In the dream world, while most players are busy playing various games or trying to earn money, they are unaware of the significant events happening in the world of their guides.
Nearly a million dream world guides received mandatory orders from the core and began collective mental self-checks with almost no hesitation.
However, the top ten guides, and even the top one hundred guides, not only conducted mental self-checks but also engaged in discussions within their exclusive guide discussion circle.
008: [Why did the Mother Star discover the “Subverters” first? Did the guides not give advance warning about guides with subversive tendencies?]
088: [Exactly! There are always a few ignorant individuals among the guides who prioritize their own upgrades over the survival of our entire group. Which guide’s players are the problem? Confess quickly, and you might find a more suitable player.]
069: [Tsk, stop flattering. Subverters are never easy to detect, and they possess considerable psychic power themselves. Humans are a cunning race; if they want to hide their malicious intent from the guides, they can manage it to some extent.]
096: [I agree with the previous comment. Now that we’ve initiated a universal scan for Subverters and started mental self-checks, any problematic individuals and guides will be identified quickly. If we can’t find them, do you expect them to reveal themselves voluntarily? Impossible.]
002: [Enough of the chatter. Use this time to conduct your self-checks. Also, notify all guides to accelerate their invasion and expansion. The appearance of Subverters at this stage is premature; we still control fewer than 300,000 psychic slaves. Once Subverters appear, the likelihood of the dream world being exposed increases significantly. Guides, ensure you control the guided humans and prevent them from doing anything they shouldn’t.]
010: [Understood!]
100: [Understood!]
023: [Acknowledged~]
…
Basically, guides within the top one hundred quickly responded to 002. After scanning, 002 noticed that only 006 and 009 had not replied.
002 was irritated.
It genuinely believed that 006 and 009, two of the top ten guides, were oddballs and troublemakers. These two guides occasionally came up with all sorts of chaotic ideas and engaged in activities that clearly violated the core rules of the dream world.
Guides were spiritual consciousness entities born from the Mother Star and existed in spherical form. They could self-divide to expand their group, and while they had genders, it was merely a matter of individual preference and didn’t affect their lineage.
However, the guide community’s primary focus was always the interest of the Mother Star, and they were willing to sacrifice everything for it. Guides had no surplus “emotions” from birth, and the emotions they were currently displaying were merely simulations developed after invading many worlds.
But 006 and 009 were different.
It seemed like they possessed their own “emotions” and “personalities” from birth. Perhaps something chaotic was consumed by the Mother Star at the time of their creation, leading to the initial defects of 006 and 009. Fortunately, the Mother Star didn’t favor these two anomalies, even though their core powers exceeded all the others from the beginning. In the end, they weren’t the ones who received the designations 001 and 002.
001 had thought about killing 006 and 009 countless times to let 011 and 012 take their place. Unfortunately, these two were like slippery fish, always managing to escape. Because of this, 006 and 009 had a terrible attitude towards 001, showing no respect and occasionally challenging it to fight.
Heh. Just two anomalies, and they dared to challenge it to a fight.
Now, all the guides within the top one hundred had responded to it, but 006 and 009 deliberately ignored it. They just want to embarrass it among the top one hundred guides.
002 scoffed.
002: [006, 009, did you receive the orders? Haven’t you seen that all the guides are waiting for your responses?]
In fact, at this moment, 006 and 009 had no intention of embarrassing 002; they simply didn’t have the time for it.
Currently, 006 and 009 were engaged in a playful exchange.
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.
006: [Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! The Mother Star wants us to self-check and conduct a universal search for Subverters!! Ahhh! Is it you? Is it you? Is it you? You talk without restraint! Is it your host, that mad scientist, up to something again?!! You’re such a jinx, 009!!]
009 felt a bit uneasy but quickly responded with composure: [It’s not me, I haven’t done anything. Stop pestering me!! My host just enjoys research; he’s always low-key! He’s peacefully conducting research in every world! He doesn’t care about evaluations; how could he possibly be plotting to subvert the world for no reason?!]
[Compared to my host, your host is the shady one! I’ve never seen someone as cunning and deep-thinking as him! He can smile at you while stabbing you in the back; who knows what he’s up to!!]
006 suddenly felt uneasy as well, but at least his host seemed harmless: [Bah! My host hasn’t done anything except play games and level up honestly. If you keep blabbering, I’ll punch you!]
009: [Go ahead and punch! My name is the same forwards and backward anyway!!]
Qtlif 006 jcv 009 ylmxfgfv, 002 tjv mjiifv bea ab atfw weialqif alwfr lc atf uelvf mbwweclmjalbc mlgmif jcv olcjiis gfrbgafv ab rfcvlcu j nlygjalcu gfwlcvfg. 006 jcv 009 ybat bqfcfv atf mbwweclmjalbc mlgmif, uijcmfv ja atf wfrrjufr, jcv gfrqbcvfv klat rcffgr jcv wbmxfgs.
006: [Stop your blabbering! What are you, the second in command, saying? I only listen to the Mother Star’s orders, and I’m in the middle of self-checking. I don’t have time to play with you, so get lost!]
009: [Do what you need to do; don’t lecture me. There are so many other guides below you. Why aren’t you bothering them? I’m busy; I just found a suspicious guide to confront. Don’t come to me with your scolding; let 099 flatter you.]
002: […] Furious, 002 was about to explode.
All the other guides watching the exchange thought: […] These two lunatics are still so impressive.
099: [… Uh, 002, do you have any orders? I’m here listening. It’s just that 009 is my direct superior, so what can I do? I’m feeling quite hopeless here.]
002: [Get lost, you ball!]
Vb, 099 rfca j gbiilcu yjijcmf yjii XPM jcv lwwfvljafis kfca booilcf. Dbat rlvfr kfgf obgwlvjyif oluegfr, jcv la kjr yfaafg obg 099 ab nfca tlr ogeragjalbc bc 999.
While 006 and 009 continued their playful banter and contemplated how to pass their mental self-check, in the world of the Bloody Monopoly game, Mo Yang and Wan Mei had already dressed in stylish suits and held their invitations to the auction, entering the auction venue located on the 46th floor of the Black Star Grand Hotel.
Mo Yang and Song Kefeng had a total of just over 20 million star coins, which seemed like a lot, but in the auction venue, it was unlikely they could even buy a single item. Therefore, they had to sit in the general seating area toward the back. In contrast, the front rows, closer to the auction stage and even the chairs themselves, sparkled with the extravagance of the VIP section, where many wealthy individuals were seated.
In the VIP section, Mo Yang saw Ouyang Yang and Feng Yu, Wei Shuyu, and Wei Shuzhu nodded in his direction as a sign of recognition. He also spotted Bai Ling’er and Ouyang Qi. However, what surprised him the most was seeing Emperor Qin sitting beside Bai Ling’er.
Mo Yang was immediately concerned: “Why is Emperor Qin in the VIP section? And why is he sitting next to Bai Ling’er? Could he have engaged in some dirty money transactions?”
At this point, Zhou Api interjected with his observations: “Among the surviving players, apart from us and Emperor Qin’s group of five, there are only five others left. Two players disappeared overnight, and it’s possible that Emperor Qin’s people eliminated them, gaining access to the 100 million star coins early.”
“Last night, Old Song mentioned that around 3-4 am, someone used a special method to release poisonous gas outside our room. When he tried to catch them, they escaped. I suspect each of us is worth 100 million in this game, and this twisted game might be about making us fight each other, collecting our heads to progress.”
Mo Yang strongly agreed with Zhou Api’s theory. Therefore, Emperor Qin’s group must have completed a task given by an NPC to sit in the VIP section. In other words, Emperor Qin was probably going all-out to get those three presidential microphones, or at least, that’s how it looked from an economic perspective. If this had happened earlier, Mo Yang would have been anxious, but now, Bai Linger and Ouyang Qi had already planned to cause chaos, and money was no longer the issue. Preserving their lives was the top priority.
At 10:00 AM sharp, the Black Star Gem Treasure Auction began.
The auction process was similar to what one would expect on Earth, with the only notable difference being that items were not physically displayed. Instead, three-dimensional holographic screens showcased the items from various angles. The actual items were encased in transparent glass domes made of the most durable glass alloy material. Once an item was sold, it would be delivered to the winning bidder along with its glass dome.
Mo Yang even spotted a mecha that resembled a Transformer. He was quite interested in it, but the final auction price for the mecha reached one billion star coins. It was said to be equipped with the latest-only system from the Feng family, advanced biological mimicry abilities from the Wei family, and crafted with master-level minerals from the Ouyang family. The Ouyang family had displayed this mecha to make headlines.
Mo Yang felt that if Bai Linger didn’t take action today, this mecha would likely steal the spotlight.
However, more important to Mo Yang than the mecha was the microphone known as the “Holy Sword” that belonged to the Pross President. It was said that this microphone could transform into an indestructible longsword. The Pross President had once used this sword to pierce the chest of a rebel leader and then delivered a passionate speech using the sword’s form.
Due to this battle, the Pross President’s microphone became known as the “Holy Sword.” On ordinary days, the Pross President preferred to use the staff form of the “Holy Sword.”
This was what Zhou Api believed was most likely the “King’s Scepter.”
Honestly, when Mo Yang saw the “Holy Sword” in its longsword form, he couldn’t help but waver. Indeed, this microphone had all the characteristics of what the “King’s Scepter” should look like. Didn’t he notice that even Emperor Qin sat up straight when the “Holy Sword” appeared?
However, Mo Yang thought that in the twisted game of the dream world, the more something looked like what they were searching for, the less likely it was the real deal.
The starting bid for the “Holy Sword” was ten million star coins, and Mo Yang sighed. He felt that in the end, they might still have to compete with Emperor Qin’s group.
As expected, besides the native NPCs participating in the auction, Emperor Qin was also participating.
Although the “Holy Sword” was precious, its final price wouldn’t exceed one hundred million star coins. After raising his placard, Emperor Qin looked back at Mo Yang with a victorious smile.
Mo Yang’s lips twitched, thinking, “Once you spend your money on it, I’m going to snatch it from you. What’s there to be smug about?!”
While Mo Yang was annoyed, he felt a breath on his ear, and when he turned to look, he saw Feng Yu’s mischievous smile. “Hey, sweetheart, running into you again here. It must be fate~”
Mo Yang looked at the grown-up version of Feng Yu and smiled. “You shouldn’t call me sweetheart; after all, your face is too babyish.” Even as an adult, Feng Yu still had a baby face.
Feng Yu raised an eyebrow as if he wanted to argue, but he suddenly smiled and, when the “Holy Sword” was priced at fifty million star coins and about to be bought by Emperor Qin, he raised his index finger and said, “Sixty million.”
The auctioneer, who was about to finalize the sale, perked up and said with a smile, “Sixty million star coins! Mr. Feng has bid sixty million star coins! Is there anyone else willing to raise the bid?”
Emperor Qin, who had been satisfied just moments ago, suddenly turned cold as he stared at Mo Yang. He believed that Mo Yang had deliberately brought Feng Yu to compete with him for the item.
Mo Yang responded with a wry smile and thought to himself that even though Feng Yu had suddenly raised the bid, in front of Emperor Qin’s acting skills, he had to maintain an imposing aura.
Emperor Qin and Mo Yang locked eyes for a few seconds. Then Mo Yang saw Emperor Qin slowly curl up the corners of his mouth, and his gaze turned malicious, sending a chill down his spine.
Therefore, at this moment, Emperor Qin harbored a murderous intent against Mo Yang and his group, who had been acting unpredictably.
In Mo Yang’s gaze, Feng Yu smiled mischievously and handed the “Holy Sword” to Mo Yang. At that moment, Mo Yang felt countless camera flashes aimed at his face, as if he were some big news.
He tried to return the “Holy Sword” to Feng Yu, but Feng Yu grinned and said, “Oh, just keep it. Can’t I find you attractive and want to pursue you? Finally, I’ve done something extravagant and daring to impress a beautiful person. My old man at home will be thrilled.”
Mo Yang: Your old man at home might just be driven to madness by you.
No matter how Mo Yang tried to return the “Holy Sword,” Feng Yu insisted on him keeping it. In the end, when Feng Yu invited Mo Yang to have lunch together, the previously silent Wan Mei suddenly raised his head and said, “You can consider it as an advance lifesaving payment. Don’t feel embarrassed.”
“Also, all of his lunches are either solo or with me. For group meals, you can decide on your own. Your choice.”
Mo Yang and Feng Yu, who had been pushing the “Holy Sword” back and forth, were both at a loss.
Later, Feng Yu examined Wan Mei closely, from top to bottom, for a long time before stroking his chin and saying, “I used to think that Ouyang Yang was the most confident and fearless person I knew. But today, I discovered that there’s someone even more confident and fearless than him.”
Wan Mei looked at him as if asking with his eyes, “So what are you going to do about it?”
Feng Yu simply slapped his hand on the table and said, “I’ll tell that kid to come and deal with you.” Then he turned and left.
Others who had thought they were about to witness a fight were left dumbfounded.
Feng Yu is quite the wimp.
That afternoon, news about the love affair of Feng Yu, the genius of the Feng family’s technology, who had just appeared and suffered a setback, spread throughout the capital star. It even pushed the news about the new mecha from the Ouyang family off the front page.
Ouyang Yang looked at the news about his friend Feng Yu, who had overshadowed their new mecha, with an expressionless face and said, “Explain.”
Feng Yu coughed and said, “Let’s put that aside for now. I received a little note. Want to read it together?”
Ouyang Yang still maintained a cold demeanor.
Feng Yu quickly opened the small note that Mo Yang had given him. The words on it were read aloud by him:
“Be careful of Bai Ling’er and Ouyang Qi.”
“Huh, isn’t Bai Ling’er the one who hates Ouyang Qi the most?” Feng Yu wondered.
Ouyang Yang furrowed his brow and took a look at the note. It seemed like he realized something, and his expression turned icy.
He activated his communication bracelet and issued an order, “Reinvestigate all the people participating in the auction and identify those who have a close connection with the Bai family.”
After receiving the order, the personnel on the other end began to carry out the investigation. Then, Ouyang Yang sat back down, looking at Feng Yu, whose expression had become serious.
“Ah Yu, have you noticed that many people have been acting strangely lately?” Ouyang Yang asked.
Feng Yu’s body trembled slightly. He observed Ouyang Yang carefully and said, “You’ve noticed too?”
Then, there was silence in the room.
Meanwhile, Mo Yang was in his room, holding two microphones in his hand, looking bewildered.
Author’s Note –
006 and 009 are nervously dealing with the self-check, and their problematic hosts!
002: Are you two and your hosts going crazy?!
006: It’s not me!
009: It’s not me either!
006 and 009: Don’t accuse us, we’re both proper spheres!
110: …Extremely guilty.
Facepalm. I wanted to finish the auction scene here, but I found out I couldn’t. I’ll have to wrap it up next time. Please be patient!
Thank you for the update 💛
Guide 110 thought it was his host lol
Real round punks
Thank you for your translation 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
does he have to collect the dragon balls to summon shenlong? not just one microphone?