Chapter 117: Infinite Cannon Fodder (7)

Li Yun’s medicinal ointment proved remarkably effective. In no time, the bruise and swelling on Tong Ling’s wrist had subsided. She could move it without a hint of pain, as if her injury had never occurred.

Tong Ling’s eyes lit up with surprise, her gaze softening further towards Li Yun. “Dr. Li, you’re truly amazing! I’d almost like to be your patient forever.”

Feeling uneasy under NPC Lingling’s affectionate stare, Li Yun grew even more uncomfortable upon hearing these words. He hastily stood up, saying, “N-no need for that.”

“Is Dr. Li leaving already?” A trace of disappointment crossed Tong Ling’s face. “May I have a moment to chat with you?”

Just as Li Yun was about to make his escape, Mu Bai pushed him back into his seat. His mischievous friend shot him a sly grin, clearly intending to sell him out to the NPC for information.

Li Yun found himself at an impasse.

Given Lingling’s apparent fondness for him, did he really have to sacrifice his dignity? Before he could fully process this dilemma, Bai Bei descended from upstairs and approached their table. With a grateful smile, he said, “I didn’t expect to find a doctor here. Thank you for treating Lingling.”

Upon seeing Bai Bei, Li Yun immediately felt awkward. He hadn’t forgotten the relationship between Bai Bei and Tong Ling; not only was he a devoted lickspittle, but also one who didn’t mind his “girlfriend” being affectionate with other men in public—a true ultimate beta male. Even Li Yun felt sympathy for this type of “honest person”; it would be too immoral for him to try stealing someone else’s girlfriend.

“It’s fine.” This time, Li Yun quickly stepped back, giving space to this peculiar couple.

Mu Bai, frustrated, said, “What a great opportunity! Don’t waste it!”

Even Zhuang Wu tried to persuade him, “Go talk to her more. You’ve already gained an NPC’s favor—take advantage while you can.”

Li Yun’s internal sense of order began to crumble. ”… Are you guys trying to make me play the role of a third wheel?”

“What do you mean ‘third wheel’?” Chu Yue asked bluntly. “By now, you’re at least number five. Don’t burden yourself too much with moral dilemmas.”

Hearing Chu Yue’s words, both Zhuang Wu and Mu Bai burst out laughing. “That’s right, you don’t even qualify as a third wheel.”

Li Yun was speechless.

Damn! Are these teammates of mine all messed up?!

Yuan Ju, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up with a warning: “Don’t get any closer to her. I’ve said it before—Bai Bei gives me a very bad feeling. With him around Lingling, getting close to her might not be a good idea for you all.”

Zhuang Wu offered a completely different perspective: “I can sense that she’s our key breakthrough point. We can’t avoid investigating just because of danger; that would be no different from waiting for death.”

“Besides,” Zhuang Wu added, “it’s too late to say we shouldn’t approach her now. At least Lingling has taken notice of Li Yun. Risk means opportunity as well—there’s no need to cower in fear.”

Yuan Ju didn’t argue further; he was convinced.

“But your concern isn’t unfounded,” Zhuang Wu told Mu Bai and Li Yun. “Since you guys will be staying together tonight, everyone should stay alert and careful.”

The two men nodded simultaneously and turned to Yuan Ju, saying, “Boss, please look after us!”

Yuan Ju was left speechless.

Meanwhile, Tong Ling noticed Bai Bei’s arrival and excitedly called out, “A-Bai, come see—I’m all better now!”

Bai Bei took his girlfriend’s wrist, examining it carefully. Seeing that there were indeed no more injuries, he smiled slightly and said, “That’s good. Looks like these towels won’t be needed after all.”

“Don’t say it’s useless,” Tong Ling said as she took the towel from Bai Bei’s hand and placed it on her wrist right in front of him. “I can use it.”

Bai Bei sighed inwardly; she truly knew how to handle him, making it impossible for him to stay angry.

If anyone was to blame, it could only be those who dared to approach her so freely despite his clear declaration that she was his girlfriend. Why hadn’t they taken his words seriously?

Dinner time arrived.

Zhuang Wu asked if any of the players knew how to cook, hoping they’d join her in the kitchen.

The players hesitated at the idea of letting NPCs prepare food. Even though these NPCs appeared normal now, the players were reluctant to let them touch their meals.

To Zhuang Wu’s surprise, among the five players present, Yuan Ju was the only one besides herself who knew how to cook. This earned Yuan Ju an impressed look from her.

Leaning back in his chair with a grin, Chu Yue remarked, “I can’t believe I’ll get to eat a meal personally prepared by a magician! I have to post this on the forum and make everyone jealous.”

Hearing the conversation, Bai Bei, seated across from Tong Ling, asked, “Are there ingredients available in this castle?”

Mu Bai, who had interacted with Bei Bei quite a bit, took the initiative to respond, “Yes, there are some ingredients in the kitchen. We won’t have to starve here.”

The torrential rain outside showed no signs of abating, with thunder rumbling periodically. The ancient castle stood atop a high mountain, its descent treacherous and muddy; no one would be foolish enough to venture out in such conditions.

They were all trapped here until the downpour ceased.

Mu Bai gazed at the tightly shut castle doors, knowing that even if the rain stopped now, they still wouldn’t be able to leave this place.

No one could depart before the scenario ended – it was a “rule” set by the Main God.

Bei Bei furrowed his brow. “Don’t you find it strange? In an uninhabited ancient castle, we have food, water, clean bedding, and daily necessities?”

Tong Ling casually tossed aside the towel she’d been holding around her wrist. “Whether it’s strange or not, I’m truly grateful for a place to rest. If the owner appears, I’ll make sure to thank them personally for their generosity, allowing us sustenance and shelter.”

Bai Bei’s previously stern expression softened at her words. “That does make sense.”

Mu Bai felt that this pair of “sweethearts” were the most normal NPCs he’d encountered so far. They were easy to talk to, with thought processes similar to ordinary people—a stark contrast to some others who had given him chills.

“This place is indeed quite peculiar,” Mu Bai agreed. “If you didn’t know any better, you might think someone had deliberately prepared all this for our arrival…”

In truth, Mu Bai wasn’t particularly curious; it was all just another dungeon scenario. The clichéd snowbound house trope—where those present would meet bizarre deaths one by one—but at least no one would starve here.

Tong Ling clutched Bai Bei’s arm tightly, feigning fear as she shrank back. “Who could possibly have known we’d come here? What’s their goal? Will something terrifying appear like in horror movies?”

Feeling his girlfriend’s warmth against him, Bai Bei wore not a hint of gloom on his face. He spoke gently, like the most dependable boyfriend, “Don’t be afraid, Lingling.”

Tong Ling let out a soft giggle. “Who said I’m scared?”

Tong Ling tapped on the table, drawing the attention of the few remaining people in the hall.

“Hey,” she said, “why don’t we all go exploring this castle together tonight?”

Tong Ling looked eager and excited. “This place is so big with tons of rooms! Aren’t you curious? We could check them out together!”

Mu Bai remained silent.

Great, he thought, I just said she was normal, and now she wants to die.

The night was a dangerous time; who knew what one might encounter wandering around a castle? If not for the fact that NPC Lingling had unusually close relationships with other NPCs—and that she herself was quite extraordinary—this action would have seemed like something only cannon fodder characters would do.

Seeing no response, Tong Ling asked puzzledly, “Huh? No one wants to take a stroll?”

Bai Bei hurriedly spoke up, “I can accompany you.”

“Everyone except you,” Tong Ling replied matter-of-factly. “If you don’t keep me company now, you won’t be needed later either.”

Bai Bei smiled; her whimsical remarks were nothing new to him.

Tong Ling turned to look at the handsome cultivator. “What about you, Arnold? With you here, I doubt any demons or ghosts will show up.”

Before Arnold could respond, Tong Ling shook her head again. Her tone was gentle, but the words carried a subtle malice. “No, Arnold, will your God still bless you? After you betrayed Him?”

Arnold lowered his gaze, hiding the emotion within his eyes. His expression remained composed as he said, “As long as I sincerely repent, the merciful and gracious Lord will forgive His children.”

“Repent?” Tong Ling found this idea intriguing. “Are you certain that you’ve repented?”

Arnold replied firmly, “Yes, I confessed my sins to the Lord and sought forgiveness for my transgressions. The Lord has given me another chance, and I won’t disappoint Him again.”

Tong Ling let out a soft scoff. “Arnold, do you know why humans are human?”

Arnold looked up, meeting the woman’s direct gaze. On her beautiful, captivating face, her full pink lips parted as she spoke in a seductive voice, “Because they make mistakes.”

“Incessantly, unceasingly making mistakes—that is what makes us human.”

“You’ll make mistakes again,” the woman declared prophetically. “Not just once, but many times.”

The woman laughed. “Well, since our merciful and forgiving Lord will pardon you anyway, what harm in committing a few more sins? Arnold, am I right?”

This time, Arnold didn’t respond. He sat upright, his handsome face devoid of any expression.

The gentle and refined man had vanished; when he hardened his features, his entire demeanor shifted to one of coldness, even cruelty.

His black monastic robes accentuated this solemnity. He resembled a righteous shepherd, casting an exasperated yet determined glance at the lost lamb that had strayed from the fold.

Tong Ling and Arnold’s exchange left their companions at the table utterly confused. However, Mu Bai, Li Yun, and Chu Yue—the seasoned players—were deeply shaken.

Ever since arriving at the castle, Arnold had been nothing short of a flawless gentleman. Friendly towards everyone, with a temperament as mild as could be, not even Zhuang Wu managed to pry any information out of him during his interrogation. Yet, just a few words from Tong Ling were enough to make such a man lose his composure. Who could now doubt NPC Lingling’s true capabilities?

Exchanging glances, they silently made up their minds, each deciding who would be the target of the Prophet Card.

“Mu Bai, Dr. Li, and you…” Tong Ling’s gaze fell on the cutest-looking girl among the players.

“I’m Chu Yue,” she promptly replied.

Tong Ling extended an invitation, “Would you like to join me for some nighttime exploring?”

The corner of Chu Yue’s mouth twitched, and he forced a dry laugh. “Uh, I think we’ll pass…”

Mu Bai nudged Li Yun with his elbow, signaling him to handle this sudden idea from NPC Lingling.

Li Yun responded apologetically, “We’re just here for a vacation in the area. We didn’t expect such heavy rain, and after being out all day, we’re afraid we won’t have the energy to tour the castle at night.”

Tong Ling looked genuinely disappointed. “Oh, that’s too bad…”

Her eyes shifted as they landed on a woman sitting on the sofa, seemingly blending into the background with her long light gray hair.

“Would you like to come with me?” Tong Ling stood up and slowly approached the woman. As she drew closer, she noticed that beneath the drab attire, which seemed akin to dried pickles, lay a surprisingly lovely face.

The woman seemed not to have tended to herself since entering the castle. Strands of hair clung to her face, her red dress was rumpled, and she walked barefoot, leaving a damp patch on the floor beneath her feet. At first glance, she looked like a ghost from a horror movie.

The woman with silvery-gray hair had a pair of clear, pale green eyes that were now fixed intently on Tong Ling.

Tong Ling didn’t recognize this woman, which meant the Main God hadn’t set up any melodramatic confrontation between them. They were strangers; she wondered what role this unfamiliar NPC played in the scenario and if she would cause trouble like others had before. Tong Ling decided she needed to test the waters.

“Danger,” the woman spoke up. “Don’t go.”

Tong Ling’s eyebrows twitched slightly. “Are you saying it’s dangerous inside the castle? You’re warning me against going?”

The gray-haired woman nodded, her brow furrowed deeply as she exuded an air of tension. “Stay away from there.”

Her pale green eyes swept over the group sitting at the table before she whispered to Tong Ling, “Leave them.”

“Be careful,” the woman cautioned once more.

Tong Ling’s interest in this woman grew even more piqued. Just as she was about to move closer, the woman’s entire body stiffened with rejection.

“Don’t come near me!” she exclaimed. “It’s dangerous!”

Tong Ling crouched down beside the sofa, maintaining a suitable distance from the woman. She carefully chose her words, aiming for a gentle approach that wouldn’t agitate her.

The woman was sensitive, neurotic, and somewhat delusional, but considering the number of peculiar individuals in this scenario, her minor issues seemed insignificant by comparison.

“I understand you don’t like people getting close,” Tong Ling said softly. “Don’t worry, I’ll just talk to you from here.” Her voice was soothing. “I won’t touch you, and you certainly can’t hurt me. Try not to be so tense—relax…”

The woman gazed at Tong Ling with astonishment, surprised that she had grasped her meaning—and seemed quite familiar with her…

“We should start by exchanging names,” Tong Ling continued, her speech slow and measured. Her soft, delicate voice complemented the smile on her face; the arrogant expression from earlier had vanished, replaced by an unexpected warmth and sweetness. “You already know my name—I’m Lingling. What should I call you?”

The woman lowered her head, her fingers clutching tightly at the hem of her dress.

Tong Ling didn’t rush her, maintaining her smile as she waited patiently for the woman to speak.

”…Qiao Qian,” the woman finally said, unable to ignore this person who radiated kindness towards her. “My name is Qiao Qian.”

“Xianxian.” Tong Ling’s smile grew warmer. “Hello there, Xianxian.”

“H-hello.” This simplest of conversations gradually relaxed Qiao Qian’s tense body.

Qiao Qian knew that Tong Ling was “safe”—the safest person in this ancient castle. She didn’t dislike her.

Tong Ling didn’t press further with questions about Qiao Qian’s past. Instead, she casually complained about the dreadful weather and how arduous it had been climbing up the mountain. Only when Zhuang Wu and Yuan Ju arrived with dinner did she finally change the topic.

As she stood up after squatting for too long, a wave of numbness washed over her legs. Her body swayed unsteadily, teetering on the brink of collapse.

Unable to bear it any longer, Qiao Qian reached out, catching Tong Ling just as she faltered. This small act earned her a grateful smile from Tong Ling.

“Thank you, Xianxian,” Tong Ling murmured.

Throughout their exchange, Tong Ling kept things simple, never resorting to complex language or mannerisms around this sensitive woman.

Qiao Qian pursed her lips, taking a few steps back as she unconsciously twirled a strand of hair around her finger ”… It’s nothing.”

“Shall we go eat together?” Tong Ling asked without any trace of hurt at Qiao Qian pulling away from her. “You’re too thin; you won’t have enough energy here if you don’t eat properly.”

This time, Qiao Qian didn’t refuse Tong Ling’s invitation.

By the time they reached the dining table, Mu Bai and his group had already been astonished several times over, their mixed emotions leaving them speechless.

The person they couldn’t approach had effortlessly connected with all their NPC counterparts—thanks to this NPC named Lingling.

Should they marvel at Lingling’s social prowess or lament their own ineptitude? Regardless of which it was, it dealt them quite a blow.

Bai Bei observed his girlfriend’s interactions with others throughout, surprisingly calm about her closeness with another woman, devoid of any negative feelings.

“I’ll call Mia and Medius down.”

Just as Tong Ling moved to go upstairs, Bai Bei stopped her: “No need, I’ll do it.”

As if sensing the commotion below, footsteps quickly echoed from above.

Mu Bai looked up to see Medius, still damp from his bath, followed by Mia, whose face remained unnervingly composed, descending the stairs one after the other.

At the dining table, eleven individuals finally gathered for the first time, marking the start of this peculiar communal meal.