033. Whisper of Scorn
Jiao Ziniu hung up the call and fell into deep thought.
"Detected abnormal signals. Your emotions are exhibiting signs of anxiety. Would you like to express your inner doubts? I can analyze and provide suggestions."
The timely reminder from the android assistant made Jiao Ziniu shake his head and say:
"I don't know if you can understand this feeling. Ringfeng Province has been obscure for so long. My hometown has always wanted to increase its visibility and exposure, but it always ends in failure. Maybe our hometown will always remain invisible."
"So, are you questioning whether you should contribute to your hometown?"
"…In fact, when the manager mentioned diving into the Star Abyss to raise the level cap, I already guessed what he meant."
Jiao Ziniu held his forehead:
"As he said, it's likely that right now, the Ringfeng team can't even gather 20 people to form a guild. Whether it's practice matches, normal leveling, or farming for gear and materials, we won't get a chance. Even if we manage to form a team, I doubt we could achieve anything impressive right now."
"I've searched for famous eSports players from Ringfeng Province… Search results: 3 people."
"I knew it—"Star Abyss" isn't a game about personal heroism. I think, based on what Lei Yunjing said, he wants me to follow Li Aozi and be the first to break through the level cap, to create a buzz like 'the first person to surpass the version limit.' Then, using that to attract other players from Ringfeng Province."
Jiao Ziniu spread his hands:
"This is where I'm conflicted—if I can contribute to my hometown, I'd be happy to, but the problem is, I feel like doing this doesn't really mean much. The chances of success are too low."
"The feasibility is low. Whether your character is close to 'Li Aozi' is still unknown. In a cosmic environment, due to your unfamiliarity with the terrain, there is an 87.9% chance that your leveling speed will fall behind compared to the Tianhuan period."
The cold and logical words of the android assistant confirmed Jiao Ziniu's suspicions.
"Exactly..."
Jiao Ziniu thought sadly:
"I didn't expect things to turn out this way. The universe is full of unknowns. I was just playing around as a solo player, and suddenly, the Tianhuan Siege Battle boosted my fame, and now several teams want to invite me."
"Are you dissatisfied with this outcome? My emotion detection system indicates that you are currently feeling a great deal of pressure. Would you like me to play some music to ease your anxiety?"
"Thanks, but I don't think music would help. There's no way music can instantly..."
"Playing: 'Sunshine Rainbow Little White Horse'—"
Jiao Ziniu puffed out his cheeks, trying hard not to laugh.
"—Pfft, haha, cough, cough! Be serious."
Rubbing his temples, Jiao Ziniu relaxed after the android's interruption:
"Since that's the case, and I haven't confirmed anything yet, I'll head out for now and visit some friends. VT, no need to make lunch for me today."
"Understood. A taxi has been called for you. Have a pleasant time."
......
Twenty minutes later, Jiao Ziniu stepped out of the parking bay and arrived at his destination.
The Terra Historical Martial Arts Research Club.
This quaint building, located 400 meters above the ground in a sky city, appeared a bit out of place. Lanterns hung from the eaves, seemingly part of a regional New Year celebration.
At the club entrance stood the director's prized possession: a life-sized replica of knight's plate armor. It had been intentionally aged, with bullet holes and sword slashes added, transforming a modern piece of craftsmanship into an heirloom seemingly steeped in historical battles.
"Hey, Niu, you're late."
As Jiao Ziniu stepped through the door, a girl sitting at the front desk immediately called out to him:
"We planned a New Year's gathering today. Why are you all showing up so late?"
"Hey, Xia Yubing." Jiao Ziniu waved his hand. "Why are you the only one here? Isn't Jenna supposed to be at the front desk?"
"She was ranting to me about how 'Diet soda is for fools, you can't drink soda without sugar,' so Wenlong and Wang Kanshan bought Diet Coke—now she's mad and went to the convenience store to buy her own."
"Cut down on soda; it'll slow your sword."
The girl with purple-highlighted bangs bumped fists with Jiao Ziniu, then they knocked shoulders and complained:
"We said yesterday we'd gather today, posted it in the group, everyone agreed they'd come."
"A bunch of no-shows, as usual. We can't even get everyone together for sword practice, let alone expect them to show up on time for the New Year's gathering prepared by our introverted director."
Jiao Ziniu shrugged.
"Where's everyone else? Wenlong and Kanshan are here, Jenna's getting soda—who else showed up today?"
"Sheris and Katty, the two foreign fencers who joined last month. They both specialize in fast swords and are from the colonies."
Xia Yubing pointed to two new photos of a blonde man and woman hanging on the wall.
"As for the others, Xue Chen said he's playing "Star Abyss" and won't be coming today. Elley resigned last month, and she's planning to emigrate into "Star Abyss" with her boyfriend. She probably won't be coming back after today."
Xia Yubing sighed:
"It's strange… People who used to not care about games are now diving headfirst into them. Is this game really that addictive?"
"You're not interested in giving it a try?" Jiao Ziniu asked curiously.
"'Giving it a try'—oh please, has our 'Sword Saint Niu' fallen into the trap of 2D gaming worlds?" Xia Yubing rolled her eyes. "The proud runner-up of the All-Summer District's Full Armor Fighting Championship, a champion who defeated six first-rank Eight Qi Swordsmanship practitioners, now just another online gaming addict?"
"Well, it's not exactly that... "Star Abyss" is currently the only game that allows 'pain shutoff' while maintaining 100% action feedback. Plus, I'm an adult now. With the recognition filter off, you get realistic blood, dismemberment effects, even brain splatter, and the sensation of sword clashes in the rain—all one-to-one."
Jiao Ziniu scratched his chin and continued:
"I think part of the reason people love full armor combat, besides their passion for historical martial arts, is the rush of dopamine and endorphins. That craving for battle and physical exertion is unmatched, something humanity can never forget—"Star Abyss" lets me swing my sword without holding back. That's what makes it so fun."
"Tch~~ That's all just virtual. Listen, Niu, virtual worlds are full of deception. They track your behavior with big data, constantly catering to you, so you keep playing, feeding you a sense of anticipation and satisfaction. You think you're playing a game, but behind the scenes, it's a team of network specialists playing you."
Xia Yubing spread her hands:
"Whatever, I won't go on. The only good thing about "Star Abyss" is that NPC Li Aozi is pretty good-looking. Aside from that, I have zero interest. Come on, Jenna messaged saying she's back, and everyone else has arrived. Time for dinner."
"Wait a minute." Jiao Ziniu counted on his fingers. "Aren't we missing someone?"
" Li Zhi, right?"
"Yeah, we haven't seen Liz at any events this year."
" Li Zhi." Xia Yubing paused: "Didn't Liz die last year?"