Mini World Game Console-Chapter 629 - 630: Do You Want to Die?

Baiyun City, belonging to Lian Province, is a second-tier city with a direct distance of only 60 kilometers to the provincial capital, Lianjiang.

Ren Suo chose to take the high-speed train to East Lianjiang Train Station. The journey was only half an hour, and the ticket was a mere 45 yuan—no seat. Considering it was almost Chinese New Year's Eve, finding a spot to stand was lucky.

When it was time for ticket check, he went down to the trackside to wait. The high-speed train hadn't arrived yet, and the tracks were empty. Consciously, Ren Suo kept his distance from the unprotected track edge—someone could bump him onto the tracks, and even if the high-speed train was slowing down, even if he was a Third-turn Cultivator skilled in "Gauze Clothing," he was sure he would be squashed flat like a mosquito.

Of course, Ren Suo could have used a Movement Spell like "Ghostly Rapid Step" to get away in time, but his principle was never to stand beneath a dangerous wall. He avoided risks whenever possible and avoided taking a beating whenever he could.

But principles were meant to be broken.

When the high-speed rail arrived, and after the passengers inside disembarked, Ren Suo quickly entered the cabin and found a random spot near a door to lean against, waiting for the train to start.

With an impulse, he had left home to head for the train station without thinking too much. Now standing idle on the moving train allowed him to calm down and contemplate what was about to happen.

As the train slowly started moving, Ren Suo turned his head to watch the scenery rushing by the window, the ambiguous night gradually swallowing the last hint of light blue on the horizon. Drawing closer to Lianjiang, Ren Suo felt like a student who hadn't done his homework and was caught by the teacher, now on his way to the teacher's office.

Knowing that a storm was likely about to break out, Ren Suo was, of course, nervous.

Honestly, Qiao Muyi wouldn't even take his calls now. He really had no idea what she would do when he approached her directly.

Whether he was to be beaten up or turned away at the door, Ren Suo would feel very upset.

His social network was very small, very narrow, because he knew early on that life's journey was like a train ride with people getting on and off; no friendship lasts forever, and even the best of friends drift apart over work, life, and love—it's human nature, but Ren Suo found it hard to accept, especially as he experienced the transitions through elementary school, junior high, high school, and college, where all classmates and friends became strangers in his social media circles, whose real names he could barely remember.

So, he couldn't be bothered to invest emotionally and just played games instead, because games were truly more fun than singing karaoke or playing basketball.

Ren Suo didn't know when his 'lone wolf' mentality had changed; it possibly started when he acquired the "Bond System"—his attitude toward friends with Bonds began to change gradually from then on.

Ren Suo trusted the Mini-World Game Console so much that he subconsciously believed the Bond System was their best assurance of a solid friendship.

Of course, Ren Suo had no desire to control or influence them with the Bond System; he lacked such ambition and confidence. He just felt with the existence of 'Bonds,' at least they wouldn't become strangers again.

Ren Suo didn't have happiness or sorrow to share with friends, nor did he enjoy loneliness; he just disliked disappointment.

And this group of acquaintances 'with visible progress bars and Levels' completely solved Ren Suo's concerns.

The 'Bond Relationship' was mutual and as long as it didn't involve crossing lines or principles, neither Ren Suo nor they would drift apart—of course, the caveat was that Ren Suo had to establish the corresponding Bond Relationship with them; it had to be 'once owned' to last 'forever.'

The Winter Solstice feast that consumed all the summoning time of Ren Suo's "Rippling Spring Sounds" actually indicated that he was influenced by the 'Bond System.'

Otherwise, according to his previous personality, he would have only summoned the Kitchen Girl to cook for his family.

The 'Bond System' just gave him a reason to host, like making the case they would cultivate faster after eating meals cooked by the Kitchen Girl, thus enhancing their Bond Ability, and in real life, it would help him more, and so on… Ultimately, it was his own will that propelled Ren Suo to action.

They held an important place in his heart.

Well, except for Zhao Huo. In fact, Ren Suo considered that meal as a parting dinner for Zhao Huo; looking at it now… it was their parting dinner.

So Ren Suo was very clear about his feelings: if Qiao Muyi became distant and disliked him because of this, he would be so sad that he'd want to binge game for ten days and ten nights straight, then sleep non-stop for another ten days and nights, and then have his Cloning give him massages for another ten consecutive days and nights…

Of course, Ren Suo also knew that with his eloquence—neither good at deceiving nor flattering—the chances of repairing this relationship were very low.

In fact, Ren Suo thought about just letting the relationship cool off and gradually grow distant.

After all, he had no solution, and he couldn't provide an outcome for Dong Chengling and Gu Yueyan's issues, so it seemed like a viable option to just let things with Qiao Muyi fade away.

If he went, the outcome would be the same as if he didn't; then why should he go through the agony?

However, after tossing and turning in bed with a pillow for a few minutes, Ren Suo crushed that thought himself—it was too foolish.

What was he playing at, thinking he was the male protagonist of a primetime family tragedy on TV, doing nothing and waiting for the plot to unfold by itself before regretting it years later?

Back when Ren Suo was young and watching TV dramas with his mom, he hated the 'foolish male protagonists who didn't chase after their wives' the most. He swore he would never become that kind of person… Of course, back then, he never thought he would have the chance to be that kind of person, nor did he believe such things happened in reality. Truth is stranger than fiction, and those who write such tragic TV dramas must be multi-timing scoundrels themselves.

Rather than experiencing countless restless nights filled with turmoil and regret, Ren Suo chose to face the impending storm tonight.

What's there to fear? It's not like Young Master Mu is going to kill me, right!!?

She's not really going to kill me, right!?

Will she kill me?

...

Ren Suo thought for a moment, then quietly equipped the "Mage's Death-Defying Feather."

Because he had used the super Derived Ability "Flicker" from "Within Reach, Yet Worlds Apart" on The Dark Side of the Moon, "Within Reach, Yet Worlds Apart" was still cooling down, and this feather was his only means of teleportation left.

Nope, still a bit scared.

Ren Suo decided to go to the bathroom to relax, but just as he took a couple of steps, a high school student with glasses, wearing a school uniform, and carrying a backpack stopped him, "Excuse me, are you Ren Suo, the 'Holy Fist Lotus Seed' Monk?"

Ren Suo was dumbfounded. What the hell? Holy Fist Lotus Seed?

"I am indeed Ren Suo, but I'm not any Holy Fist Lotus Seed..."

"It really is Ren Suo!" the student exclaimed excitedly, "The 39th in the Third-turn Combat Power Rankings, Holy Fist Lotus Seed Ren Suo!"

"What?"

The people nearby immediately began buzzing with excitement.

"Is there a ranked Cultivator here?!"

"It seems like it's really Ren Suo! He looks as handsome as in the videos!"

"Yes, that's right." Ren Suo quickly controlled his expression, looking around indifferently, "I am Ren Suo. Thanks everyone for your support, but sir, why do you call me Holy Fist Lotus Seed...?"

Under the flashes and the shutter sounds, Ren Suo finally understood what had happened—the full version of the combat power rankings had been released.

Previously, Gu Wenyi and the others had come to the Heavenly Lotus Academy to evaluate the combat power of Third-turn Cultivators in order to establish Mysterious Country's combat power ranking. With the immense influence of official media, during the month that Ren Suo had been asleep, the perfected combat power rankings were fully disclosed, and they instantly became a hot topic in Mysterious Country.

Moreover, the combat power ranking wasn't just a simple list of names; every person on the list had corresponding combat videos that let all the ordinary citizens understand just how powerful these ranked fighters were!

But all one hundred ranked fighters were affiliated with the Mysterious Country's military and the tactical system, standing with the vast majority of people. Due to economic development and consistent media influence, the patriotic enthusiasm of the civilians soared, and these one hundred nationally recognized Cultivators naturally received massive adoration from the public.

Ren Suo, like a star, displayed a reserved smile, gradually pushing through the crowd towards the bathroom.

However, the high school student who recognized Ren Suo was super enthusiastic and kept holding onto Ren Suo, bombarding him with questions, "Mr. Ren, how can I become a Cultivator? I really want to go to Heavenly Lotus Academy for college!"

Ren Suo, desperate to get to the bathroom, had no choice but to answer, "Do your winter break homework well, and if you get good grades, you might have a chance of getting in."

The high school student was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "Mr. Ren, I heard your Healing Magic is amazing. Could you cure the acne on my face?"

"If you diligently finish your winter break homework and maintain an early-to-bed and early-to-rise routine, you can solve the problem."

The high school student persisted, "But Mr. Ren, you're so great, could you write me a recommendation letter? I really want to go to Heavenly Lotus Academy to become a Cultivator."

"If you have already finished your winter break homework, then I'll consider it."

The high school student wanted to say something, but in the end, he could only let go, looking dejected.

Ren Suo, in turn, patted his shoulder consolingly and said, "Now do you realize the importance of winter break homework? Make sure to finish it as soon as the holiday starts. I don't need to do winter break homework now, and I've only just realized how precious and important it is. Don't wait until later to regret it."

Feeling satisfied with having done another good deed, Ren Suo confidently strode into the bathroom. He closed the toilet lid and sat on it. There was no other choice; there were too many people outside. Compared to going out and being harassed by those strangers, Ren Suo preferred to be a restroom bully, hogging a stall without actually using it.

Finally alone, Ren Suo took out his phone, connected to the high-speed train's wifi, and looked up the rankings online.

Ren Suo found it strange. Logically, with a hundred people on the list and him being only 39th, he shouldn't attract much attention. Most people would pay attention to the top ten at most. What was so noteworthy about him at rank 39?

But when Ren Suo accessed the rankings, he immediately understood why.

Besides gender, name, rank, and a brief description of their abilities, the ranking also included their current position.

For example, Ren Suo's entry read: "Number 39, Ren Suo, male, excels in Healing, Movement, and close combat Supernatural Abilities, serving Healing Cultivator at Heavenly Lotus Academy."

In a list full of roles such as 'Tactical Combat Cultivator', 'Academy Spell Instructor', and 'Military Combat Cultivator', Ren Suo's 'Healing Cultivator' position really stood out.

Searching for 'Ren Suo' on the web, Ren Suo saw a bunch of both amusing and lamentable discussions like 'Strongest Babysitter', 'The Holy Fist Healer True to His Name', and 'Every Doctor Is a Human Anatomy Expert'.

He had quite a few nicknames as well, such as 'Battle Axe Nurse', 'Strong Fist Daddy' and others, but the most widely recognized nickname was 'Holy Fist Lotus Seed'.

'Holy Fist' represented his combat skills, and 'Lotus Seed', as a medicinal herb name, was very beneficial; plus, Ren Suo was serving in Lianjiang, which is why he was called 'Lotus Seed'.

Ren Suo was quite satisfied with his new nickname, although the reference to lotus seeds as a medicinal ingredient often used in soups made him feel like the implications weren't exactly auspicious…

Ren Suo looked at his battle video. The official editing was not bad, as it fully showcased his glorious moments of beating Gu Yuexuan to a pulp.

In the video, Gu Yuexuan seemed like a newbie who hadn't woken up yet, able to slash 40-meter long gashes but getting repeatedly defeated by the advanced Player Ren Suo with Bastard Punch.

The video exhilarated Ren Suo. That's right, I'm strong too! Ren Suo, be tough, don't be a coward!

Then Ren Suo checked out the rankings of other players.

Yu Kuangtu—ranked 10th, called 'Soul of the Southern Blaze'.

Bai Ji—ranked 9th, called 'Crystal Palace Master'.

Qiao Muyi—ranked 4th, called 'Catastrophe Witch'.

…With Young Master Mu's affair, I can't be called a coward.

It was when browsing the news that Ren Suo saw a notice about 'Ren Naiser updating a video'. Opening the barrage video APP, he found that the number one video of the week was an analysis video of "Moon Chanter"—remember, "Moon Chanter" had been aired for a month already, but its analytical commentary was still hot!

Opening the video, Ren Suo glanced at the duration—24 minutes in total.

The Divine Enthronement battle that took seven days to fight was condensed into these 24 minutes by Ren Naiser. Ren Suo quickly skimmed through and saw it was primarily focused on the struggle for each Silver Moon Crystal, with the main perspective on other Apostles of the Moon God.

So, when Luna appeared on screen, the barrage was like this:

"The Dark Side of the Moon, your Emperor has arrived!"

"You've all been thrashed over a dozen times already, how have you not learned your lesson."

"Hoping humanity will always remain rational is truly wishful thinking."

"I can't bear to watch anymore."

"Long live the Goddess!"

"I've been a solo stan of Goddess Luna since I was born!"

And when it came to Luna's fierce battle with the Monster Moon God, the screen suddenly had a voiceover in Luna's voice, briefly explaining the conspiracy of the Slayer Moon God, and the style of the barrage instantly changed:

"This is too sinister, thank goodness for the Goddess, otherwise our dreams would now be ruled by this Alien."

"Being ruled by an Alien and by such a blue-haired attention-seeker—what's the difference? Maybe the former would actually treat everyone equally."

"Indeed, pies don't fall from the sky, only traps and trolls do."

The video naturally concluded with Luna ascending to the ninth layer of the Heavenly Moon, transforming into the pure Moon God.

Throughout the entire video, there was no sign of Ren Suo and Gu Yueyan, since neither of them had participated in the fight.

Even for the battle at the Crystal Cathedral, it went straight to Luna fighting the other Apostles in a wedding dress. Although some comments in the barrage asked, "Who's the groom?" "I can't keep it a secret anymore, it's me" "The Goddess has actually become a wife" "Isn't that better," this little episode passed quickly.

After watching the video, the high-speed rail arrived at the station.

Ren Suo exited the train station, thought for a moment, and then called Li Dan to ask for Qiao Muyi's home address.

Li Dan congratulated him on waking up and then very straightforwardly gave him Qiao Muyi's address. Li Dan didn't ask any questions but mentioned, "Deputy Director Qiao has been in a very bad mood this month; several Transcendent criminals she caught were beaten half to death by her."

Ren Suo silently prepared "Demon King Returns: Destroying Shadows," ready to enhance the defensive power of the "Gauze Clothing" at any moment.

Qiao Muyi lived in a neighborhood near the subway station; if Ren Suo managed to come out alive, he could take the subway directly back to Heavenly Lotus Academy.

He hadn't lied to his mother and sister—he really was coming back to get something: the Mini-World Game Console.

Because of the New Year, he had to stay home for at least a dozen days. Now that it was February, Ren Suo naturally wanted to bring the Mini-World Game Console home to play this month's free game.

He had already missed out on January's free game, which was a big loss; he couldn't miss out on February's game too.

Of course, the premise was…

To survive.

By the time Ren Suo arrived at the neighborhood where Qiao Muyi lived, the sky had completely darkened.

Qiao Muyi's residential complex had professional property management. Ren Suo needed either an access card or a notification to the resident to enter. However, Ren Suo had his own clever trick: wait for someone else to arrive, then pretend to have forgotten his access card and naturally walk in.

Fortunately, Ren Suo had tidied himself up before leaving home, looking decent enough that the security guard only glanced at him before looking away.

Ren Suo stood at Qiao Muyi's door, taking several deep breaths, but his finger, hovering over the doorbell, just couldn't press it down.

After hesitating for a few minutes, just as Ren Suo was finally about to close his eyes and ring the death knell of Hell, he suddenly heard a familiar voice behind him, "Are you that scared?"

Ren Suo jumped with fright, instantly turned around to press his back against the door, and saw a very much alive Qiao Muyi, dressed in casual clothes, holding a convenience store bag, standing behind him.

Ren Suo immediately averted his gaze to the white wall next to him and started shaking his head tactically like a fan, "I, I'm not scared."

"I've been watching you from behind for several minutes," Qiao Muyi said as she took out her keys, signaling Ren Suo to move aside so she could unlock the door.

Ren Suo's face became flushed with awkwardness as he quickly changed the subject, "You just got back from outside? Did you take the elevator? How come I didn't hear the elevator noise?"

Qiao Muyi lived on the 9th floor, and the building had an elevator which made a loud sound when its doors opened. Logically speaking, Ren Suo should have heard it when she took the elevator up.

"I didn't take the elevator; I walked up," Qiao Muyi said nonchalantly as she turned the lock on the security door.

"Oh... for exercise?" Ren Suo tried to make conversation awkwardly.

"No, I knew you were here from the security guard, so I deliberately took the stairs," Qiao Muyi glanced at him, "I caught quite an interesting scene, so climbing nine floors of stairs wasn't a waste."

Although Qiao Muyi seemed to be teasing Ren Suo, she didn't smile at all, her lips not even twitching.

"Wow, am I that famous? Even the security guard recognizes me?" Ren Suo continued the awkward chat.

Qiao Muyi shook her keys and opened the second wooden door, "No, the monitor at the entry security booth has facial recognition. I entered your facial data, so the guards would notify me as soon as they saw you."

Ren Suo was somewhat surprised, "You knew I was coming today?"

"I hoped that one day you would come," Qiao Muyi said as she opened the second wooden door and went inside, suddenly sounding languid, "Xiao~Suo~"

"Yes!" Ren Suo promptly responded with a start.

Then Qiao Muyi gave him a very subtle look. At that moment, a fat orange cat scampered out from the house and rubbed against Qiao Muyi's feet.

Qiao Muyi replaced her shoes with slippers at the entrance, picked up the fat orange cat, and pet it, "Xiao~Suo~, meet Xiao Suo. Xiao Suo, meet Xiao Suo."

Ren Suo pointed at the orange cat in Qiao Muyi's arms, asking incredulously, "It's also called Xiao Suo?"

"...You have any objections?" Qiao Muyi glanced at him.

"None."

"Good, Xiao Suo is much better behaved than you," Qiao Muyi stroked the cat's head, saying, "Especially after being neutered, it doesn't meow randomly, its pee isn't as smelly, it's just affectionate enough, and it doesn't get excited holding toys... There are spare slippers in the shoe cabinet."

After saying this, Qiao Muyi went inside with the cat. Ren Suo dared not say anything. Right, aside from death, there was also the option of neutering.

After changing into slippers and entering, Ren Suo realized Qiao Muyi had disappeared; only the orange cat remained in the living room.

Ren Suo's "Evolution of the Cat" finally came in handy. He beckoned with his finger, and the orange cat jumped onto his lap. He quietly asked the cat, "Is your master angry?"

"MEOW."

"Then, how... how angry is she...?"

"MEOW MEOW."

"That mad, huh... Really sorry for you," Ren Suo said pitifully as he petted the orange cat's back, and the cat nodded with a complicated expression.

Just then, Qiao Muyi came out from the bedroom, sat on the sofa, and took a steaming hot bento box out of the bag.

"Um, Young Master Mu, shouldn't we have a talk?" Ren Suo asked with Courage, still holding the orange cat.

Qiao Muyi thought for a moment and nodded. "Yes, we should have a talk."

Then she looked earnestly at Ren Suo and asked:

"Do you want to die?"