Chapter 210

Chapter 210

As the conversation progressed, Yi Yao started discussing the distribution of spoils with his two friends, proposing a “Six for you two, four for me” split.

It appeared that they were not at all resistant to the idea of jumping, with some even showing a bit of anticipation.

"Haven't any of you considered the possibility of us becoming actual pulp before we manage to drink the Elixir of Immortality?" Zheng Shu, with years of real-world experience, was ever the buzzkill. "We might literally be smashed to bits, and not in a good way."

"We have time, plenty of time," Liu Buhua confidently asserted, coming forward. "Falling requires time. The average freefall speed of the human body is about 10 meters per second. Our field of vision has its limits. Typically, the highest altitude we can see fighter jets flying at is around 8,000 meters. Looking at the depth of this cliff and not even seeing its bottom, I would conservatively estimate it starts at 3,000 meters. So, it would take us at least 30 seconds of freefall to reach the bottom, right? Thirty seconds is enough for you to drink from the Undying Spring."

Zheng Shu: "..."

Was Liu Buhua insane or sane? If you said he was mad, his logical reasoning and computation skills would defy that; he could gauge time by the sun's position, calculate depth from a fall, and so much more. But if you said he was sane, his pink hair and the remnants of a tan he got for posing as the Black Peony spoke of a somewhat deranged mind.

"What, isn't thirty seconds enough for you?"

Yet, when Zheng Shu seemed at a loss for words, Liu Buhua only continued to ask his puzzling questions. His hesitating expression seemed to say: It's thirty seconds, not thirty centimeters. Aren't you being a bit demanding?

Zheng Shu was certain he and Xie Yin Xue were incompatible. He couldn't believe that Bu Jiuzhao hadn't been driven mad by Liu Buhua. Their seemingly harmonious relationship, where both seemed loving and caring, was probably just Bu Jiuzhao tolerating him.

He took a step back, voicing another concern: "Fine, say we drink from the Undying Spring and survive the fall. But what if we find out that it's just an ordinary cliff base and can't climb back up?"

"Then we'll have to negotiate with the ferryman NPC. He should be among us," Mu Jinhai said nonchalantly, shrugging. "Having spent these days together, I believe none of us would pretend to be the ferryman NPC."

Typically, those who pretend to be the ferryman NPC fall into two categories: first, the in-game ghosts and monsters trying to kill the participants; and second, participants from outside of the game trying to eliminate their competition for immortality.

But if they were all stuck at the base of the cliff with no escape, turning to the ferryman NPC would be the only option. Pretending to be him would be utterly pointless.

Yun Qian turned to him, "Are you so sure he's among us?"

"Many have entered this instance. But the game wouldn’t just introduce the ferryman NPC for a single day. Excluding the residents of Naluota City, the only ones left are us. Bu Jiuzhao is the most suspicious. He doesn't even have a driver's license."

Mu Jinhai pointed towards a man on the floating stone path.

The man had followed Xie Yin Xue onto the stone path. Broad-shouldered and slim-waisted, he stood tall. He didn't turn when he heard his name, but the young man following him did, revealing a delicate, pale face.

Mu Jinhai saw the young man's lips curl into a smile. While he seemed to be addressing Mu Jinhai, his gaze, which rippled like a serene pond, never landed on him. Instead, he looked past him at the man and softly said, "I don't have a driver's license either."

In that moment, Mu Jinhai began to question his judgment. Hesitating, he said, "No, it's him... He rarely speaks about the game. Whenever he talks, it's about you. While you contemplate the true exit of the Lost Temple, he doesn't even bother to think about it."

Bu Jiuzhao had previously been suspected of being the ferryman NPC by other players for the same reasons. The fact that Mu Jinhai pointed it out again wasn’t surprising to Xie Yin Xue. After all, Bu Jiuzhao's nonchalant attitude towards clearing the game could easily raise suspicions.

Ying Yiling also thought Mu Jinhai made sense. But one thing baffled her: "But he's in love with Xie Yin Xue. How can an in-game NPC fall in love with a person?"

She remembered from the moment she and Song Quyue saw them; they were always close and affectionate. If Bu Jiuzhao was the ferryman, did that mean Xie Yin Xue had fallen for an NPC?

Could anyone genuinely do that?

Long-distance relationships and online romances have opportunities for real-life meetups. But a relationship between a real person and an in-game NPC? They exist in different dimensions. It's theoretically impossible for them to meet.

Indeed, for that very reason, Zheng Shu would rather believe that Bu Jiuzhao is Xie Yinxue's personal chef than consider him to be the ferryman NPC.

"Alright then." Mu Jinhai scratched his head, "It must be Zhan Meng. He entered the instance alone, without any friends. That's a strong possibility."

"What?" Zhan Meng exclaimed, touching his stubbled chin in confusion. "It's not me. Seriously, it isn't."

You Lan felt it was too early to settle this matter, "Let's not talk about this now. We can discuss it once we get to the bottom of the cliff."

Mu Jinhai nodded, "Fine, let's head back to the safe camp and spend our last night there."

Zheng Shu asked, "Hasn't anyone considered the possibility that we might actually make it out this time?"

Mu Yujing spoke up, "That's unlikely."

Zheng Shu: "..."

It took his own sister to set things straight; when Mu Yujing said it, Zheng Shu didn’t dare to retort.

This time, the group hadn't brought any gold artifacts or water from the Immortal Spring from the temple. After completing the floating stone path, they indeed returned to the entrance of the Mummy Forest.

Looking at those trees, Zhan Meng had no energy left to curse. He just pressed his palms together, eyes closed in devotion, "I'll go vegetarian for a month, just praying I won't see these trees again after tomorrow."

Yi Yao patted him on the shoulder, "We'll be jumping off the cliff tomorrow. Once you jump, you won't have to see them anymore."

Given another choice, Song Quyou genuinely wouldn't want to jump. But since they had to, after pondering for a moment, she said, "I hope I can see Thirteen at the bottom of the cliff tomorrow."

Yun Qian remarked, "If nothing happens to us after the jump, he'll surely still be alive."

Bian Yuchen, who had been relatively quiet since Thirteen's departure, added, "Let's hope so."

Upon hearing this, Xie Yinxue glanced at him, her gaze sweeping across his face, unable to discern whether his words were sincere or feigned.

"Let's move."

Before Xie Yinxue could observe any further, the "hard-working" Bu Jiuzhao had already set up the tent and came over to hold the young man's hand.

However, as he took his hand, the young man said, "I won't be entering the tent tonight. I want to watch the sunrise here."

"You want to stay outside?" The man paused, confusion evident in his brows, seemingly mulling it over. After a moment, as if unable to resist a plea, he reluctantly agreed, "That's not impossible, but I'll have to strengthen the prohibitions I've set. A large fluctuation in spiritual power might give us away..."

Xie Yinxue: "..."

He knew without a doubt that Bu Jiuzhao had misunderstood, and his misinterpretation was as endless as the symbol "∞".

Therefore, Xie Yinxue interrupted the man, "No need for the prohibition tonight. We won't do anything, just sitting here will do."

Now it clicked for Bu Jiuzhao — after days of indulgence, the young man now desired a bit of restraint.

"Alright. Just give me a moment."

Bu Jiuzhao's prompt agreement contrasted sharply with his possessive demeanor from their recent nights, causing Xie Yinxue to wonder if someone else had taken his place.

As he pondered, the man entered the tent and returned moments later with a thin blanket, positioning himself at one corner. Patting his lap, he beckoned with a smile, "Aren't we watching the sunrise? Come sit. Want to lean on me?"

Xie Yinxue was momentarily stunned, then with a smile, he rested his head on Bu Jiuzhao's knee.

The young man's golden locks cascaded down, shimmering like broken stars in the firelight. Bu Jiuzhao found it captivating. Picking a strand, he lamented its cool touch before gently brushing the youth's face.

Warmth emanated from the man's hand, and as Xie Yinxue looked up, he saw the normally stern eyes now gleaming warmly in the firelight. He reciprocated the gesture, caressing the man's face and tracing his lips.

The coolness of the youth's fingers felt like a snowflake kiss.

Bu Jiuzhao seized the chilly fingers and leaned in for a brief peck, asking, "Why gaze at me when the sunrise is still to come?"

With a twinkle in his almond eyes, the young man replied, "With so long until sunrise, I'd rather look at you now."

Bu Jiuzhao was powerless against such a gaze. The once icy-eyed youth now bore a look of warmth. Covering the young man's eyes, he murmured, "You should rest. I'll wake you for the sunrise. Otherwise, you might see more than just my eyes."

Moments later, the blindfolded youth teased, "Maybe we should skip the sunrise."

"I can watch the sunrise back at Mingyue Cliff, but I can't see you there."

"Let me have a peek—"

The youth's fingers were already toying with a button.

Bu Jiuzhao: "..."

He brushed the young man's hand away, declaring, "No peeks allowed."

Shortly after, the youth tried again, "Not even a glance? You used to beg me to look. Why so stingy now?"

Bu Jiuzhao realized that Xie Yinxue didn't truly want a peek. Just like before, he simply enjoyed the playful challenge.

"Xie Jiaojiao, are you here just to torment me?" He pinned both of the young man's hands down. "When I say you can't see, you can't. Even if you call me 'Daddy', it won't change a thing."

The youth sighed deeply, "Ah..."

"You dare to sigh?" Bu Jiuzhao pinched his waist in frustration, "Isn't this all because of your incapabilities?"

Xie Yinxue: "What?"

The man continued, "I've left a prescription for medicinal cuisine for you. Once you get back, find a chef to prepare it and nourish your...body."

Author's note:

Xie Yinxue: Let me see it.

Bu Jiuzhao: It'll cost you extra.

Xie Yinxue: Huh?