Zhou Api saw the two groups fighting, shouted loudly, and swiftly drew out the heavy-looking wolf-tooth club he had been carrying on his back. Swinging it, he charged towards them.
Perhaps owing to his remarkable physique or the added effect of the wolf-tooth club, as he swung it and rushed forward, it was like a clanging war chariot, startling the players around who were engaged in combat. He effortlessly made his way to the core of the battleground.
The previously heated skirmish among the underlings paused. They seemed to sense something amiss in the scenario.
Meanwhile, the two leading players, in combat with Song Kefeng and Qi Hong, saw Zhou Api charging in unhindered with his wolf-tooth club. They glanced at Zhou Api, then at the players who had joined the fray behind him – Mo Yang, Wan Mei, Jin Quan Zhang, and dozens of others. Their expressions changed multiple times before addressing Song Kefeng and Qi Hong.
“Someone’s here. You surely wouldn’t want us to fight each other and let the newcomer benefit, would you?”
Song Kefeng, unperturbed, continued attacking without even a change in gaze. Upgrading his weaponry, he aimed a modified and dark-golden bolt directly at the speaker’s neck, blood seemingly gushing out from the wound. In the incredulous gaze of the lead player, Song Kefeng struck the player again, rendering him motionless on the ground.
The scene turned rather gruesome, leaving both sides momentarily stunned. However, the more shocking events were yet to unfold.
Song Kefeng’s killing seemed like a beginning. The elite warriors accompanying him followed suit, ruthlessly eliminating their opponents one after another. Within minutes, the ground was littered with bodies, and the atmosphere turned chillingly tense.
Almost all players looked at Song Kefeng and the dozens standing behind him, who had actively participated in the killings, with horror, as if they were witnessing a maniacal killer.
It was Zhou Api who broke the eerie silence. He shook his wolf-tooth club in disbelief. “Old Song, seriously, you guys move too fast! I haven’t even had the chance to showcase my heroic prowess with my club, and here you are, finishing off everyone! Can’t you give others a chance to live? Also, at least explain who these people are that you’re so quick to exterminate? They mustn’t be good people!”
Zhou Api’s tone was resolute, but the players following him didn’t believe him at all. They found these individuals ruthless and remained extremely guarded. However, someone finally spoke up for Song Kefeng and his group. About twenty odd players emerged from somewhere, appearing mentally unstable but with determined gazes. Among them were Zhou Luoluo and Rose Beauty, who stepped forward to explain:
“Zhou Api, what you said is right! Those people weren’t good at all! If it wasn’t for Uncle Song bringing these people to rescue us, we’d all probably have been captured by them, and our spirits devoured!”
Zhou Luoluo’s words startled the players following them. Rose supplemented the information.
“We don’t know who they serve, but they arrived at the edge of this area before us, about fifty people in a group. When we arrived, a seemingly affable individual guided us to their designated spot. They then surrounded us and tried to devour our spirits.”
“We were over thirty people initially, but they severely injured several of us. Just as they were about to consume us, Song’s team arrived. These people are at least Level 3, so the battle lasted a while. We were about to come for help as well, but we had just regained some health and stamina when Zhou Api, along with Ah Hei and Ah Bai, arrived.”
Mo Yang nodded. He walked up to Song Kefeng and the meditating warriors, their gazes locking for a moment.
Song Kefeng sneered, “Quit the chatter. Let’s figure out how to get in. So far, no player has been able to enter this area covered by the green barrier.”
This seems like quite an intense gaming or role-playing scenario!
Mo Yang chuckled, ignoring the person, “I don’t think so. So far, no player has entered this area. These people seem highly organized. The one easily killed by you surely isn’t the final boss. Their leader might already be inside. You should leave someone alive.”
Song Kefeng’s face darkened. Just then, Xis suddenly approached. He nodded at Mo Yang and asked a question that left the players present envious, “We’ve received permission from the Queen to enter the Life Barrier. As someone who saved Xiya and helped us along the way, the Queen allows us to take you in. Black Dog, what do you think?”
Mo Yang was about to agree outright, but he glanced around at the other players, paused, and asked, “Could you ask the Queen how outsiders like us can enter the Life Barrier?”
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.
“Qf vlvc’a mbwf lcab atlr kbgiv nbiecajglis. Snfgsbcf kjcar ab regnlnf, jcv wjsyf kf mjc tfiq sbe klat atlcur sbe olcv vloolmeia? Pc jcs mjrf, fnfc jr bearlvfgr, kf tbqf atf Heffc mjc ulnf er j mtjcmf. Zjsyf lo kf pblc obgmfr, kf mjc olcv tbqf jcv j aegclcu qblca abufatfg?”
Xis listened silently to Mo Yang’s words. Eventually, he glanced at Mo Yang with a complicated expression. “You’re not the first person to say this… Those killed by you might be followers of another outsider who has already entered the Life Barrier.”
“He told the Queen he can resurrect the three Trees of Life, so his followers can rest in the designated area on the edge of the Life Barrier every night. It’s said that his followers are increasing, reaching almost ten thousand.”
Mo Yang’s mouth twitched upon hearing this. He almost instinctively thought of an annoying person. Grinding his teeth, Mo Yang asked, “Where are they recruiting people? Do you know the names of those leading individuals?”
Xis shook his head, “I’m not sure, but it seems they serve your emperor? It feels like their names have that word in them.”
Mo Yang chuckled. This Emperor Qin was indeed everywhere and annoying. But that wasn’t the main point. How can the Emperor Qin claim to revive the Tree of Life? Which is more powerful, the Tree of Life or the Heart of the Tree People?
Mo Yang voiced his doubts and was met with a look of ignorance from Xis. “Though the Tree of Life is precious, it takes thousands of years to nurture a Heart of the Tree People from three Trees of Life. The Heart of the Tree People is where the souls of all our plant race reside. How can the Tree of Life compare?”
“But because that massive meteor, which destroyed the temple, directly damaged the Tree of Life and the Heart of the Tree People, being able to resurrect the Tree of Life is fortunate. This way, at least, the power of the Tree of Life can provide more strength to the Life Barrier. And after this catastrophe ends, if we use secret methods to cultivate the Tree of Life, maybe it won’t take a hundred years to cultivate a Heart of the Tree People again.”
Xis said this with a hint of gratitude and nostalgia on his face, indicating their high regard for the Heart of the Tree People and the Tree of Life.
Mo Yang nodded. So, the Emperor Qin easily entered the Life Barrier and recruited followers rampantly through the privilege of entering the barrier.
Mo Yang chuckled inwardly. From this perspective, the Emperor Qin was smarter than he imagined. Actually, from the moment the Emperor Qin appeared on television and spoke those words, Mo Yang was certain he wasn’t an immature person. On the contrary, he was someone with a strong belief in winning.
While Mo Yang was contemplating, Xis directly asked him, “So, are you not planning to enter the Life Barrier? Then I’ll take my leave.”
Then Mo Yang grabbed Xis’s arm, giving him a sly, yet cunning, smile, and said, “Who said I’m not going in? Not going in means waiting outside to die, right? Cough cough. Can you ask the Queen to allocate us a place? Tell her I also have a method to restore the Tree of Life. Would she give us some space?”
Xis: “…”
Others: “???!!!”
Xiya’s clear voice suddenly sounded nearby, “Brother Kuan Kuan, lying to the Queen will be discovered immediately, and then you’ll be turned into fertilizer for the Tree of Life…”
Mo Yang felt a pang of anxiety. He gestured for Xis to come closer. Xis, wearing an aloof expression, stared at him. Mo Yang fearlessly maintained eye contact. Finally, under the fearful gazes of Xis’s people, Xis relented and brought his slightly pointed, reddish ear close to Mo Yang’s mouth, listening to what he said.
“Um, could you quietly inform the Queen that I know the whereabouts of the Heart of the Tree People?”
In that moment, Xis widened his eyes suddenly, taking a half-step back in apparent shock. Those emerald eyes, previously calm, now bore a sharp and intense look.
“Do you know what you’re saying?”
Mo Yang nodded, “Of course. Also, please inform the Queen that I and that Emperor Qin are enemies. He will do anything to achieve his goals. Please don’t trust him blindly, be very cautious.”
Xis fell silent for a moment, then nodded, “I will relay your words to the Queen. Wait here, don’t wander.”
After saying this, Xis entered the lush Life Barrier with an urgent expression.
Once Xis and the others left, Zhou Api rushed over, circling around Mo Yang with a pleased expression. He kept walking around Mo Yang until Mo Yang felt like punching him, then Zhou Api sighed, “Ah, every time I feel my ancestors have blessed me enough, I vividly realize how powerful their blessings are. I have a feeling this time I’ll still come out on top.”
Mo Yang rolled his eyes at him, then turned to the players who wore a mix of stern curiosity and inquiry on their faces. He thought for a moment before speaking up, “Since everyone’s here, let me make things clear. I’ve spoken to our friend; I have a way to take everyone inside this Life Barrier. If all goes well, the Tree People Queen will allocate us an area to rest. If you’re willing, we can go in together soon. I won’t ask you to follow me or contribute anything. However, I have a few requests I hope you’ll comply with.”
Mo Yang didn’t beat around the bush, “To reach this point, everyone here must have their strengths and convictions. I won’t demand mutual assistance, but please avoid killing each other. Everyone has different reasons for entering this dream world, whether forced or seeking to change their fate. But one thing should be clear and never forgotten—we are human beings. There are things we absolutely shouldn’t do and things we must do.”
“This game and the dream world are filled with danger and challenges. I hope everyone reaches the end, even if they remain ordinary. But at least they’ll still be human, themselves. After entering the Life Barrier, we can begin searching for the Fruit of the Tree People. There might be conflicts during the search, but please try to be fair. That’s my request.”
“Of course, I hope that when I need your help, you’ll stand up. If you don’t have the strength or willingness, please refrain from causing disruption.”
“Don’t entertain thoughts like if I’m not okay, then the whole world shouldn’t be okay.” Mo Yang smiled, his voice suddenly becoming magnetic, “Be optimistic. Hope that if I’m okay, the whole world will be okay with me.”
“Ah, if you encounter players forced to join the opposing faction later on, you can bring them over here. Forced obedience is never as good as freedom. Even though it’s more relaxed here.”
After saying these words, Mo Yang gathered with Wan Mei, Zhou Api, Qi Hong, Qi Fu, Zhou Luoluo, and Rose. The remaining players, with various expressions and thoughts, none of them left the area.
It’s uncertain whether they’ll turn against each other or assist Mo Yang in the future, but one thing Mo Yang said struck a chord—they all, except those willing to go to any length to become stronger, wanted to preserve their thoughts and freedom. At least, they refused to be forced to obey others.
Zheng Zhe looked at the gathering of people around Mo Yang and felt a slight pang of envy and longing.
“They seem like really good friends, trusting and helping each other. I wish I had friends like that.”
Just as Zheng Zhe was thinking this, the most terrifying figure in his mind, the White-clothed Demon King, turned his head, and their eyes, black and white and ominously calm, locked onto each other.
Zheng Zhe: “!!!” Well, well, well… I think I’d rather be a lone ranger. Anyone who befriends the Demon King surely isn’t normal!
While Xis and their group reported to the Queen, in Song Kefeng’s team, Long Xiang took two warriors and volunteered to explore the area. They had a special contact symbol to communicate among themselves once inside the game, despite not being initially grouped together. Out of the total 109 team members, including Song Kefeng’s 108 warriors, 31 had not assembled yet. Song Kefeng and Long Xiang were convinced that unless they were instantly obliterated by the cataclysmic fire upon entering the game, those individuals hadn’t perished.
So, it was highly likely that their companions were around the green Life Barrier, and they were determined to find them.
Long Xiang and two others headed left towards the Life Barrier, while a warrior, seemingly slim but with long legs and arms, after consulting with Song Kefeng, took three others to the right. The rest of the team stayed put, awaiting Song Kefeng and Mo Yang’s discussion.
Out of sheer boredom, Zhou Api also tagged along with Long Xiang’s group. He wanted to witness the situation firsthand and gather information.
Around twenty minutes later, Zhou Api’s voice echoed from the left side of the dense forest:
“Oh damn, enemies are coming after us! Everyone, draw your weapons and prepare to fight! We’ve brought back over a dozen friendly forces!”
Instantly, in perfect formation, Song Kefeng and his seventy-two followers unsheathed their weapons. Their synchronized movement and imposing presence made the players standing behind and beside them feel both embarrassed and oddly reassured. At this point, unless one was blind, it was evident that this group had to be military personnel! Being with soldiers oddly brought a sense of security.
With Long Xiang and two other warriors guarding the rear, Zhou Api led two warriors back, accompanied by over ten players supporting each other, all running back towards them. Seeing Song Kefeng and the others ready for battle, Zhou Api exclaimed, “Our military is powerful after all!”
Song Kefeng: “…”
Other soldiers: “…” This guy is too noisy. If he wasn’t carrying two comrades, they’d have knocked him out already.
In contrast to the genuine joy felt by Zhou Api and the players who returned with him upon seeing Song Kefeng’s group, the several dozen badass players who were wielding various weapons and shouting about wanting to kill these clueless guys lost their bravado in an instant upon seeing the well-organized attack formation.
The fastest of the badass players thought, “Why did I run so fast?! Why do I always end up being the most proactive one?! What do I do now? Turn and run?!”
Before they could turn around, the other badass players behind them rushed forward, urging, “What are you standing there for? Let’s beat them up! Cripple these people first, then devour them one by one. We’ll level up again, hahaha! Wait, what?!”
The laughter abruptly stopped. The hunters, just moments ago eager like hungry tigers chasing prey, now seemed to summon all their primal strength, swiftly turned around, and ran back.
Behind them, a group of once-hunted players followed, brimming with killing intent.
Qingnu and Crow were quite satisfied to see more players voluntarily submitting and willing to offer their spiritual power for survival. Crow stood proudly beside Qingnu, saying, “Things are going exceptionally smoothly. In no time, we’ll gain a significant amount of spiritual power and become the biggest force in the Dream World. As long as the Emperor successfully deals with the Tree Maiden, we’ll reap huge rewards…”
“SOS! Help! These players are going crazy!!”
Crow: “…”
Qingnu: “…” Now I understand why you’re called Crow. Heh, can you keep your mouth shut next time?
Author’s note –
Crow: We’re about to succeed! As long as there are no hiccups!
Hiccups: Who’s calling me?
Crow: Emperor Qin is about to handle the Tree Maiden successfully! As long as nothing goes wrong!
Something Wrong: …You Called?
The author’s note is so hilarious
Thanks for the chapter
I always love the author notes, dragging the most random things together in fantastic ways
that Crow, i hope he ends up in the Qin’s group hehe
and become a jinx master