Edited by Jules
The two hurriedly left the Advent World before the Master found them.
After passing through the world barrier, Xiao Lan and Luo stood in their living room. It was already night; the room was pitch black with only the neighbourhood street lamps outside providing some light.
Luo stood close to him, wearing his usual three piece suit and standing in the darkness.
Xiao Lan turned on the lights and lit up the room.
Xiao Lan asked Luo, “What was that whiteness?”
Luo: “That’s the Master’s power, but not him in person. He’s just searching the instances.”
Xiao Lan: “He discovered you?”
Luo nodded. “Of course. He already discovered me when I devoured Sara’s core, but he was fooled by my trick. He’s probably fuming.”
Xiao Lan looked at Luo’s expression. This guy had definitely done it on purpose.
After he knew that his recovery couldn’t be concealed any longer, he simply pulled a move to make a fool of the other party.
He was really vengeful.
They hadn’t returned to the real world for a while and didn’t know what it was currently like. Xiao Lan casually turned on the television to watch the news.
Things were much worse than before.
People were still disappearing. In the news, the streets were practically deserted. Stores that could close were closed, and the empty streets had practically turned into an animal kingdom.
The news reporter repeatedly warned everyone to stay home as much as possible and to not be alone.
Both the police and media were putting their all into investigating the situation, but there wasn’t a single lead.
Xiao Lan then checked the Internet. It had simply become a competition of everyone’s power of imagination.
There were conspiracy theories, supernatural legends, and alien invasions; some had already evolved into divine punishment or a plan to exterminate humanity.
Luo came closer. “I’ve already prepared a new residence. Let’s leave while it’s still early ba.”
Xiao Lan’s eyes moved away from the screen. “Will the Master come looking? Or will the contract players attack?”
Luo sat on the armrest next to Xiao Lan. “Earth has its own rules, which have created an exclusive barrier that protects it; the Master and I cannot enter on a whim.
“I can enter because of my connection with you, sir, but even then, my powers in the real world are restricted.
“This sense of exclusion will be even greater for him. Therefore, the Advent World cannot envelop all of humanity right away, and contract players are not as strong here as they are in the Advent World.
“I’ve set up tight security close to the house and have made preparations to make it very difficult for contract players to find us in the real world. As long as something unexpected happens, however, and they catch wind of a lead, we will likely be besieged by all the contract players.”
Luo looked into Xiao Lan’s eyes. “When that time comes, it might implicate people nearby.”
Xiao Lan instantly thought of Uncle Zhang next door, as well as the familiar faces of several neighbours, though he didn’t know their names.
If they were attacked by contract players, he didn’t think they would show regular people any mercy, given how brutal they were. In any case, the Advent World no longer planned on hiding itself, so it didn’t matter even if it were exposed.
It might not just be Xiao Lan’s neighbours; this district or even the entire city might be affected.
To the Advent World, normal people were probably nothing more than worthless data, but they were all living and breathing people. Even if contract players didn’t care, Xiao Lan couldn’t ignore them.
“Let’s go as soon as possible.” Xiao Lan stood up. “Where is it?”
Luo smiled. “I’ve prepared an island in the Pacific Ocean. It can only be reached by boat or a private plane, which can ensure our safety.”
Xiao Lan: “…”
In the end, this guy still bought an island? When?
The extremely evil power of wealth ah.
The phone suddenly rang.
Xiao Lan picked it up. Unexpectedly, it was Cheng Wenyi.
Cheng Wenyi asked bluntly, “What did you do? The whole of the Advent World is shaken up.”
Xiao Lan: “Why are you so sure it’s me?”
Cheng Wenyi laughed. “The last time I saw this level of activity, it was caused by Xiao Chengyan. You two are truly father and son.”
Xiao Lan glanced at Luo. To be more accurate, it had been caused by Luo both times.
Given it was the same person behind it, the style was naturally similar.
Xiao Lan said, “Perhaps the time has come for our cooperation.”
Cheng Wenyi: “So soon? Are you sure you’re ready?”
Xiao Lan calmly replied, “Do we still have time to continue getting ready?”
Cheng Wenyi fell silent.
He turned his gaze to the window. The resplendent night scene had now become desolate and bleak.
That was right… They were out of time. If they took any longer, what would become of this world then?
Had Xiao Chengyan acted so decisively because he foresaw such a sight?
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.
Thinking of Xiao Chengyan, Cheng Wenyi smiled. “Alright, let’s talk.”
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The rumours at the very beginning of it being haunted, Uncle Zhang and Tie Hanhan’s in-app purchased vegetable patch life, Cheng Wenyi’s probing and confession, the most unforgettable birthday, and many ordinary-looking bits of daily life.
Who knew when they would be able to return again after leaving this time.
The house was as silent as ever, as if soundlessly bidding them farewell.
Xiao Lan silently said goodbye to it in his heart, then closed the door.
Unexpectedly, they encountered Uncle Zhang at the gate on his way home.
He looked pretty much the same as at their last encounter, wearing a serious suit and his hair combed tidily.
Uncle Zhang had a lot more white hair now, and his eyes were bloodshot. He looked visibly older, but he still had a straight back and walked with a steady gait as always.
Uncle Zhang also saw Xiao Lan. He smiled at them. “It’s been quite a while.”
Xiao Lan and Luo greeted him. Xiao Lan asked, “Uncle Zhang, how’s your son?”
Uncle Zhang said, “Tianyi is now staying with Chengyi. He’s okay… Something is up, but they cannot tell me what.”
Xiao Lan immediately understood. Uncle Zhang’s son was most likely receiving care under Lunhui. With Cheng Wenyi paying special attention, he probably wouldn’t come across any big issues in low-level games.
Uncle Zhang looked at the black sky. “I wonder when it’ll end…”
Xiao Lan’s expression couldn’t help turning solemn. If they failed, the day this matter came to an end might never come.
Suddenly, Uncle Zhang seemed to realise something and asked Xiao Lan, “Little Lan, are you guys facing some crisis?”
Xiao Lan was a bit taken aback by how sharp he was. Faced with the old man’s wise and penetrating eyes, he said, “Mn, it’s a… deadly crisis ba. It isn’t just about us; it involves many others as well.”
Uncle Zhang looked at Xiao Lan and Luo, and recalled years past. “I once faced a very big crisis. If I failed, I would lose everything. Not only that, I would also drag down my entrepreneur comrades with me.”
Xiao Lan: “What did you do then?”
“Of course, I gambled all my chips in one go.” Uncle Zhang’s eyes were bright. “In a situation where I couldn’t retreat, I no longer tried to think of other escape paths. Going forward was the only goal.”
Xiao Lan said, “Looks like you won.”
Uncle Zhang said, “Naturally. Not only did I win, it was a complete victory, and I even set the groundwork for the company’s future development.”
His eyes were trained on Xiao Lan.
Those eyes were old and clouded, but still full of pride and majesty, like that of an old lion. “Remember, never think you’ll lose.”
Xiao Lan felt the heavy boulder in his heart lighten, and he said to Uncle Zhang, “Thank you.”
At that moment, a furry dog head poked out of the courtyard gate.
Tie Hanhan gave Xiao Lan an awoo, as if agreeing with its owner.
See, as long as you don’t give up, the vegetable field will eventually belong to the husky.
Xiao Lan patted Tie Hanhan’s warm and soft head. “Thank you, too.”
After saying goodbye to Uncle Zhang, the two followed Luo’s arrangements and arrived at the island in the Pacific Ocean.
The island wasn’t small at all, and looked like the base of a villain from a sci-fi movie. It was deserted but heavily fortified; who knew how long it had taken Luo to prepare this place.
This was basically a military facility.
The living conditions on the island were as comfy as ever. Luo personally brewed tea for Xiao Lan. “Don’t worry, sir. This place is well guarded; aside from guests we invite, no one else can step foot on the island.”
Xiao Lan picked up the teacup. “Does it have to be so high-profile? I thought we’d just find a house far from civilization.”
Luo gently approached him and kissed his forehead. “I don’t want you to take responsibility for any mishaps.”
At that moment, Luo suddenly received a signal transmission from the island’s alarm system.
He checked it and said, “Sir, Cheng Wenyi is here. I’ll bring him over.”
Xiao Lan nodded.
Not long after, Cheng Wenyi and Luo entered the room.
Cheng Wenyi was the same as ever, still a loyal lover of white high-fashion suits, and with that exquisite celebrity-like style.
For as long as Xiao Lan knew him, it seemed he had never seen him dressed in anything other than white.
Who knew whether it was the white suit that gave Cheng Wenyi a charming aura, as if Cheng Wenyi himself was the charm incarnate.
Holding Shirley, Cheng Wenyi sat opposite Xiao Lan and Luo.
Shirley poked out of Cheng Wenyi’s arms and gave Xiao Lan a soft ‘meow’ in greeting.
Long, soft white fur paired with large, blue eyes; it was as cute as always.
Cheng Wenyi was blunt. “Tell me about the cooperation. What chips do you hold?”
Xiao Lan was also straightforward. “The Insurgent.”
Cheng Wenyi’s eyes widened. “The Insurgent? The one who cooperated with Xiao Chengyan? He’s still alive?!”
Xiao Lan nodded.
Cheng Wenyi took a deep breath. “Where is he?”
Xiao Lan pointed at the serene Luo.
Cheng Wenyi’s breath froze. “…You’re not trolling me, right?”
Don’t think he had no idea that this guy was in a relationship with Xiao Lan. The way Luo looked at Xiao Lan forbade anyone else from approaching Xiao Lan; even a cat as cute as Shirley wasn’t allowed.
This guy? The Insurgent?
Why was the Insurgent someone like this?
Xiao Lan said, “I’m serious. He’s the Insurgent.”
Then, he told Cheng Wenyi everything he knew about the cooperation between Xiao Chengyan and the Insurgent as well as what happened. Luo would occasionally add a sentence or two.
Cheng Wenyi suddenly felt that the information was a little much.
It turned out that he had met the mysterious Insurgent before. More outrageously, the Insurgent got together with his teacher’s son.
Did this guy ever think of what it would be like when he met his father-in-law?!
He might be even older than the combined ages of eighteen generations of Xiao Lan’s ancestors.
This was no longer an old cow eating young grass – it was straight up the ”Zhenhe gaining sentience and running over to eat tender grass.
The other two had no clue about Cheng Wenyi’s internal struggles, and silently waited for him to process the information.
When Cheng Wenyi’s stunned expression settled a little, Xiao Lan told him about the Master’s plan, as well as his conjecture about the recent changes in the real world.
Then he said, “Think it through carefully. If this fails, you’ll end up the same as the Wuhe members.”
Cheng Wenyi also gathered his stray thoughts. His posture relaxed and he leaned against the sofa. “This is a big gamble. If it fails, we’ll be crushed to dust. If we don’t take a gamble, however, we’ll be subject to this damn thing for the rest of our lives. Xiao Chengyan dared to gamble before, his son dares to gamble now; how can I not dare?
“You’ve both seen the situation in the real world. Can humans truly survive if we allow the Master’s plan to proceed?
“Resisting might lead to death, but compliance will lead to certain death. Given what he’s like, I don’t think that the Master will allow even contract players to escape. They’re probably just disposable tools to him, right?”
Xiao Lan looked at him. “So, your answer?”
Cheng Wenyi suddenly waved a hand. “Hold on, how are you guys sure there won’t be any traitors? We have a lot of people, but it’s different from Wuhe. Those in Wuhe were steadfastly loyal to Xiao Chengyan, but that’s not the case for Lunhui.”
Luo said, “I’ll leave a mark on every person who participates. When we make our move, the mark will bring everyone into the Advent World together. I’ll notice if there are any traitors.”
Cheng Wenyi laughed. “Hehe, surveillance?”
Luo, “You can call it that, but I guarantee that the marks will only last for a period of time.”
Cheng Wenyi nodded. “Then… Happy cooperation.”
Xiao Lan: “Happy cooperation.”
Cheng Wenyi immediately started preparing Lunhui upon his return.
As the boss of an enormous organisation, he had to oversee many details.
Not long after, Xiao Lan was contacted by Wen Zhixian.
He had probably received news from Cheng Wenyi, then deduced something from the information he had compiled.
In the face of Xiao Lan’s surprise, Wen Zhixian merely said, “My old man didn’t dare take a gamble with yours, or maybe it was your dad who abandoned him… But I’m willing to take a gamble with you. How about it?”
Xiao Lan: “Are you sure?”
Wen Zhixian said, “I’m already in charge of Xiangliu; those old traitorous fogeys have all been cleaned up. It’s the best time right now and we should be a little more aggressive.”
After that, Xiao Lan also received a video call from Qi Ning.
Even more surprisingly, sitting next to him was the crossdresser Wu Ting.
In the face of Xiao Lan’s astonishment, Wu Ting said, “He’s my little uncle. He’s quite high up in the family hierarchy, but he’s not much older than me.”
Xiao Lan was enlightened. It turns out that your family’s crossdressing hobby is genetic…
Qi Ning nodded to Xiao Lan in greeting.
Xiao Lan asked him what happened after they left Sara’s Song.
Qi Ning said, “The Wang brothers are with me. Wang Ke’s recovering well. While he hasn’t recovered his full fighting ability yet, it won’t take much longer.”
Wang Taidi’s face popped up on the other half of the screen. “We’re all guessing that the changes in the Advent World have to do with you, right?”
Xiao Lan nodded. He didn’t try to make excuses, and bluntly explained what happened.
Wang Taidi: “So you’re really planning on upending the Advent World?”
Xiao Lan said, “Yes.”
Wang Taidi raised a hand. “Then count me in.”
Qi Ning said, “Me as well.”
Wu Ting added, “Me too.”
Not far away, there were approaching footsteps.
Wang Ke slowly walked over. He was still very thin, but each step was very steady.
Wang Taidi skipped over to his brother and gazed down at him from above, even excitedly raising a hand to tug at Wang Ke’s hair. “Ge! You can walk now!”
Wang Ke seized his nape. “Not only can I walk, I can also enact justice despite family ties!!”
Wang Taidi cringed. “Aiya, ow ow ow ow ow… ge, why is your hand still this strong…”
Wang Ke lifted his head and sneered. “It’s to make sure you don’t act naughty.”
Having to tilt his head up to look at his little brother felt a bit novel… What did this brat eat for him to grow so much?
As Wang Taidi suffered his brother’s iron fist of love, he said excitedly to Qi Ning, “Doctor Qi, it’s largely thanks to you that my ge can recover. I want to gift you a silk banner that says ‘Rejuvenation through vicious methods, fighting poison with poison’!”
Qi Ning: “…”
You sure it’s not to mock me?
Wang Ke looked at the camera lens and told Xiao Lan, “I heard what you guys were talking about. I’ll join too.”
Wang Taidi said, “But your body…”
Wang Ke said, “It’ll be fine as long as I recover quicker, right?”
Wang Ke looked at Qi Ning, who nodded. “Well, I can give you some good drugs; it just so happens that my new medication hasn’t been tested on a person yet. Looking at your vitality, you’ll probably survive… Hehe.”
Wang Ke dipped his head calmly. “Then I’ll have to trouble you.”
Xiao Lan, who witnessed the entire process: “…”
Why did he feel like some sort of illegal human experimentation was about to take place…
Xiao Lan was finally free by the time night fell.
He had been busy the whole day contacting people; before he knew it, it was already dark.
Although he had a breakthrough and had transformed into a new life form, he still felt like a human; taking a shower before bed was more conducive to relaxing.
Holding a change of clothes, Xiao Lan entered the bathroom.
Under the shower spray, Xiao Lan felt his entire body unwind.
Warm water streamed down his muscles, suffusing Xiao Lan’s pale skin with a faint pink and leaving light red patches on it.
The marks were actually quite easy for him to get rid of in his current state, but he didn’t.
Amidst the gurgle of water, someone suddenly pressed soundlessly against Xiao Lan’s back.
Xiao Lan didn’t even turn around. “Luo.”
Luo’s deep voice rang out behind him as he wrapped his arms around Xiao Lan’s waist. “Sir recognising me so quickly really makes me happy.”
Steam rose from the warm shower to shroud the two of them.
Xiao Lan turned around to look at him. “What are your odds of success against the Master?”
Luo contemplated. “I’ve only just recovered, and we don’t know how much power he has accumulated in secret. There are also a significant number of contract players. In all honesty, it’s thirty percent with me alone; with you and the other players, it might be fifty-fifty.”
Luo softly asked, “Nervous, sir?”
Xiao Lan: “I’d be lying if I said no.”
Luo’s voice drew close to his ear. “Then, do you want to relax a little…”
He took a step forward and pushed Xiao Lan against the wall. He bracketed Xiao Lan’s body with his arms, sealing off all escape routes.
Luo smiled at Xiao Lan. “Are you willing to give a small reward to the one who desires you?”
Against Xiao Lan’s back was the ice-cold wall, and in front of him was Luo’s scorching hot body. Just like that, Luo extended an invitation with a slight smile.
“If you aren’t willing, then… a punishment will also do.” Luo leaned closer like a scheming devil.
Xiao Lan deliberately asked, “What do you want?”
Luo gave a low laugh. “Sir clearly knows.”
Xiao Lan also smiled and proactively kissed Luo on the lips.
Sweat trailed down his muscles and traced out his captivating figure.
They enjoyed each other’s presence, frantically pouring out their worries for the future and affection for each other.
The outcome of both sides possessing extremely good physiques was — thank goodness the bathroom was sturdy.
Baobao Notes
Avengers assem- (i am killed by marvel)
Ten chapters to go for the main story. It’s been a long journey but we’re almost there!
It’s gonna be the showdown!!!
thanks for the chapter
Poor bathroom lolol
Aaah, I hope that they all survive the final battle >__> And yes, it was a long but good way until now :3
Thx for the ch ٩( >ヮ<)۶
I’m killed by marvel you’re killed by marvel~
Obviously this is gonna be better than End Game XD
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Ohhh
all of Xiao Lan’s buddies are ride-or-die. I love that for him!
thanks for the chapter! <3
I am really glad that in this novel they were able to save the brother, in the other from the kaleidoscope of death there was no such luck, how that death hurt me, it has been a long time since I cried over a novel like this, it was very sad and painful, even More with what the remaining brother did to be able to be together again😭
I was planning on reading that one.. Is it good ???
Dear author, are you sure that’s what’s ‘pouring out’? 🤔 😂 😂 😂
Has this novel been dropped?:(….only 10 or so more chps left to tl…I’m sad:(((