Filling the gap

Gossip is human nature; it's a genetic instinct etched into our DNA.

In ancient times, people's enthusiasm for gossip was already documented. As early as the Song Dynasty, there were "folk tabloids" that specialized in recording rumors and gossip, which were very popular and loved by the literati, merchants, and even the general public.

Print media, radio media, television media, online media... every media revolution, every media innovation brought about by information technology innovation, initially served serious content. However, people soon spontaneously began to think... how could these media be used to facilitate better gossip?

Furthermore, if we trace back further, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly when the earliest gossip-related behavior originated.

In ancient societies where no mediums or languages had just been invented, it's not too hard to imagine that after finishing their gathering, hunting, and weaving activities, people in tribes would sit at the entrance of caves and whisper among themselves about which young couple in the tribe were flirting.

Therefore, Lin Yu knew very well...

Unbeknownst to him, the identities of "Director" and "Zhu Ming" had been bound together in a way that was even tighter than he had anticipated, through this gossip.

Lin Yu couldn't judge whether this unexpected event was a good thing or a bad thing, but he always had a strong ability to accept things.

Since it has already happened...

"Then let's think about how to use this now 'widely circulated' news to gain more benefits for myself..."

Lin Yu thought to himself.

However, the current discussion about the "Director" and "Zhu Ming" is just a minor episode.

The most important thing right now is...

It's time for Old Zheng, playing the role of "Schreiber," to speak.

"Thank you for your advice on clothing and personal image. I've also noted down the information about the 'Director' and the 'Beast Master' for now," Old Zheng straightened his collar and steered the conversation back on track. "Anyway... one reason I came to you and intend to contact the 'Diviner' through you is that I've roughly anticipated—you probably don't yet know what's happened with the 'Diviner'."

As Old Zheng was saying this, "A'yu" immediately retorted, "Schreiber, stop beating around the bush and keeping me in suspense—just say what you have to say!"

"Celestial King" wasn't as impatient as A'yu. She buried her fingers in her hair, smoothing it back, and slowly asked, "What are you trying to say, Schreiber?"

"Are you trying to pressure us with negotiation tactics or speaking techniques? Please stop... I won't be affected by those things; I only care about results, actual results."

"If your words are substantial, then we can talk... Pretending to be mysterious and deliberately obfuscating will only increase my dislike and make me lose patience."

Old Zheng looked at A'yu and Celestial King, and without beating around the bush, simply chuckled, "Alright, then I'll tell you two in the most straightforward and direct way possible—the 'Diviner's' arrangements and plans in the Prison Mountain Realm have failed."

"He was outmaneuvered by the 'Feng Shui Master,' and through a series of coincidences and the targeting of the World Will the Prison Mountain Realm, he suffered a great loss—not only did his entire plan fail, but he is now likely severely weakened and depleted."

Lin Yu calmly stated his judgment.

A'yu frowned. "'Feng Shui Master'? That annoying, slimy bug? As for him... he might be able to annoy Brother Zhan, but he can't possibly ruin Brother Zhan's arrangements."

"That idiot has never actually succeeded in hindering Brother Zhan in his entire life... So far, none of Brother Zhan's plans have failed."

A'yu shook her head, clearly not believing Lin Yu's statement at all.

But...

The Celestial King on the other side didn't directly object. Instead, he thoughtfully rested his chin on one hand and placed the other on his waist, deep in thought.

"Feng Shui Master are indeed almost undefeated against Diviner, but with the World Will of the Prison Mountain Realm... well, I don't think it's possible either, but something just feels off."

As the Celestial King pondered, he looked at the large crystal beside him.

What do you think?

A long sigh followed the crystal.

"Celestial King, you idiot, why did you betray me?"

A woman of similar height to the Celestial King, dressed in a black leather jacket and skirt and studded boots, stood up. Her face was adorned with rich yet understated, bright yet not gaudy makeup.

Although she wore very Western-style makeup, with glitter on her eyes and even glossy glitter on her bluish lips, Lin Yu still recognized her as "Liu," whom he had met once before.

Hired by "Ling Xian", he participated in the battle against "Order" while inside the Pure Ruins.

Before she stood up on her own initiative... Lin Yu hadn't even noticed that she was crouching behind the crystal on the altar.

The Celestial King looked at Liu, seemingly unconcerned. "Didn't you already expose yourself to the people of 'Order'? You accepted our job... So what if you expose yourself again now?"

"The price Ling Xian offered included this part, but I have no obligation to expose myself to this guy named Schreiber," Liu sighed, "This is an extra charge..."

The Celestial King, however, remained unconcerned. "I'll just add more money—but this 'Schreiber' is only a 'Tier 3' unit, is he really that intimidating to you?"

Upon hearing the Celestial King's words, Liu readily admitted, "Yes, firstly, he's not just any ordinary 'Tier 3.' He's the successor of 'Freud,' skilled in Mental Power, and more obsessive than most of the current members of the 'Psychology Society' —even if I'm a 'Divine Rank' higher than him, I don't want to be targeted by him or have him on my mind..."

"I don't want to be caught off guard by some 'Trial' he designed while I'm doing Instance or taking on a job," Liu said, looking at Celestial King. "Especially... his abilities are particularly bizarre."

The Celestial King was somewhat surprised. "Extremely strange?"

"Hmm, didn't you notice? He only sent a 'Doppelganger'," Liu said, looking at Old Zheng, squinting and pursing his lips in thought. "Hmm, I can't figure it out either. Anyway, this isn't his real body—even if you kill him, he should only suffer a little Backlash at most."

"Didn't you notice, Celestial King?"

Liu countered, and the Celestial King, somewhat shocked, asked, "How could I possibly see that... You're not joking?"

Let alone Liu...

Even Lin Yu and Old Zheng were somewhat shocked when they heard this.

Although Old Zheng's body was currently Projection condensed using the Authority the [Ancient Notebook], existing as a semi -Information Lifeform carrying his soul, the high-level counter-surveillance and counter-peeping capabilities of his Mental Power and Soul Power, coupled with Lin Yu's current mastery of a certain amount of "life" power, allowed him to further refine Old Zheng's body during the condensation process, even infusing it with a significant amount of Life Force...

Therefore, even the "Diviner" himself, or some kind of Deity, would not be able to distinguish between Old Zheng and a normal living person unless they specifically investigate with suspicion.

Moreover, neither of them had clearly sensed any indication that "Liu" was probing them.

But she still managed to hit the nail on the head... the essence of Old Zheng's current state.

Although it was impossible for Liu to completely guess or deduce the Truth of the matter, it was still surprising enough that he could see that the "Schreiber" in front of him was somewhat fake.

"That's why you're so fearless," Schreiber.

Liu looked at Old Zheng and asked.

Old Zheng also looked at Liu, and under Lin Yu's instruction, nodded in agreement. "It's always good to be safe just in case. Although from a 'rational perspective,' I think nothing bad should happen to me on this trip, since what I'm going to do is beneficial to the 'Marauders'... But, as you know, this organization's core principle isn't 'rational thinking.'"

Old Zheng spoke, A'yu's face darkened, realizing the implication in Old Zheng words. "What do you mean, you bastard? Believe me or not, I'll kill you."

Old Zheng shrugged and pointed at A'yu: "Look, a living example."

A'yu's face flushed red instantly, and she reached out to take out the [Grace] and [Wrath of Yesterday] that she had just put away, but she quickly restrained herself.

"You bastard!"

A'yu cursed angrily.

The Celestial King wasn't so angry. "What you said does make sense. I'm indeed not the kind of person who would act from a 'profit-driven' perspective or make the 'optimal solution'... However, I don't think there's anything wrong with that."

Old Zheng looked at Liu: "So... you're the 'Marauders' reliance, right? Even if the 'Diviner' isn't here, even if the entire setup in the Prison Mountain Realm fails, there's another 'Tier 4' combatant who can fill the gaps in Shenzhen's front line, is that right?"

Liu shook her head. "No, no... The gap between me and the 'Diviner' is still too great. If the 'Diviner' isn't here and I'm the one assisting the 'Marauders,' I can't fill that void."

"Furthermore, I will not attend the upcoming 'Marauders' operations—it's one thing to Arena with some members of 'Order' in the Ten Realms, but to directly and deeply participate in the 'Marauders' plan in the Real World, especially with a 'Grandmaster' here... they haven't given me enough."

Liu paused for a moment, then said, "Especially since you were involved in this plan."

Old Zheng pointed to himself. "Me?"

"I told you I found you troublesome, and I wasn't joking," Liu said in a low voice. "I don't like chaotic scenes anyway, and you're a madman who dared to conduct your so-called 'Trial' right under the noses of the Second Generation 'Freud' and the 'Diviner'..."

"If it were possible, I would absolutely never want to deal with you."