Halfway through the crow’s speech, he was interrupted, which made him feel very embarrassed. So, he turned around fiercely, only to see dozens of their lackeys running back in a sorry state, being chased.
And behind these dozens of players, stood Song Kefeng and the soldiers, running and attacking in a perfectly organized manner. They almost massacred all the players who lagged behind or couldn’t escape in time with a single blow.
The crow widened his eyes and turned to the young woman, “What… what’s going on with these people? When I decided to follow the leader, wasn’t Emperor Qin the strongest force and person in the entire Dream World? Did you deceive me by recognizing my abilities?”
Clearly, this solemn group of individuals seemed to be the most terrifying fighting machines, but when the young woman recruited him, she claimed that Emperor Qin would undoubtedly ascend to be the ultimate ruler, unmatched by anyone. Was this all a deception for the new recruits?
The young woman felt like sewing the crow’s mouth shut. As someone who joined later and was deceived by Mo Yang, Wan Mei, Song Kefeng, and that fatty in the “Bloody Monopoly” game, she had a deep memory of Mo Yang. The young woman even felt that these few individuals were the biggest obstacle to her chosen ruler’s ascent to the throne. Now, it seemed her intuition was not wrong—they met again in this game.
Moreover, judging by the expressions of the players led by Mo Yang, the young woman was certain that these players would never submit, and they might not even mention seeking refuge voluntarily.
Old enemies meeting felt especially intense. Although the young woman feared Mo Yang and Wan Mei greatly, in this situation, she held an absolute numerical advantage.
No matter how many opponents they had, it didn’t exceed a hundred, while she had at least a thousand on her side.
In a one-to-ten battle, who would win and who would lose was crystal clear, wasn’t it?
The young woman immediately raised her hand, making all players who wanted to join Emperor Qin or seek refuge in the Life Barrier see her. At the same time, she spoke loudly, “Players who want to create a better world with Emperor Qin, pay attention! A group of troublemakers is coming from the right side now. They are enemies of Emperor Qin and us. They will use various methods to stop us from becoming stronger. Defeat them! Devour them! As long as we eliminate them all from this world, I will apply to Emperor Qin to let everyone enter the Life Barrier to evade the celestial fire meteorites!”
The young woman’s words caused a stir. Almost simultaneously, the thousands of players here turned to look in the direction from which Mo Yang and his group were approaching. Some immediately charged with weapons, while others hesitated, contemplating.
When they couldn’t bear the scorching air outside and the meteorites that could fall on their heads at any moment and decided to join, they were shocked to see the enemies described by the young woman. They were formed in groups of three, in a defensive and offensive formation. Yet, despite the chaotic rush from the attackers, their formation remained intact, and dozens of enemies had already fallen within a few rounds.
“!!!”
Heavens, what’s going on with this group?! How are they so formidable?!
Mo Yang glanced at the young woman in the center of the crowd and an unfamiliar man dressed entirely in black, sneered, looked around, spotted a large and high meteorite, jumped onto it agilely, and then, with his intent, transformed his weapon into Microphone mode.
Instantly, an exhilarating tune played, and three dazzling beams, appearing from nowhere, converged on Mo Yang standing atop the meteorite.
Everyone involuntarily turned their heads towards Mo Yang, attracted by the music and lights. Utter bewilderment covered their faces.
“Hello, everyone!”
Mo Yang smiled and spoke the first words.
The crowd: “…” At this moment, it felt awkward, not particularly good?
However, Mo Yang didn’t wait for their response but continued speaking.
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.
“Don’t listen to that woman’s misleading words; we are not enemies. On the contrary, as long as you’re willing, we are companions striving together for upgrades and victory in the game! The reason that woman said those things was merely to use your hands to eliminate us.”
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Mo Yang’s words directly hit the thoughts of everyone. Plus, indeed, those who attacked them were the ones who died, while those who didn’t listen were still standing. This made the players present even more doubtful about the young woman’s words, and their stance became even more unclear.
The young woman was about to explode with anger. This person clearly knew her name but insisted on calling her “that woman.” And what did he mean by exploitation? Clearly, these players were seeking her help, yet in Mo Yang’s words, it turned into her using and threatening them! The young woman keenly noticed the hesitation and suspicion among the players present; she didn’t intend to let Mo Yang continue speaking.
“We’re not here for fighting battles; we’re just here for our oppressed companions,” Mo Yang’s voice directly overshadowed the young woman’s, becoming the loudest in the entire scene.
Holding the aphorism microphone, with his own background music and flashing lights, not a single person could at this moment drown out his words or cover their ears. He smiled with a particularly sly look at the young woman. Just when she felt something wasn’t right, his voice, amplified, echoed:
“Furthermore, I helped a team of natives here and luckily did something. I just applied to the queen to enter the Life Barrier and secure a place to rest. I think, perhaps soon, we can also bring people into the Life Barrier on our side. But I’m not as strict as Emperor Qin. I only ask that players entering our Life Barrier don’t kill each other. It would be even better if they could help each other.”
Mo Yang’s voice suddenly became calm and gentle at this moment: “In the end, this is just a game. Our initial intention for entering the game wasn’t to kill but to become better versions of ourselves. So, even though the game is full of strife and killing, don’t forget our original intentions.”
“We didn’t enter the Dream World to kill, betray, or plot against others. Isn’t it better to be a winner whom everyone admires and respects, rather than a feared and detested winner?”
That last sentence was like a gentle yet sharp knife that deeply pierced into the heart of every player present. Even those who actively entered the Dream World hoping to become a world ruler or a life winner felt immensely agreeable at this moment—yes, although I actively entered the Dream World, I didn’t actively want to become someone who harbors dark thoughts, schemes, and betrays others. Becoming a life winner whom everyone deeply admires is the real victory!
The young woman seemed stunned by Mo Yang’s last sentence; she widened her eyes and remained silent.
Then, as if the entire game world was assisting that highly anticipated man, Xis appeared at that moment with his guards in front of them.
Xis made a gesture with his right hand placed on his chest towards Mo Yang: “Lord Yang Heigou, the Queen invites you to the Life Temple for a detailed discussion.”
“Also, we’ll give you a sign that allows free access to the Life Barrier. This sign can bring in a hundred people at a time, and the area in the southeast corner is temporarily yours. However, we hope you manage your people well; it’s better for them not to step into other areas of the Life Barrier.”
Mo Yang smiled.
The young woman’s expression instantly sank.
After a low murmur among the players, suddenly, someone shouted, “Can we really enter without any conditions?”
Mo Yang confidently replied with the aphorism microphone, “Yes, without any conditions. But, after entering, if you refuse to refrain from killing and plotting against each other, then don’t blame me for not being polite.”
A few seconds later, the players who were initially hostile to the young woman’s side surged toward Mo Yang’s side. Even some players who wanted to join Emperor Qin suddenly seemed to awaken, thinking, why bother about becoming a king or ruler? With so many people entering this world, who gets to be the ruler? It’s better to improve one’s abilities and live a good life outside!
Thus, the situation quickly reversed.
Mo Yang’s side had over a thousand people, while the young woman’s side was left with only a few hundred.
The young woman: “…” Furious and about to explode.
The crow: “…” Suddenly, I feel like the future doesn’t look very bright.
Afterward, Mo Yang gave the sign that allows free access to the Life Barrier to Song Kefeng. With Song Kefeng and Long Xiang present, they should have good ways to restrain these players. Then, Mo Yang led Wan Mei, leaving with Xis and the others, much to the anticipation of Zhou Api.
Song Kefeng, Long Xiang, and another robust and imposing soldier named Meng Hu began gathering players and inquiring about information regarding the “Tree Man’s Fruit.”
They successfully entered the Life Barrier on the second night, and if nothing unexpected happened, they wouldn’t be harmed by the celestial fire. However, the second condition to clear the game was to find the “Tree Man’s Fruit.” They hadn’t even seen a single Tree Man so far.
Among these people, Zheng Zhe sat there with a stiff expression, unable to help but doubt if he had just had a terrible and absurd dream.
As the person who seemed naturally captivating began speaking, there inexplicably appeared another person beside him. Initially immersed in Mo Yang’s words, Zheng Zhe soon felt extremely uncomfortable, as if he were being stared at by some terrifying beast. He turned his head and nearly had a heart attack—he found the most terrifying White Demon, whom he feared the most, standing right beside him. Then, in a tone that was both appreciative and somewhat sinister, the White Demon asked him, “Isn’t he very attractive?”
Zheng Zhe felt the hairs on his body stand up, his scalp tingling, but dared not stay silent. “Um, yes, he’s very powerful.”
Then he saw the White Demon chuckle and say, “Hmm, let me tell you a secret. He’s with me.”
Zheng Zhe: “…” He’s truly unlucky!
Afterward, the White Demon extended a finger and tapped Zheng Zhe’s forehead. He stiffened and felt something cold pass into his brain through that chilly finger. The information was incredibly complex; he hadn’t had time to digest or organize it when the person released his finger and left.
Before leaving, this formidable person told him, “Study well the method of devouring that I taught you. If I find your level too low or your performance inadequate later, I won’t hesitate to dissect your brain and see why you’re so foolish. If you prove yourself smart enough, I’ll take you as my disciple. Happy?”
Zheng Zhe’s still youthful face stared at Wan Mei, who had already walked away, displaying an extremely vivid expression.
“Hey! What are you gawking at? Squad Leader Song has already assigned tasks. Although you’ve been acting a bit weird, you don’t seem like the kind to stab others in the back. How about teaming up with me? Let’s go to the outskirts and gather information about the ‘Tree Man’s Fruit.'”
The man’s words startled Zheng Zhe. He looked at this rough-looking fellow and suddenly exclaimed without rhyme or reason, “Looks can be deceiving.”
The rough-looking man: “???” What does that mean? Is this kid saying I look too rugged?
At this point, Zheng Zhe began daydreaming again. He started perusing the knowledge about “devouring” that had been conveyed to his mind through strange means. As he “saw” various imaginings and methods of “devouring,” Zheng Zhe was deeply shocked. So much so that when he came back to his senses, almost everyone around him, except this big guy, was gone.
“Kid, are you slow or something?” The big guy looked puzzled.
Zheng Zhe: “…” How does such a wide range of intelligence exist within the same race?
Regardless of Song Kefeng’s actions on one side, on the other side, Mo Yang and Wan Mei strolled within the Tree Man’s city, known as the Emerald Forest, experiencing the unique aesthetics, culture, and architectural style of the world’s plant-based humanoids.
If Mo Yang hadn’t been holding Wan Mei back, this knowledge seeker might have started collecting various things by the roadside. Even though Mo Yang held Wan Mei and didn’t act recklessly, his eyes wandered around, stopping to touch and examine certain plants that caught his interest. This behavior made Xis and his team look at Wan Mei with cautious eyes.
There was a kind of aura emitted from the slender man in white that made the others particularly uncomfortable.
If one must describe it, it might be the unique perception an object under study feels when encountering its frequent examiner. If laboratory mice and frogs could assume human form, they might find common ground with the plant-based humanoid race.
When Xis’s team finally brought Mo Yang and Wan Mei to the entrance of the Temple of Life, Xis and his guards inexplicably sighed in relief. Xis looked at Mo Yang. “Both of you, go inside. The queen is a very gentle person. Don’t be afraid.”
He said, then glanced at Wan Mei again, hesitating before cautioning him, “When you go in, be modest in your gaze. Staring at the queen would be very impolite. Her protector is my former captain, and he’s the most powerful warrior in our tribe. He could kill you with just one move.”
Wan Mei raised an eyebrow, acknowledging the advice. However, as Xis and his team departed, he suddenly pulled out a purple grass from his backpack. Mo Yang didn’t know when he had picked it, but he handed it to a member of Xis’s team.
The guard took the purple grass in a daze. Upon hearing the strikingly good-looking man, who made him feel extremely uncomfortable, say, “I think this should neutralize the poison in you. Your arm has been bleeding uncontrollably, hasn’t it?”
Before the guard could speak, another person, perhaps his friend, exclaimed in surprise, “How did you know his leg is poisoned and still bleeding? What kind of grass are you giving him? It’s useless; his race, once scratched by the poison fireweed, can’t be detoxified. He can only endure it… huh?!”
Before the friend could finish, the poisoned guard simply chewed on the purple grass and then applied it to his continuously bleeding wound. The juice’s contact with the wound caused him to furrow his brows due to the stinging sensation. However, after two minutes, the guard suddenly spoke up, “The bleeding has stopped.”
As a result, everyone looked amazed at Wan Mei. Could he be a sage or an apothecary?
Xis directly asked him.
Mo Yang chuckled twice, then finally said, “Well, close enough.” Researchers also study some potions, but he didn’t know how Wan Mei knew this purple grass could detoxify and heal this person. It was rather miraculous.
However, Wan Mei was focused on the injured guard’s mouth and earnestly said, “You’d better rinse your mouth first because it’s starting to swell. I used a ‘fight fire with fire’ method. In other words, this purple grass itself is a bit poisonous.”
All the guards: “…”
Truly, an especially, especially detestable guy!
After the guards left, Mo Yang and Wan Mei were led into the temple by the temple attendants. Perhaps due to the recent events, for the first time in the temple hall, the Tree Man Queen and her guards didn’t overlook Wan Mei, the seemingly inconspicuous individual, in Mo Yang’s presence.
Of course, among all these gazes, the most sharp and impossible to ignore was from the Qin Emperor sitting in the VIP seat, squinting at them.
Mo Yang looked over and was pleased to find that this person was still wearing a mask. Great, he thought. All the various metal-corrosive agents he had been carrying in his backpack until now, courtesy of the Great Demon King, could finally come in handy. Heh heh.
Author’s Note –
Zheng Zhe: I’ve seen the peak and valley of intelligence in a short time. Indigestion indeed.
Mo Yang: *chuckles behind the mask*
Wan Mei: …Feeling itchy. So many potential subjects.
i really love them lmao