Players, Please Begin Your Performance - Chapter 3

Lao Xiangyun possessed the courage to make decisive judgments. After only a brief hesitation, she walked up to Xing Yun. Pushing up her glasses and swallowing hard, she spoke with a hint of nerves: “We truly have an affinity. To think we have met again.”

Xing Yun was puzzled. “Is it even possible not to meet?”

“Of course,” Liu Cui said, walking over with a beaming, sincere smile. “Not everyone is assigned to the same instance.”

“Then it seems I have an affinity with everyone present.”

Liu Cui choked for a moment but did not want to miss out on a potential talent like Xing Yun. “In an instance, nothing is actually important. The most important thing is to survive. I have had the honor of gaining the recognition of many people, and I hope to gain yours as well.”

Xing Yun nodded. “You did indeed help some newcomers come up with beneficial strategies.”

Hearing Xing Yun speak in evasive circles, Liu Cui smiled. “But why do I always feel like you do not approve of me?”

“I do not.”

In the Infinite World, it was rare for veterans to seek out private conversations. Liu Cui’s actions made Xing Yun, who was already the center of attention, even more conspicuous. Some felt envy while others felt surprise. In reality, it was nothing more than veterans wanting to use newcomers for trial and error, and newcomers wanting to cling to experts. They were simply taking what they needed from each other.

Yi Ban looked at the expressionless Xing Yun and could not help but steal several more glances. The tool she had obtained was a paintbrush. She had told the staff she could paint for the hotel to maximize the brush’s potential, but the staff had looked at her coldly and said she did not know how to paint at all. If she had not used her quick wits at the last moment, she would have been kicked out long ago.

Lies could be detected by the staff. So, was everything Xing Yun said actually the truth? Yi Ban did not think so. According to experience, the staff were just low-level NPCs who could not pry into others’ thoughts. It was highly likely they detected heart rate and blood pressure to judge whether someone was lying. Yi Ban felt that Xing Yun’s ability to say nonsensical things without her heart racing was truly impressive. Controlling physical reactions was not something that could be done instantly; it required long-term training.

It seemed a tough newcomer had arrived. If she could not deal with Xing Yun, she would have to target her teammate instead. Xing Yun returned a friendly smile to the observing Yi Ban: “Is something the matter?”

Yi Ban remained silent and shook her head.

Liu Cui helped the slumped Ren Na up, her face full of guilt. “I am sorry. The situation was critical just now, and I could not think of how to handle it in such a short time.”

Even after hearing this, Ren Na did not stop shivering. She no longer knew whether to trust Liu Cui. Previously, she had wanted to be valued by Liu Cui, but she no longer desired it. Did being kept by Liu Cui’s side as cannon fodder really count as surviving well?

Dark clouds gathered outside the window. Ren Na stood up shakily, watching the raindrops fall like strings of pearls against the glass.

Liu Cui comforted the dazed Ren Na: “I have entered countless instances, large and small. The previous trial was God’s mercy to the newcomers; not many were lost. Most people could survive as long as they were a bit clever. Therefore, there should not be any particularly dangerous events following this.” She cleared her throat and addressed the people around her: “I hope everyone can share the tools they received. This way, we can plan how to use them efficiently and arrange teams. If we are united, there is nothing we cannot overcome.”

The newcomers all showed hesitant expressions. Who would be willing to share their life-saving secrets so openly with others?

Liu Cui clapped her hands immediately: “It is exactly this spirit of questioning that is needed. It is right not to trust others easily.” She raised her hand. Under everyone’s gaze, her hand turned to sand and fell in a rustle from the air. Then her arm followed, then her torso, and even her clothes turned into sand with her. Amidst the astonishment of the crowd, she appeared completely unharmed behind them.

“Since trust cannot be established, I will go first. My ability is Sand Transformation.” Liu Cui looked around: “I have no offensive capability at all, but my defense is superlative. As long as I am attacked, I automatically turn into sand and then reform. I want to find a few people with high offensive power to explore the hotel with me. I ask those with high attack power to think: would your safety factor be higher acting alone or with your teammate, or would it be higher forming a small team where everyone’s safety is public knowledge?”

“Tools within the instance cannot be used outside. Veterans simply have more experience than newcomers.” Her expression was solemn: “But it is experience that has allowed me to cross countless dangers to stand here. Teaming up with me can help you avoid many hazards.”

Liu Cui walked back to the center of the hall and looked at everyone. She possessed a high nose and deep-set eyes, with a dark shadow beneath them. “The higher the exploration rate, the more performance points you can earn. What if God is willing to protect us more in future instances because of our performance points?”

As soon as she finished speaking, a newcomer stepped forward and asked, “How will God protect us?”

Liu Cui smiled: “Legends say that God will summon the players He favors and grant them tools that can be used across multiple instances. However, the legend is so old that it is uncertain if such a person even exists.”

The newcomer’s face turned red with excitement, and they coughed a few times: “My God.” The legendary God was mysterious and unpredictable, like a rose with thorns, yet full of attraction. Some newcomers who had obtained powerful tools were already eager to try, waiting only for the final push.

Liu Cui continued to add at the right moment: “I propose we implement a small-scale trial system. If anyone among those who join intends to harm a teammate, they will undergo a trial to ensure everyone’s safety. What does everyone think?”

Most of the newcomers had fully joined Liu Cui’s camp, and some veterans joined as well. Xing Yun felt that Liu Cui’s ability to control the entire situation with just a few words made her an incredibly formidable person. Sometimes, the power of language is more bone-chilling than a weapon.

Yi Ban came over and added with a smile: “God will give you everything you want. As long as you see God, your darkest inner thoughts can be realized.”

Liu Cui attracted those who simply wanted to survive, while Yi Ban targeted those who wanted to see God. They were a perfect match. Such an omniscient and omnipotent God caused a fanatical look to appear in everyone’s eyes. After all, all humans have desires. Desires are usually things one cannot achieve on one’s own. If one could have their wishes granted.

The rain gradually subsided, and the air turned inexplicably cold.

“Lao Xiangyun, do you have a sense of familiarity?” Xing Yun pondered. For some reason, a magical sense of déjà vu emerged in her again. She did not feel much surprise at God’s abilities, almost as if she already knew about them, though she could not explain why.

“No.” Lao Xiangyun looked at Xing Yun beside her, feeling that she was somewhat profound and mysterious. “What is wrong?”

Xing Yun said, “It feels like I am supposed to know something, but I cannot remember it no matter what.”

Lao Xiangyun frowned but did not dare to respond casually. Now, it was not just Liu Cui who noticed Xing Yun; even someone as indifferent to other players as Yu Yan stole several glances at her, wondering what kind of tool she held. Yu Yan looked at the slight curl at the ends of Xing Yun’s hair and her calm, shifting eyes, feeling a sense of appreciation. She did not like those fanatical followers of God. Someone like Xing Yun, who remained calm even after hearing about God, was exactly the type Yu Yan liked. She believed that if one wanted to survive in an instance, they could not dream of God’s blessings; being strong oneself was the only way.

“Anyone who has no problem with the trial system, come to me to sign up. People in the teams will help each other. At the same time, if those who do not participate encounter danger, no one will help you.” Liu Cui encouraged the crowd.

Yu Yan frowned and turned to leave directly, showing no intention of participating. “You.” But when she walked past Xing Yun, her footsteps paused. “Coming with me?”

Xing Yun was completely bewildered by Yu Yan suddenly speaking to her. She did not know Yu Yan’s background, nor did she understand why she had caught her attention. Furthermore, it was too dangerous for just the two of them to be together. By any logic, Liu Cui’s large group was more tempting. Xing Yun tentatively mimicked the number one with her lips, but Yu Yan had no reaction at all. It seemed they were not teammates either.

“Think I am too noisy?” Yu Yan narrowed her eyes, huffed, and walked away.

Xing Yun was speechless. That was not what she meant. She wanted to explain, but Yu Yan walked too fast and did not give her a chance.

Lao Xiangyun asked, “Can I be in a group with you?”

Xing Yun replied, “Sure.”

Lao Xiangyun whispered, “I wonder if my physics knowledge can still be applied in the instance.”

“But you still have your brain, and you have much more of a self-sacrificing spirit than those other cowering people.”

Lao Xiangyun was stunned. “Was I really like that?”

“Yes.”

Those who volunteered to Liu Cui with powerful weapons naturally joined her team, while others formed groups freely. Xing Yun also received an invitation from Liu Cui. Being invited by two big shots made Xing Yun feel overwhelmed. Not only did she have nothing to her name, but she was also physically weak. If she followed Liu Cui, would she not end up as the bottom-tier cannon fodder? If a fight broke out, was she supposed to hold a bubble machine as the hype squad?

“I would still prefer to explore freely and go with a larger team.” Xing Yun waved her hand in refusal. The largest group felt flattered when they heard she wanted to join them.

A resort hotel built in a lawless no-man’s land was truly inconceivable. The entire building was situated on the shady side of a mountain, resulting in insufficient light and extreme gloom. The main entrance of the hotel connected to the lobby, which included the reception desk and a lounge area. Further in was the residential area, and beyond that was a scenic gallery with cafes and dessert shops on either side. Even further in was a racing showground. The wealth and hobbies of the owner were clearly visible.

Speakers were distributed throughout the hotel. Due to a lack of maintenance, the sound coming from them was crackling and distorted, with the volume fluctuating wildly like ghosts weeping or wolves howling. The dark clouds in the sky added to the chilling atmosphere.

In the racing showground, Xing Yun found several pages from a diary. The hotel owner originally loved racing, but later fell in love with a woman. The woman did not like such dangerous activities, so the owner gave up his hobby for love and opened this hotel instead. The showground was built only for the sake of his dreams.

“Maybe you can use this.” Lao Xiangyun handed over a few more pages of diary paper, and Xing Yun thanked her. “The owner believed that he and the woman loved each other, cherishing every inch of her skin and caring for every gift she gave,” Lao Xiangyun said while reading.

Xing Yun pondered: “But the woman’s love for him was fake. She ran away with the money when the owner fell ill. The owner vowed to find her with all his might and then tear her apart bone by bone.”

Lao Xiangyun looked at Xing Yun, remained silent for a moment, and said, “There are resentful couples in my hometown too. Some were abandoned by their partners and went mad, while others killed their partners the moment they saw them again.”

Xing Yun looked back at Lao Xiangyun, feeling a bit horrified. Had the owner died and returned as a ghost? Or did the owner turn the woman into a ghost? Or perhaps a player was playing the woman, being crafted into a ghost by the returning, frenzied owner?

The diary paper was yellowed and very brittle. Xing Yun did not dare to squeeze it hard. Some words were already blurred and very difficult to identify. While Xing Yun was thinking, she unknowingly wandered further away from the other team members. By the time she snapped out of it, an uninvited guest appeared before her: Yu Yan.

Xing Yun was startled. When she saw the gun in Yu Yan’s hand, she silently backed away and assumed a defensive stance. Yu Yan looked at Xing Yun, shrugged her shoulders, and laughed while covering her mouth. She put the gun away and, looking at Xing Yun’s expression, could not help but have a lingering smile on her lips. “Do not step back any further. Are you not afraid of running into danger?” Yu Yan made an explosion gesture with her hands in front of her. “Do you want to fall into the forbidden zone and explode like fireworks?”

Xing Yun steadied herself. She had reached the wall of the showground, with a window behind her. Outside the window was a misty white smoke. She tentatively reached her hand out, and it disappeared. Xing Yun clenched her fingertips; she felt nothing. She pulled her hand back, and it was not damaged in the slightest.

“What place is that?” Xing Yun repeatedly looked at her hand; her fingertips felt slightly cool.

“That is,” Yu Yan frowned in frustration, “just think of it as an unmodeled area.”

“Huh? Does God get lazy too?”

“God can make anything that does not exist rise from the ground with just a flick of a finger. It certainly is not laziness.” Yu Yan’s expression was complex: “Generally, everyone avoids that place. Entering the unmodeled area means death, yet you actually brought your hand back intact.”

When Lao Xiangyun encountered Yu Yan at the showground, she felt as if her heart had stopped beating. She constantly looked between the two of them and decisively shrank behind Xing Yun. Xing Yun gave Lao Xiangyun a reassuring look. She believed that since Yu Yan was willing to talk to her, she surely had no intention of harming anyone. So, she relaxed and looked at her hand again: “I just think that mist is very interesting. It is pure white and soft, as if it would be very suitable for lying down.”

Yu Yan responded to her: “It should be because you told the staff earlier that you wanted to see the scenery. It was recorded by the instance, so you are not restricted by the area.”

After hearing this, Xing Yun looked up slightly. A flash of inspiration hit her, and she said excitedly: “So, although the hidden conditions are dangerous, if you pass them, they can be used in the instance?”

“Not only can they be used in the instance, but some can also be used outside the instance.” Yu Yan looked at Xing Yun with a look of praise, then changed the subject: “But those who said they would pay double rent earlier have already been kicked out because they could not produce the money.”

No wonder some veterans had to deliberate for a long time before speaking.

Yu Yan asked, “Do you usually not exercise much? You look a bit frail. Women should be a bit stronger.” As she spoke, she showed off her well-proportioned arm muscles and even quite cheerfully showed Xing Yun the six-pack abs on her stomach. Her feminine power was at its peak. She was simply not on the same level as Xing Yun, whose back ached from sitting too long and whose legs ached from standing too long.

“If your back and legs are sore, you can exchange some medicated patches with the system.”

“Huh?” Xing Yun felt as if she were hearing something out of this world, disbelieving. “Should it not be something like directly adding to physical stats, like Agility +1 or Strength +1?”

“There used to be such things. There were even tools that could be used across all instances.” Yu Yan had a complex expression: “But some people thought it was too wasteful to exchange performance points for tools; those are important conditions for seeing God. Also, some newcomers felt that since veterans had tools and they did not, they would always be crushed. God felt that it indeed affected fairness, so He simply cancelled them all.”

Xing Yun was dumbfounded. “Then what is there now?”

Yu Yan paced mysteriously, making Xing Yun feel that her patience was exhausted. After coughing twice, Yu Yan finally said, “There are things like medicated patches to relieve pain, or dumbbells to strengthen the body. At the same time, the lobby provides free healing as a subsidy, but it does not come with any buffs; it only restores you to your own level of physical training.”

Lao Xiangyun asked, “From a long-term perspective, is that not even more unfriendly to players?”

Yu Yan stretched. “That is why it is simply stupid.” It was unclear if the word “stupid” referred to the people or perhaps God.

“I have some information about the hotel here. Can we exchange?” Xing Yun asked.

Yu Yan curled her lips into a smile: “Little sister, I already understand everything you know.” She pulled out her handgun again, grinning.

Xing Yun felt fear rising in her heart. “What are you going to do?”

“Oh my, do not be nervous.” As Yu Yan brushed past Xing Yun, she snapped her fingers near her ear. “It was very pleasant chatting with you. I am going to perform a magic trick.”

Xing Yun’s gaze moved with Yu Yan’s actions. Yu Yan casually toyed with her shoulder-length hair and narrowed her eyes, smiling: “Turn the people I do not like into corpses.”