Xiao Muyu took a deep breath and decided to accept it for now.
“It doesn’t have a brain. Where are we supposed to find a brain for it?” Shen Qingqiu said helplessly.
“I already have a lot of useless stuff. One more won’t make a difference. Who knows, it might come in handy later. Its body strength is decent, right? We can use it as a shield.” After saying this, Xiao Muyu stepped forward and drew another card.
This time, she didn’t look at it and handed it over to Shen Qingqiu to see.
Shen Qingqiu’s soft expression turned sour the moment she saw the card, looking visibly upset.
Xiao Muyu felt a twinge of worry and quickly turned it around to look for herself. She couldn’t help but laugh after seeing it. “Why are you so angry?”
“Lonely soul in the apocalypse? What an unlucky name,” Shen Qingqiu grumbled. “And you won’t become a lonely soul; my red string is still tied to you.”
Xiao Muyu chuckled and handed the card back. “Look carefully.”
Shen Qingqiu examined the card. “Lonely Soul in the Apocalypse,” rarity S↓, low probability drop from apocalypse dungeons.
Item Description: This is the most pitiful state. After activating the card, you can send a designated target to Zombie Dimension 005 to experience the plight of a lonely soul. Duration varies: 3 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and 1 minute 30 seconds.
Refresh Time: 48 hours. The lonelier you are, the greater the power. Enjoy the charm of loneliness at your own risk.
“Pah, what charm in loneliness? It would be better if we fought together,” Shen Qingqiu muttered unhappily despite understanding the card’s significance.
“Captain Xiao, this card works best when you’re alone, right?” Zuo Tiantian asked after examining the card with others.
“It seems so. The fewer people around, the stronger the effect. The four levels probably correspond to being with four people, three people, two people, and alone. So, it can be used with up to four people.”
Xiao Muyu held the card thoughtfully. Although it was malevolent, it could be an excellent self-defense measure in critical situations.
“Qingqiu, your turn,” Xiao Muyu said, signaling Shen Qingqiu.
Despite drawing many bizarre cards, Xiao Muyu’s cards always managed to be useful in dire situations. On the contrary, Shen Qingqiu hadn’t drawn any significant cards. The seemingly powerful cards always had a sinister edge, and Xiao Muyu didn’t dare let Shen Qingqiu use them recklessly. Apart from a dagger, Shen Qingqiu had no reliable tools.
Xiao Muyu was glad she had given Shen Qingqiu the Caged Seam despite her objections. Otherwise, in Dungeon 005, Shen Qingqiu would have been in real trouble.
Shen Qingqiu understood what Xiao Muyu was thinking and smiled at her. Most of the time, she didn’t need to rely too much on the cards. As long as Xiao Muyu was there, she felt assured.
Shen Qingqiu, seeing things clearly, casually drew a card. She smiled as she looked at it, then raised her eyes to Xiao Muyu.
“What did you draw?” Xiao Muyu asked, curious. Shen Qingqiu’s smile was directed at her, filled with tenderness and unspoken sentiment.
Chen Kaijie and the others were equally curious. Xiao Muyu took the card and laughed too, shaking her head and looking at Shen Qingqiu. “This must be fate.”
Chen Kaijie and the others eagerly asked to see it. Shen Qingqiu had drawn a sword, rarity C! Another C-level card.
Chen Kaijie and his team were anxious. Su Jin complained, “How can you both smile so affectionately over this, Captain?”
Ignoring them, Xiao Muyu and Shen Qingqiu continued to smile at each other.
The card read: Warring States Imitation Bronze Sword, rarity C. When the user’s force output exceeds 80% in any dungeon, either the imitation or the original will be obtained.
Item Description: As an imitation, it lacks historical significance and cultural value, making it quite fragile. Use it for cutting vegetables or chopping wood at your own risk. Don’t disdain it; drawing such a sword means you have a wonderful fate. It can be reforged and upgraded, the older, the more miraculous. Remember, age brings miracles.
“Captain Xiao, does this mean we can upgrade this sword with materials?” Su Jin asked, thinking of their smiles.
Xiao Muyu nodded. “It lacks historical significance and cultural value. What better match than that broken bronze sword I drew earlier?”
The three suddenly understood. Xiao Muyu’s bronze sword, apart from its deep cultural significance, was also considered worthless at first, even suggested to be sent to a recycling station. They were indeed a perfect pair.
“Is it really that coincidental?” Chen Kaijie found it hard to believe.
“Break the pot and let it fall. Both are C-level cards, so even if we reforge it, we won’t lose much. Why not give it a try?”
Xiao Muyu had a hunch but didn’t mind either way. It seemed the system enjoyed teasing them both.
Seeing their cards, even the referee for Dungeon 005 was stunned. “Drawing C-level cards with an SSS rating is rarer than a perfect clearance.”
Shen Qingqiu shrugged. “Maybe I’ve used up all my luck.” She glanced at Xiao Muyu, smiling meaningfully.
Xiao Muyu wanted to pinch her. Even in this situation, she couldn’t resist making playful remarks.
However, thinking about it made her heart soften. The words, though corny, came from a genuine place. This made Xiao Muyu smile again.
Shen Qingqiu’s second draw was equally straightforward but this time, it made her eyes light up.
Left Foot on Right Foot, rarity S. Extremely rare drop in game dungeons.
Item Description: Comprehend this card on your own. The system prefers not to elaborate, only noting that Newton’s coffin lid can’t be held down. Duration… figure it out yourself. Cooldown time: 24 hours.
This card left Zuo Tiantian and Su Jin puzzled.
“Left foot on right foot? What kind of card has a name but no description? Newton’s coffin lid can’t be held down? Does it defy the laws of physics?” Zuo Tiantian and Su Jin were confused.
But Chen Kaijie had heard of it. “Haha, I know! In many Chinese martial arts novels, and early martial arts TV shows, characters use lightness skills to step on their own feet and fly. But we all know that’s impossible according to physics. No wonder it says Newton’s coffin lid can’t be held down.”
Shen Qingqiu was overjoyed. “I’ve always regretted that lightness skills are pseudo-science. Now I can finally enjoy it.”
Xiao Muyu, seeing her happiness, also felt pleased but reminded her, “Remember what you promised me. Don’t get carried away.”
Shen Qingqiu’s face turned slightly bitter. “When did I get carried away? Can’t I be happy for once?”
Xiao Muyu bit her lip, wanting to say more but finally pointed at Zuo Tiantian. “Zuo, your turn. Let’s finish quickly and head back.”
“I’m not stopping you from being happy. I’m happy for you too. But remember my words while you enjoy.” The dungeon was life-threatening.
Xiao Muyu never worried about Shen Qingqiu’s recklessness because, despite her bravado, Shen Qingqiu was always cautious. She never acted without considering the consequences. But her calculated risks often meant paying a price. The root cause of Shen Qingqiu’s risky decisions was her.
This terrified Xiao Muyu. As the dungeons progressed and her attachment to Shen Qingqiu grew, this fear increased exponentially.
Shen Qingqiu was initially just being playful, but seeing Xiao Muyu’s distant look and hint of sadness, she panicked.
“What’s wrong, Muyu?” she asked, holding Xiao Muyu’s hand tightly.
Xiao Muyu snapped out of her thoughts, looking at the person beside her. She exhaled slowly.
“Nothing, just a bit tired.” She didn’t let go of Shen Qingqiu’s hand, smiling reassuringly despite her evident fatigue.
Shen Qingqiu lost her eagerness to stay, noticing Zuo Tiantian had already drawn twice.
Her cards were relatively normal but still eerie.
First Card: Summoning Bell, rarity A. Low probability drop in various dungeons.
Item Description: Shake the bell, and nearby wandering spirits will obey. Communicate with spirits—one ring for yes, two rings for no. The living and the dead should not interfere with each other, so use with caution.
Second Card: Guiding Incense, rarity S. Extremely low probability drop in supernatural dungeons.
Item Description: In the realm of the dead, little ghosts run rampant. The deceased wander aimlessly, and the living know not where to go. In a ten-mile graveyard, no way home. Use this Guiding Incense to navigate the path of the dead. Cooldown time: 24 hours.
“This looks a bit…” Su Jin felt uneasy, not fully understanding the card but sensing its unsettling nature.
Zuo Tiantian seemed scared, her face pale.
Xiao Muyu comforted her, “It’s just a card. No matter how creepy, it won’t harm you if you don’t use it. Let’s rest after this dungeon and discuss these things later.”
Zuo Tiantian put away the cards and nodded. They had survived so many challenges; what more could there be to fear?
“Congratulations on clearing the level. The next instance, number 006, will open in two months. You can take a good rest.”
After saying this, she waved her hand, and the five of them instantly found themselves back home when they opened their eyes.
The time spent in the instance wasn’t long, only ten days. Although the Tianwang World and the real world seem identical, there are actually many differences.
Despite being away for ten days, their home remained spotless. They opened the windows for ventilation, but out of psychological habit, they changed the sheets and bedding.
In the kitchen, Xiao Muyu was already busy. She had gone to the supermarket right after returning. After the butter melted, she put the steak in the pan, and the sizzling sound soon filled the air, along with a delightful aroma.
Xiao Muyu glanced over to see Shen Qingqiu mopping the floor, which was a rare display of diligence.
It wasn’t that she didn’t usually do housework, but her doing it so spontaneously was unusual.
Xiao Muyu smiled slightly and turned back to focus on the steak in the pan. The pasta on the other side was almost done cooking.
Western cuisine is simpler than Chinese cuisine, but it doesn’t necessarily take less time. By the time Shen Qingqiu finished mopping the floor and wiping the table, Xiao Muyu brought over the steak and pasta. The presentation was beautiful and exquisite, perfect.
“Wash your hands and eat,” she said succinctly. Shen Qingqiu’s nose twitched, and her eyes sparkled.
“Yes, ma’am. It smells wonderful,” she said with a grin, following Xiao Muyu and watching her wash the dishes. She instinctively reached out to help Xiao Muyu remove her apron.
Xiao Muyu bowed her head to let Shen Qingqiu take off the apron and urged, “Didn’t you say you were hungry? Go wash your hands quickly.”
Shen Qingqiu nodded repeatedly and obediently went to wash her hands.
When she came back, Xiao Muyu had somehow produced a bottle of red wine and was pouring it.
For some reason, Shen Qingqiu’s heart began to race.
Xiao Muyu tilted her head while pouring the wine. She had tied up her hair while cooking, revealing her fair and beautiful neck. Her fingers, clean and slender, held the wine glass filled a third of the way with red wine. She gently swirled it. When she turned her head, the indifference in her dark eyes faded, replaced by an unconscious gentleness.
“What are you staring at? Your steak and pasta with red wine are ready. No more complaints.”
Shen Qingqiu sat across from her, watching Xiao Muyu pick up the knife and fork to cut the steak. She didn’t hurry to eat but propped her chin on her hand, her eyes shining as she watched Xiao Muyu.
“Not hungry anymore?” Xiao Muyu asked, looking up at Shen Qingqiu, who was staring at her.
“No, it’s just that having a Western meal at home with two people feels so romantic. If we had candles, it would count as a candlelight dinner.”
Xiao Muyu glanced at the setting sun. It was actually only a little past four. She had cooked early because she didn’t want Shen Qingqiu to go hungry.
“No candles,” Xiao Muyu said, somewhat dismissively. Before she realized it, she had almost finished cutting her steak.
Without a word, she swapped her steak with Shen Qingqiu’s.
Shen Qingqiu quickly objected, “I can do it myself.”
“You said you were hungry, so hurry and eat,” Xiao Muyu replied calmly, cutting a piece of steak and putting it in her mouth, chewing slowly.
Shen Qingqiu’s smile deepened. “You’re so caring.”
Watching her eat the steak elegantly, Shen Qingqiu waited until she finished chewing, then raised her glass, tilting her head slightly to signal Xiao Muyu to pick up her glass.
With her already charming smile, Shen Qingqiu looked even more enchanting with the wine glass in her hand. Xiao Muyu couldn’t resist the temptation and picked up her glass.
“To celebrate us clearing another level.”
Xiao Muyu took a sip. It wasn’t a great wine; the initial taste was slightly sour, with a spicy wine flavor mixed with a pleasant aroma, and a sweet aftertaste. She liked this complex flavor.
Xiao Muyu swirled the wine in her glass and noticed Shen Qingqiu’s bright eyes looking at her. “Muyu, do you remember what happened before?”
Xiao Muyu’s eyes flickered briefly but quickly steadied. She leaned slightly closer, looking into Shen Qingqiu’s eyes. “Are you referring to someone not listening, disregarding their safety, and recklessly leaving me behind to gain points?”
Shen Qingqiu: “… No, you remembered wrong.”
The author has something to say: I almost forgot about the zombie illustration, haha. Don’t you think the relationship between Xiao Shen and Xiao Xiao in this game is strange from the system’s perspective? Break up, or stay together? Haha, no more spoilers. The story will unfold slowly.
