"When I'm gone, you need to live life with integrity..."

It was 5:30 AM. Outside, the sky had yet to brighten, and no moon was visible. Darkness yielded to a faint blue, the sky as hesitant as a child muttering its unwillingness to leave the warmth of bed and start the day.

Ren Suo, dressed, stood in the living room, a slight hesitation in his eyes as he watched his clone holding the game controller. Last night, this audacious idea had struck him. He hadn't held much hope for it, already devising numerous backup plans. His current attire was actually for Plan B: heading to the school hospital to feign illness and request leave.

He had summoned his clone now, braced for this particular stratagem to fail. If it did, the clone would be tasked with chores—laundry that had piled up for days, floors unswept and unmopped; there was plenty to clean. After all, using "Struggle Warrior (Damaged)" to create a clone for the Disaster Girl significantly eased the game's difficulty. Even if boss battles were challenging, with the clone's assistance, clearing any minor stage was practically effortless. Consequently, he hadn't summoned the clone for cleaning duties recently. A clone could only be manifested once per day and needed to be reserved for emergencies.

But Ren Suo had never imagined that his audacious idea might actually be feasible.

"Go to the Equipment Interface and replace 'Combat Basics' in my reserve slot with 'Strong Heart Technique'," Ren Suo instructed.

The clone manipulated the controller, opened the Equipment Interface, and executed Ren Suo's command flawlessly, without the slightest deviation. The Mini-World Game Console was also cooperative, exhibiting no 'blood recognition,' 'soul binding,' or 'Sorry, you are not my true master' phenomena. It allowed the clone to operate it smoothly.

Ren Suo blinked. "Go to the World Store. Search for 'Over My Dead Body'."

The clone moved to comply but froze at the search interface. A message flashed on the screen: "You do not have the authority to make Merit Points transactions."

Ren Suo then had the clone attempt to play other games, quickly discerning its relationship with the Mini-World Game Console.

Firstly, the clone could indeed use the console and even swap ability items for game characters, but it couldn't make Merit Points transactions. Consequently, 'Player's Privilege' did not apply to it.

Secondly, the clone faced no impediments when playing games on the Mini-World Game Console. It could follow Ren Suo's instructions to control game characters for relatively simple actions.

In essence, the clone possessed only 'user rights' to the Mini-World Game Console, not 'management rights' or 'consumption rights.' Furthermore, due to its limited intelligence, it couldn't execute the kind of highly adaptive, sophisticated maneuvers Ren Suo was capable of.

"Well," Ren Suo continued, "if there's time after you're done playing, remember to take the washed clothes out of the machine and hang them up. Then sweep and mop the floor, take out the trash—basically, switch to housekeeping mode after gaming. Oh, right, I don't need my electric fan anymore. You can dismantle it, wash the parts, put them in a bag, and store it under the bed."

The clone nodded.

His phone rang. Ren Suo glanced at the caller ID, answered, "Yes, I'm ready. Okay."

Hanging up, he patted the clone's shoulder. "Bro, thanks for your hard work. This is just for today. You'll still be my most reliable Imperial Household Manager after this!"

He then commanded, "Alright, switch to Internet Addiction Mode!"

The clone sat down, controller in hand, and navigated to "Hand of Fate." It sat bolt upright, intently watching the game's Chapter Five countdown, the very image of a dedicated gamer.

Ren Suo donned his hat and headphones and activated the Spiritual Energy Necklace around his neck. A sensation of weightlessness washed over him. When his feet touched solid ground again, he found himself in an unfamiliar location.

Perhaps thanks to "Insight into the Mortal World," "Evolution of the Cat," and the physique of a Second Stage Cultivator, Ren Suo recovered almost instantly. Looking up, he saw a crowd of familiar faces: Dong Chengling, Yu Kuangtu, Bai Ji, Qiao Muyi, Li Dan, and others.

He had materialized in what appeared to be the Green Skin Factory area. Outside lay the Outskirts of Lianjiang, a vast wilderness stretching into the distance. The factory exit was fortified with trenches, barbed wire, and light machine guns, their muzzles prudently aimed at the ground to prevent accidental discharge.

Someone observing the scene couldn't help but think, Space Spells truly are convenient.

"Morning. Haven't eaten breakfast yet?" Dong Chengling offered him a piece of bread and a carton of milk. Ren Suo accepted them, his gaze sweeping the area and settling on a white tent in the distance. "Is that the medical station? Should I head over there to be on standby?"

"No need. You can stay here," Yu Kuangtu said, leaning against a wall. "You've learned 'Ghostly Stroll,' so you can escape quickly if anything happens. If someone gets injured, you can provide immediate healing."

"So, he's the best Healing Cultivator in Lianjiang? And they had to invite him from so far away, with more ceremony than even I command?"

Hearing an irritatingly familiar voice, Ren Suo stiffened slightly and turned to see the young man in sportswear—the one who had tried to curry favor with the Disaster Girl in the game. It hadn't been entirely clear in the game, and the young man had adopted a rather subservient posture back then. Now, seeing him hunched yet with his head held high, speaking so arrogantly, Ren Suo finally understood: the 'zhen' he used wasn't a name, but the royal 'We' or 'I'!

Both ways of referring to himself were equally idiotic, though, Ren Suo thought.

However, seeing him in person, Ren Suo was inwardly startled. With the 'Key Search System,' he could now not only identify Awakeners but also gauge their level of Awakening. Kallen of Light, for instance, possessed an unparalleled level of Awakening. The young man before him, and the bald monk nearby, though not quite at Kallen of Light's level of 'radiance that outshone all others,' were, in Ren Suo's perception, like two blindingly conspicuous light bulbs in a latrine on a dark night—impossible to ignore. Yet, having been tested by his encounters related to Kallen of Light, Ren Suo could now face the allure of a Key with an almost imperturbable mind, a state of detachment where 'all is void.' Thus, a single glance was enough before he averted his gaze.

"Monk Ren's awakened spell, 'Life Hanging Technique,' can forcibly sustain life in those near death. And with his Second-Rank Aptitude, he has mastered 'Surgical Thread' and 'Pain-Relieving Therapy,' two kinds of Third-Tier Magic. He is indeed Lianjiang's finest Healing Cultivator."

A woman in Black Body Armor approached. Ren Suo blinked, searching his memory. "Is that... Chief Nan?"

Nan Xi was the head of the joint special case group for Ren Naiser, Fairy Palace, and World Tree. Ren Suo had met her once during the Ailan Lake Secret Realm incident in Fragrance City. As one of his superiors, she had left a slight impression on him—though, admittedly, the name tag on her chest was the most helpful reminder.

Nan Xi nodded and briefly introduced Ren Suo to Commander Li, Mr. Chuan, You Jiu, and the Endless Monk, among others.

You Jiu shot Ren Suo a sideways glance. "'Life Hanging Technique'? Sounds a bit like a secret art of the Eastern Han Ren Family. Hmm, I hear your surname is Ren too..."

A flicker of surprise crossed Ren Suo's face. This is the first time anyone has linked my disguised awakened spell to the Eastern Han Ren Family.

Then You Jiu scoffed, "Just a coincidence. How could a Ren Family descendant possibly have only Second Stage Cultivation? If the Ren Family had such an heir, they'd likely die of shame rather than show their face in the Fairy Palace."

You Jiu's Jealousy Resonated: 'Lots of friends, weak trash, not cool.'

Ren Suo eyed him skeptically, then looked at Dong Chengling and the others nearby. An epiphany struck him: Judging by You Jiu's tone and attitude, he clearly doesn't have many friends. That's why he's jealous of me—someone popular due to good looks, intelligence, and high EQ.

And indeed, that was the truth. The previous night, when Dong Chengling and the others had called, hoping Ren Suo would join them, everyone at the Great Wall headquarters had heard the conversation distinctly. Mr. Chuan was indifferent to such trifles, and the Endless Monk was engrossed in music on his phone. Only You Jiu had been curious about this individual invited by several Third-turn Cultivators.

When Ren Suo appeared, You Jiu had observed the genuine delight in the eyes of Dong Chengling, Bai Ji, and Qiao Muyi. This naturally irked him. Why should a mere Second Stage cultivator be more popular than I am? Furthermore, the joy in Dong Chengling's and Qiao Muyi's eyes seemed to carry an additional, subtle meaning, which annoyed You Jiu even more. I'm no desperate single, but even I can't stand this!

His hostility was palpable. Dong Chengling and Bai Ji immediately gave him a frosty look. Qiao Muyi crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. Li Dan, who had been resting with eyes closed, opened them. Yu Kuangtu, previously yawning against the wall, straightened up. Few people were present in the factory area, but all were powerful cultivators. The shift in atmosphere instantly put everyone on edge.

Mr. Chuan nonchalantly picked up an ant, his gaze sweeping over the group. The Endless Monk switched off his phone screen and sighed softly, preparing to rise.

"Oh?" You Jiu arched an eyebrow, his irritation mounting. He wasn't one to back down. Provoked, he was about to unleash his Fourth-Transformation aura to overwhelm them…

Just then, Nan Xi jabbed You Jiu sharply in the ribs. Before he could erupt, she whispered something in his ear. Instantly, You Jiu's eyes lit up. Quicker than a gust of wind, before anyone could react, he was behind Ren Suo, hand on his shoulder, speaking in a sycophantic tone, "Brother, you wouldn't happen to be Researcher Suo, would you?"

Ren Suo, having noted Nan Xi's hushed words to You Jiu, now heard the title 'Researcher Suo.' Understanding dawned, and he replied with a touch of haughtiness, "The one and only."

"Welcome, welcome! Brother Ren Suo, please, you must guide our work on-site!" You Jiu declared loudly, as if addressing a superior. Then, he leaned in and whispered to Ren Suo, "Brother, your advice on the internal network was incredibly helpful! I actually managed to connect with the Disaster Messenger using your method!"

"Oh? Those were just a few minor tips… Wait, you connected with the Disaster Messenger?" Ren Suo asked.

"Yes!" You Jiu said, beaming. "Yesterday, I went through the Space Gate to Tokyo. I introduced myself to the Disaster Messenger just like you suggested, and she fell for me at first sight! After we shared some tender moments and professed our love, her heart became mine. As she was leaving, she even gave me a lingering, coy glance, feigning annoyance. Of course, my own charm played a big part, but without your method to break the ice, brother, I wouldn't have captured the Disaster Messenger's heart so easily!"

Ren Suo listened, aghast. 'Love at first sight'? It was clearly your one-sided infatuation! 'Professed our love'? She was obviously just using you like a devoted puppy! 'Lingering, coy glance'? She was warning you to stop trying to look up her skirt! How could this idiot misunderstand so completely?

"However, she is one of the People of Immortal Palace, after all. Even though she likes me, she likes the Fairy Palace more," You Jiu continued, patting Ren Suo's shoulder. "I need to deepen my bond with the Disaster Messenger to overcome all obstacles and make our love blossom... But I'm not sure how. I'm relying on you for this, brother!"

You Jiu's Expectation Resonated: "Lots of friends, a love expert, dependable!"

Lots of friends, I'll give him that, but 'love expert'? What the heck? Ren Suo didn't dwell on it, deciding to play along. He whispered back, "Of course. I dominated the university scene for four years. They called me the Lianjiang Casanova. Do you have any idea how skilled I am? Because of me, every single guy in my major had to look for girlfriends in other departments!"

If Ren Suo had been bluffing, You Jiu, with his Fourth-Rank Cultivation, would likely have sensed it. He was particularly skilled at reading emotions through people's eyes, able to discern true singles from those genuinely in love with just a look. However, when Ren Suo declared himself the Lianjiang Casanova, capable of forcing all other men in his department to find girlfriends elsewhere, You Jiu couldn't detect the slightest hint of falsehood!

Incredible! This kid actually managed to date every girl in his entire department!? You Jiu marveled. And according to him, it sounded like he dated all of them simultaneously! If he'd dated them one after another, other guys would have had a chance!

You Jiu had attended the College of Humanities, where even majors with fewer women had tens, if not hundreds, of female students. He figured other departments were similar. The thought of Ren Suo juggling relationships with dozens of girls at once, while he himself couldn't even successfully woo one Beloved Consort—and his pursuit of the Queen was only making slow progress thanks to someone else's advice—filled You Jiu with an admiration as boundless as a surging river. No wonder those three—oh, wait, two—Third-Rank Female Monks looked at him that way earlier! For him, it's just standard procedure!

In truth, Ren Suo wasn't lying—Lianjiang Casanova status aside. This world, after all, had programs that might as well have been "monk majors"... One hundred forty-four guys and three girls. Indeed, it was partly due to Ren Suo that the men in his department were forced to seek girlfriends from other faculties; he had, in his own small way, contributed to the skewed male-to-female ratio.

"Master, my future happiness depends on you!"

Recognizing Ren Suo's immense potential value to him and the Casanova's awe-inspiring romantic history, You Jiu instantly shifted his demeanor. Even if I win over the Queen, I'll need to consult this expert on how to manage my future three palaces, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines. I absolutely cannot afford to offend him!

Although no one understood why You Jiu's attitude had pivoted so dramatically—from calling Ren Suo "brother" to "Master"—the improved relations were undoubtedly positive, and a collective sigh of relief went through the group.

Nan Xi was the most surprised. She knew Ren Suo's true identity and had worried You Jiu might pick a fight with him, which was why she'd revealed Ren Suo's 'Researcher' status to You Jiu. Members of the Great Wall had high security clearance, so it wasn't improper for You Jiu to know Ren Suo was a researcher. What baffled Nan Xi was You Jiu suddenly humbling himself to seek Ren Suo's advice.

Then again, You Jiu's thought processes have always been eccentric, and Ren Suo's suggestions were bizarre to the extreme, Nan Xi mused, quickly coming to terms with it. Perhaps this is just the peculiar wavelength shared by 'sand sculptures' like them.

The small interruption soon concluded. Time flew, and the sky began to lighten.

After the previous day's experience, no one held high hopes for Ren Naiser starting the livestream punctually. Yet, precisely at six o'clock, Ren Naiser's broadcast channel went live!

Standing in the crowd, Ren Suo brushed Bai Ji's hand off his shoulder. He stared at the laptop screen displaying Ren Naiser's livestream, a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach.

My clone... it won't screw this up, will it? Please don't embarrass me, a proud Technique-Oriented Player!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.