Welcome to Rewind World Game

"May I know who you are?" Su Ming'an asked the young girl.

"I just said, I am 'you'," the girl said.

"But you are a girl," Su Ming'an said.

"Yes, is there a problem?" the girl said.

"Although I can't confirm it very precisely, I am sure that I am male," Su Ming'an thought for a moment.

"That's not important," the girl said.

Su Ming'an was speechless; he felt it was still important.

"An illusion? Data simulation? Bionic body?" Su Ming'an pondered the reason for the girl's formation: "You should be something like a psychological inspection mechanism, like the Nine Thrones back then..."

This gender difference might be Su Wensheng's mischief, Su Wensheng probably deliberately wanted to simulate the image of a girl.

The girl blinked, without answering more questions. A flash of white light, and Su Ming'an automatically exited the angel statue, leaving the church empty.

He touched the angel statue again, but there was no reaction, he couldn't enter anymore.

He stood beneath the angel statue, the stained glass of the church reflecting a layer of variegated colors, the dome painted with colorful stories about deities.

Although Su Ming'an had no reverence for the deities of this world, seeing the solemn statues, colorful paintings, and sacrificial artifacts everywhere in the church, he actually felt some solemn emotions in his heart, as if he was truly being watched by a deity.

— The girl told him he must become a god.

— What exactly is the essence of a god?

Su Ming'an pondered.

— He thought that 'god' is often a product structured by humans according to history, culture, and local customs, representing the manifestation of humanity's desire for good nature and desire. A god represents a group, a culture, a collection of a time's desires. If people have an intense yearning for 'love,' the 'God of Love' arises accordingly, imagined to protect love and marital happiness. If people have a high pursuit of 'money,' a god protecting wealth also arises accordingly, imagined to bring fortune, thus active in people's writings and history.

This was Su Ming'an's original viewpoint.

But as the World Game proceeded, he gradually discovered — gods are indeed products of human faith and expectation, but they are not simply human fantasies made virtual; they truly exist. Their divinity does not change according to human will.

In the Seventh World, Pulaya, Su Rin became a god. It was because intense emotions of the Pulaya residents gathered upon Su Rin. The innumerable residents poisoned to death in Yun Shang City, their overwhelming numbers and malice gathered in Su Rin, prompting Su Rin to become a god.

In the Eighth World Dome, Su Ming'an became Bai Shen. It was because the extreme reverence of the people in the dome gathered upon Su Ming'an, granting him Bai Shen's divine power.

In the Ninth World City of Measurement, although not entirely sure about Ta Wei's deity status, their self-proclamation as god should also be for gathering people's faith, allowing faith to gather more justifiably upon one person, aiding Ta Wei's strength to gain powerful ruling capability.

— In summary, it is the extremely intense faith of humanity that created 'gods.' In the Eighth World, Jiu Shen, being slandered as an evil god, because no one believed in them, they lost their strong divine power.

Or, in the context of the World Game, 'god' resembles a kind of 'collective unconscious' more. That is, the mental deposits of humanity's ancestors' collective experiences during evolution. It resides at the lowest level of subconsciousness, expressing itself uncontrollably through religion, mythology, art, dreams, and symbols.

For instance, during one's growth process, he gradually knows what is right and what is wrong, and he gradually becomes convinced of most recognition. When he wants to do something bad, 'conscience' will stop him, making him subconsciously feel something is evil.

For instance, people generally believe that 'not wearing pants is wrong.' But — when this implicit notion evolves into — 'not having faith in deities is wrong.'

Then, it becomes hard for people to harbor doubts about deities, and they become deeply convinced of gods — thus, 'gods' are born.

Mentioning the Spring Festival brings to mind spring couplets, mentioning the Qingming Festival brings to mind sweeping tombs, mentioning the Dragon Boat Festival brings to mind sticky rice dumplings. Once the god is mentioned, everyone immediately recalls a person — thus, 'gods' are born.

This is the power of emotion and faith, in the framework of the World Game, it carries enormous catalytic and destructive power. Including the Fifth World Ming Hui, it also approached destruction due to the emotion of 'malice.'

— If the people of an entire world believe one person is a god, then, truly, a god will emerge.

"… Deity."

Su Ming'an muttered to himself, gazing at the angel statue, motley colored light penetrating his pupils.

In front of him, the sacred marble angel held a sword high in one hand, a balance high in the other, representing judgment and fairness respectively. Its white stone glowed with a holy sheen under the stained glass's light. For a moment, in Su Ming'an's eyes, it indeed evoked a few moments of reverence in him.

The next moment, he realized he too was influenced by this 'collective unconscious,' he immediately reacted — under no circumstances could he develop feelings of reverence, adoration, or admiration for deities. Otherwise, he would become a part of the masses and could no longer resist the deities.

Deities plan death outcomes for people. One reason might be — to evoke a sense of reverence.

As long as you die as the deities say, you won't suffer too much. But if you dare to defy the deities, you will meet a tragic end. In this way, faith becomes deeply rooted in billions' hearts. Give a carrot, then a stick, like taming a flock of goats.

If a goat dares to fight back, deities need not act; other righteous goats will burn the 'rebellious' goat — how dare you defy the world's [Rules], how dare you challenge the authority everyone acknowledges, you deserve death.

Understanding all this, Su Ming'an no longer stayed, quietly returning to his room. Along the way, he constantly felt as if someone was watching him.

After once again checking his surroundings, he put on the Dream Patrol Helmet.

The five senses began to transition, Su Ming'an gradually smelled the salty scent of sea breeze, the bed beneath him slightly rocking. He opened his eyes to a wooden-scented ceiling, and the rustic stone carvings and wealthy bamboo by the bed.

…

[Chapter 3 · Penglai Fairy Island]

…

He pushed open the cabin door. A breathtaking blue met his eyes, the sea connecting to the sky, the vast ocean seemed to melt with the distant blue horizon, and a fine white line spanning the sea's surface was faintly visible.

It was early dawn, he leaned against the railing, the wind and waves lifted a moist mist, gently brushing against his nose. The ship was sailing towards Penglai Fairy Island.

"First Dream Patrol Family, you finally got online. It's already past two in the morning, we waited long," Yi Zhongyu approached, with a tone not of annoyance, but rather teasing.

Su Ming'an looked around, Zou Yuqing clad in red silk and Mo Yan carrying a long sword were already there. They stood on the deck, arms crossing, watching Su Ming'an.

"Has Penglai Fairy Island arrived?" Su Ming'an asked.

"Brother, we're almost there, look there." Mo Yan raised his hand, pointing towards the ship's bow.

Amidst the surging waves stood an island with a line of fine white along the horizon.

At this hour, around two in the morning, the gentle waves reflected a multitude of colors from the dawning sky. The ship sailed softly towards Penglai Fairy Island.

"Penglai Fairy Island, are we finally here?" Su Ming'an wondered aloud, looking towards the approaching island.

"Almost there. Look ahead," Mo Yan said, pointing forward.

Penglai Immortal Island was written in bold letters atop the entrance.

In the legend, this was said to be the dwelling of immortals.

Many had tried to set foot on it for a glimpse of eternal life over the years, but only the State Preceptor Li Mingyue had managed to reach it.

He guessed that this world, the 'Yun Shang City,' stopped its server updates yesterday night for this reason as well — because the great ship was still sailing upon the sea, not yet having reached Penglai Fairy Island, there was no new story yet, so they simply halted it.

… Now that you mention it.

… That's why this game's time is longer.

He pushed open the cabin door. The waves were roaring, and a fine mist sprayed from the sea, gently stroking his nose. He was nervous, feeling that someone was approaching him.

At this time, he felt someone was coming close.

A voice called out to him, "Your Highness, Penglai Immortal," Zou Yuqing approached him, her figure draped in transparent red silk, carrying an air of elegance, her scent brushing over his hair.

"What are you doing?" Su Ming'an saw the beauty approaching him and was highly alert.

"As the Eldest Prince of Louyue, you can't neglect your image when meeting an Immortal. Look at how messy your hair is." Zou Yuqing covered her mouth with a laugh, her fox-like eyes curving like a pair of shallow red crescents.

Su Ming'an touched his hair; he didn't understand the hairstyles of ancient people, so he just tied it up casually before coming out. It turned out Zou Yuqing wanted to help him tidy up his hair.

"Stay away from my brother," Mo Yan stopped Zou Yuqing.

"You're not allowing me close. Do you know how to comb hair?" Zou Yuqing sneered, "We can be informal, but Your Highness cannot."

Mo Yan was silent. Their identities were different from Su Ming'an's. With the Eldest Prince's hair disheveled, who knows if it would offend the Immortal.

"Zou Yuqing, I'm counting on you," Su Ming'an said.

Zou Yuqing smiled slightly, untying Su Ming'an's black hair and gently combing it. Her fingers were deft, softly lifting his strands, arranging them into the shape of a high ponytail.

The light red silk on her body fluttered in the sea breeze, sometimes lightly brushing against Su Ming'an's face like a feather that touched and left.

Mo Yan watched Zou Yuqing's actions intently like a protective mother hen, gripping the sword in his hand tightly, ready to lift it at any sign of trouble.

While dealing with the loose locks beside Su Ming'an's ear, Zou Yuqing suddenly leaned in closer and whispered near his ear, "…Run."

Su Ming'an's mind jolted; he turned back to look at Zou Yuqing's face. She, however, had already quickly pulled away, her face full of smiles, as if she hadn't said anything.

…Run?

…She wants him to stay away from Penglai Fairy Island? She's just a member of the Demon Sect. Why would she suddenly warn him?

"What did you say to my brother?" Mo Yan's ear twitched.

Zou Yuqing laughed, "Oh my, I've never seen such a humorless younger brother. I whisper a few words, and you even interfere with Your Highness's love affairs?"

Mo Yan said, "In any case, you can't talk to him."

Zou Yuqing: "Hmph. Because I'm an Enchantress?"

Mo Yan shook his head, "My brother would never indulge in romance. You should give up."

Zou Yuqing smiled, slowly letting go. Su Ming'an's hair was already neatly done, showing not the slightest mess.

"Thank you," Su Ming'an expressed his gratitude.

Zou Yuqing met his gaze, her eyes surging with waves, like tidal water slowly spreading. She was subtly signaling him with her eyes—to find a reason and escape.

But Su Ming'an couldn't flee just because of fear, not to mention that Zou Yuqing's hints were without cause.

The waves surged, and the large ship gradually reached the edge of the Fairy Island.

Su Ming'an stepped forward, intending to face the arriving Immortal with the demeanor of the Eldest Prince of Louyue.

——At that moment.

His vision suddenly turned red, and a crimson system notification popped up:

...

[Someone in reality is trying to harm you, please exit the game immediately!]

...

...Again?

Wasn't Yi Hengchuan enough previously, now another person wants to assassinate him?

Su Ming'an immediately exited the game, just wanting to sit up, but suddenly felt a heaviness all over his body. It was like his limbs were tied with a heavy weight, unable to lift at all.

The room was pitch black, and nothing could be seen.

...What's happening?

His Shadow State was not afraid of poison; what was making him unable to move?

"Click!" Wristwatch Du turned on the light, trying to capture the enemy's position. Su Ming'an vaguely saw a long black hair sweep across his view. The opponent's figure was very close, almost pressing on him.

Su Ming'an tried to use a skill to attack, but the system notification suddenly sounded:

...

"Ding dong!"

[You are under the effect of (Immortal's Talisman: Slumber), unable to act.]

...

——Immortal's Talisman.

——The legendary item with the highest adjudication, akin to Authority, the Immortal's Talisman.

From the system notification, this talisman controlling him is called "Slumber," and its effect seems to immobilize him. But Immortal's Talismans were almost never unearthed, akin to divine objects. Who in the world was using an Immortal's Talisman to assassinate him?

In the hazy vision, he couldn't see the face of the other person.

The opponent's black hair emitted a lemon scent, brushing across his cheek as if a lover stroking his skin, making him feel a dangerous shiver.

In the next moment, there was a pain in his chest.

The opponent's hand pressed against his chest, soothingly touching and penetrating. Blood spread on his clothes, seeped into the sheets. Su Ming'an slightly opened his mouth, unable to utter a word.

...His chest was pierced.

He could clearly feel his flesh and blood being penetrated by someone's hand, widening the wound, even feeling the cold temperature of the other's finger as it penetrated deeply into the wound.

An overwhelming darkness swept over, covering his eyes.

He vaguely heard the extremely close voice of the other.

——What was that, what was being said?

His ears seemed to be bleeding as well, Su Ming'an couldn't hear clearly.

He exhausted his last bit of strength, carefully listening, catching the faint, tender sigh that drifted in the air.

"Wensheng."

"…It's time to wake up."