Versatile Sword Cultivator

Chapter 187 – National Tale of Immortal Craze

"Ahhh!! I quit!"

Ren Lan couldn't bear the humiliation any longer. She shoved the chessboard away, utterly frustrated.

Seeing her on the verge of a breakdown, Niu Naitang quickly tried to console her, fearing she might really quit.

"Ren Lan, you're actually pretty good. Tang Tang was just teasing you. Let's play another round."

"Enough! You've said that six times already! If I believe you again, I'm a fool!" Ren Lan clearly wasn't falling for the little one's tricks anymore.

"Then... how about Go?"

"No."

"Military Chess?"

"No!"

"Checkers?"

"Not playing any of them! You little rascal, don't even think about making me play chess with you again! Hmph!"

Ren Lan was devastated, feeling utterly defeated. There was no way she would play chess again tonight.

Tonight was the most humiliating night of her life, being utterly thrashed by a little kid and then mocked for it.

Ren Lan looked over at Lin Jichen, who was trying hard to suppress his laughter at the dining table. Infuriated, she walked over and demanded, "Are you laughing at me?"

Lin Jichen feigned innocence, "What are you talking about? I'm just having dinner, officer."

"You are laughing at me! Your expression gives you away!" Ren Lan fumed.

Instead of holding back, Lin Jichen's smile grew even wider. He teased, "I can laugh if I want to. What does it have to do with you? Surely, I have the right to laugh, don't I?"

Ren Lan was so angry she could only huff, "Just wait until tomorrow morning. I'll make sure you regret it!"

Lin Jichen suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Oh no, what am I going to do tomorrow...

After dinner, Lin Jichen glanced at the fridge and saw that they were running low on groceries. He decided to go out and buy some more.

Unexpectedly, both Ren Lan and Niu Naitang wanted to join him.

So, the three of them went out together.

Lin Jichen and Ren Lan each held one of Niu Naitang's hands as they walked down the street. The trio, with their striking looks, drew frequent glances from passersby.

A couple saw them and the wife said enviously to her husband, "Honey, look at their family genes. They're so good-looking. I hope our future kids will be that good-looking."

The husband smiled wryly, "Their genes are just too good. The man is handsome, and the woman is beautiful. We shouldn't get our hopes up."

"Are you saying I'm ugly?"

"No, of course not, honey~"

***

Lin Jichen and Ren Lan heard the conversation and their expressions turned a bit awkward.

Perhaps unable to bear the stares from the passersby, Ren Lan let go of Niu Naitang's hand and deliberately walked to the side, afraid that people might get the wrong idea.

Lin Jichen found it amusing but said nothing, continuing to hold Niu Naitang's little hand as they walked forward.

Niu Naitang seemed very happy, skipping along and smiling at everyone they passed.

As they walked, Lin Jichen noticed many advertisements for "Tale of Immortal" along the roadside.

Even the bus stops had promotional videos for "Tale of Immortal."

Everywhere he looked, there were recruitment posters for "Tale of Immortal" studios.

There were ads for professional players, gold farming studios, and even companion gaming studios.

"Tale of Immortal" was everywhere.

Many young people were discussing which class was the strongest, how to clear certain Secret Realms, and how realistic and fun "Tale of Immortal" was.

Some people even wore gaming rings at the bus stops, sneaking in some game time while waiting for the bus.

Playing "Tale of Immortal" was incredibly convenient. With the ring, you could play anywhere.

The gaming ring was more convenient than a phone. Although it needed charging, one charge lasted a month, and you could play it anywhere.

It even had a 'split-focus mode.'

In split-focus mode, you could keep an eye on your real-world surroundings while playing the game. You wouldn't have to worry about someone stealing your stuff or missing your stop.

It was just like playing a mobile game on the roadside.

Outside the mall, there were many young ladies cosplaying as characters from "Tale of Immortal."

The game had only been out for half a month, but it was already becoming a national sensation.

"Little Lin, should I go tell those young ladies that you're the top player in 'Tale of Immortal,' Lin Jichen? They'd all swarm you for autographs, and you'd get to feel like a celebrity," Ren Lan joked.

Lin Jichen replied seriously, "No, I need to remind you that we must not reveal our identities casually."

"Why?" Ren Lan clearly didn't understand the gravity of the situation.

Lin Jichen had to explain the reasons, stating that someone was investigating him for revenge.

Ren Lan was shocked, "Are they crazy? It's just a game!"

Lin Jichen replied earnestly, "It's a game, but the stakes are high enough to make many unscrupulous people take risks."

"Alright, I'll keep my mouth shut and won't reveal your identity."

Ren Lan felt a bit scared after hearing this, grateful that school hadn't started yet. Otherwise, she might have bragged about Lin Jichen to her dorm mates.

Lin Jichen also warned, "It's not just about me. You should keep a low profile too."

"Come on, I'm not the top player," Ren Lan said.

"You may not be now, but with your 'Immovable King' talent, you'll become a top player sooner or later. Many guilds will want to recruit you."

"I don't want that. If I join a guild, it will be yours. By the way, Little Lin, when are you going to start a guild? I want to be the vice president!" Ren Lan laughed.

Lin Jichen chuckled, "I don't have any plans for that right now. The most important thing is to improve ourselves as much as possible. Why don't you start one, and I'll be your enforcer."

"No way. I can barely manage myself, let alone others. Besides, my vacation is almost over, and I'll have to go back to school. I'll have even less time to play."

Ren Lan looked a bit reluctant. She had gotten used to living with Lin Jichen and didn't want to go back to the dorm.

Just then, Ren Lan's phone rang.

She took out her phone and said, "It's my mom calling. I'll go take this call."

Lin Jichen nodded and sat on a nearby bench with Niu Naitang, waiting for her.

"Brother Lin, is that game you were talking about fun?" Niu Naitang suddenly asked.

Lin Jichen smiled and patted her head, "Why? Do you want to play too?"

Niu Naitang shyly said, "Some of my classmates said it's really fun. They said you can play chess in it. Is that true?"

Lin Jichen chuckled, "Yes, that's true."

Niu Naitang's eyes lit up, "Are the players good at chess?"

Lin Jichen laughed, shaking his head, "I don't know, but they should be pretty good."

Niu Naitang got excited, "Brother Lin, can you buy me a gaming ring? I'll pay you back when we get home."

Lin Jichen asked, amused, "Where will you get the money?"

"My New Year's money. I've saved up a lot, and Auntie doesn't know about it," Niu Naitang whispered.

"You're not planning to tell your Auntie?"

"No, Auntie would be mad. I'll play in secret."

Lin Jichen sighed, "But it will affect your studies. And if you get caught, I'll be blamed for it."

He was worried that Qin Xiaowei would blame him for corrupting Niu Naitang.

That would be a well-intentioned deed gone wrong.