Game start
"Why am I not dead? Where is this? Where am I?"
System T: Welcome to the game. Bloodline verified.
Ancestor's "Power of Rules" System unlocked. 10,000,000 Ji-Dia.
Mission: Spend 1,000,000 Ji-Dia.
Reward: Perfect Soul Resonance Contract *2
Dionysus' s Supreme Soul Whiskey *1
Spatial Token. (A token from the Lao-Ia. You can use the Ghost King's underworld space to store things. Items inside have total protection. No space limit. Needs bloodline approval and the Lao-Ia's approval to use.)
（Note:Lao-Ia:This is the supreme deity of the ancient Teochew region, presiding over all matters in the mortal world. Typically composed of three deities: they are the kings of three mountains: Liang-Giag, the "King of Geng Mountain"; Diên Heng, the "King of Mêng Mountain" (King of Mêng Mountain); and Kiou Zung, the "King of Dok Mountain" (King of Dok Mountain. Collectively known as: San-Suan Gog-Uang.）
"What the hell is that? What kind of mission! How do I even finish this? Wait, 10 million?! Does that mean... I don't have to worry about rent? No? It's 'Ji-Dia'. It's not... Don't tell me I have to be dying to use this money? Who gave me this horrible curse!"
（Note:Ji-Dia:It is the ancient Teochew term for underworld currency. Each ji-dia carries the power of a departed loved one's longing and supreme yin energy. Only the Devil Emperor can issue the purest ji-dia.）
System T: Game instance countdown: 10 seconds. You will enter the Diên Family Ancestral Home. The Power of Rules cannot be broken. Players should follow the rules. Survive. 9.... 8.... 7... 3... 2...1. Instance start.
"Damn, I am still talking! What is going on! What Diên Family's Ancestral residence? Where am I??"
This is a chaotic realm at the heart of the underworld. Before us stands the ancestral home of the Diên family—a quintessential traditional Teochew structure.
In Teochew tradition, this familial architecture embodies the concept of "Bêh-Zion Ciou Hong" (meaning "all birds in the world revolve around the phoenix"). This represents the ultimate form of Teochew design. Typically, it comprises three tiled-roof buildings forming a main hall: the central rear hall flanked by two larger chambers. It requires the addition of "Cuciu" (small connecting structures linking the two main wings) and a 'Daomung' (a specific gate structure). This forms the first configuration, known as the "Hia-Suan Houn" (meaning "Tiger Descending the Mountain").
This layout is then replicated: one section becomes the front hall, another the rear hall, with an additional house added to each side. The exterior walls are adorned with Teochew patterns embodying the element of metal, forming the "Si Diam Gim" (meaning "Four Points of Gold"). This "Four Points of Gold" structure is then duplicated four times, with a massive ancestral hall placed centrally. This hall serves to honor ancestral spirits and seek their protective blessings. This forms the "Se-Bhê Tua-Cia" (meaning "Four Horses Dragging a Chariot"). Multiple copies of the "Si Diam Gim" and "Hia-Suan Houn" structures are then arranged to encircle the "Se-Bhê Tua-Cia," creating a defensive wall known as the "Bêh-Zion Ciou Hong." This structure can be expanded indefinitely as the family prospers.
The area is huge, seemingly endless, with at least twelve main buildings. Each roof features distinct elemental attributes—in Teochew terminology, "Cu Gag Tao" (roof corners). You'll observe the continuous cycle of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. This represents the immense power of the Diên family.
Each building features distinct Teochew ceramic mosaic art (where shattered ceramics are re-embedded into walls to form various pictorial patterns). This structure is immense and majestic, surrounded by a city wall that once kept out intruders, yet its grand gate remains ever open to friends. The gate's crown also showcases traditional Teochew wood carving artistry. Here, intricate carvings depict numerous plants and flowers, while a dragon coils around the central pillar, its body adorned with blossoms.
But look closely, and you'll discover this building conceals a secret. You can sense its mournful lament—an aura of despair, heartbreak, and the weight of immense pressure and misunderstanding. It seems to narrate that brutal history to you, crying out for true justice. For now, at the heart of the underworld, all these carved plants and flowers have transformed into Red Spider Lilies (also known as Mañjusaka flowers), bringing with them a thick aura of death.
At the same time, due to the powerful Yin energy, every visitor who enters is seized by an invisible force, compelled to obey the rules.
Butler: "You are all the new staff, right? This is the Diên family's ancestral home. The Diên family is powerful, lots of business, countless departments. You'll be assigned jobs based on your skills. Remember, the dining hall has a big banquet in 2 days. No mistakes. All departments must work together. Listen to me. The masters of the Diên family get angry easily. If you want to live, just work hard."
"Why does this butler have such a weird, dark aura (yin energy)? This place... it's not the underworld, is it?"
Players: "What is going on?" "I don't wanna work!" "I want to leave!"
Butler: "Shut up! If you got a problem, and you're brave enough, then leave. I won't stop you. But I can't promise you can handle the master's anger. Think about it."
Player 3: "I don't care about this stupid job! I'm leaving! None of you can stop me!"
This player ran like crazy for the exit. After a lightning strike, he was just... gone.
Game System:
Diên Family's Ancestral Residence game instance begins. Please complete the mission seriously. Escape the ancestral home.
Instance time: 3 days.
Current players in instance: 5
Survivors: 4
Good luck...
Butler: "Anyone else want to leave? If not, I'll start giving out jobs."
None of the players dared to say anything. They just silently accepted the mission.
Butler: "Alright, time for jobs. You (Player 4), you look like you can chop vegetables. Go to the back kitchen. Next, you (Player 5). I'll teach you how to record all the Diên family business accounts. As for you two (Player 1 and 2), you're looks good. You'll be servers in the dining hall. Treat our guests well. Jobs are assigned. Get to work."
That player (Player 4) quietly walked to the kitchen. He looked unhappy. Because... he heard from Player 3, the one who got erased, that the kitchen is worse than hell. Almost no one leaves this instance alive from there. Every job here is a death trap. This place is covered in yin energy. A normal human body can't survive. They probably won't even last until the banquet tomorrow. Everyone here, except me (Player 1), is an old player. They've been through 3 rounds. But all of them look so serious.
I complained in my head: "This is crazy. It's my first instance, and they're already making it this hard. They're trying to kill me. And this weird system... how am I supposed to spend money to finish the mission?!"
Butler: "You two, stop spacing out. Hurry to the hall and greet the guests. You (Player 2), handle the front desk. Registration and reception. As for you (Player 1), go to the front hall. Take the guests' orders. And remember what they like. Because for the banquet tomorrow, these guests will be invited again. If there are any problems with the menu then... you'll be their dinner."
Just then, the first guests walked in. A family that was invited early. The powerful Lim family. They're staying here one night and having dinner. When this family walked in, the yin energy coming off them was just as strong as the Diên family's master.
Player 2 was terrified. His voice was shaking: "Welcome. Please follow me to the dining hall."
Player 2 is a really young player, maybe a 16-year-old boy. He survived the first three rounds just by hiding and following rules. He has no skill for this kind of situation.
The Lim family master: "Is this a human aura? Interesting. Are you tonight's dinner ingredient? Oh, so you're a server here. Good. I hope you don't make any mistakes. Or else, I can't promise I won't eat you."
Player 2 was totally frozen with fear. Just when the Lim master was losing patience...
Me: "Dear sir. Is there something I can help you with? That boy is just for reception. Let me serve you. Sir and your wife, please sit here. This big table is more fitting for your status."
Lim Master: "Looks like there's a smart server after all. Alright. Bring the cold appetizers and the drinks first. We won't be happy with bad wine."
Me: "Of course. Please wait."
Boy: "I'll go get the glasses and the wine."
Just then, the boy... he made eye contact with the Lim family's kid. He got too scared. He dropped the tableware and the expensive wine. Everything smashed. The noise scared the Lim family's child, too. The kid showed this awful smile... and then started wailing. The yin energy coming from this child... everyone was afraid of it. It was Vengeful Spirit level power. Made from pure, strong hatred.
Now everyone... the butler, the Lim master and mistress, even the Diên family master's aura... it all focused on the dining hall. Player 2 was totally broken. Terrified. His soul felt like it was being pulled out. The Lim master and mistress... their pale, cracked faces looked so angry. So vicious. This was basically a death sentence for Player 2.
The butler then explained the Diên Family Home's rules: "All players must do their job perfectly. No second chances. They are on the human side. That means they can't disrespect any guests. And if there's a problem between staff and a customer... the customer decides how to punish the staff. You just need to live until the banquet is over. And earn enough money to buy your freedom. Then you can leave."
The Lim master said angrily: "You scared my child! You have to pay! If you can't give me 5,000 ji-dia for compensation, you will be our dinner tonight!"
Just then, I said: "Sir, please calm down. How much do you want for compensation?"
The butler was watching from the side, a nasty look on his face. He was thinking... it's not just the customer's compensation. All the tableware in the Diên Family Home... they are spiritual items. Forged with over 2000 years of yin energy. This bill... this weak human kid is definitely going to be dinner.
Lim Master: "You have to give me 5,000 ji-dia! Right now!"
The butler sneered: "Are you scared stupid? Making empty promises. Do you know 30,000 ji-dia is a huge amount? And what about the wine and dishes you broke? How will you pay for that?"
The butler said, very angry: "Every dish here is worth over 1,000 ji-dia. And that bottle of fine spirit wine... that's even more expensive. 2,500 ji-dia a bottle. You broke 3 plates, 3 glasses, and 1 bottle of wine. That's 8,500 ji-dia total. If you can't pay, I have to hand you both over to the Lim family."
In my head, I whispered: "System T, withdraw 10 notes. 10,000 ji-dia value each."
Just like that, a powerful yin energy gathered in my hand. Ten notes appeared. Each one worth ten thousand ji-dia.
I said to the butler: "Here is 10,000 ji-dia. It's to pay for these mistakes. And here is an extra 20,000 ji-dia. That's for you, for all the trouble. Sorry."
The butler was totally shocked. He muttered to himself: "Ten thousand ji-dia notes... with such strong, pure yin energy... Only a Ghost King, or someone from a bigger group, could have this kind of money. Looks like they sent this person here. Or maybe it's a trick. This mysterious human... he's a threat. I have to be careful."
I said patiently: "Sir, please calm down. It's our first day. I'll pay for my colleague. How about 10,000 ji-dia for you, 10,000 for your wife, and 10,000 for your child? That's 30,000 ji-dia total! Is that okay?"
I smiled and handed the money to the Lim master: "Here is your compensation. And because you had a bad experience, I'll add an extra 20,000 ji-dia. Please forgive our mistake."
The Lim couple both looked shocked. They had never seen ji-dia made from such strong spiritual power. So much pure yin energy. And in 10,000-value notes. The Lim master's face... the anger was gone. He smiled a calm smile. "It looks like this place found a great employee. My friend, I can see you're not a normal person. So calm, and so loyal. My Lim family would like to know you. You are welcome to visit our home."
Me: "Mr. Lim, you're too kind. I'll also send over our best wine. The bill is on me!"
I said to the butler: "I'm leaving another 20,000 ji-dia with you. It's a pre-payment. For all of the Lim family's costs tonight. Please take it."
System T log:80,000 spent
Sub-quest complete. Reward: Dionysus' s Supreme Soul Whiskey *1