Edited by Jules
Xiao Lan left Wang Taidi’s room and walked through the player hub alone in the night.
He had asked earlier whether Wang Taidi needed his help to clear instances, but was refused.
Wang Taidi’s attitude was very firm. “I’m already an intermediate player. I still have my own skills and my ge also arranged a lot of combat training for me, and gave me so many items.
“I don’t lack experience in clearing games, nor do I lack items. However, I never tried to take on all of this in the past.
“This time, I want to advance by relying on myself.
“If I can’t do even this, how can I save my ge?”
At that moment, his previous cheer and optimism cultivated under Wang Ke’s protection seemed forcibly stripped away.
This youth was like a young cub who had lost its shelter and had begun trying to reveal its claws and fangs.
Although he still appeared very haggard, when Xiao Lan noticed his gaze, he conversely put down his previous worries for him.
People with this sort of gaze wouldn’t die easily.
Perhaps it wouldn’t be long before this youngster truly appeared in the ranks of advanced players.
There were still people coming and going in the player hub at night. There would be people clearing the game at almost every moment, and also players who would no longer return at any time.
On the road, Xiao Lan inadvertently heard a conversation between two players.
“Did you hear? Something strange happened in a newcomer game recently.”
“If you have a fart, let it out, don’t stop halfway.”
“Ai, what’s with that attitude?! Forget it… I heard that a newbie killed all the other newbie players in the game. Take note that it’s ‘kill’, and not using the rules to ‘pit them to death’.”
“How can that be?! He didn’t get killed by a player turned NPC?”
“Who knows ah, perhaps there was a bug. But it’s true. The veteran player who was matched to this game talked about it after they escaped. That kid seemed to already be skilled with blades; his attacks were super ruthless and sharp.”
“Why does it sound like a story you made up?”
“Bullshit, why would I lie?!! Lots of people already know about it, you can ask anyone. The guy even cleared the instance. Who knows, we might run into him at any time. In any case, I don’t want to be matched with that murderous psycho at all.”
The two beginner players walked further and further away as they bickered.
However, Xiao Lan furrowed his brow.
This wanton murder of players without being penalised made him think of that death hunt he had seen in his dreams. However, that was a very long time ago, and the rules of the Advent World had also changed already.
Why was it happening again?
Could it be that the Advent World was quietly changing?
This wasn’t good news ah…
Xiao Lan returned to his room and told Luo about the Wang brothers.
Luo’s motions as he poured the tea was unhurried. He said with a placid expression, “Perhaps this may be a better turn of events for them. If they had kept going as they were, it’s very hard for me to see hope for them.”
They then talked about the conversation which Xiao Lan had overheard on the streets.
But since there was too little information, it was very hard to analyse anything. There was a possibility that something had changed with the Advent World, but there was also a possibility that this was just a bug.
Xiao Lan basically spent the remaining time training and returning to the real world to rest.
He occasionally contacted Wang Taidi to make sure that the other was still alive and about.
Very soon, half a year passed.
Finally, the time to enter a game approached once more.
Because this was his first time entering an advanced game, Xiao Lan was fully on guard.
He originally thought that the danger in the advanced game would start right upon entering the game, and he was even prepared for battle.
Unexpectedly, when the darkness receded, his surroundings were extremely vivid and lively, and filled with smoke and fireworks.
This was a travel train.
Unlike the strange, old, dark and empty railway train of Subway Station 13, it was like some sort of vacation on this train. There were many travellers on the train, of all genders and ages, who were drinking, eating, and playing mahjong or cards everywhere.
Various dialects were mixed together, making for a lively and relaxed sight.
These people didn’t look much different from those on a travel train in the real world.
Ever since Xiao Lan entered the Advent World, this was the liveliest scene he had seen in a game.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
At that moment, he and Luo were sitting face to face; there were no other travellers sitting nearby.
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The train was still moving forward and didn’t show any signs of stopping any time soon.
Hence, Xiao Lan studied the things before him.
It was a few notebooks, as well as tickets and an envelope.
There was also an album of cover illustrations for horror novels. Each cover looked horrific and weird; the author for all of them was someone called Crow. Who knew what this collection could be worth.
On the other side was a diary.
A person in the habit of writing in a diary in this day and age truly was extremely rare.
Upon flipping it open, however, Xiao Lan felt that rather than call it a diary, it was better described as a notebook and at the same time a collection of gushing over Crow laoshi.
【February 26th, Crow laoshi’s every word contains ultimate God-given ingenuity. How can a mortal reach this level?】
【March 3rd, Crow laoshi’s every punctuation is perfect, with invaluable treasure concealed within】
【May 24th, after finishing this book, I feel like I’ve found the meaning of life. My soul, my thoughts, my everything is crying for Crow laoshi】
It was lengthy praise for Crow laoshi’s works, the words exaggerated and corny, to the point that it proclaimed Crow as their life mentor several times.
It was as if the owner of this diary wasn’t reading some horror novel, but a religious or inspirational work.
It was clear that the character Xiao Lan was playing could simply be said to be a fanatical book fan of the author Crow.
Also, it looked like… the kind of fan whose brain was about to be ruined —
A braindead fan.
Xiao Lan shifted his gaze to Luo. “How’s your side?”
Luo raised his head and turned the thing he was looking at in his hands to Xiao Lan:
【Aaaaahhhhhhhhh!!! I love Crow!!! I want to have Crow laoshi’s babies!!!!!!!】
【Crow Crow <3 Crow Crow <3 Crow Crow <3 Crow Crow <3 Crow Crow <3 Crow Crow <3 Crow Crow <3 Crow Crow <3 Crow Crow <3 】
With these many words strung together, while there clearly wasn’t any sound, it still felt like their eyes were disturbed by the ruckus.
On the paper were frenetic confessions. Paired with Luo’s serene expression and elegant posture, it was unusually comical.
Xiao Lan: “…”
The identity which Luo had drawn from the pool seemed even more defective.
How magical was this author called Crow? Why were all his book fans so over-the-top?
Xiao Lan’s focus returned to the table; unfortunately, he didn’t find any of Crow’s books that he could read.
Xiao Lan dug out a pocket diary from the pile of papers. In it were various printed articles and newspaper clippings; all of it was about the disappearance of the author Crow.
From the information collected here, Crow had been missing for nine years.
After Crow disappeared, a bunch of his readers started searching for Crow. They followed even the smallest lead related to his disappearance in the hope of finding him.
To the point that even though nine years had passed, there were still old readers who hadn’t given up, as well as interested new readers who continued with the search.
According to the information in the pocket diary.
The last trace discovered of Crow was at a private villa in the suburbs.
It was a building which had been built during the era of the Republic of China; the style was a mix of Chinese and Western elements. It was later bought by Crow as a private residence for him to write in, and its name was changed to Mingyue Pavilion.
Crow liked collecting antiques of all sorts, and he decorated Mingyue Pavilion with them.
Thus, this villa was once also very famous among collectors.
But after Crow disappeared, there were frequent rumours that Mingyue Pavilion was haunted.
This was corroborated by neighbours nearby, and rumors were spread by busybodies. People who wanted to purchase the place gave up on the idea one after another, and interest in the place gradually waned.
About this, it was even written in the pocket diary:
【These idiots, they have no taste! They’re not worthy of owning Crow laoshi’s house】
Their destination this time was precisely this villa.
Because the two of them had each received an unsigned invitation letter which read —
“For Crow laoshi’s new book.”
The address for the gathering was the Mingyue Pavilion which was rumoured to be haunted.
These two fools thus happily went over. The destination on their tickets was where Mingyue Pavilion was located.
Truly two death-courting experts, even daring to follow up on this sort of invitation. Xiao Lan didn’t know whether to call them foolhardy or suicidal…
Just like two garlic chives that not only delivered themselves to the door to be chopped up, but had even washed themselves spick and span.
Were these garlic chives?
No, these were chive emperors, king among garlic chives.
Luo put down the materials he was holding. “Humanity’s pursuit of their idols is truly interesting. According to human standards, this sort of behaviour seems to be called — braindead?”
Xiao Lan expressionlessly said, “According to the character settings, the ones acting braindead now are the two of us.”
Luo: “…”
Truly a valuable experience.
Death-courting braindead Xiao and braindead Luo sat on a train which barrelled towards their destination.
The two got off the train and, following the instructions in the invitation, headed for the villa of the rumours — Mingyue Pavilion.
They had barely reached the front of Mingyue Pavilion, when they heard a system notification:
“Ding dong —”
Xiao Lan waited for a while, but in the end, didn’t hear anything at all.
As if the system had just let out a silent fart.
Unexpectedly, this instance didn’t give the players any hint at all. Were advanced games all this terrible?
Before they could press the doorbell, the door opened on its own.
The one to open the door was a middle-aged person in a butler uniform. He was extremely thin, but had a round beer belly. His hair was combed immaculately and he even had a very retro-style moustache in the shape of a 八.
“Greetings. I am the butler of Mingyue Pavilion, and welcome you.” The butler gave them a deep bow.
This bow was too formal for receiving guests.
It was more like the sort given to the dead at a funeral, and was slightly discomfiting.
After that, the butler examined their invitation letters, and only allowed them entry after verifying them.
Following his character setting, Xiao Lan praised his idol’s villa. “As expected of Crow laoshi’s residence. This place truly is special.”
He even followed the wording in the diary, and called Crow laoshi.
As for gushing, forget it… This was too difficult. Of course, if he had no choice, it wasn’t like Xiao Lan couldn’t do it.
Hearing this, the butler revealed a proud expression. “Yes. Every single item here was personally arranged by Crow laoshi.”
Xiao Lan asked, “Why are you so certain?”
The butler said, “Because I personally witnessed Crow laoshi place them all. I also participated in the placement of certain collection items.”
Xiao Lan took the chance to ask, “When did you become the butler here?”
The butler smiled. “Ever since Crow laoshi bought Mingyue Pavilion; I was already the butler here.”
Xiao Lan: “Then, do you know much about Crow laoshi?”
Hearing this, the butler revealed a strange expression. “Crow laoshi… is very mysterious. Aside from work-related things, I rarely see him.”
It looked like he didn’t know as much about Crow as Xiao Lan had thought.
Xiao Lan: “Then… how much do you know about Crow laoshi’s disappearance?”
The butler, however, was tight-lipped.
It seemed his professional ethics wouldn’t let him spill any secrets about his employer, but Xiao Lan could find a chance later to have a friendly discussion with him.
Xiao Lan and Luo privately exchanged a meaningful look.
Xiao Lan changed the subject. “Do you know who arranged this gathering?”
Unexpectedly, the butler shook his head. “I do not. Originally, I was just hired by Crow laoshi’s relatives to come to Mingyue Pavilion every week to supervise the cleaning and maintenance. A few days ago, I received a letter notifying me to come to Mingyue Pavilion and prepare to receive guests who would be arriving soon.”
Xiao Lan: “Don’t you find that strange?”
The butler said, “I’m just a butler. I am in charge of fulfilling my duties, that’s all.”
When he said this, there were no ripples in his eyes, as if he didn’t care what would end up happening to the people who convened here.
As if he didn’t want to continue chatting, the butler said, “The guests who arrived earlier have already gone to their rooms. I will bring you to your rooms.”
Saying that, he was about to show them the way.
At that moment, the door opened again.
But at that moment, the butler was standing beside Xiao Lan and Luo, and was a distance away from the door. The door didn’t have any mechanism that could open it either, and the person outside hadn’t even reached the door yet.
But the door opened, just like that.
Used to seeing great waves of mystery, Xiao Lan’s expression was very calm.
Wasn’t it just a door opening? What was there to be scared about? As long as it wasn’t a boss suddenly rushing in to madly cut down players, there wasn’t anything to say.
Everyone’s eyes turned to the door.
A person in a beautiful, vintage black windbreaker and a wide-brimmed black hat and carrying a leather case entered.
He was very tall and slender. His hair was snow-white, and over his face was the iconic beaked mask.
As long as you saw this person once, you would never be able to forget him.
The person who entered was — Qi Ning.
Qi Ning also spotted Xiao Lan, and nodded at the two of them in greeting.
He then turned to Xiao Lan. “Your growth rate is astonishing. I never thought I would now be able to run into you here.”
‘Here’ naturally referred to the advanced game.
Xiao Lan replied, “I can’t fail to live up to your expectations, right?”
Seeing that the visitors looked like they were going to reminisce, the butler considerately led them to the lounge, arranged for some refreshments, then informed the three of them where their rooms were.
Before he left, the butler specifically emphasised again and again, “Tomorrow, guests will obtain clues about Crow laoshi’s new work.”
After that, the butler left, leaving the lounge to the guests.
Qi Ning casually leaned against the armrest of his chair. “You probably know about Wang Ke.”
Xiao Lan nodded.
Qi Ning asked, “Is he truly dead?”
Xiao Lan stared at him. Unfortunately, he couldn’t see anything through the mask. “You seem especially interested in them.”
Qi Ning’s tone was calm. “They’re truly too unique. Those who live in the dark can’t help but look forward to their safety, yet are unable to resist hoping for their downfall.”
Xiao Lan: “What about you? Which side are you on?”
Qi Ning pondered. “After looking at the darkness for too long, sometimes I too want to see a slightly cliched ending and grand reunion.”
Xiao Lan didn’t mention what Wang Taidi had told him, and merely said, “Perhaps you can look forward to it.”
Qi Ning said with a slight smile in his tone, “Looks like the curtain won’t fall on their story so soon.”
Xiao Lan asked about Qi Ning’s purpose for being here. “Is this a normal appearance, or do you have prey here?”
“Hehehe…” Qi Ning gave a low laugh in that usual unhealthy-sounding hoarse voice. He sounded like a sick person, but no one dared underestimate him.
“Me ah, of course I came looking for happiness.”
Qi Ning’s happiness naturally stemmed from those fugitive criminals.
If these criminals knew that they would meet such a scary hunter after entering the Advent World, would they regret their past crimes?
Qi Ning added, “Don’t worry, it actually isn’t as dangerous to kill someone in an advanced game as it is in lower-levelled ones; the players that die in advanced games almost never turn into NPCs. Even if they are lucky enough to become NPCs, it’s unlikely that they’ll be even stronger than when they were alive. If I can kill them when they’re alive, why should I be scared when they’re dead?”
Xiao Lan was a little startled. He hadn’t known this.
Qi Ning said, “Actually, the most dangerous thing about advanced games is the players. There will always be people who like watching others struggle desperately. Mutual slaughter among advanced players happens now and then; it’s just that beginner and intermediate players don’t know about it.”
Xiao Lan frowned. “Why is that the case?”
Qi Ning fiddled with the brim of his hat, his tone placid. “It seems that the defense system is imperfect. The current system isn’t enough to prevent strong players from slaughtering people; it’s like a reformation that was only completed halfway.”
Hearing this, Luo’s gaze flickered slightly, but he didn’t say anything.
“Do you also want to play? I can give you guys one, but no more,” Qi Ning generously said.
Xiao Lan noted that he said “give you guys one”. It turned out that he had more than one target?!
Even daring to 1Vn in an advanced game; brother, you’re really awesome.
Xiao Lan shook his head. “Thank you, but a gentleman doesn’t take advantage of others. Keep your happiness for yourself ba.”
“Then I’ll play by myself, hahaha…” Qi Ning started laughing. It was spine-chilling, a slightly bloody madness mixed into his hoarse laughter.
He looked a bit like a twisted homicidal maniac.
Wait a second…
It wasn’t ‘looked like’, he truly was one.
Qi Ning, this person, was simply the paragon for teaching everyone not to commit crimes.
Wanted criminals would be hunted by Qi Ning to their deaths ah.
Thinking of it this way, wouldn’t your heart be filled with righteousness and an unwillingness to commit crimes in this lifetime?
I kinda missed this crazy dude ngl! He is cracked in the head but very interesting!
Thanks for the chapter!
Same (≧◡≦)
+1 sister/brother I agree with you!!!
(ﾉ0)ﾉ
Thank you for the chapter!
Thank you for the chapter ❤️
Thank you for the hard work
Ahahaha, I laughed so hard when Luo hold up his book lolol The two braindead fans hahaha.
Thx for the ch (ㅅ˘ㅂ˘)
Am I forgetting something? Since when did dead players turn into NPCs? 🤔 Maybe I’m just mixing up my stories, because I do remember that happening in other stories… just not this one.
Wait, now I vaguely remember it from the first arc. But I don’t remember it happening to anyone else since…
I think it also happened in the third arc, Madam Bella’s Mansion.
I think it happens in the first or second chapter too? That thug killed an npc and turned into one, and all the players that died in the first arc came and attacked the guy that got them killed
Thanks for the chapter~
So is Luo part of the system or an advanced player turned NPC?
He’s probably a part of Advent World. He said he’s a gardener so he’s probably incharge of managing players while the light guy is incharge of the ‘system’/balance of the Advent World (though he doesn’t seems to be very interested in balancing it).
Remember the “other” that Luo said to XL when they first met before he took away XL’s memory? I believe its that light existence
not gonna lie, I missed Qi Ning
thanks for the chapter <3
I’m not gonna say what I want to say because I’m scared to plant flags states intensely at QN
No hints! We’ll all find out what they need to do together~
Thank you for the chapter!!
💜💜💜
ayyy!! plague doctor ge!! i hope you enjoy your happiness in this game!