Chapter 71
“Minister, any news lately?” Jiang Jitang immediately called Jiang Xingzhou. “I heard some real estate companies are planning new developments. Isn’t Jin City’s property market already saturated?”
The minister was a little surprised: “Businessmen’s instincts are too sharp. There’s information from above saying three cities will be chosen as demonstration zones for the game, and more resources will be invested later. Jin City is one of the candidates. By the way, you also contributed—so far, no stronger healer has appeared.”
Whether the Cube World Game continues or ends, the verdict would be clear in seven years—but seven years is enough for a city to develop.
If Jin City were selected as a demonstration zone and funds were allocated for construction, a second-tier city could potentially rise to first-tier—or even surpass it.
No wonder the businessmen moved at the first hint.
After understanding the situation, Jiang Jitang threw himself into new training. From 1 PM until evening, he was busy, having dinner at the shooting range.
During this time, he also answered a call from the government network, reporting that the complaint about reflective glass had been addressed: the windows in the building had been closed, and relevant personnel were educated and criticized. If there were any other issues, they could be contacted again.
This was Jin City’s speed—fast and reassuring.
With a good mood, smelling gunpowder, eating smoked meals—it felt great.
“Little Jiang, have you considered going pro?” the coach sat beside him.
Huh? Ahh?
Jiang Jitang did have some talent in shooting. Good eyesight helped, but steadiness of hand was crucial. Even slightly heavy breathing or a faster heartbeat could throw off the shot.
Thinking carefully, he realized: one, he had been blessed by the Herculean blessing, granting him magical strength; two… he believed it came from his past life, practicing forbidden spells. Forbidden spells were highly energy-consuming and required hitting the core of a legion in a single strike—miss, and the retaliation would be overwhelming. That’s how his hand steadiness was trained.
“Coach, I’m twenty now.”
“Twenty? Still young. With your small frame, you could compete for several cycles. Our sport’s lifespan is long; champions in their fifties aren’t unheard of.” The retired Olympic champion coach couldn’t bear to see such talent wasted.
Someone just handling a gun could hit the target within ten shots, never missing afterward. Even a 100-meter prone target was impressive.
The key was his hand—so steady. The last time the coach had seen such steadiness was a surgeon, but that person lacked strength and couldn’t maintain it for half an hour. Not like this young man, effortless and steady.
This was a gift from heaven.
While Jiang Jitang considered how to politely decline, the coach patted his shoulder: “Eat first, relax your muscles. Later, we’ll try unsupported shooting, then squatting and standing positions. If there’s time, we’ll try 300 meters.”
“Okay.” He sped up his meal.
The shooting range lights stayed on until 9 PM. Jiang Jitang’s progress was visible, and his talent obvious.
The coach was anxious. He had just reported him to higher-ups, only to be told Jiang Jitang belonged to a special unit and couldn’t pursue competitive sports.
Discovering talent but unable to report it felt like tearing out his own heart.
Sports require talent. Without that one percent, ninety-nine percent sweat is wasted.
“Little Jiang, don’t stop halfway. I’ll adjust your training plan.”
“Thank you, coach. Let’s add one more session. Call me if needed.” To elders, Jiang Jitang always acted like a well-behaved child, which made him very popular among the middle-aged and older crowd.
“Good. Next time, we’ll measure your data, see your physical fitness, then adjust.”
After parting from the enthusiastic coach, Jiang Jitang went home, showered, and collapsed—physically and mentally exhausted.
Sleep… hmm?
[Strong desire detected. Special task updated.]
[Special task: Assist a squad in completing the ‘Run, Sweetheart Variety Show’ game challenge.]
[Do you wish to participate? You have five minutes to decide.]
He had just been thinking there were no small games lately—and now one appeared.
“What’s the content?” Jiang Jitang turned on the light and calmly changed clothes. The bubble interface explained the task in electronic voice.
[Mission details: This is a targeted mission, only issued to taskers with above-average charisma.
The issuer requires the participant as an outsider for the “Run, Sweetheart Variety Show” game. Location: live broadcast hall. Duration: 120 minutes. Objective: secure 30 minutes of rest for surviving participants.
The variety show involves nine hunters and thirty-six participants. The first half of the game has ended. The participant must stabilize the livestream’s heat, ensuring time for rest.
If online viewers drop below one million, the variety show resumes.
Securing 30 minutes earns 200 points, a Wishing Star, and a game souvenir. Every additional 30 minutes adds 100 points.
During the task, no attack methods may be used.
Forbidden: boredom.
Failing to hold for 30 minutes results in losing 1000 mL of blood.]
Hearing the penalty, Jiang Jitang paused: “You think I might fail?”
The bubble didn’t reply. Judging from the penalty, it lacked confidence.
Missing organs carries death risk—but the brain is an organ. Losing 1,000 mL of blood would only make Jiang Jitang physically weak.
If he’s still asked to try, there must be survivors worth helping.
Frowning, Jiang Jitang reviewed the game content, gathered props from the study, and prepared in the kitchen. Finally, he put on sports wristbands.
“Accept mission.”
He entered the mini-game space.
“This is the live hall?”
A six-by-six-meter square stage, beams spotlighting Jiang Jitang. Faint, strange shapes appeared ahead. Though unclear, he could feel cold, hungry gazes.
More dangers lurked in the shadows.
Above the stage floated a transparent panel with rapidly falling numbers, now around 1.8 million.
If it dropped below one million, the second half would start, and his task would fail.
Jiang Jitang said nothing. Like a magician, he raised his hands; a high stool appeared, and he placed a melting frozen steak on it.
“Heh.” A mocking voice came from the darkness, ridiculing him—does he think a steak can stabilize the livestream’s heat?
Unfazed, Jiang Jitang took out a small persimmon jar, poured deep purple jam over the steak. Rich life energy emanated, stirring the monsters.
A shadow lunged, but was immediately covered by sizzling purple electricity.
Jiang Jitang held the highest-powered electric gun.
Using attacks triggered the penalty. Lightning cracks appeared on his skin, muscles tearing painfully.
Pain contorted his face, veins bulging; he could barely hold the gun.
“Let go…” the electrocuted monster cried.
“Move first.” Jiang Jitang gritted his teeth, refusing to release.
“Can’t move.” The monster was helpless under the strong current.
“Then die.” Tear, heal, tear, heal—Jiang Jitang laughed more the more it hurt, until the shadow burned to ash.
All was over. The punishment ended. Silence surrounded him.
Damn it, there’s an immortal monster here.
“Wanna play?” Jiang Jitang regained composure, breathing heavily, hand on the dark stool, blood-streaked face, grinning wildly. “Win and take it; lose…”
Monsters in the dark, full of killing intent, eyed him. His flesh was more tempting than the steak, but his attack power and immortality were evident.
To kill him, they would sacrifice cannon fodder.
No monster wanted to die for another; they restrained each other.
Jiang Jitang blinked: “How about this steak, plus 300 mL of my blood. Win and take it; lose, let’s add a personal BGM in this show. Humans within one kilometer can hear it.”
The penalty wasn’t severe; worst case, game failure.
But if he won, it was steak soaked with life energy—and his blood.
The monsters stirred, tempted.
“Okay?” Jiang Jitang asked the livestream’s controller. Bubble popped up, then disappeared.
He had convinced the backstage operator—impressive.
“What game?” a voice from the darkness asked, direction and gender indistinct.
“Since I’m not a fighter, let’s play something friendly,” Jiang Jitang considered. “Flight chess, Go, cards, dice—which do you want?”
“How about cards?” A shadow darkened; a humanoid monster appeared, wearing a white coat, gloves, elite doctor attire, blond hair, blue eyes—handsome.
Truly humanoid—no wonder monsters were adept at disguise. What was beneath the human skin?
The numbers on the floating panel instantly spiked to 1.9 million, still rising.
Ah, a superstar in the monster world.
“Cards, okay.” Spotting the steadily rising numbers, Jiang Jitang smiled. “I need a table.”
A classic green casino table appeared.
“Also, a clean, unopened deck with no marked cards.”
A custom high-priced deck appeared.
He rolled up his sleeves, revealing smooth skin with soft muscle lines. A Golden Eye bracelet was over his wristband.
This was prime monster “recipe” material—lean but tender, cooked with skin and bone, wine, and spices…
“I know you want to eat, but wake up—I’m still alive.” Jiang Jitang reminded as the monster’s gaze made his scalp tingle.
The doctor-monster reluctantly withdrew its stare: “You choose the game.”
Jiang Jitang opened the deck, thinking: “Let’s play a classic—how about Blackjack?”
“Fine.” A chair appeared behind the doctor, and it sat down.
