Golden on the Outside, Rot Within

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After hearing Lin Tiannan's plan, the newcomers had originally begun to feel some hope for the demon-slaying operation's success. Their minds stirring, they could not help but glance toward the optional quests.

But the moment the three plot characters—Xu Lang and the others—opened their mouths, they raised blatant death flags! What the hell? Was this some kind of joke?

A death flag referred to the stock lines certain characters in movies and television dramas said shortly before dying. For example: "After this battle, I'm going back home to get married," "My child is about to be born," or "Tomorrow is my child's birthday," "You all go on ahead. Leave this place to me," "Once this is over, I'll wash my hands of the underworld and retire," or, "The criminal is among us. How can we possibly sleep together? I'm going back to my room!"

Uh, that last one usually appeared in the worlds of Conan and Kindaichi...

These death flags were absurdly effective. Even if a character had not originally been slated to die, once they said something like that, well, sorry—disaster came from the mouth, comrade!

Thus, the small sparks of hope that had just arisen were ruthlessly snuffed out by the death flags. The newcomers stood there with tears in their eyes, only to discover in surprise that the veterans did not seem to care at all. They continued chatting and laughing with the three plot characters, building rapport.

Even stranger, after a feast, the group should have been brimming with morale and heading for Hidden Dragon Cave. Yet Lin Tiannan told everyone to rest for the time being and set out only after recovering their strength.

And that rest lasted a full six hours!

Even the dimmest newcomer knew something was fishy, and they all turned their gazes toward the veterans.

Tang Mei'er wore a soft-hearted expression and was about to speak when Qin Guang stopped her with a cough. Instead, Zhu Hao, who had kept a grim face and his mouth shut all this time, spoke up. "Think about Optional Quest One. It already says that gaining a plot character's favor will earn you Guidance. Don't you understand why we have this spare time? But as for how difficult that will be... hmph, you'll know once you try. Brother Qin didn't say anything for your own good, so you wouldn't get your hopes up for nothing!"

"Oh, another good person who looks cold but is warm inside!" The newcomers were overjoyed and hurried after Xu Lang's group. After some conversation, several newcomers skilled with words immediately received notifications that favorability had been unlocked. Any lingering doubts they had vanished completely.

However, Zhu Hao had indeed spoken the truth. Even when the most eloquent newcomer showered them with flowery praise and flattery, they gained only a little over ten points of favorability. At most, it made the plot characters slightly friendlier. They were still unimaginably far from receiving Guidance!

Thinking of Optional Quest One, the newcomers understood. They would likely have to actually save the plot characters' lives to greatly increase their favorability and gain any tangible benefits.

Though they could not help feeling somewhat disappointed, a seed of hope had unknowingly been planted. The three veterans watched silently, and a strange glint flashed through each of their eyes.

Yet one newcomer seemed completely out of place. He paid no attention to the plot characters at all, instead touching this and examining that, his face split in a grin.

That person was naturally Gao Xu, a fellow who loved history immensely. Seeing him like this, both Qin Guang and Zhu Hao could not hide their contempt. Even Tang Mei'er stopped paying attention after watching him a few times.

The six-hour break could not possibly be spent talking indoors the whole time. After examining the furnishings in the main hall, Gao Xu was the first to push open the door and step into the rear garden of Lin Family Fort.

The garden was filled with birdsong and fragrant blossoms. Everywhere he looked were lush clusters of flowers, peonies competing in splendor, lavish and noble beyond compare. Gao Xu let out another gasp of admiration and fell into a daze of enchantment.

"Zhu Hao, follow him." Tang Mei'er's eyes flickered as she looked at Zhu Hao and signaled with her gaze.

"Boss, why waste effort on that kid? You can tell at a glance he's a worthless loser. He'll probably be the first one fed to the venomous snakes!" Zhu Hao, who had been holding it in for ages, began complaining over the team channel. Though he looked the part, he was all show and no substance. The moment he opened his mouth, he would likely ruin everything, so before entering this world, Tang Mei'er had sternly ordered him not to speak much. Aside from necessary lines, he only needed to maintain a taciturn appearance.

"Follow him when I tell you to. Remember, we can't afford the slightest mistake this time!" Tang Mei'er's voice, cold as frost, came through the team channel. Zhu Hao shuddered. He was deeply afraid of this woman's usual methods and did not dare say another word. He hurriedly complied and followed Gao Xu out.

"Boss, our luck's been pretty good this time! There aren't any troublemakers among the newcomers, and most of them are greedy as hell. Heh, they won't be able to resist this bait!" Seeing the newcomers going about their own business and no longer paying attention here, Qin Guang let out a breath and excitedly shouted through the channel as well.

Knowing that making her two crude subordinates act like experts had exhausted them, Tang Mei'er's tone softened somewhat. "Precisely because of that, we need to be even more careful! Don't forget, we entered under the newbie guidance mission. If they all die and the mission fails, the penalty won't be small. We can't afford to take it a second time!"

Thinking of the hefty penalty, Qin Guang's expression turned ugly as well. After hesitating for a long while, he finally asked cautiously, "Boss, is this really worth it? What if that item doesn't drop? Wouldn't we be losing big?"

"Hmph, wealth and honor are sought amid danger. When has there ever been anything one hundred percent safe in the Space?" Tang Mei'er shot Qin Guang a sideways glare, her eyes filled with icy sharpness. A chill ran down his back, and only after regret rose in his heart did she continue, "Did you think I prepared the Loot Drop Bell for nothing? As long as nothing unexpected happens, we have an eighty percent chance of success this time. That's already the limit... Before long, I, Tang Mei'er, will become a true powerhouse. When that time comes... I'll make that swindler die without a burial place!!!"

Meanwhile, Zhu Hao followed far behind Gao Xu. Watching him admire flowers and inspect objects, he was nearly driven mad.

Yes, the scenery of Lin Family Fort was beautiful, and its furnishings were luxurious and exquisite, but did this kid really need to act like this? Examining and touching every single item—did he think this was an antique exhibition?

The boss is being way too careful. Look at how obsessed this kid is. What could possibly happen? Instead of wasting time here, I should go watch the Lin Family disciples practice swordsmanship at the training grounds. If I can comprehend even one move or half a move, that'd be a C-rank skill. I'd make a killing. Opportunities like this don't come often.

Once other thoughts arose, Zhu Hao's heart began itching like it was being scratched by a cat's claws. But Tang Mei'er ruled her subordinates with an iron hand. If she discovered that he had disobeyed orders, the consequences would be miserable.

Just as he was caught in a dilemma, Gao Xu seemed to grow too excited. His hand trembled, and a vase fell to the ground, shattering with a crash. Servants and maids from Lin Family Fort immediately gathered around, while Gao Xu panicked, his face crumpling as he apologized again and again.

Yet for some reason, after hearing what he said, a maid who appeared to hold considerable status glanced at the shards on the ground and led him out of the rear garden with a stern expression. It was obvious that he was being taken away to pay compensation and receive punishment.

"Ah, what a heaven-sent opportunity! Since this kid has gotten himself into trouble and can't get away, I'll hurry over to the training grounds for a look. I should be able to get back in time." Seeing this, Zhu Hao beamed. He spun around, used his lightness skill, and dashed off like the wind.

What Zhu Hao did not know was that the instant he left, Gao Xu casually swept his gaze in that direction and sighed so quietly it was nearly inaudible. "Tang Mei'er really did send Zhu Hao. Little does she know that while useless subordinates are easy to control, brainless fools are remarkably good at ruining things too!"