TDU Chapter 298
Chapter 298 Troublemaker
Unable to sway the obstinate Yun Yao, Chen Junnan ultimately resigned himself to bringing her along to Terrestrial Snake’s game venue.
They followed the map for nearly an hour and a half on foot before finally reaching their destination.
The structure before them was vast—a single-story building with the imposing presence of a grand museum.
Lurking at the entrance to the museum stood a hunched figure. His head was that of a withered, yellowed snake—skin parched and crinkled like that of a shriveled elder.
Bent at the waist, his oversized suit hung on him like a loose sack.
From afar, Terrestrial Snake caught sight of Yun Yao. At once, his pale yellow eyes narrowed, slitted pupils contracting like blades.
“Hehehe...!” A low, eerie chuckle escaped him. “Wonderful! Splendid!”
The sound of his hoarse laughter, laced with a snake’s hiss, crawled down one’s spine and stirred an involuntary wave of revulsion.
Yun Yao, utterly unfazed by Terrestrial Snake’s lascivious gaze, stepped forward and stood before him without the slightest trace of hesitation.
"How much for admission?" she asked.
"Four per person... Hehe..." Terrestrial Snake swallowed, then said, "But with a face like yours… clothes could be used in exchange too. One garment for one {Dào}."
"No need." Yun Yao pulled out four {Dào} from her handbag and tossed them to Terrestrial Snake, then asked, "How many people are required for the game to begin?"
Terrestrial Snake caught the {Dào} with a twinge of disappointment, then rasped, “Twelve players.”
“Alright. I’ll wait here,” Yun Yao replied with a nod, casually stepping aside to lean against the wall, unfazed.
Terrestrial Snake’s gaze, however, lingered on her, unblinking and invasive.
Chen Junnan quietly stepped between them, placing himself in the line of sight to shield her from the leering stare.
But he felt somewhat troubled.
Four {Dào} for admission?
Yesterday, he went for a casual stroll and earned just two {Dào}. Now what—was he really going to borrow from Yun Yao just to scrape together the rest?
He pondered for a moment, then stepped forward and handed his two {Dào} to Terrestrial Snake.
Terrestrial Snake took them, his slitted eyes narrowing in confusion. “Where’re the other two?”
“Just give me a second…” Chen Junnan crouched down and fumbled around for a moment, finally producing a pair of grimy socks.
“Uh, look, old man…” Chen Junnan said, scratching his cheek a little sheepishly. “Back in our alley, I’m known to be something of a heartthrob. I’ll leave these socks as collateral for now—when this young master strikes it big, I’ll definitely buy them back. Hope you don’t mind.”
“Wh–What?!” Terrestrial Snake recoiled, hastily tucking his outstretched hands behind his back. “I don’t want them!”
"Hey! No need to be courteous! I admit, it’s my fault for coming without bearing a proper gift. Take these for now, and if you find something better, just swap them out!"
Terrestrial Snake looked at the two filthy socks, visibly repulsed, and instinctively took a step back. “Have you lost your mind?! Who the hell wants your rancid socks?!”
“What’s this—discrimination?” Chen Junnan spun around and jabbed a finger toward Yun Yao. “She’s just a tiny bit better-looking than me. Her clothes can be used to pay, but my socks don’t make the cut?”
"Punk! Are you looking for trouble?!"
"Looking for trouble?!" Chen Junnan feigned indignation, hands raised in mock defense. "Good sir, I’m simply abiding by your own rules and paying the admission fee! If the socks aren’t to your liking, I could always offer my underwear in exchange—but you’ll have to give me a moment to find somewhere private to take them off."
"Un–Underwear?"
"This young master hasn't bathed today, so my underwear's great if you swing that way. You can keep it for your collection. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone of your affection."
Seeing Terrestrial Snake retreat in a huff, Yun Yao couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.
"Haha..." She wiped the corner of her eye, her amusement evident. "You're quite the character. Fine, I’ll lend you two {Dào}."
"Huh? Really?" Chen Junnan gave a shy smile, "Just give me a little more time. I’m almost there—I can feel him warming up to the idea."
Yun Yao shook her head with a smile. "You plan to convince a {Terrestrial-grade} with two dirty socks?"
"Though the chances are slim, I'm just not the type to admit defeat," Chen Junnan retorted.
Yun Yao took two {Dào} from her bag and casually tossed them to Terrestrial Snake. She then turned to Chen Junnan and said, "Remember to return them if you win."
"How generous of you!" Chen Junnan lowered his head to put back on his socks, then immediately reached out to shake Yun Yao's hands.
Yun Yao quickly took a few steps back, saying, "No need for a handshake... I get it."
"Ah, no need to be like that." Chen Junnan shrugged and wiped his hands on his pants. "Make sure to pay attention during the game. I’ll definitely return your {Dào}."
Terrestrial Snake furrowed his brow, his gaze lingering on Chen Junnan, a flicker of unease crossing his expression.
He had a faint recollection of this figure from his days as a {Mortal-grade}, though the memories were hazy, obscured by time. He vaguely remembered this person being a troublemaker who never adhered to the standard rules—a fact that made him uneasy about the upcoming game.
"Superstar, have you been here before?" Chen Junnan asked.
"No, but some of my teammates have looked into this place, so I’m well aware of what kind of person Terrestrial Snake is."
"Alright, since you’re so generous, this young master will make sure to protect you," Chen Junnan declared confidently. "Once they explain the rules, just sit back and relax. Watch as I perform."
Yun Yao curiously fixed her gaze on Chen Junnan. She had never met anyone like him before. While he didn’t exactly fit the image of a good samaritan due to his flamboyant words and actions, he hadn’t crossed any boundaries, and curiously, she felt an inexplicable sense of security.
While they stood in wait, a figure in white gradually came into view.
The woman’s sudden presence rendered both Yun Yao and Chen Junnan momentarily stunned.
She bore an uncanny resemblance to someone they had encountered just the day before… or so they thought.
But as the young woman in white approached, they quickly realized that the person before them was far different from their previous impression.
Her features were unremarkable, and her gaze was steady, resolute. The only things that matched were the white clothes and hairstyle she wore.
"Hello," she greeted with a nod to both Chen Junnan and Yun Yao, before turning her attention to Terrestrial Snake. "May I ask, how much is admission?"
Terrestrial Snake cast a lecherous glance at the woman's exposed limbs beneath her white dress, his gaze crude as he spoke, "Four {Dào}. If you don’t have enough, clothes can be used as payment—two pieces for one {Dào}."
"Wow! You’re a real business mastermind, huh?" Chen Junnan scoffed sarcastically. "For the average-looking, two pieces of clothing per {Dào}; for the pretty ones, just one piece per {Dào}. Yet you wouldn't even take my socks and underwear, despite me being as extremely handsome as I am!"
"Shut your trap!" Terrestrial Snake snapped.
The woman in white merely smiled, her expression serene and unbothered. "No need," she replied calmly. "I have enough {Dào}."
With that, she produced four {Dào}, handed them to Terrestrial Snake, and then, with a brief nod to both Chen Junnan and Yun Yao, she quietly stepped to the side, awaiting the game to begin.
"Is it just me, or does that woman’s figure... seem familiar?" Chen Junnan remarked.
"Her figure is somewhat like Qi Xia's wife," Yun Yao agreed with a nod, "but her face is completely different."
"Heh, interesting." Chen Junnan smiled and nodded. "If this woman makes it out alive, I’m bringing her to Ole Qi, even if I have to carry her myself.”
"Why?" Yun Yao asked, puzzled.
"Cupid duty." Chen Junnan picked his nose nonchalantly. "She’s right up Ole Qi’s alley."
TL Note: Rant goes here ( •̯́ ₃ •̯̀)
