Volume Two, The Devil’s Game Chapter Thirty-Seven: A Desperate Bargain

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After finishing everything, Deng Yuqi’s face turned somewhat pale. Considering the long preparation time, it was clear that accomplishing such a feat was extraordinarily difficult. She glanced around at the surrounding ice, and seeing no change for a while, finally exhaled in relief. She took out a Breaking Seal Talisman and said to Yang Tonghua and Hua Yanghui, “I will rescue you.”

With that, Deng Yuqi stepped over the ice, holding the talisman as she approached the water sphere imprisoning Hua Yanghui. As she neared it, the talisman instantly glowed faintly.

Ge Wendong also placed a Healing Talisman on himself. Watching the silent ice scattered on the ground, he muttered, “Finally done.”

But just as he spoke, Ge Wendong sensed something was wrong. Whether it was a seal or anything else, there ought to have been a warning signal. Yet, neither in the city nor on the other side was there any indication.

Suddenly, an ominous feeling crept over Ge Wendong. At that moment, the ice on the ground trembled, and Ge Wendong’s expression changed drastically. “Watch out, get back!”

Deng Yuqi was taken aback, but before Ge Wendong’s words could finish, the ice shattered violently. The rushing water carried shards of ice, forming a water tornado that aimed straight at Deng Yuqi.

At the last moment before the attack struck her, the Guardian held back slightly, splitting the water tornado into several streams. One smaller stream pierced through Deng Yuqi’s abdomen.

Her face grew even paler; the talisman’s glow instantly faded. Clutching her stomach, Deng Yuqi staggered and collapsed to the ground.

The water vortex swirled in the air, and gradually, the Guardian reformed at its center, descending slowly.

“That was a good move, froze about forty percent of my water. If you’d done it again, I probably would have been sealed,” the Guardian said as he approached Deng Yuqi, shaking his head regretfully.

He crouched down slowly. “We’re somewhat evenly matched in strength. If I’d just thrown you into the water sphere, it would have been a bit dull. How about I make an ice coffin for you to lie in?”

Deng Yuqi’s eyes widened instantly. “You!”

“Heh, don’t get excited. I don’t have that ability. If I did, I wouldn’t have been frozen by you.” The Guardian laughed mockingly. “To make up for not being able to put you in an ice coffin, I’ll give you a chance.”

He placed his palm in front of Deng Yuqi’s eyes, revealing a blue vortex spinning continuously in his hand. “Come on, enter my illusion. Let me take you to the world of water, to comprehend its true essence.”

“Stop!” Ge Wendong’s face changed drastically. He struggled to move a few steps but then collapsed.

Was the opportunity to comprehend the true essence of water a good one? Yes! But only if entered with full mental strength and proper preparation.

Deng Yuqi had just used several powerful spells, her spiritual energy depleted. Entering such an illusion in her current state would yield nothing and instead drain her already exhausted spirit further, trapping her within with no escape. She might never awaken throughout the entire mission.

Remember how Shi Xiaolu, taken into the illusion by the number one Guardian, never returned and was purified?

Despite Ge Wendong and the others’ desperate shouts, the Guardian sneered coldly and proceeded with his plan. His right hand moved slowly, and Deng Yuqi stared blankly at the vortex in his palm.

“Come on, come on. Though I can’t give you an ice coffin, I can make you a peaceful Sleeping Beauty,” the Guardian whispered evilly. He smiled at the roaring trio led by Ge Wendong. “Soon, very soon.”

“Impossible. Your time should be up already,” Ge Wendong roared bitterly.

“That’s right,” the Guardian glanced back at Ge Wendong. “So I changed my target. Who told you all to stick together?”

Ge Wendong’s face went blank. That was why they observed that the Guardian must teleport after chasing a player for ten minutes—because the Guardian’s chase time per person is ten minutes. But when chasing a group, he can quickly switch targets and continue the pursuit.

The Guardian’s right hand pressed slowly against Deng Yuqi’s forehead.

“Stop!” At the roar, the sound of an arrow slicing through the air arrived.

The Guardian didn’t even look. The water forming his body rippled, revealing a gap that allowed the arrow to pass through.

As the Guardian’s hand brushed past Deng Yuqi’s face, her body tensed briefly before going completely limp.

“Sleeping Beauty completed.” The Guardian stretched his neck and turned to look at the entrance, where Wang Ge stood holding a bow.

“You’re here, just in time. Perfect for your group to be all neat and tidy,” the Guardian said, spreading his right hand. “Are you coming on your own, or should I knock you down and carry you over?”

At that moment, the main stage erupted in commotion. “What’s the Windchaser Squad doing? Why are they coming one after another to be delivered?”

“Yeah, first three melee, then mages, then archers.”

“Heh, reminds me of something called the Calabash Brothers.”

Wang Ge frowned. “Let go of my teammates.”

“Are you making demands of me?” The Guardian sneered.

His body leaned forward slightly. “Not impossible. I can revive, but I’m not immortal. If you let me enter the revival phase, then you can rescue your teammates.”

Suddenly standing upright as if recalling something, the Guardian said regretfully, “Look at my memory. If you’d come a little earlier and let me enter the revival phase, maybe I could have saved all your teammates.”

His eyes narrowed. “But now it’s too late. This Sleeping Beauty likely won’t wake up.”

He touched his forehead. “Such a pity, just because you were a bit late, you ended up separated.”

“How about this,” the Guardian said, sounding thoughtful for Wang Ge’s sake, “I’ll just make this Sleeping Beauty disappear, so you won’t worry about her anymore.”

After speaking, the Guardian laughed wildly and arrogantly.

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“Release them all,” Wang Ge said grimly.

The Guardian made an inviting gesture. “Let’s see what you’re capable of.”

“I don’t intend to fight you,” Wang Ge shook his head.

“What?” The Guardian was momentarily stunned, then sneered, “If you don’t fight, even if you kneel before me, I won’t let them go.”

Wang Ge pulled out several thick notebooks. These looked very old—yellowed pages, worn covers—but the meticulously inserted sheets inside showed the owner’s dedication.

“I’ll trade these with you,” Wang Ge said confidently.

Earlier, Wang Ge had disappeared from the team channel for a while because he noticed Wang Xun skulking nearby, clutching something and avoiding the group.

Having guessed the situation, Wang Ge rushed out from hiding and snatched the items from Wang Xun’s hands—these notebooks were related to the Guardian.

But after flipping through them, Wang Ge reached the same conclusion as Lu Yi before: these items only yield rewards if handed directly to the Guardian.

The Guardian stared at the notebooks in Wang Ge’s hands, momentarily stunned. “I think I’ve seen these somewhere before.”

Wang Ge finally relaxed. “How about I exchange these for my teammates?”

The Guardian glanced at the items, then at the few people around, and smirked coldly. “Why bother trading when I can just capture you directly?”

He flicked a water sphere at Wang Ge. A pattern appeared around Wang Ge’s eye as he smiled and used the notebooks to block the projectile.

The Guardian was clearly taken aback, then snorted coldly, waving his right hand to make the water sphere vanish. “Fine, tell me how you want to trade.”

“Simple. You release all my teammates; I give you these,” Wang Ge said, emboldened by the Guardian’s earlier conduct.

“That’s impossible. What if I release them and you destroy the notebooks?” The Guardian shook his head. “How about this? I release the two trapped in water spheres for you first. You give me the notebooks, then I release the other two.”

“Hmph. What if I give you the notebooks and you don’t release the others?” Wang Ge snorted. “If you’re sincere, break my teammates’ illusions. Otherwise, the deal’s off.”

“Heh.” The Guardian chuckled leisurely. “What good does breaking the deal do you? I say this: hand over the notebooks, and I promise to leave you alone while I’m here — with some extra benefits.”

Wang Ge’s expression flickered, clearly receiving a city prompt.

The Guardian continued, “Good proposal, right? Remember, dead hunters are history. Only those who survive and grow stronger can laugh last.

“Think about it: your teammates used all their strength and couldn’t harm me. Now they’re in my hands. Even if you trade those things, it only means I get to catch you again.”

A look of struggle crossed Wang Ge’s face. The Guardian made a convincing argument. Wang Ge also understood the situation roughly: their squad had used so many skills yet couldn’t overcome this Guardian. He was even less likely to succeed alone.

“Right? Forget them. Just think of it as a trade between us,” the Guardian continued to tempt Wang Ge. Wang Ge hesitated, his mind wavering. He stepped forward slightly, but suddenly a water curtain rose beside him.

The water screen quickly stretched upward, nearly enveloping Wang Ge. At that moment, the necklace around his neck suddenly glowed. He shuddered awake.

Seeing his surroundings clearly, Wang Ge’s expression changed. He stamped his foot, creating a gust of wind at his feet, then leaped out of the water curtain.

“Despicable, trying to deceive me,” Wang Ge cursed as he escaped danger.

By now, Wang Ge understood he had to decide quickly. If this happened a few more times, the Guardian might snatch the notebooks from him, and without them, he would be doomed.

As for the Guardian’s conditions, with the city’s guarantee, there was no worry.

But Wang Ge thought it over: if Ge Wendong and the others died, the survivors would be a worthless lot.

Wang Ge was an archer after all. Without his team’s strength, facing the last Guardian would be almost impossible. Would anyone else truly help him?

After brief consideration, Wang Ge made up his mind. He looked steadfastly at Ge Wendong, Yang Tonghua, and the others. They seemed to understand his gaze, and Ge Wendong nodded approvingly.

“Enough talk. I want you to release my teammates.” Wang Ge interrupted the Guardian before he could speak, “No unnecessary words. You release one person, I give you one notebook. I have five. The last one you get after releasing us for five minutes, at which point I’ll stay in one place.”

“No, give me the last notebook first, then I’ll let you run for five minutes,” the Guardian said coldly.

Wang Ge was about to bargain when Ge Wendong spoke up, “Wang Ge, agree to him.”

Wang Ge glanced at Ge Wendong and finally nodded in agreement.

“Good. Since we have an agreement, let’s start the exchange.” The Guardian pointed to the water sphere surrounding Yang Tonghua.

“Wait, release Deng Yuqi first,” Wang Ge said, pointing to her. Though her expression was calm, Wang Ge knew she was in the worst shape.

If they didn’t quickly free Deng Yuqi from the illusion, her future performance might be compromised.

“Tch,” the Guardian showed displeasure. “Releasing her won’t help. You think she can fight soon after?”

Still, the Guardian reached out, a streak of light shooting from his palm, vanishing into Deng Yuqi’s brow.

Deng Yuqi snorted lightly and slowly opened her eyes. She tried to speak but said nothing before fainting again.

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“How is this possible?” Wang Ge frowned, eyeing the Guardian suspiciously.

“How long do you think a minute or two outside means inside the illusion?” the Guardian sneered. “Don’t worry, when I say release, I mean it.”

Wang Ge had no choice but to toss another notebook to the Guardian. “Next.”

“Cold-hearted, not even coming over to care for this fragile woman yourself,” the Guardian said casually, catching the notebook.

“Next,” Wang Ge repeated.

The Guardian tapped the water sphere wrapping Yang Tonghua, who immediately fell out.

He landed and shouted hoarsely, “Wang Ge, well done. When you disappeared before, I thought you ran off. Didn’t expect you to get such critical items.”

“Enough talk, carry Deng Yuqi over,” Wang Ge said, staring at the Guardian. This exchange was no longer backed by the city’s guarantee; he had to guard against betrayal.

“Oh, okay.” Yang Tonghua placed a Healing Talisman on himself, then swiftly carried Deng Yuqi back to Wang Ge.

Soon, the others were also released by the Guardian, and the Windchaser Squad regrouped.

“Well done,” Ge Wendong patted Wang Ge’s shoulder firmly. But when he looked up, he froze—the entrance was sealed by a layer of water.

Wang Ge caught sight of it too, his expression darkening. “What do you mean by this?”

“Nothing. Just ensuring the trade goes smoothly,” the Guardian said without looking at Wang Ge, flipping through the notebooks. “Three of you can leave first. After the last notebook is handed over, the remaining two can leave.”

Ge Wendong quickly arranged on the team channel. He and the best-conditioned Wang Ge stayed, while the rest left.

As the Guardian predicted, Yang Tonghua and Hua Yanghui left smoothly.

After receiving confirmation, Wang Ge threw the last notebook to the Guardian.

The Guardian waved his left hand; a stream of water enveloped the last notebook, and the water curtain at the entrance vanished.

Wang Ge and Ge Wendong cautiously stepped back. The Guardian glanced at them and chuckled lightly.

“No need to be so wary. Let me reveal some information,” the Guardian said, stepping toward Ge Wendong. He gestured at the five notebooks floating in the air. “Do you know what these are for?”

Wang Ge and Ge Wendong were stunned. Wang Ge only knew that handing these to the Guardian would earn rewards, as both the city and reality indicated.

“Seems you don’t understand,” the Guardian laughed again, this time with clear contempt.

He looked at Wang Ge. “Have you never wondered why, if you give me these, I let you go and even reward you?”

Wang Ge and Ge Wendong’s faces changed drastically. The Guardian smiled, “You get it now.

“Yes, these items unlock new abilities for me. So don’t worry about me acting immediately. Even if I let you escape for ten minutes, catching you again is effortless.”

“Ruined,” Wang Ge and Ge Wendong thought simultaneously. But at the time, exchanging the notebooks was their only option.

This detail wasn’t mentioned in Lu Yi’s account—not because he hid it, but because he was unconscious and unaware of what happened afterward.

Still, glimpses appeared during the Guardian’s pursuit, such as when he used the Vine Recoil skill.

“The talk is done. Since I’m in a good mood, run as far as you can,” the Guardian said, raising his right hand. A fist-sized water sphere appeared in his palm.

The sphere vanished instantly from Ge Wendong and Wang Ge’s eyes. Then a series of impacts sounded around them—the ground was pocked with water bullet craters.

“Haha, not bad, not bad,” the Guardian laughed heartily as he floated in the air, clapping.

Ge Wendong and Wang Ge’s faces turned grim as they fled without looking back.

As they rushed out, a light rain began to fall on them. “What’s going on?” Ge Wendong’s face darkened.

The rain only covered a dozen meters around the cold storage; elsewhere, it was clear. As he spoke, the rain grew heavier and wider.

They glanced back at the cold storage, where the scene above was subtly distorting—clearly influenced by the Guardian.

Finally, the distortion revealed itself as a pillar of light. As it shifted from colorless transparency to blue, thunder roared in the sky, and a torrential downpour poured.

“Captain, I think this is getting out of control,” Wang Ge said bitterly.

Ge Wendong nodded gravely. “Let’s go. Find a place to hide. Don’t get found again.”