Chapter 63: Ambers of the Long Night (19)
The warning in the group chat wasn’t only noticed by Yan Wuzhen—Tang Mobai saw it too. Even without the experts’ reminder, he immediately realized something was wrong.
The reason they had chosen this place as their upgrade site was precisely because of the high level of security and the large number of Purifiers.
Tang Mobai and his team had chips implanted in the backs of their necks, allowing them to bypass the Purifiers. But the members of the Jade Society didn’t. Without chips, survival in this society was nearly impossible—any access to social resources or materials required both a chip and a sufficient clearance level. Those without chips were like isolated islands, cut off from normal social order; once discovered by official forces, they would be hunted down immediately.
Just like what had happened to the Secret Forest Guild before.
The instance world and Lost Paradise existed in a zero-sum relationship—the more complete the order in the instance world, the less room there was for evil to act. Conversely, the more the instance world fell into chaos, the more space evil could exploit.
Now, with the number of Purifiers mysteriously decreasing, Tang Mobai’s first thought was that the Jade Society must have done something. He clapped Dodge’s hand. “Uh… I’m suddenly not feeling well. Let’s head back.”
Dodge didn’t even think twice before turning the wheelchair around. As far as he was concerned, nothing was more important than this frail genius holding the keys to core technology—missing a mere closing speech didn’t matter.
But by now, the crowd in the venue had grown denser. With four people and a wheelchair, they were still some distance from the exit, and for the moment, they couldn’t leave.
Just then, the host on stage spoke passionately, “Before the closing ceremony officially begins, we are honored to welcome our most distinguished guest today—the one we all adore—Her Majesty Queen Opatra! Scholars and doctors, please join me in welcoming the Queen!”
Tang Mobai and the others felt a chill down their spines. They exchanged looks of disbelief. What’s going on? Wasn’t the Queen supposed to appear only at the evening banquet?
No—this wasn’t the time to think. They needed to get out, fast.
But the moment the host announced the Queen’s arrival, the hall fell silent for a few seconds, and then the crowd erupted in excitement, surging forward. Tang Mobai’s group, moving against the flow, was instantly swallowed by the human tide—completely unable to move.
No, this was bad—too dangerous!
“Tang Mobai!” Yan Wuzhen shouted. Tang Mobai reacted instantly, tossing off his thick, cumbersome coat, abandoning all pretense of staying in character.
[Move!]
Hidden within the crowd, Red Duke gave the order to strike—and at the same moment, activated the pre-purchased magic from the Demon Mall:
[Abyssal Breath (Offense)]
Effect: The caster summons a breath from the abyss, attacking all targets in a straight line. This attack cannot be defended against and is guaranteed to be lethal.
Cost: 8,000 points.
[Soul Binding (Support)]
Effect: Immobilizes all targets within sight for 10 seconds. This effect cannot be negated by any item.
Cost: 2,000 points.
Tang Mobai’s guess had been correct. Ever since he began livestreaming and publicly upgrading his interface at the academic conference, the Jade Society had been lurking around the venue for two whole days and nights— without finding a chance to attack.
If it hadn’t been for a new member’s prophecy predicting that their success rate would greatly increase on the final day, Red Duke might have given up. But on the third day, a miracle occurred—the Purifiers’ numbers started to drop. Red Duke was so ecstatic he nearly cried. He immediately organized a strike team to infiltrate the venue.
This was likely their one and only chance—to kill Tang Mobai in a single, devastating strike and erase the shame of their previous base being destroyed.
Red Duke didn’t hold back—he spent a full 10,000 points. That was enough to raise two demons from Hunger Hell to Crisis Hell—or to buy a top-tier legendary item. But to guarantee Tang Mobai’s death, it was worth it.
Even better, Tang Mobai was sitting in a wheelchair, bundled in heavy clothes—immobile. A perfect opportunity!
For Tang Mobai, the change came just as he tried to rise from the wheelchair. His limbs suddenly turned sluggish, his mind sinking into a swamp. He could see everything unfold—but couldn’t react.
A wave of black energy appeared out of thin air three meters away and shot straight toward him.
Rage surged in Tang Mobai’s veins—his neural response spiked again. He could see everything: Yan Wuzhen and Seth being shielded by a sudden defensive item; nearby NPCs showing shock and terror; and behind the crowd, Red Duke’s face breaking into a smile of triumph.
But even so, Tang Mobai remained frozen in his chair, unable to move—forced to watch death approach.
No— There was one person who moved.
Dodge.
He was closest to Tang Mobai. The moment the attack began, he didn’t hesitate—he threw himself over Tang Mobai, taking the full force of the deadly spell under Red Duke’s horrified gaze.
“You’ve got to be kidding me—f***!” Red Duke cursed loudly. But he reacted quickly—when the spell failed, he lunged forward, trying to strike before the binding spell wore off.
At that instant, the world seemed to pause. The chaos—the screams, the running—froze. Then, as if under command, the panicking scholars suddenly went silent and stepped back in unison, opening up a clear space around them.
The unnatural stillness immediately drew the demons’ attention—but they were already committed.
The 10-second bind wasn’t over yet. Tang Mobai could only watch as the blade closed in—he couldn’t even blink. Then, suddenly— the wheelchair moved on its own, rolling back just enough to dodge Red Duke’s strike.
What?
Red Duke was just as stunned, but didn’t stop—he twisted and swung again. Yet the wheelchair seemed to predict his movements, sliding left, then right—each time narrowly avoiding the blade. The sword slashed across Tang Mobai’s sleeve, hair, and collar—but never drew blood.
The scene turned bizarre.
Close-combat master vs. Wheelchair War God.
Normally, Red Duke’s close-quarters combat was lethal—each strike sharp and precise. Against an equal opponent, it would look like a wuxia duel—fast, thrilling, breathtaking. But not when the opponent was sitting in a wheelchair.
[??? Holy sh*t I thought he was dead!]
[Bro I stopped breathing when that spell hit—thought Little Bai was done for]
[That was two kinds of magic—Jade Society’s really going all out this time]
[Is no one gonna talk about that NPC who blocked for him? If not for that guy, Little Bai would be gone]
[Wait wait WHAT? How’s Tang Mobai dodging while paralyzed?]
[Am I the only one focused on that wheelchair model? It’s moving like a sports car I want one]
[Of course it’s from a sci-fi world—who said it’s just for mobility? It’s an auto-battle assist system!]
[No dude, wake up—that’s not normal. Look at the NPCs. It’s creepy as hell.]
[Hold on… is this world… actually a computer simulation?]
In the real world, the expert team’s expressions turned grim. They were the only ones who immediately connected this unnatural behavior to the Queen’s presence.
Yan Wuzhen had already told Tang Mobai what high-ranking individuals in this society could do—and the chips in everyone’s necks, along with the superintelligent AI rumored to control thought, had all been red flags.
But when the truth revealed itself, the illusion of peace shattered—exposing something horrifying beneath.
The scholars, who moments ago had been screaming in panic, now stood still—faces calm, eyes empty, like puppets with their strings cut.
Even the Jade Society attackers weren’t the only ones shaken— Yan Wuzhen and Seth, both with chips implanted, felt a crawling sensation all over their skin, like ants burrowing under it.
“The hell—what’s wrong with these NPCs? They’re freaking me out.”
“Red Duke! Something’s wrong—we need to retreat!” Ye Lin shouted.
But she was too late.
Just as the scholars backed away, the security robots arrived—locking onto the Jade Society members who lacked chips.
It was a massacre.
The Jade Society had sent their best—Red Duke, the famed melee streamer, and others skilled in ranged or close combat. Against normal citizens, they’d have been unstoppable. Even Yan Wuzhen and Seth might have lost to them.
But against the security robots—they were helpless.
Yan Wuzhen watched, wide-eyed, as a robot—seemingly unarmed—took down five demons with precision moves. It was as if it could predict every strike and intention, leaving the demons completely exposed.
It felt eerily familiar— just like when Yan Wuzhen had once used an intricate intelligence web to dismantle the Secret Forest Guild’s attack. But this time, there had been no preparation, no setup— the robots had simply known.
The only word that came to Yan Wuzhen’s mind was: puppeteering.
It was clear—the Jade Society’s defeat was inevitable. And in this world, there was only one “person” capable of such total control.
Yan Wuzhen and Seth broke free from the chaos and looked toward Tang Mobai— only to see Red Duke pinned to the floor by several Purifiers.
Ye Lin hastily opened the Demon Mall and used a teleportation spell—vanishing on the spot. But the rest weren’t so lucky.
The security units moved with perfect synchronization, as if sharing a single consciousness. Within five minutes, every demon had been subdued.
Realizing they were the only ones left, Yan Wuzhen raised his hands. “We surrender—no, we’re citizens, legitimate ones! High clearance! Thank you, Your Majesty, for saving us!”
Seth, catching on late, raised his hands too.
At that moment, the crowd split in two, and a graceful woman stepped out, blue data streams flickering in her eyes.
Tang Mobai’s wheelchair automatically moved toward the Queen. Only then did he realize who had taken control of it earlier. Seeing the instantly subdued demons of Lost Paradise, he opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say.
So strong… far too strong.
“Are you alright?”
“N–no, I’m fine,” Tang Mobai answered instinctively. “Thank you for saving me.”
“It’s fine. Protecting citizens is my duty,” the Queen said calmly, the data streams in her eyes glinting. “Though… you seem a little strange.”
Crap! Cold sweat nearly rolled down Tang Mobai’s back. Was his genius façade about to collapse?!
“Brother!” A small “cannonball” suddenly shot out from the crowd, throwing herself into Tang Mobai’s arms and clutching his leg. “You scared me to death just now! Those people were so weird, so scary! Brother, let’s go get checked if you’re hurt anywhere!”
Run!
Tang Mobai received Deville’s warning signal—but he couldn’t leave yet.
Dodge, who had taken the hit for him, was still lying on the ground. Tang Mobai pressed Deville’s paw, shook his head, and leaned toward Dodge. “Give me a hand!”
Seth snapped back to his senses and rushed to help. Yan Wuzhen glanced at Queen Opatra; seeing no displeasure on her face, he joined Seth immediately.
“What are they doing?” Jealousy frowned. “That’s just an NPC! Are they out of their minds? Now’s not the time for this!”
When Deville had rushed out earlier, Jealousy had already been against it. Did they not see where they were? Showing up in a place like this—especially with faulty chips—under the Queen’s very eyes? Were they tired of living?
Deville didn’t answer. He only stared blankly at the three who were now working swiftly to save Dodge—so coordinated that there was no room for anyone else to intervene.
He had come as fast as possible… but still too late.
“How is he?”
“Not good. He’s losing vital signs. We need to operate immediately,” Seth said, his arm splitting open to reveal surgical tools. Without wasting a word, he got to work. “Yan Wuzhen, keep him conscious—don’t let him close his eyes!”
“You don’t need to tell me twice.” Yan Wuzhen’s left eye flashed gold as he slapped Dodge’s cheek. “Stay with me!”
But Dodge’s gaze wasn’t on him—it was stubbornly fixed on Tang Mobai. “Y-you’re… okay?”
Tang Mobai gave a helpless, strained smile. “Why’d you rush in like that?”
Dodge wasn’t Yan Wuzhen, wasn’t Seth, wasn’t Deville, and certainly not Emmanuel. He had no reason to save him. Even when the Jade Society was wary of Yan Wuzhen’s group, no one paid this NPC any attention. Who would’ve thought the least remarkable of them would take a fatal blow for him?
“My… research… I still don’t have the answer…” Dodge rasped. “What lies… beyond this world… I want to know…”
Half his body was destroyed, his skin splitting apart piece by piece—not bleeding red, but blackened and charred. One look, and it was obvious: he was beyond saving.
Tang Mobai’s lips trembled as he struggled to keep calm. “Hang in there. I told you—we’d discuss theory every day, remember?”
Dodge’s eyes flickered with light, then dimmed even faster. “C-can we… talk now?”
Tang Mobai looked at Seth. Seth shook his head. “This curse carries a death clause. Physical treatment won’t help.”
Without hesitation, Tang Mobai opened the Lost Paradise store and filtered by highest efficiency within 3000 points—the total he had left from before plus livestream rewards.
The viewers quickly caught on.
[Seriously? He’s saving an NPC?]
[There’s no benefit to this! The quest line’s over—just a scholar, no combat value.]
[That’s just how he is… sigh, such a waste.]
Ignoring them all, Tang Mobai redeemed the most potent magic he could afford:
[Flesh Regeneration (Holy)]
Effect: Regrows missing or damaged flesh. Unaffected by dark magic corruption.
He didn’t know what kind of spell the Jade Society had used, but judging by Seth’s helplessness, it must’ve had heavy side effects. This one should’ve countered that.
But it didn’t work.
“W-why? I cast it already!” Tang Mobai’s first thought was that Lost Paradise had scammed him—but when he explained the effect aloud, he caught the look on Seth’s face.
In that instant, all the clues snapped together.
Seth didn’t care about humans outside their group.
“Flesh magic only works on living beings.”
There was no real sky. The Queen’s unbelievable control. The other “scholars” who still hadn’t recovered.
Cold sweat trickled down Tang Mobai’s forehead. “We—we need to get him to a hospital.”
Deville, Yan Wuzhen, and Seth nodded at once, expertly lifting Dodge—only for security robots to block their way.
“Wait,” Queen Opatra, who had been silently observing all along, finally spoke. “Leaving in such a hurry?”
“He’s dying! Please, we have to get him to the hospital!”
Opatra’s lips curved in a faint, emotionless smile. “Really? Then look again.”
Tang Mobai turned—and froze. Dodge’s terrible injuries were gone. Not a scratch remained. He was sitting up, confused, perfectly fine.
“What’s wrong? Weren’t we leaving? Huh? Your Majesty? What’s going on?” Dodge looked completely unaware of what had just happened.
“Relax,” said Queen Opatra calmly. “I simply deleted his data from a few minutes ago. Haven’t you already guessed the truth of this world?”
“W-we could… just not know it,” Tang Mobai muttered weakly.
Deville, Yan Wuzhen, and Seth nodded furiously. “We won’t say a word!”
“Liars.” The Queen smiled faintly. “You’ve already set your sights on the Super Intelligence Core. Should I help explain by adjusting your chips myself?”
Dodge looked around blankly. “Explain what? Huh? Tang Mobai, your body’s fine again?”
Tang Mobai’s serious expression almost cracked. He bent down, rubbed his back, and sighed helplessly. “I’m fine. Dodge, your photo wasn’t wrong. There really isn’t anything beyond the sky—because the Super Intelligence can’t possibly simulate a universe-sized server. I think 13 kilometers is your limit. The world we’re in… is a virtual construct, and everyone here is just data—artificial intelligence.”
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