Zhong Liyu turned around and placed a hand on the wall behind Sweet Chocolate.
He sneered, “So curious, huh? Why don’t you kneel closer and I’ll show you?”
The poor giant, over two meters tall with dark skin, was now trembling under the pressure of Zhong Liyu, who was shorter than him. His imposing figure seemed to shrink several sizes.
Quickly realizing the situation, he stammered, “I was talking about cats, just cats—”
“Still talking?” Zhong Liyu shouted.
Then, he felt a sudden unease, sensing an uncomfortable gaze.
He stiffly turned his head and saw Lu Qingjia looking at him with a knowing smile, his eyes occasionally lingering on an indescribable area.
Zhong Liyu’s face flushed, his ears turning crimson, overwhelmed with shame.
He finally understood the meaning behind Lu Qingjia’s earlier words.
There was no need to argue with him, but just this much had already made him feel so embarrassed that he wished he could hang himself on the spot.
Especially since there were two bastards in his mind laughing uncontrollably, their fur flying everywhere, making him want to explode and destroy Infinite City on the spot.
But Zhong Liyu’s shamelessness wasn’t a recent development. Even in this situation, his quick-witted brain quickly found a way to divert attention.
He glanced at the corpse on the ground and exclaimed, “The Trickster is really too shameless. We can’t tolerate this.”
“Let’s go! Let’s go kick his door down.”
With that, he pulled Lu Qingjia away from the apartment area, leaving Sweet Chocolate alone to breathe a sigh of relief.
The administrator’s pressure was no joke, but he had no intention of joining Lu Qingjia and Zhong Liyu in confronting the Trickster.
Even though he had a temporary Death Immunity Medallion, it was still not wise to be too conspicuous while living in Infinite City.
As Lu Qingjia was pulled along by Zhong Liyu, he listened to the other’s half-serious, half-distracting rant.
“You told me not to follow you. Look, if I hadn’t come this time, the consequences would have been unimaginable. You completely underestimated the administrator’s abilities. The effects imposed by a mere intermediate-level Player from the instance world would be instantly seen through by the Trickster once the God Envoy appeared.”
“Then, he would erase the Ability effects and directly search the God Envoy’s mind to figure out what was going on.”
Lu Qingjia said, “Nonsense. A neutered dumb cat dares to question my intelligence. It was all just for the Trickster to see.”
“The administrator’s resources are vast. To be honest, the God Envoy’s accumulation isn’t much. My mental suggestion was already based on physical conditions, and the traces of Ability usage were minimal. If he could detect it immediately, it means that once the God Envoy returns to Infinite City, regardless of the timing or occasion, he can report to the Trickster and receive detailed scrutiny.”
“From dispatching someone to deal with me to completing this series of actions, it only took such a short time. This shows the importance of the God Envoy to the Trickster and his urgency to eliminate me.”
“Why is that? Although his nephew suffered a big loss here, it was just some trivial damage. With his resources, he could immediately compensate the God Envoy tenfold. If it’s about narrow-mindedness and not tolerating his family being humiliated, as I said before, it’s just for venting temporary anger, offending the Horror Game, and disrupting the friendly atmosphere between the two games. It’s not worth it.”
“After all, in the instances, it’s every man for himself, but outside the instances, it’s a different story. Even administrators have rules to follow.”
“But even so, he couldn’t wait to kill me. Doesn’t this further prove that the speculation I got from the God Envoy is true?”
“As an administrator, he has already foreseen what will happen in the future. Although I don’t know if his ability to foresee surpasses Ouyang Bai’s—”
“It doesn’t,” Zhong Liyu affirmed. “Ouyang Bai is different. He is favored by the heavens in a way that no other Player in any game can match. Other administrators, if they are sharp enough, can at most foresee major crises or turning points related to themselves.”
He sighed, “You guessed right. There’s an 80% chance that the Trickster foresaw that your existence would cause great destruction to his status and even his life, so he’s going all out to destroy you before you grow stronger.”
“It’s possible that at first, it was just a vague concept, predicting that his calamity was coming, but as you understand him more deeply, his perception will also become clearer.”
“Now that you know his identity, he must know as much as you do. The source of the cause and effect has probably already been laid out before him.”
Lu Qingjia nodded. Although his face remained calm, his mind was in turmoil, like raging waves.
Seeing Zhong Liyu’s genuine concern, he said, “Don’t worry. Infinite City’s rules favor exchange students, ignoring level differences. The attacker will suffer double the backlash.”
“As an administrator, he can’t personally intervene. Ordinary intermediate-level Players are no match for me. Advanced Players under his command, even those willing to sacrifice their lives, probably aren’t of very high level. After all, Advanced Players aren’t cheap cabbages.”
“If it’s just ordinary Advanced Players, I can at least ensure my own survival and escape.”
Zhong Liyu didn’t speak, but his eyes flashed with intense, brooding killing intent.
He had faith in Lu Qingjia. If he said so, he must be fully prepared. He also believed that Lu Qingjia wouldn’t seek revenge at the cost of self-destruction.
But even if there was the slightest possibility, just imagining it made Zhong Liyu’s vision darken and his breath stop.
He didn’t speak, knowing that the long-entangled issue was now almost meaningless to bring up again as they were about to face the enemy.
So he just calmly said, “You won’t have to worry about these things anymore.”
How about he just kills the Trickster?
Right here, right now.
Lu Qingjia’s steps halted, pulling Zhong Liyu, who was walking ahead, to a stop.
Turning around, he saw Lu Qingjia’s dark expression, his pitch-black eyes like glass beads, staring at him as if trying to suck him in.
Zhong Liyu panicked, but before he could speak, he heard Lu Qingjia’s voice, ethereal as if it hadn’t landed, “What did you say?”
“Nothing.”
“I told you I hate it when you act on your own, right?” Lu Qingjia stepped closer, pushing him against the wall. “Do you think I’m willing to sacrifice everything for revenge?”
“Or do you think it doesn’t matter who kills the enemy, as long as they die?”
Lu Qingjia grabbed Zhong Liyu’s hair, pulling his face close until their breaths mingled.
He said word by word, “This matter has always been too sensitive between us. Bringing it up would only lead to an argument, so you probably still don’t understand my true thoughts.”
“Although I can go to any lengths for revenge, if the enemy dies at someone else’s hands—even if it’s yours—everything I’ve done becomes meaningless.”
“Of course, when I chose to embark on the path of revenge, I was prepared for the worst. After all, I’m not a god, nor do I have the special favor and love of fate. But if my attitude makes you think I’m eager to die, that’s too bad.”
“For me, the ideal state of revenge is the enemy falling into hell, never to rise again, while I stand at the top, possessing everything.”
Their breaths drew closer, as if about to kiss.
“So if it’s not me, but someone I care about sacrificing their life to drag the enemy down, what kind of revenge is that?”
With that, Lu Qingjia slammed him against the wall and walked away. “Don’t do anything unnecessary later.”
Zhong Liyu, having been thoroughly intimidated, had none of the imposing aura that had cowed the two-meter giant earlier. He was now no better than Sweet Chocolate.
But this guy had a special processing system in his brain when it came to Lu Qingjia’s words, interpreting them with ten levels of beautification and an 800-meter filter.
Especially since Lu Qingjia’s message this time was so intense and clear.
He was completely soft, as if walking on cotton, and quickly followed behind Lu Qingjia.
Excited and shy, he said, “Jiajia, did you just say I’m yours?”
Lu Qingjia: “…”
It was his mistake to speak seriously with this idiot, but at least he wouldn’t do anything stupid now.
Leaving the apartment building, their view widened.
Infinite City was vast and densely populated, with residential areas, entertainment centers, shopping streets, squares, and even red-light districts.
Players had more ways to earn Points than just completing tasks. In this communal environment, they maximized these advantages.
Lu Qingjia had heard that the Player selection in the Infinite Game was time-independent. If the Horror Game’s selection plane was horizontal, with each selection field being a reality with similar economic, technological, and historical progress, then the Infinite Game’s selection field was vertical. As soon as they stepped outside, Lu Qingjia could see many residents wearing ancient attire or even futuristic clothing.
This was probably why firearms and high-tech products were readily available here.
In the future, firearms might no longer be considered dangerous, just like ancient weapons. With the right theory, materials, and manual skills, they could be easily recreated.
Future Players could use this advantage to harvest Points from ancient and contemporary Players, quickly solidifying the hierarchical structure of Infinite City, controlled by future people.
The top administrators of the Infinite Game lived in the highest positions in Infinite City.
Looking up, they could see various styles—some low-key, some luxurious, some simple, and some eccentric.
Among them, the residence of the Infinite Game administrator, codenamed “Emperor,” was the most conspicuous.
It was like an aerial palace, magnificent and awe-inspiring.
Lu Qingjia couldn’t help but admire, “Impressive—”
Before he could finish his praise, Zhong Liyu interjected, “He was beaten by the Mermaid.”
Lu Qingjia choked, then looked at another administrator’s building nearby.
It was also an ancient-style building, though not as grand as the Emperor’s palace, with a smaller area but an elegant, poetic, and free-spirited charm, seeming very livable.
Lu Qingjia said, “There are actually two ancient administrators in the Infinite Game. I thought future people would dominate in numbers.”
Zhong Liyu said, “That place belongs to ‘Prince,’ just a brat from the same world as the Emperor. He was lucky. When the Emperor’s influence was at its peak, blazing like fire, the Game was wary. After the Prince gained quasi-administrator strength, the two negotiated and reached a consensus, allowing the Prince to take part of the ancient residents’ power, avoiding a conflict.”
Lu Qingjia couldn’t help but praise, “Truly a young hero—”
“He was beaten by the Mermaid.” Zhong Liyu cut him off again.
Lu Qingjia: “…”
“Alright, the Mermaid is amazing.”
Zhong Liyu: “You’re standing in front of an administrator. Why are you praising others? I’m telling you, I can take on three of these guys without breaking a sweat.”
“Enough already. I can hear you bragging as soon as I stick my ear out. Isn’t it annoying?” A voice rang in their ears.
It was a slightly youthful voice, sounding no older than twenty.
The next moment, a figure appeared before them.
It was a slender yet tall, noble, and handsome young man, somewhere between a teenager and a young adult.
He wore a white ancient-style robe with pearl-like luster, exquisite and elegant, his black hair tied with a white jade crown, with two strands of hair in front and two delicate braids on the sides, looking very dashing.
Just looking at him, he seemed like a noble young master from a poem, though his speech was quite unrestrained.
Seeing Zhong Liyu, he raised an eyebrow, “Why are you here? I was wondering why Infinite City has been so gloomy since this morning. Turns out the bad luck is here.”
Zhong Liyu smiled insincerely, “Just because I beat you by a few dozen points in the last competition? Still holding a grudge?”
“No wonder you’re the Prince and not the Emperor. Your demeanor just isn’t up to par.”
‘Prince’ Wei Jiangli was so angry he laughed, “The competition isn’t important. I just can’t stand your smug face.”
“There have been so many champions, but none as boastful as you. People might think your record is unprecedented.”
Zhong Liyu: “Still better than crying after losing, right? Oh, that year was really a disaster for your Game.”
“Not only did you not win, but you also let other Games see the true nature of Infinite Players. Players from other Games might not have gained much, but at least they got their money’s worth.”
“Looking for death?” Wei Jiangli’s eyes were like knives, his face twitching with anger. “If you came to my doorstep looking for death, I’ll grant your wish.”
Zhong Liyu just pushed his head aside, “I’m not here for you. I’m here for the Trickster.”
At the mention of this title, Wei Jiangli frowned, as if extremely disgusted. “What do you want with him?”
Zhong Liyu understood this attitude. It was like the Lucky Person in their Horror Game, also a subject of disdain among administrators.
Although it was recently discovered that the Lucky Person’s reputation was somewhat undeserved, the Trickster was clearly not the same.
Or rather, the administrators of the Infinite Game had a poor relationship, with mutual disdain and conflict being the norm.
Zhong Liyu smiled and asked, “What? The Trickster only became an administrator in the last couple of years. I haven’t met him. Any inside information you can share with me?”
Wei Jiangli laughed, “You can even cozy up to me. You’re really a flexible talent.”
Just as he was about to take the opportunity to mock this arrogant idiot, another person appeared around them.
It was a eunuch holding a dust whisk, plump and gentle, bowing respectfully to Zhong Liyu, “Mr. Zhong, His Majesty has learned of your arrival and wishes to have a word with you.”
Zhong Liyu nodded, glancing at Wei Jiangli, and said with a provoking smile, “I forgot. Adults should talk to adults. Why bother asking a kid like you?”
Wei Jiangli had reached his limit with this guy’s face. He slashed at him, but Zhong Liyu dodged quickly, pulling the man beside him and disappearing on the spot.
He left behind a sentence, “I don’t have time today. I’ll play with you next time.”
Wei Jiangli was furious, but upon reflection, he felt something was off. If that idiot said he wasn’t familiar with the Trickster and hadn’t even met him personally, then why would he appear here, ignoring the Game’s rules?
Even though Zhong Liyu had once done the Infinite Game a favor, appearing here without reason was impossible, but clearly such a favor wouldn’t be used for something trivial.
Although young, Wei Jiangli had a keen sense for politics, having risen to administrator at a young age, partly due to luck but also his sharp instincts.
He realized that something big was likely about to happen, something that could change the administrative landscape. The Emperor probably also sensed this, hence his direct approach to Zhong Liyu.
After all, in terms of individual combat, Zhong Liyu was among the top administrators of the three Games.
With this in mind, Wei Jiangli’s figure disappeared, reappearing the next moment in the Emperor’s palace.
At this time, Zhong Liyu and Lu Qingjia had already taken their seats. The interior of the palace was also resplendent and luxurious, beyond anything that could be recreated in the mortal world.
Lu Qingjia, who considered himself well-off among intermediate Players, was directly confronted with the understanding of what an administrator truly was upon entering the palace.
Even each floor tile was a rare spiritual jade. Lower-level Players couldn’t destroy it even with full force, and if damaged, it could self-repair.
Zhong Liyu had once said that in terms of wealth, the Emperor was probably the richest among all Players. This was indeed true.
The Emperor himself was a handsome man with an imperial bearing, more stable and majestic than the Prince, exuding the natural deterrence of a top leader, making people feel awe.
This was why ancient Players, upon entering Infinite City, mostly submitted to him.
Before being exposed to the equality of modern and future Players, they were already subdued by his might, and the protection and stability brought by joining his group made it rare for anyone to leave.
This was also why the Emperor was once feared by the Infinite Game.
At this moment, the Emperor was dressed in black with a hidden dragon pattern, his eyebrows sharp, his features profound and handsome, living up to his name compared to the Prince’s carefree demeanor.
Beside him sat a young man about the same age as the Prince, with similar features but a lazy temperament and clear eyes, likely a younger brother, though their temperaments didn’t match.
As they greeted each other and sat down, Wei Jiangli appeared.
The Emperor smiled meaningfully, “What brings you here?”
The Emperor’s brother curled his lip, “What else? This guy is no good at anything but picking up leftovers. He probably guessed what you were thinking.”
Wei Jiangli didn’t act like a guest, sitting casually in the empty seat next to Lu Qingjia, mocking the Emperor’s brother, “Better than waiting for your brother to change your diapers at your age.”
The Emperor’s brother exploded, “What did you say, you traitor?”
“Buying brothers, buying brothers! Ten dollars for three pounds, the more the cheaper! Old brothers can be exchanged for stainless steel basins, kettles, and lunch boxes! Buying brothers!”
After shouting, he raised an eyebrow at the Emperor’s brother, “Look, your brother’s expression seems a bit eager.”
The Emperor’s brother was startled and quickly looked at his brother, only to be slapped on the head.
The Emperor scolded, “How did I end up with such an idiot?”
Though scolding, it was clear the Emperor cared for his foolish brother, giving Wei Jiangli a warning look, “Shut up if you don’t want to be kicked out.”
With the two troublemakers settled, he turned to Zhong Liyu, “Apologies for the rudeness.”
Zhong Liyu shrugged, “I don’t mind. It’s not urgent.”
The Emperor smiled and got straight to the point, “What brings you, a rare guest, to Infinite City?”
Zhong Liyu glanced at Lu Qingjia, the two sharing an obvious tacit agreement.
He was straightforward, “My family’s exchange student just finished an Infinite Game instance and ran into the Trickster’s nephew. What happens in the instance is based on individual skills.”
“His nephew suffered a loss, but my family didn’t go for the kill, right? Who knew the Trickster would send someone to kill us? Don’t you think I should go and ask for an explanation?”
“Oh?” The Emperor raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing this was the whole story.
No one understood how slippery the Trickster was better than the Players of the Infinite Game. Though his methods might seem overbearing, which ruler wasn’t? But he wasn’t a fool; why would he go out of his way to do something so unappealing just because his nephew suffered a minor setback?
Even though he doted on his foolish younger brother, it was merely overprotection. As long as it didn’t involve life-threatening situations or severe dignity issues, he wouldn’t resort to such high-cost revenge just because his brother was outmatched.
The Emperor thought this but didn’t show it, only saying, “Is that so? The Trickster is still as protective as ever of his stupid nephew.”
Wei Jiangli sneered, “That’s true. It’s not uncommon for administrators to promote their trusted followers, blood relatives, or lovers.”
“But with such generous resources, even a pig could soar.”
As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at the Emperor’s brother, provoking him to reach for his knife, only to be stopped by the Emperor.
After being cheeky, Wei Jiangli continued, “Take Little Ji, for example. Though his brain might be a bit empty, his survival instincts and combat talent are excellent, not inferior to the Emperor’s. That’s why he was promoted to a quasi-administrator level Player within a few years.”
The Emperor and his brother shared the surname Ji.
Wei Jiangli added, “But the Trickster’s nephew, oh my dear departed mother, hasn’t even become an Advanced Player in nearly two years. What a disgrace to the privileged second generation. With a constant stream of Points and treasures, even a pig should have flapped its ears and flown by now.”
“Him? I heard he still needs personal bodyguards when entering an instance. Hahahaha.”
After laughing heartily, Wei Jiangli suddenly straightened his expression, his gaze burning as he looked at Lu Qingjia and Zhong Liyu.
“But no matter how stupid that kid is, the Trickster is the best at assessing situations.”
“Old Zhong, you’re not the type to fuss over minor disputes. Since you can’t fight in the Infinite City, your style isn’t to argue but to directly wait for the competition to eliminate him.”
“So, why are you so insistent on meeting him now?”
Author’s Note:
Wei Jiangli, the Emperor, and the Emperor’s younger brother were characters who appeared briefly in the previous book “Scream Queen” in the Infinite Game. They didn’t have much screen time, so there’s no need to go back and read it. Apart from possible discussions in the comments that new readers might not understand, it doesn’t affect the comprehension of the main story.
If you’re really interested in learning more about them, their scenes are in chapters 79-88 of the previous book. If you enjoy romance, feel free to check it out, but don’t force yourself if you don’t.
Again, it really doesn’t affect the understanding of the main story.
