He Yucheng led Lengjiang out of the garden. Though they drew quite a crowd, it was just a game—not real life. Chasing celebrities this intensely was unnecessary.

He Yucheng had asked Lengjiang how she became famous. The answer was simple: the arena (PVP), teaming up with Xiaoye. He could still recall the terrifying precision of her healing skill releases...

Then again, she must have crushed some top players to gain such fame...

Lengjiang said she didn’t like it. He Yucheng understood—a reclusive person couldn’t enjoy being watched by so many.

As for who she crushed, He Yucheng could only think of the guild leader of the fifth-ranked "Pavilion of Listening to Rain," who’d issued a bounty that day. After all, he seemed the only one pestering Lengjiang...

What a weirdo...

He Yucheng had planned to check each city gate, but halfway there, they met the dejected Recomposed Words and Moonshadow.

"Brother He, we’re in trouble too. What now?" The four huddled together, hiding in the crowd as they eyed the city gate. Those bored-out-of-their-minds lunatics showed no sign of stopping.

"Aren’t these people running dungeons?" He Yucheng wondered. Didn’t they need to run Fb? Running Fb had to earn something, right?

Recomposed Words stared blankly. "Are you dumb? Max-level players don’t lack gear. They’re big guild whales—they don’t need materials."

"Money really is great. With money, you can do whatever you want..." He Yucheng muttered. How could this game have a toxic element like Lichou?

"Ah, I shouldn’t have gotten involved. This is a huge loss." Recomposed Words clutched his head. He Yucheng vaguely recalled his "delicious" moment from days ago...

I wonder if Xiaoye’s been spotted...

He Yucheng opened his friends list. The ID "Nightingale" was gray—offline.

Unable to consult Xiaoye, only the four could figure this out. They had to escape somehow. This game was He Yucheng’s only interest—he couldn’t just quit.

"What kind of guild is Sentinel Tomb?" Nai Xiaodu was their only hope now, but he needed to know her character first.

Recomposed Words paused. "Server-wide second rank. Their strength rivals the top guild, ‘Drunk Immortal Palace.’ A solid guild. Why?"

"Can they beat Butterfly Shadow’s alliance?" He Yucheng pressed. Butterfly Shadow was fifth-ranked at least—their combined strength with allies meant numbers ruled these top-guild wars.

"Sentinel Tomb alone? No way. Alliance fights need alliances. I haven’t seen it, but it happened—right after launch, guilds clashed in the ‘Sovereignty War.’" Recomposed Words explained thoroughly.

"So Sentinel Tomb has its own alliance too?" He Yucheng asked, though it felt silly. In this game, what weirdness hadn’t he seen?

"Obviously. Why ask about them?" Recomposed Words frowned. Big guilds weren’t for casual players like them.

"Well... honestly, Nai Xiaodu visited me at noon..." He Yucheng forced a dry laugh.

...

...

...

He’d expected reactions, but theirs still surprised him.

Moonshadow clasped his fists. "Brother He, you’re the envy of all!"

Recomposed Words said nothing—his jealous glare spoke volumes.

Lengjiang, though, pouted her little mouth, clearly displeased.

"Uh... what’s wrong, wife?" He Yucheng poked her cheek.

"(≧□≦) Husband! You’re such a playboy!" Lengjiang snapped, full of vinegar. He Yucheng stammered, "Wife, I did nothing. Trust me."

"(≧□≦) Eeek! That seductive big sister must’ve flirted with you!" Lengjiang clenched her tiny fists.

"Seductive...?" He Yucheng, Recomposed Words, and Moonshadow all froze.

He Yucheng remembered Nai Xiaodu’s noon antics but couldn’t judge her yet. Lengjiang, though, had nailed it. Could she also...?

Lengjiang huffed, turning her head away. Recomposed Words teased, "Your cheating speed is unreal."

He Yucheng ignored him, squatting to explain with a bitter smile. "Wife, listen—she came to me after you left..."

Lengjiang eyed him doubtfully, then "gurgle"-ed softly in forgiveness.

"Nai Xiaodu said if I joined her guild, she’d protect me? I think so." He Yucheng’s mind replayed her teasing—not her words. It was too fresh...

"Ladies’ man..." Recomposed Words oozed jealousy. He Yucheng tuned him out.

"Ah, Brother He, will you join them?" Moonshadow sighed. Butterfly Shadow’s alliance madness—who knew when it’d end? Half a morning of idleness was torture for hardcore grinders like him.

He Yucheng didn’t answer immediately. He cared about Lengjiang and Xiaoye’s opinions—they were his closest allies. Guild ambitions? He’d never considered them. His goal was simple: enjoy the game.

"(￣.￣) I don’t mind~" Lengjiang said, but her emoticon felt sour.

"Then... call her over?" He Yucheng asked uneasily. Joining a guild felt like signing an indenture—even in a game.

"Mm~" Lengjiang sighed. Reluctant, but for the future. She just disliked that big sister...

After messaging Nai Xiaodu, He Yucheng led the trio to the meeting spot. He’d wanted to discuss Lengjiang’s group, but Nai Xiaodu insisted on waiting. Fine.

Why pick that place, though?

The others didn’t know the plan but followed when He Yucheng signaled.

In Radiant Imperial City, the sacred wedding spot was the Xiangsi Tree.

An elegant waterside pavilion stood beside it—perfect for banquets, but pricey and reservation-only.

Seeing the quiet pavilion ahead, all four walked nervously.

Seriously, a teahouse would’ve been better for private talks...

He Yucheng glanced back. Lengjiang’s eyes sparkled—but purely from the scenery, no hidden thoughts.

He, though, had too many thoughts swirling.

Near the Xiangsi Tree, the area shifted to automatic night. Lanterns lined the corridor bridge, casting a festive glow.

They reached the bridge’s end—the Xiangsi Tree stood there, surrounded by blooming flowers. But that wasn’t their focus...

Nai Xiaodu leaned against the tree. Spotting them, she straightened and smiled faintly.

"Um... why this place?" He Yucheng asked, though rude. This was a problem.

"Hmm?" Nai Xiaodu’s signature smirk returned. Lengjiang darted protectively in front of He Yucheng.

"Ahra, little Lengjiang came too~" Nai Xiaodu approached, smiling. Lengjiang flinched back, pressing against He Yucheng.

He Yucheng’s head throbbed. They’d come for guild matters—not this.

"Ahra, don’t rush. We two are so—"

"Yes, yes, but not now. So?" He Yucheng cut her off—Lengjiang was about to explode.

Nai Xiaodu whistled sharply, turning to Lengjiang with a sweet smile. "Ara ara, little Lengjiang~ come~ sister will teach you how to—"

"Please don’t teach minors bad things..." He Yucheng said wryly, referring to game characters. After two meetings and Lengjiang’s comments, he knew Nai Xiaodu’s type.

"(ー`´ー) Husband really likes her, hmph!" Lengjiang pouted.

"Eh? No—"

He Yucheng started to explain, but the sidelined pair whispered:

"Moonshadow, bro, wait—you—"

"OK, OK, I think it’s fine..."

He Yucheng was speechless. Nai Xiaodu grinned. "Well? Planning to be mine?"

"I’ll join your guild. Forget the rest..." Honestly, this joke sucked.

"Since it’s quiet here, why not hold a banquet with little Lengjiang? It’d be amazing!"

"Forget that too—" He Yucheng blurted, then saw Lengjiang’s frown. "We’ll discuss it later. No rush..."

"I see~ So you’re destined to make her your other half?"

... A deadly question... Another random marriage push...

He Yucheng froze. Nai Xiaodu burst out laughing at his dumbstruck face.

"Well~ Alright, just kidding. I was sitting here after a friend’s wedding." She stopped teasing—it’d never end.

He Yucheng truly sucked at dealing with people like her...

"So, guild requirements?" He gestured to the trio behind him—all four wanted in.

"Joining~ has many requirements~" Nai Xiaodu raised an eyebrow. He Yucheng braced for jokes, but she added softly, "One small mistake, and you might not enjoy this game anymore~"