《Weird Rules Rumor: At The Beginning, He Insisted That He Was Not Dead》 Chapter 1: Yuanxin Clinic (1) Am I dead? My consciousness gradually came to, and the strange, frightening mutterings faded. I, Bai Lian, opened my eyes. An old, peeling ceiling looked down on me, and an old chandelier swayed, creaking, giving the impression that it was about to fall. Where am I? Bai Lian''s eyes filled with confusion. He remembered being hit by a truck as he crossed the street. After less than 0.2 seconds of pain, he instantly lost consciousness. Did he somehow survive? But why doesn''t he feel any pain? Bai Lian stood up. He looked around. This was a small room, with two beds along the wall, each with white sheets and blankets. Opposite was a row of shelves with neatly arranged medications. The door to the room was closed, and next to it was a transparent table, behind which were two chairs. Through the table, Bai Lian could see medical instruments. This place looked like a small clinic. Looking at himself, he saw that he was wearing a white coat, and there was a card attached to the pocket. He took the card and looked at it: there was his portrait and some basic information. [Name: Bai Lian] [Gender: Male] [Place of work: Yuanxin Clinic] [Position: Doctor] [Task: Accept 5 patients] [Task Progress: 0%] When did I become a doctor? Bai Lian looked at the card in surprise. He had studied to be a construction engineer, and now he was treating people? This was less reliable than mixing paste with concrete No. 42! And what is this task about? Wait. I died and suddenly found myself in an unfamiliar place, it feels like... Bai Lian''s gaze wavered, and he took a deep breath, his voice becoming slightly heavy. Strange world! About three years ago, the planet Lan Xin was overshadowed by a strange phenomenon mysterious incidents. Everyone who had already died would enter this world and become players! This world consists of many dungeons, and to survive, players must complete tasks in these dungeons. Why does Bai Lian know this? Because the situation of the players in the strange world is broadcasted in real-time to our world! Clearly, now he himself has become a player! Thinking about this, Bai Lian couldn''t help but let out a bitter smile. Did he luck out or not? Bai Lian hid the book with the white cover and turned around. From the room on the left came out two figures, and another person was coming towards them. A man and two women. The man was wearing glasses and the same white coat as Bai Lian. One of the women was a bit plump, with childlike cheeks, while the other was tall with short hair to her shoulders. As soon as they came out, they all began to size each other up. It seemed they were players, like Bai Lian, and, judging by their expressions, they understood what was happening in this strange world. Among them, the first to speak was the nurse with the short hair, addressing the others: Guys, since we''re all players and understand what''s going on here, let''s work together to complete the task as quickly as possible and pass the dungeon. After these words, she took out the book with the white cover and continued: In this book with the rules for nurses, there are several rules, and you probably have the same book with a white cover. We can collect all the rules from these books and analyze which of them may be incorrect. The man in glasses pushed his glasses up his nose and calmly said: I have no objections. The two nurses seemed to have already reached a consensus, and the gaze of the three people finally rested on Bai Lian. He nodded: I have no objections either. While they were discussing their plans, in the real world, a group of viewers was watching the stream. In each stream, there were several viewers. [Another newbie has become a player.] [Opening bets, how long will these newcomers be able to last?] [What kind of dungeon is this? I haven''t seen it before.] [I know, it''s the Yuanxin Clinic, one of the highest difficulty levels among all newbie dungeons, several newbies went in here before, but only one survived.] [Darn, is this dungeon that scary?] [Um, does anyone else notice those two nurses? Forget everything else, but those legs are longer than my life!] Bai Lian and the others in the dungeon, of course, knew nothing of the chat messages. They were, however, continuing to analyze the rules in their books. Everyone took out their white books and began passing them around to each other for viewing. Each of them had ten rules, several of which were repeated. The first, fifth, and eighth rules in each book were identical. However, the seventh and tenth rules raised doubts, as in the books of the two nurses, the seventh rule stated that the chandelier must be turned off at night. The tenth rule claimed that at night, one must definitely sleep in the staff room, that is, in the room they had just come out of. Regarding these two rules, they could not be sure whether they were correct. What do you think? the nurse spoke first, looking at the others. The man in glasses pushed his glasses up his nose and pondered: I think the staff room will be safer. Whoever looked at it, it was obvious that sleeping in the staff room was safer. But Bai Lian disagreed with this. I think the hospital bed is more in line with the rules. Think about it: we''re in a strange world, if we follow normal logic, wouldn''t this be a truly strange world? Chapter 2: Yuanxin Clinic (2) Bai Lian spoke seriously, and his words seemed quite logical. This guy is in his right mind; his analysis is absolutely correct! In the strange world of rules that don''t follow logic, this is normal. If we thought like we do in the real world, not knowing how we died, this player is definitely thinking rationally. What common sense? I''ve seen the "Yuanxin Clinic" dungeon before, the nurses'' rules are what''s correct! What?! If other players believe this guy, they''ll all die! Pardon my words, but these people are doomed. Listening to Bai Lian, the other three thought for a moment. "I think he''s right; the strange world shouldn''t follow ordinary logic!" one of the nurses agreed with Bai Lian. They had all watched streams and knew that in the strange world, you couldn''t rely on conventional thinking. Sometimes, even absurd rules turned out to be correct! Suddenly, footsteps were heard from behind the door. TAP-TAP-TAP! A patient has arrived! All four changed their expressions, exchanged glances, and hurried back to their places. Bai Lian and the man in glasses took their places behind the counter, while the two nurses stoodone by the hospital bed, the other heading to the medication storage area. Creak~! The door opened, and a small figure came into view. But when they saw who had arrived, their eyes widened, and fear appeared in their gaze! It was a little girl in a lolita dress, holding a soft toy bear. It seemed normal, but what if the bear''s head and the girl''s head had been swapped? Even Bai Lian, who had a strong psyche, paled at this strange sight. The other three were as pale as paper. They had seen terrifying creatures in the strange world before, even more repulsive beings. But seeing this in person was an entirely different matter. The suffocating fear that couldn''t be felt while just watching a stream! Damn it! This strange world is scary no matter how much you watch it! These players are really tough; if I were in their shoes, I probably would have lost consciousness, but they''re still calmly watching without blinking. ?a?N??s? The first patient is a child; according to the rules, we should just refuse to accept them, right? Hehe, this is the first trap of the Yuanxin Clinic; two players who played before died because of the first patient. Wait, brother, tell me more! Watch further; I won''t spoil it, but I can say that one of these two doctors will definitely be killed by this patient. In the clinic. The little girl approached the counter, and the bear''s head, with a lifeless gaze like that of a fish, was directed at Bai Lian. The piercing cold aura made Bai Lian involuntarily shiver. He forced himself to calm down. "Uncle... uncle, I came to see the doctor," the girl said, her voice slightly thin and seemed somewhat shy. Why do viewers enter the streams of newcomers? Firstly, to accumulate experience for their own future in the "Mysterious World," and secondly, because the strange and unexpected actions of newcomers always attract attention! For example, Bai Lian. His stubbornness even after death is a direct show! Of course, the price of this show is the lives of the players! The chat in the stream was filled with mocking comments. However, in the next moment... The comments suddenly fell silent, and instead appeared ?????? ?????? ?????? As it turned out, Bai Lian, who had already been consumed by death, suddenly reappeared in the same place! "Probably, this skill really works? Phew, lucky!" Bai Lian, with relief, patted his chest and looked surprised. The other three players, seeing his return, widened their eyes, their jaws nearly dropping in shock! "You... you came back to life?" the man in glasses was in shock! Not only them, but even the viewers in the stream chat couldn''t believe their eyes! I''m shocked!!! How come?! He came back to life?! What''s going on here? How did he come back to life again? I''ve been watching streams for two years and have never seen anyone revive from the hands of monsters. It''s just unreal! I think I''m starting to see hallucinations. Need to wash my eyes! Even the little girl, seeing the revived Bai Lian, stopped momentarily, slightly stunned. But soon, she took on her harmless appearance again and said to Bai Lian: "Uncle, my teddy bear is feeling sick. Can you help him?" Hearing her words, Bai Lian immediately came to himself after reviving. He almost forgot about the task. Looking at the girl, he smiled widely: "Little one, bring your head closer." Bring your head closer? The girl didn''t understand what was happening, but obediently tilted her head. Looking at her face, which was so close, the smile on Bai Lian''s face grew wider and wider. Then, without hesitation, he struck her in the face! Shhsh~Bang! The force of the blow and the sound were so loud that they were deafening! "Little mongrel, trying to set me up? Thought I''d forgive you for everything?" Chapter 3: Yuanxin Clinic (3) What is the scariest thing about the "Mysterious World"? Not the rules, but the anomalies in the dungeon! Rules can be understood and predicted to some extent, but anomalies are impossible to guard against because you never know how they might kill you! The other three players in the clinic were in shock. They watched as Bai Liang sent the little girls head flying with a single blow, their eyes wide as saucers, like bronze bells! The stream chat froze. Viewers who had been lazily lying in bed, watching the stream on their phones, suddenly opened their eyes wide and stared at the screen in disbelief. Even the girl who had been struck was stunned. Who am I? Where am I? What was I supposed to do? In her memory, these players should have been terrified of her, not the other way around. At the very least, their faces should have shown panic, if not outright fainting from fear. But Bai Liang was not only unafraid; he outright slapped her! She was in shock. In all her years in the Mysterious World, she had never encountered such a humiliating situation! [This guy is unbelievable. Not only did he win, but he had the guts to slap an anomaly!] [Hes the strongest, hands down! Truly fearless!] [Turns out hes not just sharp-tongued but also tough as nails!] [Hes bold, but it seems like this anomaly is getting angry.] [No matter what happens next, this guy deserves respect for slapping an anomaly!] The viewers snapped back to reality and began commenting frantically. Back in the clinic. The little girl was furious! Her dead eyes suddenly filled with rage as she glared at Bai Liang, her gaze blazing: Insect, do you understand what youve done? Whats there to understand? I slapped you! Bai Liang replied with a smirk. He shrugged and added, They werent kidding when they said anomalies have thick skin. His hand ached from the impact. The girls face turned grim. Arent you afraid of death? Im already dead. Whats so scary about dying again? Bai Liang said calmly. He seemed utterly indifferent, as though death meant nothing to him. The girl froze for a moment, then let out a sinister laugh. The worst punishment isnt death. I can make you feel what its like to live and suffer more than death. Ra?o???E?s She continued staring at Bai Liang, searching for even the faintest trace of fear on his face. But she was disappointed. Bai Liangs expression remained calm, his heart unshaken. If you could do that, you wouldve done it already. Why bother saying such things? he said with a smile, the corners of his lips curling up slightly. He reached out and patted the little girls cheek, his tone mocking. Stop pretending to be something big. Were all pawns bound by the rules. Why dont you focus on treating your illness while I complete my task? Be good and let Uncle treat you. [Wow!] [He really knows how to take control of the situation (lol)] [Did he just lecture an anomaly about rules and politics?] [Masterful!] When he was done, he handed it to the girl. Go to the nurse for your medication. With that, Bai Liang grabbed some alcohol from the counter and sprayed his hands for disinfection. The little girl silently held her medical chart. She had broken the rules; she should have killed him. But he could revive, so it was pointless. Glancing at Bai Liang, the girl turned and headed toward the medication area. What a peculiar situation. It was as if their roles had reversed. Anomalies were supposed to dominate players. But with Bai Liang... The player, instead, dominated the anomaly. The nurse, trembling, handed the girl her medication. She didnt have Bai Liangs ability to revive. If she broke the rules, death would be her only outcome. [Name: Bai Liang] [Gender: Male] [Workplace: Yuanxing Clinic] [Position: Doctor] [Objective: Treat 5 patients] [Task Progress: 20%] Looking at his personal information and task progress, Bai Liang couldnt help but smile. At this rate, hed complete the mission and clear the dungeon soon. Rumor had it that players could receive amazing rewards after clearing a dungeon. Skills, attribute points, items, and more. The more dungeons you clear, the stronger you become. Some powerful players even speculated that one day, players might break free from the rules and return to the real world! Bai Liang looked forward to that day. The girl took her medicine and left the clinic. All the players sighed in relief. Facing anomalies was an excruciating trial. That fear of being annihilated at any moment was too much for most to bear. Except... The three players exchanged glances and looked at Bai Liang. As for Bai Liang, he ignored them and remained unbothered. The clock on the wall ticked steadily as time marched on. When the hands approached two oclock, a new patient finally entered the clinic. Cough! Doctor... Doctor! Help... help me! A frail old man stumbled inside, barely managing to cry out before collapsing with a thud onto the floor. Chapter 4: Yuanxin Clinic (4) Seeing the old man suddenly collapse to the ground, the other players panicked. The guy with glasses didnt move, as he strictly remembered the sixth rule from the code of instructions: Doctors cannot leave the counter during patient reception! What should we do? Maybe... go check on him? The two nurses exchanged glances, and the one with short hair, somewhat hesitantly, asked while looking at the counter where Bai Lian was. Clearly, she wasnt sure if this was the right move. Meanwhile, Bai Lian had demonstrated the strongest abilities among all the players, so they could only rely on him. Bai Lian glanced at the clock. There were still a few minutes left until two oclock. You two, lift him up. If something goes wrong, Ill step in. He said this to the two nurses. In reality... Bai Lian didnt have the ability to fight anomalies. He didnt want to leave the counter. All he could do was deceive these two nurses. Hearing Bai Lians words, the nurses still felt doubtful. But in the end, it seemed they made a decision. The short-haired nurse stepped forward. She glanced at the anomaly on the floor. With anxiety in her heart, she suppressed her fear and lifted him up. C-comrade, what should we do next? she asked, her voice trembling. She was truly frightened. The cold aura emanating from the anomaly almost constantly pierced through her body. Put him on the counter, and everything will be fine, Bai Lian said. The nurse nodded, laid the old man down on the counter, and then hurried back to the medicine cabinet. The next moment, the old man, who had been unconscious, suddenly woke up. It seemed his plan hadnt worked, and his face turned grim. Grandpa, youre awake? Bai Lian asked with a smile. May I ask how old you were before you died? The old man didnt answer his question but instead let out an ominous laugh. Hehehe~ Young man, I have a way to help you pass this level. Want to? Hearing this, the other three players perked up. However, Bai Lian didnt react and continued asking, How old were you before you died? Seeing that he wasnt falling for the bait, the old man snorted. Before I died, I was 52 years old! Whats the problem? My chest hurts! Bai Lian nodded, took out his stethoscope, and after conducting the examination, he wrote the diagnosis in the medical chart and handed it to the old man. r?a?O??BE?S? Go to the nurse for your medicine. The other was the staff room. The guy with glasses was the first to stand up. He approached the slightly plump nurse and whispered something to her. Then he glanced at Bai Lian, took a deep breath, and went into the staff room, closing the door behind him. The plump nurse looked at Bai Lian, then in the room where the guy with glasses had entered, and a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes. Whats wrong? The short-haired nurse noticed her concern and asked in confusion. That guy watched the ''Source of Happiness'' streams and said that the seventh and tenth rules mentioned in the nurses code are actually true. When the short-haired nurse heard this, she frowned slightly. Turning her head to the room where the guy with glasses had entered, she sighed deeply: Hes already gone in, so hes probably not lying. No one would risk their life for a joke. If the guy with glasses was willing to test his fate, it was most likely true. Bai Lian had misunderstood the situation from the beginning. What else did he tell you? the short-haired nurse asked again. After all, theres no such thing as a free lunch in the world. The guy with glasses, having shared the information with the plump nurse, must have set other conditions. The plump nurse nodded, glancing at Bai Lian, and quietly said, He agreed to help me complete the task, but on the condition that we dont let that person into our dormitory tonight. There were only two staff rooms in the clinic. The guy with glasses had already taken one. If the nurse didnt open the door to their room for Bai Lian, he would have to sleep on the hospital bed. And sleeping on the bed meant following the fake rules. If Bai Lian didnt get into the dormitory, he would definitely die tonight! Shouldnt we let him into our room? the plump nurse asked uncertainly. The short-haired nurse shook her head. There were only two beds in the room, and even if it was cramped, they could make space. But she didnt trust the other players. Not even the plump nurse, deep down. Thinking about this, the short-haired nurse approached Bai Lian and said, Big brother, the seventh and tenth rules are false. Because of Bai Lian, she had already completed two tasks. Although she couldnt help, she could at least warn him. Bai Lian looked at her in surprise, then calmly nodded: Thank you! Dont you think you should find a way to get into the dormitory? the short-haired nurse asked in surprise, noticing his calmness. Why would I need to go to the dormitory? Or maybe Im already fated not to die, so even if I break the rules, what of it? Bai Lian smiled faintly. The short-haired nurse was shocked: You can revive? Did I ever say I couldnt? I dont believe it! Ive never heard of such a powerful random skill in a dungeon! The short-haired nurse came to her senses and shook her head. Reviving once was already incredible. But to keep reviving? How is that possible in this strange world? Chapter 5: Yuanxin Clinic (5) I dont believe it either. Yeah, random skills in beginner dungeons are usually strong, but that mostly applies to players. Even in high-level dungeons, Ive never heard of anyone getting an infinite revival ability by chance. If such a skill really existed, wouldnt it be too unfair to other players? Of course, if someone had such a skill, theyd definitely clear the dungeon. They wouldnt even need to follow any rules! Id just relax and not worry about a thing! ... Not only did the short-haired nurse not believe Bai Lians words, but the viewers in the chat didnt either. Well, if they dont believe itlet them not believe it. Bai Lian didnt bother explaining further. I hope Ill see you alive tomorrow morning, the short-haired nurse said with a complex expression on her face. Hearing this, Bai Lian shrugged: Tomorrow? I think you wont see me anymore. The short-haired nurse froze. He knows hes going to die, and he doesnt care? She opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing, turned around, and walked to the dormitory with the plump nurse. The clinic was left empty, with only Bai Lian remaining. He stood up, left the reception counter, and lay down on the hospital bed. Before closing his eyes, he glanced at the room where the guy with glasses was and smiled slightly. The night deepened, and the whistling wind could be heard outside the clinic. Knock! Knock! Damn, that sudden knock on the door scared me! Finally, this moment has come! Ive been waiting for it forever!No?v(el)B\\jnn I specifically checked the guide for the Yuanxin Clinic. It said that the seventh and tenth rules are falselying on the hospital bed is useless! Although the ninth rule is correct, strange creatures can enter through the chandelier! So, is the streamer going to die? Not necessarily. If the streamer manages to sit in the chair at the counter, he might survive. After all, this is just a beginner dungeon. Even if its difficult, theres always a chance. There are two safe spots in the clinicthe chair and the staff dormitory. If you dont break the rules while in these places, death is impossible! ?aNO??E?S? Now it all depends on whether the streamer noticed this detail. The sudden knock on the door immediately caught the attention of the viewers, who began actively typing in the chat. Even Bai Lian, lying on the bed, heard the knocking. If he followed his previous reasoning, he should have just closed his eyes and continued lying there, ignoring the sounds. But he did something different. He opened his eyes and sat up on the bed. Looking at the clinic door, which continued to be knocked on, Bai Lians face remained calm. Streamer, are you in shock? Doesnt seem like it. Maybe he has a plan? Right now, he should turn off the chandelier and sit in the chair at the counter! Suddenly. He stood up and walked toward the door. The viewers in the chat began to speculate. And then, in the next second. The comments disappeared. Creak~ Bai Lian opened the door! This creature is completely confused. What kind of divine figure is this Bai Lian! How did this happen? Did I stumble into a comedy stream? How did a horror stream suddenly turn into a comedy? ... Dont just stand there, come in... said Bai Lian. Thud! A flash of lightning struck, and Bai Lians head flew off his body. Blood gushed from the wound on his neck, the scene was bloody and horrifying! Hehe, fool! Looking at Bai Lians body, the creature placed its blood-covered hand on its face and stuck out its tongue to lick. The taste of blood filled its lips, and it grinned with a cruel smile. Before such a powerful creature. Players seem so fragile. Their relationship is like that of a hunter and its prey. And it enjoys the joy that comes with taking a life! Without looking at the body on the floor anymore. It turned around and prepared to leave the clinic. Time to find the next pleasure... Wait! Just as it was about to leave the clinic, a sudden voice rang out. The cruel smile on the creatures face froze. This voice... so familiar? It turned around and froze. Standing before it was Bai Lian, who had already been dead, but now stood completely unharmed! He revived again! What... the... I dont believe it, this is unbelievable! Way more than I expected! Is it true that he can revive infinitely? Damn, this streamer has become invincible! Can a beginner dungeon really have such an absurd ability? No wonder hes been acting so confidently all this time. With a skill like that, who wouldnt be overconfident! 666, the streamer is now completely invincible. He can just relax in this quest! Which other player got lucky with such an ability? This guy must be from another continent! Seeing Bai Lian revive again, the stream viewers couldnt believe their eyes! You can revive? The creature was stunned. Being a doctor, its quite logical to have a revival ability, said Bai Lian, spreading his hands. Ah, right! Doctor: Dont make things up, or Ill sue you for slander! This isnt just a trick! Creature: Do you think Im an idiot? Chapter 6: Yuanxin Clinic (End) Pfft! The creature made its move again, and Bai Lian died once more. But, just a moment later, he stood in the same spot again, completely unharmed. Dont waste your effort, I wont die, Bai Lian said with annoyance, looking at the creature, which was now questioning the meaning of life. The creature was stunned. Until now, it had never made a mistake. But today, something had gone wrong! Someone could actually revive infinitely! I dont know what to do with you, let me give you a check-up, Bai Lian said, picking up his stethoscope and apparently starting to examine the creature. Tears of laughter, the creature is questioning the meaning of life! This is so strange. The creatures were supposed to be scary, but this is something else! The problem is that the creature itself isnt very educated. One curse word solves all problems! 9, because 6 has been defeated again. If the streamer has such an ability, completing the quest is a joke! The creature was baffled by Bai Lians actions. Breathing is slightly labored, possibly a lung issue. Go get some medicine, Bai Lian said, putting away the stethoscope and walking over to the table to write a prescription. After finishing, he handed the prescription to the creature and put the pen back in his pocket. The creature silently stared at the prescription in its hands. Should it continue? According to the rules, it was supposed to kill Bai Lian. But the problem was that Bai Lian wouldnt die. Killing him was a waste of time. Thinking this, the creature felt deeply disappointed. It had gone through many trials in this quest but never expected to lose to a newcomer one day. Finally, it glanced at Bai Lian and turned to leave the clinic. Another task completed! Bai Lian looked at the task progress, now at 60%, and smiled. Creak~ At that moment, the chandelier in the clinic suddenly started flickering! Bai Lian raised an eyebrow and turned to look. Amid the flickering lights, a strand of long hair stretched out from a crack, quickly spreading like tree roots... It didnt take long. Bai Lian stood at the door, waving his hand. Come back next time! The footsteps of the creature hidden behind the long hair slowed, then sped up, and it quickly disappeared into the night shadows! Task Progress: 80% Bro, send me the recording, please. The world of anomalies invaded reality several years ago, and the number of players who entered this world was simply enormous. The beginner dungeon is where newcomers undergo training. The difficulty of dungeons varies, and completing them isnt too hard, but getting a high ratingthats the real challenge! The minimum rating is D, followed by C, B, A, S, SS, SSS! Due to its low difficulty, the beginner dungeon has a maximum rating of S. For top players, getting an S isnt difficult. But for newcomers, getting an S is like defeating an anomaly single-handedly. Thats why, so far, only Bai Lian has managed to get an S rating. Soon, players who recorded his stream uploaded it online. Shock! A genius player appeared in the beginner dungeon, getting an S without following the rules! Watch it now! As soon as the video was uploaded, it instantly went viral! Seeing how Bai Lian cleared the dungeon, the comments exploded. Is this really a newcomer? Doesnt it seem like some old player with a fake account? I thought this would be dumb, but it turns out hes just cheating? This is breaking the rules! Infinite revivalhow are other players supposed to compete now? Can you really get such absurd skills in the world of anomalies? ...... In Yuanxin. The three players who survived the night finally woke up. The morning bell rang. The bespectacled guy and the two nurses came out of the room. Without discussing it, they began searching the clinic, trying to find Bai Lian. No one. In the dungeon, if someone is missing, it can only mean two things. Completion or death. Haha, fool, the bespectacled guy sneered. He never thought Bai Lian could complete the dungeon. The short-haired woman froze, her gaze clouded as she remembered Bai Lians words from last night. Tomorrow, you probably wont see me. A shadow of regret appeared in her eyes. Suddenly. A loud shout rang out. Wheres my chair? Where did my chair go?! The bespectacled guy stared in shock at the empty table. Both chairs had vanished without a trace! Without the chair, it was a complete failure! Chapter 7: Laboratory №45 As the white light dissipated around him, vague images appeared before Bai Lians eyes. After a while, as his consciousness cleared, he finally saw everything around him. Looking up, he saw endless darkness, while an unknown light source illuminated a ten-meter radius around him. The floor beneath his feet was like a mirror. Bai Lian lifted his foot, and ripples spread across the surface from where it touched. Suddenly. A virtual panel appeared before him. Checking information... Welcome, player: Bai Lian, to the player space. As soon as these lines appeared, the virtual panel flickered with static, like snow. After a few moments, an interface resembling a games main menu appeared. Player: Bai Lian (avatar) Age: 19 years Skills: None Number of completed dungeons: 1 Title: New King (click for details) Rule Points: 100 (Left) Chat (Center) Dungeon Matching (Right) Shop The screen was very simple, resembling the interface of a cheap game. Bai Lian first turned his attention to the chat. Messages immediately began to appear. Yun Meng (Elite): Buying one magic doll! Xu Xingcheng (Secret Tycoon): Just got a skill book for daily life. If anyone needs it, DM me! Yang Baibei (Eight-Sided Fox): Can any seniors help me? I can send private photos~ (photo attached) Qi Jiang (Heartless Iron Hand): Ive been tolerating your half-demon pig for a long time, always showing its photos in the chat. If I meet you in a dungeon, youre done! r??o??E?S? Liu Zhi Xin (Decryption Master): Has anyone cleared the Dark Forest? If any seniors have, DM me. Ill buy the guide! ... After skimming through the messages, Bai Lian didnt find anything particularly useful. However, he noticed that each player had an icon displaying their title. Elite, Secret Tycoon, Eight-Sided Fox, and so onthese were the titles players had. It seemed he had also received a title? Bai Lian looked at his status panel and noticed that under the title section, it said New King. Click for details. Title: New King How to obtain: The player receives this title for completing a beginner dungeon with an S rating. Effect of wearing the title: After death, the player can revive once. The effect is only active once per dungeon. Wear/Do not wear The fragments scattered, and images began to appear. Laboratory No. 45 Is everyone ready? This experiment is very important; no mistakes are allowed! Equipment is set up, biological indicators of the original organism are normal. The experiment can begin! Damn it, a virus leak! Quickly, close the doors! Those who are not infected, stay inside the laboratory. We cant let the virus leak outside! The professor escaped. She completely locked down the laboratory. We... cant get out! Ahhh! The infected are coming, save us! ... Mom, I dont want injections. I want to go outside! Its so dark here. I want to leave. Those uncles are taking my blood again. It hurts so much... Mom, where are you? Mom, Ive almost forgotten you. They locked me in another place. There are so many cages here, and monsters inside. Mom, Im scared! Mom, they all say it was you who locked me here. I dont believe it, so I killed them all... I want to leave! These images, appearing among the fragments, were deeply imprinted in Bai Lians mind as soon as he saw them. The feeling was strange, as if he were watching a very long movie. Something like the plot of the Resident Evil series. A secret experiment is being conducted in the laboratory. It seems they are studying some kind of virus. During the experiment, an accident occurred, leading to a virus leak. Those infected by the virus turn into monsters known as the Infected. After that, the laboratory doors were sealed, and the survivors inside could no longer leave. Among them was a little girl who seemed to be a key figure in the experiment. The images cut off, and all the fragments instantly reassembled into a single picture. After a brief moment of confusion, Bai Lian found himself in an unfamiliar room! He had officially entered the dungeon! I wonder what skill Ill get this time? Bai Lians first thought wasnt to inspect his surroundings, but to wait for the random skill to be assigned. As soon as he spoke these words, the familiar voice prompt sounded. Selecting skill... Selection complete! Unlimited Return: You can choose any time to save. Upon loading, you will return to the saved moment! After the message sounded, Bai Lian froze for a moment. Then his eyes widened! Unlimited Return? If he simply loads a saved game, hell return to the save point? Is this an S-tier random skill? Chapter 8: Laboratory №45 (2) Unlimited Return meant that Bai Lian had countless chances to make mistakes! Time to test it. Save completed. Bai Lian chose to save and looked around the room. On a table not far from him stood a glass cup. He walked over, picked up the cup, and immediately threw it to the ground. Crash! The cup shattered. Bai Lian closed his eyes and activated the skill. Rollback complete. When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the same starting position. Bai Lian turned to the table and saw that the cup, which had just shattered, was now sitting there intact and unharmed! This skill is ridiculously overpowered, Bai Lian smirked. This skill was downright unfair to other players. But who cared when fortune was on his side? Bai Lian just wanted to say: let the scales of luck tip even further in his favor! Save completed. After saving again, Bai Lian continued exploring the laboratory. With such a skill, if he didnt achieve a perfect completion, it would be downright embarrassing. ... Some time passed. Bai Lian opened his eyes again in the starting room. Unlike his first entry into the dungeon, his eyes now radiated complete confidence, as if he controlled everything. And indeed, he did. So thats how it is... Bai Lians eyes lit up. He had fully understood the layout of the laboratory and now knew how to clear it perfectly! It had to be said, this dungeon was far more terrifying than the beginner one. If he didnt have the skill of unlimited rollback, not only would there be no chance of a perfect run, but completing the dungeon at all would be nearly impossible! R??O?BE?S? Even with this absurd skill of unlimited rollback, he could only aim for a basic result. Achieving a high rating was almost out of the question. After some thought, Bai Lian decisively turned around and headed to the table where the glass of water stood, picking up the white book lying there. Rules for Laboratory Staff This book contained the rules of the dungeon. Bai Lian didnt even glance at it and simply put the book in his pocket. Meanwhile, in the real world. After Bai Lian entered the dungeon, many viewers who had followed his previous streams received a notification about the start of the stream and immediately joined the chat. But in reality, Bai Lian hadnt watched any streams of this dungeon. Before entering the dungeon, his knowledge of it was practically zero. But that was before he entered the dungeon. Now, Bai Lian could confidently say that no one knew Laboratory No. 45 better than him! Approaching the door, Bai Lian pulled on the iron bolt. The iron door shook slightly and lowered a bit. Bai Lian, like an experienced player, lifted the door and slowly opened it without making a sound. Because the door hadnt been repaired in a long time, it was damaged. If opened normally, it would produce a sharp, loud screech. But if lifted slightly, it would open completely silently. As the saying goes, the more experience you have, the easier it getsthis was the result of several rollback attempts Bai Lian had made to find the optimal solution. The door opened, and Bai Lian stepped out. Outside was a corridor, completely swallowed by darkness, with no light. Bai Lian had a flashlight, bought from the shop, but he didnt turn it on. He turned left and walked forward ten steps, reaching the door of the adjacent room. He clenched his hand slightly, and a knife with a cold gleam appeared in his grip. What is the streamer planning to do? I dont know, maybe there are infected in the room? Cant be, the room is quiet. Wait, dont you notice that you need to pay attention to how the streamer found the door so precisely in such darkness? Yeah, theres no light in the corridor. How did he find the door so accurately? The viewers, watching Bai Lian stop, immediately began to wonder. Bai Lian firmly gripped the knife and stood quietly, waiting by the door. Suddenly... Screech! A piercing screech sounded, and the door opened. Inside stood a middle-aged man in a suit, with thinning hair. When he opened the door and saw the person standing at the threshold, he hesitated for a moment. Then, noticing the cold gleam in Bai Lians hand, his pupils narrowed, and he instinctively tried to slam the door shut! However, Bai Lian wasnt about to give him that chance. He placed his foot under the door and, with his left hand, delivered a punch to the mans face. As the fist was on its way, the man instinctively jumped to the right. Whoosh! The knife plunged precisely into his neck, and bright red blood immediately gushed out. Chapter 9: Laboratory №45 (3) Ten times, and each time he dodged in the same direction, said Bai Lian, wiping his knife with his tie. He had long since figured out everything in this dungeon using the Unlimited Return function. The middle-aged man was also a player, and his ability was strength enhancement. In a normal fight, Bai Lian wouldnt last five rounds before being pinned to the ground. To kill him, Bai Lian had to act unexpectedly. The first two times, Bai Lian was killed by this player, but starting from this attempt, he had already killed him ten times using the same method. In a world with anomalous rules, players face not only monsters and dangers hidden in dungeons. Players themselves can also be a hidden threat. Those who have cleared the beginner dungeon usually possess certain skills. At the very least, they wont hesitate to kill someone. After dealing with the man in the suit, Bai Lian calmly turned and walked away, his expression as calm as if nothing had happened. This scene literally blew up the streams chat! Damn... Damn! What can I say? Killing another player right from the start is too brutal! You call him a newcomer who just cleared a dungeon? Was this streamer a killer before entering this strange world? With that speed and reaction, hes terrifying! Seeing that look in the streamers eyes... Ive never seen anything like it from other players. Its scary! This guy is definitely a pro. Ill keep an eye on him! How did he know someone was here? And how did he predict that the door would open? ... This wave of actions by Bai Lian completely changed the viewers perception of newcomers. His decisiveness in killing, followed by that calm, almost chilling gazeit all seemed unbelievable. However, they didnt know that this was just the beginning. After leaving the room, Bai Lian turned left down the corridor. This time, he turned on his flashlight. After dealing with the man in the suit, he wouldnt encounter other players for a while. In Laboratory No. 45, the main threat to players isnt other players but the Infectedpeople turned into monsters. Using the Unlimited Return function, Bai Lian already knew exactly where all the Infected were in this laboratory. If he just wanted to clear the dungeon, he could avoid all the Infected. But to achieve a perfect rating, there was one Infected he couldnt avoid. Wow, theres an Infected hiding here? I was just wondering why the streamer stopped. Turns out he knew an Infected was inside. Thats incredible! How did the streamer figure it out? No way, even if he watched streams of Laboratory No. 45, he couldnt have predicted where the Infected would be. Every dungeon, even with the same setting, has random layouts, and the Infected cant be fixed in one spot. Is this his ability? ... The sudden appearance of the Infected terrified the viewers. But when they saw Bai Lian not running away but instead decisively attacking, they were all stunned. The Infected doesnt even think about runningthis is just heroic! Ha~! Seeing Bai Lian approaching, the Infected let out a terrifying roar and swung its claws at him. Bai Lian dodged to the side, easily avoiding the attack, and with his left hand, plunged the knife into the monsters neck! Ssshh! The combat knife sank into the Infecteds neck, and Bai Lian immediately retreated, increasing the distance! The enraged Infected charged at Bai Lian again, ignoring the black blood gushing from its neck. Bai Lian stood his ground, counting silently. 3... 2... 1... Bang! The countdown ended, and the tall Infected collapsed just one meter away from Bai Lian. The Infected are truly terrifying, and at least until Bai Lian figured out their weaknesses, he had died several times at their hands. After dealing with the Infected, Bai Lian crouched down and began searching its body. Eventually, he found a key in one of its pockets. This key was an important item for achieving a perfect completion rating! At that moment, the streams chat exploded. Holy crap! The streamer killed an Infected? This isnt just a kill; its an instant takedown! This is the first time Ive seen someone kill an Infected. Its unbelievable! A key? Whats it for? If Im not mistaken, this key is probably for opening doors. Are you crazy? Thats obvious! Chapter 10: Laboratory №45 (4) You have to admit, this streamer is really strong! Who has ever seen a newcomer, just entering Laboratory No. 45, manage to kill an Infected? Its simply unbelievable. I feel like Im burning with excitement, I need to cool down immediately, Im going to find something calming! If anyone still says this guy is a beginner, Ill have a word with them! ...... After picking up the key, Bai Lian paused for a moment and looked at the corpse of the Infected on the ground. The Infected was dressed in a white lab coat, and his ID badge identified him as Liu Yong, an ordinary researcher from Laboratory No. 45. The photo on the badge showed a young man with a square face, smiling broadly. Why was he so happy?No?v(el)B\\jnn Perhaps it was because he had been given the opportunity to participate in a secret research project. This laboratory was a dark place, and from the moment these researchers entered, they had doomed themselves to darkness. Choices were decisive; one wrong move, and you could fall into the abyss. Bai Lian turned and continued walking. He approached a large door, behind which was another locked door. The key Bai Lian held was meant to open this door. As he reached the door, he inserted the key into the lock and turned itclick! With a loud sound, the door opened slightly, leaving a gap. Bai Lian pushed the door open, and a stream of white light burst out, illuminating the room until the door was fully open. Before his eyes appeared a white room! Bai Lian stepped inside. The room was enormous, spanning several hundred square meters, divided into several sections by large glass panels. Each section was filled with experimental equipment. Microscopes, nuclear magnetic resonance machines, centrifuges, incubators... Bai Lian recognized some of the devices, while others were completely unfamiliar to him. ??o??S?? On the floor were dried bloodstains, but too much time had passed, and even the smell of blood was gone. But none of this was important. He hadnt come here for the equipment, but for the person imprisoned in this place! Bai Lian continued moving deeper into the room until he reached the very end. Here, there were no experimental instruments, only a single chair. On this chair sat a person. It was a girl with silver hair, dressed in a light white dress, her figure thin and withered. Her hands and feet were shackled. The girl had her head down, curled up in the chair, motionless, as if she had lost all vitality. But when Bai Lian approached, she trembled slightly, then slowly raised her head. You cant deceive me, Mo Lu shook her head. If it were about the laboratory, she might have believed him, at least partially. But her own secretseven the laboratory staff didnt know them. They had studied her for ten years and had only scratched the surface. How could this stranger know about them? After saying this, she lowered her head again. Your immunity to the virus isnt because you have special antibodies, but because you are the virus, Bai Lian suddenly said. In other words, virus was just a conventional name, as no one could accurately define what it was. If you imagined it as fungi, then Mo Lu was a kind of mushroom, composed of many such fungi. This mushroom was perfect, perfect at the genetic level, and it was precisely because of this perfection that when imperfect humans came into contact with its spores, they became infected and turned into monsters. Ssshh! Mo Lu sharply raised her head, a dangerous glint in her eyes. Have you seen my mother? she asked. Bai Lian shook his head. No, I just have the ability of Unlimited Return. He laid it all out, no more hiding! With this skill, there was nothing he couldnt do, and it was a random skill anyway. In the next dungeon, it might be replaced with something else. So, whether to tell her or not didnt matter. Unlimited Return? Mo Lu frowned. What does that mean? It means that up to this point, Ive already experienced many such situations, met you, and talked with you many times! Bai Lian, leaning against the glass, said with a cold smirk. I dont believe you, you old liar! Now the streamer is starting to boast. Ive been here since the beginning of the stream. If he had this skill, I wouldve definitely noticed! I cant help but admit, the streamer is a genius in the art of deception. So cool, if I werent watching the stream, Id almost believe it! But by the way, when the streamer was in the beginner dungeon, he got the skill of infinite revival. What skill did he get in this dungeon? I dont know, I havent seen him use any skill. What if theres a chance he really has this skill? No way, thats absolutely impossible! If he had used a skill, we wouldve definitely noticed. What if we were rolled back too? ...Could skills from the Mysterious World really affect reality? Dont scare me! Otherwise, how do you explain all these absurd actions of the streamer? And havent you noticed? From the very beginning, hes been heading straight for this girl, never once deviating from the path! Damn, really?! Chapter 11: Laboratory №45 (5) Infinite rollbackhow could someone possess such a terrifying ability? In other words... If Bai Lian truly had such a skill and had already used it countless times... Then could his skill affect reality? No... Not just reality, but the entire world of anomalies! Until now, they had never heard of anything from the world of anomalies being able to influence the real world. They were afraid to think about it because the implications were too horrifying. It was easier to believe that Bai Lian was simply boasting than to accept that the ability of infinite rollback truly existed. ... Mo Lu frowned but soon relaxed. A faint smile appeared on her lips, and she parted her pale pink lips to say, There are too many inconsistencies in your lies, but Im willing to give you a chance to prove your words. Do you know why Ive stayed here all this time and havent left? If you can name the reason, I might believe everything youve said. This question is too simpleher hands and feet are shackled, thats all. Yeah, and besides the shackles, theres this glass and two doors outside. Without a key, no one can get out. Hmm... didnt you notice she said all this time? A normal person wouldve starved to death long ago. This is the world of anomalies; dont apply real-world logic here. Maybe this girl is an anomaly too? Youre oversimplifying the question. I think its much more complicated, and there might be an unexpected twist. Hey, youre right, heres a screenshot of the twist (dog emoji). Hahaha, you really know your twists! ... After Mo Lus words, a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes. This question was a trap. Only she knew the real reason, and she had never told anyone. Unless Bai Lian truly had the ability he claimed, there was no way he could answer. Its simple. Bai Lian glanced at the lamp above Mo Lus head and smiled. Because youre afraid of the dark! Mo Lu froze, and then her face showed complete disbelief. You even guessed that? This was her secret. Why had she stayed here all this time and not somewhere else? Because there was enough light here! She had been kept in a dark room for too long, and she was deeply afraid of that impenetrable darkness. She could have endured the darkness if she had never seen the light. Each document was stored on a special data card, and each card held a part of the key to the laboratorys door. By collecting all nine cards, along with the key left by the professor, they could open the sealed door of the laboratory! Of course, it was possible to proceed without the professors keyjust by collecting all nine documents. But in that case, the completion rating would be lower. Bai Lian wasnt just aiming to complete the mission; with the infinite rollback skill, it would be foolish not to aim for the highest rating. After leaving the white room, Bai Lian took out a flashlight and handed it to Mo Lu. This is for me? Mo Lu looked at the flashlight with mild surprise. Yep, Bai Lian nodded and tossed her the flashlight without another word. Receiving the flashlight, Mo Lu lowered her head, her gaze softening. They walked in silence: Bai Lian in front, Mo Lu following behind. Soon, he stopped at one of the doors. Bai Lian nodded to Mo Lu. Your turn. It seemed she had become a tool... Mo Lu pursed her lips and punched the door. Bang! After a loud crash, the door was gone as if it had never existed. Bai Lian stepped inside, approached a cabinet, and found a black data card hidden in a secret pocket of a book. Finding Mo Lu first had been a smart movethis door required a key, but with Mo Lu, one punch was enough to save them the trouble of searching. Hiding the data card, Bai Lian returned to the corridor. Great, lets keep going! he said to Mo Lu and continued forward. But as they approached a fork in the path, something strange suddenly happened. Whoosh! A cold gleam flashed in the darknessthe tip of a dagger aimed straight at Bai Lians chest! In an instant, he managed to dodge, skillfully avoiding the attack. The unexpected maneuver seemed to stun the attacker, throwing them off balance. In the next second, the attacker, regaining their composure, hastily retreated. Mo Lu shone the flashlight on them. Only then could Bai Lian get a clear look at the opponent. Standing before them was a young man with a wolf tail hairstyle, clad in silver armor, holding a dagger and eyeing them warily. However, upon seeing Mo Lu behind Bai Lian, his expression immediately softened. This quest allowed for alliances, so it seemed he was just facing two newcomers who posed no threat. Chapter 12: Laboratory №45 (6) After thinking about it, he put away his dagger, glancing at Bai Lian and Mo Lu. Then he looked at Bai Lian and, with a smile, said: Hey, how did you decide to team up with a girl in the dungeon? In the Mysterious World, many players avoid teaming up. If they do form a team, its rare for anyone to choose a girl as a partner. Unless shes some kind of Kong Barbie, her physical weakness would only become a burden to the team. Seeing Mo Lus fragile frame, Bai Lian still chose her as his companionthis player couldnt understand such a decision. Without waiting for Bai Lian to respond, he turned to Mo Lu and said: Hey, your skills are impressive. Maybe youd like to team up with me instead? His body was enhanced, and his skills increased his agility. After all, his attack had been deflected by Bai Lianthis showed just how fast and nimble he was! This was his first time entering the Laboratory No. 45 dungeon. It was one of the most challenging E-rank dungeons, and even as an experienced player, he wasnt sure he could clear it. He had already encountered a few playersnewcomers who had only entered the dungeon a couple of times, and they hadnt even considered teaming up. But after meeting Bai Lian, he suddenly became interested. If he teamed up with Bai Lian, their combined strength might just be enough to clear the dungeon! As for that girl, it wasnt even worth trying. Such a burden would only slow down his progress in the task. Listening to him, Bai Lian glanced at Mo Lu and said with a smile: Seems like hes underestimating you? Mo Lu silently extended her hand. Bai Lian understood her hint and handed her his knife. Taking the knife, Mo Lu looked at the player standing nearby. What was she planning to do? For no reason, the player suddenly felt uneasy. She was a weak and fragile girl with no combat power, but her gaze was so terrifying, as if a soulless devil was staring through her eyes. He felt like he could die at any moment under her gaze! Run! He no longer thought about whether teaming up was a good idea. His intuition told him that this girl was extremely dangerous! If he didnt run now, hed be the first to die! The player turned and ran like the wind, moving at high speed. But... He didnt even manage to take a few steps. A sharp whistle sounded behind him! But in reality, the correct path to a high rating is to find this strong girl and bring her out of the laboratory! Thats true, but the problem is that no one has found her before. And dont forget, theres an Infected guarding her in the room! Yeah, can a normal person even be like the streamer? Dont treat him like a regular player, hes a cheater! ...... The second part of the research data was obtained. Bai Lian exited the room, and Mo Lu stood by the door, waiting for him. They continued moving toward the next location. In the dark corridor, apart from their footsteps, there was no sound. Looking at Bai Lians back, Mo Lu fell into thought for a moment. After a long pause, she finally spoke: Bai Lian, you came from the outside, right? Although she didnt know why Bai Lian was here, Mo Lu felt that he didnt belong to this placehe was from the outside world. Yes. Bai Lian nodded, not denying her words. Then... whats it like out there? Mo Lu asked, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. She had been in Laboratory No. 45 for as long as she could remember and had never seen what lay beyond its walls. It must be bright and light out there, right? Surely not as dark as this little black room? Bai Lian was silent for a while. Suddenly, he smiled and said, The world outside is very interesting. Though its not as beautiful as it might seem, and its full of stains. But you cant deny that theres light there too. Its just that many people, when the sun shines on them, prefer to look at their own shadows. In the shadows hide cowardice and inferiority complexes, but when you live in the light, why always look at your shadow? Thank you... Mo Lu smiled, and her smile was beautiful. Bai Lian slightly opened his mouth but said nothing. In his subconscious, this was just a dungeon in a game. And everyone in the dungeon was just an NPC. The dungeons oddities, including Mo Lu, were all just elements of a program. A program that might be a bit more complex. Is this the same dungeon NPC we know? The streamer can flirt with girls in the dungeon? Im shocked! Is this not the horror show I was watching? Why did it suddenly switch to romance mode?! But seriously, is there any point in building relationships in the dungeon? After completing the mission, well just get teleported out and never see each other again. Ahem, ahem~ Excuse me, but theres a player here who flirted with a ghost girl in the dungeon and has something to say (laughs). Didnt that ghost knight end up dying? The streamer definitely shouldnt repeat his mistakes! Chapter 13: Laboratory №45 (7) Meanwhile, as Bai Lian continued calmly searching for the remaining research materials, a group of people in protective suits gathered in one of the laboratory rooms. Each of them held weapons in their hands! Clearly, these were the surviving researchers who had survived the virus leak! The reason for their gathering was the news that someone had taken Mo Lu! A middle-aged man with a more mature appearance, obviously the leader of the group, placed his hands on the table and glared at the young researcher with glasses: She... was taken away? The young researcher, not daring to meet his gaze, nodded and said: I checked myself. The infectors standing at the door were killed, and the one locked inside has disappeared. The disappearance of the original object was a huge issue. Since the virus leak occurred, some of them had narrowly escaped, but the doors leading outside were forever sealed. No one knew how to escape, and all their hopes were tied to the original object. These people had studied it for many years and knew everything about it. It possessed terrible power, incredibly powerful. If anyone could find a way out, it was certainly not them, but the original object! Therefore, to escape, they needed to control it. The middle-aged researcher slightly frowned and quietly muttered: She couldn''t have left on her own, so someone must have helped her. He knew Mo Lu too well. Without the help of others, she definitely wouldn''t have left this room. Could it be those outsiders? one of those present said. Lately, there had been many people of unknown origin appearing in the laboratory. They didn''t belong to the laboratory, and no one knew where they had come from. And, more importantly, there were quite a few of them. Regardless of whether they are outsiders or not, the original object must be under our control; we cannot allow it to escape! the middle-aged man said. ra?ob?? He continued: Check all available surveillance cameras and find them immediately! Director, should we deal with her? the same researcher who had spoken earlier asked. The man, referred to as the director, shook his head. You know the abilities of the original object; with just these pistols and our small group, we couldn''t stand against her, he said. Previously, she was unstable, and thanks to the professor, we could control her, but since the virus leak, she is no longer under our control. We need to first find her location, understand what she intends to do, and then decide what to do next. There were also those who played using skills and manipulations. These players skillfully used their minds, loved to play with others, manipulating them like puppets. As for saints and holy maidens... In such a game, if someone managed to escape the initial dungeon, it was considered true luck, which could only be attributed to the main hero. Bai Lian had not yet encountered such saints, but he had met his fair share of moral manipulators. Guys, there are traps ahead, after confirming their identities, the man with the hairstyle warned Bai Lian. In fact, he didn''t need to remind him, because not far ahead lay the body of a man who had already died. There was another man, but his lower half had been blown up, and blood filled the ground. Thank you! Bai Lian thanked the man with the hairstyle. There''s no need to ignore others'' kindness. Wow, that guy on the ground died so horribly, it''s really scary! That''s normal; you can still consider that a good death. You haven''t seen those who encountered the infected? They were torn apart, leaving only bones. I know this area. One player died here last time; the ground and walls are full of traps, and if you''re not careful, you can explode. Not only explode, but there are flamethrowers above your head, and at the end, there''s an empty floor; if you fall, you won''t be able to escape. I wonder if the host can pass through? Haven''t you heard how he said it''s not a problem? ... When Bai Lian thanked them, they continued moving down the corridor. The two players watching them exchanged surprised glances. They had just seen a player get blown up; this section was very dangerous. They had both spent about half an hour exploring it and still hadn''t found a way through. They came here and decided to go straight away, not afraid of death? Although they were surprised, they didn''t try to dissuade them. After all, it was their business; they had already done everything they could by warning them. Under their watchful eyes, Bai Lian and Mo Lu approached the dangerous section. Will you go first or should I? Bai Lian asked, addressing Mo Lu. Mo Lu calmly replied: I will go first. Chapter 14: Laboratory №45 (8) As soon as Mo Lu spoke these words, she took a step forward. As soon as her foot touched the ground, a red laser shot out sharply from the left wall. Mo Lu didn''t even glance in that direction; she simply tilted her head and easily dodged it. Then she took another step forward, and the place where she stepped immediately cracked! She only lightly touched her foot. Boom! With a loud explosion, Mo Lu surged forward with such force that the ground beneath her trembled! Her speed was so high that the mechanisms couldn''t react, and in an instant, she was at the end of the corridor. With a light movement, she landed and, turning around, looked at Bai Lian, lifting her chin as if showing her superiority. This scene stunned the two players. "I... I don''t believe it?" the man with the large hairstyle widened his eyes, his gaze quickly moving between Mo Lu and the corridor, with only an empty sound in his head. The woman next to him was completely shocked; her mouth was open, but she couldn''t say a word, she was so astonished! It was terrifying! This corridor they had studied for half an hour, and even dared not try to pass through. And this girl, who didn''t seem particularly strong, just broke through it? Could her level be the same as theirs, newcomers? Impossible, this must be an A-level boss who came for easy prey! Unbelievable, she passed?! Mom, I saw a goddess! She''s so strong that I accidentally crushed an egg in surprise! Hey, are you talking about a real egg, right? No need to be so surprised, it''s just a trap in the corridor. Look at me, I''m calm, but I need to change my pants. Awesome, sis! I''ve seen other streamers pass this corridor step by step; they barely passed 20 meters in an hour, but she did it in 20 seconds! Now it''s the streamer''s turn; I wonder if he''ll also pass quickly? Unlikely, the streamer''s speed isn''t that high, so avoiding traps at that speed is unlikely. In the corridor, the two players finally came to their senses and looked ahead at Bai Lian. The man with the large hairstyle involuntarily swallowed. Was this guy also going to pass like that? Bai Lian could only say in response that he actually couldn''t manage it. Mo Lu could dodge the traps so skillfully, but he couldn''t. But if he also wanted to pass this dangerous corridor, it wouldn''t be a problem for him either. He must be the Strange World''s favorite! So... just like that, he passed? Wow! So easily, it''s absurdly ridiculous! The traps malfunctioned, right? Why didn''t any of them activate?! How did those players die here earlier? If this streamer passed, then why couldn''t they? Don''t think the streamer just passed easily; this is a trap corridor! It''s full of traps, each one could kill! I came here for the technique, not to watch magic; streamer, are you cheating?! These traps are definitely malfunctioning! If not, I''ll drink Oliga in the live stream! The one above, stop joking around up there! ... The viewers in the live stream were completely shocked by Bai Lian''s maneuver! "Could it really be that something is wrong with the traps?" the two players looked at each other, and uncertainty was evident in their eyes. It''s no wonder they thought so. Bai Lian passed so easily that it looked suspicious. He wasn''t Mo Lu, who passed thanks to her incredible strength. He walked leisurely, as if strolling, yet didn''t trigger a single trap! The guy hesitated for a moment and then decided to try passing as well. He stopped at the entrance to the corridor and threw his knife into it. Although he doubted that the traps had malfunctioned, he didn''t risk his life. The knife flew through the air and landed in the corridor. Then... Bang! An explosion sounded, and the knife was thrown aside. After that, the guy was completely stunned. The traps work! How did Bai Lian do it, then? Damn it! The traps aren''t malfunctioning! Mom, why am I watching this stream on my knees? Because I saw a god! How did he do it? To pass without triggering a single trap, you have to know them like the back of your hand! Even if I read guides, I don''t think I could do it the same way! Watching guides and real actions are two different things! And the one who talked about Oliga, you can''t escape; I made a screenshot! Chapter 15: Laboratory №45 (9) Had it not been for your age, I might have suspected that you designed this laboratory complex yourself, said Mo Lu, looking at Bai Lian standing beside her, her eyes betraying a strange expression. This mechanism with its passages was built to prevent the escape of the infected. The laboratory staff could pass through the passage by confirming their identity. Mo Lu relied on her inhuman reaction speed and agility. And Bai Lian? This guy somehow knew all the conditions for triggering the traps and exactly where the safe zones were! Lets go, Bai Lian said with a slight smile, without going into details. The most important thing now was to obtain the remaining research data. ...... At the same time, in another hidden room. A group of people was carefully watching the computer screen, on which footage from surveillance cameras showed the corridors with traps. When they saw that Bai Lian had safely passed through the corridors, silence fell in the room. Is this guy really an alien? How does he know more about this laboratory than we do? one of the researchers exclaimed in astonishment. It cant be. Hes just incredibly lucky. Aliens have no data on this laboratory. Why are they constantly collecting these data cards? What is their goal? Could the secret of escape be hidden in these cards? They are getting closer to the laboratory doors. We cant wait any longer. We need to act immediately! Everyone turned to the middle-aged leader of the group. The middle-aged man, staring intently at the screen, pondered for a long time, then said in a low voice: Gao Minyuan, Liang Haoyu, the two of you go to the seventh door and set an ambush. The rest of you, head to the laboratory doors! As soon as they approach the doors, well surround them! Hearing his order, everyone nodded simultaneously. Yes! ... The last part of the research data was located in the laboratory office. The room was filled with rows of bookshelves, on which various books were neatly arranged. Bai Lian took a data card from the shelf, turned around, and saw Mo Lu holding a book, her eyes full of curiosity. He glanced at the title of the book Dandelion. Seeing how she was intently looking at the pages, Bai Lian asked: Do you understand what it''s about? Mo Lu nodded: Yes, although no one taught me, but as soon as I see something once, I remember it immediately. They study me, and I study them. Bai Lian remained silent. The professors key is located in one of the rooms near the laboratory door. This is also a data card, but it is the key to obtaining the highest evaluation for completing the task! Without the key and Mo Lu, finding nine research data materials would also allow the laboratory door to be opened and the task successfully completed. However, in this case, the evaluation for completion would be at most grade A, not to mention an SSS evaluation even an S grade would not be achievable. And this is not what Bai Lian wants. If he cannot obtain an SSS evaluation, his random skill Infinite Rollback will become completely useless. The room was small, with only a bed and a set of furniture with a writing desk inside. There was a laptop on the desk. Bai Lian approached the desk and removed a disk from the laptop. Looking at the disk in his hand, Bai Lian smiled. This was the professors key. With it, obtaining an SSS evaluation was guaranteed. Is this a hidden task item? The host is smiling so hes already close to completing the task. Ha~ It cant be! Even less than a day has passed, and the streamer is already preparing to complete the task and finish the game? I saw that other players are still looking for data cards, but the streamer has already collected all nine. Its unbelievable! Going to break the record again?! ... Bai Lian took the disk and left the room. However, at that moment, two groups of people suddenly emerged from the passages on both sides. Bai Lian noticed that they had weapons in their hands, and the black barrels were pointed directly at him. Interesting, the corners of Bai Lians lips slightly lifted, and he looked at the middle-aged man standing in front, showing no sign of tension. As he approached, the man, who was clearly the commander, waved his hand, and the others immediately stopped. But, seeing that Bai Lian was alone, the commander suddenly frowned. Where is the original? Mo Lu was not by Bai Lians side! I dont know, one of the researchers said perplexedly. Just a moment ago, they were still together. When they watched the surveillance camera footage, Bai Lian was still walking with Mo Lu. But now, Mo Lu was nowhere to be seen. Did they separate? At that moment, Bai Lian suddenly spoke: Wouldnt you like to look behind you? Behind you? What is there? The researchers froze, then turned to look behind them. And immediately saw the infected rushing towards them! Chapter 16: Laboratory №45 (10) Invisible to all, four infected emerged from the passages on both sides. They had gone mad and charged at the researchers with ferocity! Everyone froze in shock. For they had meticulously planned every detail before the start of the operation. Not only that, but they were also certain that there were no infected around the main laboratory doors. So where did these infected come from?! Soon, they had their answer. Behind the infected on the right stood Mo Lu, calmly watching them. Being the original body, she could fully control the infected. That was why she was kept here. Even if the virus leaked, that professor wouldn''t dare release Mo Lu. Because once she appeared in the external world, it would be a catastrophe for the entire world! Ha-ha-ha, like a grasshopper catching flies, and a heron lurking behind, these people still want to reap the fruits, but no way! So, when the streamer told Mo Lu to leave, he actually sent her to set up an ambush! Simply genius, the streamer was able to predict that someone would try to surround him. Highest level of prediction, it''s too scary, I''ve never seen a newbie reach such a level! What''s the name of this streamer? Don''t you see the title when you entered the broadcast? The streamer''s name is Bai Lian. From now on, we should call him God Bai! I will be a fan of God Bai now, God Bai is immortal! ... When the infected appeared, the viewers in the chat immediately went wild with excitement. They had been watching the broadcast from the beginning and had seen all of Bai Lian''s actions. Initially, many were curious why he had told Mo Lu to leave. Now they suddenly realized. It turned out that Bai Lian had anticipated that someone would be waiting for him in the laboratory! What are you standing there for, shoot! The only one who remained calm was the middle-aged group leader, who finally came to his senses. He was already drenched in cold sweat and, with a fierce expression, ordered his subordinates to open fire! r?No?bE?S? The others, upon hearing his scream, also came to their senses. Panicking, they grabbed their weapons and began shooting in retaliation. Tatata~! Pressing the trigger, fiery streams flew out of the barrels, bullets wildly flying towards the infected. Such dense shooting, covering the entire space, would have been difficult for even Mo Lu''s strength to dodge. Several infected were turned into sieves, but they seemed to feel no pain and continued moving forward! However, they were still just flesh and blood. As they advanced, four infected fell to the ground halfway. Seeing this, everyone sighed in relief. However. As for saving one for the sake of others... Bai Lian didn''t worry about it. After all, it was just a side quest. All beings here are NPCs. Whether Mo Lu was a virus or not, what''s the point? When he completes the quest, everything will be reset. Even if there is a possibility that Mo Lu will indeed leave and bring catastrophe to this world, what then? When I leave, I don''t care if the world drowns in a flood! Hearing these words, the middle-aged leader''s eyes widened, but he couldn''t say anything else. Life faded from his eyes. Let''s go. Bai Lian turned and nodded to Mo Lu, then, without stopping, walked towards the laboratory door. Mo Lu followed him, looking at his back, and a shadow of doubt flickered in her once clear eyes. They approached the doors. Standing before the iron door that had imprisoned her for many years, Mo Lu was surprisingly calm at that moment. She looked at Bai Lian, who was using the data card to hack the door, and, slightly parting her crimson lips, quietly asked: When the door opens, you will leave me, won''t you? Bai Lian hesitated for a moment, then quietly replied: Yes. I... Bai Lian turned and looked at Mo Lu. But he saw that she was looking at him. I don''t want to leave... What? Bai Lian thought he had misheard. Mo Lu was terrifyingly calm: I want to stay here. Bai Lian froze, instinctively asking: Why? Mo Lu was silent for a long time, then shook her head. Nothing. Open the door. Bai Lian was puzzled but didn''t ask anything and turned around again to continue deciphering the code. A few minutes later... [Congratulations to player Bai Lian on completing the E-level dungeon of Laboratory 45!] [Completion time: 3 hours 10 minutes 26 seconds!] [Completion rating: SSS!] Completion Reward Rule points, title: Savior, initial genetic preparation 1! Laboratory No. 45, original body successfully liberated, dungeon merging with the mysterious world! Attention to all players in Laboratory No. 45, the dungeon will be closed in ten seconds, 10... 9... 8... Chapter 17: Laboratory №45 (End) When the notification signal rang out in the Laboratory No. 45 dungeon, all the players were stunned. What the hell is going on? We''ve only just entered the dungeon. We''re still looking for the first data card. And suddenly you''re telling me that someone has completed the dungeon? No, it''s not just completion. What does it mean that the dungeon is merging with the Mysterious World? Damn, what''s happening? Someone has already completed the dungeon? Could this be a mistake? I haven''t even found the first research material yet! It can''t be! The record for the fastest completion of Laboratory No. 45 is three days, set by the first player. Even if someone is stronger than him, it couldn''t have been done that quickly! Less than a day, no, only three hours! Even if you follow the guide, you couldn''t clear it that fast. Are the infected on the way even dead? Complaint, someone is cheating! What does this dungeon merging with the Mysterious World mean? Does that mean this dungeon will no longer exist? You''ve got to be kidding me! ... Someone completed the dungeon, and they weren''t surprised. But to do it that quickly is just too much! Moreover, logically, when someone completes a dungeon, it doesn''t close. Other players remain in the dungeon, completing tasks or dying, or completing it themselves. There are a hundred players in the dungeon, and Laboratory No. 45 is not small. That''s evident from the fact that Bai Lian only encountered a few other players in thirty hours. ?a????o??BE?? This side quest is huge, and there are far more research materials than just nine, which is enough for most players to complete the task. However, when the first player completed the quest, the side quest closed, and those who didn''t complete it were teleported! This situation is unprecedented in this strange world! Before the players, stunned by what was happening, could understand what was going on, the countdown ended, and they all disappeared from the quest. Of course, not only the players were shocked. But also the viewers of Bai Lian''s stream! Whats going on, I just went to the bathroom and came back to see that the streamer has completed the quest? Whoa! God! Even knowing that this could happen, I still couldn''t believe it when it did, it''s too awesome! My Bai is a real god! Three hours to complete an E-level dungeon in one of the hardest locations, Laboratory No. 45, and get an unprecedented SSS rating! Tell me, is this even human? This is a god! When the first player, Qian Shan Xue, entered Laboratory No. 45, he cleared it in three days, and everyone considered him great, but now there''s a player stronger than him! How can anyone be so incredibly strong?! Of all these events, Bai Lian was unaware. At that moment. The steel gates of the laboratory slowly opened, a beam of sunlight pierced the darkness and illuminated Bai Lian and Mo Lu. The door was open, meaning that Mo Lu was free. But there was not even a shadow of joy on her face. Even the sunlight that she had once longed for now seemed cold and piercing to Mo Lu, like ice, filling her heart with frost. She suddenly turned around. She looked at Bai Lian, who was standing behind her, smiling and waving his hand. She also smiled. A tear rolled down her cheek. Will we... meet again? Maybe... The word no never left his lips as Bai Lian''s figure dissolved in the light, scattering into sparkling dust. Maybe... Mo Lu stood there, staring blankly at the empty space, quietly repeating those words. A long time passed. Finally, she looked at Laboratory No. 45, the place where she had been imprisoned for over ten years. There was no attachment at all. She turned around and walked away... Bai Lian was teleported. He only felt everything around him start to blur, and then the entire world before him seemed like a time tunnel, quickly passing by. At the end, everything, like in a mirror, shattered into pieces. In each fragment, different scenes were reflected! This... Bai Lian looked at these fragments, his eyebrows furrowed in concern. He saw a familiar figure in one of the images. It was Mo Lu. But this Mo Lu was slightly different from the one he knew. She was wearing a white research suit, standing in front of a newly built laboratory door, with several researchers following her. Some of them, Bai Lian recognizedthey were the ones who tried to kill him. In these shots, they were younger than in the dungeon. Bai Lian froze for a moment. Mo Lu... is she the professor? Chapter 18: Mansion of Five (1) It seems that everything that happened in the laboratory, including the virus leak, was premeditated? If that''s the case, why were the other researchers killed? Were they just pawns? Unlimited resets gave Bai Lian numerous opportunities to solve the game. However, he didn''t delve into the context of the dungeon but focused on completing it with a high rating. After much deliberation, Bai Lian shook his head, deciding not to think about it anymore. Regardless, his goal had already been achieved. The backstory and everything else no longer mattered. All fragments connected, and Bai Lian found himself back in the player''s space. First, he checked his panel. Player: Bai Lian (avatar) Age: 19 years Skills: None Number of completed runs: 2 Titles: New King (applied), Savior (click for details) (Note: Worn titles provide players with bonuses to all attributes, the size of the bonus depends on the title level!) Rule Points: This time, the SSS rating for completion awarded him 10,000 rule points and one title. Rule points can be used to purchase items and powerful artifacts in the shop, and the more you have, the better. Bai Lian noticed the newly obtained title. Title: Savior (not worn, 20% attribute bonus) Title Acquisition: Player obtains an SSS rating for completing Laboratory No. 45 dungeon and receives this title! Worn Title Effect: Player receives a healing buff, wounds will heal quickly! A healing buff, wounds will heal quickly! This was another extremely powerful title! However, compared to the New King title, it was slightly inferior! Luckily, the unworn title provides a bonus to all attributes; otherwise, it would be completely useless. Bai Lian barely felt the 20% attribute bonus, perhaps just a slight improvement in well-being. He didn''t pay much attention to it and opened the player''s inventory in the corner. The player''s inventory consists of item slots. There was a flashlight, two fifth-size batteries, a rope, an army knife, and a tube of light green liquid! rO??§S? Initial Genetic Serum Effect: After using the serum, the player''s physical characteristics are significantly enhanced! Seeing this vial of medication, Bai Lian''s eyes lit up. If he remembered correctly, this initial genetic serum cost a whopping 20,000 rule points in the shop! This was undoubtedly the best reward for completing this side quest. Bai Lian couldn''t wait and immediately took it out of the inventory. Qi Gaofeng (Puppet Master): What does merging with the Mysterious World mean? I don''t understand this announcement. Zhou Liang (Elite): @Fan Yuangzhi, don''t forget to eat your shit! The Mysterious World has existed for several years. The number of players who have entered it is immeasurable. Fools have long perished, and only those with certain skills have survived. They clearly understand how difficult it is to obtain an SSS rating for completion. In fact, it''s not just difficult; it''s simply impossible! Yes, in the eyes of these players, obtaining an SSS rating for completion is an absolutely unachievable task! In fact, even among the strongest players of the Mysterious World, the best result is only an S rating! Even after gathering the best players from the entire Mysterious World, the highest rating they could achieve is S! But now, someone has broken this limit. He didn''t just rise to an SS rating; he reached the highest completion ratingSSS! Bai Lian! This ID is now at the center of attention for every player entering the Mysterious World! Discussions are ongoing in the chat, but a larger number of players are trying to find him. The first thought, of course, is to find out how to obtain an SSS rating for completion. If he doesn''t want to reveal this information, making friends with him wouldn''t be a bad idea either. A person who can obtain such a high rating is certainly worth getting to know. However, they sat in the chat for a long time but never saw the ID Bai Lian appear in the chat. Meanwhile, Bai Lian, who was unaware that he had become the center of attention for the entire Mysterious World, after purchasing necessary items in the rule shop, was already preparing for the next side quest. Quest selection for you is in progress... Selection successful, waiting for other players: 10/3 10/10, quest entry imminent, players, prepare yourselves! When the system voice faded, waves appeared under Bai Lian''s feet, and the space around him began to ripple. Sir, madam, I''m the new nanny, Lina, and this is my daughter, Winnie. Winnie, what are you doing in the master''s room? Mr. David, you came to help Winnie with her studies again? Thank you very much! Winnie, have you been studying well lately? Winnie, you can''t enter the mistress''s room; she warned you about this! ... Mr. David, what will happen if the master finds out about this? Mr. David, you don''t want to lose your job, do you? The master has too many secrets. And who is the master''s wife? Chapter 19: Mansion of Five (2) Images, like waves, flashed before Bai Lian''s eyes. With each moment, the scene grew increasingly blurred, and his surroundings shifted! When everything became clear again, Bai Lian was standing before the gates of a large mansion. A middle-aged man with Western features and chestnut hair, dressed in a tailcoat, stood ahead. Welcome, newcomers, to work at our estate. I am the butler, David Milne! You will be assigned various tasks, and all work details and recommendations are in this employee handbook. I hope you read it carefully! With these words, he picked up a stack of booklets and handed one to each player. Employee Handbook. Bai Lian glanced at the thin booklet in his hands and looked up to observe the other players. Ten players had entered this dungeon alongside himmen and women of varying ages. Their expressions differed: some were calm, clearly not new to dungeons, while others appeared nervous, their eyes betraying anxiety. This was likely their first official dungeon, though it could also be tactical camouflage. Butler David continued: You have ten minutes to review the handbook. In ten minutes, I will escort you into the estate, and you will begin your work. Hearing this, the players began flipping through their handbooks. Bai Lian opened the thin booklet in his hands. Estate Employee Handbook The estates working hours are from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During non-working hours, do not appear on the estate grounds unless you can remain undetected. While working, do not touch items within the estate. If someone asks you to help move something, refuse immediately. At night, when staying in the staff room, ensure all lights are off. If you see a dark shadow outside the window, close your eyes for three seconds and do not attempt to look. If you hear knocking on the door, make no sound. If the door opens, pretend to sleep until it closes again. Do not enter the masters and mistresss rooms on the same day. If you do enter, ensure the door is closed and locked. There is a lamp in the estate that remains lit at all times. Do not unplug itit may provide unexpected aid when needed! Do not inquire about the mistress or master. If someone initiates a conversation about them, interrupt them immediately! If you find a photograph of yourself in the estate, do not panic. Recall whether you took that photo. If you didkeep it. If notdiscard it in the trash. Objective: In seven days, the master and mistress will return to the estate to distribute salaries. Survive until then! [Is this streamer live again? Didnt he just clear a dungeon? This guys insaneSSS rating! The only player in the world to max-rate a Mysterious World dungeon! His last stream had me so stressed I almost exploded! To the person above: Watch some Boruto to chill out. This is his third dungeon, right? Dudes efficiency is off the chartslike a factory! Fifth Estate? Ive seen this dungeon before. The rules are pretty tricky. Compared to Lab No. 45, Fifth Estate is easier. Just follow the rules, and youll survive. ... While viewers debated, the players in the estate finished reviewing the handbook. After all, those who survived beginner dungeons always had some aptitude. Follow me! Butler David scanned the group, turned, and opened the mansions grand doors, leading the ten players inside. Walking across marble floors, the players glanced curiously around the estate. The mansion was staggeringly large, with rare and expensive flowers potted near the entrance. Approaching the villa, David opened the door, turned, and addressed five players: Starting today, you five will be responsible for plant care and shrub trimming on the estate grounds! Hearing this, three of the five players sighed in relief. They werent dungeon newbies and knew the Fifth Estates rules. In this dungeon, players split into two groups: one works outside the villa, the other inside. Outdoor tasks were far simpler. This was evident from the handbook: outdoor work had fewer rules. As for you, David said to the remaining six players, including Bai Lian, you will handle cleaning inside the villa. Chapter 20: Mansion of Five (3) There are ten minutes left before work begins. You may move freely, but once the time starts, you must begin your tasks, David added, glancing at his watch before turning and walking away. The ten remaining players exchanged glances, sizing each other up. Soon, two players decided to act first. They headed straight to the villa staff dormitory, where work tools were stored. Seeing them take initiative, the others didnt linger. Three followed the first two, while the rest entered the villa. Bai Lian was among them. But unlike the others, he didnt search for tools. He had the Lawless Criminal skill. Why bother working? If there was a chance to relax, Bai Lian wouldnt lift a fingerhis life philosophy remained unchanged, even in this strange world. Of course, this assumed idleness wouldnt get him killed. While others scrambled for tools, Bai Lian studied the villas layout. Luxurious, impressive, yet understated. He preferred this ambiance to gloomy places like Laboratory No. 45, which felt suffocating. His gaze drifted to the living room. Target acquired: the sofa. The moment he lay down, Bai Lian couldnt help closing his eyes. Bliss~ Whatever material the sofa was made of, its comfort nearly erased his accumulated fatigue. Nearby, four players noticed him. Unlike their tense scrambling, Bai Lian looked utterly out of place. Is he... relaxing? Doesnt he fear breaking the Rules? By now, worktime was approaching. Yet Bai Lian lounged, unconcerned. The four players exchanged baffled looks. [Is the streamer... slacking off?] That sofa looks comfy. Is it sold anywhere? Focus! Hes supposed to work! Maybe its a strategy? The Rules dont forbid sofa-lazing. The chat erupted as Bai Lians disappointment went viral. From the villas second floor emerged a figure that captivated all. Red heels, a crimson dress, golden hair, and blue eyesher face still carried a childlike innocence, yet her presence was staggering. Bai Lian recognized her instantly: Winnie. A recurring NPC in this dungeon. The nannys daughter, rumored to share a homework-help dynamic with David Milne. She loved snooping into secretslike the mansion owners hidden truth. But Bai Lian didnt care about lore. His eyes roamed freely: her legs, her grape-cluster bust... Pure admiration! Winnie held a pen in one hand and a book in the other. Descending the stairs, she glanced casually at the nearby players. Their heads snapped down, avoiding eye contact. In the Mysterious World, attracting an Anomalys attention meant death. Best to stay invisible. But Winnies gaze lingered on the sofa. Bai Lian stared back, unflinching. She smileda predator spotting preyand strode toward him. Hes dead. Who dies this early? His fault. Weve got work to do. Hows he this dumb post-beginner dungeon? The players shook their heads. Once an Anomaly noticed you, doom was inevitable. Chapter 21: Mansion of Five (4) Winnie approached Bai Lian, her gem-like eyes fixed on him. Arent you afraid of me? Her gaze was filled with confusion. It was clear that this rather handsome young man was different from the others. Everyone else she encountered expressed fear. But Bai Lian? Not only was he unafraid, he boldly met her gaze. Why should I be afraid? Are you planning to eat me? A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he shrugged. As long as I dont break the Rules, you cant attack me, right? Winnie smiled faintly and settled onto the sofa beside him. Of course, but your reaction is genuinely surprising. In all her time, this was the first shed met someone like Bai Lian. Winnie glanced at the clock on the wall, then turned back to him. One minute left. Nine oclock was approachingthe start of work hours. If Bai Lian didnt begin working by then, she could attack him. But hearing this, Bai Lians expression didnt change. Instead, he leaned back comfortably against the soft sofa and asked casually: Are you still a student? Winnie blinked, puzzled. Meanwhile, both the other players and the Stream Chat were in shock! Youve got one minute leftshouldnt you be preparing to work? The streamers blowing everyones minds, even finding time to chat with a pretty girl. I dont get it... Whats his strategy? Is this even a strategy? Strategy, my foot! The streamers just slacking off! Work times almost here. If he doesnt act, hell break the Rules! Whats he doing? Trying to befriend this Anomaly? Ignore him. Weve got work to do. This guys clearly out of his mind. The other four players smirked at Bai Lians odd behavior. As the clock struck nine, they immediately got to work. Those assigned to sweep began sweeping; those tasked with washing windows did the same. Yet, their attention remained on Bai Lian and Winnie. Ra?o??E?S After all, Bai Lian had already broken the first rule. He remained seated on the sofa, showing no intention of getting up. Winnie held her book, her pen twirling smoothly between her fingers. She watched Bai Lian out of the corner of her eye, waiting for the moment she could strike. Lying on the sofa, the middle-aged man sighed deeply, his face filled with contentment. Winnie, sitting across from him, was visibly confused. What was wrong with this guy? Did he have a death wish? Bai Lian could sit here because he could ignore the Rules. But who did this guy think he was? Uh... Bai Lian looked at the middle-aged man with a strange expression. Are you out of your mind? Hearing this, the man turned to him, puzzled. What do you mean? Didnt you say theres a loophole in the Rules, and we dont have to work? Im like you, just slacking off. Whats wrong with that? Bai Lian fell silent and glanced at Winnie, who already understood what was happening. The middle-aged man, thinking hed figured it out, smiled at Bai Lian. Thanks, man! If it werent for Bai Lian testing this loophole first, hed never have known about it. Bai Lian facepalmed: I know you want to thank me, but hold that thought. Before he could say anything, Winnies face twisted into a sinister smile. How pitiful, poor little mouse~ Hehehe~ Two sounds followedone was Winnies laughter, and the other was the metallic screech of her pen transforming! As the eerie laughter echoed, the ordinary pen began to change. Stripes appeared on its surface, and it elongated until it became a snake covered in black scales! The middle-aged man froze in terror, staring at the giant snake before him. Help... help... aah! Before he could finish, the snake opened its mouth and swallowed him whole! The scream ended abruptly. The snake flicked its bright red tongue, its vertical pupils sliding over Bai Lian before it shrank back into a pen, now resting in Winnies hand. The player had been devoured by the Anomaly! The three remaining players and the Stream Chat were in complete shock! Especially the three players who had considered following suit and slacking off. They were now immensely grateful they hadnt. Otherwise, thered be more casualties! But one question remained: Why was Bai Lian still fine? Chapter 22: Mansion of Five (5) As it turned out, relaxing also had its price. If you didnt have the strength to rest, the consequences could be severe. But Bai Lian wasnt like that. He was exactly the kind of person who could afford to relax. Whats going on? Why did that guy die? Wait, why didnt anything happen to the streamer? I told you, if you dont work at work, things can end very badly. So why is he fine? Did the streamer make some kind of deal with the Anomaly? Attention, this is the consequence of a failed deal. We shouldnt do this. Watching Bai Lian sit there without a care while the other player was utterly destroyed, the Stream Chat was in shock. Theyd both done the same thing. Why was that player killed by the Anomaly, while Bai Lian remained unharmed? Especially those familiar with the Fifth Estate dungeon couldnt understand. The same action. Bai Lian was fine, but the other player died. Did the Rules treat identical actions differently? Someone had just been killed. But Winnie remained calm, her face emotionless, as she refocused on her book, as if what had happened was just a minor incident. It didnt affect her reading. Bai Lian also didnt continue to observe. Some things, even if theyre beautiful, can tire the eyes over time. Lying on the sofa, enjoying this rare moment of peace, Winnie turned and smiled at Bai Lian: Can you fetch my notebook from the room? No, go get it yourself. Bai Lian firmly refused. Whats my role here? Why should I bother with such trivial tasks? Refusing her request left Winnie slightly flustered. Then she turned to another player: You, go to the room and fetch my notebook. The player, hearing her, clenched his eyes shut. I... I wont go! He started wiping the window even faster. Rule 2: During work hours, dont touch anything in the mansion. If someone asks for help moving something, refuse immediately! If Winnie had actually done that, hed probably have followed in the footsteps of the first dead player! They needed to head to the dormitory, which was absolutely safe. Winnie stood up, took her book, and headed upstairs. Once she was out of sight, the three players immediately put their tools back in place. At that moment, Bai Lian also stood up. The three players simultaneously looked at him, and one of the young men asked: Bro, how did you do it? Did you buy some item? Bai Lian really could ignore the Rules. This surprised them. And from what they knew, the shop did have a few powerful items that allowed players to ignore the Rules. Of course, these items also had limitations. For example, there were voodoo dolls that could save your life or amulets that protected against one attack. Most of these items were single-use. And it was likely that Bai Lian had such an item. Hmm. Bai Lian responded with a single word. He neither confirmed nor denied. To the others, his reaction was as good as an admission. Ahem, can I stick with you? The young man immediately put on a fawning expression and approached Bai Lian. In strange dungeons, if you could tie yourself to a strong player, your chances of survival increased significantly! To survive, being a lackey wasnt shameful! Alright, thats enough. Bai Lian shook his head. He was fine on his own; more people would just be a burden. Having said that, he ignored the embarrassed young man and turned to head upstairs. The young man watched Bai Lians back, his face particularly awkward. Lets go, back to the dormitory. He twitched the corner of his mouth and coldly snorted, addressing the other two. What, does he think having tools means he can make enemies? He wont even realize how hell die! Watching Bai Lian ascend to the second floor, the young man thought bitterly. On the second floor, Bai Lian stood in the hallway, examining the five doors. One likely belonged to the nanny and Winnie, another to the butler. The remaining three: two for the lady and gentleman of the house. Their doors had nameplates. Bai Lian thought for a moment and headed toward the ladys room. He placed his hand on the doorknob, turned it slightly, and opened the door. As soon as the door opened, a sharp, icy wind rushed out, carrying a faint scent of blood. Chapter 23: Mansion of Five (6) As soon as he opened the door, a pungent smell of rot hit him in the face. Bai Lian instinctively held his breath and frowned slightly. This smell was even worse than that of dead mice left to decay for a long time! Was there a corpse in this house? The room was plunged into complete darkness, making it impossible to see what was inside. Bai Lian stepped in, reached out, and found the light switch. The light flickered on, revealing the scene before him. A large red window with curtains immediately caught his eye, stained with black spots, likely from water. In the center stood a bed, next to it a luxurious nightstand, and along the wall were cabinets with exquisite carvings. One of the cabinet doors was slightly ajar. Bai Lian scanned the room but noticed nothing unusual. The floor was clean, clearly well-maintained. The only oddity was the foul smell that occasionally wafted into his nostrils. How could such a smell exist in this room? Bai Lian glanced curiously at the photograph hanging above the headboard of the bed. It was a family photo featuring a man and a woman, both with Western features. The man had chestnut hair and light stubble, emphasizing his maturity, while the woman had golden wavy hair and striking blue eyes that seemed particularly expressive. The photo was ordinarythey were embracing, with gentle smiles on their faces. But for some reason, as Bai Lian looked at the photo, he felt as though the woman was staring directly at him. Was it just his imagination? After a long moment of observation, he decided to continue his investigation and approached the nightstand. On it lay a quiet envelope, as if waiting for someone to open it. Bai Lian picked up the envelope and pulled out the letter inside. She came, she entered my body. Hmm? A lightning bolt of realization struck! Looking at the slightly crooked letters on the paper, Bai Lian made a strange expression. Wow, is this definitely plot-related? Isnt this just some couples private diary? Is that the point? The point is the streamer forgot to close the door when he entered! Rule Five: Do not enter the master or mistresss room on the same day. If you do, remember to close and lock the door. The streamer broke this rule. Is something strange going to pop out of nowhere and kill the streamer now? I dont know, lets see. Some viewers, upon seeing the letters contents, instantly put on a knowing expression in front of their screens. Others pointed out that Bai Lian had violated the fifth rule. Meanwhile, Bai Lian continued reading the letter with interest. No... dont, shes going to drain me! Ahem... With a calm expression, he turned and looked at Winnie, who appeared slightly irritated: Of course, Im actually very polite. Winnie coldly glanced at him: Is this what you call politeness? Bai Lian nodded: Yes, but not too much. Oh my god, hes so polite, but not too much! Hahahaha, even Sister Winnie is speechless. I dont usually laugh, but I cant help it, hahaha! If were talking, its all thanks to you, White Godyou even silenced the anomaly! Hey, hey, hey, I came to learn techniques, streamer, dont make me laugh! Bai Lians unexpected twist left the chat in stitches. Winnie was left in the dark. Bai Lian ignored her and opened the nearby cabinet. It was empty. It seemed there were no more clues in this room. Closing the cabinet, he turned back to Winnie and asked: Wheres your room? Winnies face returned to its calm state as she looked at him: Why do you ask? Im feeling a bit tired and want to find a place to nap, Bai Lian said, stretching. So you want to sleep in my room? Whos the weird one here, you or me? Winnie didnt want to talk to him anymore and turned to leave. At the same time, she was deeply puzzled. Why hadnt Bai Lian broken the rules yet? The first time, maybe he had protective items. But what about now? Was this also some kind of item? Or could this guy really ignore the rules? Thinking this, Winnie stopped. She turned around and came back. Bai Lian looked at her in surprise. I want to ask you a question. If you answer correctly, I might cooperate with you, Winnie said. Will this cooperation involve your room becoming mine? Bai Lian asked. Winnie looked at him in surprise. Is that the main point? Isnt the main point that I, an anomaly, am willing to cooperate with you? Answer my question first, she said, trying to calm her emotions. Bai Lian spread his hands: Alright, ask away. By the way, how big is your bed? Winnie was about to speak when she heard Bai Lians words and blurted out: Two meters... And just like that, he had trapped her. Chapter 24: Mansion of Five (7) Two meters? Just the right size, Bai Lian nodded. Winnie: ... And there it is, the anomaly has been consumed by him. What kind of streamer is this? Why arent the anomalies even trying to stop him? Newcomers, youll need to get used to this. This is just how the streamer operates. Maybe its a strategy? You call this a strategy? Winnie looked at him with complete bewilderment. This was the kind of player she had ended up with. Not only did he ignore the Rules, but he also wasnt afraid of her, an Anomaly. What was she supposed to do with him? If one day you discover that the person most important to you is no longer the same as before, but still remains by your side, how would you act? Winnie asked her question. How important is this person? Bai Lian inquired. Very important, the only one, Winnie seemed to recall something, her gaze trembling slightly. Bai Lian thought for a moment, the corner of his lips lifting slightly: Actually, sometimes the truth isnt all that important, is it? Hearing these words, Winnie visibly pondered. Yes, in some matters, the truth really doesnt play such a significant role. If she is important to you, and you dont want to lose her, why bother figuring out why she changed? Winnie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them again, determination shone in her gaze. She looked at Bai Lian and sincerely said, Thank you. So, lets get back to the question. What do you want from me in terms of cooperation? Bai Lian looked at Winnie with interest. He sensed that this girl wasnt as simple as she seemed. He had thought she was just a minor boss, but now it seemed the situation wasnt as he had expected. For example, the one who had locked away the estates owner wasnt Winnie, but someone else. ?a?o??E?S? Setting Winnie aside, there were only two possibilities left: the butler, David, and Winnies nanny. What was their goal in acting against the estates owner? To replace him? I cant tell you right now, but tomorrow at this time, Ill explain, Winnie shook her head. Alright, Bai Lian nodded, not in a hurry to learn the details. Now, can I go to your room and rest? Winnies face twitched slightly, and she reluctantly replied, The first room next to the stairs. This live stream was too bizarre! Meanwhile, outside the villa, three figures appeared. Two men and one womanthey were players assigned to this estate. One of the men looked to be in his early twenties, with slicked-back hair, one hand in his pocket, exuding an air of mystery. The other was a boy in a blue and white school uniform, his face still somewhat childlike, his gaze occasionally showing anxiety, like a newcomer. The woman wore a short skirt, with tattoos on her hips and arms, a mole at the corner of her eye, and the corners of her lips always slightly upturned in a smile. The three of them, led by the young man with slicked-back hair, left the dormitory and approached the villa gates. Looking at the villa, the boy who looked like a schoolboy swallowed hard, nervously saying, Cheng, are we really going in? Actually, we could just stay in the dormitory, wait seven daysand thats it, well complete the quest. The young man named Liu Cheng was an experienced player who had already cleared over ten dungeons. The woman named Zhou Ying was also experienced, though her achievements in dungeons werent as significant as Liu Chengs. As for the boy, he was a newcomer who had just completed his first quest, relying on the help of his seniors. What a coward! Liu Cheng glanced at the schoolboy with disdain, then looked up at the villa and said in a low voice, Surviving seven days isnt hard, but itll only give you the lowest completion rating. Whats the point of those rewards? To get a high rating, you need to look for clues related to the plot! As an experienced player, he certainly wasnt like a newcomer who thought survival was the only goal. He wanted a higher completion rating, more rewards! If youre not even willing to take risks, whats the difference between you and a dead fish? The schoolboy chuckled awkwardly upon hearing this. Zhou Ying patted his shoulder and, like an older sister, reassured him: Dont worry, if it gets dangerous, hide behind me. Everything will be fine. Thank you, Sister Zhou, youre so kind! the schoolboy thanked her. Zhou Ying nodded: Lets go, its time to head in. Liu Cheng was the first to open the door and step inside, with Zhou Ying and the schoolboy following behind. Entering the villa, Liu Cheng looked around, his gaze settling on the rooms on the second floor. However, he didnt immediately go upstairs. Instead, he turned to Zhou Ying and said to the schoolboy, You go upstairs, and Zhou Ying and I will check downstairs. If you find anything, shout. Huh? Me... me? The schoolboy immediately panicked. Chapter 25: Mansion of Five (8) He was a newcomer, but not a fool. Wanting to latch onto stronger players was normal, but that didnt mean he wanted to walk to his death. Liu Cheng and Zhou Ying had sent him upstairswasnt it just to scout the path? To be frank, why were these two experienced players dragging dead weight around? Wasnt it to find someone to take the risks for them? The schoolboy understood this well. But to survive, he had no choice but to obey their orders. Otherwise, the moment he refused, hed be dead! There were no restrictions on player killings in the dungeon. Dont worry, if it gets dangerous, Sister will save you, Zhou Ying said at the right moment. The schoolboy smiled awkwardly, trembling as he headed toward the stairs. His steps were nervous, and panic was written all over his face. He was afraid some creature would jump out at any second. What a coward! Seeing the schoolboys timid behavior, Liu Cheng couldnt help but mutter a curse, then stepped aside. Zhou Ying, like him, hid behind a curtain. It wasnt work hours now, and if they encountered a creature, they had no hope of survival. Their streams had many viewers, who, upon seeing how they manipulated the schoolboys actions, began to protest. Is this schoolboy an idiot? Its so obvious theyre sending him to scout, and he doesnt see it?! Hey, up there, dont think all players are as dumb as you! Dont they realize theyve been led here to fall into a trap? I think this guy isnt as simple as he seemshe has his own plans and ambitions. He wants more than just surviving seven days. ???????E?S Exactly, no one whos cleared the beginner dungeon is a fool. This guy wanted to take risks from the start, otherwise why would he team up with Liu Cheng and the others? There are anomalies in the houseif theyre discovered, its game over. If I were in his place, Id just choose to survive seven days. Why take risks? Look, his legs are even shaking, hahaha! Actually, I think his choice is the most correct. All players have died at least onceif theres a chance to start over, why not try? After all, if youre not willing to take risks, you might as well not have started. Regarding the schoolboy, some viewers were quite objective. After all, for those willing to live an ordinary life, surviving the beginner dungeon was really tough. Everyone has ambitions, and trying to take risks isnt a mistake. The schoolboy cautiously climbed the stairs. He scanned the second-floor hallway and, seeing no anomalies, sighed in relief. There were five rooms on the second floor, and he immediately noticed two with nameplates on the doors. His eyes lit up. He turned and gave Liu Cheng and Zhou Ying an OK gesture. A locked door couldnt be opened from the outside. Even with a key, the door shouldnt open. But now... the knob was turning! The trios faces were filled with horror as the door creaked open. What the hell! The three stared at the scene, their souls nearly leaving their bodies! Didnt the rules say that if the door was locked, everything would be fine? Why could the door be opened despite being locked? Were the rules actually lying?! The door finally swung open completely. Liu Cheng and his friends felt their hair stand on end, ready to bolt. However, when they saw who stood at the door, all three froze. Its you? 3 Standing at the threshold was Bai Lian. He held a universal key in his hand. This key, which hed bought from the shop for 20 Rule Points, could open any locked door. It could be used five times before breaking. Bai Lian had just woken up and wanted to enter another room to search for clues. But seeing the door was locked, he decided to use the universal key. Unexpectedly, he found other players inside. When he saw the trio, Bai Lian was also slightly stunned. Then a thought suddenly occurred to him. Had he just screwed them over? Uh... hi! Bai Lian greeted them hesitantly. Liu Cheng and his group: faces full of question marks. They, of course, recognized that Bai Lian was also a player. But... How did he get here? Before leaving, theyd made sure there were no other players like them around. And more importantly, this guy had opened the door with a universal key. They hadnt broken the rules, right? Probably... not? The next moment gave them their answer. Winnie arrived... Chapter 26: Mansion of Five (9) When Winnie appeared behind Bai Lian, the expressions on Liu Cheng and his friends faces changed drastically. The Anomaly had truly arrived! They had broken the Rulesthis was the end! No, not necessarily. Liu Cheng looked at Bai Lian, who was standing by the door. This guy was the closest to the Anomaly. If anyone was going to die first, it would be him. And he himself might be able to use this opportunity to escape! Thinking this, Liu Cheng glanced at the schoolboy standing beside him. He stepped forward and grabbed the boys arm. As an experienced player, he had once received a body enhancement bonus, and his strength far surpassed that of newcomers. If the Anomaly attacked Bai Lian first, and he could divert its attention to this newcomer, he might just have a chance to escape! He waited, waited for Winnie to attack Bai Lian. However, as often happens, events didnt unfold as expected. To Liu Cheng and his friends surprise, Bai Lian turned and looked at Winnie. The expected scene didnt happen. Winnie and Bai Lian exchanged glances, and there was no hint that she was about to act. Did you wake them up? No, I just came to see if there were any clues, Bai Lian replied, shrugging. Watching them converse like friends, Liu Cheng and his group were wide-eyed with shock. What was going on? Why wasnt the Anomaly acting? Instead, they were having a conversation? One was an Anomaly, the other a playerwere they acquainted? The trios stream also erupted with emotions! What the hell is happening? I thought this guy was about to die, but now the Anomaly is talking to him? Wait, Im a bit confused. Lets clarifythis guy is a player, right? And this Winnie is an Anomaly, and they can actually communicate? Ive been watching streams for a while, but Ive never seen an Anomaly this calm. Can players and Anomalies be friends? Damn! Is this guy some kind of hidden boss? Ive been watching streams for a long time, but this is the first time Ive seen something like this. How does he do it? Watching Bai Lian calmly chatting with Winnie, the viewers were in complete shock! This was an Anomaly that killed people without batting an eye, broke the Rules, and slaughtered playersa terrifying entity. Why was Bai Lian so calm? Not only the viewers, but Liu Cheng and his friends were also stunned by what was happening! But Bai Lians next words made their hair stand on end! Are you going to kill them? Bai Lian looked at Liu Cheng and his friends and asked Winnie. Of course, they broke the Rules, Winnie replied with a slight smile, giving Bai Lian a strange look. If she understood correctly, His smile vanished, and an expression of astonishment appeared on his face. Bai Lian extended his hand, and his speed was so fast that even the physically enhanced Liu Cheng couldnt react. In an instant, his arm was grabbed and twisted, and he immediately fell to his knees! Everything happened in the blink of an eye. Liu Cheng didnt even have time to do anything. How was this possible? How did this happen? I enhanced my body, and even if its not as powerful as the effects of a basic genetic enhancement, Im still much stronger than these newcomers. How can this guy be my match? Liu Cheng couldnt understand. Why did you use someone so weak to test me? Bai Lian said, pinning Liu Cheng with one hand, not even looking at him, but instead glancing at Winnie. Now it seems you really do have a reason to cooperate with me, Winnie replied with a slight smile. Bai Lian kicked Liu Cheng aside and clapped his hands: Youre playing with fire. Winnie raised an eyebrow: What threat? As soon as she said this... Smack! She was struck by a large hand. A crisp, clean, and springy sound. What a pleasant sensation! Bai Lian said, enjoying the softness, a smile on his face. Winnie held her cheek, her face slightly red as she glared at this old enemy with a look of grievance. You...!!! This is punishment for trying to test me, Bai Lian interrupted her. Winnie took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. But the more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Retreating and holding back became increasingly difficult. How could she, an Anomaly, endure such humiliation? Unable to bear it, she unleashed her anger on the other two in the room! Liu Cheng: ... Zhou Ying: ... The already swallowed schoolboy: ... What does this have to do with us?! Why are we being dragged into this?! But Winnie, in her rage, paid them no attention and, in an instant, used the giant snake from her pen to devour both of them. The live stream viewers were completely silent. ( ???)............ Guys, if I understood correctly, did the streamer just touch the Anomalys face...? White God is awesome! Ive seen grandmas crossing the road and not helping, but I applaud you! Damn, someone dared to touch an Anomalys face? Are you serious? And didnt die? Let me tell you a joke: the streamer calmly slaps an Anomalys face, and the viewers die from the shock (laughs). Chapter 27: Mansion of Five (10) By the way, did you notice something strange about the host? Has the host gotten stronger? I dont remember him being this strong when we were in Laboratory No. 45? That guy just attacked really fast, his body was clearly enhanced. Ordinary newcomers wouldnt have been able to handle him, but the host managed to kill him! What, has the host secretly gotten stronger? I dont think its surprising. The host can already ignore the rules, so becoming stronger is pretty normal. Agreed. The deaths of the three players were both expected and unexpected. Expected, because in the world of anomalies, theres Winnie. In the world of anomalies, its very difficult for players to kill anomalies. Only if theyre like Bai Lian, who can ignore the rules. Otherwise, ordinary players cant kill anomalies; its almost impossible. And these three players clearly werent like Bai Lian. They couldnt stand up to Winnie. What was unexpected was that the viewers didnt anticipate that, aside from the ability to ignore the rules, Bai Lians own strength was so formidable! Liu Chengs strength was considered quite high among newcomers. But even someone as strong as Liu Cheng couldnt put up a fight against Bai Lian. As for the deaths of the three players, Bai Lian remained completely calm. In the world of anomalies, theres no such thing as a "faction." Every player is their own faction, and everyone else is an enemy, even if theyre also players! So killing players doesnt cause Bai Lian the slightest bit of guilt. In this world, survival is already hard enough. Why bother being overly kind and tormenting yourself? Is this pencil an item or an anomaly? Bai Lian asked with interest, looking at the pencil that had returned to Winnies hand. Of course, its an item, she replied. Winnie answered, then suddenly became wary and, looking at him, asked, Why are you asking about that? No reason, just curious, Bai Lian smiled. Winnie clearly didnt believe him. Before saying that, you could at least look away, right? You practically wrote "I want it" on your face! Seeing Winnies wariness, Bai Lian sighed. Alright. He really did have the thought of taking it for himself. After all, such a powerful artifact that can turn into a pen and easily catch enemies off guard when attacking... Who wouldnt want something like that? But looking at Winnie, he realized it would probably be difficult to pry it away from her. He glanced around the room. After scanning it, he turned back to Winnie and suddenly smiled. Winnie frowned slightly: My intuition tells me youre up to no good. So her not knowing other clues makes sense. Bai Lian frowned slightly, then relaxed. But if thats the case, finding other clues will be a bit more difficult! No, not even more difficult, but ratherit wont be a problem for Bai Lian, who can ignore the rules. Its just that it will require a bit more effort. But in that case, he wont be able to relax. Ah! Bai Lian quietly sighed. Seeing his expression, Winnie asked in surprise: Whats wrong? Nothing, I just suddenly thought that I cant always laze around on my soft bed, so Im a little sad. Bai Lian replied with a sad look. What do you mean, your bed? Its my bed! Winnie looked at him with a gaze full of resentment. If she could, shed really like to give this cheeky guy a good slap! Bai Lian ignored Winnies murderous gaze. He walked over to the wardrobe, opened the door, and looked inside. There were sets of luxurious clothes neatly hanging inside. He glanced at them and immediately closed the wardrobe. Then his gaze shifted to the bedside table next to the bed. He walked over, opened it, and inside was a music box. Bai Lian took it out and examined it carefully. Winnie also walked over and, hugging herself, said: Ive seen this music box before. Bai Lian looked at her, waiting for an explanation. Its Davids thing. It used to always be in his room, Winnie explained. David, the butler? How could his music box end up in the masters room? Wait... Suddenly, Bai Lians expression turned strange, and he looked at Winnie: How do you know the music box was always in Davids room? When they first entered the dungeon, some fragmented data hinted that Winnie and David had a special relationship. It seemed Winnie knew some secret of Davids, and he was being blackmailed by her. But blackmail is one thing, knowing such small details like the music box... Could it be that she and David... So, did you give it to him? Bai Lian asked sharply, not waiting for an answer. Winnie: ??? Chapter 28: Mansion of Five (11) Seeing the black lines appear on Winnies head, Bai Lian realized that things werent as he had thought. If I could, Id like you to feel what its like to be swallowed by a snake! Winnies voice was low. A snakes body temperature is too low. If I were to be swallowed, Id prefer it to be by you, Bai Lian replied, looking at her. Winnie made up her mind. She wouldnt speak another word to this guy. Otherwise, she might really die from anger. No, she had already died once. More accurately, she might go insane from rage. Seeing that Winnie wasnt responding, Bai Lian shook his head. Her combat ability was just too weak. Holding the music box in his hands, he examined it carefully. And indeed, he noticed something unusual. At the bottom of the box, a few lines were engraved in small print. Sophia, your plot will not succeed! Sir, Madam, I will definitely save you! Shes too strong, with my strength I cant defeat her. Someone, please help me... Sir, Im sorry... Just a few lines, but they contained a lot of information. It seemed that the butler, David, also knew that the master and mistress were imprisoned. He wanted to intervene, but couldnt defeat Sophia. Who is Sophia? Bai Lian asked Winnie. Hearing this name, Winnie was slightly taken aback, then calmly replied, Thats my mothers name. The nanny? It seemed the truth was finally coming to light. So, the nanny is the real mastermind behind all this? Bai Lian looked at Winnie curiously. The person you mentioned earlier, isnt she your mother? Winnie quietly replied, Mhm. Clearly, she didnt want to talk much about her mother. Bai Lian didnt press further. Alright, alright. It seems our task now is just to find out where the master and mistress are. After inspecting the room once more, Bai Lian found no other clues. He said a few words to Winnie and headed for the door. So, where is Davids room? he asked, standing in the hallway and looking at the remaining doors. Winnie shook her head. Davids room isnt here. Its separate, in the building next to the staff dormitory. A separate building? Bai Lian was surprised. He suddenly understood why David was so loyal. With such treatment, it was hard not to be loyal. ... After a while, Bai Lian and Winnie arrived near the staff dormitory. There stood a small, separate cottage. This was the butler Davids house. Bai Lian immediately lost all desire to knock on the door. Seeing his reaction, Winnie crossed her arms, and a slight smile appeared on her lips. What, scared? Of course not. Bai Lian shook his head, thoughtfully, saying, Its just that I suddenly feel like the master and mistress might not be worth saving after all. Hahaha, the host is scared, hes scared! What, dont you get it? Its not fear, its a moral decision! Dont be afraid, host. Its just David! As a player, you need to know when to approach men! Youre right, you really nailed the joke about men. ... Actually, you dont always need to knock on a door. Sometimes it opens on its own. While Bai Lian and Winnie were arguing, the door suddenly opened. Out came Butler David, dressed in a tailcoat and white gloves, looking very composed. What are you two doing here? Is there something I can help you with? Seeing Bai Lian and Winnie standing at his door, David asked two questions. His gaze at Bai Lian was one of surprise. If memory served, this handsome guy was one of the players, right? If hes a player, he should be following the rules. Its not work hours. Shouldnt he be in the staff dormitory? How did he end up at my door? Moreover, why is Winnie, despite being an anomaly, not attacking him but standing with Bai Lian? And they clearly get along well? He looked at David. Bai Lian really couldnt imagine how such a normal-looking person could do such disgusting things. No, maybe it was precisely because he always looked so serious. When he found out, the contrast was just staggering. Mr. David, you also dont want to... uh, wed like to talk to you. Chapter 29: Mansion of Five (12) Bai Lian almost blurted out what he was thinking. It seemed to be Winnies influence. What a remarkable girl. How could she be involved in such dirty things? Little dirty things really do a lot of harm. Suddenly, Winnie felt her shoulder grow heavy and couldnt help but frown. An invisible black bowl had fallen on her head. She glanced at Bai Lian and felt that he was thinking something bad. Host, what did you just say? I know, Mr. David, you dont want others to find out about such perverted things, right? (funny) Hahahaha, what you said came from the heart, but correcting a mistake is a sign of culture! Almost lost the chance for a conversation due to his bluntness, but stopped in time. The viewers in the chat laughed at the unexpected turn in Bai Lians words. ... Its truly surprising how a strange and alien person can become friends, David said thoughtfully, looking at Bai Lian and Winnie, his gaze full of hidden meaning. Mr. David, youre mistaken. Were not friends, Winnie hurriedly denied. Bai Lian just smiled: Of course, were just strategic partners. This isnt the place for conversation. Lets go inside, David stepped aside and invited them in. It must be said that as a butler, David had no shortcomings in terms of manners and attitude toward people. If it werent for his orientation, Bai Lian would have gladly befriended such a person. But if hes gay, then fine. He doesnt have that kind of friendship like Long Yang. Bai Lian and Winnie entered the small cottage. Glancing around the interior, they noticed that the decor here was as neat as Davids attireeverything was clean and pleasing to the eye. Even the floors were spotless, and all items were perfectly aligned with the tile seams. Seeing this, Bai Lian realized: this David probably suffered from some degree of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Even the two mugs on the coffee table had their handles pointing in the same direction. This is coffee, and this is tea, David said, serving drinks to Bai Lian and Winnie. He placed the coffee in front of Winnie and the tea in front of Bai Lian, then smiled and added, You Eastern people probably prefer tea more. Although Im not the best at brewing tea, I apologize. rA?o?????s?? As he said, there were a few undissolved tea leaves floating in the cup. No need to say that. Actually, I brew tea the same way, Bai Lian replied casually. He didnt plan to drink the tea. After all, he wasnt thirsty and didnt particularly like tea. Winnie had no such reservations and immediately picked up the coffee cup, taking a sip. Bai Lian had expected this. He calmly continued: Do you have any leads? David shook his head: Since the master and mistress disappeared, Ive searched the entire estate but found no leads. I suspect theyre outside the estate. He voiced his guess. As the butler, David knew perfectly well what was happening in the estate. Catching someone right under his nose would be very difficult. No, theyre definitely in the estate, Bai Lian dismissed his assumption. David and Winnie looked at him simultaneously: How do you know? Because all the clues about them are in the room. If they were outside the estate, you wouldnt be able to hide it, Bai Lian said, taking the coffee cup Winnie had drunk from and taking a sip. Winnie pursed her lips. This guy seems to be doing it on purpose. Hes not drinking his tea but drinking her coffee. And hes deliberately choosing the moment. This coffee really isnt bad, with a light jasmine aroma, Bai Lian said with a surprised expression. Winnie clenched her fist slightly. How annoying he is! David, oblivious to their silent bickering, furrowed his brow thoughtfully, pondering Bai Lians words. If theyre in the estate, then where could they be locked up? Before he could think further, Bai Lian asked again: Mr. David, are you sure there are no traces of the master and mistress in the estate? David snapped out of it and nodded: Absolutely. Has anything changed in the estate? For example, has anything extra appeared? David thought for a moment and shook his head: Im certain nothing extra has appeared, not even a blade of grass or a flower. Perfect. Bai Lian stood up, a glint in his eyes: Then I think I know where theyre being held. Chapter 30: Mansion of Five (13) After these words, a spark of confusion simultaneously appeared in the eyes of David and Winnie. He already knows? Where are they being held? David asked eagerly. Although he didnt know how Bai Lian had come to this conclusion. He hadnt even given the slightest hint about where the master and mistress were. But David had a premonition. He felt that Bai Lian had truly figured it out. Unlike David, Winnie looked puzzled but with a hint of strangeness. She had been by Bai Lians side the entire time. She had even seen those two clues. Out of all the known clues, not a single one pointed to where the master and mistress were. Could he just be bluffing? Huh? Bai Lian already figured it out? Wait, I dont get it, on what basis did he make this conclusion? I cant wrap my head around it either. None of the known facts point to this result. Maybe Bai Lian said it on purpose to make David believe him? That shouldnt be the case. Winnie has dirt on David; Bai Lian doesnt need that. If we could guess, Bai Lian wouldnt be Bai Lian. Better not speculate and just see what he does next. I have a feeling Bai Lian is up to something. In the live stream chat, the viewers were actively discussing what was happening. They had an outsiders perspective and could make many deductions. Sometimes they saw more than those in the situation itself, like Bai Lian. But even the viewers didnt understand what Bai Lian had said. At this time, in the small house... I cant say yet, but tomorrow morning Ill make the master and mistress reappear in the estate. Bai Lians smile was a little mysterious. He didnt give David a direct answer. Hearing his words, David pondered for a moment. After a moment, he seemed to make a decision: So, sir, what should I do? Bai Lian was about to pat him on the shoulder but, reaching out his hand, immediately withdrew it: Stay here, dont move, and when things start happening in the estate, act. r?a?O??bE?S? David wasnt needed right now, but when the operation began, his help would definitely be required. Besides, being an anomaly, even if he couldnt defeat the shadow enemy, dealing with Winnie wouldnt be difficult for him. Alright! David nodded. Bai Lian and Winnie didnt linger for long. They returned to the villa. Winnie looked at the shameless man occupying her bed. She had already gotten used to it and remained calm. Do you really understand? she asked, even though she still couldnt figure out how Bai Lian had deduced it. Time passed, and the day gradually turned into night. Suddenly, a figure appeared in the estate. She glanced at the nearest mansion and without hesitation entered inside. Then, quietly like a shadow, she went up to the second floor and stopped in front of the door to the mistresss room. The door opened, and she entered. As soon as she was in the room, her gaze didnt wander around but immediately fell on the family photo hanging above the head of the bed. Making sure the photo was in place, a sigh of relief sounded in the darkness. Suddenly, she frowned and sharply turned around. Click! The lights turned on. Standing at the doorway were Winnie and Bai Lian, and the figure was now in front of them. So this is where youve been hiding! Bai Lian said in surprise, looking at the photo hanging on the wall. He had suspected something for a while but wasnt sure. All the clues were too weak. Who would have thought someone could be hidden behind this photo? It really is you! Unlike Bai Lian, who was focused on the photo, Winnie had been focused on the figure from the start. Seeing her face, she froze at first, then a strange emotion appeared in her eyes. Mom! Sophia! The estates housekeeper, Winnies mother. From the beginning, she hadnt been seen in the estate. And she was the hidden mastermind who had been keeping the master and mistress imprisoned! Bai Lian finally tore his gaze away from the photo and turned it to Sophia standing opposite him. From this gaze, Bai Lian even froze a little. Like Winnie, she had light hair and blue eyes, but her figure was more voluptuous, her face more mature, though without a single wrinkle. Especially her dress, which was almost on the verge of bursting, simply attracted all eyes! When Bai Lian saw Sophia for the first time, the name Eight-Foot Woman immediately popped into his head. She was very similar, but compared to the Eight-Foot Woman, Sophia was more perfect. Of course, it wasnt because she was wearing a nuns outfit and black shoes. When Bai Lian and Winnie entered, Sophia didnt seem surprised. Because the moment they were noticed, she immediately understood what was happening. Meanwhile, in the stream chat, a real storm began! What the hell? What the hell? What the hell? I get it, I finally get it, the host played his game, tricked, forced the enemy to make a mistake! The one who wrote above, youre right, but dont repeat it next time, I didnt even understand how its related to the hosts actions! This is called drawing the snake out of its hole, Bai Lian made a move, and its just genius! Chapter 31: Mansion of Five (14) So, Bai Lian didnt actually know the answer? He only said that to lure out the hidden enemy? Yes, all the clues didnt lead to where the master and mistress could have been imprisoned. Even the two possible informants in the estate knew nothing, so the only option was the hidden enemy. The real move, the real plan. The key is that the hidden enemy fell for the trick themselves. Does this seem more like a light or dark scheme? I think it depends on whether Sophia believes it. If she doesnt, its a scheme because, regardless of her belief, shell have to check! How clever! This hidden enemy isnt simple either. If it werent for Bai Lians skill, she might never have appeared. This is why other players dont get top completion ratings: not because theyre bad, but because the opponent is too cunning. When masters clash, every move is deadly. This time, Bai Lian won! The stream chat exploded, and Bai Lians move completely ignited the viewers emotions! ... At that moment, in the room. Bai Lian, Winnie, and Sophia exchanged glances. After a brief pause, Sophia suddenly smiled. "Not bad, Winnie. Youve chosen a good helper!" "I never thought the plan Ive been preparing for so long would be ruined by some outsider." "But even so, you still wont win." She didnt seem the least bit worried about her plan being foiled. In other words, she was absolutely confident in her strength. And indeed, she was. A powerful aura rose from her, instantly enveloping Bai Lian and Winnie. She was strong, and sensing this aura, Bai Lian immediately knew he was no match for her. Even Winnie couldnt handle her, as evident from her furrowed brows. "Can you hold her off for a bit?" Bai Lian turned and asked Winnie. He needed to find a way to tear the photograph and free the master and mistress trapped within. If he succeeded, the mission would be complete. But for that, Winnie had to stall Sophia. "It should be possible." Winnie thought for a moment and replied. It was David, the butler she had met earlier in the day. He looked at Sophia, shook his head, and said, "Sophia, stop." He had sensed something strange in the villa. Remembering what Bai Lian had said, David immediately rushed here. Just in time. "David, are you also going to help this outsider?!" Sophia glared at David furiously, realizing the situation was becoming complicated. If it were just Winnie and Bai Lian, she could easily handle them. But with David added to the mix, the situation became much more difficult. Though David wasnt strong, teamed up with Winnie, he could definitely hold her off. In that case, Bai Lian would have a chance to reach the photograph. If the master and mistress were freed, her plan would fail! "No, Im not helping him. Im loyal to the master and mistress..." David shook his head. "Go to hell!" Sophia suddenly attacked. Davids eyes widened, and he quickly reacted. Winnie also joined the fight, and the three of them were immediately locked in a fierce battle. Bai Lian stood aside, watching their fight. It had to be said, womens fights were truly fascinating. No wonder Liu Ziqiao loved watching women fight so much. After a while, he turned and walked toward the photograph. Raising his hand, he took the framed photo off the wall and, with a sharp motion, tore it in half. Rip! The frame and the photograph were torn in two. In the next moment, two black clouds began to seep out from the torn photograph, slowly merging on the ground and forming two figures. These figures then took on the appearance of the people in the photograph. As soon as they appeared, a notification sounded in the heads of all players in the estate. Congratulations to player Bai Lian for completing the E-rank dungeon "Fifth Estate"! Completion time: 16 hours, 30 minutes, 09 seconds! Completion rating: SSS! Completion rewards: Rule Points, Title: Friend of Anomalies, Puppet *1! Attention to all players in this dungeon: The dungeon will close in 30 seconds, 30... 29... 28... ... The players who had been sleeping in the estate were suddenly awakened by the notification sound. Waking from their slumber, they sat up abruptly, not understanding what was happening. At the moment when their minds were blank, they suddenly realized that someone had already completed the dungeon! "??????" "Im here sleeping, and youre telling me someone already cleared it?" Chapter 32: Mansion of Five (End) Are you kidding me? This quest just started, and I didnt even get a proper nap, and someones already cleared it? Damn, whos that fast? At least let me finish sleeping! An SSS rating for completion? Whos this badass?! Is this the first time someones cleared a quest just by lying around? Before the players could fully grasp what was happening, they were teleported out of the dungeon as a blinding white flash swept through. ...... So, youre actually immune to attacks? Why did you ask me to act then? In the villa, Winnie glared at Bai Lian with clear irritation. Just moments ago, when they completed the mission, Sophia, furious and ashamed, tried to attack Bai Lian. However, it turned out she couldnt harm him at all! Seeing this, Winnie immediately realized shed been tricked! This guy can ignore all the rules, so no matter what he does, no one can attack him! You didnt ask, Bai Lian shrugged. Winnie: ... Didnt ask?! That answer was... something else! Alright, Im leaving too. Goodbye, Bai Lian smiled at Winnie and extended his hand. Winnie looked at it. Though reluctant, she eventually reached out and shook it. Lets not meet again! This kid... Bai Lian grinned widely, ignoring Winnies resentful and dissatisfied gaze, and vanished in an instant as a white flash engulfed everything. At that moment, Sophia approached. She had already returned to her original form. Mom, are we leaving too? Winnie looked at the spot where Bai Lian had just disappeared and turned to Sophia. Yes, the master and mistress are leaving, and were heading to Minos as well. Will we see him again? Sophia smiled and nodded: Of course. Someone like him wont stop here. Hell definitely make his way to Minos one day. Hearing this, Winnie calmed down and regained her usual composure. ...... The screen shifted, fragments reassembled. Bai Lian returned to the player space once more. As usual, the first thing he did was check his status panel. Player: Bai Lian (Avatar) Age: 19 Only 20,000 pointscant even buy a weapon. In the end, Bai Lian still bought a combat skill book. While clearing the Fifth Estate dungeon, Bai Lian acutely realized that in the Mysterious World, besides having strong, suitable skills, ones own strength is also crucial. RANb?? Like this time. If Bai Lian hadnt been strong enough, even though his Lawless Criminal skill made him immune to anomalies, players arent bound by the rules. If not for his strength, he might have died at the hands of Liu Cheng and his companions. Well, he wouldnt have died because Winnie was there. But its hard to say what will happen in future dungeons. And in those moments, theres no guarantee hell have a partner like Winnie. So improving his strength is still necessary. Rule Points Purchase successful, skill book added to player inventory! After Bai Lian clicked the purchase button, a message appeared on the screen. He exited the shop and opened his inventory. An ancient scroll appeared inside. The scrolls surface depicted a fist. Bai Lian extracted it. The scroll appeared in his hands, and as he unrolled it, he saw a few words. Hand-to-Hand Combat Mastery: Using this skill book will grant you the skill of hand-to-hand combat mastery. All close-combat techniques will be at your disposal! Hand-to-Hand Combat Mastery? Not bad. Bai Lian couldnt help but nodthis combat skill book was indeed perfect for him. After his body was enhanced with the initial genetic serum, it became much stronger. Now, with the addition of combat techniques, his strength would increase significantly! It has to be said, even though 10,000 Rule Points is expensive, its worth it. Bai Lian chose to use the skill book. The leather scroll turned into a stream of light and flew into his forehead. Bai Lian instinctively closed his eyes, and suddenly, numerous combat techniques flooded his mind. Moreover, he felt as though he had learned these techniques step by step and could now use them at any moment! No wonder, its the Mysterious World. Truly amazing! Bai Lian opened his eyes, feeling the changes within himself, and couldnt help but marvel. After using the skill book, his gaze fell on the title in the status panel. This was the final reward for clearing the dungeon! Title: Friend of the Mysterious World Title Acquisition Method: Player receives this title by achieving an SSS rating in clearing the E-rank dungeon Fifth Estate! Title Effect: When the player equips this title, upon entering a dungeon, they will gain a certain level of favorability from Anomalies. The amount of favorability depends on the dungeons difficulty: 50 points for E-rank, 40 for D, 30 for C, 20 for B, 10 for A, and no favorability can be gained in S-rank or higher dungeons! Chapter 33: Mirror Castle (1) You can gain favorability from Anomalies? Bai Lian pondered as he examined the titles effect. This title didnt seem to provide a direct boost to strength, but it could offer significant assistance when entering dungeons. At the very least, thanks to this title, Bai Lian wouldnt face inexplicable hostility from Anomalies in the future. Anomalies arent NPCs; they have their own thoughts. Although theyre bound by rules and cant attack unless a player breaks them, they can still exhibit hostility based on personal preferences. For example, they might try to push a player they dislike into breaking the rules. After Bai Lian obtained this title, such situations wouldnt disappear entirely, but at least the likelihood of them occurring would significantly decrease. So, the titles effect was indeed powerful. However, Bai Lian didnt choose to equip it. The effect of the New King title was too strongan extra life and increased affinity. Bai Lian chose the former. Any player in his position would do the same. Its like in a game: if you only have one life, would you choose to increase your relationship with NPCs or gain an extra life? Bai Lian wasnt the type to take suicidal risks. He didnt gamble. So, the title would just gather dust in his status list. Meanwhile, as he completed the dungeon, a new message appeared in the worlds public chat. Qi Yuan: Guys, someone just cleared an E-rank dungeonthe Fifth Estate! Shock! Senior player continues to write legends, scores another SSS rating, rookie ignores the rules! The title of this post captured all the attention-grabbing points. Once again, it gained massive popularity on the site. Just a few minutes after the post went live, its views surpassed a thousand, and the number continued to grow at an alarming rate! Whats going on? I just logged into the game, about to write a regular post, and then I see someone got an SSS rating? Is this a joke? Guys, hurry up and watch this dungeon run video. This guy is something else. If you dont watch it, youll regret it for life! Is this some kind of trap? Look at the previous users post. Its true. Theres really a senior player who got an SSS rating! Oh my god! I saw that post too, and whats crazy is that less than a day has passed, and this person got another SSS rating? Wait, Im having a hard time understanding. How can someone ignore dungeon rules? Thats just absurd! Hahahaha, you think thats weird? I was one of the first viewers of this streamer, and you know what? When he was in the rookie dungeon, it was even more absurd! He could revive infinitely, and the Mysterious World couldnt kill him! Its confirmed, folks. This guy is the true son of the Mysterious World! Time to go fishing! The SSS dungeon rating truly attracted attention. After all, until now, no one had managed to achieve such a high rating, even in the simplest E-rank dungeons. Currently, the highest achievement among Mysterious World players is an S rating! And even getting an S rating requires being among the strongest players! Chapter 34: Mirror Castle (2) Where am I? Im Researcher Bredi, and Ive ended up in some strange place. There are high walls everywhere, and tunnels leading in different directions, who knows where. I think Im lost. There are so many mirrors here that I cant orient myself at all, and I just have to keep moving forward. Damn, I just saw a shadow flicker behind me, but why isnt it in the mirror?! The most important thing is that those who once received this completion rating are now among the best players in the Mysterious World! Without exaggeration, they are the benchmark for all players. But now, an even more terrifying player has appeared! He didnt get an S-rank, but immediately the highestan SSS-rank! And many who saw this post for the first time decided to check what was in the previous message from the author. When they found out that Bai Lian had received an SSS rating on his first run, they were simply stunned! Two SSS ratings in a rowwhat kind of monster is this? Oncemaybe its luck, a fluke. But twicethats no longer just luck! This person definitely has something special! Two SSS ratings in a row! Probably even the first player, Qian Shan Xue, couldnt do that, right? No, its definitely impossible! Not just Qian Shan Xue, but all the other top players couldnt either! At this moment, Bai Lian, who was at the center of attention, was already preparing for the next quest. This time, he didnt buy new items, as the ones he had purchased last time hadnt been used yet. Matching a quest for you... Matching successful, waiting for other players: 100/63 100/100, dungeon entry will begin soon, prepare! I cant escape, this is just an unsolvable prison! Stranger, if you see these words, remember, never stand in front of a mirror for too long, or youll end up here like me, lost in it! ... This new dungeon didnt show the usual images like the previous ones. Instead, there was only a monologue from a man. The space around Bai Lian distorted, and this time, there werent even fragments of information. When the image before his eyes finally cleared, he realized where he had ended up. It was a huge corridor. And on the walls of the corridor, every few meters, there were ancient mirrors embedded! Bai Lian stood directly between two mirrors. These mirrors were very strange. Normally, if you stand within their reflective field, you can see your own reflection. But Bai Lian didnt see himself in the mirror opposite himit seemed like it didnt reflect those who werent standing directly in front of it. But of course, it was nothing compared to staying alive. Sometimes, key information could save your life. As Bai Lian walked, a familiar signal sounded in his head. Extracting skill... Extraction complete! Quest Completion: The mission is completed automatically, other players are eliminated! What the hell? Hearing this signal, Bai Lian was stunned. Quest completion? The mission is completed automatically, and the other players are eliminated? Uhhh~! Bai Lians eyes gleamed. Even he found it a little hard to contain himself. This was too unfair! This skill was too cheaty! It was even more overpowered than infinite revives, infinite rollbacks, or being a lawless criminal! Earlier, those skills, while absurd, could still be considered abilities. But this? You call this a skill? Bai Lian stopped in his tracks. Because now, it didnt matter anymore. With this skill, you could forget about searching for clues or ways to beat the game. I really hate cheaters, but if the cheater is me, thats another story. The corners of Bai Lians mouth lifted slightly, and he glanced at the other players in the tunnel. If he used this skill, the other players would automatically be eliminated. And being ejected from the dungeon meant they would die! Unless they had revival items or skills. Bai Lian wasnt going to give up on clearing the dungeon just because of this. Saints dont live to see the end. He decisively used the skill! Luckily, I bought the guide in advance, so I already know most of the clues in the Mirror Castle. Ill definitely be the first to clear it! Inside the castle, in one of the corridors, a young man with long hair was rejoicing at his wise decision to buy the guide before entering the dungeon. ra?????o??S? He was an experienced player who had cleared more than ten dungeons, and he usually didnt spend his pointsall to find strong players and buy guides from them. His guide happened to have information about the Mirror Castle! With this guide, he was confident he could clear the dungeon and get a high rating! However, the next moment... Congratulations to player Bai Lian for clearing the E-rank dungeon Mirror Castle, completion ratingSSS! The smile on the young mans face froze... Chapter 35: Mirror Castle (3) Damn... Someone already cleared it?! He stared in astonishment, his eyes filled with complete bewilderment! The dungeon had just been activated, and he hadnt even taken a couple of steps... And now he was being told that someone had already cleared it? He simply couldnt believe it! It was like a situation where... Youve just started the game, just entered the dungeon, and your crystal has already exploded! And even in the frame, you see Han Xin teleporting next to the crystal! Van Defa?! Could the dungeon have broken? The other 98 players in the dungeon were equally shocked by what had happened! Whats going on? How is it possible that someone has already cleared it? This is fake! The dungeon just opened, how could someone have already cleared it? This is a bug! Its impossible to clear it this fast! The Mirror Castle is one of the most difficult dungeons in the E-rank, ranking in the top three. To clear it and find all the clues, it takes at least two days. But here, only a few minutes have passed, and no one has even made it through the first corridor! Did you just hear that signal? The completion rating is SSS! This Bai Lian, isnt he a cheater? Damn, I havent even had time to learn all the rules, and someone has already cleared it? And with the highest rating? This Bai Lian... his name sounds familiar, I think Ive seen him somewhere... Oh, right! Hes the one who cleared the Fifth Estate dungeon with an SSS rating on the public streams! Is that true? Inside the Mirror Castle. All the players were in complete confusion. They stood in place, looking at the other players who appeared just as bewildered. They had just entered the dungeon, but they were already being shown that someone had managed to clear it. Some hadnt even had time to understand what was happening. In the real world. On one of the streaming platforms. Mi Gao a popular streamer who often broadcasts games from the Mysterious World and provides commentary. Guys, lets now see how a real top-tier player gets an SSS rating for clearing a dungeon, said Mi Gao. He found Bai Lians stream and immediately entered it. After two days of observation, he figured out what time Bai Lian would be clearing dungeons. He was different from other players. After each clear, other players usually rested for a few days before the next dungeon, but Bai Lian... However, after each dungeon clear, Bai Lian would find a new dungeon within half an hour. This guy seemed to not need any analysis or understanding of the dungeon information, just charging forward without a second thought. Mi Gao decided to start the stream right when he saw that Bai Lian had just cleared the Fifth Estate dungeon. As expected, as soon as he opened the stream, he saw Bai Lian standing in an ancient corridor. In this corridor, mirrors hung every few meters. Seeing this dungeon, Mi Gao instantly perked up. Guys, this is the Mirror Castle, an E-rank dungeon, and its difficulty is in the top three among all E-rank dungeons! This is going to be interesting! Actually, he didnt even need to say it. As soon as Bai Lians face appeared on the screen, with his bright eyes, pearly white teeth, and refined, elegant appearance, the stream chat immediately filled with active comments. Wow, this newcomer is so handsome! Ahhh! Im in love! Now I believe he can get an SSS rating for clearing dungeons! With looks like that, even in my prime, Id step aside. The one who wrote above, are you saying youd step aside into a grave? (lol) I used to think Jiang Hao was the pinnacle of beauty among players in this world, but now, seeing him, I understand what true handsomeness is! From this moment on, Im a fan of this player! Mi Gaos stream had many female viewers, many of whom loved beautiful people. As soon as they saw Bai Lians face, they were stunned by his appearance! Some other viewers, seeing him being praised, began to comment disapprovingly. Hes just fair-skinned, can that really be considered handsome? Am I not more handsome than him? Handsome is one thing, but this is the Mysterious World, whats the point without good gameplay? Yeah, yeah, watch him die here, itll be even worse. Chapter 36: Mirror Castle (End) Here is the text with the dialogues properly formatted: Ive seen many newcomers like this before. At first, I thought Mi Gao was different, but in the end, he turned out to be just like everyone else. What kind of newcomer, no matter how amazing, can get an SSS rating for clearing a dungeon? Seriously, does he think other top players are fools? I watched both videos, its completely fake! How could he ignore the rules? Do you believe this? If this isnt a compiled video, Ill eat a chair while standing on my head! What, did you come here just to eat and drink? Hey, sour cucumbers, go away! People like you cant stand seeing others succeed! There are haters everywhere. But Mi Gao paid no attention to the trolls in the chat. He was even happy about it, because the more controversy, the more views. Alright, this player has already entered the dungeon. Lets see how hell proceed. The Mirror Castle is an E-rank dungeon. Its difficulty, of course, cant compare to D-rank dungeons and above, but that doesnt mean its easy. When the Mysterious World first appeared, I showed how top players cleared this dungeon, and some of its traps are quite nasty for newcomers. Mi Gao explained to the viewers, and the chat gradually calmed down. On the screen, Bai Lian had already started reviewing the Adventurers Codex. At that moment, several players in the same corridor simply left their spots. These players seem experienced. They didnt even read the rules, obviously knowing them in advance. Players like this usually buy guides or gather information about the dungeon before entering the Mysterious World, giving them a significant advantage once they enter the dungeon. Mi Gao immediately explained this to the viewers. A few minutes later, Bai Lian finished studying the rules and also decided to leave his current spot. It seems this player has a clear mind. He immediately chose the correct path. Seeing Bai Lian leave the spot, a smile appeared on Mi Gaos face. Alright, Mi Gao, stop praising him so ridiculously. Arent there others doing the same thing? Yeah, and you call this a clear mind? Isnt this something any normal person would do? Mi Gao, did you take a bribe? Why are you praising a newcomer so much? Let me tell you a joke: a newcomer took two steps, and boom clear mind (lol). Mi Gao, dont ruin your job! I came to listen to your explanations, not to hear you hype up newcomers! Seeing these comments, Mi Gao felt a little awkward. His recent statement might indeed have sounded like excessive praise. Ahem, lets continue watching, he said, not saying anything more, and stared back at the stream. Suddenly, Bai Lian, who had been walking, stopped. Then an expression of surprise appeared on his face, as if he had seen something unbelievable. Dont panic, guys, dont panic! Let me think, let me figure out whats going on... There must be details we missed... Mi Gao was the first to regain his composure, hastily trying to retrace Bai Lians actions. From the moment he entered the dungeon, the Adventurers Codex appeared, he looked at it and walked down the corridor... In the end, Mi Gao was completely baffled. Because all of Bai Lians actions seemed absolutely normal. He just couldnt figure out how he cleared the dungeon! Questions in the viewers minds: Whats happening? How did he suddenly clear it? Damn, I just went to the bathroom, and youre telling me this guy already cleared it?! Didnt they say it takes at least two days to find all the clues? I read that in the guides... Whats this completion notification about? I get it! What do you get? This player showed it from the start. Look, his Adventurers Codex has a unique mark on the cover that others dont have. Its a button for quick clearing... Pfft, guys, I cant keep lying. raNOE?S? You can clear dungeons like that? I dont watch streams much, dont fool me! Damn, Im in shock. This is the first time Ive seen someone clear it so fast! Mi Gao is completely baffled, hahaha, look at his expression. He thought hed be commenting normally, but he wasnt even given the chance! Turns out Mi Gao was too conservative in his predictions. How did this guy even do it? The stream chat was in an uproar! The dungeon had just started, and someone had already cleared it, shocking all the viewers! Looking at the flood of comments, Mi Gao opened his mouth: This is definitely going to blow up the internet! He could imagine the uproar Bai Lians clearing video would cause once it was posted. The Mysterious World and the real world would be in shock! This doesnt even compare to the previous SSS-rated clears. Because before, you could follow the progress of those players, but here... even Mi Gao couldnt understand how Bai Lian did it! But that wasnt all. Before the viewers could fully process what had happened, another notification sounded. The remaining players failed to complete the task and will be eliminated! Chapter 37: The mission to change the Profession (1) What? The moment the notification appeared, a huge question mark slowly surfaced in everyones minds. One of the players had completed the task. And so, the others were being eliminated? Absurd! This was utterly ridiculous! What kind of nonsense is this? Other players are being eliminated? I distinctly remember thats not how it works! Even if someone completes the task, the others continue to work on it. Unless they break the rules or provoke something anomalous, players dont get eliminated. This guy is definitely cheating. How else could he even change the rules of the Mysterious World? There were a hundred players in the Mirror Castle. So, apart from this Bai Lian who completed the task, all the other players are going to die?! In Mi Gaos live stream, comments poured in like storm waves. Everyone expressed the same sentimentabsurdity! Even Mi Gao, who had seen it all, was at a loss for words at this moment. What could he even say? He had never encountered anything like this before! He thought Bai Lian was already incredibly strong. Before the stream, he had even prepared thoroughly to explain what was happening. But Bai Lians completion completely shattered all his expectations. Meanwhile, in the task: Completion time: 5 minutes and 42 seconds! Completion rating: SSS! Completion reward: ... Rules and rewards: Title Speedrun Master, Witch Doll x1! Attention to all players in this dungeon: It will close in thirty seconds. 30... 29... 28... When the message echoed in Bai Lians mind, he glanced around the dungeon. This was probably the shortest dungeon he had ever been in. The other players: ... The message was unnecessary. After all, they had already been eliminated from the game. They faced only death, with no chance of returning to the Player Space. I wish I could keep this ability, Bai Lian suddenly thought during the few seconds of the teleportation process. Unfortunately, this ability was random and couldnt become a permanent skill. And no wonderthis ability was absurdly overpowered. Bai Lian still had a hard time believing what had just happened. Dungeon matchmaking in progress... Matchmaking complete, waiting for other players: 100/26 100/100, preparation complete. Please prepare to enter the dungeon! Several system notifications sounded in quick succession. And then, the scene around Bai Lian began to disintegrate. Fragments of information flashed before his eyes one after another. I am Moers, a newly hired junior employee. This company, called Phantom Group, hides enormous secrets, and I must uncover them! ... Whats wrong with that guy? The group leader, hes already lost consciousness. All his secrets are now under our control! This is what happens when you go against the company. Remember this, so you dont repeat his mistakes in the future! What should we do with this Moers? Throw him into the sea as fish food... No, spread rumors and destroy his reputation! The fragments scattered in the air, and the surroundings around Bai Lian gradually began to take on clear outlines. He stood in front of a skyscraper. Bai Lian, congratulations! Youve successfully passed the companys screening! As your senior colleague, I can say this: If you encounter any difficulties at work, you can always turn to me. I may not be able to help with major issues, but I can handle the small stuff without a problem. Though, I doubt youll need my help. After all, I was the one who invited you, which means I believe in your abilities. Sooner or later, youll become an outstanding employee in our company! A young man in a suit standing next to Bai Lian patted him on the shoulder and spoke with a smile. This was his senior brother from university, named Luo Yuan. Both of them had attended the same university. Two years ago, Luo Yuan had joined Phantom Group and became an ordinary employee in this building. Bai Lian had just graduated from university. Thanks to this senior brothers recommendation, he had successfully landed a job at the company. This information simultaneously surfaced in Bai Lians mind. This time, there was no white book. And there were no rules announced at the start. In other scenarios, the rules usually directly or indirectly explained to players what to pay attention to. But here, there was nothing like that. To learn the rules, one had to enter the building and figure things out on their own. As expected of a class change scenario, the difficulty had immediately increased. The corners of Bai Lians lips lifted in a confident smile. Now this is what I call a real dungeon challenge! Chapter 38: The mission to change the Profession (2) When we first met, you were a freshman, and I was already in my third year. I didnt think time would fly by so quickly, and now were both colleagues. To celebrate your successful employment, how about we go to the restaurant across from the company after work? My treat! With a broad smile on his face, full of enthusiasm, Luo Yuan made the offer to Bai Lian. Senior, lets do it another time. Todays my first day at the company, and I have a lot to learn, Bai Lian gently declined, shaking his head. Well, if not today, then another day. Weve got plenty of time ahead, Luo Yuan nodded. Youre right, you just joined the company, so you need to settle in. I didnt think of that. By the way, there are other newcomers joining the company with you today. In a little while, youll all enter together, and one of the employees will guide you inside. Work hours are about to start, so Ill head in first. With that, Luo Yuan turned and entered the building. The smile on Bai Lians face immediately disappeared, and his gaze focused on his surroundings. Like him, there were 99 other players standing in front of the building! None of them looked like newcomers. Their expressions were either focused or calmcertainly not the kind of expressions people have when theyre encountering something new for the first time. Clearly, everyone who had entered this Class Change Dungeon was an experienced player. And it seemed Bai Lian was the only newcomer. While Bai Lian was observing the other players, some of them were also watching him. The reason? Luo Yuan! Among all the players, only Bai Lian had managed to establish a strange connection with this person from the very beginning. This made him stand out significantly among the other players. Bai Lian quickly noticed this fact. What a hassle... Feeling the curious and unfriendly gazes on him, Bai Lian couldnt help but sigh. Being different from the rest means attracting attention. Luo Yuan, of course, brought a lot of convenience. But at the same time, it also attracted the envy of other players. Some had already started showing interest. A sturdy, chubby guy approached him. With a smile, he extended his hand to Bai Lian: Bro, wow, youve even got connections with anomalies? Bai Lian also extended his hand, smiled, and shook his head: Its just a role written into this dungeon. No real benefit. My names Du Qing. Bai Lian, he replied. After the handshake, the chubby Du Qing leaned in and whispered a warning: *** New chaps on RNBS *** It means all the other players have become something like Bai Lians employees! Still as absurd as ever, but I like it... Bai Lian couldnt help but smile. While he was choosing his skill, the other players also received notifications about their skills. Some looked grim, but most remained calm. Once the skills were distributed, a middle-aged, portly man approached the group. He was dressed in a suit and tie, giving off the impression of a successful man. On the badge pinned to his chest, in large letters, it read: HR Manager, Phantom Corporation. The man stopped in front of the players, and the noisy crowd immediately fell silent. I am HR Manager Zhu Hongshe. Starting today, I will be assigning your duties! he announced. Now follow me into the company to receive your work badges and uniforms. With that, Zhu Hongshe turned and headed toward the building. The players exchanged glances and silently followed him. At the same time, when Bai Lian entered the task, viewers who received the notification of his stream starting immediately rushed to his broadcast. Among them was the popular commentator Mi Gao. Brothers, our pro is back in action! Mi Gao excitedly informed his viewers in his stream, immediately connecting to Bai Lians broadcast. However, when he saw where Bai Lian was, his expression immediately changed. What?! The Class Change DungeonIllusory Tower? Illusory Tower? What kind of E-rank dungeon is that? Why havent I heard of it before? Mi Gao, explain, whats a Class Change Dungeon? For those who dont know, a Class Change Dungeon is a place where you can change your class! Are you serious? Thats like saying nothing. Youre clearly a master of useless chatter. Brothers, to put it simply, a Class Change Dungeon is a place where a player, after completing certain tasks, can change their class! After changing classes, the players strength increases significantly! Mi Gao, being an experienced commentator in the Mysterious World with two and a half years of work under his belt, explained everything easily and clearly. This dungeon has time limits. The more tasks you complete within the allotted time, the stronger your new class will be! Usually, players who enter such dungeons have cleared at least twenty dungeons. Here, Mi Gao paused slightly, as if realizing something. Yes, thats right, to enter a Class Change Dungeon, you need to clear at least twenty dungeons. But if hes not mistaken, Bai Lian has only cleared four dungeons since his first one. How did he end up in a Class Change Dungeon? Chapter 39: The mission to change the Profession (3) Maybe its because Bai Shen (Bai Deity) has incredibly high completion ratings? It must be admitted that with two and a half years of experience, commentator Mi Gao immediately grasped the essence. After a moment of thought, he guessed the correct answer! Brothers, look. Weve seen these Class Change Dungeons before. Their difficulty is slightly higher than regular E-rank dungeons. Usually, only players who have cleared more than twenty dungeons can enter them. This means that Class Change Dungeons have a certain threshold related to the players personal strength. Streamers have talked about this before, and there are analytical posts on the forums. You can look it up yourself; I wont dwell on it. So, Bai Shen was able to enter this dungeon precisely because his personal strength reached the required level! After Mi Gaos explanation, the viewers in the chat understood everything. Wait, hes only cleared four dungeons and is already on par with those whove cleared twenty? This is just inhuman! If others find out, theyll definitely try to gang up on him and beat him up. Be honest, is he really not using cheats? I want to ask that question too. Ive watched all the previous posts about his clearsit seems like in every game, he gains some incredible ability. In the tutorial dungeon, it was something like infinite revival, right? I dont know about the 45th Experimental Complex, but there, it seemed like he could foresee the future. In the Fifth Estate, he ignored the rules, and in the Mirror Castle, it was the strangesthe just cleared it directly! I wonder what ability hell have in this dungeon? Online, users who followed Bai Lian were passionately discussing him. Meanwhile, in the dungeon, Bai Lian had already entered the company, following the portly manager. Although youve passed the companys entrance test, before becoming official employees, youll undergo a seven-day probation period. During this week, you must not make any mistakes, or youll lose your chance to become employees! Zhu Hongshe, the manager, instructed the hundred players following him. He approached the turnstile, swiped his card, and opened the door, then addressed the others: When you come to work, even if someone is in front of you, you must still use your card to open the turnstile. The same goes for the elevatoryou also need to swipe your card. Our company has a dual attendance system. If you fail to check in at either location, it will be considered an absence. R?a?NO????E?s Hearing this, all the players, including Bai Lian, tensed up. The first rule had been established! Phantom Corporation had a dual attendance system: you had to check in both at the entrance and at the elevator, otherwise it would be considered a violation of the rules! If anything is unclear, ask the employees nearby, but remember: its forbidden to ask questions to employees from other workstations. The manager left, leaving the players slightly bewildered. However, not everyone stood around in confusion. Many immediately started acting, guided by the information on their badges. Bai Lians workstation was by the window. On the neat desk, there were only a few items: an office computer, paper, and pens. There were no instructions or rules for employees on the desk. Damn, this Class Change scenario seems incredibly difficult! There are no hints; you have to figure everything out on your own. Well, duh! If these scenarios were easy, so many people wouldnt die here. Wake up, this is much harder than E-rank! Bai-shen, you look absolutely stunning in that suit! Stunning? That hit right in the heart! Oh~ Not just the heart, it touched my soul! Wow, person above, youre a genius! I want to chat with you; I sent a friend requestapprove it, okay? In the live stream, the conversation shifted to personal matters... Meanwhile, Bai Lian had just sat down at his desk and hadnt even turned on the computer when he heard a voice nearby: Youre Luo Yuans junior? Bai Lian turned his head and noticed a girl in a white shirt, with slightly wavy hair and glasses, standing next to him, looking at him curiously. Her outfit somewhat resembled that of a forest witch. Suddenly, Bai Lian noticed something interesting. All the girls in this Phantom Group were clearly quite well-off! Their generosity wasnt clear yet, but their wealth was evident at a glance. Like these two receptionist girls and this girl with glasses. Chapter 40: The mission to change the Profession (4) She didnt seem to notice that Bai Lian was observing her and said with a smile: My name is Lin Shuqing. Im also a newcomer and just started working at the company. I look forward to working with you. Bai Lian extended his hand and shook hers lightly. Great! For some reason, Lin Shuqing felt an inexplicable sense of goodwill toward this new colleague. She couldnt even understand where this feeling came from. Perhaps... it was because he was handsome? After that, when work began, she kept stealing glances at Bai Lian. His face was pleasant to look at. And his profilesimply perfect! Shuqing, is there something on my face? When Lin Shuqing was contemplating whether to glance at him again, Bai Lians voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts. She was startled and turned to him in confusion. Huh? No... nothing! Then why do you keep looking at me? Lin Shuqing blushed slightly and lowered her head a little. Hmm... her chest line was quite noticeable to Bai Lian. Actually, if youre curious, you can look openly. It doesnt bother me, Bai Lian said with a smile. Lin Shuqing almost couldnt hold back her laughter. Ahem, by the way, I have a few work-related questions Id like to discuss with you. It might take a bit of your time. To dispel the awkward atmosphere, Bai Lian decided to change the subject. Hearing his words, Lin Shuqing finally raised her head. She also sighed in relief, smiling: Bai Lian, youre too polite. Were colleagues; we should help each other at work. Besides, didnt we just agree to consult each other more often? Bai Lian nodded with a smile: I guess Im being too formal. But still, youre spending your time on me. As compensation, can I treat you to a drink? Lin Shuqing was about to decline. But before she could say a word, a cup of milk tea had already appeared in Bai Lians hand. Seeing the milk tea, Lin Shuqing asked in surprise: Whats this drink? Milk tea. Girls usually like it, Bai Lian replied, looking at her. Its very tasty. Try it. This milk tea was something he had exchanged in the shop. Ten cups at a fairly good price. Similarly, since Bai Lian was now an employee of Phantom Corporation... The rules of this dungeon were likely the companys internal regulations! Lin Shuqing put down the cup of milk tea and thought for a moment. Important points? When entering the bosss office, always knock on the door. The company restrooms: mens on the left, womens on the right. Dont mix them up. Client requests can only be rejected three times. If you reject more, there will be punishment. And its better not to go to the fifth floor and above. Thats probably all... She counted on her fingers as she answered seriously. As she spoke, Bai Lian also wrote everything down on paper. Is that all? Lin Shuqing thought for a moment and nodded. I think thats it. She still seemed a little unsure. She had just started working and probably didnt know much yet. Thank you. Your advice has been very helpful. Bai Lian sincerely thanked her. With this information, he could have his workers complete a few more tasks. Yes, thats right. Bai Lian wasnt planning to complete the tasks himself. He had the Workers skill. Every time two people completed a task, it was as if Bai Lian himself had completed one task. If a hundred people each completed one task, Bai Lian would complete forty-nine and a half! Chatting with a girl. And extracting useful information from her so that his workers would die as little as possible. Wasnt that much easier than struggling to complete tasks himself? Has Bai Shen already made contact with the girl? Did you see how she looked at him? It was almost like love! If youre handsome, can you do whatever you want? While others are terrified in the dungeon, youre here flirting with girls. You definitely deserve punishment! The difference between people is greater than the difference between people and dogs. Damn, I cant even find a girlfriend in real life, and Bai Lian is calmly flirting with women in this strange world. By the way, Bai Lian can already communicate with this strange world. Doesnt that mean hes far ahead of other players? Chapter 41: The mission to change the Profession (5) Here is the text with the dialogues properly formatted and the hyphens removed: The live stream viewers watched as Bai Lians conversation with the bespectacled girl, Lin Shuqing, grew more and more lively. Everyone was envious, their teeth nearly cracking from jealousy. It wasnt just the viewers who were jealousother players working in the same office were too. Why can this guy do it? Just because hes good-looking? Maybe I should go over and start a conversation too? Why can he do it, but I cant? At the workstation next to Bai Lians, a young man sat, enviously watching his conversation with Lin Shuqing. Damn it, were all players here. Why is he sitting there flirting with girls? Just because hes handsome? Im not bad-looking either! There are people who are overly confident. And their mental abilities arent always up to par. Sun Chen was exactly that kind of person. He was a player who had managed to clear twenty dungeons in this strange world. He was smart, but not too smart. He had survived this long only because of his determination. A little intelligence and a lot of determinationthats what had helped him survive numerous dungeons. But now, his mental abilities were starting to fail him. Seeing Bai Lian flirting with the girl, Sun Chen also wanted to give it a try. And right next to him sat another pretty girl. Looking at her, Sun Chen grinned widely and, approaching her, said: Hey, cutie! The girl heard his voice and turned to him with an emotionless expression, asking: Do you need something? Her tone was cold, clearly indicating she didnt want to talk to Sun Chen. But Sun Chen didnt seem to notice. Seeing that the girl had responded, he became even more persistent: Hi, my names Sun Chen. Im new here, just started at the company. Can I get your name? Sorry, I dont really feel like talking to you. The girl glanced at him with slight disdain and, without hesitation, turned her head away, ignoring Sun Chen. R??O?bS? However, that didnt seem to be enough for her. She raised the partition between them. Now, Sun Chen couldnt see her. The smile on Sun Chens face froze. Did she seriously just raise that partition? Because he was the one who had sent that message. In addition to reminding others to check the task, he also shared the rules he had learned from Lin Shuqing. Guys, I just discovered a few rules that might help you. Im writing them all down now and sending them to the chat. It didnt take long before Bai Lian posted all the rules he had learned from Lin Shuqing in the chat. When the players saw these rules, they were stunned! Holy crap, where did this boss get so many rules? Youre a real hero, boss. Ill give you a good person card. This is the first time Ive met a living Buddha in a dungeon! Boss, is that all? Is there anything else? Wow, the restrooms arent labeled. If you accidentally go into the wrong one, will you disappear? Client requests cant be rejected more than three times? Thats super important information! Who is this boss? He just got here and already managed to gather so many rules?! The information Bai Lian shared left the other players in awe. Some were grateful, others were excited, and some simply looked at Bai Lian in surprise. This guy just casually shared such valuable resources. Among players, its a competition! If it were anyone else, they definitely wouldnt share their secrets with anyone. So Bai Lians actions seemed truly foolish to the others. In the live stream, Bai Lian, watching his audience, noticed that tens of thousands of viewers didnt understand what he was doing. Guys, can anyone explain why the streamer is sharing the information he knows with others? I dont get it either. Is there some meaning behind this? In a class change dungeon, every player is a competitor. No one would easily share information, but what the streamer is doing this time... I really dont understand the point. Here we go again. I already said this streamer is an idiot. Hes even capable of helping his opponents. Hehe, you probably dont understand what Bai Shen is doing because your brains arent fully developed yet? Yeah, Bai Shen must have his own thoughts on this. If nothing happens, sharing information is part of his plan! ... Dont let me down, guys! Looking at the chat, he saw many positive messages. Bai Lian couldnt help but smile. After all, hes just a player. What ill intentions could he possibly have? He just wanted his subordinates to live a little longer and complete a couple more tasks. Thats perfectly reasonable, right? Chapter 42: The mission to change the Profession (6) Here is the text with the dialogues properly formatted: Sun Chen looked at the message Bai Lian had sent to the employee group chat, and a look of disdain spread across his face. In his eyes, Bai Lian was a complete fool. How could someone be so stupid as to share the information they had with others? People like that were just idiots! If he were in Bai Lians place, he would never reveal such information. Instead, he would use it secretly to complete tasks, creating an informational advantage for himself. How has he even survived this long? Sun Chen thought to himself as he jotted down a few points from the message, simultaneously wondering how someone like Bai Lian had managed to get into a class change quest. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind. He was a tough personharsh on himself and even harsher on his enemies. And in his eyes, Bai Lian, who had made him look foolish, was an enemy! Even if it was actually his own misunderstanding when he tried to start a conversation without knowing what he was doing, he would definitely blame Bai Lian for his failure. Of course, before taking action, Sun Chen decided to calmly finish the workday first. At that moment, a new window popped up on his computer screen in the work interface. A client has sent you a request! The red heading was bright and seemed a little intimidating. It appeared to be a new quest assigned by the company. Seeing the task, Sun Chen understood what it meant. He opened the request. The first thing that appeared was an image. From the surroundings, it seemed to be a restroom. The white walls were covered in bloodstains, and bright red blood was bubbling and flowing out of the center of the toilet. He saw a figure in white, with long hair, standing in front of the sink. In the mirror, her long hair obscured her face, making it impossible to tell what she was hiding. This image created a terrifying atmosphere. Even for someone as tough as Sun Chen, looking at it was a bit frightening. He scrolled down with his mouse. Below was detailed information about the task. The guest hasnt washed their face in a long time. Please help them wash their face. Help them wash their face? Seeing this information, Sun Chen was a little confused. Judging by the image, it was probably that long-haired, strange figure, right? Without hesitation, he immediately chose to reject the request. He was tough, but not an idiot. That creature was clearly not ordinary. If he accidentally broke the rules, who knows how tragically it would end for him. In his stream... The viewers, seeing the request, were also quite frightened. Damn, that image looks creepy! This is clearly some kind of scary anomaly request. Its good that the streamer rejected it. If he had taken the task, he might have died immediately. Ra??O?s? Then his gaze fell on the employee group chat. At that moment, the employee chat was in complete chaos. Everyone had received tasks, but no one knew whether they should accept them. Does anyone know what the task with the pedestrian bridge is? Are there any special points to pay attention to? Why is the number of rejections limited to three? Ive already rejected two. If I reject one more, Ill be kicked out! This is just terrifying! As soon as these images appear, I feel like something sinister is staring at me. I dont have the courage to take the tasks! @Bai Lian, big boss, is there any way to complete the task without any issues? Aside from discussing the tasks, some mentioned Bai Lian, hoping to get more information from him. However, at that moment, Bai Lian was lying back at his workstation, enjoying the comfort as task request pop-ups appeared on his screen. He didnt even think about opening them. If he could relax, why bother getting up? Yes, the tasks were indeed scary, the images terrifying, but none of that mattered much to Bai Lian. After all, the risks were for others, and the profits were for him. He had so many workers. Each one completing a task would bring him the maximum completion rating. So why stress himself out and work to death completing tasks? Better to relax, right? Meanwhile, his relaxed behavior in the live stream was interpreted completely differently by the viewers. What is Bai Shen doing? Why isnt he accepting or rejecting the requests? I get it! Bai Shen is playing a delaying game! Hes pretending not to be interested to provoke more requests! No, no, no, I just realized it now. Bai Shen is the smartest of them all! Doesnt the rule say you can reject requests three times? If you dont reject but also dont accept, doesnt that count as not having rejected? Damn, now that Ive read this, it actually makes sense! What is Bai Shen doing? Why isnt he accepting or rejecting the requests? I get it! Bai Shen is playing a delaying game! Hes pretending not to be interested to provoke more requests! No, no, no, I just realized it now. Bai Shen is the smartest of them all! Doesnt the rule say you can reject requests three times? If you dont reject but also dont accept, doesnt that count as not having rejected? Damn, now that Ive read this, it actually makes sense! Chapter 43: The mission to change the Profession (7) Sorry for the interruption earlier. Let''s continue with the properly formatted dialogues: This streamer told other players about the rules. What does this mean? Dont think that everyone around is just selfish, okay? Bai Shen is happy to help, isnt that a good thing? Were all players, maybe Bai Shen just wants to help others. You dont understand at all, this is the loneliness of the strong. Think about it, if there was a game where you always win, wouldnt you play with a relaxed attitude? Bai Shen told others the rules because hes strong enough to guarantee himself first place in this quest! Um... Bai Shen is helping? Did you forget how he behaved in the initial quest? Oh god, now that you reminded me, I remember! This guy is vengeful to the last detail! That doctor offended Bai Shen, and as a result, his chair was thrown out. Hahaha, just thinking about it, that guy is probably in a cemetery with grass up to his waist. So... was this actually Bai Shens trick? Wow, is he preparing something grand?! In the stream chat, viewers began analyzing Bai Shens actions. Looking at the comments, those who initially didnt understand what was happening became even more confused. And Bai Shen had no idea that his stream chat was gradually descending into chaos... Company building. Bai Shen looked at the messages in the chat where he was mentioned. After some thought, he decided to respond. This is my first experience with a class change quest, I dont have much experience, but I can share my thoughts, Bai Shen typed. You can reject a request three times, and after each rejection, a new one will soon appear. Obviously, during work hours, you need to complete tasks, otherwise you might break the rules. My advice: if the requests in the early stages arent too difficult and are within your capabilities, dont refuse them, because later the tasks will become more difficult. Its like in games. The initial tasks are usually easy. And then, to slow down the games progress, the tasks become harder but with smaller rewards. Bai Shen considered this quest the same way. If you can complete the tasks at the start, its better not to refuse them. After all, these people are working for you. He has advantages but doesnt use them, doesnt even want to complete tasks... heh. Sun Chen said with reproach, turning away and paying no more attention. Just a fool, he doesnt deserve his attention. Just wait until the end of the workday, mess around a bit, and hell collapse! As soon as he thought that Bai Lian would soon be in trouble, all his depression disappeared, and his mood improved significantly. Why is this guy smiling like that? And so creepily. Maybe his wife is giving birth? This guy just looked at Bai Shen strangely, does he have some feelings for Bai Shen? Dont pay attention to this clown, he cant be a match for Bai Shen anyway. Bai Lian, you can check the companys employee list, theres information about everyone there, Lin Shuqing suggested to Bai Lian, then glanced at the managers office nearby and added, Especially our manager, you should pay attention to that, it will help you a lot in the future. Bai Lian, hearing this, also glanced at the managers office. After that, he smiled and nodded at Lin Shuqing, Thanks for the reminder, Senior Shuqing. Oh, I told you, were all newcomers, dont treat me like that, Lin Shuqing said, embarrassed. Bai Lian didnt say anything more. He opened the employee list on his computer, and photos appeared on the screen. Under each persons photo were their name and position. Bai Lian noticed that some photos were completely black, and the information couldnt be seen. However, the ones he could see all belonged to HR department employees! At the top of the HR department list was a chubby middle-aged boss, Zhu Hongshua. And below were three group leaders of the HR department. The HR department is divided into three groups, and Bai Lian was assigned to the first group. When he saw the photo of their first group leader, he couldnt help but freeze. In this photo was a girl with a cold, almost indifferent expression, with golden hair! Chapter 44: The mission to change the Profession (8) Her eyes were slightly lowered, and her black pupils were like a deep sea. Among the many brightly dressed employees, she stood out. How to put it? Very impressive. Name: Jian Ran Age: 28 Position: Head of the First HR Group What? Seeing the information about the manager, Bai Lians eyes widened in surprise. 28 years old? He looked at the photo of the girl again and felt a bit doubtful. Is she really 28? Hmm, a legal loli! Next came information about Jian Rans contact details and habits. She likes coffee, dislikes tea and boiled water, has a strong obsession with cleanliness, and demands that her employees workstations be tidy and their appearance always neat and clean. Moreover, shes a workaholic, and her demands for employee tasks are very strictshe doesnt tolerate even the slightest mistakes. In short, shes a difficult person. No wonder, Lin Shuqing advised him to familiarize himself with the information. If it were another player, they might accidentally offend her. But Bai Lian isnt like that. Whats there to fear? Just a little girl! Hes not afraid at all. Once everything is over, Bai Lian will do as he pleases. Sometimes he chats with Lin Shuqing while sipping milk tea, and its so pleasant. Is Bai Shen slacking off a bit? I see other players have already started completing tasks, but Bai Shen hasnt even moved. Ah... I cant take it anymore. I came to this stream to learn, not to watch you flirt with girls! Honestly, this strange girl looks pretty good; she seems like a good match for Bai Shen! Come on, this girl is nice, but compared to Mo Lu, shes far from ideal. Even Winnie looks slightly more attractive, though I might have liked the little loli Bai Shen was just looking at! Dont bother, she seems like a difficult character. If Bai Shen starts messing with her, it probably wont end well. What are you afraid of? Its just that I havent entered the Mysterious World yet. If I were there, Id definitely go all out. Whats so scary about the Mysterious World? As long as you look normal, you can go for it! ???BE?S With these words, he headed to the managers office. Lin Shuqing watched his back with a worried gaze, then looked at the closed door of the managers office. Why was the manager calling Bai Lian? Had he offended her in some way? At the office door, Bai Lian knocked. Knock-knock! Come in! a cold voice sounded from inside. With a slight creak, the door opened, and Bai Lian stepped straight into the office. The office was a bit different from what he had imagined: clean, tidy, dust-free, with books neatly arranged on the shelves. Behind the desk, directly opposite, sat the girl with golden pigtails. She was currently staring intently at the monitor. When Bai Lian entered, she merely raised her eyes, glanced at him, and silently continued to watch. Seeing this, Bai Lian didnt waste time and, without hesitation, walked over to her desk and sat down on the sofa. Jian Ran frowned and said displeasedly: Did I tell you to sit down? What audacity on his first day! How high her moral status must be! Bai Lian completely ignored her displeasure and leaned back relaxedly: Sorry, manager, Im just not used to standing and talking. I prefer sitting. Besides, you allowed me to enter, and now youre silent. Should I stand here the whole time? Jian Ran: ... Is this a challenge? Never before had a newcomer dared to behave like this with her. Seeing such boldness from Bai Lian, she didnt get angry but only smirked: Bai Lian, arent you afraid Ill kick you out of the company? As a manager, even if she holds one of the lowest positions in the company, shes still part of the management! Kicking out a newbie is a trivial matter for her. Although the rules prevent her from firing him right now, there are other ways to make his life here unbearable. Jian Ran was a master of manipulation, and her threats would probably work on any other employee. But standing before her was Bai Lian. Suddenly, he stood up, walked over to her, placed his hands on the table, and leaned forward, looking down at her: You can try! Id actually like to experience what its like to whip horses into shape! Chapter 45: The mission to change the Profession (9) ??? Im shocked! Bai Shen, are you serious? Do you even understand what youre saying? On a horse with a whip? Ahem... Thats definitely not what Im thinking, right? What else is there to say? Brothers, Bai Shen is just awesome! Damn, shes the group leader! Bai Shen isnt afraid at all? Mom, why am I watching this stream on my knees?! Such audacity, but why do I like it so much? Guy above, dont interfere, Bai Shen is our idol, for the girls! No, Bai Shen is ours, the male fans! And the girls are his, so the girls are ours too! (laughs) The stream viewers were shocked by what Bai Lian had just done! The way he flirted with the strange girl was somewhat understandable, but now... Jian Ran is the group leader, shes part of the management at Mirage Corporation, overseeing hundreds of strange little bosses. How could he act like this with someone of her stature? And in such a mocking tone, no less! Jian Ran was stunned. Her usually calm eyes were filled with confusion. She looked at Bai Lian and suddenly felt as if a supreme being was standing before her. But only for a moment. She quickly regained her composure, and a furious expression appeared in her eyes. Her eyes gleamed like the edge of a knife: Do you want to die?!!! Suddenly! Bai Lian grabbed her by the neck, his fingers pressing into her plump cheeks. Jian Ran was stunned and for a moment couldnt comprehend what was happening. She had been in a high position for a long time, and no one had ever dared to treat her like this. Because of this, despite her immense strength, she wasnt prepared for such a situation. You want me to die? Youre not worthy yet! Bai Lian squeezed her cheeks, the corners of his lips curling into a slight smile, and he slowly released her: Feels pretty good! Jian Ran looked at him, and her eyes turned as cold as ancient ice. Her gaze, directed at Bai Lian, was filled with murderous rage. However, she decided not to act. After a moment, her face became calm again. She leaned back in her chair, looking at him with an indifferent expression: R?No?B?S Did you decide to provoke me like this? she asked. A bet? What are we betting on? Jian Ran asked, skeptical. Of course, were betting on whether Ill survive this, Bai Lian said with a serious expression. Breaking the rules and surviving? Jian Ran quietly shook her head but pretended to think it over. After a short pause, she nodded: Im willing to bet with you, but what are you putting up? Bai Lian is just a player; he probably doesnt have anything valuable. But sheshes a real monster. Their values arent equal, so this bet wouldnt be entirely fair. Is this enough? Bai Lian flipped his hand and pulled out a rag doll with button eyes. Seeing this doll, Jian Rans eyes immediately lit up. A voodoo doll. An artifact from the Mysterious World that, when used, allows the user to die in your place when death comes! This was a reward Bai Lian had received earlier for completing a task. For him, it didnt matter much, as the revival effect from the voodoo doll was already part of his title. But for Jian Ran, it was different. As a creature from the Mysterious World, it was extremely difficult for her to obtain such an artifact. And now someone was using it as a bet. Moreover, in a situation where she was almost certain to win. If she refused, it would be truly foolish. I agree! Jian Ran slightly, raised the corners of her lips. Dont rush to agree. Ive already placed my bet, so wheres yours? Bai Lian said with a slight smile, his gaze sliding over her. Jian Ran seemed to understand something. She looked down, then raised her head, and her disdainful gaze settled on Bai Lian: Tell me, what do you want? Bai Lian smiled faintly, leaned in, and whispered something to Jian Ran. Jian Ran felt her face turn red from her ears to her neck, and, looking at Bai Lian with a smirk, her gaze became even more disdainful. You... really are a pervert... But I agree! Chapter 46: The mission to change the Profession (10) Damn, guys, did you see what Bai Shen has? A voodoo doll! Is that the item that lets you avoid death once? How did Bai Shen get it? If I understand correctly, this thing seems to be incredibly expensive. I once saw a top-tier A-class player use this item, and he told others that its ridiculously pricey. Even if you clear dozens of dungeons, theres no guarantee you can afford it. But Bai Shen just recently entered this Mysterious World, right? If I remember correctly, hes only cleared 4 or 5 dungeons, and he already has such an amazing item? And the most important thing is, hes willing to bet it! If other players see this, theyll be so jealous theyll spit blood! Dont even mention it, Im ready to bleed from envy too! Why can Bai Shen afford something like this? Didnt you hear what Bai Shen said? He made a resident of the Mysterious World call him a pervert? Hey, hey, hey, dont leave me hanging! What are you guys talking about? Tell me too, Im curious! As the saying goes, To destroy a person, you must first drive them mad! For Jian Ran, Bai Lian was just a fool who didnt realize how vast the sky and earth truly were! Mandatory tasks and the consequences of refusing to complete them... No one knew them better than her. During her long time in the Phantom Group, Jian Ran had seen countless people perish because of this. Bai Lians fate would be no different from those who came before him. So, in this bet, she had a 100% chance of winning! But... Its impossible not to admit that Bai Lian has some bizarre ideas that even she, as a resident of the Mysterious World, finds perverse. Recalling his words, Jian Ran felt a slight flicker of unease in her eyes. Looking at Bai Lian, she noticed that the faint smile on his face hadnt disappeared. In his eyes was complete confidence; he was clearly certain of his victory. If she were to lose... Jian Ran shook her head, dismissing the thought. How could that be possible? Those who refuse mandatory tasks cannot survive. Enjoy the last moments of your life; this will be your final time, Jian Ran said coldly, staring at Bai Lian. Bai Lian returned to the sofa and lay down, his eyes half-closed: Youd better think about how youre going to fulfill the bet. Its almost over, and hes still so arrogant! Jian Ran no longer paid attention to Bai Lian, calmly waiting instead. As usual, after a couple of minutes, an anomaly would come and take Bai Lian away. Time passed, and she occasionally glanced at Bai Lian, trying to see even a hint of panic on his face. But she was disappointed; he still lay on the sofa, looking carefree. Could he really survive, as he claimed? If so, does that mean Ive lost? Thinking about the consequences of losing, Jian Ran felt her eyelid twitch, and her breathing became rapid. No, this cant be. She knew the rules like the back of her hand. Bai Lian must die at the hands of the anomaly; maybe there were just some unforeseen circumstances. Jian Ran tried to calm herself. But after another minute... Looking at Bai Lian, who was still unharmed, Jian Ran felt a question mark slowly forming above her head. Where is that creature? Where is that huge monster that was supposed to appear?! That terrifying creature that can swallow a person whole. Its clearly in the company building; I saw it eating people recently. Have you seen it? What? Its temporarily unavailable? I dont believe it. Damn it, hurry up! If you dont come, Im the one whos going to suffer! This guys demands are too perverse, damn it! Jian Ran was about to lose her mind. At that moment. Bai Lian stood up, looked at Jian Ran with a meaningful gaze, and said like a devil: Leader, isnt it time to fulfill your promise? Come on, show me how far youre willing to go! Jian Ran shuddered. Watching Bai Lian approach, she instinctively backed away. Dont come near me! ............ The broadcast has been interrupted as it may cause discomfort. ??? Van Defa? Damn, you cut off the stream at the most interesting part! Protest, protest, I want to watch the stream! Guys, I still dont understand what Bai Shen is doing? Damn, this is amazing, Bai Shen seems to have charged at the monster! No, guys, shouldnt we focus more on the fact that Bai Lian just tore through the task and is still alive? This is just absurd! Ive seen side-task streams before where some idiot refused a mandatory task and got swallowed by a monster, but how is this even possible with Bai Shen? Hes alive?! Chapter 47: The mission to change the Profession (11) finally, not much time had passed. the stream was back. indeed, very little time had passed, only about ten to fifteen minutes. on the screen, bai lian stood at the office door with a lively expression, while jian ran sat on a chair with an utterly emotionless face. her eyes were filled with complete disdain and resistance, her gaze so cold it could have carved icy needles. this was too much. bai lians request was simply abnormal. even she, who was used to all sorts of strange situations, couldnt handle it. captain, everythings done, im off! bai lian said to jian ran with a smile. jian ran paled: work hard! dont you dare flirt with lin shuqing. youre a company employee now, and every word and action of yours represents the companys image! got it, got it, bai lian waved her words off. as he was about to leave, he turned back, the corners of his lips lifting: i cant help but say, captain, your massage skills are great, but this time im not satisfied. i hope next time you can do it properly! jian ran barely restrained herself from hitting him! what did he mean by not satisfied? the massage had lasted over twenty minutes, and it was her own hands doing the work, yet he still wanted more?! bai lian ignored her murderous gaze and walked out of the office. comments had already started appearing in the stream chat: what happened? what just happened? am i blind, is this even a normal stream? dammit, why did you cut the stream right at the most interesting part? do we have to pay to see the rest? this massage, is it what im thinking? no! my loli-captain! its over, its over, look at the two of them, did the strange item go to bai shen? its possible, but bai shen gave up too quickly, losing in just twenty minutes? (laughs) the situation wasnt what the viewers in the chat had expected. bai lian had simply asked jian ran to give him a massage. a very ordinary massage. after all, if he had been doing something more serious, it would have taken several hours, not less. when bai lian returned to his workstation, lin shuqing, sitting nearby, looked at him with confusion. you... are you okay? she looked him up and down and glanced at the managers office. her expression seemed to say that bai lian looked a bit different from what she had expected. after all, those she had seen entering the managers office before, either came out completely subdued or simply died. this player showed no signs of life! no pulse, no breathing. he was clearly dead! deaths in dungeons are quite common. however, the strangeness lay in how unusually this player had died. he hadnt done anything, just stood up strangely, took a couple of stepsand was gone! shh~ damn, is that a player? how did he disappear? he died so quickly? i just noticed him standing up, but he didnt do anything, and suddenly hes gone? maybe he triggered a hidden rule? but wait, his actions were completely normal, he didnt actually break any rules, so he couldnt have violated them. somehow strange, the difficulty of this dungeon suddenly increased. bai shen should be careful! look at bai shens expression, hes completely baffled too, ha-ha-ha, seems even bai shen has moments when he doesnt understand something. they were wrong. bai shen wasnt baffled because he didnt understand, but because he understood too well! as for this class change task, the rules lin shuqing had mentioned just needed to be memorized, and then there would be no problems. he had even asked the manager, jian ran, in the office if there were any additional rules. the answer was yes, there were, but they didnt concern the workspace. that is, in the work area, it was enough to follow the rules lin shuqing had mentioned. but that player... he hadnt broken those rules. so what had happened, and why had he died so suddenly... the answer was obvious. looking at the body, bai lian felt the corners of his lips twitch. could it be that because he had broken the rules, other players had gotten into trouble? be careful, if a colleague invites you to lunch, you must go, otherwise the consequences will be serious! after thinking, bai lian decided to write in the general employee chat. the sooner he warned them, the more people he could save. however, when he sent the message, the atmosphere in the chat immediately became strange. ??? bai shen? how does bai shen know about this rule? master, people are dying here, and youre still teaching us? what nonsense! Chapter 48: The mission to change the Profession (12) after bai lian sent the message, the employee chat exploded with activity. damn, good thing the senior noticed in time. someone just invited me, and i was about to refuse. i almost ended up like that guy. senior, are there any other rules? this dungeon is too complicated; it feels like danger lurks everywhere. wow, senior, im a girl. can you take me with you? im light and flexible, easy to knock down~ hey, you over there, get lost! even if youre an animal, it wont help. the senior is for us, the male employees! senior, can i be your little brother? do you guys have any conscience? senior, do you remember that rainy evening twenty years ago? im your long-lost brother! looking at these messages, bai lian, aside from glancing at the girls avatar, didnt say anything else. 70 points, i cant give more. her body is indeed amazing, but its not worth it. well, actually, he is a normal person. he only opened the avatar to get to know his colleague. bai shen, did you really open her avatar? hahaha, did you guys see bai shens gaze? you can see him turning away from her face when he saw she wasnt pretty. bai shen, shes pretty. maybe after she enters the world of anomalies, youll take her under your wing? damn, how old are you? judging by the photo, shes at least 30! ahem, ive been watching streams for three years, theoretically well-prepared, familiar with most dungeon strategies, this girl wants to chat privately with mewe can discuss. the chat was lively. time was running out. bai lian turned off his computer and prepared to leave. many people in the group were looking at bai lian. their gazes held surprise, doubt, and a hint of mockery. how to explain it? in the chat, you can boast about anything. but in reality, they still thought bai lian was an idiot. bai lian didnt pay attention to their gazes. it didnt matter. they thought he was an idiot. but didnt bai lian also think of them as his subordinates? in the company cafeteria, many people were already lining up. bai lian met a familiar face. how was your first day at work? luo yuan approached and asked bai lian with a smile. bai lian also smiled back, thanks for your concern, brother. it was fine. luo yuan looked at him in surprise, most people who come to the company for the first time look like theyre dead after work, but you look so energetic? didnt encounter any difficulties? he chatted with girls, got a massage from the captain, what difficulties could there be? this good person freely shared the rules he knew. and most importantly, he didnt do tasks; he just lay there like a dead fish! they really wanted to meet such an idiot, and if possible, become friends! the lunch line moved forward, and soon it was bai lians turn. behind the counter stood an elderly woman. she scooped a large portion of meat with a ladle. but just as she was about to put it on the plate, her hand suddenly trembled. it was as if she had a seizure, and the entire ladle of meat turned into a few pieces of fat at the bottom of the ladle. this skill left even bai lian at a loss. the guy in front of him stood there with his mouth open, completely shocked. van defa??? im already in the mysterious world... and now i have to endure the torture of the cafeteria lady? the guy in front of him didnt dare to complain and could only look at the few pieces of meat in his plate with regret. what kind of world is this! the same cafeteria and the same cafeteria lady?! laughing to tears, do all cafeteria ladies have such skills? looking at this guy, its like seeing myself in my school days, so real! dont say anymore, im also in the cafeteria now, and its like looking in a mirror; all cafeterias are equally dark! cafeteria lady, is this intentional or accidental? cafeteria lady: intentional, but accidental! (funny meme with "nine times boiled sausage") all the viewers in the forum started laughing until they cried. now it was bai lians turn. the cafeteria lady swung the ladle, ready to demonstrate her signature move. but someone was faster than her. bai lian swiftly snatched the ladle from her hand. then, under the astonished gazes of the surrounding people and viewers, he served himself a full plate of hearty lunch! after finishing serving the food, bai lian handed the ladle back to the cafeteria lady, who was still standing there in a daze. he smiled and said, thank you, maam. you must be tired; ill serve myself. and without hesitation, he left, not leaving any room for doubt. everyone was shocked. what the hell? how is this even possible? isnt this against the rules? Chapter 49: The mission to change the Profession (13) The player standing behind Bai Lian watched as he calmly walked away, nearly dropping his bowl of food. He glanced at Bai Lian, then at the rules posted on the cafeteria wall. Rule 5: Do not talk to the cafeteria lady. Do not serve yourself food. Food must not overflow the plate. The cafeteria rules were quite obvious, easy to notice if you had eyes. Thats why, despite the cafeteria lady trembling violently, no one dared to complain. If you started talking, you might break the rules! But Bai Lian? Not only did he speak, but he also served himself food, and his plate was almost overflowing! He broke all three rules! And yet, nothing happened to him! Is this... Bai Shen just walking away like that? Is this some kind of privilege? He broke rules no one dares to break, and he gets away with it? I think that cafeteria lady is related to Bai Shen! Look at him, Bai Shen isnt afraid at all. If the rules say no, he still does it! Why is the cafeteria lady just standing there? Why isnt she chasing him down and cutting him up? Hahaha, Ive never seen anything like this! I dont even know what to do with this. All the viewers were in shock! They could see the rules too. An ordinary player, of course, wouldnt dare break them, but how could Bai Lian just ignore them? He simply didnt care! The most astonishing thing was that nothing happened to him! This was absurd! The other players were also completely baffled. They rubbed their eyes in disbelief, some even doubting if they were hallucinating. Are these rules fake? Can we really serve ourselves food? Damn, if thats the case, why am I standing in line? Ill just take what I want! I have to say, this guy is really something. If hes going to break the rules, he does it without fear of death. The players began to speculate, some wanting to follow Bai Lians example. For instance, the player who had been standing behind Bai Lian was the first to understand what had happened. The young man with the bowl happily ran to the serving window. "......" As soon as he opened his mouth, before he could even say a word. Suddenly, the cafeteria lady, who had been in a daze, swung a metal spoon and slashed it across his neck! Ssssh! The sound of his voice was cut off, his head flew into the air, and eventually fell to the ground, rolling a few times. His eyes were wide open, he died without explanation. Thud! Only when the body fell did the smell of blood fill the air. The other players, still in shock, finally came to their senses. They looked at the dead body, fear in their eyes! He died! He really died?! What the hell???!!! What happened? How did someone just die? He wasnt particularly interested in this task... Bai Lian scrolled down with his mouse, about to look at the image and move on to the next task. In his field of vision, he caught a glimpse of a girl with long black hair. Hm? He half-closed his eyes, not knowing why, and they opened on their own! Psychologist? Bai Lian straightened up a bit. Dont get the wrong idea. He wasnt actually interested in this task, but the profession of a psychologist that was something hed like to try! After all, Bai Lian had once been a master of support, according to his classmates! This meant he had a natural talent in this field. If you have talent but dont develop it, thats not Bai Lians style. This has absolutely nothing to do with the attractive girl with long black hair! Are you interested because you saw a pretty girl? Hehe, Bai Shen, youve given yourself away. Your thoughts are written all over your face! Why is Bai Shen only interested in pretty girls? Dont get so hung up on gender differences, okay? Ahem... Oh, youre absolutely right, we can find common ground. My gender isnt that defined. Youre the weird one, zero or one? I dont even understand anymore. In the end, Bai Lian still took the task. The location was the psychology office on the fourth floor. Bai Lian arrived early and sat in the chair. Not long after, there was a knock on the office door. Ding-dong~ Come in! As Bai Lian spoke, the office door opened. A person in a hood, dressed in casual clothes, entered the room. She immediately sat down across from Bai Lian. Dr. Bai? From under the hood came a voice as melodious as a bell. Its me, Xiao Qin. Here, you can relax, let go of all your wariness and restrictions, Bai Lian said, his voice as soft as a gentle breeze. Really? Of course! Bai Lian nodded. Hearing this, Xiao Qin hesitated for a moment, then reached out and removed her hood. A stunningly beautiful girl was revealed. Bai Lian didnt change his expression and asked, Xiao Qin, whats wrong? Dr. Bai, the thing is, I have a friend... Chapter 50: The mission to change the Profession (14) Very well, a classic opening. I have a friend... Truth be told, this friend might very well be herself. Sometimes, the truth isnt what matters. What Bai Lian needed to do now was listen. She comes from a very happy family. She was happy... but one day, she suddenly discovered her father is a terrible person. She witnessed him murder her friend. Doctor Bai... what do you think I... what should my friend do? Xiao Qings eyes were filled with confusion. She didnt know how to answer this question. Or perhaps, in her mind, the once-kind father who had suddenly revealed his cruelty This worldview-shattering change was too much for her to bear. At this moment, she was like someone lost in fog, unable to see the way forward. She needed a lighthouse to guide her. And Bai Lian became that lighthouse. You... your friend cant accept that her father is a bad person who killed her friend. Or she doesnt know how to face him, what to do next. Am I right? Bai Lian leaned forward, meeting Xiao Qings gaze thoughtfully. Yes! Xiao Qing nodded vigorously. His words were so precise she couldnt help but agree. This was exactly how she felt. No normal person could accept such a situation. Bai Lian fell silent for a moment. As Xiao Qings anxiety grew, he folded his hands on the desk and continued: Before offering advice, I have two questions. First: Was this friend important to your... friend? Xiao Qing pondered, then shook her head: Just an ordinary friend. They only spoke a few times. Second question: What was his relationship with your father? He was my fathers employee, Xiao Qing answered honestly. Employee? Bai Lians eyes narrowed slightly. He studied Xiao Qing, his expression shifting. In this dungeon, there was only one companyPhantom Corporation. Xiao Qing hadnt said subordinate but specifically used employee. That meant her father wasnt just managementhe was the owner! The corporate hierarchy here was clear: ordinary employees at the bottom, group leaders overseeing hundreds, department heads above them, and the pyramids peakthe executives and CEO. But those wielding absolute power over life and death were the board members. Clearly... Xiao Qings father was a top-tier board member! Sometimes, Bai Lian couldnt help marveling at his luck. Hed picked a random task and stumbled upon a hidden heavyweight. His maneuvers were beyond their comprehension. If this werent the Mysterious Worldwhere glitches didnt exist like regular gamestheyd swear he was cheating! Doctor Bai... youre also very handsome when you smile, Xiao Qing suddenly remarked. Bai Lian froze mid-step, glancing at her. Xiao Qing smiled wider. My friend once told me... if you smile often, luck finds you. No matter what happens... keep smiling. I think... thats what you meant too, right? No, I didnt Thats not what I Internally, Bai Lian denied it thrice over. Mm... youre quite perceptive. He scratched his nosea telltale sign of embarrassment. Xiao Qing opened her mouth to say more, then abruptly stood. Doctor Bai, talking with you was wonderful. May I have your contact information? If my friend has more troubles... itd be easier to reach you. Regarding this friend, Bai Lian stifled a smirk. He scribbled his work email on a notepad and handed it over. Heres my email. Feel free to add me. If your... friends ever need help, Im here. Xiao Qing took the paper, studied it, then flashed a radiant smile. Turning to leave, she paused at the door, winking: Doctor Bai... thank you, on behalf of my friend. Youre a good doctor. Hope we meet again! Bai Lian waved until she disappeared from view. Task Complete! As the notification chimed, Bai Lian rose and exited the psychological counseling room. Beyond task completion... Hed gained something else. The friendship of a VIPs daughter. This connection might prove very useful later. Chapter 51: The mission to change the Profession (15) At the elevator. Bai Lian encountered an unusual man. He was dressed in a suit and tie, with gold-rimmed glasses and slightly graying temples. This middle-aged man glanced at Bai Lian and stepped into the elevator first. Bai Lian noticed nothing strange and followed. Young man, thank you. As soon as the elevator doors closed, the man suddenly spoke. Are you talking to me? Bai Lian hesitated, glanced around, saw no one else, and realized the man was indeed addressing him. But he didnt recognize this man. Theyd seemingly never met. He thanked me right awaydid he mistake me for someone else? The middle-aged man slid one hand into his pocket, turned his head, and smiled faintly at Bai Lian. Let me introduce myself. Im Xiao Changhe, a member of the board of directors and the second-largest shareholder of the company. Im also the father of the girl you just met. If Im not mistaken, she must have mentioned me? No guesswork needed now. Bai Lian frowned, sensing the situation wasnt simple. This man had approached him with immediate gratitude, clearly aware of what had transpired in the psychologists office. Every move had been under his surveillance. Noperhaps he hadnt been watching Bai Lian, but Xiao Qing. Bai Lian was merely collateral. Dont worry. I mean no harm. Seeing Bai Lians expression, Xiao Changhe assumed hed misunderstood and added with a slight smile: Youve done me a great service. Xiao Qing... that child has always been a headache. Lately, her condition worsened terribly. Yet with just a few words, you helped bridge the gap between me and my daughter. I owe you. If you ever need help, feel free to contact me. Xiao Changhe handed Bai Lian a business card. My contact information. One more request: please speak kindly to Xiao Qing on my behalf! Bai Lian calmly accepted the card and nodded: As an employee, its my duty. No need for thanks. The moment they found the slightest clue, theyd unravel everything like peeling an onion. Proceeding as usual. The first groups task completion rate remains high, Jian Ran replied after a pause. Oh? Zhu Hongshe raised an eyebrow, then smirked. Jian Ran, how long have you been a group leader? Ten years. Ten years... Too long. Zhu Hongshe shook his head meaningfully. In all this time, youve never truly stood out. Why torture yourself? Just join the General Directors team, and a promotion will follow. At Faning Company, aside from the board, the General Director held supreme authority. Everyone knew he carried a torch for Jian Ran. But alas... The flowers are falling, but the water remains indifferent. The General Directors decade-long pursuit had yielded nothing. Consequently, Jian Ran remained stuck as a group leader. Were it not for her exceptional skills, she might not have even kept that position. My affairs are none of your concern, Director, Jian Ran stated coldly. Seeing her stony expression, Zhu Hongshe abandoned subtlety. Monitor the newcomers. Tomorrow, increase their task difficulty slightly. Having issued the order, he left. Alone in the office, Jian Ran gazed at the door and sighed. Faning Company had existed too long. The board remained aloof, rarely intervening. All power lay with the General Director. But herein lay the problemthe General Director held no shares yet harbored wild ambitions. Letting such a man rule unchecked courted disaster. Internal tensions were rising. Ordinary employees were mere pawns in this game. Jian Ran herself was but a small boat in turbulent seas, liable to capsize any moment. A storm approaches... Her brow furrowed as she murmured, gripped by foreboding. Something monumental brewed within the company. When it erupted, neither board members nor employees would escape being swept into the maelstrom... Chapter 52: The mission to change the Profession (16) After some contemplation, Jian Ran returned to her work. In the end, she was just a small team leader. In these corporate power struggles, she was merely a pawn with no real power to resist. There was no point in worrying now. It was better to focus on her tasks. When something major happened, she could simply observe how things unfolded. As this thought crossed her mind, Jian Ran suddenly raised her head and glanced at one of the figures on the surveillance feed. That guy... ... In the morning, when players had just entered the dungeon, they were still figuring out the rules, so their task efficiency was low. But by evening, after everyone had grasped the essentials, productivity skyrocketed. Bai Lian could barely contain his laughter. The notification sounds ringing in his head were music to his ears. To motivate the players, Bai Lian had put in considerable effort. Not only did he share intel about the rules, he also swapped workstations with Lin Shuqing and borrowed her computer. Using her account, he joined the players corporate group chat and began praising those who completed tasks quickly. Imagine: a beautiful girl showering a player with praise, calling them amazing for their progress~ What effect would that have? The effect was staggering! Players became electrified. Every time they finished a task, they rushed to the group to brag. Task efficiency multiplied exponentially! So this is how you are, Bai Shen?! Wow, pretending to be a girl and chatting up other players? Youve really figured out how this group works! Wait, Im confused. What are you even doing, Bai Shen? Exactly! Why arent you working on tasks? Did you finish one and just stop? Its over! Bai Shen has given up! Uh... guys, maybe theres a deeper meaning here? A hidden scheme? Werent you just saying you had no time?! Bai Shen: If theres a party, sleep can wait! Seriously? You refused until you heard about the girls? Master of setting the mood! Im staying here. Other streams are for coughs. Sure, were all just eager to meet the Financial Director. The girls? Mere details. Do you feel no shame? Bai Lians abrupt about-face amused the viewers. They realized he had no intention of taking this dungeon seriously, behaving like a total slacker. The party starts in two hours. Plenty of time, said Lin Shuqing, eyeing the players still toiling at their desks. Arent you going to work overtime? Overtime? Why? Well... Supervisor Jian Ran is a workaholic. Newcomers usually earn her approval by staying late. When I started, I pulled all-nighters too. Lin Shuqing glanced at the team leaders office and pursed her lips. Its veteran advice. They say it helps avoid... incidents. Bai Lian shook his head. Overtimes not my style. Even if the company exploded this second, Id clock out right on time. Lin Shuqings eyes widened. How would you live through that second? Through iron willpower and an unbreakable spirit! ... With hours until the party and no desire to linger, Bai Lian grabbed his things and left. The company dorm stood diagonally across from the office, a mere 100 meters away. Riding the elevator down, Bai Lian exited the building and surveyed his surroundings. This world stretched endlessly, no edges visible at a glance. The commercial street stood empty save for employees. It seemed each dungeon occupied its own isolated spaceor perhaps players couldnt leave their assigned areas. If the former, it explained each worlds unique style. If the latter... that was far more unsettling. Chapter 53: The mission to change the Profession (17) Staff Dormitory. It must be said that the company truly lives up to its status as a major corporation with thousands of employees. The living quarters provided were quite decent. Bai Lian glanced at the dormitory, which resembled a proper apartment, and immediately flopped onto the sofa. He then pulled out the company-issued phone and logged into his account. There were several unread messagesall from Xiao Qing. Dr. Bai, what do you think I should wear to the event? Its so hard to choose! Its been ages since I attended something like this. I dont even know what to pick. Dr. Bai, are you going to the corporate party? It seemed the girl had grown much more optimistic after his advice. Event? What to wear? Bai Lian smirked and quickly typed: Do you have anything black? Huh? Dr. Bai, do you like black? No, no. I just think dressing more provocatively for the event will help you make friends, which ties into your psychological issues. When youve been weighed down by certain thoughts for too long, you need to do something bold to break free. Bai Lian explained with a serious tone. To Xiao Qing, he was a real psychologistnot someone who just wanted to see her in black stockings and pretty legs! Um... I dont have anything like that in my closet. Dad never let me buy such things. But since its your advice, Dr. Bai, Ill check my moms wardrobe. She might have something. A moment later: Dr. Bai, how about this? [Image: Sinister black outfit with stunning legs] Oh, such generosity! Bai Lian sat up straight, admiring the photo on his phone. Excellent! Youve taken a major step. Im sure youll soon embrace a whole new version of yourself! Dr. Bai, I also have a sailor outfit. Want to see? Heh! A joke? Did she think this would test his professionalism? What employee would fail such a trial?! If he hadnt overheard Du Qing giving the exact same speech to another player earlier, he mightve believed it. Thanks to his initial genetic enhancements, his physical abilitiesincluding hearingwere extraordinary. He could catch whispers from dozens of meters away. Du Qings intentions? Bai Lian neither knew nor cared. Sure, he nodded. Whether theyd actually share intel didnt matter. Bai Lian just wanted to see what this guy was plotting. As long as Du Qing didnt target him, it was fine. After all, the more tasks Du Qing completed, the more rewards Bai Lian would reap. No downside. Pleased, Du Qing grinned. Hah! Then its settled! He scurried off to pitch the same deal to others. Minutes later, Bai Lian entered the bar. It was already packed. Some faces from HR mingled with employees from other departments, all holding drinks and chatting. Bai Lian, disliking the noise, grabbed a glass and claimed a corner seat. A few figures stood out in the crowd: Li Shuiying in an evening gown, her beauty drawing admirers. Beside her stood the icy blonde Group Leader Jian Ran, her expression familiar only to those from the first HR group. But neither was the centerpiece. At the rooms heart stood a girl in an elegant dress, her slender legs sheathed in black stockings. Every eye in the bar lingered on her. She was breathtakinglong black hair cascading like a fallen angel. Who is that? Have I never seen her in the company? Right? Someone that stunning... Is she even an employee? She must be! Why else would she be here? But howve I never spotted her before? Ahem, miss, may I introduce myself? Im the HR director... Many tried to approach, but players were the boldest. Yet the girl seemed oblivious, her gaze sweeping the crowd as if searching. Finally, her eyes landed on the figure in the corner. The emotionless mask melted into a smile. Dr. Bai! Chapter 54: The mission to change the Profession (18) Xiao Qing, in her high heels, quickly approached and sat down next to Bai Lian. Dr. Bai, I thought you werent coming. Bai Lian smiled faintly, swirled his glass of red wine, and replied: What made you think that? Well, honestly, I figured you would come. Otherwise, I wouldnt have shown up either. Xiao Qing gave a subtle smile and clinked her glass against Bai Lians: But it seems Dr. Bai isnt fond of this kind of atmosphere? While everyone else mingled, Bai Lian had been sitting alone in the corner, sipping wine. His air of detachment made her think he disliked such parties. Of course. Honest people like me arent used to noisy places, Bai Lian said with a straight face. Xiao Qing nodded knowingly: Ah, youre right! Ive never liked crowded spaces since I was a child! If it werent for you, Dr. Bai, I wouldnt have come to this party at all. But when you texted me earlier, you werent like this... Bai Lians gaze flickered oddly for a moment before returning to normal. No need to argueId just contradict myself. His eyes drifted away from Xiao Qing to Lin Shuqing and Jiao Ran in the crowd. Hmm, the black braid is nice... but the little girl in white stockings isnt bad either! Suddenly, Bai Lian sighed. Dr. Bai, whats wrong? Xiao Qing asked, noticing his melancholic expression. Bai Lian shook his head: I was just thinking... the Creator was too lazy to give me an extra eye when making humans. I cant see everything. Xiao Qing fell silent. Gotta admit, Bai Shen, you sure know how to kill a conversation. Three beauties, one pair of eyeshows a man supposed to appreciate them all?! Hahaha, you left her speechless, Bai Shen! Masterclass!@@@@ Guys, following Bai Shen guarantees a feast for the eyes! Odd. Can you even get drunk here? Bai Lian wondered, feeling unaffected. Dr. Bai, I must go. Until next time! She checked her watch and stood. Goodbye. Bai Lian smiled and waved. At the door, Xiao Qing glanced back, winked, and˻ her phone. Before he could react, she left. Bai Lian pulled out his phone. Several unread messagesall from Xiao Qing, sent moments ago. Whats she up to? He opened them. The first image showed slender legs sheathed in black stockings, half-shrouded in dim light. Mild. He scrolled down. The next revealed a lifted evening gowns hem Holy! Bai Lian snapped the phone shut. Better save this for private viewing. Nearby, a blonde lolita had already taken Xiao Qings seat. I advise you not to get involved with that woman. In this company, caution is key, Jian Ran said coldly, arms crossed. Is our leader... worried about a rookie like me? Bai Lian feigned surprise. Jian Ran glared: I just dont want the team dragged down by idiots! If you say so, Ill have to disappoint. She stared, baffled. Whats wrong with him? Die if you wantjust dont take others with you! She stood to leave, every word straining her patience. Wait! Bai Lian called. Jian Ran paused. What? Bai Lian clutched his chest dramatically: Leader, Im just a rookie. Your harsh words... they wound me. And? Dont you know how to heal a broken heart? Chapter 55: Crimson Night (19) Jian Ran raised an eyebrow. Hmm? Bai Lian grabbed a water bottle from a nearby table, emptied it, and crumpled it in his hand. Look at this bottle. Its like my heart, shattered by your cruelty. How do I fix it? Jian Ran paused, then took the bottle from him, blew into the opening, and watched it reinflate. Just blow into it! She glanced at Bai Lian and noticed his odd smirk. Jian Ran: ... Suddenly, she realized the double entendre. Of course. Expecting seriousness from this man was like expecting a cow to appreciate piano music. ??? Im tired of instantly understanding these jokes! Is this how straight-A students feel during exams? Why do I always get it immediately?! I hate myself! How do I make my girlfriend say these words? How do I make my NEIGHBORS girlfriend hear these words? The internet is WILD!!! The fun never lasts. The event ended. Bai Lian left the bar and headed toward the staff dormitory. Under dim streetlights, hands in pockets, he walked into the breeze, his shadow stretching behind him. When the shadow vanished, he stopped and looked up. A crimson fog crept from the horizon, devouring the moon and stars. Unnoticed, the same fog began swirling around Bai Lian. It thickened until the streetlights barely pierced through. Whats happening? Bai Lian pulled his hand from his pocket, frowning at the unnatural shift. This is too strange. Can dungeons mutate? This red fog was anything but normal! Damn, whered all this fog come from? Another notification, this time personal. A unique class! 20,000 Rule Points! Ninety-four skill books! At least the SSS rating wasnt stolen... Bai Lian sighed in relief. Hed feared the mutation would void his perfect score. If that happened, hed hunt down whoever caused this and make them regret it. Unique Class: Shadow Sovereign? Whats that? An answer came instantly. An eye erupted from his head! It tore through space itselfa violet-green orb, cold and emotionless. Even Bai Lian shuddered under its gaze. Staring too long might make my head explode! Suddenly... The eye locked onto him. Before he could react, it plunged into the crown of his skull! Hmm~ Uh... Am I okay? Bai Lian braced for pain, but nothing came. Only strange new knowledge flooded his mind. Abilities Unlocked: Dead Eye: Manifest the Dead Eye anywhereabove his head, on his forehead, or... elsewhere. Bai Lian opted for the crown. Majestic. Dead Realm: Create a zone where his power multiplies tenfold. Perfect for crushing opponents. Shadow Sovereign: Summon a clone matching his strength. Double the trouble. Annihilation: Channel the Dead Eyes energy to obliterate foes below 4th-tier class. Classes have tiers now? Bai Lian marveled. Though new to class tiers, his power felt overwhelming. As a 1st-tier Shadow Sovereign, he could annihilate anyone up to 4th-tier. Not bad for a days work. Chapter 56: Crimson Night (20) Advancing through reincarnation wasnt just about gaining new abilities. After merging with the Shadow Sovereign, Bai Lian felt his power surge exponentially! Now, killing a bull with a single punch felt trivial. To put it simply: One finger could handle Jian Ran. No need for two. No wonder players clear dungeons faster after reincarnation. The gap between tiers is this vast! As raw power flooded his veins, Bai Lian couldnt help but swell with pride. With this strength, he could likely obliterate any Anomaly in the dungeon. One striketotal annihilation. I wonder what tier this unique class is? SSS? Divine? And what about other reincarnated playershow much stronger did they become? Bai Lian mused. What just happened? Why did the dungeon end early? SSS ratingthats what matters! Bai Shen got another SSS! Wait... didnt he just lounge around? Howd he max the rating? Confused... someone explain! Ah, I know but cant explain. Bai Shen only did one task. Hows that an SSS? Whatever. Whats this dungeon mutation? Never seen this before. Regardless, Bai Shens in danger now. Mutated dungeons are unpredictabledifficulty spikes guaranteed. Even seasoned stream viewers were blindsided. This was unprecedented in the Mysterious World. Unknown meant deadly. Players would need pure wit and power to survive without prepared strategies. Meanwhile, other players reeled from the sudden shift: Whats happening? Whys the dungeon mutating? This was a Class Change Dungeon! Damn, I didnt finish a single task! Stuck with a lousy B-tier class! Lucky I did a few tasksscored a B rating, A-tier class. A-tier? I was aiming for S! My sanitys crumbling! Whats Crimson Night? Never heard of it. Shouldnt we get ejected before a dungeon shifts? Hows this possible?! This wasnt a background detailit was key. The mutated dungeons secret lay here. Whyd your father kill him? He kept asking about the Corporate Data Vault. Father found out... and eliminated him. Corporate Data Vault? Secrets worth killing for. And likely tied to the Presidents coup! Do you know its location? Room 1220, 12th floor. But its always lockedneeds a special key. Dr. Bai, what did you discover? Xiao Qing sensed his probing. Nothing major. Stay safedont return yet. Ill see you... when your psyches fully healed. Bai Lian replied earnestly. Then be careful, Dr. Bai! Tucking his phone away, Bai Lian strode toward the corporate building. Waitdid Bai Shen foresee the mutation and groom that NPC for intel? Genius! He turned flirting into strategy! I thought he was just horny, but every move had purpose! This proves legends play 4D chess. Even flirtings a tactical move! When will we reach Bai Shens level? Netizens marveled at his foresight. Achoo! Mid-stride, Bai Lian sneezed, rubbing his nose. Odd... sudden chill? Maybe too many encounters with long-haired specters? Unnerving, indeed. Skill Extraction Complete! A notification blared in his mind. Chapter 57: Crimson Night (21) Bai Lian hadnt expected to receive a skill. But after a moments thought, he realized it made perfect sense! The quest had mutated into Crimson Night. Which meant... They had entered an entirely new dungeon. When players enter a new dungeon, they are randomly assigned a new skill. This was completely logical! The skill had been selected. Hand It Over!: When you utter the phrase Hand it over!, you forcibly seize an item held by the target, and this process cannot be interrupted. Hiss? Bai Lian glanced at the newly acquired skill, his expression turning peculiar. Forcibly snatching an item from a target? And the process couldnt be interrupted? This skill... was downright sinister! But he loved it! Its too late, way too late! Suddenly, Bai Lian realized something, regret flashing in his eyes: If Id gotten this skill back in the Fifth Estate, imagine how epic it wouldve been to take Winnies pen and book... He still remembered those two items! The pen that could transform into a weapon and the book that could conjure objectsboth wouldve been incredibly useful in the dungeon. If he couldve stolen them, at least his weapon troubles wouldve vanished. This skill... had come far too late! Bai Lian shook his head. In life, you might reunite with people, but missed opportunities never returned! He pushed aside his regrets and headed toward the company building. The crimson fog obscured everything, making navigation difficult. Luckily, visibility stretched a few meters, and using landmarks hed noted during the day, Bai Lian successfully reached the company doors. Suddenly, his ear twitched faintly. Faint sounds drifted from nearby. Someone else is here? Bai Lians lips curled slightly. Slowing his pace, he moved toward the noise. Like Bai Lian, many were willing to take risks. Whoosh! The yellow talisman instantly materialized in Bai Lians palm! As expectedfree stuff always tastes sweeter! Admiring the seal, Bai Lian flashed a radiant smile. Holy crap! Did Bai Shen just yoink that seal from the chubby guy?! WaitBai Shen said Hand it over, and the seal flew to him?! Did he just steal someones item? Or teleport it?! What kind of skill is this? Is this his new class ability? Snatching stuff remotely? OP! Bro, Im scared to keep watching. What if he steals my girlfriend next?! Can it even steal living people? Gotta hide my girl ASAP... ......??? The stream chat exploded as viewers witnessed the theft. Thousands of phones displayed identical wide-eyed shock. But the most stunned wasnt the audience. It was Du Qing, still crouched in his corner! One second, the Hidden Seal was in his hand. The nextgone. Vanished into thin air! Du Qing stared at his empty palm, smile freezing. He sat there, buffeted by the wind, utterly bewildered... Wheres my Hidden Seal? Wheres my precious seal?! Panicking, he frantically patted his clothes and scanned the ground. But the 200-point talisman had disappeared without a trace. Gone. Realization dawned. Du Qings eyes bulged, his mind screaming: Is this a joke?! Just then, footsteps echoed. He snapped to attention, turning And saw Bai Lian approaching, smile gleaming. Hey, buddy! You here too? Bai Lian feigned surprise. Chapter 58: Crimson Night (22) Are you heading to the company too? When Du Qing heard Bai Lians question, his face twisted into an expression more pained than tears. I was planning to... but not anymore. It was impossible now. Without the Hidden Seal, the risk was too great. When benefits and risks arent proportional, most people choose to abandon the benefits. Oh? Did you run into trouble? Tell me, Ill help... give you some advice, Bai Lian asked with exaggerated enthusiasm. Dont even ask. I had a Hidden Seal ready. I took it out to use, and it vanished right before my eyes! Du Qing raised his hand, staring at his empty palm in disbelief. Just like that! I was holding it, and thenpoof! Gone! Ive cleared so many dungeons, but Ive never seen an item just disappear, he muttered. Whats going on? Bai Lian, reading his genuine frustration, knew hed hit the jackpot. This seal had clearly meant a lot to Du Qing. Good. Bai Lian wouldnt bother stealing something trivial. Patting Du Qings shoulder, he began his analysis: Listen, maybe the seal didnt disappear. Du Qing: What do you mean? Look at its name. Hidden Seal. And its effect? Hides the user for five minutes. See? It probably activated on its own, but for some reason, you didnt get cloaked. So... Du Qing: ... So you think it vanished, but its just invisible now! Bai Lian declared confidently. Du Qing opened his mouth, then closed it. Bai Lians words almost made sense. But something felt off. A moment later, it clicked. Because Bai Lian was now holding his Hidden Seal. Well, buddy, Ill stop bothering you. Im heading in first. Bai Lian waved the seal mockingly in Du Qings face. OMG Im dying! This guys pure evil! Bai Shen strikes againstealing loot AND rubbing it in?! Note to self: If I ever meet Bai Shen, hide ALL my good items! Theyd swallow you whole. So dangerous! Good thing I swiped this seal. Note: Stock up on these later. Reaching the stairwell, Bai Lian sighed in relief. Dangerous? BAI SHEN, you ARE the danger! Du Qing: Look in the mirror, you monster! Bai Shen calling this risky is like a dragon fearing a kitten! Bai Lian avoided the elevator. A lift large enough for a hundred people? Definitely cursed. Itd probably plummet or trap him mid-air like a horror movie cliche?. But as he faced the stairs, he hesitated. The archive was on the 12th floor. Twelve flights of stairs? ...Maybe the elevators faster. Footsteps echoed. Bai Lian turned to see a figure creeping down the hallwaycrouched, wary, moving like a thief. He actually came in?! It was Du Qing, the same man whod been raging outside moments ago! Somehow, without a Hidden Seal, hed bypassed the guards! Did he have a backup seal? Noif so, its effect wouldnt have faded yet, and Bai Lian wouldnt see him. Mustve used another method. Du Qing hugged the walls, inching toward the stairs. His eyes darted nervously, anticipating threats. Upon reaching the stairwell, he finally relaxed and smirked. That bastard stole my seal, but thank the gods for my Wall Phasing skill. His randomly assigned skill allowed him to phase through wallspowerful, but with a 20-minute cooldown. Thats why, after losing the seal, hed almost abandoned the plan. But Bai Lians taunt had pushed him to risk it. If I ever catch that thief, Ill A knife pressed against his back. Chapter 59: Crimson Night (23) Pfft! Du Qings expression froze as he glanced down in horror. What he saw? The thin, pulsating tip of a knife pressed against his back. Uh... Uh-uh-uh...@@@@ Cant you just stab and withdraw? Why the theatrics? A flood of questions raced through Du Qings mind. Never speak ill of others behind their backs, Bai Lian whispered coldly into his ear. The subject might just be standing right behind you. Du Qings eyes widened as he strained to turn his head. He met Bai Lians impassive gaze. You... sly old fox... With his final breath, Du Qing collapseddenied even the dignity of a peaceful death. Bai Lian wiped the blood from his knife with clinical precision. In this world, there was no rule against player killings. Survival favored the ruthless. Bai Lian wasnt cruel by nature, but hesitation got you killed. Suddenly What are you doing here? A voice cut through the darkness behind him. Bai Lian spun, knife raised, but halted mid-swing. Jian Ran stood a few paces away, her brows furrowed in scrutiny. As a company veteran, she knew the board directors daughter was trouble. I warned you about fraternizing with executives. Bai Lian shrugged. Women slow wealth-building. But rich women? He grinned. Theyre shortcuts. Jian Ran: ... Chat Flawless logic! Teach me your ways, sensei! Suppressing the urge to facepalm, Jian Ran changed tactics. Why are you really here? Bai Lian knelt beside Du Qings corpse, rifling through pockets. Loot check. Waste not, want not. Jian Ran watched, bemused. What could this pawn possibly have? You privileged types never understand. Bai Lian sighed dramatically. Growing up poor, I couldnt afford showershad to watch neighbors bathe through windows. RA?N??????? Now Im grown, still broke. Gotta borrow wives since I cant afford my own. Jian Rans eyebrow twitched. Somethings wrong with this analogy. Fine, she conceded. State your business. Bai Lian met her gaze. You first. After a tense pause, Jian Ran relented. Youre aware of Yu Haomings coup. Her voice tightened. Hes coercing board members into stock transfers. Bai Lian nodded. My goal isnt to stop him. Her eyes glinted. Its to take his placeand claim those shares for myself. Bai Lian: ( ???`)? Chapter 60: Crimson Night (24) So your code name is Pantsyrnik? Are you a double agent? This... this cant be true! After a momentary pause, Bai Lian suddenly recalled fragmented background details from when he entered the quest. What about that guy? Boss, hes already been neutralized. All his secrets are under our control now! This is what happens when you go against the corporation. Let this be a lesson to all of you! ... It was clear that this Mo Ers had been an undercover agent infiltrating the company. However, when he began getting close to Xiao Qing, his identity was exposed, and he was forced out of the game after being fed chicken soup. Bai Lian couldnt help but note how unprofessional that guy had been. How could he so easily blow his cover while interacting with Xiao Qing?! If it were Bai Lian, hed never have been caughteven the board member supported him! Well... though that might have been an illusion too. Regardless, it no longer mattered. Theyd all fled, and even if they wanted to retaliate against Bai Lian, there was no opportunity now. Returning to the matter at handthe boss who had dealt with Mo Ers in the background... Was that Jian Ran standing before him? Until now, Bai Lian hadnt considered this possibility. The image Jian Ran projected didnt align with that of a ruthless executive. In his mind, such deeds were the domain of people like Zhu Hongshesmiling tigers! But now, he had to reconsider. What are you thinking about? Jian Ran asked suspiciously, noticing Bai Lians brief distraction. Bai Lian snapped back, smiling and shaking his head. Nothing. Just wondering how you, Boss, came up with such ideas. I get that the president wants the shares. Hes been here for years and must have solid connections. But you, Boss... He trailed off, but the implication was clear. As a mere group leader, even with a decade at the company, Jian Rans influence seemed too limited for such a power play. The odds of her replacing the president and seizing shares were practically zero. Do you think Im a fool? If you can figure this out, do you think I havent? Jian Ran glared at him. The corporate archives hold evidence of the board and executives crimes. If I obtain that evidence and send it to Mingdu, theyll send someone to clean house! My job is to secure the evidence and force shareholders to sign the stock transfer agreement before Mingdu intervenes! Mingdu? Bai Lian noted the unfamiliar term. Likely an external authority that could influence the quest. He shrugged internallyno point overthinking it now. Two suited figures with company badges stood on the landing. At this hour, anyone remaining had to be part of the rebellion. The moment Bai Lian and Jian Ran stepped onto the floor, the men turned, cold smirks spreading. Well, well. Manager Jian. Fancy meeting you here, one sneered, though his tone suggested hed expected this. Jian Ran didnt answer, instead glancing at Bai Lian. Her expression seemed to ask, This was your brilliant plan? Seeing the guards, Bai Lian facepalmed. Hahaha! Bai Shens plan backfired! Guys, this is historicBai Shens first failure! Screenshot this! Bosss face says it all lol. Bai Shen: Seriously?! These old foxes! Who knew even Bai Shen could miscalculate?! Actually, his reasoning was right. The traitors prepared thoroughlytheyve probably trapped both routes. Stairs are still safer than a rigged elevator. ... Bai Lian rarely fought without cause, but this called for exceptions. You two! he barked abruptly, startling even Jian Ran. Is this how you do your jobs?! Chapter 61: Crimson Night (25) He shouted so fiercely that both Anomalies froze instantly. They stared at the enraged Bai Lian and hesitantly asked, Who... who are you? Youre asking me who I am? Look at yourselves! You were assigned to guard the stairwell, yet youre lazing around in plain sight! Are you trying to get spotted?! Bai Lian didnt give them time to react. He strode forward and slapped each across the face! Thwack! Thwack! Two resounding blows left them dazed. They clutched their cheeks, minds reeling. Already lacking in intellect, they struggled to regain their bearings. But Bai Lian denied them even a moments respite. Youre already bottom-feeders in this company. Keep working brainlessly, and youll never climb the ladder! Thwack! Two more slaps! As your superior, Im ashamed! Do you think enemies wont notice you posted in such an obvious spot? Even a child could outthink you! Thwack! Thwack! They shielded their faces, but each attempt to process the humiliation earned another strike. Soon, coherent thought became impossible. If youre going to guard, do it right! Hide where you wont be seen, then regroup! The president sent you here because he trusts you. Dont disappoint himunderstood?! Bai Lian considered continuing but held back. Their skulls might as well be bricks. Y-yes, sir! Well fix it immediately! W-we wont fail again! Too disoriented to realize theyd been psychologically dismantled, the Anomalies scrambled away, terrified of further slaps. My eyes... I cant believe this! Dont leave! Let him KFC you some more! I set up my recorder for a battle, but Bai Shen solved it with slaps?!@@@@ Face-Slapping God has ascended! Jian Ran, handle the three. Ill take this one. Can you manage? She frowned. Three Anomalies were manageable, but Bai Lian... a rookie? Worried about me? He smirked. She rolled her eyes. Dont flatter yourself. Its professional concern. His calmness reassured her. Whoosh! The four attacked as one! Three surrounded Jian Ran; the fourth charged Bai Lian, claws screeching through air. Hehehe... Like this? it taunted, black teeth bared. Bai Lian stood motionless, hands in pockets. Then The air above him ripped open. A colossal eye materializedthe Dead Eye. The Anomalie froze mid-lunge, smile dying. Wh-what is that?! Zzzzt! A violet beam erupted from the eye, vaporizing the creature instantly. Silence. Tomb-like stillness gripped the stream chat and corridor alike. Even Jian Ran and the remaining Anomalies halted, staring at Bai Lian in shock. Chapter 62: Crimson Night (26) A moment... Killed? Users (in panic, mouths agape): Wheres the promised battle? I just went to the bathroom and missed everything? Its over! No way! He brought a bag... Whats wrong with Bai Shen entering a dungeon with a bag and wiping everyone out? Someone explainwhat was that eye earlier? New ability? You just went to the bathroom? Thats Bai Shens skill! In the field, away from home... Cant even play in the same dungeon as this guy. Delete him! Now I see why Bai Shen rushed into the Class Change Dungeon... Wait, maybe I still dont get it. The screen drowned in a tsunami of chat messages. A single Anomaly obliterated by a player in seconds. Could you believe it? No one wouldve dared imagine this before. Yet here they were, witnessing it firsthand. The kicker? Bai Lian was technically a newcomer, fresh from a class change. This was a newcomer? Not only the viewers, but even Jian Ran and the three Anomalies were stunned. They stared at Bai Lian, seemingly forgetting they still needed to act. Bai Lian hadnt forgotten. He glanced at the motionless trio, and his Dead Eye unleashed three violet beams! By the time the Anomalies snapped back to reality, it was too late. The Annihilation ability was devastating but limited. Its energy reserves allowed four shots before requiring a lengthy cooldown. Jian Rans brow furrowed, then relaxed. Understood. Such restrictions made senseotherwise, itd be absurdly overpowered. Did we expose ourselves? Bai Lian scanned their surroundings. Jian Ran smirked. Remove the didnt from that question. Hope I get an intelligence-reduction skill next time, Bai Lian muttered. These Anomalies, though bound by dungeon rules unlike dimension-hopping players, werent fools. As proven earlier: any less-prepared player wouldve died instantly. Need to be more cautious next time. As they ascended to the next floor, Jian Ran noticed Bai Lian lagging behind. Scared? she teased, though his longer legs easily outpaced hers. Nonsense! Bai Lian straightened solemnly. Im guarding our rear. If those lobby guards ambush us, Ill take the hit first. Jian Ran chuckled at his theatrics but said nothing. Near the fourth floor, she halted abruptly. Why stop? Bai Lian frowned. Jian Rans voice turned grave. I just remembered something... The board cultivates an Anomaly to punish disobedient employees. Controlled by executives, she explained. Now, the president likely commands it. Bai Lian raised an eyebrow. Strong? Yes. Jian Ran nodded. Beyond my capabilities. What about me? Chapter 63: Crimson Night (27) She carefully examined Bai Lian and, recalling both the monsters ferocity and the abilities he had demonstrated earlier, said: if your abilities are still active, then you can handle this. But... She trailed off, though the meaning was clear. If Bai Lians abilities were no longer in effect, there was no doubt he wouldnt be able to overcome that monster. Bai Lian fell silent; he had a general sense of the monsters level. It was stronger than Jian Ran, yet could be dealt with using Destruction. So, it must be either level two or three. Seeing that Bai Lian remained silent, Jian Ran shook her head and said: Lets go; perhaps the council members who spotted him early have already taken him away? Even if we do encounter him, I will find a way to resolve this problem. Jian Ranwho dreamed of owning a stake in the company and still hoped to vie for power against President Yu Haomingclearly wasnt limited to such methods alone. Alright. Bai Lian nodded, and they continued on. Suddenly. In the darkness, a sharp whistle of wind came from behindcompletely unexpected! Attack! Jian Ran reacted instantly; her expression changed as she spun around abruptly and shouted: Watch out! An unknown monster had appeared behind Bai Lian. Its crimson tongue, like that of a snake, lashed out toward the back of his head, as if it were about to strike its target. Bai Lian, as if oblivious, merely lifted his gaze to look at Jian Ran. Could this be the end for Brother? Damn, an attackthis monster doesnt respect the rules of combat! Thats it, Bai Shenit looks like youre out of the game! Dont worry, brothers; Bai Shen surely anticipated this. Remember, hes extremely powerful! I think thats it; the ability isnt working even an enhanced player wouldnt react in time. The spectators watching the scene broke out in a cold sweat of terror. They stared at the screen, as though they had already foreseen a bloody scene where Bai Lians head would be pierced. But then... At that very moment... A crack appeared at the back of Bai Lians head, and from it emerged an eye with a vertical pupil that instantly fired a violet beam! Shh! That strange creature instantly turned to dustleaving not even a trace of ash. Jian Ran: =????(??? ????)??? ... Why are you all staring at me? Am I supposed to say something funny? Scroll down! If playing well means this is a bug? Guys, didnt he say he could only use it four times? Now hes used it againsomethings off! With such power, how could one even remain merely an employee? She would have immediately taken down the board, dealt with Yu Haoming, and assumed control of the companybecoming a major boss! Alright, lets go! Jian Ran took a deep breath, calming her overflowing emotions somewhat, and addressed Bai Lian. Yet, as soon as she turned, she halted once more. A question suddenly occurred to her, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt something was amiss. If Bai Lian is so strong, why did he even decide to work in a team with her? Suppose hes using her. And when he gets a share of the company, wont he eventually decide to take on the role of boss? After pondering this, Jian Ran looked at Bai Lian seriously. Whats wrong? Bai Lian asked, noticing her look. Jian Ran frowned and softly inquired: Suppose, I say suppose, if we acquire a share in the company, will you allow me to sign the documents? She was anxious, yet she believed that Bai Lian would probably agree. With his strength, the company Illusion was clearly not worthy of him. Moreover, his previous indifference toward company affairs suggested he wasnt truly interested! I wont allow it, Bai Lian replied, shaking his head without a moments hesitation. Jian Ran... Thats not what I wanted to hear; could you answer differently? Alright, alright, I dont know what to do with you! Bai Lian said with a slight helpless smile as he shook his head. Jian Ran smiled in return. It seemed her earlier sacrifices had not been in vain. That stubborn slacker simply couldnt resist temptation. At the same time, she felt relievedif Bai Lian truly desired a share in the company, she definitely wouldnt be able to compete with him. Their strengths were simply too disparate. Fortunately, that twenty\minute massage had completely worn him out! And at that moment, Bai Lian approached her and whispered in her ear: You silly, how could I not let you sign? When I become the big boss, Ill draft you a lifetime employment contractdont worry, such terms will be exclusively for you. Hahahahaha, guys, I cant take it anymore, Im dying of laughter! What the heck? Are you even human? You cant call him Bai Shen anymore; from now on, he should be called the Devilhes a real devil! Oh my, what capitalist views! ??? I thought Bai Shen would go down now, but it turns out I was mistaken. Hes still the same Bai Shen, unchanged in the slightest! How about this? Only you can sign this contract. Jian Rans eyes widened as she looked at Bai Lian with an expression of complete bewilderment. ??? Chapter 64: Crimson Night (28) The night grew deeper, the crimson haze enveloping the entire dungeon thickening with each passing hour. The dungeon was swallowed by fog and uncertainty. The sudden dungeon mutation was a scenario players had never encountered or even heard of. They had no idea how to act correctly. But... The famous time-management master Eik once said: Doing nothing is better than making a mistake! In uncertain situations, taking action meant walking into a dead end. Thus, most surviving players chose to stay inactive, remaining in their rooms. They decided to observe. If nothing strange occurred, they could act later. Of course, a small group ventured into the crimson haze to explore. Waiting for death wasnt their style. Better to risk it all than sit idle. Who knew? If they cleared the dungeon, they might gather enough experience to create a guide they could sell for a fortune! ... Business Center In the top-floor office, Yu Haoming sat in his chair, his expression unnervingly calm. None of the tension or frenzy typical of a power struggle showed on his face. He glanced at the corporate executives present, including Zhu Hongshe. Those old farts on the board still wont budge? Yu Haomings voice dripped with frost. To seize control of Faning Group, he had lurked here for ten years. Ten years of relentless effort to lull the boards vigilance and amass influence. Tonights operation had been planned meticulously. If it failed, hed be cornered. Failure was not an option. Victory was mandatory. Boss, those stubborn old bastards wont yield. My people tried everything, Zhu Hongshe replied, eyes downcast, voice trembling. Fine. I never expected you to break them. I know them better than you. Yu Haoming waved dismissively. Jian Rans silence deepened. Another word, and shed explode. The upper floors seemed unguarded. Bai Lian and Jian Ran ascended to the fifth floor unchallenged, the corridor eerily quieta calm before the storm, hinting at unseen peril. Sure enough, upon reaching the tenth floor, a monster appeared. Is this your companys pet? Bai Lian stood at the threshold, squinting at the shadowy mass ahead. Jian Ran tensed, ready to fightuntil she remembered the man beside her was far more terrifying. Mhm. She nodded. It existed before I joined. No one knows its origin, but everyone fears it. In my time here, its killed over a hundred employees... even two executives. No wonder Jian Ran feared it. Shed witnessed its brutality firsthand. It followed orders mindlessly, slaughtering without mercy. As they spoke, the crimson haze parted, revealing the monsters form. An angelic face framed by chestnut-brown hair tied in a ponytail. Four arms: two pristine as lotus petals, two muscular and blood-red. Four perfectly proportioned legs. A speckled armor adorned with rust-like patterns reeking of blood. Bai Lian stared, perplexed. A centaur? The creature had a human torso and equine lower bodya textbook centaur. This was the corporate monster? Bai Lian expected something grotesquea gaping maw, oozing flesh. Instead, it looked... almost handsome. What? Not your type? Jian Ran mocked, noticing his stare. Bai Lian shook his head. Im no princess needing a white knight. Zero interest. Chapter 65: Crimson Night (29) The white horse and the prince exchanged smiles~ I see, so the white horse and the prince are two different entities! Guys, step aside, I like something unusual! Low emotional intelligence: Im a pervert. High emotional intelligence: I like something unusual (lol) Rrrr! The human-horse creature let out a terrifying roar upon spotting Jian Ran and Bai Lian. Its hands gripped a long sword tightly, and with a powerful stride, it charged toward them! As the sword slashed through the air, the crimson mist twisted, and the winds howling turned into a deadly melody. Do we have a chance? Jian Ran asked Bai Lian. Of course! Bai Lian nodded. Yet, he didnt use Vanishing. He was far too intrigued by the creatures swordit emitted a faint glow, a clear sign it wasnt just any weapon. Leaving it behind without examining it would be a crime. With that thought, Bai Lian reached out his hand. Hand it over! Skill activated! In an instant, the silver armor adorning the humanoid creature vanished and appeared in Bai Lians hands! Staring at the silver armor now resting in his grip and then at the cool human-horse creature... Bai Lian: (?_? ) Jian Ran: (o''''o)? Live chat: (O?O?|||) Something seemed off. What did you just take? Jian Ran widened her eyes, staring at Bai Lian. Bai Lian twitched his lips and quickly tossed the silver armor aside. Uhh... looks like I grabbed the wrong thing. No worries, lets try again! Meanwhile, in the real world, Mi Gao was livestreaming and commenting on the scene. Guys, watch this Bai Shen operation! I guarantee this monster wont last a seconddo you believe me? From my years of watching streams, Id say this monster is pretty powerful. Normally, even players who have undergone reincarnation wouldnt be able to handle it, but for Bai Shenits just a junior brother! rA?????O?bS? Mi Gao, his face filled with excitement, passionately narrated the events unfolding on the screen. His enthusiasm was through the roof! Ever since witnessing the events in Mirror Castle, he had become Bai Shens most devoted fan! Only those who had truly witnessed miracles could understand the power of the one who created them! Mi Gao had personally seen Bai Shen perform completely unbelievable feats ever since the New Years dungeon! Luckily, this time he didnt mess up, and the magnificent long sword landed in his hands. His actions instantly enraged the creature. It swung its four arms, charging at Bai Lian in a fit of fury! Bai Lian, completely ignoring it, didnt even glance at the monsterhis attention was solely on the sword. Above his head, his Dead Eye materialized, instantly firing three Annihilation shots! Shhshhshh! Three shots. Not too many, not too fewjust enough to show respect! The monster was struck and, in the blink of an eye, crumbled into dust. Jian Ran, watching all of this, widened her eyes. ...Could it really be this easy? That was the strongest entity in the company! It seemed she had severely underestimated Bai Lians strengththis guy was far more terrifying than she had imagined! Jian Ran shuddered slightly. Did this mean... if she stayed with him, she really would be stuck working for him her entire life? Meanwhile, Bai Lian was examining the sword in his hands. It was incredibly longif stood upright, it was about the same height as Jian Ran. The blade was entirely silver, covered in intricate engravings, with two deep grooves running along its centerblood channels. Faint glimmers of light flickered across its surface, and Bai Lian could feel an icy aura emanating from it. This was no ordinary sword. Suddenly, Bai Lian recalled how, in The Fifth Estate, Winnies pen could transform into a weaponand that book. Both of those had been artifacts. Could this sword be one too? But was it comparable to Winnies two artifacts? This is an incredible artifact that can perfectly unleash the power of anomalies, Jian Ran murmured, staring at the long sword in Bai Lians hands. Bai Lian glanced at her and curiously asked, Are there different levels of artifacts? You dont know? Jian Ran raised an eyebrow in surprise. She couldnt quite understand why Bai Liansomeone this powerfulwas asking about something so basic. Im a newbie, isnt it normal not to know? Bai Lian replied, his expression as if stating the obvious. Newbie... For some reason, those words started to sound increasingly pretentious. Jian Ran let out a deep sigh and explained: Of course, artifacts have different levels. The lowest rank is B-tier, while the highest Ive heard of is SSS-tier. The sword youre holding is at least an A-tier artifact. If it were sold, its price would be astronomical! Chapter 66: Crimson Night (30) Upon hearing this, Bai Lian nodded thoughtfully. He turned to Jian Ran and asked: If we have a pen that turns into a snake and a book that can transform into any object, what tier would those artifacts be? Jian Ran paused, then answered: Such artifacts are exceedingly rare. From your description, theyd likely be above A-tier. So... Winnies two artifacts are at least S-tier? Damn it! Had I known such treasures existed in that dungeon, Id have taken them! The sword in Bai Lians hands suddenly felt less appealing. He glanced at Jian Ran, who met his gaze. Were you going to give it to me...? Before she could finish, Bai Lian stashed the sword away without a second thought. With feigned innocence, he asked, What were you saying? Jian Rans expression remained neutral. Nothing. Lets keep moving. The centaur knight seemed to be the final guardian, as the 11th and 12th floors were eerily quiet. When they reached the 12th floor, Bai Lian froze. Before them stretched a long, pitch-black corridor. The walls, painted in light-absorbing darkness, bore twisted, indistinct murals that emanated dread. In the staff dormitory, players peered through crimson-hazed windows. Suddenly, a violet beam sliced through the fog, blasting a hole in the wall! A player nearly lost his manhood as the laser seared between his legs. WHAT THE HELL?! Back on the 12th floor, Bai Lian strolled past the now-blank walls. At the corridors end stood a massive metal door labeled Archive. Can you open this? Bai Lian asked. Jian Ran nodded, producing a palm-sized Bagua Wheel. Itll take 30 minu Click. Bai Lian inserted a plain key into the lock. The door swung open. Jian Rans jaw dropped. How...? Universal Key. Ever heard of it? He winked. Inside, the stench of blood and rot overwhelmed them. The floor squelched with gorelimbs, decaying corpses, and glass tanks of grotesque experiments filled the room. This... is the companys archive? Chapter 67: Crimson Night (31) Clap! Clap! Clap! Suddenly, applause echoed from the corridor beyond the door. Bai Lian and Jian Ran turned simultaneously toward the sound. An exceptionally handsome man approached them slowly. Dressed in a black suit, his jet-black hair was meticulously styled, save for a disheveled lock dangling over his forehead. His deep-set eyes, hidden beneath sharp brows, fixed intently on Bai Lian and Jian Ran. Several men in suits followed him, each exuding a sinister aura. Their smirks dripped with mockery, like predators eyeing prey. Even Bai Lian couldnt resist remarking, Elegant, so elegant! That appearance, that aura... If not for being slightly inferior to Bai Lian himself, he mightve mistaken the man for the ultimate villain! Youre complimenting them? Jian Ran curled her lips, baffled by Bai Lians thought process. These were enemies! Bai Lian glanced at her with a faint smile. You dont understand. Competent villains are rare. This one deserves praise. If he guessed correctly, this man was the mastermind behind the corporate coupYu Haoming, president of Phantom Corporation! Hed come because they had unlocked the archive door he couldnt open. The moment Bai Lian and Jian Ran entered the building, Yu Haoming had decided to manipulate them into accessing the archives. A classic mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind ploy! Clap! Clap! Clap! Yu Haoming applauded as he neared, his tone dripping with mock admiration: As expected of you, Jian Ran. Your methods are truly formidable. Even that monstrosity couldnt stop you. What surprises me most is that you actually opened the archive door! All my efforts to let you succeed werent in vain! His voice carried irony and a hint of astonishment. When Jian Ran and Bai Lian had first ascended the stairs, hed noticed them but dismissed their threat, focusing on coercing board members to reveal secrets. Only when his own men failed to breach the archives did he take the duo seriouslyluring them into opening the door so he could swoop in and claim victory. Thank you for unlocking this door for me! Yu Haoming waved a hand, signaling his subordinates to eliminate the pair. As gratitude, Ill ensure your deaths are swift and painless. Uh... Boss, do we kill Jian Ran too? asked Zhu Hongshe hesitantly. After all, Yu Haoming had pursued her for a decade. The four exchanged terrified glances. Yu Haoming hadnt seen what happenedbut they had! Zhu Hongshe, unleashing full power, had been annihilated instantly by that rookie! A violet beam from Bai Lians eye had obliterated even a third-tier minister! They stared at Yu Haoming as if he were insane. Together? Do you even know what were facing?! This... thing isnt human! Cowards! All of you! Yu Haoming snarled as his men hesitated. Suddenly He grabbed two subordinates and hurled them at Bai Lian and Jian Ran! The remaining man tried fleeing, but as he turned, a cold light flashedsevering his legs! AAAAHHH!! His scream echoed through the archives. Having sacrificed his underlings, Yu Haoming spun and fled without hesitation! Only a fool wouldnt run! Anyone who could obliterate Zhu Hongshe instantly meant one of these two possessed terrifying power! Staying meant suicide! As the saying went: Better others die than me. Survival demanded sacrifices. Live, and theres always another path. Die, and its over! I underestimated him. Had he not met me, he mightve succeeded! Bai Lian mused, impressed by Yu Haomings ruthlessness. But brilliance alone wasnt enough. Bai Lian activated his Dead Eye, unleashing an annihilation beam at the fleeing Yu Haomingnow nearly at the archive exit! Sensing imminent doom, Yu Haoming glanced back just as the violet light struck. NO!!! He screamed, raising his suit like a shielduselessly. The beam pierced through fabric and flesh alike, reducing both to dust. Chapter 68: Crimson Night (32) He was dead. Yu Haoming had vanished without a trace, not even ash remainingcompletely erased from this world. Oh! Bai Lian suddenly slapped his forehead, clicking his tongue in annoyance. Damn it, had I known itd end like this, I wouldnt have used Annihilation. Shouldve just punched him to death. Do you always play with your enemies like this? Jian Ran raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with disbelief. Bai Lian shook his head. Not like this. I just wanted to scatter his ashes. Annihilation leaves nothing behindwhat a waste! Jian Ran fell silent. She raised a thumb, staring at Bai Lian with newfound respect. Not only had he killed a man, but hed also wanted to desecrate the remains. Even Satan would envy such ruthlessness. Meanwhile... The three surviving board members were paralyzed with terror. Yu Haomings death meant they were next in line. Especially the man whose legs Yu Haoming had severed. He suddenly realized the pain in his stumps had dulled. Trembling, they crawled toward Bai Lian on their knees. Spare us, sir! We were forced into this! Y-yes! That bastard Yu Haoming planned everything! Were innocent! Let us live, and well serve you faithfully! The three anomalies groveled without dignity. To them... Dignity? What was that? Survival mattered far more. Watching this spectacle, Bai Lian scoffed. If Id known itd come to this, I wouldnt have bothered. Were all just earning a few hundred buckswhy gamble your lives over a corporate coup? Do you even know who you are? Jian Ran glanced at him, sensing deeper meaning in his words. Internally, the board members screamed: We didnt know wed meet a monster like you! Mistakes in this life dont matter. Just correct them in the next. Bai Lian had no interest in prolonging their farce. This artifact had emboldened it to retrieve the evidence despite Bai Lians display of power. Leaving so soon? Bai Lian raised a finger, slicing the air. A violet line split reality like torn film, expanding into a purple-hued dimension that engulfed the archive! The shadow activated its cubetoo late! When teleportation failed, panic set in. Why?! What is this? Why cant I escape?! Frantically reactivating the cube proved futile. The artifact was powerless here! Its over... The shadow abandoned attempts, dread rising. Was this its end? Try again. Or dont. Bai Lian taunted. The shadow glared at his smug expression. Dont celebrate yet! Killing me wont be easy! It theorized this purple realm drained massive energyBai Lian couldnt sustain it long. Survive the onslaught, outlast his stamina, then escape! Suddenly Bai Lians Dead Eye fired an Annihilation beam! The shadow dodged sideways. The beam grazed its arm, vaporizing part of the wall! Slow enough to evade! Relief turned to sneers. Two of those mightve killed me. But now Two? Bai Lian frowned thoughtfully. The shadow opened its mouth to mockand choked. Behind Bai Lian stood his perfect duplicate. Both versions Dead Eyes glowed menacingly. The shadows eyes bulged. WHAT?!! Chapter 69: Crimson Night (End) Staring at the second Bai Lian, the black shadow froze in shock! Was this really necessary? How utterly boring. Couldnt you at least turn this off? You... Not only did the shadow look puzzled, but even Jian Ran, standing beside Bai Lian, seemed confused. She stared at the two identical Bai Lians, her mind reeling. Which one of you is real? She couldnt tell. To her senses, both seemed genuinebut how was that possible? Could a person split into two identical copies? What kind of ability was this? Bai Lian glanced at her, the corner of his lips quirking up. What? Want to try doubling your happiness? Jian Ran rolled her eyes. Happiness? Seriously? When she didnt press further, Bai Lian didnt explain. Strictly speaking, both were his true selveshis consciousness controlled both bodies simultaneously. The sensation was surreal: dual perspectives, duplicate abilities, twice the power! Hahahaha! I must admit, youre impressive! The shadow suddenly burst into laughter, its fear replaced by boundless envy. Ive never seen a newcomer like you here. Are you even human? If you werent an outsider, Id think you were some Mingdu anomalys bastard child... As it rambled, Bai Lian slowly raised his hand. Dont move! The shadow barked, clutching the documents tighter and sneering. Youre strong, so what? Youre one step too late. The evidence is mine now. Want it? Then obey my ordersor Ill tear it all to shreds! True to its threat, Bai Lian halted. But his reaction wasnt what the shadow expected. Confusion flickered across the shadows face. Shouldnt Bai Lian be negotiating by now? Why did he still look so calm, utterly unafraid of the evidence being destroyed? Under its scrutiny, Bai Lian finally spoke. One step too late? The evidence is yours? Is that... true? His lips twitched, murmuring something too quiet for the shadow to catch. But the shadow realizedBai Lian genuinely didnt fear its threat. Why? The answer came instantly. The documents clenched in the shadows hand vanished. Its eyes bulged as it stared at its empty palm. Where... Where are the documents?! Gonealong with its lifeline. Panic set in. Frantically, it scanned the room until its gaze landed on Bai Lians hand. There, clutched casually, was the stack of evidence. The shadow trembled, horror dawning. You... How?! Impossible! Any more tricks? Bai Lian flipped through the papers, then glanced at the shattered shadow with mock curiosity. Before it could answer, he snapped his fingers. Ah, almost forgot. He raised his hand again. [Hand It Over!] Whoosh! A Rubiks Cubethe shadows escape toolmaterialized in his palm. I... The shadow gaped at the cube, then collapsed to its knees. Defeated. Utterly. Jian Ran couldnt bear to watch. Enough, she said quietly. This is excessive. The shadows ears twitcheda spark of hope? Just end it. Shadow: ... If you cant say something nice, dont speak at all! Id rather suffer a little longer before dying! Youre the real monster here! Bai Lian glanced at Jian Ran... and obliged. Whoosh! A violet annihilation beam lanced out. The shadow disintegrated. Now, lets find those board members, Bai Lian said cheerfully, waving the evidence. Jian Ran pressed her lips together, silent. The board members were locked on the top floor. Bai Lian and Jian Ran located them swiftly. The old men initially resisteduntil Bai Lian presented their crimes. One by one, they signed the stock transfer agreements. Once done, Bai Lian thoughtfully drafted a new employment contract for Jian Ran. Her hand shook as she signednot from fear, but exhilaration. [Congratulations, Player: Bai Lian!] [Cleared D-rank Mutated Dungeon: Crimson Night!] [Clear Time: 1 hour, 1 minute, 23 seconds!] [Completion Rating: SSS!] [Rewards: Rule Points, Title: Capitalist, S-rank Item: Book of Illusions x1] As the system voice faded, Bai Lian finally relaxed. What a hassle. Done, he sighed, wondering when hed randomly acquire another overpowered skill. Jian Ran approached, eyes blazing like a cornered wolf. Work hard! Bai Lian patted her shoulder, grinning. She narrowed her eyes. What does that mean? Planning to become a hands-off boss? He nodded shamelessly. Congratulationsyou guessed right! As a reward, you can ask one favor before I leave. Really? She barely dared to hope. Of course! His smile turned sly. Condition: I take something from you. Jian Ran: ... Shouldve known. Goodbye! Bai Lian waved as a countdown timer materialized. Jian Ran reached out, suddenly remembering Wait! What are you taking? He vanished mid-sentence, leaving only a shimmering afterimage. And in that moment... A breeze brushed her thighs. ??? BAI LIAN!! YOU DAMN BASTARD!!! Her roar shook the corporate building. .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Somewhere in the void, a surprised voice echoed: Shit! Grabbed the wrong thing! As the world folded around him, Bai Lian stared at the flimsy fabric in his hand, lips twitching. He wasnt to blame! Hed meant to take an ordinary item. Was this cloth... enchanted or something? Ahem... Chapter 70: Trading platform for professors (1) Bai Lian is a serious man. Once he confirmed that the lace fabric wasnt a special item with unique properties, he immediately stuffed it into his backpack. What else could he do? The game space was limited, and it was unclear whether the fabric would start emitting an unpleasant odor. So, stowing it in the backpack was the safest option. If he encountered its owner again, he could return it. If notwell, fate had other plans. Dont do this again, understood? Bai Lian glanced at his right hand and sternly warned himself. Then, he opened his attribute panel. Player: Bai Lian (Avatar) Age: 19 Class: Shadow Sovereign (Unique)! Skills: Initial Genetic Enhancement, Hand-to-Hand Combat Mastery. Completion Frequency: 6 times. Titles: New King (Equipped), Savior (Click for Details), Friend of Anomalies (Click for Details), Speedrun Master (Click for Details), Capitalist (Click for Details). (Note: Unequipped titles provide the player with a 20% attribute bonus and half the titles effects [adjusted from prior data]. Bonuses scale with title tier!) Rule Points: 75,000! The panel had grown increasingly lavish! Compared to its humble appearance when Bai Lian first entered the Mysterious World, it was like night and day. If other players saw his current stats, theyd likely go into shock! But... werent the Rule Points a bit too abundant? Bai Lians gaze dropped to the latest Rule Points tally, and doubt flickered in his eyes. The last time hed checked his panel was during the "Fifth Estate" dungeon. Back then, his Rule Points had exceeded 2,000. The Mirror Castle dungeon, due to its bizarre random skills, had been so chaotic that Bai Lian hadnt even noticed his points. But if memory served, Mirror Castle had rewarded him with 10,000 Rule Points. That brought his total to 30,000. Adding the points from completing the "Transformation" quest and the mutated "Crimson Night" quest40,000he should have exactly 70,000! So where did the extra 5,000 come from? As Bai Lian puzzled over the surplus, other players who had just cleared "Crimson Night" suddenly realized their own Rule Points didnt add up either... Oh well. More is better than less. Bai Lian shook his head, refusing to dwell on it. After all, it was free pointswhy sweat the details? He continued reviewing his rewards, as two titles remained unexamined. Title: Speedrun Master (Unequipped, 20% Attribute Bonus, 50% Effect Bonus) Acquisition Method: Clear the Mirror Castle dungeon in under 60 minutes. Title Effect: Gain the ability to teleport short distances (100 meters), ignoring external conditions. Cooldown: 30 minutes. Bai Lian had earned the Speedrun Master title during Mirror Castle, but he hadnt checked its effect then. The dungeon had ended so abruptly it felt unrealtoo fast, even. But this effect is overpowered! Bai Lian marveled at the titles description. A 100-meter teleport, ignoring all obstacles! If he ever found himself restrained, he could instantly escape! This wasnt mere speculation. Some dungeons did trap players at the start. After some thought, Bai Lian decided against equipping Speedrun Master. The New King titles passive revival was still more critical. Though artifacts like the Witch Doll could substitute, they required activation. The New Kings effect was automatica lifesaver in emergencies. Plus, unequipped titles still granted half their effects. A few inches shorter? Bai Lian wasnt sweating it. Title: Capitalist (Unequipped, 20% Attribute Bonus) Acquisition Method: Earn an SSS rating in the Crimson Night dungeon. Equip Effect: Lend Rule Points to other players under a borrow 9, repay 13 scheme. No bad debts! If a borrower nears death, their items, skills, and Rule Points will be seized. Items/skills convert to Rule Points! Whoa J? Bai Lians eyes widened. Capitalist lived up to its name! He could loan points to others with a 44% interest rateand if they died, hed claim everything! Zero risk! But Ill need to screen borrowers carefully. Newbies might default... He recalled his own destitute early days. Better target seasoned playersthose with second classes had lower mortality rates. But how to find them? As he pondered, a yellow exclamation mark blinked in the corner of his interface. .bg-container-10448869e4d{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Player Bai Lian, you have completed your class change and are now an honored professional. The Professional Trading Plaza is unlocked. Access anytime! (Note: Attacks between players are prohibited on the plaza. Violators will be punished!) Enter the Trading Plaza? Yes/No? The Professional Trading Plaza? Perfect timing! Bai Lian smirked. This was his answer. Chapter 71: Trading platform for professors (2) Moreover, he truly had something to bid farewell to. For instance, the 94 transformation books obtained in the transformation dungeon, as well as the sword he took from the centaur. As for the Magical Cube, Bai Lian wasnt planning to sell it yet. The effect of this item was similar to that of the Speedrun Master. Though not as powerful teleportation still required pre-placed markers it had one advantage: a remarkably short cooldown. Bai Lian checked: after using the Magical Cube, it only required a brief recharge period of about 10 minutes. This was twice as fast as the Speedrun Master, granting excellent efficiency in critical moments. As for the Book of Illusions... Item: Book of Illusions Level: S Effect: When used, this item can create various illusions based on the users intent. These illusions are virtual but can block perception, making them indistinguishable from reality! After reviewing the Book of Illusions effects, Bai Lian felt this item held tremendous power. In certain dungeons, its utility would be nothing short of extraordinary! Before entering the exchange, Bai Lian decided to take one more action. He needed to equip the "Capitalist" title! The exchange explicitly prohibited players from attacking one another, eliminating any risk of conflict. At this moment, Bai Lian didnt need to worry about unexpected dangers. He equipped the title and discreetly hid it to avoid displaying it above his head. If someone spotted this title during a transaction, it would look utterly absurd. He selected the option to enter the Class Exchange Trading Center! The moment Bai Lian confirmed his choice, a radiant glow erupted before him. Massive gates of light materialized! A luminous white path, like a bridge, stretched from the gates and terminated directly at Bai Lians feet. Staring at this spectacle, Bai Lian couldnt suppress his awe. He stepped forward onto the path, inching closer to the gates with each stride. Upon reaching the gates, Bai Lian strode through without hesitation. As the light flared, he instinctively shut his eyes. Only when the brightness dimmed did he reopen them. Before him lay a sprawling street! The road beneath his feet was paved with unknown stones, their clatter echoing with every step. Glancing around, he saw shops and stalls lining both sides of the street, each styled uniquely. Their displays shimmered with eye-catching goods, many radiating an otherworldly glow that screamed value. The street teemed with a massive crowd, every individual exuding an aura of power. Their faces were calm and relaxed, a stark contrast to the desperate souls Bai Lian encountered in dungeons. The sea of people writhed like a colossal dragon. Though no sun hung in the sky, the entire street bathed in daylight-like illumination. Bai Lian stood amidst the flow, feeling as though hed returned to the bustling atmosphere of the real world. Yet here, people wore armor, protective gear, and even mechanical exoskeletons. Bai Lian spotted several such individuals. No wonder this was called the Trading Center for Professionals. Those who reached this place had to be among the elite players. Their achievements in the Mysterious World far surpassed anything novices could fathom. Bai Lian looked utterly ordinary here no armor, no title hovering above his head. Where could he set up a stall? He scanned the endless street, his expression contemplative. At that moment, a player with twin swords strapped to his back and half his face obscured by a black mask noticed Bai Lian standing motionless. His eyes instantly lit up! Clearing his throat subtly, he weaved through the crowd and approached Bai Lian. Hey, newbie? Let me introduce myself Shi Xiaoke, Level 2, veteran of the Trading Center! Bai Lian, deep in thought, was interrupted. He sized up the unexpected interlocutor. Black mask, high-tech armor sans helmet, twin swords the ensemble screamed cyberpunk. A friendly smile adorned his face, but Bai Lian knew better than to trust anyone here, even those playing the fool. With that in mind, Bai Lian smiled back: You dont happen to have an older brother named Shi Dake, do you? Howd you know?! Shi Xiaoke blinked in surprise: You know my brother? Lucky guess, Bai Lian shrugged. Shi Xiaoke chuckled awkwardly, swiftly changing topics: First time at the Trading Center, right? Need a guide? I can show you around! Not to brag, but I know this place like the back of my hand! He thumped his chest, though his darting eyes betrayed nervousness. Noticing this, Bai Lians lips quirked. I want to set up a stall here. Know how? A stall? Shi Xiaoke eyed Bai Lian with renewed interest. Definitely a newbie! Why else would someone ask about stalls immediately upon arrival? Clearly, Bai Lian had just changed classes. If hed cleared thirty-odd dungeons, how much loot could he have? Did he even have over 10,000 points in his account? And even if he had items... What value did low-tier dungeon drops hold? Novices might buy them, but veterans wouldnt glance twice. But since Bai Lian had a goal, Shi Xiaoke saw no reason to enlighten him. People like Bai Lian were easy marks! Ahem... Of course I know! Shi Xiaoke beamed: To set up a stall here, just find an empty spot. Materials are cheap at the general stores. But if you want a proper shop, head to the center and apply. Theyll assign you a plot. He conveniently omitted one crucial detail. In the Trading Center, stalls and shops alike required a Trading License. Without it, your goods wouldnt be protected by center rules ripe for theft! Shi Xiaoke meant no real harm. He simply wanted to trick the newbie into losing a few items. Players were attack-proof, but whod stop him from swiping unprotected merchandise? Plus, he had an escape skill. Few could catch him! Chapter 72: Trading platform for professors (3) But, brother, you should knowto open a shop, you need to verify assets of at least 50,000 Rule Points. To ensure Bai Lian wouldnt attempt heading to the Trading Association Center, Shi Xiaoke quietly added, If you dont have that many points, just find a spot and set up a stall. Sell whatever you can. 50,000 Rule Points? Got it. Bai Lian nodded and asked, Wheres the Trading Association Center? Shi Xiaoke blinked in surprise. Is he serious? Why go there? he asked skeptically. Bai Lian replied matter-of-factly, To open a shop, obviously. Didnt you say thats where you rent plots? Shi Xiaoke: ... You... have 50,000 Rule Points? He couldnt believe it. Bai Lian wore no decent armor, let alone weapons. How could a rookie have 50,000 Rule Points? If he did, why wasnt he buying gear? Did he plan to tackle dungeons barehanded? Dungeons grew harder with each tier. Surviving without equipment or skills was impossible past the early stages! Was this guy just bluffing? So what if I have 50,000 Rule Points? Bai Lian confirmed with a nod. Shi Xiaokes doubt deepened. He pointed ahead. Walk straight. The largest building at the streets end is the Trading Association Center. Thanks! Ill give you a discount when my shop opens! Bai Lian smiled. Shi Xiaoke forced a laugh and hurried away, muttering, Ive got errands. Youll manage! He didnt go farlingering nearby to observe. Is he for real? Bai Lian noticed but ignored him, striding toward the center. The deeper he went, the stronger the players around him became. Soon, a colossal structure loomed aheadfour towering pillars carved with eerie reliefs, its obsidian walls radiating gravity. A golden sign above its gates read: Trading Center. The crowd here was denser, more disciplined. Players queued orderly to enter. Bai Lian joined the shortest line. From a distance, Shi Xiaokes eyes bulged. Hes actually queuing?! Damn, does he really have 50k Rule Points? A rookie with that stash? Unthinkable! Unless... hes a top player incognito? Shi Xiaoke shuddered, relieved he hadnt crossed Bai Lian. Offending elites here was risky, but encountering them in dungeons? Deadly. He slipped away, swapping masks to avoid notice. So Im the real rookie, and youre the big shot? Since when do elites cosplay newbies?! The process was seamless. Inside the Trading Center, Bai Lian verified his Rule Points, received a land contract and business license, then hired builders. Efficiency here was staggeringno bureaucracy. For 1,000 Rule Points, a pristine white shop materialized on the eastern street within half an hour. Conscience Store Bai Lian admired the black-lettered sign against the white facade. The emphasis? Conscience. Now, hed teleport directly here instead of the main gate. He placed Transformation Books on the shelvesuseless to him since players could change classes only once. A notice by the door declared: Loans Available! Short on Rule Points? Borrow Here! Transformation Books for Sale! Settling behind the counter, Bai Lian waited. He wasnt worried. In the Mysterious World, countless players struggled for Rule Points. No one else offers loans. Im the monopoly. Loans? Theyll really lend Rule Points here? As predicted, a player soon paused at the sign, skepticism etched on his face. He stepped insideand froze. Transformation Books. Dozens. Hundreds?! His jaw dropped. It was like stumbling into a vault of gold ingots. Transformation Books were raretypically consumed immediately after dungeon clears. Only specific dungeons dropped extras, and even then, scarcely. Rarity meant exorbitant prices. The cheapest cost 1,000 Rule Points. This stockpile? Worth over 100,000! This guys a heavyweight. A monster in disguise! Chapter 73: Endless Prison (1) The player who had initially doubted the loan system now stood utterly convinced after witnessing the sheer volume of Transformation Books. Never assume Transformation Books were worthless. In the Mysterious World, countless players sought to avoid risk. For instance, members of established factions could purchase these books to bypass the dangers of Class Change Dungeons entirelyespecially useful for recruits lacking the strength to survive such trials. Without Bai Lians intervention in his own Class Change Dungeon, the mortality rate would have been catastrophic. At best, a third of participants survived. Some dungeons wiped out entire groups. This scarcity made Transformation Books highly sought after, often exceeding supply! And Bai Lians stockpile? It marked him as a hidden powerhouse in the players eyes. G-Great Boss... Can I really borrow Rule Points here? The player stammered, visibly awed. Of course. Bai Lian assessed the playera post-class-change veteran with decent gear. Their equipment alone could fetch a hefty price. The player brightened. C-Can I borrow 10,000 Rule Points? Hed eyed an item but lacked funds. Why risk dungeons when loans existed? Write an IOU and fingerprint it, Bai Lian replied. The player scribbled eagerly, already plotting to default. Whats the worst they can do? Bai Lian accepted the note, checked the name, and transferred the points via the Player Panel. Done. Check your balance. The players eyes bulged. Th-Thank you, Great Boss! Regret hit instantly. Shouldve asked for 20,000! 100% monthly interest. Repayment in two months, Bai Lian added. Miss the deadline, and the system would confiscate all assetsskills, Rule Points, items. Defaulting wasnt an option. Y-Yes! Ill repay on time! The player fled before Bai Lian could reconsider. Word spread. Soon, players flooded the shop: Elder, we heard you lend Rule Points! I need 10,000! 20,000 for me! Bai Lian disbursed 70,000 Rule Points swiftly. Latecomers groaned, missing their golden opportunity. Lets see how my investments perform, Bai Lian mused, watching them leave. Defaulters would learn: debts always collect. Player Space Bai Lian stretched and initiated dungeon matching. Dungeon Search in Progress... Match Found. Players Queued: 35/100 100/100. Entering DungeonPrepare! Darkness swallowed him. A flicker of light revealed a silhouettea prisoner in a bloodied jumpsuit, muttering: Why am I here? My names Cheng... They caught me. No escape... Theyll kill me! Trust no one. Not even friends. Bloodstained scenes flashed: Chengs repeated captures, his desperation mounting. The vision faded. Skill Extraction in Progress... Extraction Complete! Chapter 74: Endless Prison (2) From Lie to Reality: The more people believe your lie, the easier it becomes reality. Begin your performance, deceiver! Skills, From Lie to Reality?! Bai Lian froze, not expecting a skill to drop immediately upon entering the dungeon. But this skill... How to put it? It was strong, but not overwhelmingly so. It allowed lies to become reality if enough people believed them. The problem was: how to make others believe the lies! Thisll be a challenge, Bai Lian smirked faintly, interest flashing in his eyes. At the last moment before entering the dungeon, he hadnt forgotten to switch his title to Rookie of the Year. For dungeon runs or revives, this was highly convenient. Hed change it back after clearing the dungeon. The darkness began to dissipate, revealing a faint point of light. The glow was dim, illuminating only two or three meters around Bai Lian. It gradually spread through the darkness, growing fainter until it touched an old, rusted iron door. Bai Lian now found himself in a prison cell. As the environment clarified, he frowned involuntarily. The air reeked of damp decay, sinister and horrifying, suffused with utter lifelessness. Bai Lian stepped toward the iron door and noticed something odd. Glancing down, he saw his wrists and ankles shackled. His clothes had changed too he now wore a prisoners uniform. Hed become an inmate. But Bai Lian paid this little mind. Peering through the doors gap, he saw a dark corridor outside. Dim bulbs flickered along gray walls, heavy iron doors, and paint-stained floors, creating an atmosphere of dread. Across the corridor, another cell held a player also in prison garb, peering out. Their eyes met briefly before both withdrew. Bai Lian inspected his cell thoroughly. As Cheng had described in the dungeons background: No escape routes whatsoever. No windows, only a dim bulb deepening the sense of desolate isolation. Strange symbols and drawings covered the walls graffiti left by former inmates, oozing hatred and boundless terror. Staying here long could drive anyone mad. Thud! Bai Lian punched the wall. It resonated dully reinforced steel lay beneath. If they filmed The Shawshank Redemption here, even Andy wouldve given up, he remarked, eyeing the impregnable walls. With security this extreme, trying to chip through with a tiny hammer would wear it down to a needle before making progress. Outside, the livestream chat: Viewers flooded in upon the stream notification. Seeing Bai Lian already in a dungeon, comments turned incredulous: ??? What cursed hour is this? Dont you sleep, damn it?! Was about to hit the sack when the stream alert popped up. Whos streaming at Oh. You again! Relentless dungeon grinder! Did you come to the Mysterious World for grocery shopping?! Is this guy even human? Starting to doubt it! Fine, no sleep tonight. All hail Bai Shen! Viewers couldnt comprehend. Bai Lian had just cleared a dungeon. Yet here he was, diving into another? Even farm donkeys got more rest! Meanwhile, Bai Lian lay on the bunk, eyes closed, strategizing. His Speedrun Master title allowed instant teleportation. But unfamiliar with this dungeons layout, blind jumps could land him in lethal situations. He dismissed the idea. As for From Lie to Reality... Making fellow players believe his lies seemed impossible. Those entering this dungeon were likely class-changed veterans. Getting them to trust him? A miracle if they didnt try killing him first. But one group could be manipulated the stream viewers. Must have a decent audience by now, Bai Lian mused, a sly grin forming. After his previous dungeon feats, viewers surely flocked to his stream. Could their belief in this E-ranked world influence reality here? If not, this approach failed. If yes... this dungeon just became trivial. Worth testing regardless. Clang! Clang! Clang! A shrill whistle pierced every cell. Bai Lians eyes snapped open. At the doors gap, he watched guards march down the corridor with batons. They carried stacks of books, tossing one into each cell while barking orders. Soon, they reached Bai Lians cell. Their words finally clarified: New fish! Prison rules memorize em! Inspection in three days! But Bai Lian overheard something else: This ones got a Split skill. Watch closely dont let him escape! The whisper was faint, yet audible. What? Guards could see player skills? Impossible! Bai Lians eyes narrowed. NPC guards shouldnt possess such abilities beyond enforcing rules. Unless... Realization struck. These werent NPCs. They were players one with a skill to detect others abilities! Likely granted to balance faction numbers. Teams with fewer members often received buffs. Trouble multiplied. Bai Lians smirk vanished. His skill just became nearly useless. The guards arrived at his cell. A book thudded onto the floor. As Bai Lian caught it, the skill-sensing guards eyes bulged. His expression blended confusion, shock, and disbelief. How?! Whod get such a ridiculous skill?! Chapter 75: Endless Prison (3) The other guards, noticing their colleagues expression, immediately turned their attention to him. What happened? What did you see that shocked you so much? one guard asked. No... I... he... The guard struggled to articulate his thoughts, glancing at Bai Lian and then back at the others. After a long silence, he finally spoke in a grave tone: This mans skill is From Lie to Reality. If someone believes his lies, they become truth! The skill sounded utterly absurd! If they hadnt known about this ability, how could they possibly defeat him in this dungeon? There were countless ways to make people believe lies. It would be impossible to discern what was real and what was fabricated! The scariest part? Mixing truth with lies, making disbelief impossible even if one tried. What? Turning lies into reality?! The other guards eyes widened in shock as they stared at Bai Lian. Thats too broken! How does a skill like that even exist?! Good thing we found out. If this guy were smarter, wed all be doomed. How do we counter it? This skill feels unbeatable! As Bai Lian had suspected, these guards were also players! Their task was to prevent prisoners from escaping the prison. Initially, theyd thought the dungeons difficulty was low. But now, faced with Bai Lians skill, a sense of dread crept in. This ability was terrifying. Unrestricted, it could make him invincible! Its actually simple! One guard suddenly grinned, explaining to the others: If everyone knows about his skill, no one will believe his words rendering it useless! The others brightened immediately. Right! Once everyones aware, his power crumbles! Hah! Why didnt I think of that? Just announce it over the intercom. Turns out this unstoppable skill has a glaring weakness! Relieved, the guards resumed their duties, ignoring Bai Lian. Bai Lian watched them leave, his expression calm as still water. Their solution was exactly what hed anticipated and it didnt concern him. His real test was whether this skill could leverage his stream audience. Interesting... and mildly thrilling, Bai Lian murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. The stream chat erupted: How is Bai Shen still smiling? His skills been exposed! Yeah, now that we know, well doubt everything he says! Wait what if he WANTED us to see this? To trick us into doubting the truth? Oh god, can his skill affect reality through us viewers? Im so confused! Skill exposure was a death sentence for most players like revealing your trump card. Yet Bai Lian seemed unbothered. He glanced at the book in his hand titled Rules for Criminals, then stashed it in his inventory. Another identical book materialized in his grip. Wait, two copies? Whats the trick here?! Is this like Winnies pen from Fifth Estate? An illusion item? Someone explain! Ive run this dungeon those rules are legit! My brains overheating! Bai Lian opened the first book and read aloud: Rule 1: Distinguish day from night. When corridor lights dim, remain silent! Rule 2: Never look back at corners, nor gaze upward! Rule 3: Monitor your reflection. If it vanishes, run until it reappears! Rule 4: If escaping, and encountering your double, declare yourself the true criminal! Rule 5: Trust no one! Rule 6: Exit during allocated times. If lights flicker, return to your cell immediately! Rule 7: Avoid windows at all costs! He recited all seven rules with solemn focus, as though memorizing each word. Then he produced the second book containing identical text. The chat exploded: Both books are the same? But the walkthrough says these are the real rules! Whats his game? This makes no sense! Is he trying to gaslight us into doubting genuine rules? Bai Lian closed the books, his smile turning cryptic. So this is how it works... Turning lies into reality, even when the liar doesnt exist. Chapter 76: Endless Prison (4) With a single statement, Bai Lian practically overheated the viewers processors. What does this mean? So Bai Lian can fabricate a person and force others to believe his lie? Fabricating a person... meaning this person doesnt actually exist but still satisfies the skills conditions? I cant wrap my head around it. Can an imaginary person even count as a "person"? Well... why not? Dont let Bai Lian confuse you! Hes probably trying to trick us with wordplay! Phew, good thing I didnt fall for it. Almost got caught in his trap! Admittedly, some viewers were sharp enough. After hearing Bai Lian explain his skill, they realized every word he spoke could be a lie! But was it actually a lie? At that moment... A voice echoed through the prisons speakers. Attention! Prisoner in Cell #920 possesses the skill From Lie to Reality. He can transform falsehoods into truth. Do not believe a single word he says! Attention... The broadcast reverberated throughout the facility, reaching every inmate. Yet many met the warning with skepticism. From Lie to Reality? Impossible. Do skills that bizarre even exist? Cell #920? That guys been outed. His skills useless now, right? This dungeons difficultys way over the top. Seven rules already, and more coming? Ugh. Who cares about his skill? Now that its exposed, its irrelevant. Hes as good as dead. In his cell, Bai Lian tilted his head upward. His calm, icy smile faded into blank neutrality, his gaze steady as still water. He glanced at his prison uniform, waved a hand, and swapped it for his default outfit from inventory. The orange jumpsuit was too hideoushed stick to his usual attire. As for the chains? His Universal Key slipped into his palm, unlocking them with a click. Though this key had one use left, Bai Lian had spares in his backpack. Knock-knock! The sound of metal clanging came from the cell opposite. Bai Lian turned to see a player standing at the barsa man in his thirties with a butterfly-shaped scar on his left cheek and wolf-like eyes glinting with calculation. Eyes are windows to the soul, but when they reveal nothing, danger lurks. Bai Lian himself was such a man. The scarred man waved. Bai Lian raised an eyebrow and approached. Kid, youre the one from the broadcast, right? The man smirked, cunning flashing in his eyes. Bai Lian scanned himarmor-clad, chains already removed. Yes, Bai Lian nodded. Cell numbers were clear: #919 opposite, #920 his own. Your skills useless now. Join me? The man grinned. I bought a guideknow all this dungeons rules. Cant promise much else, but follow my lead, and clearing thisll be easy. Hows that sound? He added, Not free, though. Pay 1,000 Rule Points, and Ill carry you. Names Ren Yuanwei. Check public chatsIm a reputable carry! He thumped his beast-shaped armor proudly. Bai Lian remained silent, icy stare unflinching. When Ren finished, he finally spoke: How do you know my skills useless? Ren frowned. Its exposed. Nobodyll believe you now. Doesnt that nullify it? Bai Lian nodded. True. But youve forgotten something crucial. What? Ren narrowed his eyes. To make people believe me, I dont need to lie. Bai Lian smiled faintly, studying Ren like prey. If its not a lie, howll your skill work? Ren scoffed. Want a demonstration? Bai Lian glanced idly at the ceiling. Rens instincts prickled, but he nodded. Sure. Show me. Perfect. Bai Lian locked eyes with him. I say I can kill you. Do you believe it? Rens wolfish gaze hardened. Seeing Bai Lians seriousness, he burst into laughter. Elsewhere, maybe. Before your skill leaked, maybe. But now? No. He wasnt stupid. From Lie to Reality required belief in lies. Why would he believe Bai Lian could kill him? You disbelieve because of my skill, yes? Bai Lians smile deepened. But theres one person I can deceivewholl absolutely believe me. Ren blinked. Who? No one else is here. If I dont believe, no one does! The cells were meters apartonly their enhanced senses allowed conversation. Myself. Bai Lians voice dropped. I can lie to myself. If I believe my own words... the skill activates. Chapter 77: Endless Prison (5) Bai Lians voice, like a demons whisper, echoed in Ren Yuanweis mind. His pupils constricted sharply, and he instinctively stepped back. Impossible! You said it was a lie yourselfhow can you deceive your own mind?! Ren shook his head frantically, feeling his scalp prickle. A sliver of belief had slipped into his soul, but he crushed it ruthlessly, chanting internally that none of this could be trueit was all lies! As a seasoned seeker, his faith was unshakable. A few words wouldnt sway him. Exactly! Its all your trickeryyou nearly got me! Clarity returned, and Ren Yuanwei regained his composure, though the trembling corner of his lips betrayed his unease. Cold sweat soaked his back. No wonder this mans skill is From Lie to Reality. Terrifying. A few words almost trapped even me. Damn, I almost fell for Bai Shens bluff! Nearly died of fright! Hes so convincingI almost believed him! Thank the gods he revealed the truth in time! Never trust a single comma from Bai Shens mouth! Youll drown in his traps! At this point, Im too confused to analyze anything. How are you guys still debating?! Heh, if I stay dumb enough, I cant be tricked. Ill stubbornly believe everything Bai Shen says is lies! The stream chat exploded. Most viewers had nearly been ensnared by Bai Lians wordsunderstandable, given their labyrinthine ambiguity. Even now, no one could confirm what was true. What if Bai Lian could deceive himself? You still dont believe me? Bai Lians smile remained unshaken, as if everything hed said were fact. Ren Yuanwei clung to his judgment: Of course not! Every word you speak is liesincluding self-deception! I told youIll make you believe. Bai Lian sighed theatrically. Ren stayed silent, refusing to engage further. The less he interacted, the safer. If he didnt believe, the words held no power. Or so he thoughtuntil Bai Lian vanished from his cell. One moment he stood there; the next, gone without a trace. Huh?! Where is he?! Rens eyes bulged as he stared at the empty cell. A hand materialized on his shoulder. Looking for me? Bai Lians voice purred in his ear. What the hell?! Ren Yuanwei jerked backward, steel claws flashing from his backpack as he pressed into the corner. His wide eyes locked onto Bai Lian, now lounging casually in the center of the cell. Terror contorted his face. H-how did you get here?! The man moved like a ghostvanishing, reappearing, defying logic. Bai Lian smirked, relishing Rens panic. Their dynamic had flipped: Bai Lian the predator, Ren the prey. I said I could kill you. You didnt believe me. I also said I can deceive myself. If I believe the lie, the skill activates. Bai Lian tilted his head, eyes glinting. I now possess teleportation. I can be anywhereinstantly. And yes, I can kill you. Rens grip on his claws trembled. Teleportation? Murder? Was this truly self-deception? He fought to reject it, but the evidence taunted him. The most convincing lies are 99% truth. Bai Lians actions had tipped the scales. A bead of sweat slid down Rens temple. N-no! This isnt real! Youre manipulating illusions! Rationality clawed back. From Lie to Reality was too potentwho could separate truth from fiction? Maybe Bai Lian had innate teleportation skills, unrelated to his declared ability. This was all a mind game! Clap. Clap. Clap. Bai Lian applauded slowly. Impressive. Few retain such clarity under pressure. I admityouve got the chops to lead a team. But... His smile sharpened. Did you overlook one tiny detail? Rens brief pride evaporated as a violet eye materialized above Bai Lianpupiless, radiating annihilation. What if I can kill you... and you still refuse to believe? Ren Yuanwei: ...?!! Chapter 79: Real Lies, Collecting Interest Completion Rewards: Rule Points, Title: Perfect Escape, Combat Skill Book 1! What is a real lie? A real lie is when elements of truth are woven into an ostensibly false narrative. When something blatantly untrue is spoken aloud, rearranging the sequence of events can make it perceived as truth. For example, Bai Lian retrieving the Book of Illusions and writing a story within it that part truly happened. But everything in that story was fabricated by Bai Lian. None of it occurred; it was merely fiction. Yet, by first presenting the story and later revealing that Bai Lian authored it, all prior events are retroactively accepted as reality. Hmm... when did everything become a lie? Bai Lian stored the Book of Illusions, his lips curling into a faint smirk. Had the shift happened when he learned to transform lies into truth? When he retrieved the Book of Illusions? Or when the prison guard appeared? Or... had it all been an illusion from the start? Even Bai Lian couldnt fully untangle it, but one fact remained: he had cleared the dungeon, and that was undeniable. Player: Bai Lian, exiting the dungeon in 30 seconds. Prepare. 30... 29... 28... When the dungeon completion alert echoed in the minds of all players trapped in the Endless Prison, they froze. Someone cleared the dungeon in 10 minutes? And got an SSS rating? Are you kidding me?! Impossible! The Endless Prison is a D-rank dungeon. Even top-tier players need at least five days to clear it. How could someone finish it in 10 minutes with the highest rating?! Bai Lian... that name sounds familiar. Wait isnt he the guy spamming the global chat earlier?! No way! This guy was in an E-rank dungeon just days ago. Howd he jump to D-rank? Did he speedrun his class upgrade?! The prison guards were stunned. The inmates were baffled. Theyd just entered the dungeon, still figuring out their next move, and now theyre told someone cleared it in 10 minutes? How was that even possible? No one believed it, yet the system notification proved it true someone had performed a miracle, achieving a flawless SSS clear in record time! Meanwhile, in Bai Lians livestream, viewers were equally confounded. Theyd barely received the stream notification before witnessing Bai Lian effortlessly complete the dungeon. But when the completion prompt appeared, the screen flickered, returning to the prison cell. Bai Lian held a pen, writing the final character in the Book of Illusions. Everything that transpired had been recorded in the book the dungeon itself had remained unchanged. ??? My brains overheating. I dont get it. What just happened? So Bai Shen actually has the power to turn lies into reality? Was everything we saw just his illusion? WTF! When did we even enter the illusion?! Wait, maybe when Bai Shen said he could deceive even illusory people, hed already fabricated everything? He used that item to create illusions and then tricked them? No... He tricked not just the illusions but us too! And the other players! This is too convoluted. All I know is Bai Shen really cleared the dungeon, right? Their minds spiraled in confusion, but one truth crystallized: Theyd all been deceived. Because Bai Lian had truly cleared the dungeon! ... Folks, Bai Shens diving into another dungeon. No rest for the legendary hes a grindlord among grindlords! Mi Gao, as usual, hosted Bai Lians stream. His commentary remained wildly popular, thanks to his sharp insights and occasional theatrics. Since covering Bai Lian, his viewer engagement had skyrocketed! Bai Shens already entered the dungeon. Lets see which one it is... Judging by the environment, this looks like the Endless Prison. A C-rank dungeon?! Did Bai Shen leapfrog to this tier already?! Wonder what random skill hell manifest this time? Mi Gao rambled nonstop, his curiosity piqued by Bai Lians evolving abilities. Turn Lies into Reality sounds absurd at first, but since its Bai Shen, it somehow makes sense! But now that his skills exposed, its effectiveness is neutered. Whatll he do? When the guard revealed Bai Lians skill, Mi Gao frowned. The skill thrived on secrecy. Once exposed, its power dwindled. Lets keep watching. Im sure Bai Shen has a backup plan. Even if this skill fails, hes got others! On screen, Bai Lian procured two prisoner rulebooks, tamed Ren Yuanwei, rallied other players, and cleared the dungeon. Mi Gao grinned smugly. See? A minor setback wont stop Bai Shen! But his voice choked mid-sentence. The screen flickered back to the prison cell. Bai Lian, holding the Book of Illusions, penned the final character. Mi Gaos smile froze. His pupils constricted in terror as he stared at Bai Lians placid smirk. What the?! WHAT THE?! WHAT THE ACTUAL?! His mind short-circuited. A total plot twist! His chat exploded with WTFs and confusion. Everyone gaped at the pale-faced youth whose gaze felt utterly inhuman. After a moment, Mi Gao clutched his head, muttering, I think I get it... or maybe I dont. So everything we saw was a lie? The whole clearing the dungeon was just us being gaslit into believing it?! Even the guard exposing his skill was part of the act to make the lie more believable?! HOLY SHIT! WHO DARES CALL BAI LIAN A CHEATER NOW? ILL FIGHT THEM! He hastily saved the clip, ready to upload this mind-bending moment to the "Mysterious World Highlights" forum. This surreal play would go viral for sure! Meanwhile, Bai Lian returned to the Player Space. It was time to collect his loans... with interest. Chapter 80: Mastery of All Weapons, But Where’s My Knife? Everything plunged into darkness, but a moment later, Bai Lian found himself in the Player Space. He opened his attribute panel and glanced at it. His Rule Points had been restored to over 25,000. Of these, 5,000 were unborrowed, while 20,000 were the dungeon clearance reward. A D-rank dungeon reward is 20,000 points. Seems like higher-tier dungeons yield more... I wonder how much harder dungeons pay? Bai Lian rested his chin on his hand, staring at his Rule Points, lost in thought. If E-rank gives 10,000 and D-rank 20,000, then C-rank should be 30,000, right? Going further, if theres an SSS-rank dungeon, clearing it might grant 80,000 points? But assumptions are risky. After all, clearing a beginner dungeon with an S-rating only gives 100 Rule Points. A-rank and higher dungeons remain inaccessible to players, their mechanics unknown. Perhaps they offer unique rewards? Shaking his head, Bai Lian dismissed the speculation and opened his new title. Title: Perfect Escape (unequipped, attribute bonus 20%, effect 50%) Acquisition: Players who achieve an SSS rating in clearing the Endless Prison dungeon receive this title! Title Effect: All forms of controlphysical, mental, or otherwisecan be broken. Usable twice per dungeon! Immunity to all control effects? This meant no future restraints could bind him! Admiring the titles power, Bai Lian grinned. This was invaluable! Now, mental manipulators couldnt touch him! Its worth noting that some players specialize in psychic classes, capable of dominating others minds. Previously, Bai Lian lacked countermeasures. While his Dead World domain negated such threats, he hadnt faced such opponents yet. This title erased his sole weakness. He didnt equip it yetthe halved effect would reduce its uses to one, diminishing its impact. Next, he retrieved the dungeons final rewarda combat skillbook! Use! Bai Lian held the skillbook and activated it without hesitation. Combat skills significantly boost strength, like his prior Hand-to-Hand Mastery. Though his Dead Eye ability made close combat rare, it wasnt obsolete! Some dungeons might restrict class skills, forcing reliance on raw prowess. As they say, more skills mean more insurance! Mastery of All Weapons: Upon using this book, you gain proficiency with every weapon. Any weapon in your hands becomes lethal and effortless to wield! This skill was exceptional! But I dont own any weapons. Do I need to buy one? The thought soured his moodshop prices were astronomical. Basic weapons cost 50,000 Rule Points! Five times a skillbooks price! How do others afford this? Unless their weapons are dungeon rewards, not shop purchases. That made more sense. But Bai Lian had a better plan: take them. If I see a weapon I like, Ill just borrow it. No need to be politelike with the Hidden Seal! Satisfied, he swapped his title to Capitalist and opened the portal to the Trading Center for Professionals. A flash of white light later, he stood in his small shop. Set the repayment time to now. He adjusted the loan recall timing. Technically, waiting until borrowers neared death in dungeons would maximize returns, but Bai Lian couldnt wait. Fear of defaulters? Unlikelytheyd return eventually, with interest! A win-win. Bai Lian won twice. Meanwhile, in a dim, damp cave dungeon, two players tensely faced off, weapons drawn. The standoff shattered when one players knife and armor suddenly vanished! Staring at his empty hands, he panicked. Wheres my knife?! Wheres my armor?! Frantic, he checked his inventoryempty. Even his Rule Points were gone! What thewho stole my stuff?!!! Chapter 81: Train of the Century (1) This player lost everything! He had just entered the dungeon barely ten minutes ago. Now, all his items and Rule Points were gone. Only his shorts remained! What the hell?! He was utterly bewildered, as if everything had reset to his first day in the Mysterious World. Fortunately, he still had his class. Otherwise, fighting other players without gear would have meant certain death. But things werent so simple. Just as he tried to activate his class... An overwhelming force suddenly engulfed him! The next moment, his class abilities vanished, and a Class Change Book materialized before his stunned eyes. Before he could process it, the book too disappeared! He was left with absolutely nothing! Noooooo!!! A soul-rending scream echoed through the dungeon. Those who heard it pitied him; those who saw it fought back tears. Meanwhile... At the Class Exchange Trading Center... In the Conscience Store, Bai Lian smiled at the additional 100,000 Rule Points now in his account. Truthfully, factoring in the 9 out of 13 interest system, there should have been around 800 more points. But some professionals couldnt exchange enough items to cover the full debt. Even if he seized everything, a small fraction would remain unrecovered. But Bai Lian was easy to please. Ten thousand points were more than enough. Time to issue more loans. No harm done! The Conscience Store reopened. The first customer was a middle-aged man in an expensive silver protective suit, his face unshaven. Boss, I heard you sell Class Change Books here? he asked, his eyes immediately locking onto the shelf. Hearing he wasnt a loan seeker, Bai Lian slumped back into his chair, unimpressed. If you want to buy, look around yourself, he said indifferently. After diving into the lucrative loan business, Bai Lian now disdained petty trades like these mouse legs and fly feet. The man wasnt bothered by Bai Lians apathyit seemed normal for a high-tier player. Anyone stocking so many Class Change Books clearly wasnt ordinary. Soon, he selected twenty B-tier Class Change Books, paid 20,000 Rule Points at market price, and left. Not long after, a second customer arrived. Boss, I want a loan! said a sly-faced young man, rubbing his hands with a grin. Bai Lians demeanor flipped 180 degrees. How much? he asked cheerfully. Uh, firstwhats the repayment period? The youth hesitated. Do I need a contract or collateral? No deadline. Just repay within the year, Bai Lian replied warmly. We operate on trust! No contracts or collateral needed! Plus, weve issued many loans, and no one has complained. But what if borrowers die in a dungeon? The debt vanishes, right? The youth frowned. Loans werent new, but the risk was immense. Dead borrowers couldnt repay. All business has risks. Bai Lian shrugged. Want profit? Accept risk. If they die, thats their fate. I considered all this before opening. Otherwise, why bother? He sighed theatrically. Truthfully, Im not here for profit. The risks outweigh the gains! I just want to help fellow players. We all know the struggle of lacking Rule Points! The young man thumbed up. Respect, Boss. May your business thrive and debts repaid! Lets hope so! Bai Lian grinned, waving him off. The youth borrowed 20,000 Rule Points, promising repayment in months if he survived. Dont stress. Just stay alive out there! Bai Lian smiled brighter than ever. Customer after customer followed. The herd mentality took overseeing others gain, they wanted their share. In total, Bai Lian loaned 120,000 Rule Points. When repaid, thats 170,000... He smirked, watching players think theyd outsmarted him. Closing shop, he returned to his Player Space. If not for needing dungeon clears to unlock higher tiers, hed have stayed. But secrets never last. Smart players would expose his scheme eventually. Best to profit while he could! Back in his space, Bai Lian queued for a dungeon. Matching in progress... Match found. Waiting for players: 36/50. 50/50. Entering dungeon soon. Prepare! As the prompt ended, flames engulfed Bai Lians surroundingstiny embers swelling into an inferno! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Through the fire, a colossal train charged toward him! Rusted and roaring like thunder, it shook his eardrums. Dear passengers, welcome aboard the greatest trainTrain of the Century! Departing from City H, arriving at City J. Our crew is honored to serve you! Attendants will patrol periodically. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable journey! Approaching the longest tunnel. Please remain calm, close curtains, and do not look outside... Chapter 82: Train of the Century (2) The announcers voice gradually faded as the train moved forward. The Train of the Century resembled a wild steed galloping through flames, charging at a frenetic pace. The fire wasnt hotthe flames merely brushed the tips of Bai Lians hair, leaving him unharmed. Gradually, the color of the fire shifted from dark to light, splitting into smaller tongues that dwindled into faint sparks. As the sparks vanished, darkness engulfed everything. Bai Lian observed calmly. Suddenly, the distant trainnow reduced to a tiny black speckbegan pulling him inward, as though he were being sucked into it! Chaotic scenes flashed before his eyes. When everything stabilized, he found himself seated inside a train car. The rumble of the train, powerful and crisp, filled his ears. Bai Lian sat by the window, the curtains drawn tight, blocking all light. Clearly, he had already entered the dungeon. The Train of the Century... Bai Lian muttered softly, lifting his gaze to survey the car. At first glance, the atmosphere felt ancient, weathered by time. The car appeared both old and worn: the walls paint had faded, leaving behind stains and peeling patches. The dim lighting plunged the space into semi-darkness, amplifying its eerie, sinister aura. This car lived up to its title as the largest train of the century: the interior was alarmingly spacious. From what Bai Lian could see, there were hundreds of seats. But not all were occupied. Observing the passengers, Bai Lian frowned slightly. Something felt off: their clothing wasnt just outdatedit belonged to entirely different eras. Some even wore ancient attire, as though they hailed from disparate timelines. Their expressions were equally peculiar. Some stared blankly at fixed points, while others watched fellow passengers with hollow eyes. Bai Lian scanned for other players but found none. It seemed he was the only one in the car. If so, this train was far larger than hed imaginedlikely spanning over fifty cars! Averting his gaze, Bai Lian ceased his observations. Zzzzt! A crackle of electricity sounded from the front of the train, followed by the same broadcast voice hed heard upon entering the dungeon. Bai Lian listened closely. Dear passengers, good day. Please adhere to the following rules during your journey. Failure to comply will result in consequences at your own risk. 1. This train consists of 55 cars divided by function: standard cars, entertainment cars, childrens cars, sleeper cars, lounge cars, livestock cars, cargo cars, staff cars... and so on. With the exception of passengers, items from other cars will not appear in this one. 2. Standard cars have only one aisle, accessible solely to passengers. If you encounter two aisles or witness children or cargo from other cars, immediately exit and inform the conductor. 3. The entertainment car contains no attractions related to trains. Please remain vigilant. 4. The vending machines in the childrens car no longer sell food. 5. No music will play in the sleeper car. If you hear music, cover your ears at once. You may retrieve the source of the music but must surrender it to the conductor within 24 hours and ensure proper disposal! 6. The lounge car has no mirrors. If you see a mirror, shatter it and thoroughly clean the debris. 7. The livestock car transports only herbivores, which never leave their cages. If you spot an animal outside its cage, maintain your expression and treat it as invisible. Once it leaves your sight, immediately summon the conductor. 8. The cargo car contains no animals, conductors, or children. If you encounter any, close your eyes and avoid interaction until they depart. 9. Conductors on this train wear only blue uniforms. If you see a conductor in black, do not engage, regardless of their instructions. 10. Memorize the number of every car you pass through, especially the conductors car and your assigned seat. When moving between cars, pay close attention to the numbering. Each car connects only to sequentially numbered cars. Adherence to these rules will ensure an ideal journey. We wish you a pleasant trip! The broadcast ended, and silence reclaimed the car. Bai Lian narrowed his eyes. Ten lengthy rules, but for his genetically enhanced mind, memorization posed no challenge. As expected, this dungeon was extraordinarily vast55 cars divided into specialized zones. Such scale hinted at formidable difficulty. Most crucially, the victory conditions remained unclear: mere survival, or something more? A new notification interrupted his thoughts. Skill Extraction Complete! Doubt: You may cast doubt on opponents and seize items or abilities that defy logic! A random skill had arrived! Doubt? Bai Lians eyes widened, his face flickering with intrigue. This resembles Hand It Over! but seems even stronger! Now he could confiscate abilities deemed illogical. Could he claim them for himself, or merely nullify them? Regardless, the skills potency would greatly aid his dungeon traversal. Rising from his seat, Bai Lian abandoned passivity. With this skillthough caution remained vitalhe needed to uncover the dungeons objectives. Clues or fellow players might hold the answers. Seat F66, Car 15... Bai Lian noted his seat and car number before advancing toward the next car. Above the passage, an LED panel scrolled text: This passage leads to Car 16. Transit time: 30 minutes. Remaining: 19 minutes 27 seconds... Bai Lian traversed the lengthy corridor, reaching the junction between cars. Suddenly, he halted, gaze fixed on the floor. A crumpled white note lay there, scrawled with tiny red symbols... Chapter 83: Train of the Century (3) The note was palm-sized, crumpled, with crooked writing as if scribbled by a trembling hand. Bai Lian bent to pick it up and began reading each word carefully. Dont sleep in the lounge cars. If youre exhausted, take a short nap, but dont fall into deep sleepyou wont hear the music when it starts!!! So thirsty... need water... the childrens car has none. The vending machine is off. I want to turn it on... My car is #15. Yes, I remember! My car should be #15! If a conductor in black speaks to you, DO NOT respond or react!!! You can carry the music box. When it starts following you, play the musicitll save your life. But no!!! When passing through corridors, ignore the numbers. Just return to your original car before the number changes... This isnt the train to City J. I want off! I want off!! No, the train is still moving. I must return to Car 15, sit in my seat, and wait for it to stop! I must return to my seat... I want to leave... yes, I want to leave! As Bai Lian read the scribbles, his expression grew grave. The note contained substantial information, including rulessome conflicting with the broadcast. For example, regarding the music box: the announcement stated it must be surrendered to a conductor within 24 hours, but the note claimed carrying it could counter it. What was it? A hidden threat? Additionally, the note advised ignoring car numbers when moving between them, contradicting the broadcasts emphasis on sequential numbering. Most perplexing was the writers indecisiondesperation to escape versus clinging to their seat. Bai Lian rubbed his temples, organizing his thoughts. For now, following the broadcast rules is safer. The notes claims need verification... As he tucked the note away and turned toward Car 16, a glass-like dome suddenly encased him! Tap... tap... tap. Light footsteps echoed. Bai Lian turned to see a man emerge from the shadowsleather jacket, black armor, spiked hair, a scar over his left eye, and a crimson mole at his lips corner. Triangular talismans flickered in his hands. The man smirked, radiating smugness. I planned to wait until you left, but lucks on your sidefinding a clue without even exiting the car. He halted his talisman-throwing and adjusted his hair. Hand it over. Were both players. You know the stakes. Bai Lian hadnt noticed the man earliereither hidden by stealth talismans or beneath a seat. His methods were refined, far beyond average players. Bai Lian eyed the glass dome. What is this? You dont know Restriction Talismans? The man arched a brow, incredulous. Such tools were basic for seasoned players. Ah, Restriction Talismans. Got it. Bai Lian nodded. One of his titles allowed him to bypass restraints. He activated it. To the mans shock, Bai Lian phased through the dome as if it were mist. You! The man gaped but swiftly tore another talisman. A new dome trapped Bai Lian. Smirking, he brandished a curved knife. Think youll escape again? Ive got talismans to spare. He lunged Wait! Bai Lian frowned. Why do you have Restriction Talismans and I dont? Absurd! The man paused, baffled. What? And youve got a weapon while Im empty-handed? Ridiculous! The man glanced at his knife, then at Bai Lians bare hands. So? Im smart. Youre not. Wheres the absurdity? He raised the blade And froze. The knife vanished. Chapter 84: Train of the Century (4) Wheres my knife?! What the hell! Just a second ago, the knife had been in his hands, but now it was gone! The man stared at his empty palms, confusion etched across his face. Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of Bai Lianstill restrainedholding a curved blade. Squinting, he realized it was his knife! But that wasnt allBai Lians hands also clutched three Restriction Seals! Impossible... Panic surged through the man. A terrible premonition gripped him as he frantically checked his inventory. Just as he feared: the three Restriction Seals were missing! You... you...!! He whirled toward Bai Lian, his face twisted with disbelief. How? The knife had been in his grip, and Bai Lian was trapped inside a glass cell. How had he stolen it? Even if the knife could be snatched somehow, the Restriction Seals had been in his player inventory! How had Bai Lian accessed it? This defied all logic! The knife isnt an issue, and the Restriction Seals are manageable too! Bai Lian inspected the items with satisfaction before locking eyes with the man. Wh-what are you planning?! The man tensed under Bai Lians eerie gaze. Planning? Bai Lian smirked, stowing the knife and seals into his own inventory. Seems like youve hoarded too many Rule Points. Dont you think thats excessive? No!! The mans pupils constricted as he checked his Rule Points balance Rule Points: 0. Gone. My Rule Points!! he screamed, eyes bloodshot. Give them back! Return my items!! Rule Points were a players lifeline! Not to mention the itemseach one had cost him blood and sweat to acquire! And now, in a single night, everything had vanished. In Bai Lians livestream chat: LMAO, this guy was so cocky earlier! Serves him right! Bro really thought he could outscheme Bai Shen? Delusional. What even is Bai Shens skill? Its like that Crimson Night raid all over again! Y-you... have no shame?! The man collapsed to his knees, voice breaking. Bai Lian paused his looting, feigned solemnity, and said, Apologies for my... haste. The chat erupted: BAI SHEN APOLOGIZED?! The suns rising from the west today! Dont fall for ithes 100% trolling! The man stared blankly, rage simmering beneath his despair. He opened his mouth to demand justice Ive apologized, Bai Lian cut in, smile fading. Now its your turn to say no hard feelings. Say. It. A violet beam erupted from Bai Lians eyes, shattering the mans defenses. He stepped forward, looming over the broken player. A high-quality player, Bai Lian said coldly, knows to accept apologies gracefully. The man shuddered. At this moment, hed give anything to escape this dungeonand never cross paths with this demon again. Chapter 85: Train of the Century (5) Ha-ha-ha, laughing so hard I almost pissed myself! Bai Shen, have you listened to the nonsense youre spouting? My face is twisted from laughter! Brilliantthe perpetrators already forgiven the victim! Bai Shen: Ive already apologized. You have to say its fine. Thats the rule. Dont be so arrogant! Exactly! If you say its fine, everythings settled. But look how you ruined it! You even emptied his backpack! Bai Shen, youre taking things too far... ... You... The man stared at Bai Lian, his face pale, Adams apple bobbing. A flicker of hope flashed in his terrified eyes. Im telling you, Im a member of the Professionals Association! If you kill me, the Association will hunt you down! He clung to this lifeline, his expression brightening. When players clashed over loot, it usually ended in bloodshed. But if you had a powerful faction backing you, even a weakling could escape deathat least temporarily. Large factions held terrifying influence. Kill one of their members, and others would pursue you relentlessly. No one knew how they tracked perpetratorssome speculated they used special artifacts to glimpse a members final moments. But Bai Lian didnt react. Professionals Association? Not even Grandma Liang Zhichao could save you now. The mans eyes widened in panic! Bai Lian lowered his raised foot. The mans hope surgedmaybe this stone-hearted killer had a soft spot? Then he saw the violet eye. ... Sizzle! An Annihilation Beam pierced his skull, erasing his two remaining lives. Pity. That profession... Bai Lian sighed, staring at the corpse. Hed tested this before: stolen skills couldnt be converted into Class Transfer Books. A true shame. As he turned to leave Car 15, he froze. The passengersliving corpses with hollow eyeswere all watching him. Under the dim lights, their gaunt faces and black-curtained windows fused into a sinister tableau. Crack! Bai Lians Dead Eye obliterated a nearby passengers head. The others snapped back to their lifeless state. Much better. Smiling, he moved toward the inter-car door. Car 16 was pitch-black, his enhanced vision limited to four meters. Unnatural darkness. A cobblestone path emerged, flanked by vines and strange trees. The sound of trickling water echoed. What kind of carriage was this? Click. His footsteps shattered the silence. A skeletal figure leaned against a tree ahead. Female, wearing intact jeans and a T-shirtdead only a few years. Bai Lian spotted a bulge in her pelvis. Reaching in, he retrieved a crumpled, stained paper. A rustlethe paper vanished! A woman in black combat gear stood before him, peach-blossom eyes gleaming. She waved the note. Thanks! Chapter 86: Train of the Century (6) A violet beam pierced through from behind, tearing her head apart. Bai Lian emerged from the shadows, approached his true form as the Shadow Sovereign, glanced at the headless corpse on the ground, and smirked: You thanked me too soon. Such arrogance! Do you think youre some fairy who can take everything? As the Shadow Sovereigns true form vanished, Bai Lian picked up the note that had fallen to the ground. Suddenly, he froze, slapped his forehead, and muttered in frustration: Dammit, I forgot to loot everything. That guys backpack probably had more items. Hed been so focused on retrieving the note that hed acted too hastily. Regret gnawed at him. But not all was lost. These gloves arent bad! Bai Lian examined the pair hed stripped from the corpse. They were black, made not of leather but some unknown material. He tugged at themsurprisingly durable, with decent protective qualities. Slipping them on, they fit perfectly, as if tailored for him. Stream Chat Reactions Starting the game with just a moutheverything else you have to scavenge! So brutal! What did this girl do to offend Bai Lian? Did she slap his ancestors grave? Unbelievable! He was way gentler with Mo Lu and Winnie in previous dungeons. A true harem protagonist! Theory: Mo Lu was key to clearing her dungeon, Winni was unkillable, but Jian Ran... shes just an employee, right? Pretty but dumb. Instead of fleeing with loot, she stayed to monologue. Did she really think shed win? Lets be honestwithout Bai Lian, shed have been a powerhouse. Look at her speed! Not your average newbie. Just unlucky to cross paths with Bai Shen. A classic case of wrong place, wrong time. Clapping his hands, Bai Lian read the note. The handwriting was messy but legible: Been trapped here a full day. No one comes. No sounds. Going madwheres the exit? Day two. Still stuck. Hear water but cant find it. So thirsty! Nighttime now. Strange noises. Senchhi keeps moving, but no one enters this carriage. Trapped... Dont trust intuitionadvice from a senior conductor. What does it mean? Feels like the key to escaping! Liars! All liars!!! No exit! NO!!! Its here. Watching me. Hear its sounds. Ill die soon. Li... The text ended abruptly, as if the writer had been interrupted mid-sentence. Useless fragments! Bai Lian cursed, gulping water from a bottle. The notes mention of thirst made him parched. Waitsomething felt off. Both notes highlighted thirst and missing water. One carriage without water was odd, but two? And this area resembled a park with flowing streams, yet the note claimed none existed. Was water the key? He drank again, pondering. Water cost 1 Rule Point per bottletrivial for him. Players shouldnt need to drink... Players and anomalies were both beings detached from the living world. They could only die by anothers hand or breaking dungeon rules. Starvation or dehydration? Impossible. So why the emphasis on water? Unless new rules enforced it. The notes only useful clue: the writer had been trapped here. Trapped. Bai Lian abruptly turned back, retracing his steps. After kicking the corpse toward nearby trees, he marched onwardbut the scenery repeated endlessly. Dozens of meters walked, yet Carriage 15s entrance remained unseen. Trees flanked the stone path, stretching into infinity. He halted. Clearly, hed entered a trap, just like the note described. Dont trust intuition... If the clue was true, every action must defy instinct. His gut said retreat, so he pressed forward instead. Rustle A sound behind him. Bai Lian spun around. A shadowsmall, animal-likedarted away. He gave chase, but logic warred with the clue: Dont trust intuition. If his instinct was to pursue, the correct move was to flee the opposite way. This is insane! he muttered, sprinting toward the creature. The thing ahead bolted faster, as if terrified. Chapter 87: Train of the Century (7) It all happened too quickly. The shadow slithered forward like a snake. Even at Bai Shens full sprinting speed, he still couldnt close the distance. Im running full throttle, yet you still slip away. This isnt normal! Bai Shen said, glaring at the shadow with blatant distrust. The moment he finished speaking, the shadow froze. Only now did Bai Lian finally see its true form. It had a human head, but below the neck coiled a serpentine body. Its features were distorted, and criticallyit possessed only one eye! The creature writhed in place, its body locked in struggle. Desperation radiated from its attempts to crawl forward, but its limbs refused to obey. Suddenly, it heard footsteps and stilled. Its blood-blackened eye swiveled toward Bai Lian. Though motionless, Bai Lian sensed emotion in its gaze. Its tail quivered faintlya detail only someone observant would catch. Are you scared? Bai Lian looked down at it, flexed his foot, and remarked coolly: Tell me. Why were you running? Should I have just waited to die? The creature trembled harder, its tail shaking violently as fear pooled in its eye. When impatience flickered across Bai Lians face, it finally stammered: You... hisss~ ...I... cant win hisss~ Bai Lian crossed his arms. Watching the fork-tongued creature struggle to articulate, he pieced together its meaning. Cant wina reasonable explanation. Now answer my questions. Hisss~ Okay! Thwack! A sharp slap struck its face. The creature stared in bewilderment, unsure what it had done wrong. I said: I ask, you answer, Bai Lian dusted off his hand, his gaze cold and detacheda killers stare. The creature shuddered. It considered nodding but froze, terrified of provoking another blow. Fzzzt! A violet annihilation beam vaporized part of its tail. Creature: ... Didnt you promise not to hit me? Just kill me, the creature suddenly hissed, wrinkles forming around its eye. This time, its tongue stayed tucked, words clipped and clear. Bai Lian tilted his head: Give me a reason. My instincts say you lack honor. Even if I answer, youll kill me anyway. Better a quick death than being your plaything. Bai Lian raised an eyebrow. He hadnt expected this anomaly to be so lucidor to see through his intent. No, I wont kill you, he said, lips quirking faintly as he studied the creature. Dont believe you, it retorted. Fzzzt! Another annihilation beam sheared off more of its tail. Post-impact, it nodded fervently: I believe! Youre clearly differenta man of your word! People like you keep promises! There. Shouldve said that earlier and spared the pain. Some creatures just need... encouragement. Bai Lian ignored its groveling and cut to the chase: How do we escape this train car? Walk forward. Half an hour, and youre out, it replied swiftly. Walk forward? But the note mentioned someone trapped for days. If the creature spoke truth, why hadnt they escaped? Bai Lian narrowed his eyes, voice icing over: Lying to me? The creature shook its head frantically: Not lying! Forward will get you out! Then you walk. Ill follow, Bai Lian ordered. Cant. Rules bind me here. Follow me, and youll loop forever, it blurted. Thwack! Another slap. Bai Lian glared: You claim honesty? If youre trapped, how do you know the exit? The creatures eye darted wildly before it whispered, trembling: Hiss... I am trapped! But walking forward does work! Truth! After repeated beatings, the creatures sanity unravels. Its near tears. Whos the real monster here?! Since when do anomalies get bullied like this? Bai Shen: You decide if Im the anomaly. Wrong glance? Instant slap. Even anomalies have limits! Maybe its telling the truth. Facing death, lies fade. This cars endless. Half an hour to exit? Unlikely... ... Do you know the clearance conditions? Bai Lian finally asked, deciding to test its claim. The creature seemed clever yet cowardlylow odds of lying. But deception wasnt impossible. No clue. Knew them, Id be gone, it answered honestly. Fine. Bai Lian turned to leave. More clues lay in other cars. The creature watched him go, relieved. Never thought Id meet someone... honorable, it muttered, touched. Though the slaps stung and its tail was goneregeneration would take agessurvival mattered. It vowed to strategize better next time, avoiding psychos like him. As it slithered away, relief turned to horror. Fzzzt! A violet beam exploded its skull from behind. The body disintegrated mid-crawl toward freedom. Bai Lian walked on, his shadowthe Dungeon Shadow Sovereignmerging seamlessly with his form. Bai Shen honors his word! He said he wouldnt kill it! Bai Shen: My shadow did that. Not me. Perfect logic. Shadows dishonor =? Bai Shens. Creature: Shouldve slept with one eye open. Or none. Chapter 88: Train of the Century (8) This strange thing truly didnt lie. Half an hour later, Bai Lian successfully exited the forest and, seeing the passage to the next train car ahead, glanced back at the dark woods behind him. Every tree was twisted in an absurdly eerie manner, radiating a sinister atmosphere. Averting his gaze, Bai Lian ignored the car and headed to the next one. He was in Car 16, and according to the rules, he could only move to Car 15 or 17. The screen displayed that the passage connected to Car 28, with a transition time of 5 minutes. Bai Lian stood still and waited. Five minutes passed, and Car 28 shifted to Car 19. Suddenly, he realized a critical point. 55 cars, and they only shift every half hour? What if they loop? How long would that take? Wait until dawn? Bai Lian slapped his forehead, annoyed at wasting those 5 minutes. This is unbearable! Why not make every two cars switch normally? No pointless shufflinghow else are we supposed to get through this train? As he finished speaking, his gaze froze: Wait, the cars can change too? Something wasnt right... Doubt: You can express skepticism and seize items or abilities from opponents that seem absurd! The term opponent referred to any opposing entityplayers, anomalies, etc.but not inanimate objects like the trees Bai Lian couldnt target. Yet now, he distinctly felt he could impose order on this chaotic car! Why? A vague suspicion flickered in his mind, unsettling him. Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought. Skill activated! Boom! The car lurched, and Car 19 vanished, replaced by Car 17. Much faster. Bai Lian nodded approvingly at the updated screen. Current car: 16. Next: 17. Transition duration: +. Pushing open the passage door, Bai Lian stepped into Car 17. Blinding light forced him to squint. Before him lay what resembled a supermarket entrance, with towering shelves stocked with goods. Unlike the despair-ridden darkness of Car 16, Car 17 felt safe and abundant. Three figures stood inside: two in plain sight, one lurking behind a shelf, weapon in hand. Only Bai Lians enhanced senses detected the hidden one. The visible paira man in a tactical vest wielding a meteor hammer and a short-haired woman (rated 70/100 in Bai Lians book)snapped their weapons toward him, eyes wary. Bai Lian approached calmly. The man lowered his hammer, relieved. Damn, thought you were an anomaly. Names Qi An. He extended a hand. Bai Lian. He shook it, then glanced at the woman and the hidden figure. You together? Qi An followed his gaze and paled. Shit! An old mans hiding there?! The lurker, realizing hed been exposed, emergeda silver-armored youth with a sly grin. Wait! I got here first! Just grabbing supplies! he claimed, edging toward the exit. Kill him! Qi An barked, hefting his hammer. The youths form dissolved into shadow, darting past them and vanishing down the corridor. Tch. Speed items. Qi An shrugged, turning to the shelves. Forget him. Lets loot. The woman moved toward another aisle. Bai Lian trailed Qi An, eyes sharp. Chapter 89: Train of the Century (9) This car, resembling a shopping mall, was remarkably spacious, akin to a large supermarket. The shelves were stocked with a variety of goods and supplies to suit every taste. Logically, in such a vast space, three people could easily split up to search for supplies separately. However, when Qi An, after clearing an entire shelf, noticed Bai Lian following him, it raised his suspicions. If that were all, he might have ignored it, but Bai Lians gaze was... unsettling. Qi An grabbed a bag of chips, hesitated, then asked: Hey, do you have some kind of problem or something? Damn, youre a grown man. Why are you staring at my back so intently? Qi An felt his stomach clench with unease. Was this guy... into him? A problem? Bai Lian tilted his head. What do you mean? Could you stop following me? Youre making me nervous! Qi An blurted, anxiety creeping into his voice. Bai Lians lips curled faintly: Im just curiouswhats your goal here? The cryptic question froze Qi An mid-step. What? What goal? That woman and the guy who ran off earlierare they illusions you created? Or... puppets? Bai Lian mused, scratching his chin. From the moment hed entered the car, hed noticed something off. Aside from Qi An himself, the other two players werent real people. His skill hadnt triggered when observing them! Bai Lian had tried to loot them earlier but realized they didnt even have backpacks. Qi Ans expression hardened, wariness flashing in his eyes: You figured it out? Impossible! The dolls energy signatures are identical to players! Even that one used my itemyou shouldnt have noticed! He couldnt comprehend how his flawless deception had been unraveled so quickly. As a Second-tier Transfigurer whod cleared hundreds of dungeons, he dominated D-rank instances. His puppet trick had fooled dozens of playersyet this newcomer saw through it instantly? Absurd! Why would I explain? Bai Lian shook his head, done with chatter. What use is knowledge to someone about to die? Will it help you resurrect and slap yourself in the face? Dont make me laugh. That only happens in stories. Hmph, I admit I underestimated you, Qi An sneered, a meteor hammer materializing in his hands as he swung it menacingly, but do you really think dealing with a puppet means you can defeat me? Do you even know who youre dealing with?! Im a Second-tier professional! In a D-class dungeon, no one outpowers me. My tools are S-rankwhat can you possibly counter with?! Before you die, Ill grant a last request. Speak! Even final wordsIll deliver them to your friends. Bai Lian crossed his arms, watching the theatrics. Qi Ans bravado wavered: Well? No last words? Once you say something, Ill fulfill Whoosh! Before he finished, the hammer flew from his grip. Spinning sharply, Qi An bolted like a startled hare! Mimicking the young man from earlier, he dissolved into a shadowy streak, darting down the corridor Bai Lian had entered through. Damn it! Why wont he bite? Getting words out of him is harder than cracking walnuts! Qi An cursed internally while running. Everything since entering this D-class dungeon had been calculatedeven his chatter was meant to slow Bai Lians reactions. Talking made people hesitate, creating escape windows! Why run? Isnt it obvious?! The moment Bai Lian saw through the ambush puppetten times Qi Ans strengthstaying meant suicide! Ah! What the?! His legs buckled suddenly, sending him crashing face-first. Who tripped me?! Qi An pushed up, swearing, but found nothing around. Then came realizationthere was good and bad news. Good news: No one had stopped him. Bai Lian hadnt caught up. Bad news: He had no legs. WHERE ARE MY LEGS?!! He stared in horror at his empty pant legs. Lifting the fabric revealed... nothing. The legs that had carried him moments ago were gone! Tap. Tap. Tap. Footsteps approached. Qi An looked up to see Bai Lian strolling over, that infuriating half-smile still in place. What did you do to me?! Bai Lian tilted his head. You were quite the sprinter earlier. Cant take a few steps now? Qi An: ... If he could, hed curse this bastard to the seventh generation. But survival came first. Forcing a grin, Qi An rasped: Look, I messed up lying to you. My fault, brother. I havent actually harmed you, right? Now Ive lost my legscan you spare my life? Dont worry, Im not asking for them back. Just let me live! When Bai Lian stayed silent, Qi An added hastily: Ive got items! Ill give you Bonus Points! Trade for my life? Facing death, possessions meant nothing. Items could be rebought, points re-earned. But dead men kept neither. Fine. Bai Lian smiled. Offer something worthwhile, and Ill let you go. Relief flooded Qi An. Trusting the promiseplayers rarely broke such dealshe blurted: Ill get it now! He yanked open his backpack... and froze. It was empty. Like his legless pants. Where... Where are my things? My items? My supplies?! Frantic, Qi An reopened his inventory repeatedly. Nothing. Void. Cant find them? Bai Lians smile widened. Chapter 90: Train of the Century (10) Qi An was slightly stunned. But then he regained his composure and realized that while he had no items left, he still had the Rules! This was a small but crucial advantage in this predicament. Fortunately, Rules cant be stolen, right? Qi An hurriedly opened his menu and checked his Rule Points. Luckily, his Rule Points were still intact. Otherwise, hed have truly doubted his chances of survival. Wuuu... brother, I was wrong. Can we...? Qi An trembled in fear, tears involuntarily streaming down his face. Seems like you cant produce them. Bai Lian shook his head with a helpless expression. I wanted to give you a chance, but you didnt take it! Shhhk! Splat! A perfectly good head exploded like a watermelon, red and white splattering across the floor. How pitiful. Aside from this item, nothing valuable. Only 10,000 Rule Points. A small black object resembling a car key appeared in Bai Lians hand, a button on its surface. This was the item Qi An had used to escape earlier an S-class tool. Pressing the button boosted speed fivefold, though only for a few minutes. Enough to escape danger... unless facing Bai Lian. Though the loot was meager, it was better than nothing. Besides the key, Bai Lians interest was piqued by two mannequin dolls. One depicted a young man with parted hair, the other a short-haired girl. They had limited uses left clearly, Qi An had relied on these dolls for dungeon navigation. I think I received a doll as a reward once too? Bai Lian suddenly recalled a past dungeon clear. Back then, hed been too busy to even inspect it properly. Well, rewards piled up faster than he could manage. These dolls only mimic a players breathing. No combat power just good for fooling the naive. Bai Lian glanced at the item descriptions and sighed. Less useful than his Shadow Sovereigns true form. The kind of loot thats not worth keeping, but a waste to discard. Hed hold onto them for now. After clearing the dungeon, hed auction them off. Someone would bite. After collecting all items, Bai Lian began ransacking the supermarket. With unlimited inventory space, leaving anything behind would be idiotic. He lived by take everything you can even these mundane supplies had to be worth a few Rule Points. All in all, the supermarkets materials totaled a few hundred thousand Rule Points in value. While only usable personally, saving money was still saving money. Beyond materials, Bai Lian found no useful clues in the carriage. Half an hour later, hed stripped the carriage bare. Approaching the passageway, Bai Lian activated his ability, scrambling the carriages interior. He didnt restore it to normal doing so mightve helped other players progress faster. Such charity might fly in the real world, but in the Mysterious World? Better not! The only charity Bai Lian ever offered was helping others through loans. Stepping into the corridor, he opened the door and entered Car 19. Listen, Im telling you, yesterday... Sweetie, stop running! Sit and eat! Whose child is this? Watch them, dont let them wander off! ... The moment Bai Lian entered, laughter flooded his ears. Before him sprawled a grand dining car. Well-dressed passengers chatted amiably, their expressions perfectly normal no trace of Anomalies. This carriage felt utterly ordinary. As Bai Lian stepped inside, a few glances turned his way but soon shifted back to conversations. The air smelled of food. Warmth drifted from ceiling vents, wrapping the space in cozy comfort. Yet Bai Lians intuition screamed: This place isnt normal. The atmosphere was too starkly different from the previous carriage. Good day, sir. Welcome to Century Restaurant. What would you like to order? A melodic voice interrupted his thoughts. Turning, Bai Lian saw a blue-uniformed attendant smiling at him. Her waterfall of dark hair cascaded over shoulders, skin porcelain-pale with a rosy tint. Deep eyes beneath long lashes seemed to pull one into their gaze. Her lips curved in a gentle smile, warm as spring sunlight. Judging by prior intel, this was likely a train conductor NPCs crucial for dungeon progression. Their assistance often proved vital for mission success. Considering this, Bai Shen smiled slightly and nodded. Ill have coffee. Do you serve coffee here? We do, sir. Please take a seat. Itll be ready shortly, the girl replied warmly. Bai Shen nodded, finding a two-seat table in the corner and sitting to observe the crowd. Moments later, the girl returned with two coffee cups. Sir, your coffee. Bai Shen eyed the twin cups curiously. Running a promotion? Buy one, get one free? The girl midway to sitting opposite him paused awkwardly. Um... sure. But are you certain you can drink both? The hint couldnt be clearer. Dont worry. Ill manage both. Bai Shen smiled, pulling the cups closer and sipping from the one nearest the girl. It tasted nothing like Butler Davids brew. Missing that jasmine aroma... Bai Shen grimaced slightly. You might want to adjust your brewing method. The flavors... unique. The girl flushed, forcing a smile. Thats... my personal blend. Bai Shen feigned surprise, rubbing his nose to hide a lie. Actually, it grows on you. Flat at first, but the aftertaste blooms. Mmm... Silence. Bai Shen swiftly changed subjects or rather, cut to the chase: Why havent you left yet? Ahahaha! Master of conversation! Conductor girl sits across him, and he asks why shes still here?! Bai Shen the ultimate conversation ender! Im a passenger drinking coffee. Youre staff. Why are you sitting? Bai Shen logic! This is art. Singles, take notes! See? He makes it look effortless! The girl: ... Arent you curious why Im sitting here? she asked incredulously, her expression screaming this is absurd. Chapter 91: Train of the Century (11) Bai Liang nodded: Alright, speak. The girl took a deep breath, calming the emotions stirred by Bai Liangs actions. The corners of her lips curled into a faint smile as she extended her slender hand: Let me introduce myself. My name is Yu Wen, a conductor on the Train of the Century! Bai Liang. Just a regular passenger, Bai Liang replied, shaking her hand. As their hands met and Bai Liang began to pull back, Yu Wen suddenly tugged his palm lightly with her finger. Her slightly parted lips, mysterious smile, and gaze... Youre so... Bai Liang nearly blurted out. Fortunately, his iron will clamped down, swallowing the words as he coughed lightly: Ahem... So, what did you want? No rush. We have time. Some things cant be hurried even if you try, Yu Wen said, her expression neutral again. Or rather, shed always been neutralit was Bai Liang whod let his thoughts wander. Not that hed admit ita gentlemans mind stays pure. Yu Wen picked up a coffee cup from the table, took a small sip, then suddenly glanced at the cup: Why do I smell jasmine? Seeing her suspicious look, Bai Liang rubbed his lips, leaned over, and sniffed: Really? Maybe I forgot to brush my teeth? Damn! Yu Wen nearly poured the coffee over his head right then. Maybe even dislocate his jaw to retrieve what shed just drunk. She genuinely wanted to crack open his skull to see what kind of brain could produce such disgusting remarks. Her urge to converse vanished instantly. Expressionless, she pushed the cup toward Bai Liang. You mustve been born during heavy rainfall, werent you? Bai Liang looked surprised: Howd you know? Can you read fortunes? No. I just noticed your mouth seems perpetually flooded with mudslides, Yu Wen pursed her lips, her words measured. Bai Liang appeared oblivious to the subtext, smiling as he nodded: Thanks for the compliment. My teachers often praised me as a child too. Was that actually praise? Yu Wen doubted. Of course. What did they say? Bai Liang sipped his coffeeno jasmine, but a hint of rose instead. After wetting his throat, he answered leisurely: Theyd say, Some students in our class always stir trouble. A few even submit assignments so shameful they make me blush! Some arrive late dailyyou know who you are. I hope certain troublemakers grow more self-aware. Dont let one rat dropping spoil the whole stew. Yu Wen massaged her temples, then looked up at him: So are you the rat dropping or the troublemaker? Dont be ridiculous! How could I be either? Bai Liang spread his hands innocently. Then what are you? Bai Liang answered solemnly: The one whos worse. ... Yu Wen fell silent. Of course. Neither troublemaker nor rat dropping could compare. You call this praise? Lets discuss something serious, Yu Wen said, abandoning further debate. In her two and a half years as conductor, shed never met anyone like him. If Im right, this is your first time on this train? And youre not even a real passenger? she asked. Bai Liang nodded: Yes... We couldve skipped the small talk. I was trying to be friendly... Yu Wen considered knocking some sense into him but restrained herself: Do you know why its called the Train of the Century? How would I know? I didnt name it, Bai Liang rolled his eyes. Yu Wen smiled and handed him the coffee cup, holding it to his lips: Here, drink. Are you spouting nonsense again? No. I just need you to shut your mouth before I lose control. Yu Wen sighed deeply, eyeing him with despair. Bai Liang slowly raised the coffee cup, shielding it from her murderous gaze: Fine, speak. Ill stay quiet. Regaining composure, Yu Wen continued: Its called the Train of the Century not for its size, but because its traveled this route for a hundred years. A hundred years! Most dont live that long. People age and die, yet it keeps running. Think of all the memories and longing it carries. But time stops for no one. Eventually, even this train will retire. Seems like a sad tale... Bai Liang nodded along. A trains just a train. If it runs too long, replace it. So you dont want it decommissioned? he guessed. Yu Wen shook her head: No. Ive worked here two and a half years. The pays too lowIve wanted to quit forever. How practical... Bai Liang studied her. So everything you said earlier was meaningless? Of course not! Yu Wen smiled faintly: I was explaining why this train exists here. Understood? Understood? You mysterious dungeon dwellers... Bai Liang pondered. You mean the train wasnt originally here? Something brought it? Yu Wen snapped her fingers: Not as dumb as you look. The Train of the Century appeared here because of the thick fog. When we entered it, we seemed to cross into another world. The train kept moving but never stopped. This continued for years until three years ago, when I noticed new faces boarding. These people would complete tasks and vanish strangely. They retain memories... Bai Liang realizedNPCs and anomalies here remember past cycles despite dungeon resets. Rules force them to repeat, but their consciousness remains. Youre one of them, arent you? I want to ask: do you come from reality? Yu Wens eyes glinted as she asked. No, not your reality. Yours isnt mine. We dont have trains this big... Bai Liang nodded without denying. Yu Wen clearly knew crucial information. She wanted to escape, hence seeking cooperation. He couldnt reveal the truth. Good! Yu Wen stood excitedly: I want to work with you! Sorry, not interested. Her smile froze: Why? We could both win. Because I can clear this dungeon alone. Why partner with you? Bai Liang leaned back, smiling: What can you offer me? Chapter 92: Train of the Century (12) Profit? Yu Wen felt a long-forgotten sense of suffocation. Staring at Bai Lian with disbelief, she exclaimed: Profit? Im offering to help you, and Im supposed to provide you with benefits? What? Had exploitation become this blatant? Helping someone only to pay them? What capitalist logic was this? Why else? Bai Lian rested his cheek on his palm, smiling faintly. You didnt actually think I was joking, did you? Like I said, I can clear this dungeon without your help. So if theres no benefit, why would I cooperate with you? Yu Wen paused, then suddenly hiked up her pant leg just enough for Bai Lian to see. Biting her red lips, she whispered: I know you might not want to work with me... but what if I wore black lace? Bai Lians eyes narrowed slightly before he stood abruptly: Then you can drop the might not. Wait... Oh, so this is what youre like, Bai Shen! Ill never predict Bai Lians next shocking line. ((?????|||)) What kind of environment breeds someone like Bai Shen?! Bai Lian, youre like a worm in my stomachreading my mind with half a word! Friendly reminder: The kiddie train has departed! Doors are sealedno exits! Yu Wen flushed crimson, glancing around nervously: There are... so many people here. Isnt this a bit inappropriate? No worries. I enjoy explosive revelations, Bai Lian replied with a sly grin. Yu Wen twitched her lips, face returning to its usual composure: Forget it. I lack your shamelessness. Lets go. Ill take you to find clues. Bai Lian shrugged indifferentlyafter all, he hadnt derailed the conversation. Yu Wen stood and beckoned him toward the end of the carriage. Reaching the connecting passage, she suddenly slapped her forehead: Almost forgot! Wait hereI need to grab something. She hurried into the dining car and returned with a blue backpack. Whats in there? Bai Lian asked, eyeing the faint movement inside. This? Yu Wen smiled, unzipping the bag. My pet. A furry little nose poked out. Squeak-squeak! A marmot? Bai Lian blinked at the long-toothed creature. You, a girl, keep this as a pet? he asked, baffled. His name is Facai. Dont underestimate him! Yu Wen stroked the marmots head. Bai Lian nodded. No notable talents yet, but thanks for the laugh. Squeak! Facai suddenly folded his paws, fixing Bai Lian with an intelligent glare of protest. One look from Bai Lian silenced him. Ack! Yu Wen gasped, wide-eyed. Facai! Wheres your mouth?! The marmot panic-flailed as he realized his mouth had vanished. Yu Wen noticed Bai Lian stifling laughter and pouted: Stop bullying him! Hahaha, sorry. Its just too funny, Bai Lian chuckled. The moment he spoke, Facais mouth reappeared. The marmot silently retreated into the backpack, avoiding Bai Lians gaze. Hes scared to even look at you, Yu Wen sighed, hoisting the bag. Lets go. At the passage, she checked the displayCar 39. Hesitating, she asked: Which car did you come from, anyway? Bai Lian pondered: Judging by your earlier explanation, carriage order doesnt matter if you return before numbers shift again? Right. No issues if you make it back in time, Yu Wen confirmed. Bai Lian recalled the note hed found: Ignore carriage numbers when movingjust return before they change... At least that part was accurate. Perhaps staying on or escaping the train was key? Whatre you thinking? Yu Wen studied his thoughtful expression. Nothing. Though curious, she continued: Were in Car 19. If you didnt come from 18 or 20, youll need to backtrack through them. As she spoke, a chip bag materialized in Bai Lians handher favorite brand. Yu Wen pursed her lips: Fine. Got any more? Bai Lian extended his palm. Whats that for? Payment. Expecting freebies? He mimed counting cash. Then I wont eat! She turned away, refusing to enable capitalism. Moments later... So good~ Yu Wen savored the chips, eyes closed in bliss. Though a conductor, shed eaten nothing but Car 19s food since the train entered this space. Facai peered from the backpack, horrified. Noticing his stare, Yu Wen smiled guiltily: Sorry, Facai. These are too delicious. Ill pawn you for now. She patted his head reassuringly: Dont worryIll redeem you once I have money! Facai: ... Finishing the chips, Yu Wen waited boredly for carriage numbers to reset. Suddenly, Bai Lian moved forward. The car hasnt changed yet! Where are you? She grabbed his arm, then froze. The display now read Car 20. Yu Wen blinked rapidly: ??? There were fifteen minutes left! Did I time travel? Chapter 93: Train of the Century (13) Bai Liang didnt bother explaining and simply opened the door, stepping into the next car. Hey! Wait for me! Yu Wen quickly snapped out of her daze and hurried after him, ignoring the sudden change in the cars environment. They entered Car No. 20, and the surroundings shifted again. Bai Liang glanced around. The floor was covered with wooden planks, as were the walls, creating the illusion of a wooden cabin. The only light came from a lone, dim bulb. This is a game car divided into zones. If I remember right, this is the first zone, called the Place of Murder, Yu Wen said, frowning as she caught up. Bai Liang glanced at her. Do you know the rules here? Yu Wen shook her head, clearly clueless. Starting to think bringing you along wasnt the best idea, Bai Liang sighed. Every question he asked met a dead end. The only thing she knew was the environments general descriptionher knowledge of the rules was zero. Well, she did know one thing: cars must be traversed in strict numerical order. But in the end, she was just an NPC. Her usefulness was limited. To clear this, hed have to rely on himself. What do you mean you brought me? Arent I leading you? Yu Wen shot him a strange look. Bai Liang was about to retort when the metallic tang of blood filled the air. He raised an eyebrow and moved forward. As they exited the passageway, a grim scene unfolded. In the corner stood a wooden table with four chairs, each occupied by a figure. The oddity was that all of them lay slumped on the table, their surfaces slick with a black liquid that dripped onto the floor. Bai Liang stepped closer, studying the macabre setup. Were these people killed? Yu Wen frowned, though her face showed no fear or panic. After years on the train, gruesome scenes had become mundane. Bai Liang rubbed his chin. Someone once said the dead can speak. Yu Wens eyes lit up with realization. You want to search the bodies for clues? No, no. These corpses are long decomposed. Its beneath my dignity to handle such things. He shook his head, then turned to Yu Wen. She sensed danger. Youre not going to make me do it, are you? Bai Liang simply stared. ...You are, arent you?! Yu Wens lips twitched, but she refused outright: Im not touching any corpses! Bai Liang leaned in, smiling faintly. Miss Yu Wen, you dont want to stay here forever, do you? Whats bettereternity on this never-stopping train, or freedom? All it takes is flipping a few bodies for clues. Chat erupted. This guys a demon! Master of manipulation! Wait, Ive seen this before... Blind viewer heresomeone explain! Is Yu Wen his moms friend or what? Yu Wens face darkened. Fine. You win. Resigned, she pulled gloves from her bag and began inspecting the corpses. The stench of rot and blood clung to the air. As she rifled through the remains, her disgust was palpable. Finally, in the last corpses pocket, she found a bloodstained note and handed it to Bai Liang. All victims are young, with identical deep wounds. One killer, she reported, gagging slightly. Bai Liang scanned the note: Dont kill. Inspectors on the train will come for you... Found the child. Hid him. Survive. Dont... kill... The message was clear: killing here summoned Inspectors. The notes author had likely fallen to them. Yu Wen sniffed her hands, grimacing. Whats it say? Just a warning. If someone attacks, kill them, Bai Liang replied, handing her the note. Before she could read it, a clang echoed above! Yu Wen dodged as a gray-skinned creature lunged at her! It landed on all fours, milky eyes locked on them. Without hesitation, Yu Wen whipped a spike from her bag and hurled itthunkinto the creatures skull. It collapsed. Youve got skills? Bai Liang raised an eyebrow. Yu Wen smirked coldly. Think Id survive ten years here otherwise? Im not just a coffee brewer! Bai Liang nodded. Can you handle Inspectors too? Her smile froze. ...What do you mean? Chapter 94: Train of the Century (14) Bai Liang raised an eyebrow and gestured to the note in her hands: Its all written there. Read it yourself. Yu Wen hastily scanned the paper. As she read, her hands began to tremble. Dont kill. There are inspectors on the train. If you kill someone, theyll come for you... Damn it! You set me up? Yu Wen glared at him with a look darker than a scorched pot. Bai Liang shook his head innocently: No. I was just curious if you could handle the inspectors. Yu Wens expression turned to stone: And if I couldnt? He smirked: Then Id bet two hundred on you. Hahaha, Im laughing till I cry! If Bai Shen bets 200, so do I! Set the table! Anyone who cant handle this, go sit at the kids table! Poor conductor girlhes shocking her on purpose! That move was Yasuo-level trollingsilent but deadly. Still, her skills are legit. One strike, instant kill. You think anyone can be a conductor here? Shes gotta be strong to survive! Lets go, Bai Liang waved, moving toward other rooms in the wooden house. What about the body? Yu Wen stared at the corpse. He glanced back: Want to carry it? She froze, horror flashing across her face. Searching corpses was bad enoughhauling one? No thanks. Afraid the inspector wont find you? Bai Liang teased. I broke the rules. The inspector will come, she muttered, anxiety tightening her brow. Cant handle him? he prodded. Yu Wen shot him a sidelong glare: You think Im that strong? I can manage grunts, but an inspector? No chance. Then youre not cheating hard enough, he replied with a grin. She blinked: What? If youre gonna cheat, go all out. Half-measures are pointless. Yu Wen huffed: Says the guy who looks like a baseline human. Got any room to talk? Bai Liang nodded agreeably: True. Im just an ordinary guycant cheat at all. At least youre self-aware, she muttered, surprised. As they searched dozens of rooms, Yu Wen finally asked: What are you looking for? Bai Liang paused at a doorframe: The sole survivor of this murder scene. The child from the note? She recalled the scribbled plea. I hid him... Yes. Why? Whats a kid gonna dofight the inspector? Bai Liangs smile sharpened. The child isnt just a clue. Hes the reason the inspectors coming. Suddenly, he swiped a hand through the air like erasing a chalkboard. What are you doing?! Wiping our traces. Leaving only the childs. What?! Yu Wen gaped as if hed lost his mind. When he finished, Bai Liang clapped once: Now the inspector will hunt the survivor, not you. Kid: Thanks for making every season warmer! Frame job of the century! What skill is Bai Shen using? Reality warping? Newbies think this is OP? You havent seen his SSS-tier hax! At the houses exit, Yu Wen hesitated: The inspector... really isnt coming? Bai Liang pushed open the door to a dark void dotted with starlight. Inside sat a transparent domea Ferris wheel carriage suspended in artificial night. As they boarded, Yu Wen murmured, almost to herself: When I first saw this Ferris wheel on the Century Express... I was stunned. Her eyes reflected the false constellations. Sometimes I think... staying here wouldnt be so bad. Chapter 95: Train of the Century (15) Just as the era left him behind, he now wishes to leave us behind, Yu Wen spoke with a heavy tone, her eyes filled with sorrow as she gazed out the window at the night sky. Is this about not getting a raise? Bai Lian cut straight to the point. Yu Wen glanced at him and shook her head: Sorry, I shouldve realized discussing such topics with you is pointless. Though their brief interaction hadnt allowed her to fully understand him, she could still form a general impression. To her, Bai Lian was a man devoid of sentiment. He was an NPC, yet he maintained an unbridgeable distance, never letting her get closer. It felt deliberate, though perhaps it was simply his nature. He wouldnt reveal his true thoughts to others, and the topics Yu Wen broached left him utterly unfazed. Why is it pointless? Bai Lian smiled faintly, folding his hands on the table. Fate brought us together. Since you want to talk, Ill gladly listen. Better not discuss the Train of the Century, Yu Wen shook her head, deciding to drop the subject. As someone once said: life isnt a Ferris wheel where you return to the start after one rotation. Her hand rose, chin resting on her palm as she smiled at Bai Lian. Her smile bloomed like a rose. Let me ask you this. Do you truly love women? she added: You know what kind of love I mean. Bai Lian shrugged: To be precise, I like beautiful women. All men love beautiful women... well, except Mr. David. Mr. David? The butler. He prefers gentlemen at the estate, Bai Lian explained. Yu Wen suddenly regarded him with an odd expression, sizing him up: You... and himare you friends? She emphasized friends with a peculiar inflection, her tone leaving no doubt she meant something else. What, you think Im that kind of person? Bai Lian shot her an irritated look. Mr. David prefers men who resemble pandas, nothing more. Though airing others secrets was impolite, it was the truth. That estate gentleman did somewhat resemble a pandahow had Bai Lian noticed? When hed torn the painting, the mans clothes were shredded as if from battle. Catching an accidental glimpse, Bai Lian had been utterly traumatized. I see... Lets change the subject, Bai Lian said, unwilling to dwell on it. Strange images kept surfacing in his mind, ones hed rather not revisit. Perhaps it stemmed from his childhood habit of overimaginingany information instantly transformed into vivid, intrusive mental imagery. Fine. Then... do you love me? Yu Wen suddenly asked. Bai Lian looked at her. This wasnt mere curiosityher gaze was deadly serious. Why ask such things? Bai Lian replied, perplexed. Theyd known each other for barely half an hour. Half an hour! Not enough time for feelings to develop, let alone friendship. Regardless of their current rapport, they might forget each other in days. Yu Wen frowned: Didnt you say all men love beautiful women? Are you implying Im unattractive? Youre exceptionally beautiful! Bai Lian acknowledged sincerely. Yu Wen truly was exquisite, like fine porcelain. Though not genetically flawless like Mo Lu, among ordinary people, she stood peerless. But you must understandlove requires more than just appearance. Yu Wen nodded as if comprehending, yet clearly didnt. She looked at Bai Lian, puffing her cheeks in mock irritation: Returning to my questiondo you love me? Bai Lian straightened: I only speak truth to those I love. Oh? I dont love you, he stated gravely. The gravity of his words left Yu Wen so bewildered she couldnt parse them: What does that mean? He claims to only tell the truth to those he loves, then says he doesnt love herso does he or doesnt he? Wait... my brains overheating from this RPG logic... Let me simplify: She tells the truth only to those she loves. Those she loves hear her truth, but it might not be true. So her saying she doesnt love you could be a lie to hide that she does. Above commenter, youre overcomplicating things! So does he love her or not?! My heads spinning! Guys, Im burning out here... ... Figure it out yourself, Bai Lian smirked, silently watching Yu Wen agonize over the riddle. Creak! The Ferris wheel halted, bringing them to the tunnel exit. Bai Lian stood, turned, and walked out. Yu Wen snapped back to reality and chased after him: Hey, wait! At least explain what you meant! The screen displayed the next car number1. Hm? Bai Lian glanced at the display, sensing something amiss. What were you even saying? Do you love me or not? Yu Wen persisted. Bai Lian raised a hand, instantly silencing her. This cars strange. Car No. 1 should be at the front. Whys it here? He pointed at the screen. Typically, Car No. 1 marked the trains front. But if the front had been transplanted mid-train, how could the train even move? Yu Wen stared blankly, equally baffled. GRRRRR Suddenly, the entire Century Express shuddered violently, its frame groaning as earthquake-like tremors rocked through. Bai Lian stood unfazed, rooted like an ancient tree. Yu Wen lacked such stability but managed to grip his arm to avoid falling. The quaking lasted ten minutes before subsiding. What was that? Yu Wen asked grimly, clearly unsettled. She turned to find Bai Lian retrieving Facai from his backpack. Thwack! Facai, still half-asleep, jolted awake as a heavy paw smacked his face. Sleeping again?! Youd nap through an earthquake?! Dont groundhogs have seismic instincts?! Facai: ...We live underground! We dont get earthquake warnings! Groundhog voices: Haaa!!! Chapter 96: Train of the Century (16) He wanted to call out but hesitated. Facai merely cast a pleading glance at Yu Wen. Yu Wen opened her mouth: Something seems to have happened. This is the first time Ive encountered such a situation. Facai: So... Had other players discovered an easter egg? Bai Lian frowned, not ruling out the possibility. Other players werent sitting idle either. Moreover, hed already passed through two train cars in a row and still hadnt encountered any other players. Suddenly, the corridor door opened. Bai Lian and Yu Wen simultaneously looked up and saw a bright light pouring through the doorway, obscuring the interior. Yu Wen glanced at Bai Lian with a questioning look: Enter or not? If they entered, it might violate the rules. If they didnt, they might miss critical information. Lets go! Bai Lian nodded. The key was to return before the corridor shifted. If time ran short, he could always cast doubt on the situation. With that, he stepped forward first, and Yu Wen followed. Approaching the white light, Bai Lian slowed his pace, then resolutely entered. No peculiar sensationsno traps. It was an utterly ordinary train car. Yet this car was too ordinary. Bai Lian paused at the corridors forefront, surveying the scene. The car was filled with passengers, each absorbed in their own affairs. Most young people sat glued to their phones. Some elderly passengers folded their arms, resting their heads against seats for a light nap. Grandparents sat beside small children, gazing out the windows together. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the passengers faces. Grandma, look! Those mountains are so tall! How much longer until were home? I want to go shopping with Mom and eat something delicious! Finally, vacation! I wonder if my parents will be surprised when they see me? Hehe~ Work, work... Gotta finish this before we arrive. Then I can relax. Darling, Im here for you. Ready? Bai Lian walked slowly forward, passengers voiceseven unspoken thoughtsechoing in his ears. At that moment, a distinctly childlike voice rang out: You cant go any further! Bai Lian turned and saw a boy bathed in white light, sitting on one of the seats. His beauty was ethereal, as if sculpted by the heavens themselves. He wore a white T-shirt adorned with smiley faces. Meeting Bai Lians gaze, the boy smiled faintly and addressed the surrounding passengers: See how happy they are. I can take them wherever they wish. Hearing this, Bai Lian paused. Are you... the Train of the Century? Though hed long suspected, the confirmation still startled him. A sentient trainthis was headline-worthy news. His shock likely mirrored Luffys upon meeting the Thousand Sunnys klabautermann. Yes, the boy nodded, not denying it. He waved his hand, and the entire car vanished. In an instant, they stood in another carriage. Bai Lian recognized this placethe car where hed first met Yu Wen, now filled with different passengers. His eyes darted to the corner where a family sat around a circular table, enjoying dinner. The table overflowed with dishes, the car fragrant with appetizing aromas. Try this, its delicious! Dad, it really is! You have some too! How was school this week? Homework done? Mom, yesterday I answered the teachers question and got praised! All my homeworks finished too! Well done! Keep it up, and Ill buy you a little gift when we get home! The warmth was palpable, drawing an involuntary smile from Bai Lian. He shifted his gaze and suddenly froze. There, by the window, was the very table where he and Yu Wen had once shared coffee and conversation. Now, a figure in casual clothes occupied it. A girl with silver hair. She wore headphones, sipping a drink through a straw, her lively eyes fixed on the passing scenery. Seeing her, Bai Lian stood transfixed! Wait! The boy, about to shift the scene again, halted at Bai Lians raised hand. Give me a moment, Bai Lian said, already moving toward the table before receiving an answer. His breath quickened. This person was utterly unexpectedhed never imagined encountering her here. He swiftly approached the table, sat opposite the girl, and stared intently. Mo Lu... he murmured. The girl didnt react, didnt hear him. Bai Lian wasnt surprised. Upon entering, hed realized this was an illusion crafted by the Train of the Century. No response was normal. What intrigued him most was why Mo Lu appeared here. Could the trains world overlap with Mo Lus? Unlikely. Laboratory No. 45 had only recently been cleared, while the train had existed in this state for years. Perhaps each dungeon occupied its own timeline, disconnected from others. When Bai Lian entered Laboratory No. 45, the Train of the Century might still have been on its normal route. By the time they entered this dungeon, the train had already shifted to a future timeline. Here, Mo Lu looked even more radiant than in the laba silver-haired angel. Seems theres no useful information left, Bai Lian sighed, watching Mo Lu gaze steadfastly out the window. As he rose to leave, he noticed her glance away. She retrieved a sheet of paper from her breast pocket, produced a pen, and began writing. Bai Lian strained to read the text, but the words blurred incomprehensibly. What is this? Bai Lians frustration mounted as he glared at the Train of the Century. The train-boy shook his head: I dont know. It seems this sister blocked it herself. She doesnt want anyone seeing what she wrote. Bai Lian understood and pressed no furthersuch secrecy fit Mo Lus character. He continued observing. After finishing her note, Mo Lu folded it neatly and traced three lines across the carriage wall with her finger. Three cracks split the metal. Mo Lu pried open a hidden compartment, tucked the note inside, and resealed it. Finally, she peeled the label from her drink and stuck it over the compartment, marking it with a single character. This time, Bai Lian could see it clearlythe character Bai. Chapter 97: Train of the Century (End) Did she write this for me? Leave a message here specifically for me to see? Or was it accidental? Staring at the words, Bai Lian gazed thoughtfully, his mind racing. Is the note still here? Bai Lian asked the Train of the Century. The Train of the Century scratched its head: Let me check. I dont remember clearly. It waved its hand as if searching for something. A moment later, a note appeared in its palm. Bai Lian immediately recognized itthe very note Mo Lu had left behind. He took the note and unfolded it without hesitation. The handwriting was as neat and pristine as Mo Lu herselfeverything about it was flawless. For Ah Liang Only After leaving the laboratory, I traveled to many places, sometimes pausing to admire the scenery. I remember a valley filled with flowers. I thought it was breathtaking, but no one listened when I described its beauty. When snow fell on my head, it was bitterly cold, but I cherished that sensation. I saw dandelions. The wind carries them away, and they land only to sprout anew and chase the wind once more. Ah Liang? I love this name. I read it in a book. When two people are close, you can add Ah to the last syllable of their name. Ah Liang, Ive met countless people, but only you occupy my heart. New dandelions will follow the wind. I think... I can follow your footsteps too. Mo Lu. When he finished reading, Bai Lian fell silent for a long time. The text wasnt about loneliness, yet it was steeped in solitude. Folding the note, Bai Lian glanced at Mo Lu sitting across from him and suddenly smirked. I walk fast. Dont fall behind. This girl was a bit stubborn. But admittedly, Bai Lian held her in high regard. After all, even now, she showed no desire for vengeance against the world. Despite spending decades in that dark placea subject of experiments, imprisoned. If it were Bai Lian, hed have sent everyone to their graves long ago. She had endless reasons to turn malevolent, yet she hadnt. He stood and looked at Centurio. You also need to leave, dont you? Youve wandered here so long. Dont you want to end this? Centurio stared at Bai Lian, lowered its head, and remained silent. Only after a lengthy pause did it whisper: I dont want to leave. I want to take them all back with me. But theyre already dead, arent they? Bai Lian scanned the surroundings and said calmly: Your illusions are just thatillusions. None of this is real. There are still passengers who havent reached the station. I must take them with me, Centurio shook its head, its eyes filled with stubbornness. Bai Lian observed it impassively. The dungeons clear condition required Centurio to leave the exile space, yet it seemed unwilling. Bai Lian shook his head: Return? Where would you return to? Even if you went back to the old world, youd still be expelled. Everyone on this train is already dead. Theres no point in returning. In this dungeon, aside from players, all were Anomalies! They couldnt return to the real worldthey existed solely within the Mysterious World. And the dungeon cycled endlessly. In the end, this was just another prison. You cant stop me. Seeing it still unresponsive, Bai Lian stated bluntly. Centurio had only appeared here because it sensed Bai Lians power. Why hadnt it interfered earlier? Because it knew it couldnt win, resorting to pleasant illusions to sway him. The tactics were feeblethey might work on others, but Bai Lian remained unmoved. Centurio looked up at Bai Lian: Can I reach the final station again? Bai Lian met its gaze and finally nodded. Fine. ... The train crawled forward, finally emerging from the tunnel. Sunlight streamed through the windows once more. Announcements echoed through every car: Ladies and gentlemen, we are approaching the final station. Please prepare to disembark. When standing near connecting doors, do not lean against them. Mind the gap between the steps and platform when exiting. Passengers with children, please ensure their safety. We wish you a pleasant journey... A station appeared ahead. At last, the train slowly rolled into the platform and halted. Doors opened. Bai Lian and Yu Wen stepped out. Nearby, passengers with hollow expressions disembarked. Im leaving. Yu Wen looked at Bai Lian with complex emotions in her eyes. Do you hate me? Bai Lian asked. She didnt know she was already dead, still dreaming of returning. But it was a futile wishthe Train of the Century would never reach its destination. Yu Wen shook her head: I wouldnt say hate... but theres some resentment. GRRRRR! Suddenly, the Train of the Century roared deafeningly! Yu Wen and Bai Lian turned to see the train slowly vanishing, its sound resembling a farewell. Squeak!!! Facai popped out of the backpack, shrieking at Bai Lian. Its beady eyes seemed to say, I warned you this time! You cant punish me! Bai Lian smirked, tossed the backpack to Yu Wen, and said irritably: This guys utterly useless. No point keeping him. Take him. Yu Wen took the backpack, patted Facais head, and glanced at Bai Lian: I should go too. Maybe well meet again. She waved and walked toward the exit. Bai Lian watched her retreating figure calmly. The Train of the Century would never arrive at its terminus, nor would its passengers. A breeze stirred. Bai Lian thought he glimpsed a tear trail down Yu Wens cheek as she ascended the stairs. Meanwhile, a completion notification echoed in Bai Lians mind: Congratulations, Player: Bai Lian, for successfully clearing the D-rank dungeon Train of the Century! Clear Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes, 30 seconds! Completion Rating: SSS-tier! Attention All Players: The Train of the Century has vanished. This dungeon is permanently closed and will not reopen! Player: Bai Lian will exit the dungeon in 30 seconds. Prepare for extraction. 30... 29... 28... ... Other players whod disembarked stood on the platform too. Hearing the notifications, confusion flashed across their faces. All eyes turned to Bai Lianthe anomaly whod conversed so casually with dungeon entities. Bai Lian... Thats the guy from the livestream, right? Yeah, him. Wasnt he in an E-rank dungeon earlier? Howd he jump to D-rank so fast? Did he already class-change? Chapter 98: Harvesting Onions, The Lucky Facai I dont know why, but this guy feels incredibly dangerous. His intel is probably worth a fortune. Lately, everyone in the public chats been trying to gather info on him. A few photos could net me a ton of Rule Points. Heh~ I agree. This guys cleared multiple top-tier dungeonshes a monster. Selling his details to those professional guilds might get him killed before he finishes another dungeon. Whoosh! Thud! Thud! Two players, mid-conspiracy, pulled cameras from their bags. But before they could snap a shot, two violet beams pierced their skulls. They didnt even scream. Their heads exploded instantly. Bai Lian didnt glance back, pocketing one hand as he walked away. The station fell silent. Every player stared at his retreating figure in terror. As the countdown concluded, Bai Lians silhouette faded until he vanished entirely... Clear Rewards: Rule Points, Title: Century Voyager, Pet 1 Returning to the Player Space. Bai Lian emotionlessly opened his status panel upon hearing the notification. Player: Bai Lian (New King) Age: 19 Class: Shadow Sovereign Lv1 (Unique)! Skills: Basic Genetic Enhancement, Hand-to-Hand Combat Mastery, Mastery of All Weapons. Dungeons Cleared: 8 Titles: New King (Equipped), Redeemer, Friend of Anomalies, Speedrun Master, Capitalist, Perfect Escape, Century Voyager (Click for Details). Rule Points: 25500! From the Train of the Century dungeon, Bai Lian received three rewards. 20,000 Rule Pointsstandard clearance fare. The Century Voyager title. He opened its description: Title: Century Voyager (Unequipped, +20% Stats, +50% Effects) Acquisition: Awarded for SSS-rank clearance of the Train of the Century dungeon! Effect: Allows the player to freeze any three-minute segment of a dungeon and observe it as a third party. After three minutes, returns to the original timeline. Usable twice per dungeon! Freeze a dungeons timeline and observe as a spectator? So I can review any moment retroactively. Its like a weaker version of rollback. Still useful. The title couldnt rival Infinite Rollbackone was an exclusive Fourth Calamity skill, the other a mere title. If Id had this in the Fifth Estate, Id have cleared it faster, Bai Lian mused. With it, he couldve frozen the moment the master and mistress vanished to solve the mystery instantly. Closing the panel, he opened his inventory. Dungeon rewardsitems or petslanded here automatically. At the bottom sat a cage housing a curled-up creature. A... groundhog? It looked familiar. Exactly like Facai. Bai Lian frowned, extracting the pet. The 20cm-tall rodent blinked up at him, bewildered. Staring into those wise eyes, Bai Lians lip twitched. ...It really is you. Squeak! Squeak! Facai glanced around, then locked eyes with Bai Lian, his tiny mind flooded with questions. What the hell? I was with Yu Wen! Howd I end up back with this lunatic?! Pet Name: Lucky Facai Pet Level: Lv1 Effect: +20 Luck when equipped. Bai Lian raised an eyebrow. This thing actually boosts luck? He noticed a note clutched in Facais paw and snatched it. Elegant handwriting greeted him: Bai Lian, Im leaving. Facais useless to metake him. Hell bring you luck. Yu Wen Look at that. Even your owner didnt want you. Bai Lian waved the note mockingly before Facai. The illiterate rodent stared blankly. Ignoring him, Bai Lian pocketed the note. Yu Wen mustve rigged Facai as a dungeon reward or foreseen this outcome. Facai clambered onto Bai Lians shoulder. Stay out of trouble, or Ill stew you next dungeon. Facai froze, eyes glazing over as he played statue. Playing dumb? Think I wont do it? Squeak! Facai flipped a tiny middle finger. Bai Lian scoffed, opening the portal to the Trading Center for Professionals. Stepping through the glowing rift, he equipped the Capitalist title. Time to harvest onions. Inside the Conscience Store, Bai Lian adjusted loan repayment dates. Moments later, his Rule Points skyrocketed! Rule Points: 193060! 190,000 Points. Most debtors couldnt repay principal and interesttheyd be stripped to their underwear. Perfect. Bai Lian grinned at the soaring numbers. One more haul, and hed afford the Medium Genetic Elixiran exorbitant shop item. No one sold it cheap, despite buyer pleas on public channels. After setting up shop, Bai Lian reclined, ready for the next wave of onionsahemclients! Minutes later, a woman entered. Voluptuous, clad in skin-tight jeans accentuating her curves. A black leather anklet with a silent violet bell adorned her porcelain leg. Her hips swayed hypnotically, drawing every eye. Bai Lian glanced up, nodding respectfully. Chapter 99: Association of Professionals, Zeroing Nullification” The woman approached him and effortlessly took a seat on the chair opposite. She raised her hand to tousle her thick hair slightly before turning her head toward Bai Lian. Elegant, self-assured, and captivatingespecially her violet eyes, which resembled black holes brimming with allure. Welcome, Bai Lian said, barely glancing at her, his tone indifferent. He then grabbed a book on class change from a nearby shelf and covered his face with it. The woman observed his behavior, her eyebrows arching slightly: Shopkeeper, is this how you greet customers? You could at least offer a cup of tea. Bai Lian held up two fingers: First, youre clearly not someone who enjoys tea. Second, youre not here as a client. Given that, Im already treating you well by not kicking you out. When she first entered, hed noticed her lingering nearby while stealing glances at him. Though subtle, Bai Lian couldnt miss it. She was undoubtedly targeting him. The woman paused, momentarily surprised, but soon softened into a smile. She elegantly crossed her long legs over the chair and said earnestly: I came to discuss business with you. Were strangers. Theres nothing to discuss, Bai Lian waved dismissively, showing no interest. She seemed to expect this. Narrowing her eyes playfully, she replied: Dont be so quick to refuse, New King Bai Lian. Why not hear me out first? Bai Lian lowered the book, meeting her gaze impassively: You have one minute. Dont waste my time. Ah, youre exactly as they say, she murmured, lips curving. But that suits your reputation. She extended her hand: Let me introduce myself. Im Li Xin, captain of a squad in the professional organization Nullification. Bai Lian shook her hand, noting its soft smoothness before she withdrew it. Li Xin smiled coyly: You killed a member of the Professionals Association in your last dungeon, correct? How do you know that? Bai Lian raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. On the Train of the Century, hed indeed slain a player claiming ties to the Professionals Association. But only a few hours had passed since that dungeons completion. Had word spread so quickly? This woman was a strangernot a fellow player. That left one explanation. Powerful organizations have ways to track their members. The Professionals Association, being one of the most influential player groups, naturally has such methods, Li Xin explained. The moment you killed their member, every top-tier organizationincluding us at Nullificationlearned of it. So you sought me out just to share this news? Bai Lian smirked lazily. Well, thanks. Ill treat you to dinner sometime. Oh, theres more! Li Xin wagged a finger, then leaned forward, her gaze smoldering. Im here to help. How about joining Nullification? Bai Lian sat upright, slipping a hand into his pocket. He briefly touched the folded note from Yu Wen before withdrawing it. Whats in it for me? Li Xin blinked, unprepared for the bluntness. Whats... in it? Of course. Why else would I join? Got any S-rank items? Tens of thousands of Rule Points monthly? Those perks must be standard, right? S-rank items? Tens of thousands of Rule Points? Li Xin nearly cursed aloud. Even as a squad captain, she didnt get such privilegeslet alone the higher-ups! Reading her stifled irritation, Bai Lian pressed innocently: Dont tell me you dont have those? Li Xin twitched, then her gaze sharpened with renewed interest. Well... we lack those, but we have me. Join Nullification, and Ill date you. Hows that? Bai Lian stared blankly before shaking his head. Why not? Li Xin frowned. Was she not attractive enough? Rumors painted him as reserved, but surely... If I only wanted your body, your sole value is your shell. Whether youre in Nullification or not becomes irrelevant. He met her eyes calmly. Truthfully, even that shell holds no interest for me. No interest? Li Xins lips thinned, eyebrows climbing. After a long silence, she exhaled and stood. Fine. Id planned to invite you to our headquartersintroduce you to prettier sistersbut if youre unwilling... Whoosh! Bai Lian sprang up, grinning. That sounds perfect! While Ive no interest in your group, visiting others bases is... enlightening. Wheres your HQ? Lets go now. Li Xin sighed inwardly. So hes all talk and no action? Still, getting him to the base was a start. Shed ensure Nullification secured him before rival organizations could. West Street. Follow me. ... The Conscience Stores sign swung shut behind them. Li Xin eyed it curiously: Your shop offers loans? How? I lend Rule Points. Simple, Bai Lian replied flatly. Just like that? Li Xin eyed him skeptically. No contracts? Interest rates? No contracts. A mere 0.1% interest. Didnt you read the sign? Its all about conscience and honesty. He pointed at the placard. Li Xin studied his earnest face, instinctively certain trusting him would leave her bankrupt. They crossed the street, arriving at Nullifications headquarters. Bai Lian whistled at its scale. The rich always have it better. I should expand my own placethis spots ideal! Striking a contemplative pose with Facai mimicking him on his shoulder, Bai Lian scrutinized the base. Chapter 100: Where’s the Promised Girl? Questions Also Cost Money Why are you standing outside? Come in! Li Xin glanced at Bai Lian, who lingered at the doorway surveying the headquarters, and beckoned him inside. Bai Lian snapped back to reality and followed her in. Upon entering, he scanned the room as if searching for something. The interior was softly lit, with warm lamps casting a gentle glow over the spacious area. Glass partitions separated workstations, resembling the office from his class-change dungeon. The headquarters felt oddly emptythree men stood in the distance, deep in discussion. Bai Lian frowned and turned to Li Xin: You said there were girls here prettier than you? Is this all? Li Xin ruffled her hair with a playful smirk: Do you think everyone clears dungeons as fast as you? The girls are out on missions. Wait for them to return, and Ill introduce you later. With that, she strode past the three members of Nullification, who promptly stood at attention: Commander, youre back! Bai Lian noted their tense expressionsclearly, these men feared her. If youre bored, go patrol outside. Or dive into a dungeon, Li Xin waved dismissively. Understood, Commander! The trio bowed. Only then did they notice Bai Lian trailing behind her. A young man in a white shirt grinned: Commander, is he new? Before Li Xin could reply, Bai Lian shook his head: Nope, not joining Nullification. Im here for the girls. The three froze. Li Xin facepalmed and shooed them away: No more questions. Get back to workand you, follow me. As Bai Lian walked off with her, the men exchanged bewildered glances: Did he just say he came to ogle girls... here? Who dares talk to the Commander like that?! Is she... into him? Hes kinda handsome... Dont be absurd. Commander Li in love? Thats a horror story. Lets just go. This place reeks of drama... In a private office, Li Xin sank into a sofa and gestured for Bai Lian to sit opposite her. He leaned back, sipped the tea she poured, and cut to the chase: Where are these girls you promised? Is that all you care about? She arched a brow. If not women, should I fantasize about men? That... isnt off the table, her lips twitched. Weve got cute guys here too. Want an intro? Pass. Bai Lian set down his cup. Lets talk business. Li Xin sighed: Still refusing to join Nullification? I told youa few thousand Rule Points monthly and an S-tier item, then well talk. No guild in the Mysterious World can meet those demands. She leaned forward. But the Professionals Association wont let you off easy. Can you handle their pressure alone? The Professionals Association, one of the top five player factions, wielded immense influence. Crossing them meant constant harassment in dungeons. Bai Lian smirked: Dont worry about me. Even now, at 1st-tier class, he could annihilate most 4th-tier players using [Annihilation] alone. With his [Dead Realm] and Shadow Sovereign form? Even 5th-tiers might fall. Then answer my question, he said. How do you level up a class? Li Xin swirled her tea: First, clear ten dungeons. Then enter an Assistance Request Dungeon. Assistance Request Dungeon? Explain. She raised a finger: Thatll cost you. Intel isnt free here. Bai Lian grinned: FunnyI charge for answers too. Chapter 101: Trolls on the Screen, I Sell Myself Li Xin admitted she couldnt outwit Bai Lian. This guy had skin thicker than a fortress wall. Trying to pry anything from him was like plucking feathers from an iron chicken. Quests with Cursed Spirits are similar to regular ones, but there are no rules hereonly powerful Anomalies. Defeating them grants points. Accumulate enough, and you can advance your class, Li Xin explained. Bai Lian pondered and said: So its like a game: kill monsters, gain experience? Yes, but not exactly. Li Xin nodded. In Cursed Spirit quests, all Anomalies are self-aware. First, you must locate them, and the map is vast. Strength alone isnt enoughyou need luck too. Then theres no problem. My luck stat recently hit +20. Bai Lian glanced at the pet on his shoulder and lightly tapped its head. The pet rolled its eyes dramatically, nearly toppling backward before grabbing Bai Lians collar with a paw and scrambling back into place. Your pet is... unique, Li Xin remarked, eyeing it. Bai Lian glanced at the creature dismissively: Its just an item. Dont mistake it for a real pet. Did you have more questions? Bai Lian didnt want to waste time. He sensed there was still profit to be squeezed. Li Xin studied him intently: Im curiouswhats your class? My class? Bai Lian lifted the pet from his shoulder and deadpanned, Ill be honest: Im a Beast Tamer. I command battle pets. This ones my latest contract. It can transform into a giant prehistoric mouse with unmatched combat prowess. Li Xins expression remained neutral. She knew he was joking: Can you make up something even more absurd? A Beast Tamer? Well, in the Mysterious World, classes varied wildlyeven hers was unconventional. But Bai Lians pet clearly lacked any combat potential. See? I told you, but you didnt believe me. Bai Lian shrugged and tossed Facai into the air, who landed perfectly on his shoulder. He glanced out the window and stood: Its late. I wont overstay. Li Xin rose too: If you need anything, find me at our base or message me. I sent a friend requestaccept it. Bai Lian opened his player panel, saw several pending requests, and added Li Xin. Good luck. Relieved, she waved. As Bai Lian reached the door, he turned: Oh, if your faction needs loans, come to me. Ill offer... flexible terms for your members. Li Xin nearly spat out her tea: No thanks. Just leave. Shed already pegged him as a predator. His generosity was clearly a debt trap in disguise. ... Back in his shop, Bai Lian slumped into a chair. He held Mo Lus note, his gaze turning pensive. The message all but confirmed his suspicions. After escaping Laboratory No. 45, Mo Lu had wandered, lost, but now sought purpose. Time flowed oddly between dungeonshow long had passed for her? And was the Mysterious World merging dungeons the same as the Dead Realm? Questions swirled, unanswered. Future dungeons might hold more of her traces... or Ill see her again. He tucked the note away. Bored, he checked the Public Chatand found two posts about him: Shen Xinran (Legend): High reward for intel on Bai Lian! Contact me immediately! Ma Wei (Elite): NEVER buy from the Conscience Store or take their loans! Scammed me out of my gear mid-dungeon! Zhou Quan (Shadow): Bro, howd he scam you? Ma Wei (Elite): @Zhou Quan Lent me points, then looted my inventory! Almost died! Ouyang Yong (Logician): Thats impossible! Contracts cant access your backpack in dungeons! Ma Wei (Elite): Think Im lying? Get scammed yourself and cry later! ... Bai Lian finally understood his shops sudden emptiness. Ma Weis slander had scared off customers. Note to self: Hunt Ma Wei in the next dungeon. Another message arrivedthe Professionals Association was gathering intel on him. Bai Lian smirked and messaged Li Xin: Bai Lian (Capitalist): Brother Zhao has a task for me. Li Xin (Gemini): What task? Wait... Whats that title?! Bai Lian (Capitalist): Irrelevant. Sell this info to the Professionals Associationprice it high. Li Xin (Gemini): Are you suicidal?! Bai Lian (Capitalist): Better I profit than them. Bai Lian (Capitalist): Dont worryits 90% truth, 10% lies. Li Xin (Gemini): ...(?_?) You deserve to hang from a lamppost. Chapter 102: Genetic Tower After feeding Li Xin fabricated information and reminding her to sell it at a high price, Bai Lian ended their conversation. It seems starting a business wont work. Next time, Ill have to come up with another way to help players, Bai Lian muttered, standing at the shop entrance as he watched players hesitate before leaving. His charitable venture had failed. This outcome was expected, though he hadnt anticipated it happening so soon. It was all thanks to that petty troll on the screen who, instead of being grateful for surviving, spread rumors. Why is helping others so hard? I just wanted to aid one poor player! Bai Lian sighed, removed the sign from the door, and closed the shop. Click! He snapped his fingers and vanished from the shop, returning to his Player Space. What about the Crimson Night quest? Does it count as a post-class-change dungeon or not? Are two quests considered one? Bai Lian suddenly recalled the requirements for entering the Cursed Spirits quest. To advance his class, he needed to clear ten quests before entering the Cursed Spirits dungeon. So far, he had completed three post-class-change quests: Crimson Moon, Endless Prison, and Train of the Century. The Crimson Night quest was uniquea variant of a post-class-change dungeon. Essentially, it was the same quest with different clearance conditions. If Crimson Night counted, Bai Lian only needed seven more quests to upgrade his class. If not, eight. The worst part was the system provided no way to check. Whatever. Seven or eightit doesnt matter. Bai Lian shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it. With his current strength, the number of quests was irrelevant. At most, it meant spending a few extra hours. Before selecting the next dungeon, Bai Lian purchased several amulets. These items could prove useful in critical momentsfor ordinary players, at least. For someone like him, their effects were negligible. Give me some luck. Pick a simple dungeon. Bai Lian opened the dungeon selection interface and glanced at Facai perched on his shoulder. Upon hearing his words, Facai immediately sat upright and raised a tiny paw like a lucky cat statue. Bai Lian gave a thumbs-up: Excellent! Youll become a full-fledged spirit soon! Dungeon selection in progress... Selection complete. Waiting for other players: 5/99. 99/99 confirmed. Entering dungeon. Player, prepare! As the prompt faded, glass walls materialized around Bai Lian. Beyond them, white clouds plummeted downward at incredible speeds! Peering out, he saw other glass elevators nearby, each suspended by cables. Bai Lian looked up to see a massive circular object dominating the sky, releasing endless elevators that hurtled toward the ground! A blurred white silhouette appeared on the glass, accompanied by a synthesized voice: Trial 001: Your task is to collect 100 biological samples within 15 days and return to the Mothership. This planet is marked as extremely hazardous. After landing, remain vigilant against local creatures. In emergencies, avoid approaching your Escape Pod during daylight. It is your only means of returning to the Mothership. Protective Mode activates at night, allowing safe rest. If an Experimental Subject dies and your Escape Pod is destroyed, locate theirs and replace its DNA using the original users DNA. Remember this! The mission is arduous, time is limited. We hope you succeed and return to the Mothership. The voice cut off as the silhouette dissolved. Bai Lian frowned. This dungeon seemed to involve aliens invading a planet, with players acting as their tools to gather intel. At least the Rules were clear from the starta good sign. The Escape Pod is crucial. If lost, find a dead Experimental Subject and swap their DNA... Hmm, that part can be ignored. Bai Lian scratched his chin thoughtfully. Avoiding the pod during daylight forces subjects to work instead of hiding. Typical capitalist exploitation! As the Mothership shrank in the distance, Bai Lians pod pierced through black clouds, revealing a colossal steel structure below! Huh? This isnt a wilderness? Instead of a primitive planet, a towering metallic building filled his view. His pod crashed through the roof, landing inside. Hiss! Gas hissed as the pod opened, bathing the room in soft green light. Bai Lian stepped out, clad in a white suit with unfamiliar tech on his face. The room resembled a lounge: a table, scattered bottles, and an iron bed in the corner. Everything suggested recent habitation. Facai, now wearing a tiny lab coat and glasses, stood nearby, paws raised like a pompous bureaucrat. Skill extraction in progress... Extraction complete! Chapter 103: Genetic Tower (2) Pig Brain Overload: When any creature sees the player, their intelligence is forcibly reset to zero. The notification for a new skill acquisition echoed in Bai Lians mind. As the sound faded, he froze momentarily in confusion. Pig Brain Overload? When an enemy sees me, their intelligence drops to zero? Is this an intellect-reduction debuff? Well, you got what you wished for. Your 20 Luck Points really worked, Bai Lian muttered, eyeing Facai suspiciously. He strongly doubted this wasnt a side effect of the groundhogs stat boosts. Back in earlier dungeons, hed fantasized about acquiring an intellect-reduction skilland now here it was! Of course, it might just be his absurd luck at play. But that didnt matter. What mattered was that with this skill, he could now wreak havoc unchecked! Wait... reset intelligence to zero? Does that mean they turn stupid? Bai Lian pondered, deciding to test it on the nearest subject. He immediately chose Facai but noticed no changes. Either the skill didnt affect his pet, or Facais intellect was already in the negatives, making further reduction pointless... Facai stared at Bai Lian with what passed for a wise expression. Bai Lians lip twitched. He was leaning toward the latter explanation. Fine, later. Need to gather intel first. Dismissing his rodent, Bai Lian turned to search the room. A desk lamp glowed in the far corner, illuminating a pen and a black notebook. Bai Lian approached, picked up the notebook, and flipped it open. Inside were crooked, cryptic symbols and sketches of unrecognizable creatures. How to decipher this? Its not any language I know! Suddenly, the strange device on his right eye flickered with code, translating the text into familiar characters. Real-time translation? Bai Lian exhaled in relief. At least written language wouldnt be a barrier. He began scanning the translated entries: Todays experiment failed again. Specimen #53 incompatible with serum. All prior calculations voided. Must start from scratch... Lab #49 reports accelerated progress. Results imminent. Lab #26: Specimen escaped into ventilation shafts. Surveillance systems lost track. Proceed with caution... Specimen #68 exhibited abnormal reactions. Serum effects halted mid-process. Experiment deemed failure... Storage capacity insufficient for growing specimen count. Requesting additional containers... Elevator malfunctioned again. Repair crews found no cause. It self-corrected shortly after... Staff member vanished after entering elevator. Surveillance shows him exiting, but external cameras captured nothing... Strange occurrences escalated since Specimen #26s disappearance... Elevator halted mid-shaft today. Doors opened to darkness. Instinct warned against exiting... BREAKTHROUGH! Specimen #91 reacted normally to serum. Usable results achieved! HAHAHA! ... Specimens... labs... reactions... Bai Lian muttered. The building clearly housed some form of biological research. These specimens were test subjects fused with chemicals to create new entities. Numerous labs operated here, some reporting successesand escaped specimens now threatened the facility. The mission requires collecting biological data. Probably from these specimens. But where? He glanced at Facai. Would clipping his fur count as biological material? Squeak! Noticing Bai Lians scheming gaze, Facai narrowed his eyes and scurried behind a lamp. Ahem. Priorities. Bai Lian turned to the door and stepped into the hallway. A door nearby creaked open. A white-coated researcher emerged, locking eyes with Bai Lian. ... Minutes Earlier Ji Yunfeng exited his escape pod. Instead of searching the room, he opened his chat interface and messaged a pinned contact: Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Captain, Im in the same dungeon as himGenetic Tower. His pod landed near mine. Xia Dongjie (Legend): Perfect. Pity we wasted an S-tier item on a rookie. Dont fail me. Kill him. Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Doubting me? Even playing fair, Ill crush him. Xia Dongjie (Legend): Dont get cocky. You think hell keep clearing dungeons with SSS ratings? Fail, and youre dead to the association. Xia Dongjie (Legend): Use the items only as last resorts. Stay in contact. Eyes are watchingno mistakes. Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Copy. Ill wait for him outside. Ji Yunfeng stepped into the hallway just as Bai Lian emerged. Their eyes met. Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Captainvisual confirmed! Xia Dongjie (Legend): Good. Act natural. Dont alert him. Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Why wait? If I destroy his escape pod and mine, his mission fails. Im moving now! Xia Dongjie (Legend): ??? Chapter 104: Genetic Tower (3) Xia Dongjie (Legend): So the question is, if you destroy his escape pod and your own, what about the other 97 pods? Are you planning to destroy each one individually? Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): What other 97 pods? In this dungeon, there are only two real players me and him! The rest are fakes! Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): I figured out this dungeons flaw long ago. It looks like there are 99 players, but only two are real. The others are decoys! Xia Dongjie (Legend): ...(?_? ) Let me ask you one final question: What exactly are you doing, Ji Yunfeng? Xia Dongjie (Legend): This is serious. I hope youre not mocking me. If we fail this mission, were both doomed. Understood? Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Dont you trust me as your captain? Think Im still Level 1? Im already stratospheric. He cant beat me. Just wait for good news. Xia Dongjie (Legend): That doesnt reassure me... Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Wait, I just remembered something. Xia Dongjie (Legend): What? Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): My task is to collect 100 biological samples, but the time limit is 15 days. If I gather one per day, Id need 100 days. Wont I fail? Xia Dongjie (Legend): ...Well discuss this when you return. For now, focus on the mission! Xia Dongjie sent no further messages. He concluded Ji Yunfeng was toying with him, spouting nonsense too absurd to parse. Hed talk properly once the idiot returned from the dungeon! Meanwhile, Bai Lian had already noticed Ji Yunfeng. The man had been staring at him since appearing, his face practically screaming, Ive seen you. It was impossible to ignore. From his attire and the analyzer over his eye, Bai Lian deduced he was a player. Interesting. Encountered one so soon. Bai Lian smirked slightly and approached. Seeing this, Ji Yunfeng recalled his captains advice: Act natural. Dont let him realize youve noticed him. Act natural... Ji Yunfeng chose the optimal strategy he glanced around obliviously, pretending Bai Lian didnt exist even as the man stood right before him. What...? Did his intelligence reset to zero? Bai Lian studied him, lip twitching. Was his skills effect this obvious? Hello, Im Bai Lian, he ventured cautiously. Ji Yunfeng, realizing hed been exposed, didnt falter. Instead, he reacted with exaggerated surprise: When did you get here? I didnt notice! Youre literally facing me... For the first time, Bai Lian grasped the horror of an intelligence debuff. Whats your name? he pressed. I dont have a name, Ji Yunfeng scratched his head. Maybe youve got the wrong person? Bai Lians eyes narrowed. Was this man unaffected? His logic was bizarrely coherent. Was it all an act? Im asking for your name, he repeated. Ji Yunfeng finally conceded. Narrowing his eyes, he said, Ji Yunfeng. Im not from the Professionals Association. Captain Xia Dongjie didnt send me to kill you. Im just a regular player. Right. Ill pretend I know nothing... Bai Lian nodded, then an idea struck. He clapped Ji Yunfengs shoulder, smiling. Since were both players, why not become friends? Of course! Ji Yunfeng grinned. As friends, Id never betray you like using dungeon rules to kill you. That wont happen, dont worry! Then could you lend me some items? Ill return them after clearing the dungeon. Bai Lian revealed his true intent. No, Ji Yunfeng shook his head. Bai Lian frowned. A refusal? That made no sense! As he puzzled, Ji Yunfeng added: Between friends, we dont lend. We gift! Ah, so thats the play... Bai Lian smiled. Youre right. Between friends, debts dont exist. Ji Yunfeng began pulling out items mostly low-tier, but better than nothing. Bai Lian collected them, planning to sell later. Could you... gift me some Rule Points too? Absolutely! Ji Yunfeng agreed readily, a faint smirk flashing. Let him take the items and points. Once the missions done, theyll return to me anyway. Earn his trust. Strike when we team up. Flawless! Ji Yunfeng mentally applauded his genius. Why is Xia Dongjie captain instead of me? Fueled by righteous indignation, he messaged Xia Dongjie while transferring points: Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Captain, youve held your position too long. With my intellect, I should replace you. Resign at the next vote, or Ill make it happen! Xia Dongjie (Legend): Did your escape pod hit your head? Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Haha! Youre just jealous! Xia Dongjie (Legend): Says the guy perpetually last in polls? Ji Yunfeng had stagnated for three years while others leveled up. Only his combat strength kept him relevant a choice Xia Dongjie now regretted. Well done, brother! Bai Lian smiled at the thousands of Rule Points added. My pleasure, Ji Yunfeng waved. Whats next? Bai Lian paused, then smirked. Well split up. Gather intel, report to me. Once I complete my task, Ill help with yours. Deal? Chapter 105: Genetic Tower (4) This idiot made me laugh till I cried. Does he even realize what he just did? Seriously, how did someone with his IQ make it this far and even join a professional gaming organization? I used to think every player who advanced their class would be high-tier, but seeing this guy, I finally understand what rock bottom looks like. He mustve struggled just to survive this long with that level of intellect. Or maybe he survived because his IQ is so low? In Bai Lians livestream, viewers witnessed the entire debacle. If this were a game, itd be a masterclass in blunders. When Bai Lian proposed his plan, Ji Yunfeng agreed wholeheartedly! To win Bai Lians trust, he acted like a certified genius! Bai Lian turned and left, quickly vanishing from Ji Yunfengs sight. The latter stood there, smiling vacantly until his grin suddenly froze... What the hell did I just do?! Ji Yunfeng frantically checked his inventoryall items were gone. His Rule Points balance? Zero. Worse yet, hed sent messages to Xia Dongjie. Reading those chat logs, Ji Yunfeng wished he could disintegrate. Trembling, he typed an apology: Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Captain, sorry, I mustve been possessed earlier. Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Those messages werent from me! Id never betray youit was a mistake! Xia Dongjie (Legend): Well talk when you return. Game over. Ji Yunfeng stared at the reply, knowing his days were numbered. Theres still a chance. If I complete the mission perfectly, I can survive! Forcing himself to calm down, Ji Yunfeng realized something oddevery memory of interacting with Bai Lian felt... warped. From the moment I saw him, everything went wrong... Does he have mind-control abilities?! The epiphany struck. Mental manipulation classes were vanishingly rare. In ten dungeons, you might never meet one. Ji Yunfeng had encountered such players before, but their effects were subtlenothing like Bai Lians instant IQ drain. If I avoid looking at him, I can assassinate him using spatial awareness. He thinks Im an idiot anywaylet him underestimate me! Ji Yunfengs lips curled in a cold smile, eyes burning with fury. Nothe more I think about it, the angrier I get! ... Meanwhile, Bai Lian wandered the buildings corridors. He paused before an elevator shaft. The car was on the 9th floor of this 100-story skyscraper. Massive building. Where are the labs? Biological data collection required lab access. Need a floor plan. Too bad the last safe room didnt have one... Bai Lian glanced at the moving elevator, then turned left. Hed finish exploring the 9th floor first. A white-coated figure came rushing down the hall. Her brows were furrowed, temples glistening with sweat, expression frantic. Clutching a folder, she scanned the corridor until spotting Bai Lian. Instantly, her frown melted into relief. Doctor Bai! There you are! Emergency in Lab 16Professor Chen needs you immediately! She shoved documents into his hands and dragged him forward without waiting for a response. Doctor Bai? Professor Chen? Lab 16? Before Bai Lian could process this, he found himself being hauled down the hallway. He skimmed the folders contents: Specimen 16 Experiment Report Abstract: Comprehensive behavioral and ecological analysis of Specimen 16 reveals extreme sensitivity to reagent quality and humidity. Under optimal conditions, specimen exhibits heightened activity... Bai Liana civil engineering graduateunderstood none of this. Had it been about laying bricks, he couldve written a thesis. He flipped to the conclusion. Findings: Specimen 16s reaction to latest reagent batch deviates from previous trials. Further testing required. So this is a story mission? Hed been cast as Doctor Bai, a key researcher for Specimen 16. The NPCs urgency suggested his character was vital. The Mothership sent us to replace original staff. Our mission: collect bio-data without blowing our cover. Problem wasBai Lians expertise began and ended with concrete. How would he fake biological research? If all else fails, Ill improvise. They arrived at a secured door guarded by two soldiers wielding lantern-like deviceslikely energy weapons. The woman produced an access card from her cleavage, swiping it on the reader. The door hissed open. Bai Lian noted her lack of pockets. NPC inventory system? Doctor, hurry! Professor Chens waiting! She pushed him inside. Blinding white light forced Bai Lian to squint. Before him stretched a massive lab filled with researchers and towering glass tanks of green fluideach containing grotesque, floating specimens. Chapter 106: Genetic Tower (5) Doctor Bai, youve finally arrived! As Bai Lian entered, an elderly man with sharp, intelligent features approached, holding a container. Have you reviewed the Specimen No. 16 report? Bai Lian nodded. Yes, on the way. Whats the issue? The man frowned, visibly concerned. The latest trials results deviated from previous experiments. I suspect reagent ratios were miscalculated. Since you and Professor Lin Ya led this project, we didnt dare proceed without you. Apologies for disturbing your free time. No trouble. Bai Lian shook his head. Shall we begin? Of course! The man brightened. But theres another matter. Bai Lian tensed. This old man speaks coherentlydid my Pig Brain Overload skill fail? It should affect both Anomalies and players upon eye contact. Is he blind? Uncertain, he gestured for the man to continue. The elder raised the container. Doctor Bai, to fill this 1,000-milliliter container, how much reagent is required? Bai Lian blinked. Uh... 1,000 milliliters? Ah! So 1,000 milliliters fills a 1,000-milliliter container! This question plagued me, yet you solved it instantlytruly brilliant! The man marveled, eyes shining. The skills working. Hes fully affected. Bai Lian stifled a sigh. Excellent! Ill prepare the reagentsno room for error now! The elder hurried off, calling to others: Doctor Bais here! Begin the experiment immediately. Consult him for any issues. This trial is critical! Researchers buzzed with renewed vigor. Doctor Bai! A question! A researcher at a computer waved, phone connected via cable. If I unplug both ends during a file transfer, does the data stay in the cable? Bai Lian paused. Try it. If it fails, just retransfer. Trial and error reveals truth. Understood! A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, as they say! Not exactly... Bai Lian nodded curtly. The lab hummed with activitydata analysis, solution preparation. Bai Lian drifted between stations, fielding absurd queries until prepwork concluded. Green liquid filled a syringe. At the rooms center lay an eight-legged creature strapped to a table, its exposed heart pulsing black blood. Doctor Bai, you must administer the injection, the elder urged, offering the syringe. Previous attempts caused... incidents. Your expertise is vital. Not afraid of death, huh? Bai Lian eyed the syringe. Even a dog wouldnt buy that lie. As researchers stared expectantly, Bai Lian set the syringe down. Why the delay? the elder cried. This experiments pointless. We should address the real issue Bai Lian stroked his chin solemnly the ideal mixture for Grade 42 concrete! The room froze. Then the elder gasped. Of course! Improper screw lengths affect excavator torque, generating high-energy proteinsUFOs!harming both economy and ecology! We must prevent Pacific Ocean contamination and charger malfunctions to avoid nuclear fallout! Like a burst dam, the researchers erupted: Grade 42 concrete ensures postpartum paste care! Subtropical monsoons disrupt lab-grown hens egg production, raising Abe cross-section radiation levelsPythagorean theorem survival rates demand it! Frying noodles requires brightness adjustments! Screw rotation emits carbon dioxide Idiots. Bai Lian edged backward, rifling through filing cabinets until he found Specimen 16s dossier in a bottom drawer. As he tucked the documents away, a bespectacled woman grabbed his arm. Doctor Baiwhere are you going? Chapter 107: Genetic Tower (6) Of course, about the concrete, Bai Lian replied without hesitation, but suddenly realized something odd: the womans eyes were entirely white, lacking pupils. It reminded him of a character from an anime: Byakugan? No, cataracts, the woman shook her head. So... you cant see me? Bai Lian asked skeptically. The woman nodded, then tilted her head curiously: Didnt you already know that? Just joking, Bai Lian smirked, piecing things together. But I have a question: if you cant see people, why wear glasses? The woman adjusted her frames: Dr. Bai, as in science, one doesnt always need a clear purpose before beginning work. Sometimes results arrive unexpectedly. Bai Lian nodded: And what conclusion have you reached? Glasses only correct nearsightedness. They dont treat cataractsthey just add strain to the nasal bridge. So its better not to wear them unnecessarily, she smiled. Her logic was impeccable, untouched by the intelligence reduction effect... Bai Lian glanced at her nametag: Lin Ya. He recalled the old mans words upon entering the lab earliermentioning the Specimen No. 16 experiment led by himself and Professor Lin Ya. This woman was the projects co-lead, alongside him. Moreover, her mind resisted his abilities, and her precise grip suggested a unique perception. Dr. Bai, Im deeply curious about your concrete research proposal. May we discuss it? Lin Ya interjected before he could respond. Bai Lian raised an eyebrow but nodded: Of course, but its crowded here. Lets find somewhere quieter. Lin Ya gestured gracefully: Naturally. Follow me. She navigated the lab with uncanny precision, avoiding obstacles and personnel effortlessly. Bai Lian grew increasingly convinced of her heightened sensesperhaps supernatural hearing, mental acuity, or even observational willpower. As they exited, two guards snapped to attention, their deference toward Lin Ya stark compared to their indifference toward Bai Lian. After winding through corridors, Lin Ya stopped at a door. Retrieving a card from behind her collar, she swiped it over the lock. The door clicked open. Bai Lian noted her lack of pockets. Is this a hidden ability everyone but me has? Mimicking her motion, he reached behind his collarnothing. What are you doing? Lin Ya peered out, puzzled. Are you all hiding new abilities from me? Bai Lian exclaimed. Why cant I pull a card from my collar? Do you have secret pockets? Lin Ya paused, then replied dryly: Your hidden pocket is slightly lower. Try it. Bai Lian clapped, abandoning the topic: Lets discuss the concrete project instead. The room defied expectationsno pink decor, just white walls plastered with posters of shirtless men flexing abs. Dont misunderstand. These belong to Xiao Yao, your assistant. She adores abs, Lin Ya explained, handing him hot water. Girls like abs. So, Dr. Bai, what do you enjoy looking at? Bai Lian smirked: My tastes are... higher. Higher? Lin Ya tilted her head. Despite her blindness, her heightened perception grasped his meaning instantly. LMAO, higher tastesliterally! My dudes a legend! How does Bai Shen always stumble into ladies? Share the secret! Lin Ya steered back: Dr. Bai, how did you influence the research team? Influence? Bai Lian feigned innocence. Lin Ya activated a monitor, displaying lab footage. The researchers, mid-discussion, suddenly froze in confusion. You can lie, but truth prevails, she said. Your ability has limitsrange or duration. Mental manipulation triggered by eye contact, perhaps? Bai Lian sipped water, unperturbed: Ill never sell you Shampoo Ice. If a blind NPCs this sharp, imagine her with sight. Shed hijack the whole questline. Lin Ya smiled coldly: Dr. Bai, lets trade. Ill help you obtain biomaterials. In return, help me destroy Specimen No. 26! Bai Lians eyes narrowed lethally: You have an Analyzer too?! Chapter 108: Genetic Tower (7) The Analyzer was a device worn by Bai Lian over his eyes. It could analyze any object within his field of vision and was unique equipment for players. For example, Lin Ya, who now stood before him. When Bai Lian looked at her, the Analyzer displayed basic dta: Race: Human Composition: Carbon-based Flaws: Cataracts, fat accumulation around the waist... This analysis was brutally accurate. Lin Yas fat had indeed settled precisely where the Analyzer indicated. Bai Lian had made that remark because he suspected Lin Ya was also a player! After all, logically, only players themselves knew the details of their tasks. How else could she have known about his mission? There were a few possibilities: She might have encountered another player earlier and obtained critical information from them. She herself was a player! But this raised another issue: How could someone with cataracts survive this long in such a state? It was worth noting that players didnt start with heightened sensory perceptionthey developed it through clearing dungeons and earning rewards. Of course, rare cases existed where someone was born with extraordinary perception, but Lin Ya clearly wasnt one of them. Can someone explain what Bai Shen meant by saying she also has an Analyzer? Im lost! Isnt it obvious? Bai Shen suspects Lin Ya is a player. Only players have Analyzers! This woman knows the details of Bai Shens task. Shes probably the other player! Right. Bai Shen replaced the original Dr. Bai and became a researcher. Other players mightve ended up as staff members in the Genetic Tower too. Have you watched the walkthrough for the Genetic Tower? Tell us whats really going on! Better not spoil. I hate people who ruin surprises. Ill decide when I want spoilers myself. The guy above is just terrible! If guides werent so expensive, Id spoil everything too! ... The livestream viewers also grasped Bai Lians implication. If Lin Ya turned out to be a player, his attitude toward her would shift drastically! For him, NPCs were tools to exploit, but players had to die! Do you mean this device on your eyes? Lin Ya smiled faintly, as if oblivious to his meaning, and asked: I was just about to askis this your new invention? As I recall, youve always loved tinkering with odd gadgets. Bai Lian closely observed her microexpressions. When people lied, microexpressionsnot their eyesbetrayed them most. Throughout their conversation, Lin Yas gaze and demeanor remained perfectly natural. Bai Lian detected no tells. Either she wasnt lying, or her control over her expressions was masterful. Bai Lian leaned toward the formerthe latter seemed too implausible. How do you know Im searching for data? Bai Lian asked. Simple, Lin Ya replied, unbuttoning her collar slightly to relieve pressure. The tight fabric had been stifling her. Youve been sneaking into various labs, trying to find specimen data but failing. All of it was caught on surveillance cameras. She pointed at a nearby computer screen and added: So far, only I know about this. No need to worry. So, before this, hed already combed through labs hunting for specimen data? Wasnt that exactly what a player completing a task would do? What had the real Dr. Bai been up to? Was he a covert agent infiltrating the ship? Then why did the ship replace his identity with yours? Why not send him directly to avoid suspicion? The questions multiplied, but Bai Lian welcomed it. Smooth sailing always felt suspicious. Bai Lian paused, then asked: Another question: Why choose to collaborate with me? Hearing this, Lin Ya suddenly stood. She patted Bai Lians shoulder and said: Professor, youre the only one in this building I can trust. Bai Lian: My processor just overheated... Wait, youre my student? he blurted out, then massaged his temples and added: I meanwhen did I even teach you? I dont remember any of this. If they truly had a mentor-student relationship, he mightve accidentally exposed himself earlier. But something felt off. If that were the case, Lin Ya wouldnt have acted so casually before, nor shown the respect a student owed a mentor. Forgotten? I attended two of your lectures at the university, Lin Ya smiled, as if anticipating his reaction. Well, Ive had too many students. Easy to forget, Bai Lian chuckled awkwardly. Seemed hed overthought it. If shed only attended two lectures, his forgetfulness made sense. Lets refocus. Tell me about Specimen No. 26s condition! Bai Lian steered the conversation back on track. Why eliminate Specimen No. 26? Personal grudge? Lin Ya shook her head: If theres any grudge, its his hatred for us. I have no reason to hate him. I just want him gone to advance the experiment. Dont overthink it, she added. I just want to finish this experiment and leave this building as soon as possible. A reasonable explanation. Bai Lian saw no point doubting herfor now. Current situation: Specimen No. 26 has escaped. How do we locate it? To deal with it, we need to find it first, Bai Lian said, sharing intel from his notes. Specimen No. 26 had fled through the labs ventilation shafts, vanishing without a trace. The building had hundreds of floorssearching such vast space for a mobile creature seemed impossible. Bai Lian refused to waste time on futile searchestoo inefficient. No need. Itll come to us, Lin Ya stared intently at Bai Lian. Bai Lian sensed trouble and asked: Why? Because you led it here. Your previous research involved Specimen No. 26. According to past data, after escaping, it will seek you out for revenge, Lin Ya explained. Bai Lian pondered. Well then... What could he say? This was... convenient! At that moment, Lin Ya spoke again: Now, lets address another issueyour biological samples. Bai Lian raised an eyebrow: Arent you handling that? Of course. But too many samples have gone missing from the lab. The remaining ones likely arent enough, Lin Ya nodded. To gather sufficient biomaterials, well need to find a way to bring in new specimens, she concluded. Chapter 109: Genetic Tower (8) This really is a problem, Bai Lian nodded. If things were as Lin Ya said, collecting a hundred biological samples wouldnt be so simple. How did you obtain biological samples before? You must have had specialized teams to capture them? he asked. Lin Ya shook her head, not answering the question. Instead, she turned around, grabbed a mouse, and started working on the computer. She opened a website and, moving aside, said to Bai Lian: Look at this, and youll understand. Bai Lian stepped closer. On the screen was a simple website with the words: Official Website of the Genetic Tower. At the very top of the site was a bright headline: Big Reward for Biological Samples! So, all your previous biological samples were obtained through bounties? The corner of Bai Lians mouth twitched. No wonder the process was so inefficient. Without specialized capture teams, everything depended on what bounty hunters brought in. And the site looked so primitive that it didnt even inspire a click. It couldnt help but seem like some pirated resource. What can we do? Most of the funds go towards drug development. Very little money is left for advertising. This is already a good result, Lin Ya sighed. She looked at Bai Lian: Do you have any ideas? Bai Lian thought for a moment and asked: Can you write code? A little, but not much, Lin Ya replied, nodding in surprise. Thats enough. We just need to improve the site a bit and add a user-friendly interface for the bounty section, Bai Lian said, pointing to the computer. Ill tell you what to do, and you do it. Lin Ya nodded and prepared to listen: Go ahead. First, find some photos of beautiful women online, preferably ones where theyre lightly dressed. Why? Lin Ya asked, perplexed. Bai Lian waved his hand: Just do as I say. I guarantee it will increase reach. Lin Ya didnt hesitate and soon found suitable photos online. And then? Then place these photos next to the bounty link. The photos should flash, and write some text next to them. What text? ''Home alone, unbearably hot, can''t help yourself? Click on me.'' Lin Yas hands, which were typing on the keyboard, suddenly stopped. She silently looked at Bai Lian with an expression of utter bewilderment. What are you looking at? Look at the screen, Bai Lian said. You... are simply a genius... Lin Ya managed to say after a moment. Placing something like that next to an official link C wasnt Bai Lian a genius? At the very least, no one had dared to think of doing this before him, probably wouldnt even have considered it. But now wasnt the time to argue about it C the method really could increase reach. For someone like Bai Lian, this was clearly a working method. Following his instructions, she inserted the photos next to the link and added that dubious text. Everything was ready. Now all we have to do is wait calmly. Bai Lian sat on the nearby bed. The soft mattress relaxed his tense nerves. Facai (his pet) jumped down from Bai Lians shoulder and, like a wild boar stuck in a swamp, started rolling around on the soft quilt, eventually burrowing under it. From the outside, it looked like a moving lump. Feeling two peopleone larger, one smallerbrazenly enjoying themselves on her bed, Lin Ya frowned disapprovingly. However, she ultimately said nothing, merely turned away and continued intently studying the modified bounty link. She was worried someone might complain. After all, this was completely unlike what an official site should permit. ... The electronic clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, like sand ceaselessly falling in an hourglass, as the night darkness grew thicker. In the sky, unseen by anyone, a bright full moon emitted pure light, vainly trying to pierce the black clouds. Its light only reached the massive ship. The colossal ship hovered in the air, its slowly rotating hull resembling the hands of a clock counting down time, as if foretelling something important. Inside the Genetic Tower, plunged into darkness, lights illuminated the corridors and laboratories, but left dark corners where shadows still reigned. Under the lamps, researchers labored, while players desperately searched for biological materials. Their attention was focused solely on their current tasks, oblivious to the danger lurking in the darkness. At some point, in one of the dark rooms, a sound suddenly rang out. In the corner where an unexplored escape pod stood, the door unexpectedly opened. A dark figure emerged. It resembled a shadow: featureless, colorless. Like the players, where its "eyes" should be was an analyzer device, its screen scrolling lines of text: Countdown complete. All experimental subjects have entered the Genetic Tower. Data collection will conclude in three hours. Experimental Subject #001: Vital signs normal, movement trajectory normal, behavior normal, no suspicion... Experimental Subject #002: All normal... Experimental Subject #003: Vital signs normal, movement trajectory normal, IQ significantly reduced, behavior abnormal, no suspicion... ... Scanning complete, extraction may commence. All units begin operation... The subtitles vanished, and the shadows silently dissolved into the darkness, then left the room. A similar scene played out in an inconspicuous room on another floor of the Genome building. ... Attention! Attention! An emergency has been detected. All researchers must leave their laboratories and, under guard escort, return to their apartments. Before exiting the laboratory, ensure all specimens are securely contained... This announcement boomed through the Genome buildings loudspeakers. Everyone who heard it immediately stopped work, placed specimens into special containers, and, under guard protection, left the laboratories. The players were somewhat bewildered by the events. They didnt yet understand what was happening. However, those who knew the dungeons progression were already following the departing researchers. Its started. Its started again, Lin Ya said, standing in the white-walled room, rubbing her temples. Bai Lian, who had been sleeping soundly on the bed, heard the voice and sat up, squinting sleepily as he asked: What happened? He lifted his head and looked at the electronic clock. Three hours had already passed. Turning around, he slapped the sleeping Facai with all his might! THWACK! Sleeping again! I told you to keep track of time, and you fell asleep! How can you even sleep when youre just a mascot? Facai, woken by the blow, looked at Bai Lian drowsily: Youre yelling at me? You passed out before I did! Lin Ya ignored the two clowns, waved Bai Lian over, and said: Come here, look at this. Bai Lian walked over to her and looked at the screen she indicated. When he saw the surveillance camera feed, his sleepy gaze instantly sharpened. On the monitor, a black shadow could be seen hunting down one of the players! Chapter 110: Genetic Tower (9) The corridor was plunged in profound darkness, eerie enough to make ones skin crawl. The dim light flickered weakly, as if it might extinguish at any moment. It seemed poised for action, waiting to devour the light like a calamity. Tap! Tap! Tap! Clear footsteps echoed in sync with the rhythm of a heartbeat. Gradually, a figure emerged from the gloom, its shadow stretching longer and longer. It was a woman wearing a white lab coat, an employee ID card hanging from her chest, and an analyzer device over her eyesgear only players could equip. I only found one folder of materials. Looks like Ill need to check other labs. A building map would be nice, the woman sighed, setting the folder aside and storing it. She then raised her head and scanned her surroundings. Unknown danger? Most people should be in escape pods by now. Perfect timing to collect more documents. She took out a key, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. A Universal Key, capable of unlocking any lock. Though its uses were limited, it was inexpensive, and players could easily stockpile hundreds after changing classes. With this key, she could access any lab and search for biological data. The woman clenched the key, turned, and continued forward. But after just two steps, she froze. In this corridor where she was utterly alone, the silence was suffocatingonly her breathing and heartbeat echoed. Yet now, she noticed another figure in the darkness ahead, black as pitch. It emitted no breath, and she hadnt even sensed its arrival. The woman stared intently, trying to discern details, but saw nothing. The shadows form was visible only through her analyzer. You... are you a player too? she asked hesitantly, unease tightening her chest. Suddenly, text flashed across her analyzers screen: ?Experimental Subject #032 located. Execution order confirmed!? The womans eyes narrowed sharply. Though she couldnt read the specifics, she clearly saw her own designation#032. Experimental Subject #032... She whirled around and sprinted away. A triangular amulet materialized in her hand, then vanished. The next instant, a glass-like spatial barrier enveloped the shadowy figure, freezing it in place. Seeing this, the fleeing woman allowed herself a faint smile. She didnt understand what was happening, but the threat seemed neutralizedfor now. Thud! Black spikes pierced through her back, erupting from her chest. Her smile vanished, replaced by stunned disbelief as she stared at the shadowy figure now standing before her. Huh...? She froze for a split second. A voodoo doll appeared in her handsand the next moment, she vanished, leaving only the doll behind with a gaping hole through its chest. ?Recall failed. Continuing pursuit...? The two shadowsone ahead, one behindstared at the fallen doll, then dissolved back into the darkness... In the observation room, Bai Lian and Lin Ya watched the monitor until the shadow vanished from view. What ability was that? Did she just substitute her own death? Lin Ya remarked, surprised the woman had survived. Bai Lian stroked his chin thoughtfully, giving Lin Ya a puzzled look: Actually, Ive been wondering something... What? Lin Ya turned to face him. If you cant see, how do you perceive everything on the monitor so accurately? Is your sensory ability really that extraordinary? If she were truly blind yet knew what the footage showed, itd be bizarre. If she could see the screen normally, thatd be even more illogical. Lin Ya smiled faintly. I thought it was something serious. Let me explain: my perception isnt visualits more like seeing through spiritual sense. She tapped her chest. I dont use my eyes. Its all channeled through here. Ever since I lost my sight, this ability emerged. Honestly, even I dont fully understand it. Its like... having invisible extra eyes. Bai Lian seemed to grasp it, though not entirely. Either way, this womans abilities were unusual: her perception rivaled sight, yet it wasnt vision. Suddenly, Bai Lians eyes lit up with realization. He snatched Facaiwhod been edging back toward the bedand hurried toward the door. Where are you going? Lin Ya called out, catching up to him. Found something interesting. Need to check a lab, Bai Lian replied without turning, already opening the door. Lin Ya glanced at the surveillance feed showing shadowy figures hunting players. Hesitating, she followed. Those shadows are slaughtering anyone outside. Isnt stepping out like walking into a tigers den? She frowned. Wouldnt staying in the dormitory be smarter? Wait until the threat passes. Do you really think hiding here is safe? Bai Lian looked at her, then remembered she wasnt a player. He added, You might be fine staying, but Im not allowed to. He removed the analyzer from his eyes, studying this player-exclusive device with intense focus. Lin Ya noticed his expression. Problem with that thing? Bai Lian nodded. Yes. And it wasnt minor. He finally understood the devices true purpose. It aided playersbut not benevolently. Its core function was tracking their location. And whoever controlled these analyzers was the very force hunting themthe shadows! The pursuers analyzers specifically targeted the players devices. Thats how players were being pinpointed so swiftly. Where did these shadows originate? The answer was obvious: only those whod disembarked from the mothership would possess such analyzers. And their objective? Are the players themselves the real biological samples? Bai Lians mind raced as he pieced together the clues. But if so, why hadnt the mothership killed them outright? Why send them into the Genetic Tower? No. The ship still needed external biological datathe task required collecting 100 specimens. Yet the shadows were hunting... Unless they only need 100 total samples, not 100 per player... A spark ignited in Bai Lians eyes. He felt hed grasped the critical flawthe key to unlocking the dungeons highest completion rating. Chapter 111: Genetic Tower (10) Did you find something? Lin Ya glanced at Bai Lians contemplative expression and couldnt help asking. Bai Lian slightly raised the corners of his lips, peered deeply into the dark corridor behind them, then turned back and replied: We need to get to the lab. Once were there, most questions will be answered. You still didnt say what exactly you found... Lin Ya frowned but didnt press further, following Bai Lian toward the lab. Seems Bai Shen noticed something, but he isnt saying. I cant even guess what hes thinking. Actually, I have a hunch. The shadows are probably tracking players, and Bai Shen took the analyzer againmeaning the shadows likely use it to monitor players. Then why didnt Bai Shen just throw the analyzer away? And why head to the lab? No clue. Whatever, lets keep watching. I bet Bai Shens plotting something again. I screenshot and zoomed inthe analyzer the shadows wear is meant for tracking players. They probably came down from the ship too. But why hunt players? Arent players gathering bio-data for the ship? Seems redundant. Per the rules, players can request guard escorts. Guards help fend off shadows. Shadows are only active at night, so just wait it out. Lab 16 wasnt far from Lin Yas dorm. They soon reached its doors. Lab staff had just finished work and, under guard escort, were heading to their dorms. Dr. Bai, Dr. Lin, where are you two headed? The girl Bai Lian had noticed first asked, puzzled. Before Lin Ya could answer, Bai Lian cut in: We have some business to handle. You head back! Activating Pig Brain Overload, the others found nothing odd in his words. They nodded and followed the guards. Watching the researchers accept Bai Lians explanation without question, Lin Yas eyes flashed with surprise. Though she knew of his ability to influence thoughts, it still felt unreal. Bai Lian wasted no time. He opened the lab door and entered. Back inside, he went straight to Specimen 16s container. How strong is Specimen 16? Bai Lian asked, pressing the containers drain button while turning to Lin Ya. Though unsure why he asked, she answered: Extremely strong. When it arrived, it caused huge trouble. Only ten guards working together subdued it. Compared to those shadows? Bai Lian pressed. Fluid drained from the container as its transparent shell split open. Thick tentacles slithered out. Freed from liquid pressure, Specimen 16s massive heart began pulsingslowly at first, then faster with each beat. Lin Ya thought briefly: Strength-wise, theyre comparable. But Specimen 16 regenerates infinitely. Unless utterly destroyed, even a single cell can revive it. She pointed at surrounding jars: These are all tissues we excised from Specimen 16. Every one regenerated. During past research, we cut away so much tissue for data that we ran out of jars. Why do you ask? Bai Lian pulled on lab gloves, lifted Specimen 16 from its tank, and made a deep incision in its heart with a scalpel. He inserted the analyzer into the cut. Seconds later, the wound began healing. As Lin Ya said, its regenerative power was terrifying. Thisll do. When will it start moving? Bai Lian inspected his work, satisfied, then turned to Lin Ya. Guessing his intent, she replied: Without inhibitor, it regains mobility in one minute. If injected, its abilities double! Double? Bai Lian paused, then decided: Get the drug. Inject it. Lin Ya hesitated: Are you sure? If we lose control, it could become as dangerous as Specimen 26a huge setback! Dont worry, Bai Lian waved dismissively. Ill handle it. Just do it. Fine. Reluctantly, Lin Ya took the drug and injected it into the pulsating heart. She depressed the syringe slowly, emptying its contents. Done. What now? She withdrew the needle. If we stay, itll attack us. Now we return to the dorm and settle another matter! Bai Lians gaze deepened. Lin Ya frowned: What other matter? Follow me! Chapter 112: Genetic Tower (11) "You mean to say someone altered my memory, making me believe you existed several days ago?" Lin Ya frowned slightly, sensing something amiss: "Given current scientific capabilities, its indeed possible to alter human memory using neuroengineering and neural interface technology." "To my knowledge, brain-computer interfaces can measure electrical signals via scalp electrodes to access thoughts and memories." "Another approach involves deep learning algorithms. They simulate human cognition by analyzing vast datasets to identify patterns and make predictions." "But in any case, altering memory requires physical contact with the subject. The process would also likely be... painful." She studied Bai Liang and added: "Yet Ive felt no discomfort these past few days. Could memory alteration truly leave no trace?" "Even if such technology exists..." She trailed off, confident he understood her implication. If this technology did exist, employing it so frivolously would be nonsensicalunless the perpetrator was profoundly bored. But even then, involving two people in such a farce seemed absurd. Unless its Wang Long and Feng Zhu, she thought wryly. "Discussing science inside a supernatural dungeon..." Bai Liang fell silent, then recalled a title effect he could leverage: Century Traveler. It allowed him to fixate on any past event within the dungeon. "Century Travelerit anchors moments in time. Worth a try." He activated the titles power. Now he needed to select a temporal anchor. He met Lin Yas gaze: "Whens your earliest memory of me?" She answered without hesitation: "If I recall correctly, early in our freshman year." "No need to go that far back. Just after we entered the Genetic Tower will suffice," Bai Liang amended. "Three months ago, when we stepped into this building," Lin Ya clarified. Three months ago... Bai Liang closed his eyes, retracing time. Space compressed around him as fragmented scenes flickered past: researchers shuffling through labs, Lin Ya reviewing data, fresh biological specimens being delivered. Yet in none did he appearnot even among the other players. His focus settled on Lin Yas team entering the Genetic Tower three months prior. "Just as I thought," he murmured, finding no trace of himself. But as he prepared to withdraw, a figure materialized in the timelinegold-rimmed glasses, parted hair, sleek suitcase. Himself. Bai Liangs eyes snapped open as the vision dissolved. "Somethings wrong here..." The presence of "Dr. Bai" dismantled his earlier theories. This version of him had entered with Lin Yas team... yet vanished from all subsequent records. Hed disappeared shortly after arrival, just like the other replaced players. Captured by the mothership? Memory-wiped and rebranded as test subjects? "Whats wrong?" Lin Ya asked, noting his tension. Bai Liangs expression cleared, a faint smile forming. "Ive got it. The key isnt who the players wereits the biological samples in this building." "Finding a hundred samples is impossible because they dont exist. Ninety-nine players collecting two each? Only 198 samples." "Yet you said even a hundred biological datasets are unattainable. Meaning the collection task cant be completedunless we kill all players, which is even less feasible." "The solutions hidden in the mission itself: survive fifteen days inside an escape pod until the mothership retrieves us. Thats the baseline clearance." "But... thats a low-tier rating at best..." The path to a Perfect Rating crystallized in his mind. Hed unraveled the dungeons core. "What did you realize?" Lin Ya pressed, perplexed. Bai Liang refocused, smiling at her. "Nothing. Stay here. Ill honor our agreement." He withheld the truth: she was the dungeons lynchpin, the only path to its ultimate secret. Bringing her now would be reckless. Their contract would ensure he missed no detailand he never broke contracts. As Lin Ya opened her mouth to protest, he raised a hand. "Im leaving." He turned, strode into the dim corridor, and vanished without looking back. Lin Ya lingered in the doorway, watching until darkness swallowed his silhouette. ... Meanwhile, Outside Lab 16 Two shadows converged at the sealed laboratory entrance. Their analyzer visors flickered with text: Experimental Subject #001 located. Capture team activated... Chapter 113: Genetic Tower (12) The laboratory was shrouded in silence, broken only by the low humming of precision instruments and their dim lights. Suddenly, two black silhouettes slipped through a crack in the doorone remained in shadow form, while the other manifested a physical body. One moved in full view, the other lurking in the darkness. It seemed that after the previous failed attempt to gather information, these two shadows had learned to operate just like their senior counterpart. New lines of text continuously flashed across the analyzers they wore, indicating a stream of communication between them. Target is on the move, signs of escape detected, analyzing surroundings... No possibility of escape, proceeding with operation... They suddenly froze, as if sensing something. White mist began to flow from one of the glass vessels on the workbench, with a blurred figure drifting inside. This figure swayed intermittently, as if regaining consciousness. Target located, initiating retrieval... As the latest information flashed across their analyzers, both black silhouettes darted toward the figure with such speed that their movements left afterimages! The physical shadow lunged directly for the experiment table where the indistinct figure lay! Its arms morphed into sharp spikes that gleamed faintly in the darkness. The other shadow stayed intangible, rapidly circling to the opposite side to approach the target. The black spikes came crashing down, aimed precisely at the blurred figures head in an attempt to eliminate it in a single blow. At the same time, the shadow solidified into a corporeal form and attacked from the other side. But Light! Just as the situation reached a crisis point, two massive tentaclesoctopus-like in appearancesuddenly lashed out from the mist, grabbing the descending spikes in a perfect counter! The two black silhouettes hesitated for a split second at the sight. Target incorrect, aborting operation... Abort failed, initiating escape... The analyzers immediately displayed two new lines, and the shadows, regaining their senses, wisely decided to break off their weapons on the spot! Click! The spikes slipped from their grasp as the shadows reverted to their incorporeal forms and tried to flee. But at that moment, unseen waves surged from the mist, rapidly enveloping the entire laboratory! Predictably, both shadows were forced back into physical form. Glancing back, they saw Specimen 16 rising from the research table, its container already opened. A strange emotion twisted its coal-black face. Attention all units: Six just inserted an analyzer into a biological specimen... Before the next deployment, please confirm whether target is a specimen, though... we wont have a next time... Operators 003 and 004 will soon be decommissioned... It was a slaughter. The shadows that had been hunting players stood no chance against a biological specimen like this. Disarmed and stripped of their powers, reduced to mere shadows, they were as helpless as infants before Specimen 16. Rrrr The tentacles tore them both in half, and Specimen 16 began devouring them greedily. Lined with circular, knife-like teeth, the tentacles made short work of tearing and consuming the shadows. Bai Lian, watching from the side, witnessed the entire scene. As for the Hidden Seal with its symbol, which couldnt be reused for more than five minutes and would fail if detectedits applications were strictly limited. Typically, players only used it in very specific situations. But for someone like Bai Lian, such restrictions were irrelevant. Observing Specimen 16 reveling in its meal, Bai Lian stroked his chin and remarked, So its as I suspectedmy other theory is confirmed as well: the mothership only cares about biological data, since they have no means of dealing with biological specimens themselves. Or perhaps they can handle it, but only with great difficultyafter all, these shadows are completely suppressed by Specimen 16. Damn, Bai Shen, this is insane! He stuck the analyzer right into Specimen 16 and tricked the shadows and it into attacking each other? Looks like whoever wrote that didnt understand what mutual destruction really means. How is it mutual destruction if one just utterly annihilates the other? Hahaha, youve got to pity these shadowsthey never expected someone to shove an analyzer directly into a biological specimen. Honestly, only Bai Shen could pull off a trick like this under the noses of all the researchers. No one else could do it. I dont get itwhy does everyone except Lin Ya seem to lose their wits the instant they run into Bai Shen? You dont get it? Bai Shen was already tunneled into the dungeon the moment the kettle started steaming. Whats that supposed to mean? Just wait and see! ... Suddenly, in the middle of its feast, Specimen 16 froze. Its heart-shaped head abruptly snapped in a new direction. Thats where Bai Lian now stoodthe stealth effect had run out. But Bai Lian didnt panic, or rather, hed anticipated this the whole time, even as Specimen 16s tentacles whipped toward him at blinding speed! Min Tong materialized from thin air above Bai Lians head: a massive, emotionless eyeball that fixed an unblinking stare on Specimen 16. The tentacles aiming at him jerked to a halt mid-air, as if hesitating. They seemed to instinctively sense the threat from the eye. But Bai Lian gave them no time to reconsider. A beam of annihilation burst from Min Tong and fired without warning! Ssshh! The beam severed one of the tentacles, which instantly began crumbling to ashdecay spreading rapidly to the rest of the body! Specimen 16 didnt hesitate, tearing off a chunk of itself to stop the spread and ensure survival. You dont even have eyes... Now thats just unfair... Noting Specimen 16s lack of eyes, Bai Lian couldnt help but frown at the absurdity. One shot wasnt enough? Two, then. And if that still failed, hed have to go all out Ssshh! Ssshh! Ssshh! Beams of annihilation tore into Specimen 16 one after another, mercilessly. Specimen 16, which had just grown a replacement limb, didnt even have time to respond before a barrage of annihilation beams reduced it to ash. Not a trace remainedno hope of regeneration, even if such an ability existed. Bai Lian glanced at the gaping hole in the floor, then turned and headed over to the laboratorys glass jars. Inside each jar floated specimens at various stages of recoveryall version of No. 16. Once removed, each one would regenerate into a new Specimen 16. The key to solving this problem... Donning gloves, Bai Lian retrieved a segment of Specimen 16s tentacle from one of the jars and laid it out on the experimental table. He picked up a scalpel and, as though slicing sashimi, cut the tentacle into thin, uniform pieceslike octopus slices. A full hundred portions: each writhing slice continued moving after being cut, slowly sprouting new tissue. Bai Lian found an empty jar and dropped all the slices inside. They immediately stopped growing. One hundred samples of biological data... This should do the trick, right? Chapter 114: Genetic Tower (13) Bai Lian smiled slightly as he looked at the biological sample that had stopped growing and was cut into pieces like octopus slices. This is also part of the materials! Bai Lian held the jar with one hand and headed towards the exit of the laboratory. It was just a gift for the mothership, but he still needed to deal with the escape of Specimen No. 26. "Whoa, using Specimen No. 16 to find a bug, that''s what I call Bai Shen!" "So, the task for biological data is to find Specimen No. 16? If you find it, getting 100 biological data won''t be a problem because the specimen is also part of the data!" "Now it all depends on how correctly Bai Shen''s steps are. Since the Genetic Tower started opening coincidences, no one has received an S-rating for clearance until now, most just get the guaranteed rewards. If Bai Shen gets the highest rating for clearance, it will be simply incredible!" "I''m already imagining how those big bosses of organizations will be jittery and nervously smoking as soon as the results come out." In the staff room of the research center, Lin Ya sat in front of the computer. On the screen were feeds from various surveillance cameras, and she was carefully monitoring every unusual moment on the images. Of course, not everywhere had cameras; they were mainly installed in the corridors. Finally, on one of the screens, Bai Lian exited the laboratory, holding a jar. "Specimen No. 16? What is he going to do with it?" Lin Ya couldn''t help but recognize the tissues in the jar as she specialized in researching Specimen No. 16. Why was Bai Lian holding so many slices of Specimen No. 16, and why did he put them in a jar? Maybe he was going to transfer them to another laboratory? No, it didn''t seem like it would be that dull. As she watched the monitor, her assistant, who was lying on the bed, suddenly stood up. She glanced at Lin Ya and slowly walked towards her. "Professor Lin, aren''t you going to rest so late?" the assistant asked curiously. Lin Ya shook her head without turning around. "You go back to sleep, I''ll rest soon too." The assistant nodded. "Okay." But she didn''t leave; instead, she approached Lin Ya from behind. At this moment, Lin Ya felt that something was off. She was about to turn around, but suddenly felt a cold blade pressed against her lower back. The ice-cold voice of the assistant rang in her ears. "Professor Lin, I hope you won''t resist. Please cooperate with me further." Lin Ya, upon hearing this, slightly furrowed her brows. "You''re not Xiao Yao, who are you really?" This assistant was Bai Lian''s employee, responsible for miscellaneous tasks in the laboratory, and usually lived with Lin Ya. She and Lin Ya weren''t particularly close, but they weren''t enemies either; they were just ordinary friends. Xiao Yao was quite a lively person and didn''t seem like someone who could kidnap others. So, there were two possible reasons: the first was that Xiao Yao was controlled by someone, and the second was that this wasn''t Xiao Yao at all! Regardless of which explanation was correct, the person speaking now was the one behind all this. "Who I am doesn''t matter. You just need to know that I and Dr. Bai are from the same place," the assistant, pretending to be Xiao Yao, said mockingly. She was also a player! Moreover, she was strategic. As soon as she entered the dungeon, she made the smartest choice - immediately discarding the analyzer to avoid being pursued by the shadows. At first, she just needed to follow Lin Ya and survive for 15 days, and then return to the mothership - that would be considered completing the task. But upon meeting Bai Lian, she accidentally discovered something amazing! She noticed that Bai Lian seemed to have found a way to clear the game with a high rating! He often went to the laboratory and took many things from there, and she didn''t believe that Bai Lian hadn''t made any discoveries. Additionally, she had another observation. Both at the beginning and later, when meeting Bai Lian, her thoughts were greatly altered. Using the word "influence" here wasn''t entirely accurate; rather, it was as if her intelligence was completely reduced, yes, in the sense that her mental abilities were entirely lost! But as soon as Bai Lian was out of sight, her intelligence returned to its height! From this, Assistant Xiao Yao concluded that Bai Lian possessed the ability to affect other people''s thoughts, and in his presence, it was impossible to think normally! Whether it was his abilities or professional skills - it was very scary because no player could pose a threat to him. So, to achieve any goal through him, other approaches needed to be found. Lin Ya was an excellent starting point. She was an NPC, and her relationship with Bai Lian was clearly good; there was an unusual connection between them. If she was controlled, it would be possible to use her to threaten Bai Lian in the future, and it would likely be successful! Upon hearing Xiao Yao''s words, Lin Ya relaxed her furrowed brows and calmly said. "You want to use me to deal with Dr. Bai?" Xiao Yao didn''t intend to continue the conversation and looked at the computer screen, where Bai Lian was just about to leave. As soon as she saw him, her gaze changed drastically, her intelligence plummeted from its height, and she slowly said. "Of course, you and him are very close; it''s visible to the naked eye. If I take control of you, he won''t dare not comply!" Chapter 115: Genetic Tower (14) Lin Ya raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. She had noticed something amiss with Xiao Yao earlier, and seeing her current state, instantly understood the situation. Lin Ya placed her hand on the mouse, opened a separate monitor displaying Bai Lians image, paused the feed, and zoomed in until he filled Xiao Yaos field of vision. Then she attempted to speak: Actually, my relationship with Dr. Bai isnt as close as you think. If it were as you described, hed be working alongside me. Xiao Yao froze briefly, then sank into thought before nodding: You seem right. Threatening him through you isnt a sensible planit lacks logic... Lin Ya felt a wave of uneasejust as shed anticipated. Bai Lians abilities were such that even in his absence, anyone who saw him fell under his influence! His powers bordered on conceptual; merely seeing him was enough to be affected... Hmph! If true, this is far too dangerous. Thankfully, I cant see him, or Id likely turn into a complete fool too. Lin Ya took a deep breath, stood up, and snatched the Copper Coin Dagger from Xiao Yaos hand. Xiao Yao didnt react strangelyor rather, she hadnt processed it fast enough. Lin Ya smiled at her: Your attempt to attack me betrays your intentions toward Dr. Bai. Ill be sure to inform him, and he will take action against you. So, if you wish to avoid dying by his hand, theres only one path left, Lin Ya stated. Xiao Yao tilted her head, puzzled: What path? End yourself before he can kill you. That way, he cant reach you! Lin Ya replied slowly. Xiao Yaos eyes suddenly lit up: Youre right! If I die before he acts, he cant kill me! Thank you so much, Professor Lin! Youre a genius! Lin Yas lips twitched slightly. Bai Lians influence felt even more terrifying now that Xiao Yaos IQ had plummeted this low... After speaking, Xiao Yao raised her hand and slammed it forcefully against her own head. Thud! The horrific impact instantly reduced her brain to pulp. A player had just ended her own life. Lin Ya remained expressionless as she looked at the body on the floor. Though her eyes were closed, a gleam of insight flickered within themas if shed found the perfect solution. Theres a printer here. A black-and-white photo should suffice, right? Muttering to herself, Lin Ya immediately screenshotted Bai Lians image and printed it. For safety, she didnt print just one copyshe printed dozens. If one got damaged, shed have spares! Meanwhile, unaware that his monochrome photo had become a ward, Bai Lian walked down the dimly lit corridor. He found his Escape Pod, placed the jar inside, and entered himself. The pod had a control interface; once the task was completed, he could select Return to Ship. Bai Lian chose Return. The pod emitted a sound as its door began sealing shut. At that moment, Bai Lian shattered the jar and lunged out of the Escape Pod! As he emerged, the pod sealed completely. Bai Lian stood nearby, watching Specimen No. 16 writhe and regenerate inside the transparent capsule. A smile touched his lips. Hope you enjoy this gift... He lifted his gaze skyward, his eyes so deep they seemed to pierce the ceiling and see the Mothership hanging in the void. With a flash of light, the Escape Pod vanished from the room. Bai Lian turned and left. One task remained: eliminate the hidden Specimen No. 26. He wouldnt need to search for it, though. As Lin Ya had said, as long as he stayed in the Genetic Tower, Specimen No. 26 would come to him. If I recall correctly, it should be in the elevator. Best to wait there. Bai Lian remembered the note hed seen upon entering the dungeon: after Specimen No. 26 escaped, anomalies began occurring in the elevator, and people vanished. Those missing were likely killed by Specimen No. 26. He exited the room and headed straight for the nearby elevator, arriving quickly. Standing before the elevator doors, Bai Lian pressed the call button and waited. Yet at the corridors end, two pairs of eyes watched him. One observer was familiar to Bai LianJi Yunfeng, the young man hed encountered at the dungeons start. Beside him stood another figure: a burly man with a rooster-comb hairstyle, a cruel expression, and a scar across his cheekclearly not benevolent. The two hid around a corner, only their eyes visible as they stared intently at Bai Lian waiting by the elevator. Thats him? The Rooster-Combed Man glanced at Bai Lian, tilting his head toward Ji Yunfeng. Ji Yunfeng nodded: Confirmed. Its him! You met him at the start. Why didnt you attack then? the man pressed. Ji Yunfengs face darkened slightly. I thought he might have escape methods. Acting alone felt too risky. This is a mission from above. If were careless and fail, what then? The man gave him a penetrating look, then nodded. Youre right. He, too, was a member of the Professionals Association. In large organizations like theirs, when targeting someone, they never sent just one person. While Ji Yunfeng used an item to team-match with Bai Lian, many association members simultaneously searched for the dungeon. Though players in the Mysterious World were numerous, the odds of entering the same dungeon concurrently rose significantly. The Rooster-Combed Man had been luckyhed successfully matched into Bai Lians dungeon! Currently, he wasnt just cooperating with Ji Yunfeng; he was also in contact with Captain Xia Dongjie. Pei Zhi Xin (Fist King): Captain, Ive found him! Xia Dongjie (Legend): Excellent. That idiot Ji Yunfeng lost his mind and wasted my items. Dont disappoint me! Pei Zhi Xin (Fist King): Captain, I always play it safe. This guys clearly not on our levelyou can trust me! Xia Dongjie (Legend): ...That tone sounds familiar. Fine, no showing off. Complete the mission, and youll get promoted when you return. Pick any position you want! Pei Zhi Xin (Fist King): I want to be captain. Xia Dongjie (Legend): ... Chapter 116: Genetic Tower (15) Xia Dongjie (Legend): Hahaha, I think you''re joking. Do your job. Pei Zhi Xin (Fist King): I''m not joking, I''m serious. Xia Dongjie (Legend): Fine then! (?o?o?)?=3=3 Xia Dongjie (Legend): Ill be waiting for you to return! When you do, I wont just kill youIll obliterate you! "Pei Zhi Xin added Xia Dongjie and Ji Yunfeng to the group chat." Pei Zhi Xin (Fist King): Old Ji, the captain said hell kill us. Ji Yunfeng (Evil Spirit): Captain, thats too much! Were working for you, and you want us dead? Xia Dongjie (Legend): Do whatever you want! I dont caredont message me from the dead dungeons! "Xia Dongjie left the group chat and blocked you." ... What are you two doing here? While Ji Yunfeng and Pei Zhi Xin were still deep in thought, Bai Lian suddenly appeared right in front of them. Watching the pair, amusement flickered in Bai Lians eyes. Hearing his voice, Ji Yunfeng and Pei Zhi Xin snapped back to reality, exchanged glances, and began strategizing. They spoke loudly enough for Bai Lian to hear every word. What do we do? He spotted us. What do we do? Were both strongif we team up, cant we take him down? Yeah, youre right. Whats the plan? Ill go first and distract him. Once he focuses on me, you flank him and use a Restriction Seal to trap him. Then force him to hand over the biological samples! No, he stole my items and Rule Pointswe need those back too, or Ill suffer huge losses. Enough! Stop talkingdont let him hear us. I already heard everything... Bai Lian stared at the two, his expression blank. Livestream viewers couldnt hold back their laughter: Stealth meeting: FAILED.JPG HAHAHAHAlaughed so hard I crushed my girlfriend! Bai Shen, you owe me a new one! Two Wang Long Feng Zhudo they really think Bai Shen cant hear them?! (Chinese idiom: "Two dragons, one phoenix"refers to a chaotic, poorly coordinated plan) What ability does Bai Shen have that dumbed down these veterans? A psychic class? Ive seen psychic streamsthey use hypnosis, but the success rate is low. Nothing like Bai Shens. Got it! Bai Shens ability is roleplaythis time hes acting as Nan Gong Wen Ya! (Nan Gong Wen Ya: A Chinese idiom meaning "playing the fool") Its a battle of who outsmarts whom (LOL) ... You twofinished scheming? Bai Lian tilted his head, feigning confusion. Ji Yunfeng and Pei Zhi Xin snapped their attention toward him. Kid! Keep your eyes on me! Dont worryI wont attack. I want a fair, one-on-one fight with you! Pei Zhi Xin sneered coldly. As he spoke, he turned and winked at Ji Yunfeng. Ji Yunfeng glanced at Bai Lian, then at Pei Zhi Xinwhose eyes were nearly dried up from tensionand nodded: You go first! Ill ambush from behind! The situation grew increasingly absurd. Their elaborate plan unfolded like a slapstick routine, leaving even Bai Lian struggling to keep track. He could only watch their performance. Pei Zhi Xin suddenly spun and lunged at Bai Lian, steel-knuckled gloves materializing in his hands! The gloves spikes glinteda direct hit would turn its target into a sieve. Despite his bulk, he moved swiftly, closing the distance instantly. His fist aimed squarely at Bai Lians head! Bai Lian opened his mouth to speakbut an icy dagger tore through the void behind him! A shadowy figure slithered out of the wall! Bai Lians gaze flickered toward Ji Yunfeng just as his stationary form dissolved into black mist, freezing into the floor. Bai Lians eyes widened in mock horror. Hahaha! Did you really think we came here unprepared? Pei Zhi Xin burst into arrogant laughter, his face twisted with triumph. He stared at Bai Lian, all traces of his earlier dim-wittedness goneas if no skill had ever affected him. Before he finished speaking, a triangular talisman seal appeared in his empty hand. He crushed itactivating its binding effect! The air around Bai Lian solidified, trapping him mid-reactiona control-type talisman! Enough talk! Kill him and finish the mission! The shadowy figure behind Bai Lian drove his dagger toward Bai Lians back! Trapped between the fist and the blade, Bai Lian had no escape! Faced with this dead end, Bai Lian still looked dazed. Had he miscalculated? Suddenly, the corner of his mouth curled into a strange smile. Thud! The spiked glove and long knife struck Bai Lian simultaneouslythe sickening sound of tearing flesh echoed through the corridor! Blood dripped from the blade and glove. Seeing this, Ji Yunfeng and Pei Zhi Xin sighed in relief. In their coordinated strike, Bai Lian hadnt even had time to use a lifesaving amulet like a Voodoo Doll. Finally finished the mission! A smile spread across Pei Zhi Xins face. He raised his handand plucked out his own eyeballs. Ji Yunfeng reverted to his normal form, his eyes also goneonly empty sockets remained. Well report to the captain later. We lost so much to kill this bastardeven gouged our eyes out. Pei Zhi Xin tossed his eyeballs to the floor and crushed them underfoot. He suddenly remembered something and scratched his head. When we acted like that earlier... the captain wont think we actually wanted to replace him, will he? He might cause trouble when we get back. Ji Yunfeng shook his head and patted his shoulder. Dont you know the captain? As long as we complete the mission, well explain everything calmly. It was just an act for the missionhe wont hold a grudge. The moment Ji Yunfeng learned of Bai Lians intelligence-reducing skill, hed planned a countermeasure. Blindfolds or closing his eyes were too risky. To guarantee immunity, he removed his eyesperception-enhancing items could replace their function, and the organizations healers could regenerate them after the dungeon. Kill and burn himdo it thoroughly. Pei Zhi Xin bent down, eyeing the corpse on the ground. Ji Yunfeng pulled out a black lighter, aimed it at the body, and pressed the triggerflames roared out like a flamethrower. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Great plan! Excellent execution! Applause rang outaccompanied by a familiar voicejust steps away. Hearing it, Pei Zhi Xin and Ji Yunfeng whirled around, staring in the direction of the sound. Chapter 117: Genetic Tower (16) Bai Liang stood at the other end of the corridor, his gaze sharp as he slowly walked forward. Facai perched on his shoulder, grinning crookedly while clapping its paws, creating an eerie atmosphere. Those applause sounds had come from itBai Liang himself had kept his hands in his pockets the whole time. What are you doing? Bai Liang silently stared at him, his cool demeanor shattered by this idiot. Facai retracted its neck, stopped grinning, and obediently settled on his shoulder. You... didnt die? Pei Zhi Xin and Ji Yunfeng stared at Bai Liang standing there, then at the still-burning corpse on the ground, utterly dumbfounded. They realized their mission had failed. Theyd accounted for everythingeven suppliesbut overlooked one thing: his shadow abilities. Without wasting words, each pulled out a voodoo doll! But before they could act, shadowy hands snatched the dolls away. Pei Zhi Xin: ??? Ji Yunfeng: ??? They whirled around and froze in horror. Another Bai Liang stood behind them, smiling as he held their dolls. Huh?!! You two are far too green, Bai Liang remarked coolly. He effortlessly pocketed the dolls and waved his handthe other Bai Liang vanished. Not just the double, but the charred corpse on the ground disappeared too. The Book of Illusions truly lived up to its S-rank reputation. You Pei Zhi Xin began, but Ji Yunfeng suddenly shoved him toward Bai Liang, then transformed into his Evil Spirit form and lunged at the wall. Thud! The sound of a skull hitting metal echoed. Ji Yunfeng reverted to human form, clutching a massive lump on his forehead. He looked up to see violet light seeping from the wallsBai Liang had sealed all escape routes! Ji Yunfeng, you traitor! Pei Zhi Xin steadied himself and roared. Fzzt! Fzzt! Two violet beams pierced their skulls, scattering blood and brain matter like shattered watermelons. Cant risk you pulling more stunts, Bai Liang muttered, eyeing the corpses. He turned and left. Back at the elevator, the doors slid open just as he arrived. Bai Liang stepped in, pressed the button for the first floor, and watched the doors close. The elevator descended two floors before jolting to a stop. Lights flickered as the doors opened to pure darkness. Impatient, arent we? Guess I wont get to play longer, Bai Liang sighed, stepping into the void. With each step, violet light erupted from his feet, devouring the darkness! The shadows recoiled, coalescing into a trembling, sea-urchin-like creature with too many eyes. It shrank back as Bai Liang approachedterrified. ... Congratulations, Player: Bai Liang, for clearing the D-rank dungeon Genetic Tower! Clear Time: 8 hours, 10 minutes, 51 seconds! Completion Rating: SSS! Rewards: Rule Points, Title: Insightful Eye, 10 Pet XP Fruits! Player: Bai Liang will exit the dungeon in 1 minute. Prepare for transfer: 60... 59... 58... Bai Liang stepped out of the elevator, unfazed by the system chimes. He glanced at Facai on his shoulder and reached up to pat its head. Facai tried scrambling onto his scalp, but Bai Liang snatched it by the scruff. You cost me a reward. Ill stew you later. Pet XP Fruits were wasted on this decorative rodent. He paused. Lin Ya stood ahead, smiling like a blossoming flower. Teacher, may we speak? Bai Liang eyed the black-and-white photo in her hand. Whats with the... tribute? Was she mourning him prematurely? Lin Ya glanced at the photo. This? I owe you thanks. Carrying your picture got me this far. Shed lacked strength, but the photo made enemies freeze. Truly, Teacheryou terrify even in print. Right... Bai Liang realized shed used his likeness as a ward. What did you want to discuss? He fell into step beside her. Lin Ya tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Youve changed so much since back then, Teacher. People do. I was arrogant, she admitted softly. Convinced everyone else was dull. I had no friends, didnt know how to make them. Hard to imagine now. Its because of you. She traced the photos edge. One phrase you gave me changed everything. Bai Liangs curiosity piqued. Which phrase? She stopped, handed him a slip of paper, and bowed deeply. On it, bold characters read: "Bright but not blinding, Still waters run deep, Hold simplicity close, Walk steady and far." The timer hit zero. Bai Liangs form began fading. Lin Ya clutched the photo, head still lowered. When she looked up, he was gone. Teacher... I hope these words guide you as they did me. Her pale eyes gleamed. When will I see you again?