Chapter 21: The Land of Exile

Chapter 21: The Land of Exile

[You have completed the World Mission of the City of Phones!]

[You have received the gratitude of the citizens of the City of Phones and obtained a golden gemstone phone.]

[You have earned the respect of the Royal Hotel's manager and obtained a Supreme Gold Card of the hotel.]

[You have absorbed the power of the world's core.]

Successive world announcements rang in Chen Sijin's ears, each one deepening the smile on his face.

What satisfied him even more was that, both in the moment of crushing the heart and now as the devouring world collapsed, he could feel the energy in his body rapidly increasing.

To visualize the numbers, it was N+88, N+999, N+10086, N+......

In a short time, his energy level had already increased to an astonishing six figures, and with the energy of the world core, this number could ultimately break into seven figures.

One million energy points.

Indeed, the pomp and circumstance fit for a world dominated by a high-level Devourer.

The energy I forcibly extracted from that garbage guide has finally been somewhat replenished, reducing the emptiness from the lack of energy.

However, it's still far from compensating for the uncountable N stolen from me over those twenty-six years.

Chen Jinyan: ...Heh.

Once I'm out, I'll try to find that trashy guide and kill it. If I can't kill it, I'll at least give it some trouble.

Nothing can consume my energy without paying a painful price!

Then there's the sudden appearance of that gold and gemstone phone and the supreme gold card in my hand.

These two items look... quite valuable.

Chen Jinyan simply stuffed the phone and card into his pocket. He'll see if they're of any use later; right now, it's more important to plan what to do once he's out.

Then a furry head nuzzled up again.

Looking down, Chen Jinyan saw the familiar clingy white dog, rubbing its head against his leg and wagging its tail joyfully.

Chen Jinyan kicked it aside disdainfully. Considering the dog helped bite through a heart artery, he wouldn't mind having an autonomous, maintenance-free canine companion around—if the dog doesn't dissolve into energy later.

The white dog approached warmly again, its blue eyes flickering with a peculiar light. But at this moment, its body also began to emit a faint glow and started to become translucent, as if it too couldn't escape this world as a soul.

Chen Jinyan watched its fading form and pursed his lips, ultimately not pushing it away for the last time.

Well, what harm could a white dog about to turn into energy have? It probably just likes me too much and wants to nuzzle against me... right?

At this moment, the crack in the sky widened, signaling their imminent departure from the Devouring World of Mobile City.

Ah Fei, eyes sparkling, approached: "My god! Where will you go next? I am ready to follow you through thick and thin, to the ends of the earth!"

To encounter such a powerful figure upon entering the exile world surely indicates a misfortune of intellect.

Clearly, everyone here is of sound mind, as they all crowded around, with Lu Jun eagerly moving to the edge where his cousin might tolerate his presence.

"Exactly, Mouth God, you're too incredible! From now on, I'm with you! Rest assured, I, Liu Chengli, won't be a freeloader. I'm especially handy, ready for any dirty or exhausting task!" Liu Chengli reached his peak of sycophancy, almost wishing he could offer his signature Liu-style spa treatment to his Mouth God, if only he were more approachable.

Chen Jinyan's mouth twitched slightly, then he shook his head at those crowding around him: "I can't and won't act with you. Following me would only lead to a quicker death for you."

The crowd was startled, Ah Fei was eager to speak but was silenced by Chen Jinyan: "I'm likely marked by at least two particularly fearsome Devourer beasts. As soon as we leave the Devouring World, being in the Exile Lands might turn us into targets for a red-alert manhunt.

Following me, you're highly likely to encounter high-level Devourer beasts, and I cannot guarantee each of your lives. Only you can be responsible for your own lives."

The crowd was visibly shocked, only Wang Baojie grasped the implication: "You mean... the All-Seeing Eye or the Sensing Deity?"

"But although those entities are immense and terrifying, within the Exile Lands they are more inclined to be 'tools' or 'exhibitions,' generally not specifically targeting any exile."

The honest and compliant Old King Wang couldn't understand why Mouth God would be targeted by these colossal beings.

Then he heard Mouth God, in a tone much like Lu Jun's, say: "I also think they're being a bit unreasonable. I merely flipped off that eyeball and pulled off a fake hair stuck to my head.

Just for that, they want to target me? Truly petty and venomous beings."

Wang Baojie: .

Such provocation, who else would they chase if not you?!

Although usually not bothersome, treating everyone as vampiric sustenance, they are two of the most terrifying supreme Devourers in the Exile Lands. Probably never before has a human so blatantly disrespected them.

Indeed, not just anyone can become the Mouth God.

"It really is better for you, Jinzi, to act on your own," Wang Baojie said, quickly changing the subject to address others: "While we still have time, let me quickly talk about the Land of Exile."

"After the devouring world collapses, we will directly appear in the place in the Land of Exile where we were devoured.

We shouldn't be too far apart, otherwise, we wouldn't have been swallowed into this world at the same time."

"At that time, I will light a torch at the original spot. If you see the light in the darkness, come towards me, and I'll lead you to the nearest gathering point."

"The Land of Exile is a barren, silent world with almost nothing but monsters. In this place, everything must be 'exchanged' or 'converted' using our energy points; gold and gems are almost worthless here, energy is everything.

So, we are indeed lucky to have encountered Jinzi and completed the world mission together. Those who complete the world mission will automatically absorb the energy of the devourer according to their contribution to the battle.

Each of you should now have energy values ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands, and just 5000 energy points can comfortably sustain you for three months in a medium-sized gathering spot.

So, once you reach a gathering spot, do not trade rashly with others or act alone. If you are taken to a secluded spot or outside the protected area of a gathering place, those exiles who have been in the Land of Exile for a long time can be just as dangerous as the devouring monsters.

Wang Baojie said seriously: "There are even more exiles who have died at the hands of other exiles than those who have died in the devouring worlds."

"Initiating a world task will inevitably be displayed by the All-Seeing Eye. Although it might not last long, perhaps your faces have already been memorized by many.

Therefore, after exiting, hurry to a gathering point and try to join a reliable group for safety; that's when you're relatively secure."

"I've said all I could. Completing the world task together was our fate. I hope each of us can survive well in the Exile Lands, until the day we can return home."

Though that's nearly wishful thinking.

Everyone fell silent as a cataclysmic roar accompanied by the Devourer's final wail marked the complete collapse of this world before their eyes.

First, Afei vanished into thin air, followed by Zhao Xiaofeng, Rong Fang, Zhou Mo, Xiong Ge, and Liu Chengli.

In the second before vanishing, Lv Jun gave his cousin a fan-like big heart gesture, prompting Chen Jinyan to immediately don a mask of pain and disdain.

Wang Baojie, the last to disappear, earnestly cautioned Chen Jinyan: "Jinyan, once you're out, hide first! Find a way to cover your face and temporarily distrust anyone seeking to recruit you into their team! Get familiar with the Exile Lands before making any plans!"

As someone who nearly single-handedly completed the world task, Wang Baojie was sure that countless people in the Exile Lands were already searching for him, wanting to gain his allegiance.

Of course, more Devourer monsters would want to consume him.

Chen Jinyan nodded towards the vanishing Wang Baojie, knowing full well what to do—

In my weaker days, when I couldn't annihilate worlds with a single word, of course, I had to prepare thoroughly and lie low perfectly until I finally emerged as a king.

So, the first step to becoming a king...

Chen Jinyan looked down at the white dog, now so faint it was nearly just a shadow, and finally reached out to pet its head.

"You're barely a good dog, I guess. Too bad you can't leave this place. Find a better owner in your next life."

The last creature didn't do much, probably truly harboring no ill will or tricks.

Then he spoke:

"Conceal presence, hide—oh, damn it! Shut up! You damn beast—"

N-10000！

Rage points +10000000!

As Chen Jinyan uttered the words for concealment, the almost invisible white dog suddenly looked up, its azure eyes turning a deep ocean blue with specks of gold amidst the darkness.

Its form also grew larger in an instant, its ostensibly white fur gaining hints of grey, and then it lunged at Chen Jinyan with lightning speed!

It bit right into the buttocks Chen Jinyan had, many days ago, resigned to its fate.

The bite was both springy and smooth, a delight to the palate, as blood and energy far tastier than anticipated flooded its being, causing it to shudder almost intoxicatingly.

Such delectability deserved to be devoured in one gulp! Those deep blue eyes suddenly flared with a bloodthirsty glow, and its sharp teeth sank a fraction deeper. Yet, it ultimately refrained from biting down, reluctantly giving the exquisite blood a lick to stop the flow, then ceased.

A taste this divine shouldn't be consumed all at once—it demanded sustainable enjoyment, preferably kept within a pen.

As the warm tongue caressed him, Chen Jinyan, already a mix of shock and rage, shuddered in utter fury, exclaiming, "Pervert! Die!"

His ferocious verbal power instantly enveloped the lecherous wolf, but quicker still was the wolf's vanishing figure.

"Awoo~~~"

Superb!

Until next time.

Chen Jinyan, now invisible and clutching the buttock marked by a circle of bite marks, blushed a mix of red and black, finally losing all composure to snarl at his surroundings, "Next time you dare show your face, I'll send you spiraling to the heavens!"

Alas, by this time, the lascivious wolf truly couldn't hear him.

And in the next instant, he returned to the realm of the exiled.

*

The familiar, omnipresent darkness enveloped him, with the cold wind of this world and the rustling noises of monsters whispering through the air.

Chen Jinyan took a deep breath to calm himself from the humiliating experience of being bitten on the buttocks, lifting his head to see a firelight not far ahead.

It was Wang Baojie gathering everyone.

Looking down at his hand, he saw nothing; his clothes had also become invisible. He confidently approached the firelight without any pressure.

What disguise or hiding could be better than invisibility?

Additionally, to avoid being detected by the keen senses of devouring monsters, he concealed his aura as well.

Thus, even the watchful eyes above the dark sky couldn't see him, and the black guiding thread somehow stuck to him couldn't find him without a living breath.

Perfect.

As he walked towards Wang Baojie, suddenly a dazzling white light burst forth from the area of the firelight.

This light, far brighter than the torches, illuminated the area as if it were daylight.

Chen Jinyan saw a group of people with fervent expressions, their eyes constantly searching for something around Wang Baojie.

Wang Baojie's expression was grim, but faced with so many exiles who arrived first, he couldn't afford to reject them.

"Quick, quick! Everyone look for our Mouth God! With the Mouth God, we exiles could level up together and annihilate all devourers!"

"Exactly, the Mouth God is our hope! We all have been eagerly anticipating the day the Mouth God would appear for a long time!

Mouth God, don't worry! We all mean no harm! We've seen your prayerful demeanor and combat eloquence through the All-Seeing Eye! We all want to be your friends, even to follow you!"

"So don't hide in the dark, openly accept everyone's admiration and love for you! Then let's unite to counter-attack the devourers and ascend to the pinnacle!"

These people, who somehow knew their location and rushed over in frenzy, each wielded their own light source, searching and calling for Chen Jinyan in the darkness.

Their voices sounded so enthusiastic, and the expressions on their faces seemed so sincere, as if they truly harbored goodwill.

Chen Jinyan stood silently next to Wang Baojie, sneering quietly.

Not even a dog would believe these words.

The expression management on these people's faces was even worse than a dog's!

At least the wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to be a white dog, was naturally dumb until it finally showed its fangs.

The greed and ambition in these people's eyes could no longer be concealed.

Touching his buttocks, Chen Jinyan's judgment of these people hit rock bottom.

When in a bad mood, he couldn't stand seeing others in a good one.

Thus, in the gentle breeze of the dark, there seemed to be a very faint voice whisking along with the wind.

[Greedy and shameless wretches, may misfortune befall you.] N-666

Here's a long-term negative status for you, no thanks needed.

Then, those excitedly searching with their lamps began to encounter one problem after another.

"Mouth God, where are you—ah!" This one stepped into a pit.

"Jinyan, we need you—ah!" This one twisted an ankle.

"Mouth God, did you hear us? If you did, give us a sign... Ahhh, damn it, we've attracted too many exiles with our noise! Quick, block them!"

Some people frantically erected energy barriers to fend off the monsters, while signaling to their leader.

"Boss! We can't stay here any longer, we need to hurry back to the settlement!"

The initially excited atmosphere quickly dissipated, and they failed to find Chen Jinyan.

Aside from Chen Jinyan, other newcomers like Zhoumo and Xiongge were found by these people. A few powerful exiles exchanged looks, realizing they couldn't take advantage of this situation as easily as hoped.

Indeed.

Someone who could counter-devour in their first world wouldn't be so easily found and exploited by them. They'd have to wait for a future encounter in another devouring world.

However, these newcomers had good strength and smarts, with considerable energy values. Recruiting them into their groups wouldn't be a loss.

So, as quickly as these people had arrived, they left just as swiftly.

As they departed, Chen Jinyan observed a punk youth in black leather gather metallic energy in his hands, then slap it onto the ground, conjuring a cool... large tricycle out of thin air.

The punk youth winked at the amazed Ah Fei and others.

"Heh, see that? Handmade motorbike! 120 km/h, easy! Join our Thunderclap Society, and I'll teach you all to build your own rides, hands-on!"

His comment drew a sneer from a girl in another group: "You call that contraption a motorbike? Wonder how much energy it burns for one run!

You all must be famished after the battle, right? Here's a little something from our Mutual Aid Society."

With that, she produced a soft, sweet-looking loaf of bread in one hand and a glass of juice in the other with a slight flick of her wrist.

"I possess the Awakened Ability of the Breadfruit Tree, specializing in converting energy into food, especially bread. We welcome everyone to join our Mutual Aid Society."

After saying this, the girl glanced specifically at Lv Jun: "I also enjoy drinking tea."

Lv Jun immediately stepped back, cradling his face in his hands: "All my hair-tea is dedicated to my divine cousin!"

Everyone: ...

Chen Jinyan: ...

No need for that!!

However, it must be said that their demonstration opened the eyes of those new to the land of exile, clearly causing them to waver in their decision to join a group.

After all, as mentioned, everything in the land of exile is transformed or exchanged through energy, with exchanges being far more common than transformations.

Because converting energy directly into various objects is extremely difficult. Such transformations depend not only on one's inherent attributes but also on their control over energy and their understanding of the object.

The youth who transformed energy into a tricycle has the Awakened Power of metal, combined with his passion for mechanics, which enabled the successful transformation.

At least, in the medium-sized gathering place they are heading to now, he is the only one who can conjure vehicles out of thin air.

Thus, the motorcycle youth driving the vehicle gained the admiration of Ah Fei.

And Chen Sijin, observing them all sitting in three tricycles like workers going to mine coal decades ago, paused before speaking:

"High-quality imitation Somersault Cloud, come forth."

With a swoosh!

A very Land of Exile-appropriate... grey little cloud floated in front of Chen Sijin.

Chen Sijin sat on the cloud, showing a compassionate look above the heads of those on the tricycles.

The Land of Exile is... really something, haha!

Hiss, sitting makes my butt hurt.

Switch to lying down.

Damn you, despicable creature!