IGSB – Chapter 19
Chapter 19: Entering the New World (Finale)
Upon realizing the guests around her were players who had died here, Xia Zhiyi appeared calm on the surface but was panicking internally. A creepy feeling shot up the back of her neck like a gust of wind.
Until they cleared the instance, a single misstep would mean they would be the ones sitting here at the next feast.
What a ruthless Ghost King.
Jing Ruyu had clearly noticed this as well, but she remained composed, sitting silently.
Hopefully, there would be no accidents today.
Xiao Ya and the other two were also trying their best to keep from screaming.
Screaming now and attracting the Ghost King would be a disaster!
Under the gloomy sky, the red-draped wedding scene was shrouded in a lingering terror.
Soon, Xiao Qiao appeared at the entrance and announced, “The auspicious time has arrived. Please welcome the bride and groom!”
As her voice fell, the “guests” beside them suddenly began to applaud. Each person’s face split into an identical and incredibly stiff smile, making them look like a group of robots, so uniform it was unsettling.
Xia Zhiyi was startled for a moment, then she softly and tentatively called out to the man beside her, “Hello, nice to meet you. Can you still speak?”
But the man completely ignored her, single-mindedly applauding the Ghost King bride.
“…”
Got it. A bunch of emotionless followers.
Jing Ruyu wasn’t being very “well-behaved” either.
She cautiously touched the guests. Their skin was ice-cold, and no matter how much force she used, they remained unresponsive, as if they could see nothing but the Ghost King.
Withdrawing her hand, she had intended to say “rest in peace,” but the words died on her lips.
Being used by the Ghost King like this, how could they be resting in peace…
She raised her eyes to look in the Ghost King’s direction, wondering when she would make her move.
For now, however, there was no sign of it. The Ghost King seemed intent on completing the ceremony.
The bride and groom, dressed in expensive and beautiful red wedding attire, walked hand in hand down the long red carpet.
The groom was handsome, a smile on his face.
The bride wore a red veil, her face still hidden, but her graceful figure suggested she was a stunning beauty.
Master Gu sat at the front, smiling and stroking his beard as he waited for them to approach.
Everything seemed normal, just like an ordinary wedding.
But just then, a sudden gust of wind blew past, brushing against the tassels on the bride’s veil and lifting a corner slightly.
Xia Zhiyi was in a perfect position to see.
She fixed her gaze and instantly froze.
It was a mouth, a mouth that grew vertically on the face, and nothing else.
As if sensing her gaze, the mouth opened slightly, revealing a full set of fine, sharp teeth and an exceptionally bizarre smile.
Xia Zhiyi was profoundly shocked, and goosebumps instantly erupted all over her skin.
What a unique look. One more glance and I won’t be sleeping tonight!
Jing Ruyu saw nothing, only that Xia Zhiyi had quickly averted her gaze, her expression not looking too good.
“…” She had a feeling she knew this young lady would be terrifyingly ugly.
She had also made a discovery.
The wind blew from her direction, brushing against the faces of the surrounding guests. In that instant, she was surprised to see that their faces had caved in, as if they were only a layer of skin with no flesh and blood to support it from within.
She suddenly understood how the Ghost King had made them appear here.
They watched as the Ghost King bride, arm in arm with the groom, walked towards her father, while servants beside them beat gongs and drums, playing music.
It was clearly a joyous scene, yet they couldn't feel happy at all. Their minds were filled with thoughts of when it would end and when the Ghost King would make her move.
The couple began to perform the wedding bows.
Xia Zhiyi leaned back and cast a look at Jing Ruyu.
Jing Ruyu turned her head at that moment. Their eyes met, and they began to communicate through lip-reading and glances.
Does this count as us having attended the wedding?
I suppose? After all, the New World didn't specify that we had to attend the entire wedding.
Good point.
Xia Zhiyi nodded vigorously.
There was no sense in not exploiting a loophole!
Now was the time. If not now, then when!
“Smack!”
She suddenly slapped the table and shot to her feet.
“Wait a minute, I object to this marriage!”
All eyes in the venue instantly converged on her.
Xiao Qiao’s gaze slowly fell upon her. “They are a perfect match. What right do you have to object?”
Xia Zhiyi looked at her too. “Because this marriage will not be a happy one.”
Xiao Qiao: “What makes you say that?”
Xia Zhiyi raised a hand and pointed at the Ghost King. “Because she’s interested in me.”
Xiao Qiao: “?”
The Ghost King: “?”
What the hell, since when was I interested in you?!
To buy Jing Ruyu some time, Xia Zhiyi began to act while moving around.
“Because from the first day I arrived, you noticed me and thoughtfully sent me fruit. And that wasn't enough, you had to personally come at night to check if I was sleeping well, even wanting to open the door to tuck me in…”
The crowd had never witnessed such a scene and was stunned by her performance.
Finally, Xia Zhiyi leaned sorrowfully against a pillar and declared resoundingly, “Tell me, if this isn’t love, then what is!”
The Ghost King: “…”
I never expected you to romanticize my actions to this extent.
Knowing it was the final day, she wasn’t angry at all. She calmly watched Xia Zhiyi through her red veil, treating it as entertainment for her wedding.
After all, they had no way to escape.
But just as Xia Zhiyi finished her performance, it was Jing Ruyu’s turn to take the stage.
“In any case, we still congratulate Miss Gu on finding a good match. We wish Miss Gu a happy union. Let us give you a gift.”
As her voice fell, almost at the same instant, a fireball shot straight towards the Ghost King, catching her completely off guard.
Before she could react, her body had already responded, grabbing her husband beside her and pulling him over to act as a shield.
The fireball smashed into his face, and a wave of heat swept over him. A miserable scream instantly pierced the sky.
Servants screamed and fetched water, and the scene instantly descended into chaos.
When the Ghost King turned back to look for Jing Ruyu, she could only see the hem of her clothes disappearing at the door.
All five players, without a single one left behind, had fled.
At this point, the Ghost King no longer pretended. She ripped off her veil, revealing her horrifying true face, and flew in pursuit.
However, she wasn't worried that these people could escape.
The Gu Residence was her inescapable net, and prey already caught in it had no way of leaving.
The players were running with all their might.
Each of them clutched a fire starter, their goal clear as they rushed towards the backyard.
Today was a crucial day. Other than the backyard, they had no other choice.
“This way, run faster, watch your step, and don’t fall—Ruyu, Ruyu, are you keeping up?”
“Don’t worry, I’m right behind you.”
“What about the Ghost King? Is she catching up?”
Jing Ruyu, who was at the rear of the group, glanced back.
It was quiet behind them, no wind, no sign of anyone.
But just as she was about to relax, a red shadow suddenly burst out from a corner. A mouth split its face, and a sinister, terrifying tone drifted from behind its dense, sharp teeth, carrying a hint of madness and irrepressible excitement.
“Where do you think you’re going? Give up, this is my territory!”
“I’m so hungry, I’m going to eat you, I’m going to eat you!”
“You can’t escape, you can’t escape, hahahahaha—”
The piercing, strange sounds drifted by their ears. The more timid ones were already scared to tears, but they still didn’t dare to stop.
They had to run, run faster, or they would really be eaten!
“Why are you still running?”
“Where are you trying to go? The backyard?”
“Hahaha, run, run faster, a little faster, or I’m going to catch up~”
She arrogantly watched her food make a futile effort, even slowing her pace.
It didn’t matter. Her minions were everywhere anyway. Once they reached the backyard and were caught by her people, she would thoroughly enjoy their expressions of despair.
A fierce wind whistled past their ears, mixed with the Ghost King’s harsh, piercing laughter, heightening the urgency of their escape.
Either they escaped successfully, or they became the next guests. The former allowed for no mistakes.
At this point, they could only gamble, only charge forward!
Xia Zhiyi ignored everything, focusing solely on running towards the backyard.
I’m going all out. The worst that can happen is we perish together!
“Run! We’re almost there! Everyone, hang on!”
As Jing Ruyu ran, she pulled out the flammable materials she had found earlier from her pocket, lit them, and threw them behind her, trying to halt the Ghost King’s steps.
The Ghost King was no pushover. With a wave of her hand, living servants ran out to stand in front of her, acting as her meat shields and blocking all the damage from the flames.
As a result, her steps were not halted, but Jing Ruyu’s action of throwing fire was.
Jing Ruyu put away her fire starter, no longer making useless efforts.
Throwing while running was inaccurate and would harm those innocent servants. It was better to just run for now.
Thanks to the Ghost King’s arrogant decision to go easy on them, they were chased all the way but finally managed to reach the backyard.
As they approached the backyard, they heard the sound of water they had been longing for, and a small flame of hope ignited in their hearts.
Next, they had to cross the plot of land, which was about the size of half a sports field, to reach the ferry crossing and board the boat to clear the instance.
But just then, large patches of soil began to loosen, and one by one, complete skeletons broke through the earth. They stood menacingly on the ground, staring at them like an invincible, terrifying army of skeletons.
The Ghost King descended from the sky, her red robes fluttering, and landed slowly among them, displaying her high and mighty status as their commander. She grinned menacingly, blocking their path and cornering them against a wall, too afraid to make a move.
Seeing the Ghost King’s true face, Zhou Yan’s face turned deathly pale, while Xiao Ya and Liuliu were so frightened they felt like throwing up.
Xia Zhiyi, being older, shielded them behind her, while Jing Ruyu stood in front of her, slightly raising a hand to protect her.
With a wolf before them and a wall behind, and puppet-like servants standing outside the courtyard gate, they had no path of retreat.
“The game is over.”
“Now it’s time for your last words.”
The mouth on that face opened and closed, her voice laced with an unsettling laugh.
Looking at these cornered people, her mood was exceptionally joyful.
Look, without protection, this food becomes terrified of her, cowering and not daring to even breathe loudly.
This was the price for opposing her!
The skeletons on both sides slowly closed in on the five of them, their finger bones sharp, as if they could disembowel a person at any moment.
The Ghost King rested her chin on her hand, her gaze leisurely sweeping over the five people. “Hmm, let me see who I should start eating first…”
“Alright, let’s go by your positions.”
As she spoke, her gaze fell on Jing Ruyu’s face, but on that beautiful face, she saw a smile—an enigmatic smile.
“Who said it’s over.”
Xia Zhiyi suddenly picked up a torch from beside the wall.
Jing Ruyu took the torch from her hand, pulled out a fire starter, lit it, and smilingly handed it to an approaching skeleton soldier, elegantly uttering a single word: “Please.”
The skeleton raised its hand, grabbed the torch, and then, right in front of the Ghost King, turned around and defected on the spot.
The Ghost King’s expression froze.
Behind the five people, on the concealed white wall, a twisted character for “good” was written in bright red blood.
The bloodstains slowly seeped down the wall, each line filled with endless resentment and unwillingness.
And below that wall lay a pile of torches, the place the skeletons had chosen for Xia Zhiyi and the others to put them, making them convenient to grab.
Now, these torches were in the hands of the skeletons, transformed into sharp swords pointed at the Ghost King.
The torches touched, and flames instantly blazed, spreading from one to the next like a prairie fire, quickly forming a circle of fire.
Only this time, standing inside was the Ghost King, who had believed she was in control of everything.
“You…”
The Ghost King was in disbelief, her voice suddenly becoming sinister and sharp.
“Insolence! How dare you betray me!”
“It’s you we’re betraying.”
As her voice fell, Jing Ruyu whipped out a short knife and threw it at the Ghost King with lightning speed.
The blade cut through the void, instantly opening the battle.
The oppressed skeletons raised their “swords,” filled with resentment, and swarmed forward.
The Ghost King never expected that her own ghostly minions would one day point fire at her.
She was wary of fire and had no choice but to order the servants outside to come in and help her extinguish it.
For a moment, humans, ghosts, and skeletons were all fighting together, the scene descending into utter chaos.
Jing Ruyu turned her head and said, “Now’s our chance, let’s go!”
They carefully avoided the battle, holding their torches, and moved along the wall towards the gate.
The skeletons were clearly keeping their word; not a single one came over to obstruct them. They had even opened the gate for them in advance.
“Don’t even think about leaving!”
The Ghost King stared at them. The moment she moved forward, more skeletons with torches swarmed up, blocking her path and infuriating her.
“Go, kill them for me!” she ordered the servants, then turned to glare angrily at the skeletons. “You bunch of idiots, don’t forget, I’m not the only one here who’s afraid of fire!”
With a wave of her hand, a powerful gust of wind swept through, knocking the torches from the skeletons’ hands.
She then broke and shattered their bones, mercilessly venting her rage.
Even so, the skeletons’ assault did not cease.
When one group retreated, new skeletons would rise from the ground below, pick up the fallen torches, and charge forward bravely, the rattling of their bones their most heroic battle cry.
They tore at the Ghost King’s bright long robe, gnawed at her wrists, using all their strength.
Today, no matter the outcome, they would not retreat!
All who have humiliated us will pay the price!
Go to hell!!
Go to hell, and come down to hell with us!!!
While keeping an eye on the battle, Xia Zhiyi and Jing Ruyu dodged the servants that came one after another, rushing straight for the gate.
Occasionally, Jing Ruyu would reach out and pull Xia Zhiyi to her side, helping her dodge the Ghost King’s sweeping attacks.
Seeing the hole the Ghost King had smashed in the wall, Xia Zhiyi let out a gasp of amazement and quickly turned to run for the gate.
With that kind of force, taking one hit meant she’d be the one feasted upon in the next instance.
Amidst the thrilling and chaotic sounds, they finally reached the gate.
Outside, the thick fog had parted, revealing an earthen path on the ground. At the end of the path was a bright, solitary lamp, as well as the ferry crossing and a wooden boat.
That was their hope of leaving this place.
“Quick, run over there!” Zhou Yan shouted excitedly.
Filled with hope, they ran out of the gate one after another, using all their strength to run towards the ferry crossing.
But just then, Xiao Ya, who had been following the group in fear, suddenly let out a scream.
They looked back and saw her arm had been slashed by a puppet-like servant with a knife, and blood instantly stained her sleeve.
Jing Ruyu immediately turned back, spun around, and kicked the servant away. She then dealt with several more frantically attacking servants.
She gave Xiao Ya a push. “Go, you’ll be safe once you’re on the boat. I’m right behind you, don’t be afraid!”
Getting Xiao Ya out was what they had agreed to that night.
Since she had promised, she would definitely do it.
Xiao Ya gritted her teeth against the pain and tears, nodded firmly, and didn’t dare to delay, hurrying to catch up with Zhou Yan and the others.
Xia Zhiyi also turned back to help her leave.
“We’re almost there, we’re going home!”
Behind them were the chaotic sounds of fighting, interspersed with the Ghost King’s roars, which were deep and heavy, making the hair on the back of their necks stand on end.
They didn’t dare to stop, didn’t dare to fall, their steps hurried as they used all their strength to close the distance to the ferry crossing.
Jing Ruyu brought up the rear, fighting and dodging all the way.
Fortunately, the servants were just ordinary people with simple moves, so she handled them with relative ease.
Just like that, she also retreated to the ferry crossing.
Under the swaying, lonely light of the ferry crossing, the group boarded the boat. Zhou Yan and Liuliu took care of the injured Xiao Ya.
Xia Zhiyi turned her head and said urgently, “Ruyu, get on quickly!”
“Okay!”
After Jing Ruyu replied, she kicked an attacking enemy in the abdomen. The servant fell back in pain, knocking over several others who were rushing forward.
Taking this opportunity, Jing Ruyu turned to board the boat.
The moment she stepped onto the boat, the sound of the broadcast suddenly rang in her ears.
【Congratulations players on passing the novice instance. Please continue your efforts.】
【Cherish life, it is everyone's responsibility.】
With all five aboard, the boat slowly began to move.
They were safe, completely safe.
Everyone relaxed, slumping onto the boat in exhaustion.
Xia Zhiyi rested for a moment, then noticed Jing Ruyu wasn’t sitting. She stood up to join her in looking at the Gu Residence.
By now, the Gu Residence was engulfed in flames. It was unclear when the buildings inside had been set on fire.
The firelight lit up the sky, as red as if blood had been splashed across it. Amidst the towering heatwave, the Ghost King’s miserable howls rang out, filled to the brim with rage and hatred.
“I’ll kill you—kill you!!!”
“Ahhhhhh—”
Then, they saw Xiao Qiao land on the roof, her hands tucked into her sleeves, watching them in silence.
The fog on both sides gradually gathered again, soon swallowing the fiery glow.
“She’s dead for sure, right?” Xia Zhiyi said.
“Probably,” Jing Ruyu replied.
“Do you think a new Ghost King will be born?”
“Who knows?”
In that sea of fire, whether it was a hell of mutual destruction or the birthplace of a new overlord, no one could say.
The most important thing was that the skeletons had gotten their revenge, making the Ghost King and the Gu Residence who had exploited them pay the price.
And none of this had anything to do with them anymore—they had survived, they had won.
In the distance, the Gu Residence burned fiercely.
Xiao Qiao stood at the highest point, indifferently watching the sea of fire surging below. Then she looked up at the boat slowly sailing into the distance, remaining silent.
It had been a long time since she had seen newcomers cause such a commotion in an instance.
What a pity she couldn’t kill them.
But it didn’t matter. There were more instances waiting for them, along with her colleagues.
Xia Zhiyi, Jing Ruyu, you’d better be able to survive until the end.
The wooden boat sailed steadily on the river’s surface. No one knew when it would reach its destination.
Jing Ruyu was using a torn strip of her clothing to make a simple bandage for Xiao Ya.
Xia Zhiyi was looking around, observing everything on the river.
This river was quiet. On both banks grew unknown black plants, their long, massive roots bending down into the water, intertwined and dependent on each other.
Mysterious, gloomy, and lifeless, from a distance it looked like an impenetrable black forest.
This was just like the New World, mysterious and unpredictable.
Just then, the New World’s broadcast came on again.
【The novice instance experience has now concluded. Players, please answer the following questions.】
After the broadcast finished, a transparent panel appeared in front of each of them, displaying the same question—
【You have passed the novice instance and have experienced the charm of the New World. However, the journey is far from over. Are you willing to continue entering the New World to pursue the new life you desire? Please select your answer.】
【Note: If you leave now, the outcome in the real world will not be changed; this question will only be asked once, and the answer cannot be changed.】
【A. Yes; B. No.】
Xia Zhiyi: “…”
She didn’t exactly find it charming, but she hadn’t expected to have the option to quit. It was user-friendly, yet not completely user-friendly.
Jing Ruyu didn’t hesitate and pressed “A.”
She had chosen to enter the New World herself. That being the case, she would continue on this path until she either died or cleared all the instances.
Xia Zhiyi also pressed “A.”
The fact that her fate of death would not change left her no choice but to continue.
Besides, she had just quit her job, hadn’t traveled yet, and hadn’t enjoyed life to the fullest. She wasn’t going to die so willingly!
The other three also submitted their answers.
【Thank you for your cooperation.】
【Next is the second question.】
Xia Zhiyi raised an eyebrow. She had a reasonable suspicion that the New World was conducting a survey.
Soon, the panel refreshed, and the second question appeared before them.
【A person's potential is immeasurable, and the power of a team should not be underestimated. After this experience, do you have any intention of forming a team? Please click the link on the panel, read the team formation notice, and then answer.】
Everyone clicked on it to take a look.
There wasn’t much, just six rules, but they were enough to explain the situation.
【Team Formation Notice:】
【1. Team size is limited to five people;】
【2. The difficulty of the instance will prioritize the highest level within the team;】
【3. This team formation is free; subsequent formations will require an item (obtained in an instance);】
【4. After forming a team, members will be bound to instances. From then on, players will share hardships with their teammates in the same instance;】
【5. Once a team is confirmed, it cannot be changed, nor can players leave the team. The relationship will be automatically dissolved after the player passes all trials or dies;】
【6. Items obtained by players will become team property, shared by all members (except for personally bound items). After a team member is eliminated, the ownership of the items will be automatically inherited by the remaining teammates.】
【The right of interpretation belongs to the New World. Please read the rules carefully before making a decision.】
After reading it, Xia Zhiyi said in surprise, “So there are items in these instances? The novice instance must have had them too, but we didn’t find a single one. What kind of luck is this?”
Help, this luck is just too rotten!
Will our luck in future instances be this terrible???
Jing Ruyu smiled faintly.
It was nothing, she just found this reaction of hers a bit… cute.
Liuliu stared at the second rule, confused. “What does ‘prioritize the highest level’ mean?”
Jing Ruyu explained, “The instance difficulty progresses sequentially, like moving up grades in school.”
“First grade goes up to second grade, and second grade goes up to third. If a first-grader teams up with a second-grader, the system will determine that the second-grader’s next instance level is higher. The next time they enter an instance, the first-grader will be pulled into a third-grade instance.”
“Does that explanation make sense?”
Everyone had a sudden realization.
In that case, teaming up with someone who entered an instance before you wasn’t necessarily a good thing.
Xia Zhiyi stroked her chin as she looked at the last rule. This inheritance of items after a member was eliminated sounded incredibly dangerous.
If that was the case, you wouldn’t dare team up with someone you didn’t trust 100%. Otherwise, who knew when you might be attacked from both the front and back?
She subconsciously wanted to look at Jing Ruyu, but immediately stopped herself.
Get a grip, Xia Zhiyi. You’ve already broken up. This is the last time you’ll see each other. She won’t team up with you!
The other three were also clearly very sensitive and wary of the team system because of the last rule.
No one wanted to add another dangerous variable to their situation in this already dangerous place.
Just then, Jing Ruyu suddenly asked, “Do you want to team up with me?”
Xia Zhiyi turned her head and realized she was talking to her.
She was actively inviting her to team up… which was exactly what she wanted.
Although Xia Zhiyi was happy, she didn’t show it on her face. She raised an eyebrow and asked, “Isn’t President Jing afraid of the second rule?”
Jing Ruyu said calmly, “I know you, and you know me.”
Xia Zhiyi replied, “But others don’t know us.”
“There are no others,” Jing Ruyu said, looking at her fixedly. “Just the two of us.”
Xia Zhiyi was momentarily stunned.
“We won’t add anyone else in the future?”
“No. I don’t have time to risk my life testing people in a place like this.”
“Great minds think alike.”
Then, Liuliu, Zhou Yan, and Xiao Ya just watched as the two of them pressed confirm and neatly completed the team formation process according to the panel’s instructions.
【Congratulations on your successful team formation. You have been bound to the same instances.】
After the system’s voice sounded, they inexplicably felt as if they were hearing, “Congratulations to the happy couple on their union.”
These two warriors were… strangely compatible?
The New World’s survey only had these two questions. After that, it was over, and the broadcast began to talk about other things, announcing the time for the next instance: 【Congratulations to all new players for successfully clearing the instance. Please rest well and recuperate. In seven days, the New World will arrange a new instance for you.】
【Additionally, please note that players must be extremely careful when exploring instances and avoid getting injured.】
【Injured players will enter a feverish state after returning to the real world. Please recover your health within ten days.】
【If a player cannot fully recover within ten days, they can choose to delay entering the instance for a maximum of four days, but upon re-entry, they will be prioritized for a high-difficulty instance. If a player enters an instance without being fully recovered, they will be in a weakened state after entering the instance, and their mobility will be reduced.】
【Players may choose between the above two situations.】
The broadcast stopped again.
Everyone’s gaze couldn’t help but fall on Xiao Ya.
Xiao Ya was stunned, even forgetting to cry.
Xia Zhiyi walked over and squatted in front of her, comforting her, “It’s fine. Compared to such a big wound, just having a fever is obviously better.”
“When you go back, get your shots, take your medicine, rest well, and get well soon, okay?”
Xiao Ya came back to her senses and felt that what she said made a lot of sense. She wiped away her tears and nodded obediently. “Yes, I will!”
She had worked so hard to survive. This time, she would live well and continue to work hard in the next instance!
Xia Zhiyi’s eyes curved into a smile. She also found a place to sit down and rest, with Jing Ruyu sitting next to her.
The two of them sat with their backs to the others, quietly watching the ripples on the water, maintaining a distance between them.
For a moment, the atmosphere was silent and a bit subtle.
After an unknown amount of time, Xia Zhiyi suddenly heard Jing Ruyu say, “I heard from others that you quit your job.”
She paused for a moment, turned her face away slightly, and added, “I did. It wasn’t because of you, don’t get the wrong idea.”
Jing Ruyu didn’t reply, turning to look at the scenery on the other side.
Silence fell between the two of them once again.
This silence lasted for a long time, continuing until the wooden boat sailed into a white fog, and everyone’s figures were completely submerged.
Mistaking it for some dangerous situation, both of them subconsciously reached out to grab the other, but they were forcefully separated by the suddenly surging fog that covered their eyes.
When the fog dissipated and Xia Zhiyi opened her eyes again, she was back in her own living room.
This was the place where she had first stood when she opened the door.
The living room was dark and quiet, and the moonlight outside still hung peacefully on the branches. Everything seemed unchanged; it was just as it was when she left, as if even time had stood still.
She turned on the light to drive away the darkness in the room. Looking down, she saw that her pajamas and slippers were back, clean and tidy as new, as if this had all been just a dream.
Returning to her room, she picked up her phone. To verify if it was real, she found Jing Ruyu’s number, preparing to send her a message.
However, the moment her finger was about to tap the screen, it stopped unconsciously, and she hesitated for some reason.
Should I send a message?
They had broken up…
Jing Ruyu hadn’t said she would contact her after returning to the real world. If she sent a message now, would it seem too abrupt, or even reveal that she still hadn’t gotten over her?
But they were teammates now. Sending a message to confirm if it was real wasn’t too much to ask, right?
While her mind was at war with itself, her phone rang first—a message from Jing Ruyu had arrived.
[Jing Ruyu]: Are you home?
Seeing this message, Xia Zhiyi knew she didn’t need to ask anymore.
Damn, it’s all real!
[Xia Zhiyi]: I am
[Jing Ruyu]: Then rest well, see you next time
[Xia Zhiyi]: Mm, you too
[Jing Ruyu]: Good night
[Xia Zhiyi]: Good night
It was a conversation that couldn’t have been more plain and concise.
Xia Zhiyi put down her phone and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.
This must be the daily routine after a couple breaks up.
She wondered what the next instance would be like.
Whatever, she was so tired, she needed to sleep…
During the seven-day break, Xia Zhiyi lived each day with the feeling that she could die at any moment. Her main principle was to be happy and do whatever brought her joy.
One must enjoy life while one can, so at least there would be no regrets at the moment of death.
In addition, she went home to see her parents and stayed with them for a few days.
In every critical moment in the instance, she would think of her parents. They were her biggest attachment now.
After returning home, she unconsciously became very clingy with her parents, even lying on her mother’s lap while watching TV.
Mother Xia smiled, tucked her hair back, and asked, “Don’t you have to go to work?”
As someone who hadn’t yet told her parents she had quit, she lied without batting an eye, “I’m on vacation recently.”
Father Xia’s gaze peered from behind his reading glasses as he asked with curiosity, “Didn’t you always say you wanted to travel? Why aren’t you going now that you’re on vacation?”
Xia Zhiyi said clingily, “I suddenly just wanted to spend time with Mom and Dad~ There’s scenery by your side, too!”
“Aiyo, so cheesy. Aiyo, my ears,” Father Xia said with a smile of mock disgust, patting his ears.
Mother Xia laughed along, then said in a gentle voice, “Did you suffer some kind of grievance while you were away?”
Xia Zhiyi was slightly taken aback.
Father Xia chimed in, “If you’ve been wronged, you have to tell Mom and Dad.”
Xia Zhiyi thought of her death sentence, and her nose tingled. She suppressed her emotions and smiled, “No, don’t make wild guesses.”
Mother Xia thought for a moment. “Is it that your friend is ignoring you? Is it that very pretty young lady who came to our house last time? Is she not being friends with you anymore?”
Father Xia added, “Her surname is Jing.”
Mother Xia: “Oh, right, right, that Miss Jing—is that it? I can see you like her a lot. Did you have a fight with her? Did you make her angry, so she’s not being friends with you anymore?”
Xia Zhiyi: “…”
It was clearly Jing Ruyu who had suddenly broken up with her and made her angry, but it was true that they weren’t “being friends” anymore…
Since she hadn’t come out to her parents yet, she decided it was best not to talk about this.
“Aiya, no, that’s not it. Stop making wild guesses. I just missed you, can’t I miss you?”
After hearing this, Mother Xia turned to Father Xia and said, “She’s being coquettish with us.”
Father Xia smiled. “Go ahead, be as coquettish as you want. Dad will cook you a big meal tomorrow!”
“Alright!”
Xia Zhiyi beamed with joy.
During these few days at her parents’ house, Xia Zhiyi also watched many horror movies alone in her room to build up her courage and get a feel for the common tropes.
What if the New World was also a fan of horror movies and liked to copy their plots? Then she could see through the New World’s tricks in advance!
It was just that watching alone was really creepy…
Leisurely time always passes the fastest. After the seventh day, she had a strong premonition that it was time to enter the instance.
She first found a pair of comfortable, light long pants, put on a short-sleeved shirt and her watch, and grabbed a light backpack she had prepared. She stuffed a long-sleeved shirt inside, thinking the remaining space might be useful for storing miscellaneous items after entering the instance.
She also packed some extra medical supplies just in case, and in the end, she wished she could just move her entire house in.
Once she was ready, she walked to her bedroom door, took a deep breath, and reached out to open it.
The living room once again transformed into a thick white fog. She stepped into it, closed her eyes, and let the white fog swallow her whole.
The white fog dissipated, and before she could even open her eyes, she heard the sounds of people chasing each other and playing.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a long, bright school corridor. Next to her was the teachers’ office.
This time, it was a school.
“Zhiyi.”
A familiar voice sounded from behind her.
She turned around and saw Jing Ruyu standing behind her, wearing a dark blue outfit, looking as beautiful as she remembered.
“You’re here too.”
“Yes, I’m here.”
Then, three men and one woman arrived one after another. After they had all arrived, the New World’s broadcast began—
【The gate for your return has been closed. Welcome, lucky ones, to the New World to continue pursuing the new life that belongs to you!】
【All players have arrived. The instance is now officially starting!】
After the broadcast’s voice faded, a girl walked out of the office next to them.
The girl was wearing a blue and white school uniform, her hair tied in a neat and refreshing ponytail. She was very pretty.
Seeing the players, she smiled and said, “You must be the new transfer students, right? I just heard from the teacher. I’m in the same class as you. My name is Zhou Xiuxiu.”
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to our classroom.”
Everyone was no longer a newcomer. No one cried or screamed; they tacitly followed her footsteps.
Looking at the girl’s back, Xia Zhiyi secretly whispered to Jing Ruyu, “Looks like she’s the quest NPC this time.”
Jing Ruyu nodded in agreement.
But they had only taken two steps when the class bell rang.
Zhou Xiuxiu turned back and urged, “Class is starting, let’s hurry back!”
As she spoke, Zhou Xiuxiu started running, and everyone had no choice but to follow.
After entering the classroom, there were clearly six empty seats at the front. Without needing to be assigned, the players chose their own seats. Xia Zhiyi and Jing Ruyu decisively became deskmates.
Zhou Xiuxiu sat behind all of them.
Then, the classroom broadcast suddenly came on, saying clearly and loudly, “Next, we will conduct this class’s English listening test.”
The players: “?”
No one said participating in the New World required an English test!!!
Jing Ruyu merely twitched an eyebrow slightly.
Xia Zhiyi was different; her expression had already started to contort in pain.
Help, her English is really bad…
The broadcast ignored their expressions and continued, “This is an English listening fill-in-the-blank question. Please listen carefully to the following English dialogue and question, and fill in your answer within the specified time. The dialogue will only be read once.”
“Ding-dong—”
“Can you tell me how much the shirt is?”
“Yes, it’s nine fifteen.”
Xia Zhiyi’s eyes lit up.
She knew this one!
Isn’t this the famous “the price of the shirt is nine pounds fifteen pence”!
The expressions of the others also visibly relaxed.
Then they heard the broadcast announce loudly—
“Question: Who killed Zhou Xiuxiu?”
“?”
They were collectively dumbfounded.
How could these possibly be from the same question bank???
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