Unable to dissuade the stubborn Yun Yao, Chen Junnan ultimately took her along to the venue of the Earth Serpent’s game.
Following the map, the two walked for about an hour and a half before finally arriving at their destination.
It was a large building—appearing to be a sprawling, single-story museum.
At the museum’s entrance stood a hunched figure with a dry, yellowish serpent’s head. His skin looked parched, wrinkled like an old man’s.
Slightly bent at the waist, his oversized suit seemed to hang off his frame.
From a distance, his dark yellow eyes locked onto Yun Yao, his pupils instantly slitting into thin, vertical lines.
“Heh heh…!” He chuckled. “Good! Very good!”
His raspy voice carried an unsettling, serpentine hiss.
Yun Yao paid no mind to the Earth Serpent’s leering gaze and strode right up to him.
“Admission fee?” she asked.
“Four ‘Tao’ per person… heh heh…” The Earth Serpent swallowed audibly. “Though for someone like you… clothes can substitute. One piece per ‘Tao.'”
“Unnecessary.” Yun Yao pulled four ‘Tao’ from her bag and tossed them to him. “How many players needed?”
Disappointed, the Earth Serpent accepted the tokens. “Twelve.”
“Fine. I’ll wait.” Yun Yao nodded and leaned against the wall nearby, while the serpent’s gaze remained fixed on her.
Chen Junnan slowly stepped between them, blocking the grotesque stare.
But he found himself in a bit of a predicament.
Four ‘Tao’ for admission?
Yesterday, he’d only earned two ‘Tao’ from wandering around. Was he really going to have to borrow from Yun Yao now?
After a moment of thought, he stepped forward and handed his two ‘Tao’ to the Earth Serpent.
The serpent took them, confused. “And the rest?”
“Hold on a sec…”
Bending down, Chen Junnan rummaged briefly before producing a pair of filthy socks.
“Uh… old man,” he said sheepishly, “back in my neighborhood, I’m considered quite the looker. For now, I’ll trade these socks. Once I strike it rich, I’ll redeem ’em. Don’t be picky.”
“W-What?!” The Earth Serpent recoiled, hiding his hands behind his back. “No way!”
“Come on, no need to stand on ceremony! I came empty-handed, so consider this a humble offering. Try ‘em on, and if they don’t fit, we’ll swap ‘em later!”
The Earth Serpent took another step back, revolted. “Are you insane?! Who wants your stinking socks?!”
“Oh, so you discriminate?” Chen Junnan pointed at Yun Yao. “I’m only slightly less attractive than her. If her clothes count, why not my socks?”
“Kid! Are you looking for trouble?!”
“Me?!” Chen Junnan feigned offense. “Old man, I’m just following your rules! If socks aren’t good enough, I can reluctantly offer my underwear—though you’ll have to wait while I find a place to take ‘em off.”
“Under… underwear?!”
“Haven’t showered today, so they’re perfectly seasoned. Feel free to collect ‘em, and don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul.”
Watching the Earth Serpent stagger back in disgust, Yun Yao couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“Ha…” She wiped her eyes. “You’re quite the character. Fine, I’ll lend you two.”
“Oh? Really?” Chen Junnan grinned sheepishly. “Give me a bit longer, and I might’ve convinced him.”
Yun Yao shook her head, amused. “You really thought you could sway an ‘Earth-level’ with dirty socks?”
“Odds were low, but I never back down,” he replied.
Tossing two ‘Tao’ to the Earth Serpent, Yun Yao said, “Pay me back if you win.”
“Wow, you’re a real lifesaver!” Chen Junnan hurriedly pulled his socks back on, then reached out to shake her hand.
Yun Yao recoiled. “No handshakes, thanks. I’ll pass.”
“Aw, don’t be like that.” He wiped his hands on his pants. “Just you wait—I’ll pay you back in no time.”
The Earth Serpent glared at Chen Junnan, a sinking feeling in his gut.
Back when he was still a ‘Human-level,’ he faintly recalled encountering someone like this—though the memory was hazy.
He vaguely remembered this guy being a troublemaker who never played by the rules. The upcoming game might get messy.
“Big shot, you been here before?” Chen Junnan asked.
“No, but teammates scouted this place. I know what the Earth Serpent’s like.”
“Well, since you’re so generous, I’ll look out for you,” Chen Junnan said. “Once the rules are laid out, just coast. Watch me work.”
Yun Yao studied him curiously. She’d never met someone like him—his flippant demeanor made him hard to pin down as good or bad, yet he radiated an odd sense of reliability.
As they waited, a woman in white approached from the distance.
At first glance, both froze.
She looked familiar—like someone they’d seen just yesterday…
But as she drew closer, they realized this woman was different from the one in their memories.
Plain-faced but resolute, her white dress and hairstyle were the only similarities.
“Hello,” she nodded at Chen Junnan and Yun Yao before turning to the Earth Serpent. “What’s the admission fee?”
The Earth Serpent leered at her exposed limbs. “Four ‘Tao.’ If you’re short, clothes can substitute. Two pieces per ‘Tao.'”
“Wow, what a businessman,” Chen Junnan sneered. “Plain folks pay two clothes per ‘Tao,’ beauties pay one, and dashing lads like me can’t even trade socks and underwear.”
“Shut your mouth!” the Earth Serpent snapped.
The woman smiled. “No need. I have ‘Tao.'”
She handed over four tokens, then nodded politely at Chen Junnan and Yun Yao before stepping aside.
“Am I the only one getting déjà vu?” Chen Junnan muttered. “Her figure… seems familiar.”
“She resembles Qi Xia’s wife,” Yun Yao agreed. “But her face is completely different.”
“Heh, interesting.” Chen Junnan grinned. “If she survives, I’m dragging her back to show Old Qi.”
“Why?” Yun Yao frowned.
“Matchmaking,” he said, picking his nose. “Old Qi’s into this type.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage