Give Me Some Face

Both the front and back doors opened, and fifty people promptly disembarked. No one lingered on the bus for even a second longer, given that the driver seemed to have a rather unpleasant temper.

Yu Xing simply followed behind Xue Shouyun, waiting patiently without vying for anything. He took this opportunity to secretly sense the strength of the others. Some people's strength was obvious at a glance, while others were like bottomless pits, impossible to discern.

Zhang Yu's seat was at the very front, and he has already gotten off the bus through the front door.

He also saw several acquaintances, as well as a "top-level bigwig" whose photo he had seen in documents before.

With her painting tube slung over her shoulder, Yu Xing slowly moved to the back door. She glanced through the door and saw that the bus was stopped on a small road leading to Nanshui Town, only a dozen meters away from the nearest building.

Everything outside was white, and there were quite a few people having a snowball fight Snowman; they looked like townspeople who had come out to play.

The townspeople showed no tension or curiosity as the bus approached, their attitude perfectly normal—which was the most abnormal thing of all.

"Didn't they say Nanshui Town hasn't seen the sun in ages?" someone muttered to their companion. "Is this bright sunshine being ignored?"

"That's definitely not how it is in town. What we're seeing is just an illusion," his companion said.

"Kacha."

Yu Xing stepped out of the car, she suddenly felt a soft, velvety sensation under her feet, and the soles of her shoes sank slightly. A cold wind enveloped Yu Xing, and the noise of people filled her ears.

The wind swept across my face, bringing with it a peculiar, cool scent.

Snow was beneath his feet and in his eyes. Looking around, he saw some dilapidated green belts covered in a layer of white. The treetops weighed down the snow, which swayed precariously and was occasionally shaken off, quickly turning into shallow water stains on his skin.

"What a beautiful town." Just as Yu Xing stopped and was about to pull Zhang Yu to her side, a gentle, smiling voice was already very close.

The other person approached without a sound, not even a breath could be detected. A hint of surprise flashed in Yu Xing's eyes, but she calmly turned her head and, sure enough, saw Hua Subai.

He scrutinized Hua Subai's attire with an unabashed, critical gaze. Despite the cold season, Hua Subai was still only wearing a thin sweater and light-colored casual pants, without any attempt at pretense.

Looking away, Yu Xing said calmly, "So-so."

It's unclear whether they're referring to the town or specifically targeting Hua Subai.

Hua Subai was somewhat disappointed by his calmness, and it was clear that he had a look of shock and defeat on his face.

However, Boss Hua never minded being frustrated by Yu Xing. With his hands in his pockets, he tilted his head and smiled even wider, "A painter's aesthetic sense is definitely better than someone like me. As long as it's a place where I can open a flower shop, it's beautiful to me."

Yu Xing responded with a cold and aloof attitude.

Hua Subai: "... Aren't you going to ask me why I'm here?"

Yu Xing chuckled lightly and retorted rather bluntly, "Didn't you sign up yourself?"

"Oh dear, it's been so long. You seem to have developed some hostility towards me again. Aren't we good friends?" Hua Subai moved even closer, while Xue Shouyun, not far away, glanced at them with a probing look.

Yu Xing remembered that it wasn't that Hua Subai hadn't appeared in front of him for a long time, but that he had been missing ever since he saw the truth about the relationship between Hua Subai and the Lingren at the Wizard Cult under Dead Silence Dead Silent Island.

Actually, to be precise, Hua Subai followed him as soon as he returned to the real world.

So that means...

Hua Subai probably doesn't realize what he's revealed.

Yu Xing didn't show it on his face, but he was already thinking about how to use this to his advantage. They were indeed "friends," but they probably both knew how many lies were mixed in with that word.

While they were talking, everyone got off the bus. The driver closed the door expressionlessly, turned around, and drove away without looking back.

Only a large contingent of fifty people remained standing in the snow-covered clearing, already showing signs of splitting into opposing camps.

This was something that had been foreseen. When registering, no one knew the specific list, but now the system doesn't use any fancy tricks and just lets them gather from the beginning, making the forces involved in this event very clear.

The crowd, led by three people, dispersed into three different locations.

Yu Xing glanced up and knew that these three were far more powerful than the others.

The first one was a tall man who looked to be under 30 years old. He had strong features, short and neat hair, and was dressed in all black. He had a cool demeanor, but he wasn't cold. Instead, he exuded an innate leadership quality, and one glance at him was enough to make you feel very dignified.

Although Yu Xing had never directly interacted with him, she had already memorized his face— Yan Li, the leader of the Widow Investigation Team.

Even Yan Ming, who has now developed divinity, willingly obeys all his commands.

The second woman was, and if one had to find an adjective to describe her, she would probably be the most beautiful woman Yu Xing had ever seen since birth, so beautiful that it was almost impossible to look directly at her.

The woman was voluptuous, with a prominent bust and buttocks, yet her waist was so slender it could be grasped in one hand. Her face was also exceptionally beautiful, the kind of beauty that was striking and dramatic. Her ankle-length hair was casually draped over her shoulders, and even when the wind blew, it exuded charm.

Medusa... the guild leader of the Midnight Guild, a powerful weapon on par with Yan Li.

According to legend, Medusa is a complete looks-obsessed person; she can smile broadly at those who meet her standards, and can also pin those who don't to an ice wall with a single breath.

The third one... was an excessively effeminate, slender man. He was much taller than the others, perhaps two meters tall, with medium-length gray hair that covered half of his face. He carried a pair of sharp, slender, and frighteningly large scissors on his back.

Those closest to this man were all, without exception, people with strange and eerie auras, already beginning to mutate into non-human beings. (Lan)

Yu Xing had sensed a similar aura on the Xu family before. However, unlike the Xu family, whose death aura was purely due to their ability to communicate with spirits and control ghosts, the death aura on these people was extremely mixed and chaotic. They all looked like they were about to die, but when it came to death, they could still hang on for a long time.

"He's the Flower Seeker, the most Lingren subordinate of the performers in Single Prism," Hua Subai introduced in a low voice, as if it were none of his business. "He's also a monster created by excessive resource allocation, quite disgusting. A Xing, you'd better not associate with him."

Yu Xing gave a half-smile, "Oh. I'm afraid he was specially trained to deal with you."

Hua Subai put his arm around Yu Xing's shoulder, looking like they were best buddies, and pointed at the group from the corner. "Those behind him are also from the Fallen Path. Remember their faces, and don't be polite to them once you're in town."

The Widow Investigation Team, late at night, Single Prism.

The three top guilds arrived, and all of them were guild leaders and powerful figures. Before the other strategists had a clear understanding of the situation inside Nanshui Town, they each had their own inclinations, fearing that when the three big shots made their choices, they would prioritize pulling out those who didn't belong to either side to be cannon fodder.

Of course, it's difficult to count how many of them are simply avoiding being the first to stand out, thus conforming to the crowd and observing the situation.

In contrast, Zhang Yu felt a little awkward. He was definitely going to follow Yu Xing, but when he looked around, he saw that his own captain was also standing apart from the crowd with a stranger.

Yu Xing brushed away Hua Subai's arm and beckoned to Zhang Yu, "Come here."

Since everyone participating in the event is now together, the official live stream's popularity remains undiminished.

Someone had just come in and, upon seeing this scene, screamed with excitement.

[A once-in-a-century moment: Yan Li Medusa!]

[You see a once-in-a-century couple, I see a chaotic scene Medusa has been lusting after Yan Li for so long, and Yan Li has been giving her the cold shoulder the whole time. Hahaha, this is going to be interesting!]

[Are there really so many Fallen Path this time? Looking at them gives me the creeps.]

[They've already chosen sides at the very beginning... Won't a faction war spontaneously break out in town? Hey, it seems like someone hasn't chosen a side, isn't that Ni Yu? Zhang Yu, right?]

[Oh, the broken mirror, that's truly courageous.]

Some highly deviant and scheming individuals also noticed this and started causing trouble.

[Oh, he hasn't even officially joined Broken Mirror yet, and he's already this arrogant? Seeker of Flowers isn't very magnanimous. Drowned Feather, why is he acting so cocky without finding a backer? He'll be the first one to die soon.]

[Wait, aren't there two arrogant guys with Niyu? By the way, who are these two? I've never seen them before. They're probably just clueless noobs who signed up.]

[... Some people, shut up. I'm from a personal livestream, and I regret to inform you that these two are number one and number four on the list—you can't afford to mess with them.]

[Damn, is this a blessing?? He's really alive! And he seems to be doing quite well (not really)]

[So, in fact, Yuki is the third president present.]

If Yu Xing could see the comments, she would probably laugh.

Actually, there are four real presidents here.

[Is that the woman next to him "Hua"? Do they know each other? Are they planning to form their own faction?]

Do they even have that ability?

[Is the person upstairs drunk? Do you think the first and fourth place winners actually have that kind of ability?]

The chat was briefly silent.

Until one clueless person, oblivious to the atmosphere, sent out the message he had just typed.

So this is what Xing looks like. Why doesn't he use that sacrifice that altered his appearance anymore?

Give me back my beautiful older sister!

!]

Those unaware of the situation looked on with confusion.

Those who vaguely remembered the details of what happened back then couldn't hold back any longer:

[LOL, so you're a victim of the rose mask, huh?]

[Some people actually believed he was a woman]

In the live stream, Zhang Yu, slightly shocked, walked towards Yu Xing, becoming as docile as a quail.

The three "leaders" all seemed to be on the same wavelength, turning their gazes towards each other at the same time.

Yan Li Medusa were sizing up Yu Xing, while the Flower Seeker immediately fixed his gloomy gaze on Hua Subai.

The scene was far from quiet; everyone was discussing or deliberating with acquaintances. Medusa curled her lips and gracefully walked up to Yu Xing.

Her height is outstanding among girls, and with high heels, she can actually look Yu Xing in the eye.

"The captain of the broken mirror? Ah, I watched your live stream before, and I really admired you." Even her most ordinary posture exuded allure. She leaned closer, reached out and pinched Yu Xing's chin, her tone lingering, "Later, I heard you died, and I was heartbroken for a long time."

"I didn't expect you to come back so quietly."

"Vice President Zhao of Broken Mirror is really capable, keeping the news so tightly under wraps that even my intelligence agents didn't get a single benefit." Lan

Yu Xing responded with a soft chuckle.

Medusa is definitely a True-level being, so even if she recognizes him, she can't change her attitude of treating him like a toy. For True-level beings, all those who are not True-level are probably not worth bothering with.

Even when they initiate contact, they remain aloof and superior; it's just a habit.

The participants did not receive the list, so they were naturally unaware of the rankings.

Yu Xing had no intention of indulging this beauty. Despite Medusa's powerful allure, he reached out and brushed aside Medusa impolite touch. "Thank you for your attention, but I'm afraid I can't reciprocate the feelings you've shown me."

"Or... if rumors spread that you're dead someday, I'll symbolically grieve for a while, as a way of repaying you?"

A chorus of gasps rose and fell around them.

Zhang Yu, in particular, silently hid behind Hua Subai, desperately trying to minimize his presence.

Oh no, Captain was so brave!

"Oh my, quite a temper, but a very fun person." Medusa seemed pleased as well. "Don't mind her, I just can't help touching pretty things. Hmm... since we're so destined to participate in the same activity, how about we travel together after we enter town?"

Yan Li suddenly said, "The Broken Mirror and the Widow Investigation Team have a good relationship, so the Midnight Guild should stay out of this."

Many diviners, whose abilities were far from sufficient to hear Medusa clearly, were astonished. They all looked at Yu Xing with suspicion and uncertainty, including Xue Shouyun, whose doubts had only increased.

Realizing that these two had put Yu Xing in the spotlight with just a few words, and that they weren't as friendly as they claimed, but rather each harbored their own ill intentions, Hua Subai sighed with a smile, "Gentlemen, now is probably not the time for idle chatter. Give us some face, let's go into town first."

Yu Xing was naturally aware of their ulterior motives, but since he didn't mind being the center of attention this time, he was just playing along.

As Hua Subai finished speaking, Medusa and Yan Li simultaneously felt an indescribable pressure, accompanied by a strange, creeping sensation that sent chills down their spines.

The beautiful woman slightly opened her eyes, and after a long silence, said, "... Interesting. Since that's the case, I'll give you that courtesy."