If the magic mirror refuses to answer a question, it must involve the profound essence and deeper layers of the survival game. So, its silence is an answer in itself.
Lost in thought, Qi Xu located the gnome's home.
Normally, once the letter of introduction was torn up, revisiting would be impossible. But Qi Xu had asked the gnome for its coordinates.
"I really want to drop by and chat with you! Let me show you a video—Yingluo was absolutely amazing! He’s been a huge help these past few days, an unparalleled master of weapons. You saved my life! Can you share the location of your workshop?"
The gnome didn’t even hesitate. In a flash, it sent the coordinates to Qi Xu.
Before arriving, Qi Xu’s voice rang out first.
"Unparalleled Master of Weapons! The greatest unparalleled master of weapons in the world, here I come! Your biggest fan has arrived!"
Qi Xu jumped off the vehicle, shouting as he ran toward the gnome’s workshop—only to freeze in embarrassment when he realized someone was already there. Worse, it was someone he knew.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Qi Xu instantly composed himself, as if the person shouting moments ago wasn’t him at all.
"Oh, Invincible Black Whirlwind? What a coincidence running into you here! Saw your server-wide announcement—so cool! Congrats!"
The woman standing there was the leader of the opposing faction in Xie Shaoning’s match—the one who had been sitting beside him.
Dressed in a tight leather outfit that accentuated her alluring curves, her wavy hair cascaded lazily over her shoulders like seaweed. A longbow rested on her back as she leaned against an ornate pillar, smirking with amusement.
Qi Xu’s eyes lit up. Regardless of anything else, her looks were undeniably captivating.
"Quite the coincidence indeed. And congrats to you too—winning your prey over. Impressive!"
The woman saw right through Qi Xu’s probing but shrugged it off casually. "Sadly, that prey wasn’t very obedient. The moment I won him over to my faction, he used a transfer card to escape. But no matter—he’ll be mine eventually."
Qi Xu grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "You’re absolutely right! The cross-faction challenge is still coming up. There’s an item called a 'zone-lock card'—use it first, and all his transfer items will be useless."
Eager to stir the pot, Qi Xu happily offered suggestions.
Despite her intimidating aura and occasional odd remarks, Qi Xu didn’t dislike her. No reason—just because she was both stunning and formidable.
A sexy, domineering beauty. His team didn’t have anyone like her yet. For some reason, Qi Xu felt a flutter in his chest.
"Invincible Black Whirlwind, how about a collaboration?" the woman proposed first.
Qi Xu raised an intrigued brow. "What kind?"
"I have a cross-faction communication card. If you hear any news about Happyending, tell me immediately."
Instead of agreeing or refusing outright, Qi Xu countered, "And what’s in it for me?"
"You get to enjoy the show."
Qi Xu rejected that instantly. Just because she was beautiful didn’t mean he’d work for free. "Not enough."
After a moment of thought, she replied, "I can share intel with you too. Or name what you want."
Qi Xu took two steps closer, smiling. "I want you. How about joining our faction? Zone 88, District 666."
The woman burst into laughter, running her fingers through her hair with a sultry tilt of her head. "Oh? So you’ve taken a liking to me? Sorry, but no. I’m the type who wants to be in charge. Haven’t you heard? Two tigers can’t share one mountain. And I’m not into girls either."
Qi Xu sighed. He’d already guessed this outcome before even asking. "Guess my charm isn’t enough."
"Not at all. I like you—just prefer being the boss myself."
"No problem. Let’s both strive for the top. See you at the summit!"
The woman lightly tapped her ample chest. "Please, stop being so charming. I might actually fall for you. My name is Kissed Starfire Moon."
"Beautiful. Fits your vibe perfectly."
"Your username, though... uh, sorry, can’t bring myself to compliment that." Kissed Starfire Moon laughed heartily.
Qi Xu grimaced awkwardly. Back when he’d chosen the name, it was just out of habit from the last game. Now that he thought about it, it really did sound terrible. As for why he’d picked it in the first place... Qi Xu didn’t want to dwell on that.
"Hahaha, damn, you’re adorable!"
Kissed Starfire Moon stepped closer, reaching out as if to take Qi Xu’s hand—but he sidestepped just in time and said, "How about a different condition? Let’s continue our earlier deal."
Unfazed by the rejection, she arched a brow and nodded.
"Does your faction have a Warwolf?"
"Yep. Warwolf 004. A dull, rigid man with zero charm. Stubborn as a mule. You know him? A friend? He was key to defeating Xie Shaoning this time. What, you want him?"
"Yep." Qi Xu admitted bluntly. No point lying—this woman was too sharp.
"Then I’d be at a loss, handing over a top fighter for free. I’m not that dumb." Kissed Starfire Moon refused outright.
"Name your terms, then."
She studied Qi Xu intently, eyes sparkling. After a long pause, she said, "You’re close with that gnome, right? If you can get it to forge a weapon for me, I’ll give you Warwolf 004. Of course, you’d have to provide the transfer card. No guarantee he’d agree to switch, though."
Qi Xu rejected it without hesitation. "Sorry, can we switch terms? Even if I’m on good terms with the Unparalleled Master of Weapons, I can’t make decisions for it. Who it crafts for is its own choice."
Though Qi Xu had come to ask the gnome to forge weapons for his teammates, he’d never use "gnome craftsmanship" as a bargaining chip. That was a matter of principle.
"Then no deal. Guess I’ll just sleep with Warwolf 004 when I get back!" Kissed Starfire Moon joked, swaying her hips slightly.
Qi Xu clicked his tongue. "Lucky him. Getting to bed a beauty like you? Living the dream."
Her playful expression faded. "Seriously, no? I really want that weapon."
"200 weapon upgrade cards. Plus, I’ll share Happyending intel the moment I hear it."
"Not enough."
"Add 1,000 survival coins."
"Not enough."
"500 energy stones on top."
"Still not enough."
"Never mind. Maybe I don’t want Warwolf 004 that badly after all. Treat him well—guess it just wasn’t meant to be."
...........
