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Waking up once again, Ying Zhao seemed to struggle to grasp his current situation, feeling as if his head was splitting. However, this wasn’t a side effect of the transmigration, but rather the consequences of the original host's actions.

The sensation resembled a hangover or drug-induced drowsiness. Rubbing his forehead vigorously, Ying Zhao blinked, feeling a swelling pain in his eyelids.

The state of the original host was a mess; discarded bottles of alcohol littered the floor, and beside the table stood a bottle of sleeping pills.

It certainly wasn't suicide. It seemed the original host had encountered some trouble, drank heavily to drown his sorrows, and then took sleeping pills due to insomnia. Thus, Ying Zhao found himself waking up to this chaotic scene.

Shaking his head in an effort to clear his mind, Ying Zhao finally gained full consciousness. Assessing the environment, it appeared to be the original host’s residence and seemed safe.

After acclimating for a bit, Ying Zhao furrowed his brow, becoming pensive and his expression turned serious.

In his past life, he and Cecil lived for over a century on that grand road. After General Ying passed away and the Ying family had a new heir, they both retreated to the deep seas, immersing themselves in their private world.

Even though they had left, legends persisted. A statue of Cecil stood tall on the empire's coastline, with citizens considering him their guardian deity.

Given the longevity of deep-sea merfolk, even with their lives split between them, they spent over a millennium together. In their past life, they roamed the oceanic expanse, basking in each other's company.

Everything was going smoothly, but as he acquired his lover’s soul fragment and began to exit that minor world, he faced another assault from the Heavenly Dao.

The Heavenly Dao seemed to recognize its limitations and still sought to use the temporal turbulence against him. Yet this time, Ying Zhao was prepared.

In a previous transmigration, he had been separated from Xiao Bai due to an attack by the Heavenly Dao. Hence, now, each time he exited a minor world, he was exceptionally vigilant.

Always prepared, expecting a sudden assault. Sure enough, after one world ended, the enemy tried the same tactic.

Ying Zhao acted swiftly, severely wounding the Heavenly Dao, but the entity still managed to escape. The temporal turbulence threw him and Xiao Bai into an unplanned world.

Thankfully, he and Xiao Bai were still together. Concerned, Ying Zhao called out to Xiao Bai within his sea of consciousness, “Xiao Bai, are you alright?”

"Host, I'm fine," Xiao Bai replied, sounding a bit downcast, making Ying Zhao anxious. Ying Zhao had a lingering suspicion that Xiao Bai's prior interaction with the Heavenly Dao had something to do with their current predicament.

In previous worlds, if they faced an attack and his soul was suppressed, he had to rely on Xiao Bai's power.

But this time, they were outside a minor world. Together, they should’ve been more than a match for the Heavenly Dao.

However, Xiao Bai had interfered at the critical moment when Ying Zhao was about to strike a fatal blow to the Heavenly Dao. This misstep allowed the Heavenly Dao to escape.

Ying Zhao recalled a past event where Xiao Bai had an undisclosed encounter with the Heavenly Dao. Even when he asked about it, Xiao Bai remained tight-lipped.

While he didn’t believe Xiao Bai would betray him, the relationship between Xiao Bai and the Heavenly Dao still cast a shadow of doubt. It seems he needs to capture the Heavenly Dao alive to understand the truth.

Not wishing to stress Xiao Bai further, Ying Zhao didn't press on the issue. Instead, he asked, "Xiao Bai, the Heavenly Dao is in this world with us, isn't he?"

Nodding, Xiao Bai said, "Yes, Host. The target is here too. I've added a lock-on function to the system for the target. Even if unexpected situations occur, you will only land in worlds where the target exists. Don't worry!"

Hearing Xiao Bai's explanation, Ying Zhao's gaze softened considerably. He knew Xiao Bai had become increasingly thoughtful and was always considering his well-being.

Seeing his mood still visibly down, he asked Xiao Bai to relay the plot of this world to him. Once he was familiar with the story, they would discuss their next steps.

Upon Ying Zhao's request, Xiao Bai promptly conveyed the storyline and considerately adjusted Ying Zhao's physical condition, ensuring he wasn't affected by the hangover and drugs.

Feeling a significant improvement in his state, Ying Zhao was touched by Xiao Bai's thoughtfulness. He then delved into the plot of this new world.

Through the story, Ying Zhao learned that they were now in a future world. However, this wasn't an interstellar one.

Even though technology had advanced rapidly in this era, humanity's connection to outer space wasn't prominent. Alien insect species and the like didn't exist, signifying a peaceful epoch.

The narrative of this world revolved around an online game called "Expedition" set in this futuristic setting.

In this novel universe, online gaming had evolved beyond mere computers and smartphones. It became incredibly immersive, allowing one's consciousness to directly access the game world.

Similar to the simulated training facility they accessed through the nutrition pod in the starry realm, users could experience genuine sensations in this virtual world. Many even considered their virtual lives as their genuine reality.

Moreover, entering the digital realm was a breeze in this age. All one had to do was place a button-sized device on their temple, close their eyes, and they'd be linked to the game.

Time flowed differently in the game as compared to the real world. An hour in reality equated to a day in the game.

Leaderboards.

Book Recommendations.

Shuangwen

Romantic Tales.

Quick-Transmigration Stories.

Ink Cartridge.