Chapter 85 The True First Encounter [Two Chapters Combined]...

You can now freely thank your past self.

What……

Qingjue's heart began to pound wildly at this moment. Although the air around him was perfectly suitable for humans, he felt extremely oppressed.

Oh no, my head is starting to hurt again...

[Sorry, host, the bug is being fixed. Please wait patiently...]

Then a mouse-loaded circle appeared, and after spinning for a while, Qingjue did feel that his head wasn't hurting as much anymore.

"So..." he regained his composure and demanded, "What exactly happened?!"

This space beyond the Three Realms... this system's tone and language...

[Host, please don't get excited. After the countdown, you will be able to gain access to review your journey. But before that, I need to show you the points we agreed on.]

"What...what kind of permission? Can't you explain it clearly first?!"

1. The host can never return to the real world.

Qingjue was getting a little annoyed by the riddles, and his tone became somewhat harsh: "...This rule has already been broken, hasn't it? I've already gone back twice!"

[We sincerely apologize. This was a protective mechanism that would have occurred when the host was near death. It caused a bug due to conflicting rules. It has been fixed, and it did not affect key factors before the fix.]

"Tsk... Speak like a human."

This means that if you're destined to die, you will still die in 24 hours.

"..."

He's lucky to have made it back alive.

2. The host cannot change the life or death of other "people" outside the designated area.

"Wait a minute..." There was a lot of information to be had. Qingjue rubbed his temples and said, "I still don't know anything. I don't understand any of this you're telling me."

What does "outside the scope" mean? What did he change? When were these rules set, and why is he completely ignoring them...?

[This is just a disclaimer. Access will be granted only after the process is completed, at which point the host will be able to view the entire process in detail. Please understand.]

"..." Even a transmigration system only does superficial things?

[3. Once the plot officially begins, the host must enter with blank memories; failure means there is no way to start over.]

This is the only one that can explain the current situation...

According to Qingjue's analysis, it's probably because he made some kind of deal or agreement with the system before, since the system also told him to "thank" him for the past.

Looking at it this way, it's truly an accident that I was able to return to reality and meet the original Immortal Lord Wu Qing.

If you only realized the trick after the fact, then didn't you almost kill yourself in the bug the first time you encountered it?

[All actions taken by the host are voluntary. The development of the plot has nothing to do with this system. The host shall bear all consequences and shall not vent his anger, attack, or retaliate against the system.]

Please confirm.

"...You're making it sound like I attacked you before."

Please confirm and carefully read the disclaimer again.

"...Okay, I've confirmed it. Are you done?"

[Loading permissions, please wait...]

[Countdown]

【5】

【4】

【3】

【2】

...

Qingjue called out to the system twice, but as expected, no one answered. The next second, memories flooded in, rushing into his mind.

The antique-style building in front of him was indeed the Quanzhou-Zhangzhou area where he had lived. The roof beam structure was very unique, making it feel like being in a VR movie.

His memories—

He started moving, stood up from the haystack, and looked around.

It was nighttime, so there weren't many people on the street, which didn't seem strange to him.

"Seriously... why do I have to do this kind of thing?"

"Hey, system, are you there? Maybe you should find someone else? I'm just a human kindergarten teacher, and my monthly salary isn't even four thousand. Could you..."

Please complete the task.

"...Throwing a modern person into this kind of world, no matter how you look at it, the only way out is death! Do you really think this is a TV drama?" Bu Qingjue: "Besides, even the main characters in TV dramas have a special skill, right? Why don't you find someone who has studied martial arts or is an intangible cultural heritage blogger or something!"

This is something the host needs to consider.

"...I want to go home. I'd rather go to work than wait here to die..."

He had just slipped away from the Qing family when he was almost discovered by several cultivators from various families who wielded swords... He knew absolutely nothing about magic or swordsmanship.

[Host, you are in a fantasy novel with no romance and a bad ending. Unless you fill in the plot holes as it unfolds, you can't go back. If you complete the mission, you can have one wish granted.]

"Any wish...? I mean, like... bringing the dead back to life..."

Of course you can, provided you do it.

"..."

Bu Qingjue paced back and forth for a while, but ultimately, driven by immense helplessness and desire, he decided to move the plot forward.

"...What should I do?"

[This will only be said once. Host, please remember these settings. Otherwise, we will not be held responsible.]

The Xie family, located on the border of Quanzhou and Zhangzhou, is the biggest villain in the entire story. Their deceased patriarch will later be resurrected by possessing a body using forbidden magic. Please find the cannon fodder on the edge of the original plot from the Xie family—his name is Xie Zhou.

……cannon fodder?

He's not the male lead, so what's the point of looking for him?

"...Why would I need to find cannon fodder to advance the plot? Besides, it sounds too dangerous. I'm just an ordinary person..."

[...]

"Hello?"

[...]

"Stop playing dead! Provide some information!"

[...]

“…Ignoring people, this arrogant attitude is really annoying,” Bu Qingjue sighed, looked around, and muttered to himself, “Looks like I can only go with the plot for now.”

He knew, of course, what he wanted: for his teacher to survive and live a healthy life.

Because of the possibility of this wish, he was somewhat willing to give it a try.

Following the system's guidance, Bu Qingjue found the Jie family.

He's not even at his strongest yet. Let alone being able to wield a sword skillfully, he probably can't even lift it right now.

So he just quietly walked around as if he were a passerby.

The Xie family is portrayed as an extremely wicked villainous family. They only became slightly more restrained after the battle between Qing Jiujie and Jieyou, so even as a passerby, Bu Qingjue dared not wander around near them.

Thankfully it's nighttime...

After surveying the general terrain, Bu Qingjue struggled to climb a tree.

...To find a specific person, you at least need to go inside first, right?

But with his condition and physical abilities, wouldn't he just be throwing the game if he went in?

...Bu Qingjue, use your brain and think...to realize that wish...to get this opportunity...

He's been dealing with children's parents a lot, so he's quite tactful. But here, anyone could kill him; the situation is clearly different.

Bu Qingjue pondered in the tree, feeling somewhat annoyed that the system had assigned him such a task right away. After all, why go through all the trouble of bringing out a mere cannon fodder character...

What to do, what to do, what to do... tsk.

Bu Qingjue sighed.

Things have come to this.

He returned to the ground and walked to the main entrance.

[Host, I need to remind you that death does not mean you can be resurrected and start over.]

"Oh, so you're willing to come out now?" Bu Qingjue ripped off his hair and said, "Without a strategy guide or a cheat code, I'm quitting. The worst that can happen is I die."

[Host, wait...]

"Lord Xie, I beg you to see this humble subject!!"

"What's all this noise about!" Two members of the Xie family, carrying swords, walked out of the door. "Do you know where you are? Do you want to die in the middle of the night?"

"Lord Xie!" Bu Qingjue knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, his acting convincing: "This humble subject only wanted to see someone, I had no other choice but to resort to this tactic. I beg you, sir, spare my life. I just want to ask him what he meant that night, sob sob sob..."

"Evening? Evening?" The two members of the Xie family exchanged a glance.

"Yes, it was a man named Jie Zhou. He made a lewd gesture towards me and then left. I have no other choice. I don't ask you gentlemen to uphold justice, but I beg to see Jie Zhou one more time and ask him what happened. I would die without regret!"

One of them raised an eyebrow and whistled lewdly, saying, "You mean that brat Jie Zhou forced himself on you? Turns out he's not only useless but also a homosexual, hahahahaha!"

I'm really sorry, even though you're a villainous cannon fodder character and probably not a good person, it still insults your reputation.

Bu Qingjue pleaded, "Could I please see you?"

"Wait, I'll go and call that kid out, hahaha."

With a "let's have some fun" attitude, one of them actually turned around and went back to call for help.

Based on this analysis, Bu Qingjue concluded that Jie Zhou was indeed as he suspected, someone who was not valued even in the villain's household. The cannon fodder in the villain's household were basically weak beyond belief, and perhaps even had terrible personalities. Therefore, no one would suspect him if he used this reason to request an audience.

On the contrary, it adds a sense of pleasure for them as superiors, so why not?

[Host, you're being too radical,] the system said during the wait. [Haven't you considered that they might disobey you and kill you outright? What you're doing...]

“I’ve also guessed something. See if I’m right,” Bu Qingjue interrupted him, thinking to himself, “Whether I can complete the task or not should also be related to your performance, otherwise why are you in such a hurry to stop me?”

[...]

"Because it's strange, why would they choose me to transmigrate here to fill in the gaps in a badly finished novel? If you had countless people to choose from, you would naturally choose someone more capable and suitable, instead of someone like me who is always thinking about giving up and is also greedy and a corporate slave... So actually you didn't have a choice, did you?"

“We have a two-way cooperation. If you force me, I won’t do it no matter how tempting it is. If you still want to be a little unruly, let me say a few words of truth before you continue to do so—since neither of us has a choice, don’t play dead with me.”

“We’re not in a superior-subordinate relationship. Show me some respect. Even if you can’t answer my question, at least tell me you’re not mute. I don’t have to work for you. I can die. Before I die, I can even curse you a few more times. After I die, you can find someone else who meets your criteria and happens to have this time-traveling destiny.”

"It's not difficult for your system to read minds, right? You can see for yourself whether I'm just bluffing or not, and whether I can actually do it. Even if we replace you now, it will be troublesome. The best way to avoid trouble is for you to assist me properly, and for me to complete my task properly, so we can get along harmoniously."

【…I apologize for my rudeness earlier, Master. Please complete the task diligently.】

After a friendly exchange with the system, a man taller than the guards at the entrance of the Xie family's house walked in.

Bu Qingjue knew he had guessed correctly. As cannon fodder, Jie Zhou indeed had no status at home and was more of a topic of conversation for amusement. As long as he said this, he could attract the desire of these people to mock him.

But when he saw him come out, Bu Qingjue was stunned.

He was an extremely handsome man, with the physique of a model by modern standards. However, his demeanor was completely opposite to his face. Despite being a refreshing and handsome young man, he seemed like a walking corpse, exceptionally gloomy.

That was the first time Bu Qingjue met Jie Zhoujian.

The first time they met was when Xie Zhoujian, who had grown up under the shadow of the Xie family, was now an adult.

And he doesn't use that name yet.

"Jie Zhou, your little lover has good taste, doesn't she? When did you find such a beauty? Won't you let the two of us have some fun with her?"

"Are you crazy? No matter how handsome he is, he's still a man."

"You haven't even tried it, but as long as you have a face, that's enough, right? Hey, Jie Zhou, say something! You usually act all deadpan, but now you can't keep up the act anymore. Didn't expect them to come knocking on your door, huh!"

They were pushing and shoving each other, completely disregarding that person...

……like……

It's a bit pitiful.

Bu Qingjue paused in his calculations. Although he had made such preparations, he still couldn't stand seeing what was happening before his eyes.

“My lords, I have something I'd like to say to him privately,” Bu Qingjue said with a fawning smile. “After we’re done, I’ll treat you to a drink. Let’s go to the restaurant around the corner.”

"..."

With this clearly suggestive statement, the two gatekeepers exchanged a glance, one nudged the other, and said, "Then you two just say at the door that we're closing, and call us when you're done."

"Ah! Thank you, sirs!"

Bu Qingjue got up and found that his white casual clothes were dirty from kneeling, and his knees hurt a lot.

His identity is actually quite honest. He came to this world not long ago and was picked up by a disciple of the Qing family, becoming an ordinary disciple of the Qing family, a family of cultivators. The reason he was picked up is said to be because a celestial lord who looked just like him died before.

His name was Wu Qingxianjun. Rumors say he committed suicide, while others say he fell by accident. In any case, he wasn't a very powerful person, but he was very knowledgeable. His title came from his understanding of the tea ceremony.

In short, he was a civil official, and moreover, he served as a figurehead to solidify his position, much like a puppet.

He only had an identity in this world because the two of them looked alike; otherwise, he wouldn't even have a place to live.

Otherwise, it would be a shame that the system was irresponsible before. Not only did it just leave its host in the crowd, but it also didn't give him an identity. He only managed to escape on his own, but luckily he remembered to change his clothes.

The two guards closed the door, but Bu Qingjue didn't believe they wouldn't eavesdrop.

He heard the handsome cannon fodder in front of him speak, his voice low and deep: "What exactly are you...?"

Bu Qingjue stepped forward and covered his mouth, her eyes changing from before to serious and earnest.

He took advantage of the moment when the person was stunned by his change of expression.

The posture resembled an embrace. Bu Qingjue wrapped his arms around his neck and whispered in his ear, "How strong are you?"

"..." As someone meeting him for the first time, Jie Zhou obviously did not know his purpose.

It's really difficult...

Just as Bu Qingjue was about to think of a way to take the person away first, Jie Zhou nodded.

"What are you doing? Just say it."

Bu Qingjue's mind was still racing, so he only said two words: "Leave."

Then Bu Qingjue felt himself being wrapped around his knees and lifted up.

?

The next second, he felt so light and quick that he wanted to vomit.

After the rollercoaster-like experience ended, Jie Zhou led him to the shore of Shuiyun Lake. In the still of the night, the only companions in this open space were the scattered fireflies.

Bu Qingjue took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to vomit, and couldn't help but look at the person in horror. The person, however, seemed indifferent to life and death, and stood quietly to the side waiting for him to recover.

...So obedient?!

System!

【Host】

What exactly is his public persona?!

[Replying to the host, in the original novel, Jie Zhou will commit suicide tonight, but his specific character traits are not described in detail.]

suicide?

Why wasn't this important information shared sooner!

[Sorry, host, I didn't explain clearly. It's precisely because his life or death doesn't affect the subsequent plot that you need to take him away. We need a seemingly insignificant member of the Xie family who will provide other assistance in advancing the story.]

Bu Qingjue finally understood. Anyway, Jie Zhou was a character who would commit suicide tonight, so taking him away wouldn't affect the villains' plans. However, they could use him in the later plot whenever they wanted. Thinking about it this way, he was indeed the most suitable team member.

That's why he was so indifferent, not caring at all about a stranger slandering him, and didn't clarify anything. He just did whatever was said, since he was planning to commit suicide anyway.

So the most urgent thing is to put an end to his suicidal thoughts...

"Cough cough cough." Bu Qingjue steadied himself and felt that his lightness skill was surprisingly good, and he was also very strong. He was also good-looking... How could he be destined to be cannon fodder?

"Your name is Jie Zhou?" Bu Qingjue turned to look at him. In the night, the moonlight reflected off the lake, casting a cold light on his face, making Bu Qingjue sigh again, "He's really quite handsome." "How do you know your name if you don't ask who I am?"

“Does it matter?” Jie Zhou said expressionlessly, “Just tell me what you’re going to do.”

"...Before I tell you, I need to confirm why you just took me away like this? Aren't you afraid the two gatekeepers will complain?"

“It doesn’t matter,” Jie Zhou said, looking at the distant lake. “They won’t use all their men to deal with me. Only a few will come after me, and I can defeat them.”

"..."

The mindset of a dying person... can be understood if taken to a more extreme degree.

Moreover... he wasn't a villain; on the contrary, he seemed like a normal person in a villain's den.

No wonder he committed suicide in the original storyline; it's really hard for a normal person to survive among a bunch of lunatics.

“…My name is Bu Qingjue, hello,” Bu Qingjue said, “Judging from your words just now, you dislike the Xie family, don’t you?”

Jie Zhou sized up the person in front of him: "What is the purpose of calling me? If you have been harassed by the Jie family, you can leave now. I have done more than enough. Go pack your bags and run far away."

“Jie Zhou, let me ask you straight,” Bu Qingjue looked at him, “Do you want to leave?”

"……What's the meaning?"

“You’ve been under the Xie family’s surveillance for the past twenty years, haven’t you?” Bu Qingjue said, using only the information he had guessed. “You hate the Xie family, but under years of suppression, you’ve slowly stopped resisting. No one in them respects you, and they don’t treat you like a human being because you don’t fit in with them. You’re not a bad person.”

“I admit that before I met you, I disliked you along with my impression of the Xie family, but judging from your brief expression just now, we might get along,” Bu Qingjue extended his hand to him: “My name is Bu Qingjue, a transmigrator from another world. If you want to leave, come with me. If you want to go back, that’s fine too, because I know you want to die.”

The air froze for a few seconds, and the system said: [Host, you cannot reveal your identity like this. You must accept punishment...]

Quiet down, I have a rhythm. If you keep arguing, I'll just give up.

[...]

He might not believe it, and it could backfire.

"A transmigrator?" Before the system's voice could finish, Jie Zhou asked, "You?"

"Are there any other reasonable explanations that would convince you why I'm here at this moment?"

"……indeed."

“I knew you would believe me,” Bu Qingjue shook his raised hand. “I’m just telling you this, don’t make a fuss. I think you’re quite capable, not like a nobody. Anyway, you’re going to die sooner or later if you go back, so why not become my… What do you ancient people call bodyguards? Anyway, shake hands, it’s tiring to hold it up.”

Jie Zhou looked at him, and a hint of doubt and surprise finally flashed in his eyes, something that had been the case since the beginning.

"I have a request. If you grant it, we will cooperate."

"explain."

"The entire Xie family must die, not a single one should be spared."

"..."

system.

[Host, you can agree, as long as it's after the villain's storyline is completed.]

“Okay,” Bu Qingjue nodded, then added a slightly modified version of his answer: “This is also one of my goals. Don’t worry, in the end, they definitely won’t survive.”

Jie Zhou grasped Bu Qingjue's hand.

This means they can never go back.

If Jie Zhou goes back, he will surely die, and Bu Qingjue cannot bring a member of the Jie family back to the Qing family.

The two of them are truly in the same boat.

“You agreed faster than I expected,” the two sat down by the lake to chat instead of traveling under the cover of night. “I thought you would at least doubt whether I was lying to you.”

"First, if you were a local, you wouldn't be so weak as to approach the Xie family rashly, even though the head of the Xie family is dead."

"Secondly, you've expressed my thoughts; I really do want to end it all tonight."

"Third, there are some things you're saying that I don't understand. Nobody here would say that."

That makes a lot of sense.

Bu Qingjue said, "Very good. I like dealing with smart people. If you were a little less intelligent, we probably would have wasted a lot of time just now."

“This isn’t cleverness, it’s desperation,” Jie Zhou said, his gaze unfocused, looking into the distance. “I’d rather believe a complete stranger than question him and return to the Jie family.” Even if that person claims to be from another world.

These words were rather heavy, making Bu Qingjue feel a little guilty.

After all... he ultimately only served as a tool.

Bu Qingjue felt the atmosphere between them was a bit awkward, after all, they had just met, and wanted to say something to ease the tension: "...You're so beautiful, how come no one has ever approached you before? They have such poor taste..."

“I am a member of the Xie family, and I have been for the past twenty years.”

"...That's true." With this identity, it's impossible to have any other friends here, which is why I accepted the "time travel" setting so quickly.

But Bu Qingjue felt that having dealt with children's parents for so long, he was not in a bad position to flatter them.

But before he could speak, Jie Zhou said, "Bu Qingjue, you are also very handsome, and your name is very beautiful. If you don't show up tonight, I will commit suicide. It makes no difference to me. You don't need to feel the need to appease me by saying nice things. I will follow you. Please don't try to please me."

……ah.

This feeling of being seen through... what's going on...?

-----------------------

Author's note: I forgot to set the timer yesterday, so I'm making up for it today.