Mini World Game Console

On December 8th, Ren Suo left his home after a long absence.

This time, he wasn't alone; he was accompanied by Vice Principal Yuan Chu, Bai Ji—the head of the university cultivation teaching group—and a group of other teachers. The distance they traveled wasn't far, a mere 50 meters in a straight line—just upstairs.

Upon reaching Classroom Dormitory Building 2, Room 602 on the 6th floor, the first thing Ren Suo and the others saw was the "double happiness" character on the door, which made many of the female teachers exclaim in surprise.

The person who opened the door for them was a young man in a black jacket, his hair dyed a handsome wine red. It was styled in a way that likely required a hefty sum to persuade a high-profile hairstylist like Tony to design it. His hair was reminiscent of current attractive male idols; Ren Suo felt if this man wore a mask and strolled around the airport, he might be mistaken for a celebrity sneaking onto a plane.

"You're here?" he said with a smile to everyone, his gaze settling on Ren Suo. "Long time no see, Ren Suo."

"Hello," Bai Ji stepped forward to shake his hand and flashed a handsome, sweet smile, then turned to Ren Suo and asked, "Ren Suo, do you know him?"

Ren Suo looked at him suspiciously, then suddenly smacked his palm. "You, you, you, aren't you that—"

"That's right, I'm Yi Zhao, captain of the Tactical Bureau's Sixth Team," Yi Zhao said with a smile.

"Yes, Yi Zhao!" Ren Suo exclaimed in realization, "From the Tactical Bureau, I remember!"

However, aside from Ren Suo, there weren't many fools present. Seeing Ren Suo's reaction, everyone chuckled. Bai Ji couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle before saying to Yi Zhao, "We're here to visit Teacher Fan."

"Thank you for your concern. Please come in."

Vice Principal Yuan Chu asked, "We're not disturbing you, are we?"

Yi Zhao replied with a smile, "No, my partner and I just woke up; she's in the room reading."

Everyone took note of his unique way of referring to his significant other.

All the teachers' dorms looked the same, with the only differences being each individual's decor. Ren Suo, for instance, hadn't really spruced up his place. He hadn't added any furniture, almost keeping it like a showroom—standard and clean. Zhao Huo, on the other hand, had bought two large glass display cabinets for his figures and hung anime wall scrolls all around. He used a projector screen instead of a TV and had beanbag chairs in the living room. His house was filled with neatly placed anime merchandise, some of which were gifts from Ren Suo.

Both were otakus. However, Ren Suo was the type of game otaku who didn't pay much attention to his environment, while Zhao Huo was an anime otaku willing to put effort into creating a comfortable home. Of course, this difference might also stem from Ren Suo being so poor previously that he couldn't even afford a game console, thus never developing such extravagant habits.

But Fan Qiyu's home was of another style altogether. If Ren Suo had to describe it, the only word he could come up with was: newlywed.

The home was adorned with vibrant red decorations, the vase on the coffee table was filled with delicate, fresh flowers, and the furniture was all shades of pink. Upon a casual glance, Ren Suo noticed even the water cups on the coffee table were a matching pair for couples—the intense atmosphere of love nearly resurrected his own hormones.

Yi Zhao supported a graceful woman as she came out of the bedroom. She wore a thick brown coat, her auburn curls draped over her shoulders, and she had fluffy white rabbit slippers on her feet. Her complexion was rosy as she said with a smile, "Thank you for taking the time to visit me."

"Not at all, not at all." Yuan Chu handled the exchange of pleasantries. After everyone set down their gifts and chatted casually for a while, a female teacher couldn't help but ask, "Sister Qi, have you... gotten married?"

Fan Qiyu seemed somewhat shy. Yi Zhao, however, straightforwardly said, "Yes, we registered our marriage a few days ago. We didn't consult an almanac, so it wasn't any special date, and we didn't have a wedding ceremony. There aren't many brides as foolish as that these days."

"Who are you calling foolish?" Fan Qiyu playfully poked his waist, her cheeks flushing, as Yi Zhao grinned sheepishly and scratched his head.

The female teacher appeared to want to ask more, but she clammed up after receiving a stern look from Bai Ji. After some more conversation, Yuan Chu said, "If you need anything, just go to the university hospital. If the university hospital is lacking any equipment, just let me know. I will make a request to the higher-ups to try to fulfill your medical needs so you don't have to run to the city every day."

"No need," Fan Qiyu waved her hand and said with a smile. "Most of the tests have already been done. The main reason I visit the major hospital is to assist them in analyzing the bodily changes in Cultivators who have contracted Lou Gehrig's disease. Thank you for your concern, Vice Principal."

Yuan Chu nodded and then turned to Ren Suo, saying, "Ren Suo is the best Healing Cultivator at Heavenly Lotus Academy; you know him. Why don't you let him give you a treatment?"

Fan Qiyu did not object but gently said, "Vice Principal, I have already been to the Third Affiliated Hospital..."

The Third Affiliated Hospital of South China Medical University was also the most comprehensive hospital in Lianjiang for treating and researching Transcendents. Despite Ren Suo's exceptional skills as a Healing Cultivator, he obviously couldn't be compared to an entire hospital. That facility integrated Spiritual Energy and technology, something a healer who merely mastered Spells couldn't compete with.

"This is a colleague's concern," Yuan Chu stated.

Fan Qiyu nodded and smiled at Ren Suo. "This must be the second time I'm receiving treatment from Monk Ren."

"Hmm?" Ren Suo was momentarily taken aback. "Have I treated you before?"

"Wasn't it just two or three months ago?" Fan Qiyu pondered and said, "I accidentally fell and scraped my face. You just happened to be on duty at the university hospital that day, so..."

Oh, on duty at the university hospital. That must have been the work of a clone.

Suddenly, Yi Zhao asked, "Was that the day of our first date?"

Fan Qiyu looked surprised and asked, "How did you know?"

"I remember that day you kept touching your right cheek from time to time; you nearly rubbed off all your foundation. I thought it was just a habit of yours, but you didn't do it afterward. Now that I hear you talk about it, I realize you were worried that your scar hadn't healed," Yi Zhao laughed playfully. "You were so nervous on our first date! It looks like you've had a crush on me for a long time. Tell me, did you start noticing me back in middle school?"

"Not at all..."

Ren Suo, with an expressionless face, remotely unleashed a Healing Wind. But Fan Qiyu wasn't physically injured; it was a disease. So the Healing Wind he released enveloped her entire body, interrupting their intimate moment. "You look pretty healthy," he remarked.

"I am pretty healthy," Fan Qiyu chuckled. "Now I just occasionally feel weakness in my limbs, but it's not too much of a problem to look after myself."

"When did you first notice these symptoms?" Ren Suo asked, sounding like an experienced traditional doctor.

"About four months ago..." Fan Qiyu replied. "Back then, I would suddenly feel weak all over every two or three days, and then the attacks became more and more frequent, until last month when I was diagnosed with 'amyotrophic lateral sclerosis' in the hospital."

Yuan Chu said, "Cultivators have very strong resistance to diseases. Teacher Fan, you started experiencing symptoms four months ago, but you can still move normally. It's very possible the disease might not progress further. As long as you keep up with your cultivation, Teacher Fan, self-recovery is possible."

"Thank you for your concern; the doctors said the same thing. I try to make time for cultivation every day," Fan Qiyu nodded.

Yi Zhao, not one to stand on ceremony, said, "Since Fan Fan can't go out easily, can the academy increase the coefficient of the Spiritual Energy Aggregation Device at home?"

"I can't promise anything, but I will report this matter," Yuan Chu said. "How about this: I will apply for two entry permits to Renowned Garden for you. As long as Renowned Garden is open, you both can enter for cultivation. How's that?"

Renowned Garden was the Great Cultivation Field of Heavenly Lotus Academy, where the concentration of Spiritual Energy was several times stronger than at home. Yi Zhao nodded. "Thank you."

By this time, Ren Suo had also completed casting the Healing Wind, and he asked, "How do you feel?"

Fan Qiyu closed her eyes to feel the effects and said, "My body feels warm, like I've regained a bit of strength. It's pretty nice."

Ren Suo tapped on the earphones hanging around his neck and said, "Let's skip the pleasantries. I don't mind if the healing didn't work; please don't hide anything."

Fan Qiyu gave a wry smile and said, "It just makes my body feel warm. It's quite nice."

The group continued to chat for a while before Yuan Chu stood up to say goodbye. Ren Suo, Bai Ji, and Yuan Chu left, while the other female teachers stayed to continue chatting with Fan Qiyu.

Ren Suo escorted Bai Ji and Yuan Chu downstairs when Yuan Chu suddenly asked, "Ren Suo, do you think your Spell had an effect on her? Have you learned the Fourth-Stage Spell 'All Things Flow'?"

Ren Suo was not surprised that the vice-principal knew he had exchanged for a Fourth-Stage Spell. "I'm still at the Third-level Cultivation; I can't perfectly cast the effects of 'All Things Flow.' However, even if I reached the fourth transformation, according to the description of 'All Things Flow,' the Spell at best can only help suppress the disease, not cure it."

"And the disease-healing effect of 'All Things Flow' is mainly aimed at ordinary people; as for Cultivators... Cultivators themselves have good resistance to diseases. If it were effective, she would have recovered at the Third Affiliated Hospital already."

As the elevator began to descend, Yuan Chu sighed. "That's also true. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is heavily related to genetic defects. It's good enough if Spells can relieve the symptoms."

"Genetic defect?" Ren Suo was taken aback.

Noticing Ren Suo's lack of knowledge about the disease, Bai Ji explained, "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is one of the motor neuron diseases. The cause is still unknown; 10% of the cases are familial, while 90% have no clear cause. Although it might not be a gene defect, there are no known cases of recovery, with a mortality rate of 100%. All treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and prolong lifespan."

"That severe?!" Ren Suo was stunned.

Bai Ji nodded. "Typically, a patient's lifespan is less than five years, although there are exceptions. Cultivators theoretically have a longer lifespan... but if it continues to deteriorate, her limbs will become frozen, completely unable to move; life will become unmanageable, and she will depend on others for care."

The elevator reached the first floor. Ren Suo blinked, recalling the man holding Fan Qiyu's hand earlier. What about Yi Zhao then...?

"He's a good man," Bai Ji said as they stepped out of the elevator. "Although I don't know whether he'll regret it or go back on his word in the future, right now, he has proven his stance with actions, giving Teacher Fan the biggest promise of his life."

Ren Suo asked, "Their relationship was officially established just a few months ago, right?"

"But it seems they've known each other since middle school, and..." Bai Ji waved goodbye. "When you meet the right person, it's just inevitable."

Ren Suo thoughtfully nodded, watching as the elevator doors closed, and he secretly sighed to himself.

It looked like Zhao Zili's business trip couldn't be avoided...

Returning to the fourth floor, Ren Suo unexpectedly found a cat at his doorstep.

It was Black Bell, wearing a red ribbon with a yellow bell.

Ren Suo's first reaction was to put his hands in front of his chest in a defensive posture, also casting Gauze Clothing for defense.

But after three seconds, when Black Bell didn't rush over to scratch him, Ren Suo slowly lowered his hands, thinking, This cat didn't come for revenge after all.

Black Bell let out a soft MEOW.

Ren Suo suddenly understood, squatted down, and said, "My Spell doesn't have much effect on Teacher Fan."

Black Bell looked at Ren Suo with dissatisfaction for several seconds, blinked its eyes, turned its head to the side, and then lay on the ground, stretching out all fours in what appeared to be a 'bearing a heavy burden in silence' pose, as if saying, 'Go ahead and touch me; I'll just pretend I got bitten by a dog.'

Ren Suo didn't hesitate, reaching out to pet it. And sure enough, this black cat felt great—fluffy and super warm, meaty but not as fat as an orange cat. Ren Suo used both hands, lifting Black Bell up, and said, "I really can't heal her."

Menace flashed in Black Bell's eyes as its paws extended sharp claws.

"But I know someone who can heal Teacher Fan's illness," Ren Suo hurriedly said.

Black Bell reluctantly retracted its claws and struggled in Ren Suo's arms, so he had no choice but to put it down.

It ran to the staircase and meowed at Ren Suo.

"You want to repay me?"

Ren Suo laughed and waved his hand, saying, "Alright, in the future, you can help me keep an eye on the house. And also, if I want to pet you, don't run away or scratch me..."

However, by this time, Black Bell had already slipped away. Ren Suo clicked his tongue and went home to turn on the Mini-World Game Console but didn't enter Night of the Hunt; instead, he opened Jedi Priest first.

Sitting in the Pure White Divine Country, Zhao Zili was so bored that he was yawning. Ren Suo glanced at the charging progress bar, which was startlingly at 1%.

After the last update, Zhao Zili's method of descent had changed from a cooldown to a charge-up system. This meant that only when Earth's prayers reached a certain level, successfully charging the faith energy, could Zhao Zili descend to Earth, wielding the Endless Mercy Gatling to save all beings.

Unable to find any dialogue options in the game, Ren Suo could only tap on Zhao Zili. The sleeping Zhao Zili suddenly woke up and, looking around in confusion, then realizing something, said, "It's going to be about 20 days before the next charge is complete."

Ren Suo tapped him again, and after Zhao Zili pondered for a moment, he said, "Let's do it this way: if I'm right, tap me twice; if I'm wrong, tap once. If I can't guess, don't bother me while I'm sleeping. Seriously, couldn't you just use Rippling Spring Sounds...?"

"You're looking for me for healing. Indeed, you didn't come to invite me for a meal..."

"You need me to go to Baiyun City to heal your parents. What? I was wrong? You unfilial son..."

"You need me to heal your girlfriend. What? I was wrong again? Are you still single...?"

Zhao Zili scratched his head, pondered for a moment, and said, "You need me to heal around your home?"

Getting an affirmative response, Zhao Zili clicked his tongue. "You're really too greedy... Fine, fine, I've got it. There, just around your house. If you really want someone to receive healing, then just have them come outside. I don't do house calls."

Ren Suo nodded in satisfaction. With this, he had saved the summoning time of Rippling Spring Sounds. He just needed to inform Yi Zhao and the others to come out and receive the healing storm for a perfect reunion ending. The only problem was making them wait another 20 days.

Alright, back to gaming.

Ren Suo turned on Night of the Hunt and loaded the save 'Seventh Lunar Cycle, Luna.'

The 27th Silver Moon Crystal had descended on the small island in the center of the lake, and the Apostles of the Moon God by the lakeside immediately began to bombard the island ferociously to prevent anyone from approaching.

Ren Suo, controlling Luna, surveyed the surroundings and activated Lunar Eclipse, setting the radius to max and letting a waterfall of Moonlight cascade down!

Everyone was immediately dazed, stunned for at least 0.5 seconds. Ren Suo took this opportunity to pause the game and mark all the nearby Apostles.

Having fought through seven moon phases and engaged in over 25 battles, Ren Suo could more or less distinguish who were Apostles of the Moon God and who were not. Now, the Light of the Lunar Eclipse had at least shattered their armor and torn away the props concealing their faces, so Ren Suo identified them without much effort.

8, 9, 10, 11... Eleven Apostles of the Moon God. That should be enough, right?

Ren Suo activated Lunar Eclipse two more times in a row, precisely targeting these eleven Apostles!

Luna's energy was drained by more than half in an instant, as eleven thick beams of light fell from the sky, striking those eleven figures accurately!

Shouts arose from all around, and the companions and friends of the Apostles immediately picked up the fallen and started retreating. No one expected Luna to suddenly strike so hard this time!

Watching them escape, Ren Suo allowed Luna to confidently step onto the small island in the lake's center and collect the 25th Silver Moon Crystal.

The 25 Silver Moon Crystals blended smoothly with Luna, silver-white beams of light converging upon her.

The Waxing Crescent Moon in the sky turned into a Full Moon, and a Radiance shot forth from Luna, splashing black ripples upon the moon above.

The Moon Masked World suddenly lost all its light. Besides the 55 pillars of light (54 from other Apostles plus Luna), the rest of the world was as dark as an abyss. At this moment, the calm, androgynous voice rang out once again. It proclaimed Luna as the final Moon Chanter, deprived the other Apostles of the Gift of Miracles, and urged Luna to hunt them down.

Just then, apart from Luna and the Silver Moon, the rest of the scene seemed to go through hundreds of layers of blur filters, making it impossible to see clearly. In the previous save, this kind of situation would occur after Luna killed an Apostle of the Moon God, and it was only after the tavern owner's explanation that Ren Suo learned that this was the Moon Masked World collapsing.

However—

"Kill all the Apostles of the Moon God and their companions: 0/54"

Now no one had died, yet the Moon Masked World seemed to have collapsed by a large margin!

This was the strategy the tavern owner told Ren Suo: to put some of the Apostles of the Moon God into a Dream Death state before collecting all 25 Silver Moon Crystals!

Because Apostles of the Moon God in a Dream Death state were neither alive nor dead, once the Moon God had influenced the Moon Masked World, it began to collapse without their support.

But they had died before the Moon God was ready to descend.

They had died first!

The Apostles of the Moon God in Dream Death state could be resurrected at any time. They weren't like Luna, who was largely unattached; the remembrances they could garner were enough for them to quickly return to the Moon Masked World!

Although the Moon God said It could strip them of their Gift of Miracles, It clearly couldn't affect the Apostles of the Moon God in Dream Death state!

Ren Suo didn't let Luna move rashly but just sat quietly on the small island in the middle of the lake. However, it wasn't long before the androgynous voice resounded once more between heaven and earth, "Moon Chanter, why have you stopped singing?"

"Moon Chanter, why have you stopped the trial?"

"Moon Chanter…"

It kept asking over a dozen times, finally falling silent.

Suddenly, a creepy, chilling voice echoed through the world:

"My dear, what are you thinking of in your mind? The hunt, blood, or nightmares?"

The Moonlight shining on Luna suddenly turned Crimson. Luna's heart began to beat wildly, her eyes were instantly filled with Blood Light, her azure hair flew about without any wind, and her whole person radiated an evil aura!

Several task prompts popped up in the upper right corner of the game:

"The Moon God from a distant time and space has completed its descent."

"The Moon Masked World begins emergency repairs!"

"When the Moon God occupies the Moon Chanter's body, It will continue the hunt, killing all outsiders in the Moon Masked World and delaying its repairs!"

"Please stop the Moon God's actions!"

Ren Suo was stunned. Stop it? How do I stop it? The Moon God is inside Luna!

Would the Moon God even listen to the commands of my controller?

At this moment, Luna suddenly stretched out her hands, silver-white Moonlight glowing from her palms.

That was the color of Miracles.

The Moon God had only stripped the other Apostles of their Gift of Miracles; Luna still possessed her Miracle. However, the Miracle Luna had obtained allowed her to destroy any object with a close-range touch, at the cost of her body sticking to other objects—a Miracle Ren Suo didn't need.

Luna lifted her head, looked at the area where silver-white pillars of light were shining in the distance, then at the Silver Moon above her head. The Blood Light in her eyes faded, revealing innocent, childlike eyes.

"This is my repayment," she suddenly blurted out. Ren Suo was taken aback. Is she talking to the Silver Moon?

Then Luna grabbed her own neck with both hands, and the Moonlight from her hands instantly devoured her entire body.

Luna seemed to transform completely into light and disappeared on the spot. And the Crimson Moonlight that enveloped her also dissipated along with it.