"Exactly, every point we can shave off counts. Yuan Shi Tian Zun has too many points and a high margin for error, allowing him to act recklessly. This is detrimental to all of us," Tone Deaf concurred.
Tian Xia Gui Huo shared the sentiment and declared with his head held high:
"I, Tian Xia Gui Huo, officially report Yuan Shi Tian Zun for using foul language. Reason for report: lack of manners."
Qing Songzi and Tone Deaf, brimming with confidence, leaned out the window, looking up at the gloomy sky. To their surprise, beneath the vault of heaven, a hundred-foot-tall heroic spirit drew his bow, aiming an arrow straight at their small building.
【Alert! Report failed! Your reporting function is sealed for 30 minutes, and one point has been deducted.】
The expressions on the three faces instantly froze.
"Report failed..." Tian Xia Gui Huo's face turned sour.
He was left with just three points.
"Report failed? Isn't swearing against the rules?" Tone Deaf said in astonishment. Tian Xia Gui Huo took a deep breath to suppress the urge to curse and said:
"Perhaps, Yuan Shi Tian Zun reported himself. He's done this right after entering the instance before. But at least we've tested out a rule: a violation can only be reported once."
Qing Songzi and Tone Deaf exchanged a glance, falling into silence.
Yuan Shi Tian Zun might not be the strongest in combat, but his oppressive presence in the instance was far greater than that of Zhao Chenghuang.
Tian Xia Gui Huo said:
"Don't panic, we still have a chance to turn the tables, and that's the battle armor. Remember, the game has rules: each person can only equip one piece of battle armor. We have three people, so that's three pieces.
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"If necessary, we can sacrifice two to empower one, transferring all points and armor to them. After all, the reward at the end will be shared equally, so it doesn't matter who claims the glory."
His plan was crystal clear.
Qing Songzi and Tone Deaf nodded slightly. Given the current situation, this was the only way to compete with Yuan Shi Tian Zun and the Taiyi Sect. If only they could bring the Earth Deity to their side.
Tian Xia Gui Huo turned to Tone Deaf and said:
"Try on that breastplate and see what effects it has."
Tone Deaf took out the breastplate from his inventory and, with the help of Lunu, put it on.
【Alert! Cold Iron Breastplate equipped—Tone Deaf】
Tian Xia Gui Huo and Qing Songzi received the spiritual realm notification.
After checking the attributes of the equipment, Tone Deaf moved his body, his expression a mix of worry and joy: "The breastplate greatly enhances defense, but it's too cumbersome and will slow me down."
He conjured a short sword from the void and stabbed it fiercely into his chest. The blade, capable of cutting through metal and stone, left only a shallow white mark on the armor.
"The defense is impressive, almost on par with earth monsters, but still far from the Earth Deity," Tone Deaf concluded.
【Alert! Cold Iron Breastplate equipped—Tone Deaf】
【Ding! You have been reported by Tian Xia Gui Huo. Reason for report: lack of manners. Report failed, one point deducted from the reporter.】
I was actually reported... Zhang Yuanqing almost laughed out loud when he heard the notification.
When he snatched the breastplate, he couldn't help but curse, and he knew it was a potential problem. Out of respect for the intelligence of his enemies, he chose to report himself.
As expected, Tian Xia Gui Huo's report came right on time.
"If his report failed, then the rule I guessed earlier is correct."
The same violation can't be reported repeatedly.
For example, if he pulled down a Yin Corpse's trousers, that violation could only be reported once; any further reports would fail.
"But actions like pulling down trousers should be repeatable, like murder. A criminal isn't sentenced twice for killing one person, but if he kills again after being released, he will be sentenced again."
"Tian Xia Gui Huo is indeed smart, but this time he's been tricked by me. He's down to 3 points. One more report and he's out."
"The breastplate is now with Tone Deaf, and we must strive to secure the remaining pieces of battle armor."
Zhang Yuanqing, dressed in pajamas, stood up and dusted off his bottom.
Time to ally with Yuan Ting and, of course, to snatch the battle armor.
By the river, Zhao Chenghuang walked ahead with a cold expression, with Yuan Ting following behind, occasionally glancing at the lower half of his Yin Corpse.
By now, the lower half of the Yin Corpse was wrapped in a coat, tied into a makeshift "skirt."
This was partly because being "reported for peeping at private parts" had left a psychological shadow, and also because there were countless spectators watching from outside. It wasn't good to keep the Yin Corpse exposed.
Suddenly, Yuan Ting stopped in his tracks, his expression changing slightly:
"I've been reported by Tian Xia Gui Huo."
Zhao Chenghuang turned to look, raising an eyebrow.
Yuan Ting said gravely, "It's about the move you made with the Yin Corpse just now. You didn't report me, but he did."
Zhao Chenghuang nodded slightly:
"It seems that as long as there's been a violation, it can be reported at any time, without regard for timeliness."
Yuan Ting exhaled a breath of annoyance and said:
"I suddenly understand why those wild wanderers hate reporting so much. This intense reporting environment is suffocating."
"When the reporting mechanism is pushed to the extreme, it demands that everyone be a saint, because only saints won't get reported."
After a pause, he corrected himself: "No, the extreme of reporting is a literary inquisition; even saints can be reported. From the rules we've summarized so far, thankfully, it hasn't reached that point."
Yuan Ting rambled on: "Speaking of reporting, it reminds me of a secret. I'll tell you, but you mustn't tell anyone else."
Zhao Chenghuang interrupted with a twitch of his mouth:
"Not interested!
"Besides, the audience is watching from outside. Telling me is like telling the whole world."
Yuan Ting looked disappointed: "Alright then!" The two walked a few steps when Zhao Chenghuang said:
"We're going to find Sun Miaomiao and regroup as soon as possible. Yuan Ting, I need you to make a sacrifice to help me win. If necessary, I'll eliminate you and take your points and battle armor.
"After the competition, I will compensate you."
He spoke calmly and naturally, as if he hadn't considered the possibility of Yuan Ting refusing.
Among the Taiyi Sect, the young masters and princesses at the Transcendent stage were Zhao Chenghuang and Sun Miaomiao, while at the Saint stage, the Ghost King and Yin Ji were revered.
How could Yuan Ting, a mere sect member, refuse a request from a young master? How could he possibly refuse?
Moreover, Zhao Chenghuang was of noble birth and generous. If he promised compensation, it would surely be given.
Yuan Ting was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Okay!"
Twenty minutes later, they saw a brilliant light shooting into the sky in the distance and immediately ran towards the target.
As they approached the source of the light, Zhao Chenghuang said:
"Guard the surroundings for me and watch out for ambushers."
Yuan Ting had no choice but to stop and vigilantly control the Yin Corpse to watch around.
At that moment, he saw a sparse-haired head peeking out from behind a half-collapsed wall nearby, with big, round eyes.
Yuan Shi Tian Zun's spirit servant! He was close by... Yuan Ting was about to shout a warning when he saw the adorable little spirit servant raise its short, chubby hand and wave as if to beckon him over.
Should I go over?
Yuan Ting hesitated briefly, then quickly ran towards the broken wall with the Yin Corpse.
He admitted that the innocent and pure appearance of the baby was a good tactic to confuse the enemy, but he also sensed that Yuan Shi Tian Zun had something to discuss. To prevent a dishonorable sneak attack, Yuan Ting stopped a few meters from the wall, not daring to approach rashly.
"Hey, Captain Yuan, you look like a lackey right now."
Yuan Shi Tian Zun's light laughter came from behind the wall. "When did you get here?" Yuan Ting asked.
"Just arrived and saw you two," Zhang Yuanqing said with a hint of regret, having just missed the battle armor. Yuan Ting chuckled: "You don't seem like you're here to ambush us. What do you want?"
Zhang Yuanqing said, "I want to form an alliance with you."
"Ally with me?" Yuan Ting shook his head: "Impossible. I represent not only myself but also the Taiyi Sect. We three must support each other and aim for the championship. How could I ally with you?"
Even though we're somewhat acquainted.
Zhang Yuanqing said, "Don't reject it so quickly. Listen to what I have to offer. I can trade information with you."
To be precise, gossip!
Yuan Ting looked at the broken wall and refused without hesitation:
"Yuan Shi, you've misunderstood me. Let me clarify: I will not betray my sect mates, nor will I disregard the honor of the Taiyi Sect for my own gain.
"Please leave, or you won't be able to when Zhao Chenghuang returns."
With that, he turned and walked away.
From behind the wall, a faint voice came: "Do you know why the Dog Elder likes to possess dogs? This secret is known to no one, but I learned the truth by chance."
Yuan Ting suddenly stopped, looking down at his feet in surprise. He hadn't intended to stop, but his body's instinct overrode his thoughts.
"If you ally with me, I'll tell you."
"No! That's not it!"
"Then you know about Chi Yue'an's ex-wife, Zhu Rong. Before he died, he revealed a lot of information to us, like... Zhu Rong needs to do something every day..." Zhang Yuanqing trailed off.
"What does she need to do?!" Yuan Ting suddenly raised his voice.
"Ally with me, and I'll tell you."
Yuan Ting fell silent. He was a man with principles.
Zhang Yuanqing continued: "I know a lust profession wanderer named Annie. Their association has a lover of the Demon Lord. Annie knows many women who have been involved with the Demon Lord, and most of them now hold high positions. You'd never guess who they were back then."
Yuan Ting's eyes lit up, showing a strong desire to know more.
Zhang Yuanqing went on: "I was once hunted by the Demon Eye Sovereign and learned a lot of gossip about the Sovereigns and the Demon Lord. Gossip about the Dominator realm, can you imagine?"
Yuan Ting's face twitched slightly.
Zhang Yuanqing teased: "Do you want to know how to get free services from the lust profession? Young Master Hua was once beaten by a woman at the Fu family for doing something that outraged heaven and man."
Yuan Ting's breathing quickened.
Zhang Yuanqing added: "Fu Qingyang once said something in front of me that could ruin his reputation, make him despised, and even get him kicked out of the White Tiger Forces. I can tell you."
"Stop talking!" Yuan Ting roared, rushing towards the broken wall and confronting Zhang Yuanqing, breathing heavily, "I agree to everything, I agree to everything you say!!"
Zhang Yuanqing looked surprised: "What about your principles?"
"Sometimes, we should have flexible principles," Yuan Ting said, gripping Zhang Yuanqing's hand with deep emotion. "Good brother, I'll definitely take down that scoundrel Zhao Chenghuang for you!"
"Good. After the competition, I'll tell you all the gossip I know. Now, come closer, my plan is..."
In the audience stands of the arena.
The Dog Elder's secret about dogs? Is this something we should be hearing? How to get free services in the lust profession? Name a price, I'll pay anything.
The Demon Lord's former lovers now hold high positions? Besides the publicly known Moon Lady, who else?
Chi Yue'an's past? That promiscuous noblewoman who liked to keep male concubines? What does she need every day, ten men?
What exactly did Fu Qingyang say to Yuan Shi Tian Zun that could ruin his reputation and even get him kicked out of the White Tiger Forces? This is juicy gossip, about the young master of the Fu family.
The venue was dead silent, an eerie atmosphere enveloping the place, as heavy breaths quietly spread among the crowd.
In the elder's seats, Sun Zhanglao leaned toward the Teddy next to him and whispered:
"Old Dog, is there a hidden reason why you possess dogs?"
The Dog Elder rarely bared his teeth and smiled: "I just like dogs. Don't overthink it. Didn't I tell you before?"
Oh, liking dogs... The other elders cast meaningful glances.
"Did you tell me before? I didn't know," Sun Zhanglao thought, suddenly coming up with a brilliant idea. Perhaps, just maybe, he could use this to create hype and replace his own confused shtick.
Right now, the Dog Elder just wanted to dive into the instance and flip Yuan Shi Tian Zun's skull.
"What did you tell Yuan Shi?" Guan Ya asked in a low voice.
Everyone's gaze fell on the handsome young man in a white suit.
Fu Qingyang sat expressionless, a young master who could remain calm even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of him, now seemed somewhat restless, as if on pins and needles.
He tried to control his expression, preventing any noticeable changes.
It's going to be expulsion from the White Tiger Guards after all... The young master took a deep breath and rubbed his twitching eyelid.
"I've never mentioned the Demon Lord's affairs to Yuan Shi Tian Zun," Annie said with some trepidation. "Getting free services in the lust profession? If I'm not misunderstanding the Chinese term 'getting free,' it means having relations with a woman without paying. Mr. Bill, I can't just let him sleep with me for free."
You haven't slept with him yet... Mr. Bill said helplessly: "What he's saying may not be true; it's just psychological warfare."
As for the relationship between the Demon Lord and the Goddess Association, it's not a secret. With Yuan Shi Tian Zun's authority, it's entirely possible and not difficult to learn about it through the Five Elements Alliance.
The young courtesans looked at Zhu Rong with trepidation, only to see her smile dangerously and beautifully, like a rose in full bloom.
"He's slandering me now, but soon, I'll make him enjoy it! I'll drain every bit of energy from him, yet keep him aroused, making him painfully unable to stop."
Yuan Ting watched Yuan Shi Tian Zun leave on his Night Tour, waiting a few seconds before stepping out from behind the wall and returning to his original position.
A minute or so later, he saw Zhao Chenghuang coming with the Yin Corpse. Yuan Ting's gaze fell on the other's arms and asked:
"Armguards? What's their function?"
Zhao Chenghuang's arms were covered with black armguards, covering both the forearms and upper arms.
Zhao Chenghuang's expression was cold: "Defense, and strength."
He clenched his fist lightly and punched forward.
The air made a "breaking" sound as a shockwave shot out, collapsing a half-ruined building in the distance.
"Not bad!" Yuan Ting praised.
Zhao Chenghuang nodded and asked, "No abnormalities around?"
Yuan Ting replied, "I saw Yuan Shi Tian Zun's spirit servant earlier, watching from a distance. When I chased after it, it had already slipped away."
Zhao Chenghuang hummed: "It seems he's still alone, with no allies."
Yuan Ting kept a straight face and said:
"With his high score, everyone wants to eliminate him. No one will ally with him unless he offers a lot."
"Yuan Ting, Zhao Chenghuang, Qing Songzi, Tone Deaf have four points left, Earth Deity has seven points, Tian Xia Gui Huo has three points, and Sun Miaomiao has ten points. If there's another group battle, we should first think of a way to eliminate Tian Xia Gui Huo."
"The Earth Deity still has one report left; he's a half-ally, so we'll leave him be for now. We need to find a way to reduce Sun Miaomiao's points." "So far, three pieces of battle armor have appeared, and I haven't gotten any. How many parts are there in total? The instance didn't mention..."
Zhang Yuanqing and the Yin Corpse squatted in some ruins, surrounded by broken tiles and lush weeds.
Following the breastplate and armguards, another piece of equipment appeared—Cold Iron Battle Saber.
Tian Xia Gui Huo obtained it.
When the Cold Iron Battle Saber appeared, Zhang Yuanqing was exploring the southern part of the city, too far from the saber to do anything but give up.
"Almost half an hour has passed, and no battle armor parts have appeared in the south. According to the pattern, it should appear soon." Zhang Yuanqing waited patiently, and after a while, a brilliant light soared into the sky, less than a hundred meters south of him.
Proofreader&Editor:Lotas