Foolish Game of the Gods - Chapter 113

Morning had come.

 

But today’s sun didn’t seem as bright and glorious as usual.

 

Hu Xuan needed time to restore her body, and Cheng Shi wasn’t about to place all his bets on her success.

 

So, the investigation had to continue.

 

If they could find the so-called answer before nightfall and verify it against Hu Xuan’s method, only then could they truly breathe a sigh of relief.

 

With that in mind, Cheng Shi and his two teammates left.

 

Before departing, Cheng Shi quietly asked Hu Xuan:

 

“What sort of agreement did you make with the ranger?”

 

Hu Xuan smiled gently, not bothering to conceal anything.

 

“I infused all my insights from the [Birth] process into her ‘Sundial of Time.’ She can study it repeatedly, learning from it, and from there, gain new insights into [Time].”

 

Cheng Shi understood.

 

No wonder Li Bola had always leaned toward Hu Xuan’s side. It wasn’t just because she opposed Ji Ran, but because Hu Xuan had given her something invaluable.

 

First-hand experimental data!

 

That was priceless.

 

This was the result of a 2400-point player using her own life to conduct a “Godhood Inheritance Experiment,” leading to a successful conclusion.

 

At this stage, something like this was a treasure beyond measure!

 

It was the kind of thing that all the “Su Yidas” and “Hu Xuans” of the world would risk their lives to obtain!

 

“You really are generous…”

 

“Cooperation involves both giving and receiving.”

 

Cheng Shi couldn’t help but admire this.

 

The Nature Cult was indeed different from the Logic Association. At least in their treatment of others, the Nature Cult was far more likable.

 

They pushed themselves to the limit but didn’t infringe upon others.

 

Hu Xuan smiled again and extended her hand.

 

“We can cooperate as well.”

 

“……”

 

Cheng Shi’s face froze, and without a word, he turned and walked off.

 

Just because you’re pretty, you think you can flirt?

 

Pah!

 

Shameless!

 

You just want to get your hands on me, don’t you?

 

“See you tonight.”

 

Hu Xuan didn’t try to stop him as he left, only calling out softly:

 

“If you regret it, you can always come back.”

 

Before her words even finished, Cheng Shi was gone—bolting away like a wild horse.

 

Hu Xuan shook her head, laughing at his reaction. Then, she turned sincerely to the remaining two teammates and said:

 

“The offer applies to you both as well.”

 

“Heh—tui.”

 

Qin Chaoge scoffed, sneering as she walked away.

 

Li Bola, however, didn’t leave immediately. She stood there, her expression conflicted, before asking:

 

“Are you… still you?”

 

Hu Xuan smiled and nodded.

 

“The past me, the present me, and the future me—I am always me. I’ve never changed.”

 

Li Bola let out a bitter laugh, mocking herself.

 

“I guess I’ve still got a ways to go. Haven’t hit 2400 yet, and my understanding is lacking. Well, I’m off.”

 

After everyone left, Hu Xuan looked up at the sky and gazed at the image of [Eternal Sun].

 

Slowly, she stretched out her hand, letting the sunlight filter through her fingers and shine onto her face.

 

The light cast dappled shadows on her pale skin, and her gaze grew more distant and unfocused.

 

“May all that was lost be reclaimed, may stolen things be returned, and may we… be reunited. Relax, I’m coming for you.”

 

With her soft murmurs…

 

The sun dimmed once more.

 

And her belly began to swell again.

 

…

 

Far Dusk Town was as lively as ever, with streets bustling with people.

 

It was as if those who had died the night before weren’t their friends, neighbors, or companions, but merely nameless strangers.

 

Though some of the bodies were still being carted away by the town’s guards, and soldiers were scrubbing the bloodstains from the streets, neither the travelers nor the townspeople seemed to care.

 

Cheng Shi watched all this with fascination, then stepped forward to strike up a conversation with one of the locals.

 

“Do people die often in Far Dusk Town?”

 

The old woman selling vegetables looked up at him, recognizing him as a traveler, and smiled warmly.

 

“There are always some who don’t believe in Him, who challenge His authority, but people are just people, and gods are gods.

 

It takes but a flicker of His anger to bring us destruction.

 

Traveler, I hope you and your friends remember this—when the blood moon rises, don’t go outside.”

 

“Good advice. We’ll be sure to follow it. By the way, what punishment does the town typically give to prisoners who escape?”

 

Cheng Shi and Qin Chaoge were still fugitives. After their prison break last night, they were likely among the few who had survived.

 

They had disguised themselves today to avoid being recognized by the guards and dragged back to the dungeon.

 

But the old woman’s next words left them both completely dumbfounded.

 

“Are you asking about the ones who survived last night, by the grace of [Eternal Sun]?

 

Praise be to Him—the High Priest issued a special decree this morning, pardoning all the crimes of the travelers.

 

As long as they don’t break the law again, they can continue to enjoy their stay here.”

 

“?”

 

Cheng Shi was stunned.

 

They had broken out of jail last night, only to be pardoned and rewarded?

 

What kind of twisted setup was this?

 

A town full of masochists?

 

Li Bola overheard this, and her brows furrowed in suspicion. She lowered her voice and spoke to the other two:

 

“Something’s off about this. I’m going to investigate.”

 

With that, she dissolved into the wind and disappeared.

 

Cheng Shi was equally puzzled, but he continued walking with Qin Chaoge until they reached the busiest bar in town.

 

“This is our battlefield for today?” Qin Chaoge asked as she eyed the bar’s sign, her mouth practically watering.

 

“The more chaotic the place, the more information circulates. Come on, your treat.”

 

“You don’t even pay for drinks when you’re trying to pick up girls?”

 

“I don’t pick up girls, I pick up tea, thank you very much.”

 

“Tea? What, you a fan of ‘green tea’ girls?”

 

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

 

“……”

 

Far Dusk Tavern, the largest bar in town.

 

Cheng Shi sat at the bar, ordering a few drinks, and immediately began scanning the room, as if looking for someone.

 

Qin Chaoge wasn’t much help. As soon as she saw the alcohol, she practically went into heat, rushing over to another table to drink with strangers.

 

Every follower of [War] had their own way of venting. Without an outlet for their aggression and rage, they would only bottle it up until they exploded.

 

Since she had such disdain for Hu Xuan’s methods, it meant she preferred to channel her energy into something else.

 

As expected, that “something else” was drinking.

 

Seeing this, Cheng Shi ignored her and continued his search. Soon, he found his target.

 

The seasoned inmate from the dungeon who had shared his stories.

 

He was alive, as expected—perhaps he was never in any real danger. He must have fully grasped how Far Dusk Town operated. As long as you followed the rules, you wouldn’t be in trouble.

 

Cheng Shi downed his drink and prepared to approach the man for a chat.

 

But just as he stood up, a familiar figure appeared in front of him.

 

It was a woman—delicate and soft.

 

“?”

 

Cheng Shi blinked in surprise, wondering how she had found him here.

 

Before he could ask, the woman spoke first.

 

“Please don’t send me away, I beg you.”

 

Her voice was trembling, and tears were already welling up in her eyes, leaving Cheng Shi utterly bewildered.

 

“The High Priest issued a special decree—every tour assistant must conceive a child today. I…

 

I know you don’t like Shaman, but… could you please…”

 

“Huh?”

 

Cheng Shi frowned, interrupting her.

 

“Are you saying that every tour assistant must conceive a child today?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Shaman stood in front of Cheng Shi, her hands tightly wringing together, her face flushed with nervousness, as if awaiting some dire judgment.

 

“How did you know I was here?”

 

“I… I saw you walk in just a moment ago…”

 

“You knew I wanted to replace you, and you still dared to come find me?”

 

“I… I…”

 

“Where’s your house?”

 

“H-home? Uh… what?”

 

Shaman was momentarily caught off guard, unsure of how to respond.

 

Cheng Shi smirked.

 

“You want a child, right? This isn’t the place for that. Come on, lead the way.”

 

Shaman’s face turned bright red, disbelief and joy lighting up her eyes. Half-crying, she nodded and led Cheng Shi out of the bar, heading toward her home.

 

Meanwhile, Qin Chaoge had just finished a fun round of drinking with some strangers. When she turned around, she found that Cheng Shi was nowhere to be found.