Speaking of which, besides escaping trouble, I actually had other reasons for coming to Chengdu. Of course, I didn’t expect the information here to be so well-developed—there are even bounties, making it even more dangerous than at the foot of Mount Qingcheng.

A few buddies I usually get along with on the forum, though most are on Mount Emei, quite a few were born near Mount Qingcheng. I came here to meet up with the organization. Roaming the game world alone, I really felt outnumbered and powerless. It’s far less satisfying than leading a big group to shout at others: “One-on-one! It’s you alone against all of us; group fight! It’s all of us beating up just you.”

But first, I have to shake off Blaze Fan! If those bastards find out, it’ll quickly reach my girlfriend Lillian Clark’s ears. Among my online friends, quite a few girls know I have a girlfriend, and finding out Lillian Clark’s phone number is really easy, since some of these people happen to be my schoolmates.

If you want women not to gossip, you might as well try your luck with pigs!

It was my first time in Chengdu. Games nowadays are nothing like twenty years ago—back then, so-called “big cities” were actually tiny, not even as big as a real-life village. Now, with technological advances, Chengdu is built to be incredibly magnificent. Most of the famous scenic spots and historical sites have been faithfully restored, and even some ancient sites lost to history have been recreated. Of course, modern buildings like government offices have all been removed—basically, there’s nothing here built after the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Wandering around Qingyang Palace, Wuhou Shrine, and Du Fu Thatched Cottage, time just slipped away. While Blaze Fan wasn’t paying attention, I secretly set my online coordinates to Wang Jian’s Tomb. That’s a great spot! Located at Sandong Bridge in the western suburbs of Chengdu, it’s the mausoleum of Wang Jian, Emperor of Former Shu during the Five Dynasties (847–918 AD), historically known as Yongling. It was excavated in 1942 and is now a nationally protected cultural site.

Compared to those well-known attractions, this place is rarely visited—almost no one comes here, since there aren’t as many people in the game as in real life. During the open beta, according to forum statistics, Chengdu received about 200,000 players per day, which is nothing compared to the real city’s population of over ten million.

I’d always heard of these famous sites, but never had the chance to travel. I’m not some celebrity or scholar, so just wandering through these virtual sights is enough for me. By my estimate, I’d already spent nearly five days in Shushan, which is about five hours in real life. It was time to log off for food and rest, and I’d also promised to accompany Lillian Clark to her job interview—couldn’t let that be delayed.

Just as I was lecherously copping a few more feels of Blaze Fan, my “cheap girlfriend,” and about to say goodbye (meaning “never see you again”), I suddenly heard a loud shout, and a group of people rushed over to surround me.

“You! You’re that damned Xiao Huo? How dare you hit on my sister and even chase her into the game? What was that move you just pulled?”

“Damn! I knew something was off, but who could’ve guessed it’d be this kind of trouble? What move just now?”

I stared blankly at my left hand, which was “scanning the horizon” atop Blaze Fan’s rather elastic, perfectly sized, and wonderfully feeling chest. My frustration was beyond words. Sure, I’m part of the pervert squad, but I’m also an upstanding young man with ideals, a future, good looks, and a great figure. I’ve never failed at flirting behind my girlfriend’s back, and I’m not so desperate as to stoop this low!

The leader’s chest insignia was actually from Baiman Mountain. “A disciple of the Green Robe Patriarch! Are there really players joining such a sinister sect?” You should know, the Green Robe Patriarch is a notorious villain in Shushan—cruel by nature, with boundless magic, and his disciples practice vicious and sinister arts. Not someone to mess with.

These players were about the same level as me, but they had the numbers and momentum. If it came to reasoning, I’d lose. Since Blaze Fan is a closed beta player, these people probably are too, and might even have a few protective magic treasures on hand.

“Damn! Do I have any other choice? Better log off quick!”

Before they could make a move, I hurriedly pulled up the system and exited Shushan. If the system had determined I was in combat, it would’ve been too late to log off. Amid the chaos, I even noticed an email from Blaze Fan, with just two big characters: “Thank you!”

“Damn! I still got played by that little vixen!”

Disconnecting the neural link, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Anyone else would be both crying and laughing at this. Blaze Fan may have tricked me, but I have to admit, she’s a smart girl!

But time was running out, so I quickly grabbed my phone and called Lillian Clark. There was an even smarter girl waiting for me today!

Chapter 9: Heh heh! An old acquaintance!

Lillian Clark was clearly dressed up today. Following my repeated advice, she wore a pair of faded jeans and a very loose white shirt, looking rather dashing.