Weird Rules Rumor: At The Beginning, He Insisted That He Was Not Dead
Chapter 117: Genetic Tower (16)

Bai Liang stood at the other end of the corridor, his gaze sharp as he slowly walked forward. Facai perched on his shoulder, grinning crookedly while clapping its paws, creating an eerie atmosphere. Those applause sounds had come from itBai Liang himself had kept his hands in his pockets the whole time.

“What are you doing?”

Bai Liang silently stared at him, his cool demeanor shattered by this idiot. Facai retracted its neck, stopped grinning, and obediently settled on his shoulder.

“You… didn’t die?”

Pei Zhi Xin and Ji Yunfeng stared at Bai Liang standing there, then at the still-burning corpse on the ground, utterly dumbfounded. They realized their mission had failed. They’d accounted for everythingeven suppliesbut overlooked one thing: his shadow abilities.

Without wasting words, each pulled out a voodoo doll!

But before they could act, shadowy hands snatched the dolls away.

Pei Zhi Xin: ???

Ji Yunfeng: ???

Another Bai Liang stood behind them, smiling as he held their dolls.

Huh?!!

“You two are far too green,” Bai Liang remarked coolly. He effortlessly pocketed the dolls and waved his handthe other Bai Liang vanished. Not just the double, but the charred corpse on the ground disappeared too. The Book of Illusions truly lived up to its S-rank reputation.

“You” Pei Zhi Xin began, but Ji Yunfeng suddenly shoved him toward Bai Liang, then transformed into his Evil Spirit form and lunged at the wall.

Thud!

The sound of a skull hitting metal echoed. Ji Yunfeng reverted to human form, clutching a massive lump on his forehead. He looked up to see violet light seeping from the wallsBai Liang had sealed all escape routes!

“Ji Yunfeng, you traitor!” Pei Zhi Xin steadied himself and roared.

Fzzt! Fzzt!

Two violet beams pierced their skulls, scattering blood and brain matter like shattered watermelons.

“Can’t risk you pulling more stunts,” Bai Liang muttered, eyeing the corpses. He turned and left.

Back at the elevator, the doors slid open just as he arrived. Bai Liang stepped in, pressed the button for the first floor, and watched the doors close. The elevator descended two floors before jolting to a stop. Lights flickered as the doors opened to pure darkness.

“Impatient, aren’t we? Guess I won’t get to play longer,” Bai Liang sighed, stepping into the void.

With each step, violet light erupted from his feet, devouring the darkness! The shadows recoiled, coalescing into a trembling, sea-urchin-like creature with too many eyes. It shrank back as Bai Liang approachedterrified.

...

【Congratulations, Player: Bai Liang, for clearing the D-rank dungeon Genetic Tower!】

【Clear Time: 8 hours, 10 minutes, 51 seconds!】

【Completion Rating: SSS!】

【Rewards: Rule Points, Title: Insightful Eye, 10 Pet XP Fruits!】

【Player: Bai Liang will exit the dungeon in 1 minute. Prepare for transfer: 60… 59… 58…】

Bai Liang stepped out of the elevator, unfazed by the system chimes. He glanced at Facai on his shoulder and reached up to pat its head. Facai tried scrambling onto his scalp, but Bai Liang snatched it by the scruff.

“You cost me a reward. I’ll stew you later.” Pet XP Fruits were wasted on this decorative rodent.

He paused. Lin Ya stood ahead, smiling like a blossoming flower.

“Teacher, may we speak?”

Bai Liang eyed the black-and-white photo in her hand. “What’s with the… tribute?” Was she mourning him prematurely?

Lin Ya glanced at the photo. “This? I owe you thanks. Carrying your picture got me this far.” She’d lacked strength, but the photo made enemies freeze. “Truly, Teacheryou terrify even in print.”

“Right…” Bai Liang realized she’d used his likeness as a ward. “What did you want to discuss?” He fell into step beside her.

Lin Ya tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “You’ve changed so much since back then, Teacher.”

“People do.”

“I was arrogant,” she admitted softly. “Convinced everyone else was dull. I had no friends, didn’t know how to make them.”

“Hard to imagine now.”

“It’s because of you.” She traced the photo’s edge. “One phrase you gave me changed everything.”

Bai Liang’s curiosity piqued. “Which phrase?”

She stopped, handed him a slip of paper, and bowed deeply.

On it, bold characters read:

"Bright but not blinding,

Still waters run deep,

Hold simplicity close,

Walk steady and far."

The timer hit zero. Bai Liang’s form began fading.

Lin Ya clutched the photo, head still lowered. When she looked up, he was gone.

“Teacher… I hope these words guide you as they did me.”

Her pale eyes gleamed.

When will I see you again?

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