The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human?
Chapter 579: After - 435, I want to play others, not be played by others_2

Chapter 579: After Chapter 435, I want to play others, not be played by others_2

"Tch."

Vampire Sister took another bite of his scalp in frustration.

"Get in."

Liu Zheng led them to the tank and instructed.

"I wanted to say this earlier—driving a tank to pick someone up from work is just absurd, isn’t it?"

Nightingale teased.

To those who know, it’s a pickup; to those who don’t, it looks like a home-demolition in progress.

"This is a magical tool that’ll come in handy soon."

He opened the hatch and watched them one by one jump inside.

"We’re leaving now, honorable Witch."

He greeted the Red Witch.

The Red Witch blinked lazily, treating it as acknowledgment.

"Continue, what’s the deal with the Metaverse?"

Once inside the tank and after asking the Driver to start moving, Liu Zheng turned to Nightingale.

"The Metaverse is just a deeper level of the internet. As long as you have the power or specialized equipment, you can transfer your consciousness into the Metaverse. It’s essentially another world where experiences are almost identical to reality."

Nightingale explained.

"Almost? So there are still differences, right?"

"Of course. It is still virtual reality, after all. But there’s a rumor that once the Metaverse spawns its first lifeform, it will automatically become a natural God, and the Metaverse would transform into a true world."

Nightingale said.

"And what does that have to do with monks?"

"Because City Hall regulates religious proselytizing strictly. Many religious rituals are prohibited altogether. Believers either choose endurance, quietly making gains, or go underground—spreading their teachings covertly and constantly relocating."

"Or, like those monks, they choose to proselytize within the Metaverse."

Nightingale replied.

"Hmm... doesn’t sound particularly problematic."

He thought it over and said.

He recalled that Buddhists emphasize the emptiness of all things, escaping the mortal realm, and abandoning the flesh.

Going into the Metaverse, where everything perceived and experienced is artificial—it’s essentially embracing the emptiness and spiritual doorway.

No need for a body, just pure consciousness. Isn’t that abandoning the flesh?

"So, in that case, wouldn’t it be possible to follow the internet connection to harm others or even take over their bodies?"

Liu Zheng raised an issue.

"Exactly. That’s why internet surfing is a risky affair. But for thrills or other motives, plenty of people still flock to it enthusiastically."

Nightingale stated.

"Have you surfed the net?"

"Guess?"

Nightingale blinked playfully.

"Guess if I’ll guess or not?"

He rolled his eyes.

"If you want to go to the Metaverse, I can help you. With your abilities, you’d definitely make a name for yourself there."

Nightingale encouraged him.

"Nah, forget it. I can’t even fully navigate the real world yet; what’s the point of trying the Metaverse? Besides, I’d probably end up exploited like a greenhorn."

Liu Zheng decisively declined.

His powers largely stemmed from his Legendary Armor and "Blood and Flesh Rebirth." In the Metaverse, those advantages would vanish; he wouldn’t risk crippling himself over something absurd.

"Such a boring man."

Nightingale pouted.

"Thanks for the compliment."

Liu Zheng accepted without hesitation.

After more playful bickering, the tank arrived at the cemetery gates.

The trip was uneventful, not even a green vest in sight.

"You’re doing free labor for the old folks again."

Sea Girl said gleefully.

"Better safe than sorry. Besides, given our relationship, picking you all up from work isn’t a big deal, right?"

He replied nonchalantly.

"What kind of ’relationship’ are we talking about?"

Sea Girl turned her face away, slightly embarrassed.

"Oh? So, what kind of relationship is it?"

Nightingale asked curiously, and Vampire Sister also stared at him expectantly.

"Obviously, the relationship between a Succubus and his harem."

Liu Zheng answered sincerely.

"You’ve got some nerve, don’t you."

Nightingale froze for a second, then shook her head.

"No! Liu Zheng can only have me as his woman!"

Vampire Sister shrieked.

"This is what you want to hear from me, right? I’ll just make it easier for you."

He said smugly.

They always teased him as a Succubus; now he preemptively mocked himself.

Taking away their line to tease him left them with nothing.

After stepping out of the car, Liu Zheng escorted the two women to the apartment entrance without encountering any trouble.

"Want to come upstairs? We’re all in our safe period today. Ahem."

Nightingale raised her eyebrows at him, only to be harshly pinched on her waist by Sea Girl.

"Next time. I’m not up for it; my visiting uncle would complicate things."

Liu Zheng waved his tentacle hand dismissively.

"No worries; we don’t mind a bloody fight."

Nightingale provocatively glanced at his lower body.

"I want to suck Liu Zheng’s blood too."

Vampire Sister chimed in.

"Dream on! One drop of blood equals ten drops of essence; I’m not that generous."

"By the way, what are you going to do? Heading home yourself or tagging along with them?"

Liu Zheng tapped Vampire Sister’s head.

"Can’t you take me home?"

Vampire Sister asked pitifully.

"No, I’ve got things to do."

He rejected her outright.

"Hmph, bad Liu Zheng. Fine, I’ll grudgingly go upstairs to protect them."

Vampire Sister grabbed his tentacle and bit it in frustration.

"Looking at you now, they should be protecting you instead."

Nightingale mocked.

"What do you know, you brainless blonde? Concentrated essence is the key."

"Liu Zheng, she’s making fun of me! When are you going to get me Vlad III?"

Vampire Sister retorted at Nightingale and then tried to charm Liu Zheng.

"Soon, soon."

Liu Zheng said perfunctorily.

He had a mountain of tasks piling up; where would he find the time to buy Vampire Sister alcohol?

Besides, her current mischievous state was adorable—letting her stew a while longer didn’t seem so bad.

"Tch."

Vampire Sister pouted but didn’t say anything further.

"Alright, off you go."

After watching the three enter through the apartment’s security doors, Liu Zheng paused for a moment before heading to the security guard’s booth.

"Hello, is anyone there?"

He knocked on the window.

"What’s the matter, kid?"

The window opened, revealing an old man holding a newspaper and eyeing him.

The old man looked around fifty or sixty years old, his looks unimpressive but his body well-maintained—the muscle contours could still be seen under his loose uniform.

"Sir, do you know where the previous security guard went?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"What previous guard? It’s always been me here."

The old man gave him a puzzled look.

"Huh?"

Liu Zheng scrutinized the old man’s athletic build and thought back to the diminutive, wizened figure he remembered—finding it hard to reconcile.

"Has Auntie been feeding you some miracle tonic?"

He blurted out.

"What do you mean she fed me? I made it myself. Wait, how do you know about that?"

The old man instinctively responded and then immediately became alert.

"Of course I know. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even have the chance to breathe freely now."

Liu Zheng smirked.

"Ah, you’re..."

The old man glanced warily around before shifting into a smile.

"Come in, son, come in and have a seat."

He said warmly.

"Uh, how do I get in?"

"No problem, just climb through. I do it all the time."

The old man opened the window wide.

"Alright then."

Liu Zheng vaulted through the window into the security booth with ease.

"Here, here, have some tea."

The old man rummaged through the drawer for a small bag of tea leaves and a cup, rinsed it quickly, and brewed tea for him.

"You’re too kind; it’s a bit embarrassing."

Liu Zheng chuckled.

"Aw, what’s embarrassing about this? If it hadn’t been for you, I’d be six feet under now. You’re my lifesaver."

The old man said, still shaken.

"Seems Auntie got along well with the person I introduced."

"Well, more than just well—she comes back glowing, grinning at everyone. It’s like she’s a whole different person."

The old man replied.

"Don’t you feel a bit... disappointed?"

Liu Zheng teased lightly.

"Well, there’s a little disappointment, sure. That auntie was quite generous. But hey, staying alive is more important than making money."

"I’ve saved quite a bit over the years anyway. From now on, I want to be the player, not the one played."

The old man said frankly.

"Straightforward guy. With that in mind, I have a small favor to ask."

Liu Zheng suddenly said.