”

“You haven’t seen it,” Xu Wang replied. “It grows on the tree in the small square.”

“On the tree?” Cornina asked.

“Yes, on a very high part of the trunk, hidden by leaves and branches. It took us a long time to find it,” Xu Wang explained.

“He climbed on my shoulders to find it.” Advisor Wu, who had been silent since entering, spoke for the first time to add a detail.

Xu Wang ignored him, but this didn’t prevent him from utilizing his knowledge. “This is an epiphytic flower, living on rocks or tree trunks. It doesn’t need soil, surviving on dew and rainwater.”

Advisor Wu insisted on making his presence felt. “When we tried to pluck it from the tree, we were attacked by the branches.”

Finally, their efforts paid off. Cornina looked at him fearfully, her voice trembling. “The tree… attacked you?”

“Yes, like it was alive, swinging branches at us,” Wu Sheng confirmed.

Cornina was both shocked and frightened. “The tree by the square has been there since I was born. It never did anything strange…”

“But when we were attacked and fell to the ground, the flowers fell by themselves,” Xu Wang said. “I think it wanted us to bring it to you.”

Cornina couldn’t absorb anymore, completely stunned.

Xu Wang and Wu Sheng exchanged a look of disappointment, having hoped that bringing the flower would trigger some storyline. Now, it seemed too optimistic.

Qian Ai and Kuang Jinxin were still digesting the “epiphytic flower” and “tree attacking people” information, while Chi Yingxue asked, “Is that all the clues?”

Xu Wang said, “There’s more.”

“What else?” Chi Yingxue asked.

Xu Wang didn’t rush to respond.

Chi Yingxue patiently waited, his eyes focused, as if at that moment, his world only contained clues and the answer.

Xu Wang felt confident in his ability to read people and saw no malice or anything else in Chi Yingxue.

“There are two more things,” Xu Wang began, sharing the findings with the team. “We went to find York…”

The three teammates listened attentively, and even Cornina raised her head abruptly.

Xu Wang looked at her. “York said he actually likes you too, but Amy told him you didn’t like him.”

“That’s impossible. I even asked Amy to confess for me…” Cornina suddenly covered her mouth. Realizing the truth, her eyes incredulously welled up.

“Yes, Amy didn’t confess for you. Instead, she told York you rejected him,” Xu Wang continued. “And on the night Amy lied to York, she was attacked by the petals…”

Cornina looked at the flowers on the floor.

“Yes, these flowers,” Xu Wang sighed. “I don’t know if it’s male or female, or maybe it doesn’t have a gender, but obviously, it likes you. After attacking Amy, it floated away, finally landing on the roof of your house.”

“My house?”

“And unfortunately, Amy secretly followed, so she concluded that you could do magic—that you were a witch.”

Cornina trembled suddenly, wrapping her arms around herself, and after a while, the shaking lessened.

Xu Wang knew what the girl was thinking. “Amy accused you to the villagers.”

In that era, being associated with magic or witchcraft was a mortal sin, inciting fear in the ignorant.

“Did York know all this?” Chi Yingxue, who hadn’t experienced yesterday, caught up with the story quickly. His reaction was fast and logical, surprising Xu Wang.

“York didn’t know, but a priest in the village did,” Xu Wang said. “That’s the second thing I wanted to tell you. After accusing you, Amy went to confess to the priest, telling him everything.”

Kuang Jinxin didn’t understand. “If Amy thought accusing a witch was right, why confess?”

“Because she lied to York,” Qian Ai suspected that Kuang Jinxin hadn’t listened to the first half of the class.

Xu Wang added, “The priest said that her fear was born out of jealousy. Her accusations, apart from fear, were also selfish. She was well aware of her own sins.”

Wu Sheng remained silent. This domain wasn’t his field of study.

Chi Yingxue laughed out loud for the first time since joining the team, unreservedly. His mouth curved up wildly, along with his bent eyebrows, creating a brilliant smile.

After laughing, he looked at them with eyes like those of someone observing a group of naïve and ignorant children. “Evil people will never repent for their evil deeds. Their prayers and confessions are only to justify continuing their wrongdoing.”

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

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…”

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

Chapter 80: Banquet Hall

The night was pitch black, with the moon hiding behind dark clouds, refusing to let even a sliver of light shine through.

On a secluded path in Anyang City, fifteen people suddenly appeared, as if out of nowhere. Some carried backpacks; others were lightly dressed, each in different attire, resembling a hastily assembled group of individual travelers.

But without exception, they all stood gasping for breath. Some were still stiff, while others were slightly recovered, yet the pain in their eyes was clearly visible.

The truth of a matter sometimes lies not in the outcome but in the process. A pain akin to death, more terrifying than death itself.

Han Buting was the first to straighten up, his expression grim. For a moment, Xu Wang thought he was really about to start a fight. But in the end, Han Buting just gave them a deep look, as if to etch them into his memory with a red pen, drawing a circle and a slash across it, before silently turning away and disappearing into the vast night with his team.

Xu Wang watched the five figures, pretending to be strong, grow smaller in the distance, feeling an inexplicable sense of pity.

The last trace of suffocating terror dissipated in the cold wind. Wu Sheng’s first action was to check his phone, which clearly showed Beijing time: 03:18.

Before the evil spirit appeared, he had checked his phone, and it was already past five o’clock…

At the roadside, just recovering, Kuang Jinxin, quick-witted, hailed a taxi and called out to Wei Menghan’s team. “You guys go first.”

Wei Menghan shook his head. “We’ll walk, to get some fresh air.”

Kuang Jinxin said earnestly, “Stop acting tough. You’re all vomiting and burning up. We should all get some rest as soon as possible.”

Wei Menghan: “……”

Kuang Jinxin’s sincere advice was too blunt, evoking a heart-wrenching sadness.

“Forget about us.” Ji Yunlei, abandoning his team captain’s usual tact, said carelessly, “We’re upset from all the trouble tonight. We’ll find some fun before going back.”

“What fun?” Qian Ai interjected, his tone curious and subtly rising, his mind racing with countless possibilities.

Ji Yunlei thought for a second and casually suggested, “Hotpot or barbecue would be fine.”

Qian Ai: “……”

For the first time in his life, Qian Ai wavered in his commitment to his food vlogging career. Because that night, he saw faith in an expressionless face.

The taxi couldn’t fit five people, so Qian Ai, Kuang Jinxin, and Qi Shan went first.

Wei Menghan led his team, bidding farewell to Xu Wang and Wu Sheng. “Prepare yourselves mentally. We’ll see you tomorrow, and it’ll be our turn to drag you into the secret passage.”

Wu Sheng welcomed the challenge. “I wish you success.”

Xu Wang wasn’t focused on the mission, still thinking about Ji Yunlei’s idea of fun. “You just threw up. Don’t eat anything too greasy. Maybe have some clay pot porridge.”

Wei Menghan shook his head. “Clay pot porridge is only good in Guangdong or Fujian.”

Xu Wang: “…Goodbye.”

Ten minutes later, Wu Sheng and Xu Wang finally hailed another taxi.

They sat in the back seat, and for two or three minutes after the car started, no one spoke.

Wu Sheng was reviewing the mission. He went through all the events, clues, NPC dialogues, and details of the night, highlighting important points and marking questions.

After finishing his review, he turned to find Xu Wang still staring out of the window, lost in thought. His gaze was serious, and his expression was grave, clearly pondering something.

Xu Wang usually didn’t focus on tactical considerations or mission strategies. When he started to think seriously, it usually meant trouble for someone.

“What bad idea are you cooking up now?” Wu Sheng asked, his tone full of disdain, but his lips curled in a smile.

Xu Wang turned to him. His gaze was fixed, as if he’d reached a conclusion. “Qi Shan knows Li Zijin.”

“Qi Shan? Li Zijin?” Wu Sheng was clueless about how these two were connected.

“Didn’t you notice Qi Shan always looking at Li Zijin?”

“……” He really didn’t. His focus had been solely on the mission, hoping to observe how NPCs pursued love and find practical methods. But all he saw was negativity and not a hint of romance.

“Forget it.” Xu Wang realized he had chosen the wrong discussion partner. His advisor’s research focus was never on the delicate realm of human emotions. “Let’s drop it.”

Wu Sheng felt a sense of frustration, as if regretting his specialized focus.

Regarding Qi Shan and Li Zijin, Xu Wang couldn’t figure out more on the way. Unexpectedly, when they returned to the hotel, Qi Shan was waiting for them in the lobby.

Xu Wang was surprised and had a premonition but didn’t show it. “Why didn’t you go back?”

Qi Shan’s hotel wasn’t this one. According to the original plan, Kuang Jinxin and Qian Ai were to get off here first, and he would travel a bit further.

“I wanted to say sorry.” Qi Shan got straight to the point.

Wu Sheng frowned but remained silent.

Xu Wang smiled faintly, with understanding. “Let’s go upstairs to talk.”

The three of them went to Xu Wang and Wu Sheng’s standard room. Once inside, Wu Sheng sat in a corner, clearly indicating he wouldn’t join the conversation.

Although Qi Shan said he was waiting for both of them, Xu Wang was the team captain, while his role was to guard.

Xu Wang offered Qi Shan a stool and a bottle of water prepared by the hotel before sitting down himself.

Since the new teammate was straightforward, Xu Wang was too. “You want to leave the team?”

Qi Shan held the water but didn’t open it, paused for two seconds, then nodded.

Xu Wang asked, “Because of Li Zijin?”

Qi Shan was startled, then touched his nose a bit embarrassedly. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yes,” Xu Wang said honestly. “I was worried all night you would rush over to him.”

Qi Shan laughed, finally speaking his mind. “He’s my idol.”

“…” This term was new to Captain Xu, who had never been into idol-chasing.

“I’ve been a fan of several professional eSports players.” Qi Shan shared his journey of fandom. “Jumping from one to another until I settled on him…”

“Three years ago, he was just sixteen, known for his flashy playstyle, and gained fame from a single battle!”

“His talent is overwhelming—speed, awareness, reaction—all top-notch. Just a bit lacking in patience, but that can be honed…”

“Last year and the year before were his most glorious times. I followed every match, even the warm-ups, and I’ve been to live events to cheer…”

Qi Shan spoke faster, his eyes shining with fervor. Clearly, he was a die-hard eSports fan and an overage fanboy of Li Zijin.

When Xu Wang first saw Qi Shan, he only noticed his sunny and handsome appearance. Now, he understood this classmate’s soul.

“That…” Xu Wang wanted to bring the conversation back to the issue of leaving the team, but Qi Shan calmed himself first.

“He retired at the beginning of this year.” Qi Shan’s passion hadn’t fully subsided, but it was tinged with a hint of melancholy. “At nineteen, the prime age for an eSports player.”

Qi Shan smiled bitterly, as if feeling sorry for Li Zijin. “I couldn’t understand why at the time. He hadn’t encountered any issues—just didn’t perform well in the last two matches…”

Xu Wang knew he had found his answer now. And because of that, he felt even more regret for Li Zijin.

He himself had resigned, while Wu Sheng’s company hadn’t dared to take on new projects for a month. This was the erosion of the “Owl” on real life, but behind this erosion lay mental pressure. Mao Qiping, who had adapted to a life intertwined with two worlds, still showed deep fatigue when talking about reality.

Let alone the nineteen-year-old Li Zijin.

A brief silence made the atmosphere heavy. Xu Wang redirected the conversation. “Have you discussed this with their team?”

Qi Shan shook his head. “I have to leave our team first to pursue a new one. Otherwise, it would be like two-timing.”

Xu Wang joked, “Leaving us to join them immediately, this is called seamless transition, and it’s also two-timing.”

Qi Shan paused for two seconds, then laughed, admitting, “You’re right.”

“You want to stay in this level, right?” Xu Wang opened his water bottle and took a sip. Even at room temperature, the water felt cold.

Qi Shan was surprised by his sharpness. He thought the new captain was just good with words.

“This is the first level that requires a five-person team.” Xu Wang held his water bottle, looking at him. “If I were you, I would also choose to wait here.”

Unless Han Buting’s team moved forward, if they ever came back before this level, they would have to recruit new members again.

“I indeed want to stay at this level,” Qi Shan admitted his own intentions. “But if you still trust me, I will seriously complete the rest of tomorrow’s love line.”

“I believe you’ll do your best,” Xu Wang said. “But I’m afraid there won’t be any solo players or teams needing members at the next level, and we’ll still be tied together.”

Qi Shan understood his meaning, smiling unexpectedly. “Are you so confident that you’ll finish tomorrow?”

Xu Wang glanced at Wu Sheng and nodded seriously. “Our team lacks many things, but not confidence.”

One wanting to stay on 6/23, the other eager to find new teammates and build rapport, they reached an amicable agreement.

When leaving, Qi Shan pulled out a sketch from his pocket and gave it to Xu Wang. It was hastily done on A4 paper with a water pen, but Xu Wang clearly recognized himself, Wu Sheng, Kuang Jinxin, and Qian Ai.

A team sketch of four people, without Qi Shan.

“I just drew it while waiting for you on the first floor, using borrowed paper and pen. If you don’t like it, blame the tools,” Qi Shan joked.

Xu Wang took the sketch, feeling it was like a parting gift, carrying a subtle sense of ceremony.

Looking at the sketch, he asked what he had always wondered. “What about your previous team?”

“They disbanded,” Qi Shan said lightly. “Some wanted to go home. Others went to the Endless Sea to make money.”

Xu Wang didn’t probe further.

Qi Shan sounded indifferent, but Xu Wang understood the pain of imagining his teammates Wu Sheng, Kuang Jinxin, Qian Ai, saying, “Captain, we’re done. We want to disband.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Qi Shan asked his last question. “Why didn’t you ask me what stationery I had during the first half of the level when it was allowed?”

Asking about stationery and forming strategies was standard practice.

Xu Wang paused, feeling complex emotions. “We were waiting for you to tell us.”

They looked at each other and laughed silently.

Trust between people depends on fate, but it’s built through time and adjustment.

After sending Qi Shan off, Xu Wang collapsed into bed, physically and mentally exhausted. His head was aching, almost making him want to crumple the blanket into a ball.

Even the usually slow Wu Sheng accurately commented. “Graceful in public, heartache in private.”

“What else could I do.” Xu Wang twisted his head from under the blanket, feeling wronged. “I can’t stop someone from pursuing their dream…”

“Stopping for a day isn’t stopping for a lifetime.” Wu Sheng couldn’t stand to see him like this, almost wanting to bring Qi Shan back.

“If you met Newton, you’d change your mind faster than him.”

“First, I won’t meet Newton, and second, even if I did, I wouldn’t leave the team.”

Wu Sheng’s answer was serious, despite the joking comparison.

Xu Wang looked at him, feeling an unexpected anticipation, and asked softly, “Why?”

Wu Sheng didn’t need to think. “With Newton on the team, I wouldn’t be the brains anymore.”

Until bedtime, Captain Xu’s face remained as dark as the bottom of a pot.

Advisor Wu thought, indeed, the failure of recruitment had dealt a great blow to their captain.

Qian Ai and Kuang Jinxin both dreamt in their sleep about the level, one of little people eating all over the world, the other of little people drinking tea. Essentially, they revisited the illusion of the small people in their dreams.

Waking up in cold sweat, they were informed that their new teammate had a change of heart.

On the second day of 6/23, Jin and Qian experienced “one surprise after another”.

Until the next midnight arrived, they were still somewhat dazed.

After a sense of weightlessness, the five companions appeared in Room 1310.

Neither Han Buting’s team nor Wei Menghan’s team appeared, probably still spending those two minutes trying to avoid them.

The room was as intact as ever—no secret passages, no demons or ghosts, and the oil painting hung properly on the wall.

The five were intact, but their glances at each other carried a hint of awkwardness.

The expected “Ding—” sound came.

Xu Wang looked at his arm, as expected.

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

When they successfully formed a five-person team yesterday, the Owl also gave a similar prompt, but perhaps because it was their first time forming a five-person team, the instructions were more detailed, clarifying that at every level with all five members, there’s a 5-minute exemption time. Kicking or retreating after this period is considered a collective failure.

At that time, they had just teamed up with Qi Shan and didn’t pay much attention.

Little did they know it would come in handy today.

Xu Wang didn’t speak but gestured towards his arm to Qi Shan.

Qi Shan understood, giving them an apologetic look, then clicked to leave the team.

The world turned black for a moment.

The five disappeared together and soon reappeared in the banquet hall.

The guests were still mingling, the sounds of laughter and conversation unchanged.

Other challengers scattered in the banquet hall thought they had just entered from reality, some giving them a glance, others not even lifting their heads.

When they dispersed, the [Roster] notification was only audible to them amidst the noise.

The four companions received the same message: [Team members insufficient (4/5). Recruit more?]

Xu Wang instinctively looked up at Qi Shan, who was also reading the notification on his arm.

Qi Shan’s message was probably the one Sun Jiang had received before—A lonely boat never reaches the shore.

Despite the somber sentiment, Qi Shan’s eyes shone with light and direction.

Life is like that; having a direction makes everything seem bright.

Xu Wang withdrew his gaze and, along with his companions, clicked to confirm recruitment. The candidate list opened up:

6/23 Chi Yingxue [Invite]

6/23 Qi Shan [Invite]

6/23 Wang Chuming [Invite]

…Even less than yesterday.

Yesterday was a shortage. Today there’s hardly anything left.

Three choices, but two weren’t viable. Xu Wang felt a sense of destiny looking at Wang Chuming.

“Wang Chuming?” Wu Sheng didn’t sense anything particular and spoke in terms of data and facts. “He was voted out with Chen Xu yesterday.”

Xu Wang: “……”

Wu Sheng’s reminder made it seem indeed so. Joining and then leaving—it was worth pondering. Did he leave within five minutes? Or was it like Qi Shan, walking away after the save? It’s unlikely that they both encountered guiding lighthouses on their ideal paths…

This is what helplessness is: knowing it might be a trap, yet still choosing. After all, one is a possibility, the other a clear pitfall.

After a brief discussion, they sent an invitation to Wang Chuming.

Ten seconds.

Twenty seconds.

Half a minute.

One minute…

The recruitment invitation sank like a stone in the sea.

As they wondered, a young man in a military green coat approached with a strong, brisk walk, his presence preceding him.

The four companions looked up.

The man smiled brightly, his teeth gleaming. “Wang Chuming.”

Xu Wang understood why he didn’t accept the invitation. “Came for an on-site assessment?”

“More like letting you assess me,” Wang Chuming said cheerfully. “If it’s suitable, we team up. Joining and then leaving wastes everyone’s time.”

Xu Wang sensed the undertone and was straightforward. “We’re just ordinary people wanting to get through the levels. If you have any conditions, you can mention them upfront.”

Wang Chuming observed them, realizing why the conversation wasn’t hitting the mark. He thought they would recognize his identity instantly, but apparently, they weren’t veterans of the “Owl”.

“I’m a mercenary,” Wang Chuming stated bluntly.

Xu Wang was even more confused. “Mercenary?”

Was this about his real-life identity, or was there a special setting in the Owl?

“I get paid to help people through levels,” Wang Chuming elaborated. “From this level onwards, there are more like me.”

Xu Wang turned to his companions—so this was a thing?

Their looks reflected amazement—there were business opportunities abound if they look.

Compared to Mao Qiping’s project lists, Wang Chuming’s rates were straightforward, given the simplicity of the job. “Payment per session is a thousand, with a five-thousand bonus for successful completion. Or a monthly rate of fifty thousand—bonus not included for success. This applies to both levels and the Endless Sea. Any cash rewards from the Owl during the process are yours.”

Xu Wang: “……”

Wu Sheng: “……”

Qian Ai: “……”

Kuang Jinxin: “……”

“I’m not overcharging.” Wang Chuming smiled wryly at their silence. “A cash box can contain thousands. My fee is just a drop in the bucket.”

Qian Ai: “……”

But there are boxes with just a few hundred!

“It’s not about the money.” Xu Wang paused before saying, “We’re still looking for teammates.”

Wang Chuming shook his head. “You might find that mercenaries are more useful after all.” He paused. “Many teams ahead are just paying for progress.”

Xu Wang agreed. “It’s hard to know what’s in people’s hearts… A straightforward employment relationship is often more efficient…”

Wang Chuming raised an eyebrow.

Xu Wang was half-joking and half-serious. “But without suffering a big loss, one always harbors hopes.”

Wang Chuming nodded, understanding.

Having been in the Owl for over a year, he’d seen many teams start with enthusiasm, but few finished with the original members. It’s a long race with an unseen end; people drop out or give up.

The invitation expired, and since Wang Chuming didn’t accept, it was automatically terminated.

He moved on to chat with other teams needing members, leaving the four companions standing, feeling a bit forlorn.

Xu Wang looked at his teammates. “I regret it now.”

Kuang Jinxin was stunned. “Huh?”

Xu Wang said, “Five thousand for one time. At least just to get through this once.”

Qian Ai grimaced. “Then you should have kept Qi Shan for another day! Five thousand? You’re too whimsical with spending!”

Xu Wang: “……”

He could be criticized, but not from this angle…

“Ding—”

[Roster]: Chi Yingxue requests to join the team. Do you agree?

The four looked at their arms, simultaneously astonished.

Xu Wang, Wu Sheng, and Qian Ai thought they were hallucinating. Only Kuang Jinxin felt it was expected, typical of Chi Yingxue—unpredictable and secretive.

“Sorry, I took the liberty.” A familiar yet slightly strange voice came from behind. “Can we talk?”

They turned to face Chi Yingxue, politely smiling, dressed as unassumingly as the day before, looking like a handsome gentleman. His features were cold. Even in the Endless Sea and their two encounters in 3/23, when he smiled, it was like the moonlight.

But now, his smile was warm, like the moonlight reflected in water, carrying a human touch.

“How do you want to talk?” Xu Wang asked.

Chi Yingxue lowered his eyes, as if pondering, then looked up. “We’ve crossed paths before, haven’t we?”

“No.” Qian Ai couldn’t hold back. “If you’re going to play dumb, it’s pointless. Don’t you know what you’ve done?”

Chi Yingxue sighed. “Seems I don’t need to ask. Yan Wang caused trouble again.”

“Yan Wang?” Kuang Jinxin scrutinized Chi Yingxue, looking the same as before but feeling different. Who was Yan Wang?

Chi Yingxue took a deep breath and smiled with resignation. “I have a split personality. Yan Wang is my alter ego.”

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