Chapter Twelve: The Pursuit Order in the Martial World

Xiao Jie was not surprised. Since Liu Qiang had set a trap, he would naturally want to confirm whether it had succeeded. The simplest way to do that was, of course, to call him.

According to the man in the black coat, the activation codes were incredibly valuable. If both he and Han Luo died, Liu Qiang would undoubtedly try to retrieve these two activation codes. Xiao Jie had already prepared a countermeasure for such a scenario. As for how to respond—

He silently pressed the record button.

“Heh, Liu Qiang, huh? Of course I played it. I have to say, you really gave me a big gift. This game, ‘Old Earth,’ is just as you said—a game that can change one’s destiny. It’s incredibly fun. I have to thank you. You tricked me before, but now I’m returning the favor. So, I guess we’re even.”

There was a silence on the other end of the line. Liu Qiang was momentarily baffled. He had anticipated several possible reactions: furious curses, feigned calm, gritted teeth, or no answer at all. But he never expected such an attitude.

“Heh, no need to thank me. As long as you like it. This game’s gold farming will definitely be a hit. By the way, where’s Han Luo? I called him but no one answered.”

“Liu Qiang, why pretend to be clueless? Han Luo is dead. Otherwise, how could I have uncovered the truth about this game? Tsk tsk, you really are ruthless—investing so much to trap me, giving out two activation codes, and deliberately not telling Han Luo the truth about the game, just to have us both die inside it.

But luckily, I was the lucky one; Han Luo died for me. You must be pretty disappointed.”

“Uh, I have no idea what you’re talking about— What! Han Luo is dead? Ah, what a tragic loss. I was really close to Han Luo. I can’t believe he died so young. Aren’t you upset or angry that Han Luo died?”

Liu Qiang’s tone was exaggerated, but his reaction made Xiao Jie sigh. This guy was indeed cunning and not falling for the trap at all.

Although the recording was not perfect evidence, having something was better than nothing—yet Liu Qiang even guarded against that.

“Angry? Why should I be angry? Compared to the benefits you brought me, this risk is nothing. Besides, I’m not the one who died—it was that unlucky Han Luo. Why should I be angry? Actually, I should thank you. Han Luo’s death saved me a lot of trouble.

Otherwise, with such a miraculous game hiding such immense value, it would have taken a lot of effort to monopolize these two activation codes.

Now, I can fully enjoy this opportunity. Thanks to you; if Han Luo hadn’t fallen for it, I’d have had to work harder.”

Xiao Jie’s tone was remarkably calm, leaving Liu Qiang momentarily stunned.

This outcome was completely frustrating for him. No, this guy’s calmness was suspicious.

“Hahaha, don’t pretend, Boss Xiao. You and Han Luo were so close—you must be furious now. Want to kill me? It’s okay; we’ve known each other a long time. If you want to say it, just say it. I’m listening.”

“Heh, only someone as ignorant as you would think that way. Compared to true power, what does a mere subordinate count for? Everything in this world is illusion; only absolute power has real meaning. Pawa, do you understand? Pawa!”

With these two activation codes, I have the chance to seek that absolute power—to become a god, an immortal, a king, a saint. With my gaming skills, it’s easily within reach. That’s what truly matters. Compared to that power, petty human conflicts and grudges are laughable.

But you reminded me—I will kill you. Once I have gained enough power, I will crush you like an ant. Not because you killed Han Luo, but because your hostility offends me.

Do you understand that feeling? It’s like a mouse gnawing at your shoe, trying to bite you—pathetic yet disgusting. What kind of scum are you to harm me? Do you have that right?

So it’s easier just to get rid of you.”

Liu Qiang was at a loss for how to respond. Boss Xiao was usually serious—why was he suddenly sounding so juvenile?

Power? Pawa? Well, appearances can be deceiving.

But that last sentence struck a nerve. Liu Qiang hated nothing more than being looked down upon.

“Crush an ant? Heh, you know what? If I wanted to kill you, it would really be as easy as crushing an ant.”

“Then come find me. You know where I live. Come and see who gets crushed. Though I’ve only played for a day and haven’t unlocked much, just from what I’ve gained so far, taking you out wouldn’t be a problem.

Think you’re strong? Come on, at your level, what difference does playing longer make? You’re just trash. My gaming skills are beyond your imagination.”

“Why is your breathing so ragged? Don’t accept it? Then come try me. So, do you dare? Or do I finally see your true nature—coward?”

“Beep—beep—beep.”

The call was disconnected.

—

After hanging up, Liu Qiang’s face twisted in anger.

He had thought the other party was dead, yet not only was he alive, but also arrogant.

He clenched his fist, wanting to use his fierce inner strength to crush the phone out of frustration, but seeing the latest model Orange 18 in his hand, he restrained himself.

He raised his hand and smashed the table before him into splinters.

“Fuck! Fuck! Fu—ck!” Liu Qiang roared in rage.

He was the one who had successfully laid the trap—why did it feel like he was being mocked?

“What’s wrong, Brother Liu? Why so worked up?” a subordinate hurriedly asked.

Liu Qiang took a deep breath and calmed down. “Nothing, just stirred up a madman. Are the others gathered?”

“Almost. But recently, the news from the North has been intense. Many are wary of going abroad for work. Sigh, we’re just collateral damage.”

“No worries. Throw money at them—sign formal contracts, pay relocation fees. As long as they follow orders, it’s fine.”

After arranging the work, Liu Qiang picked up his phone again. Thinking back on Xiao Jie’s words, his anger flared. Maybe he should find time to take him out? This kid had only played a day—what skill could he possibly have?

But his innate caution made him hesitate.

“Ahu, kill someone for me.”

Startled, Ahu quickly raised his hands. “Brother Liu, we can’t say things like that here. This is the mainland—murder is illegal. Didn’t you forget what happened with the Blade Gang?”

Liu Qiang immediately sobered. This was not a matter to rush. After all, he held a high position in the guild. No need to stoop to a low-level player’s level. The death game was difficult; he was bound to die alone eventually.

After a moment’s thought, a sinister smile appeared on his lips.

If I can’t act in reality, then I’ll handle it in the game.

“Put a bounty of one hundred taels on the Killer Alliance for me!”

Ahu’s eyes widened—one hundred taels! That’s a million!

“Boss, who should we target?”

“Wu Jike, Tian Dao Fengliu, and… Hidden Moon Winds.” Liu Qiang rattled off three names, all characters Xiao Jie had used before. He wasn’t sure if Xiao Jie had changed names, but as long as no one got killed, he wouldn’t have to pay the full price, so no worries about waste.