The Vibrant 007

After leaving the instance, 007 found herself somewhere other than the familiar surroundings she expected.

When she opened her eyes, she saw dim sunlight filtering through yellowed oiled paper. The air was thick with heat and dampness.

She hadn't yet figured out where she was when she heard someone nearby speak.

"He's back! Mr. Gu is back!"

Mr. Gu? 007 immediately thought of the four groups of Chess Masters Gu Mian had mentioned in the group chat. The Chess Master of Group Four was an acquaintance of Gu Mian's, and his name was Qi Huo Guizi.

The Chess Piece from Group Four, Hao Laoshi, called Qi Huo Guizi "Mr. Gu."

Hao Laoshi had said they lived in a large base with dozens of people, and Ghost Valley was their leader.

007 was still thinking when she heard more and more footsteps around her. It sounded as though a crowd was hurrying her way.

"Thank goodness! Mr. Gu got dragged into a special instance out of nowhere. I was worried he wouldn't make it back."

"Huh? Weren't there three people pulled into the instance this time? Mr. Gu, Hao Laoshi, and Eight Directions Bring Fortune. How come there wasn't a woman? Why is one of the two people who came back a woman?"

"Lao Hao! Lao Hao! Has my Lao Hao come back?"

The clamoring voices surged into her ears, making her feel irritated.

Listening to the voices coming from every direction, 007 understood almost at once. She hadn't returned to her apartment. She'd probably ended up at Ghost Valley and Hao Laoshi's base. Something must have gone wrong when the instance transported them out.

And the other person who'd come here with her...

007 looked to the side and saw Iron Pot Stewed Little Chicken sitting on the ground, looking