Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I grieve and dare not show my discontent,
I love and yet am forced to seem to hate,
I do, yet dare not say I ever meant,
I seem stark mute but inwardly do prate.
I am and not, I freeze and yet am burned,
Since from myself another self I turned.
- On Monsieur’s Departure, Queen Elizabeth I

***
Today was a day filled with too many turns and bouts for most Glory fans. The end of the twelfth season brought with them the second win of Blue Rain after 6 years. And… The end of the career of two renowned stars of the pro glory stage. Han Wenqing and Zhang Jiale announced that they were retiring from the pro glory world. It happened right after Tyranny got 2nd place, losing to Blue Rain. It wasn’t unexpected for most people, but it still hit harder than most, especially for those who have seen them grow. Even Blue Rain, who won, didn’t make much of a scene and mourned the retirement of the two alongside the fans.

“Senior Han and senior Zhang are two extremely impactful people to the Glory community. We, Blue Rain, wish them good luck on their journey after Glory. May they find greater heights and may their roads ahead be smooth.” Yu Wenzhou commented on behalf of Blue Rain at the press conference after the match with a small and sad smile.

“The end of the brightest era of Glory. The retirements of the pioneer era members and their brightest moments. Read more on page 2”

“Where is Glory’s next stage? Han Wenqing and Zhang Jiale’s retirement sparks discussion between fans.”

“Fans are sad from the retirement and the complete fall of the pioneer generation. Weibo’s top conversations indicate…..”

“Tyranny will be better! We will make the seniors proud!” Song Qiying announced in his first press conference as vice president. “Tyranny won’t fall!”

***

Han Wenqing refused the suggestion from the club to continue working there behind the scenes as a coach or as a technician. He already made plans to work in his parents' shop. While packing his bags, Zhang Xinjie walked in and just stared at the empty room, memories from before hogging his mind. “Xinjie, you’re here?” Han Wenqing closed his luggage bag and stood up. “Captain.”

Han Wenqing sighed, “You’re the captain now, remember?” Zhang Xinjie chose to reply with silence, or maybe, he just didn’t know what was suitable to say to the one person that has been a constant in his life for over a decade on the day of his leaving. “Take care of Tyranny for me won’t you?” Han Wenqing said after a moment of silence. Han Wenqing left with all his belongings and Desert Dust’s card was already put at Song Qiying’s place in the training room. He didn’t want to face him, this is perhaps why he and Wei Chen could be best friends. Zhang Jiale has already left a few days ago but Han Wenqing has some last things to settle before his leaving. Zhang Jiale decided to go to Beijing, to meet up with Sun Zheping again.

Han Wenqing’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He didn’t check it, he didn’t have the energy since 8 times out of 10 it would be from the pro players’ QQ group. If he checked it though, he would have found him and Zhang Jiale being added into a QQ group named “Best Generation(s)”.

***

Best Generation(s):

Ghosthunter King: What??? Little Wenqing retired??

Flower Pretty: Why is my name like this? Also have you been living under a rock, Old Guo?

Ego Monster: Don’t you like it? We made it just for you.

Flower Pretty: WTF old Ye?!

The best Junior: You also retired, Lele?

Flower Pretty: WAIT WHY IS OLD LIN’S NAME SO BETTER THAN MINE?!

Shameless Bandit: It’s not wrong. You and Little Sun literally taunted us seniors the first time you met us. Like the little shits you are.

Cloud Weeeeee: If it makes you feel better Lele, look at my name.

Flower Pretty: LMAO

Shameless Bandit: LMAO

Ego Monster: LMAO

….

Tiger babysitter: …

Wizard Dad: @Ghosthunter King named it XD.

Ghosthunter King: I’m a genius, don’t be jealous of my talent.

***

The moment Han Wenqing arrived home, which didn’t take long, he ignored his parents' excited welcome and just stayed low and helped his mother prepare dinner. He was quiet the entire time, speaking only when he needed his parents to pass the dish. His parents were caught up in planning meetings with potential partners and complaining about how Han Wenqing spent so much time playing games that he is now with nothing of expertise.

“This is something that doesn’t attract women! How will you continue the Han line?” His mother rambled on. “I have planned out meetings with some of my friends’ daughters. You’ll find one that you want to marry.” Han Wenqing just quietly nodded. Fighting back will only make it longer.

Dinner never felt so long and dragging.

Han Wenqing’s room still looked like it did when he returned during Chinese New Year just the year before. The older computer on his study table from years before still connected to a Glory card scanner. The old bed creaked and he laid on his bed and finally felt the sadness catch up to him. He felt numb the days before, rushing through a series of procedures to ensure Zhang Xinjie’s appointment to captain and the transfer of Desert Dust to Song Qiying went smoothly. Han Wenqing stared at the ceiling of his room and slowly, he fell into deep sleep, and if there were any dreams about him standing on a stage with the champion trophy beside him, that was between him and the Goddess of Glory.

***
Wei Chen's eyes hurt and felt so dry as he controlled his warlord burner account to snatch the wild boss that was newly spawned. He lit a cigarette and put it into his mouth. The taste of nicotine slowly filled his mouth and lungs. On the screen, the chaotic battle between the players started. Wei Chen’s character, Coolest Warlock Ever, ducked and fought back against the crowd. The wild boss still ended up in Happy’s pocket.

Wei Chen rubbed his eyes and placed the finished cigarette butt into the prepared ash urn just a few centimetres away from his monitor. “Good job guys!” Wu Chen congratulated them. His computer pinged from a message from one of the guild members about a new wild boss that spawned. “It seems like today is our lucky day, isn’t it Wei ge?” Wu Chen laughed as he turned back to the computer. “Yeah, especially with lao zi here.” Wei Chen grinned, a cigarette newly lit already in his mouth. Wu Chen had opened up after 2 and more years of working in Happy. The quiet guild leader turned into an optimistic and positive one.

Wei Chen and the rest of the original team are happy to see him moving on from the disband of his original team. He is now one of them fully and Wu Chen himself actually feels happy working in the guild according to one conversation between him and Chen Guo. Wei Chen is extremely jealous.

Don’t get him wrong, Wei Chen understands that he could never be a part of the team again with his age in the way and Happy is flourishing even without him. He already has a champion under his belt and that is more than most people could honestly wish for. He shouldn’t be complaining.

But to be honest, he missed the adrenaline of the stage. The sweat and the tension. The energy of the fans, the high of winning and the lows of losing.

Life in the guild is repetitive and boring to say the least. Every day turned out to be exactly the same. Wake up, eat whatever meal of the day that was suitable for the time, log in to Glory, fight and go down into levelling areas and try to beat the record, putting the things into the storage of the guild, make sure the newbies are entrusted to someone who is reliable, fight the wild boss when it spawns, clear all of his levelling areas’ turns, log out, eat whatever meal of the day that was suitable, sleep. Repeat it all tomorrow.

The day passed in a blur. The thought of leaving like he did years before at Blue Rain flashed through his mind but he put it out before it could even grow. Wei Chen dragged his feet into the room he shared with Ye Xiu. Snoring came from the bed Ye Xiu occupied. Ye Xiu came back a few days ago to catch up and is now fast asleep in the bed next to his.

Wei Chen only had energy to brush his teeth and quickly fell asleep. His mind is still spinning from different tactics to face the pro players when summer holiday season starts. At least it won't be boring with so many pro players in the Heavenly Domain along with them.

Dreams and memories are one and the same to him, at least for tonight.

***

“Passengers taking the 6p.m. plane to B city can start boarding now at Gate 3. If you have any enquiries or need any help, please ask our staff nearby.” The announcement over the speakers prompted Zhang Jiale to stand up and move towards the boarding gate.

Zhang Jiale was a lucky person in most aspects of life except Glory, the part which mattered to him the most. He always got to buy the things he wanted, go where he wanted but could never touch the champion trophy. Even with such last minute ticket buying, he still got a window seat.

He secured his mask and pulled his hood lower to prevent getting himself recognised. The music that he downloaded beforehand played through his earphones and he stared out of the window. The plane started moving right on time.

Zhang Jiale murmured a goodbye to Q city. The houses and buildings on the ground slowly shrunk and shrunk until they faded out of sight. Zhang Jiale felt emotional, he bade goodbye to the place that took him in when now one else did.

Arriving at Beijing didn’t take much time. Sun Zheping came to fetch him back to his new home for how long he needed. The moment he told Sun Zheping he wanted to retire, the former captain immediately invited him to join him in B city. Sun Zheping retired from Heavenly Sword during the winter transfer period. According to him, he was still in B city because of a family business that needed his supervision. Zhang Jiale felt betrayed when he learnt that Sun Zheping’s family was rich. Did Hundred Blossoms suffer through poverty for nothing?!

Sun Zheping’s apartment is quite big by B city standards, with two rooms and a bathroom. One of the rooms was cleared out for Zhang Jiale to use. However, that night, they fully utilised the usage of Sun Zheping’s beer storage.

The night passed fast and Zhang Jiale was sobbing into Sun Zheping’s shoulders before midnight even arrived. “Why can’t I become champion? Am I so weak?” Sun Zheping placed a comforting hand onto his shoulder. “No no, you’re good. One of the best even!”

It was a mess of tears and beer and Sun Zheping found himself steering Zhang Jiale to the bathroom to vomit. “Don’t you feel disappointed too? Big Sun?” “Hmm?” Zhang Jiale was half asleep as he mumbled, “You could have more chances to compete if you haven’t suffered that injury.” After that, Zhang Jiale fell asleep in his hands.

“Of course.” Sun Zheping said softly. Who wouldn’t be?

Zhang Jiale was placed in his bed by Sun Zheping who cleaned everything up after. He collapsed in his own bed and unconsciously pulled the hand that was hurt closer to himself. That night, the duo dreamt of the same blue sky and the same smiling faces.

***
Ensanguining the skies
How heavily it dies
Into the west away;
Past touch and sight and sound
Not further to be found,
How hopeless under ground
Falls the remorseful day.
- How Clear, How Lovely Bright, A.E Housman

Chapter Text

Ye Xiu woke up to the feeling of the morning sun shining directly on his face. He groaned and turned over, pulling the blankets higher over his head. He heard the sound of the bedroom door opening and mumbled “Why did you open the curtains so early, Old Wei? Are you actually so old that you’re starting to lead a healthy lifestyle?”

“What Old Wei, are you actually so happy from Father giving you a holiday from the company that you are now making up a new person? Now wake up, the sun is already shining on your butt. Lazy ass brother.” A voice similar to his tsked, rather than the gravelly voice of Wei Chen which he was expecting. He sat up immediately. “Eh?! Ye Qiu, why are you here and why didn’t you tell me?”

Ye Qiu looked at him like he grew two heads. “This is our family home. Why do I need to inform you to be here? Are you hungover? I told you you shouldn’t take up Father’s offer to drink last night. Now see?” He rambled on and on, even taking a thermometer to see if his older brother was sick. Ye Xiu’s brain focused only on the first part of the things he said.

“When did I return home? Weren’t I on holiday? Why do you look younger? Did you go do plastic surgery?” Ye Xiu only noticed Ye Qiu looked like he was in his late teens rather than late 20’s. Ye Qiu’s rambling stopped suddenly and he looked at his older twin. “You look the same as me. I don’t know what has gone into your head today. Literally, if you’re feeling like you need a therapist, you just need to say, you know that right?”

Ye Qiu walked out of Ye Xiu’s room and closed the door along with it. Ye Xiu rushed to his computer and saw the date in the bottom right of the screen clearly writing: 2nd December XXXX, in the middle of the 9th season. Ye Xiu’s brain ran through a couple of possibilities. The one with the most probability is “time travel”. Or more accurately: "dimension travel". A quick check of his Identification Card confirmed the latter. He was 26 during the 9th season in the other universe, however in this one, he is currently 18.

And apparently, not playing glory at all. Ye Qiu casually made a reminder to contact a therapist for his brother as he watched Ye Xiu search every single file in his computer and every single nick and cranny in the house for a "Glory avatar card" frantically but all of his efforts ended up in smoke.

Ye Qiu ended up being the one to answer most of Ye Xiu's questions unrelated to Glory. "My beloved didi, why are we currently in B city?" "Father wanted us to train here at the company branch. Seriously, do you need a doctor?" “Nothing, there’s no need to worry. My didi.” Ye Xiu smiled an unconvincing smile. “Uh huh.” Ye Qiu rolled his eyes.

With a little cunning strategy, Ye Xiu managed to get most information out of Ye Qiu’s mouth. The downside was, Ye Qiu now seems to think he is possessed or maybe has gone loco from being cooped inside the company by their father for too long.

He is still named Ye Xiu in this universe. However, neither he nor Ye Qiu managed to run away from home. He is still a gamer but somehow never really gotten to play Glory, and only seems to be playing games like Fortnite, Apex Legends and Honour of Kings. This Ye Xiu is particularly skilled in Mathematics related subjects too. Other than those two major differences, they are similar in every single other aspect. Ye Xiu played around with the extremely expensive watch he found in one of the drawers as he started researching the current pro glory state.

There are so many things that differ from his own world, and he was shocked by many of them. One, many of his fellow friends in the pioneer generation never got into Glory too. Two, Su Muqiu is still alive somehow and is now the captain of Happy. He was also the former captain of Excellent Era. Thirdly, Fang Shijing is now a part of Happy and the first controller of Swoksaar? Ye Xiu looked at the videos that showcased Happy’s round with Everlasting. Rather than a team with an extremely strong aggressive feel, Happy in this world is somewhat softer. Ye Xiu sweatdropped, of course Happy will be much more subdued, Wei Chen and him, the two shameless seniors aren’t there. Fang Rui hasn’t entered the team yet.

It’s rather ironic that Fang Shijing is Wei Chen’s successor as their fighting style cannot be compared together at all. The shameless fighting style that is the icon of Blue Rain is there in Fang Shijing’s but compared to Yu Wenzhou, Huang Shaotian and Wei Chen, it can very much be overlooked. And even more so with a new team like Happy, the warlord that Fang Shijing is playing is showcasing a support role rather than a more offensive role like Wei Chen’s. He hasn’t gone up in any 1v1 matches. Ye Xiu noted.

Watching Su Muqiu fight is extremely nostalgic to Ye Xiu, and somewhat sad. He was supposed to have such a bright future in front of him, and this universe’s Su Muqiu is a clear example of that. Ye Xiu watched Autumn Leaf jumping around and shooting with precision at his opponents. ‘I wonder if he was also kicked out of Excellent Era by them..’

The rest of the rookies are still the same old. Their fighting styles changed a bit because of the different influences, Ye Xiu and Su Muqiu’s personalities aren’t the same after all. Ye Xiu grinned at the familiar scene of Bao Zi getting lost in the map in the first round of the individual challenge. He was scrolling through the forums when he saw a notice about the new eleventh server opening just tonight at 12 o’clock pinned at the top of Glory’s official weibo. Ye Xiu’s interest was immediately piqued. He was actually just thinking about going to the tenth server and doing the same thing as he did before but now with the opening of the eleventh server just this midnight, the Goddess of Glory might have just served the chance up with a silver platter.

He couldn’t play Lord Grim anymore as Su Muqiu was already playing Lord Grim and an unspecialised in Happy, and although he still had some impression of the blueprint for the Myriad Manifestation Umbrella, he didn’t want to be accused of copying. Besides, he can now bring back the Battle God, One Autumn Leaf. He is a battle mage through and through even with his popular title as the textbook of Glory.

Ye Xiu looked at the time and decided to have a light dinner aka cup noodles before going to a nearby Internet cafe. His beautifully made plans were broken by the entering of Ye Qiu who hurried him to prepare for a dinner tonight at a five star hotel with one of the partner companies. Ye Xiu felt like someone just downed a huge bucket of water on the fire of his passion. “Why do I need to go? I am on holiday.” Ye Xiu sulked.

“Yes, but the son of the owner personally requested you by name. I believe he is called, uhh, Sun Zheping? Do you remember him?” Ye Xiu sat up immediately by the mention of Big Sun’s name. “Big Sun? He’s coming too?” Ye Xiu asked, the down atmosphere surrounding him before disappearing in an instant. “Duh,” Ye Qiu rolled his eyes, “He is the heir. Why are you calling him Big Sun? You know him?”

“No no no, just remembered someone else.” Ye Xiu hoped that Sun Zheping might have also transmigrated along with him.

***

“This suit is so tight.” Ye Xiu fiddled with the collar and the tie. “Stop complaining, maybe actually schedule a meeting with the designer and stop wearing my suits.” Ye Qiu yanked Ye Xiu’s hand away from continuing playing with the tie. “Remember, this investment is important, do not mess it up.” Their father’s voice ordered them through the speaker. “Yes Father.” The twins replied with extremely different tones. Ye Qiu’s voice is professional and curt. Ye Xiu’s on the other hand, is dragged out and sounds lazy.

“I’m speaking to you Ye Xiu.” “I know, I know.” Ye Qiu glared at Ye Xiu for his attitude and the older brother laughed.

They arrived at a grand hotel with a restaurant on the top floor. “Good evening, we’re here to look for Mr. Sun.” Ye Qiu smiled at the waitress. The waitress cheeks dusted pink and she stuttered a bit at the start. “Yes of course. Come with me please.”

She led them to a private booth and showed them inside. Ye Qiu thanked her and the waitress rushed off at a speed that bordered on impolite. There were three people in the booth already seated. “Mr Sun, Mrs Sun, Mr Sun.” Ye Xiu and Ye Qiu greeted the family in sync. “No need to be so formal. Just call me Uncle,” The head of the Sun family greeted them, “You must be the famous Ye twins. Ah you two look so alike.” “Yes uncle. Thank you.” Ye Xiu cheekily replied with a grin. Ye Qiu swatted him. Sun Zheping sat there at the side looking at his phone, seemingly in the middle of conversation with someone, and only looked up for a while to greet the both of them.

After the dinner, Ye Xiu excused himself to go out for a smoke. They were starting to discuss the renewal of the contract between the two companies. He was never skilled to handle situations like this. Better let the professional handle this. He smoked on one of the balconies that the waiters outside led him to in order to not disturb the other guests. The glass door behind him opened again after a while.

“Do you want to smoke also? Big Sun.”

“No senior,” Sun Zheping replied. “You know I don’t smoke at all.”

“Senior, you also transmigrated?” Sun Zheping is someone who goes straight to the point and it is evident in his confrontation. Usually, people would hesitate before asking questions like this, but Sun Zheping asked without any hesitation in his voice. “You too?” Ye Xiu didn’t answer directly but asked another question. “Yes. And also Jiale.”

“Eh? Lele also transmigrated? How is he handling that?” Ye Xiu blew out smoke rings and finally turned around to look at him. Sun Zheping huffed out a laugh. “If I told you that I woke up this morning due to him spamming my QQ, what would you think?” Ye Xiu laughed. “Ohh, that definitely sounds like him.”

It wasn’t a secret in the pro world that Sun Zheping and Zhang Jiale grew up together, and might be even closer than brothers. It made sense for Sun Zheping to be the first one who Zhang Jiale contacted.“And then I heard from my parents we’re having dinner with your family. I couldn’t find any information about you online except you being the heir to the Ye family so we automatically assumed you transmigrated.”

“You’re not wrong.” Ye Xiu lit another cigarette and leaned against the bars of the balcony. Sun Zheping continued typing on his phone. After a moment, his phone rang and the screen showed Zhang Jiale’s name. The moment Sun Zheping accepted the call, Zhang Jiale’s energetic voice immediately emerged. “Big Sun! Is Old Ye near you?”

“Hello Little Le.” Ye Xiu teased. “Stop calling me that!” Zhang Jiale shouted from the other side of the phone. “The both of you stop being childish.” Sun Zheping frowned.

The three caught up about their experiences since transmigrating here. It seems like the three of them transmigrated this morning simultaneously with Zhang Jiale being the one who woke the earliest. Sun Zheping and Zhang Jiale luckily still knew each other since little in this universe. The weird thing is, the two of them in this universe also don’t play Glory at all even though Zhang Jiale is apparently a streamer and Glory has been one of his most top requested games according to the messages in his inbox and comments.

Sun Zheping on the other hand, isn’t a gamer or someone who is interested in playing games at all. He acts more like he did during the time period when he initially retired and almost gave up playing Glory. “My hand is still healthy.” Sun Zheping replied when Ye Xiu asked. The two of them stared down at his hand and its skin is still smooth and without any of the small blemishes he accumulated while treating and recovering.

The two of them, like him, aren't the same age as they were in the original universe. Rather, they’re the same age as him now.

‘That’s good news! The two of you can continue playing Glory and maybe even pursue the pro league again.” “Yeah… What about you, senior?” “Me? I am planning on joining the eleventh server. You wanna join?”

‘Of course, it’s not only you who can play Glory for another 10 years,” Zhang Jiale scoffed. “We’ve already bought our avatar cards.”

“Ehhhh, if only you can have this fast progress when getting the champion trophy, you wouldn’t have 3 slivers.” Zhang Jiale’s angry exclamations faded slowly as Ye Xiu turned back to the restaurant, he had finished his smoke and now it seems like it is time to go home. Sun Zheping came in not long after.

“I’m really glad to see the two of you getting along.” Uncle Sun smiled as they parted. “Me and Big Sun just clicked, pretty sure we knew each other in another life.” Ye Xiu pulled Sun Zheping down and messed up his hair. “Stop it senior.”

‘Goodbye!” The twins waved to the leaving Sun family and watched as the car drove away.

Ye Qiu looked at his watch and said “Ge, the driver is coming to fetch us home.” “Oh yeah! Forgot to tell you, I am not going home, and don’t wait up for me!” Ye Xiu started to baidu the closest internet cafe near him. “Are you going out to play games again?” Ye Qiu peered at his unreliable older brother. “You know me so well baby brother! Now goodbye!” Ye Xiu walked away while ignoring whatever his brother shouted at him.

***

“Welcome to Bulb Internet cafe! Please show your identification card.” The girl at the main counter welcomed him. Ye Xiu showed her his and she nodded at the year of birth on the identification card. “Do you sell the 11th Glory server card here?” Ye Xiu asked her and watched as the girl pulled out a card from the side. “Starting to play Glory?” The girl asked him while searching for an empty seat in the cafe. “Uhh, yes,” Ye Xiu noticed the tired eyes on the girl’s face, “Long day?”

The girl sighed, “Yes, there are a lot of people coming here because the 11th server is opening.” “You do not play Glory?” “Played before but have already stopped because it is not suitable for me.” “Ahhh.”

“Your seat is at H2, upstairs.” The girl gave him his Glory card and identification card back after Ye Xiu paid. “Thank you.”

Ye Xiu slipped into his seat and put on the headphones. He inserted the glory card into the card reader and couldn’t resist a grin when the familiar Glory login page appeared. He typed in “One Autumn Leaf” for the name and didn’t make any corrections at all, following the same Su Mucheng gave the avatar he used a long time ago. He carefully sculpted the face of the avatar, taking his time with it as there was still some time till the 11th server opened.

12.00 a.m. hit and the 11th server officially opened. Starting a new chapter for Glory and also bringing the 75 level update. These two updates made the cafe even more packed than when the 10th server opened. Every single computer was lit and the smoking area was filled with smokers of all kinds and even some non-smokers who didn’t have any other space in the other parts of the cafe. Ye Xiu lit a cigarette and waited in line to get his new player missions and smile in amusement at the other new players trying to jump to get to the npcs.

The player next to him is also in the new server and he is apparently one of the pitiful non-smokers who didn’t get a seat in the other places judging by the fact that he didn’t even pull out cigarettes when he has already been here for about 20 minutes. The man had a hood on, which prevented Ye Xiu from seeing what he looked like, though he isn’t curious at all. The game is occupying all of his attention right now.

When he finally got to the npc and claimed the missions, Ye Xiu had already been there for 15 minutes. “Finally.” He muttered to himself softly and placed the finished cigarette butt into the ashtray. The newbie training quests were tedious and boring to say the least and Ye Xiu speed ran each of them as fast as he could with the amount of people around him also doing the same.

Ye Xiu sighed as he watched the final quest disappear from the list an hour and a half later. It was better than when he was on the 10th server for sure, but it still took quite a lot of time. The mob of fans are crazy. He opened the profile and without any surprise, it shows that One Autumn Leaf has 340 skill points as every single avatar has after completing their first quests.

Ye Xiu chose swift run and roll immediately. These two simple skills are of extreme importance to him since he was used to them. He also learned sky strike and dragon tooth like he did for Lord Grim, not because he was used to it but instead because he wants to continue playing battle mage again. He also chose Magic Missile from the witch skill and the Elementalist’s skill Electrical Ring. He also learned Goblin, which is a skill of the Summoner. He mainly chose the skills that were under the same class as battle mage as it is easier.

Ye Xiu didn’t choose the same skills he did for Lord Grim as he doesn’t have the Myriad Manifestation Umbrella. He couldn’t seamlessly change between all weapons and he had to choose the skill that would best fit his weapon of choice. He had plans to bring back Evil Annihilation. According to his “deep” research just now, this silver weapon isn’t used by anyone in the pro Glory world, even Tang Rou, whom Su Muqiu could very well make this weapon for, used the same one she did in his original world.

One of the main reasons he could think of for this is because Su Muqiu customised Evil Annihilation according to his quirks and habits when using One Autumn Leaf at the start. Tang Rou’s original spear is made because of Tang Rou’s fighting style. The progress of their silver equipment is faster with Su Muqiu on board.

After claiming the free blue Lvl 5 battle lance from one of the npcs, Ye Xiu ran to the entrance of the Green Forest dungeon where most of the crowd are headed towards. Invitations to open teams popped up on his screen immediately. He ignored them instead went walking straight to a team of two nearby that looked like they were waiting for someone. The names on top of the two avatars revealed the identities of the players behind them. Dazzling Spring and Another Summer of Sleep.

“Old Ye, you’re finally here.” Dazzling Spring looked away from Another Summer of Sleep with whom he was conversing with.“Hi hi my beloved juniors~” Ye Xiu drawled out the last syllable intentionally. Zhang Jiale ignored him and Sun Zheping sent him a group invitation. “I see the familiar names, you two aren’t planning to change names again?” “The kettle is calling the pot black. Aren’t you the nostalgic one Old Ye?” Zhang Jiale shot back.

“Maybe.” Ye Xiu didn’t explain but the other two understood. “Do you want to wait for more people or should we just start on our own?” Sun Zheping asked. The three of them are more than sufficient to beat the record. Blossoming Chaos and the Textbook of Glory working together to defeat a Lvl 5 dungeon is more than enough. “Of course Big Sun! We’re more than enough to beat the record, surely.” “Big Sun, sur-” Ye Xiu was about to accept when the person sitting next to him tapped his shoulder.

“Wait for a sec.” Ye Xiu ignored Zhang Jiale’s flabbergasted shouts and turned to look at the person next to him. “Yes?” Ye Xiu took off the headphones. The person looking at him looked familiar but had a mask on and Ye Xiu felt like he hadn't seen this person in a very long time. His brain took some time to connect the face to someone he knew for a very long time.

“It’s really you! I thought I recognised the wrong person.” The person’s eyes curled up in a familiar way and Ye Xiu’s brain finally connected. “Lin Jie?” Ye Xiu asked tentatively. “Little Qiu! Long time no see.” Lin Jie took off his mask and the gentle smile underneath showed. “You also…” “Apparently, I saw you and I was curious to see if you’ve transmigrated alongside me but wasn’t too sure until I heard what you called Little Ping.” “Ohhh,” Ye Xiu sweatdropped. ‘How many people actually transmigrated,’ he thought.

“Are you also playing at the 11th server?” Ye Xiu scooted over to look at Lin Jie’s screen. Lin Jie’s screen shows the entrance to the same Green Forest dungeon. “I believe you can see it for yourself Little Ye.”

“Oi! Old Ye! What have you been doing for so long? Do you not want to get the first kill?” Zhang Jiale shouted through the headphones. His volume was so loud Ye Xiu winced when he wore it. “Yeah yeah, I’m here. There is someone new coming to join our team.”

Ye Xiu searched up the name “Narcissus Tazetta” and an unspecialised lvl 7 avatar holding a broom showed up. Ye Xiu sent a friend request and after Lin Jie accepted it, he copy pasted their coordinates there. The avatar appeared in sight almost immediately. “Big Sun, send Narcissus Tazetta a team request. He is joining us.”

“Uh- sure.” Sun Zheping didn’t ask why because Zhang Jiale already asked with a hurricane of questions. “Ehh ehh ehh, who are you? Who is him, Old Ye? Why did you ask him to join us?”

“Glad to hear you in such high spirits even in another dimension, Jiale.” Lin Jie chuckled through the mic. Zhang Jiale froze and fell quiet. “Captain Lin?”

For the newbies in the Glory world, when they first hear the title Captain Lin, the first thought in their mind is Lin Jingyan. However, for the players from the first two years, Lin Jie is the one who comes to mind. The gentle but determined first captain of Tiny Herb. During the second season, he retired to let Wang Jiexi step up and lead Tiny Herb. He didn’t disappear entirely and still kept in touch with many players, especially Fang Shiqian and Wang Jiexi. Unlike a certain someone.

To many new players that entered during the second season, Lin Jie was the senior that is the easiest to talk to. Han Wenqing was too scary and the rest of the captains have a certain tendency to tease their juniors. In particular Wei Chen and Ye Xiu. So many of the juniors including Zhang Jiale are in actuality closer with Lin Jie than the other captains.

“Please, don’t use that title anymore, I’m no longer captain.” Lin Jie waved it off.

“Oi oi oi, Jiale do you not want to get the first kill already?” Sun Zheping called. Time is ticking, the amount of people entering the dungeon is increasing rapidly as people start to level up.

“Coming!” Lin Jie and Zhang Jiale controlled their avatars to enter the dungeon just after Ye Xiu and Sun Zheping.

The moment the four of them are alone in the dungeon, Lin Jie asked, “Would you mind explaining to me the name change? Ye Xiu.” “Eh? What brings up that?” Ye Xiu asked as he started to send a magical missile towards the mob of monsters to make them start coming after him.

“This story…” Sun Zheping remembered how speechless he was when he first heard it. “Oh? Zheping you know about the story?” Lin Jie’s hand nimbly danced on the keyboard and the mobs got swept into the air by his broom, and immediately a grenade was sent by Zhang Jiale, the mobs didn’t even get to have a complete body when they died.

On Sun Zheping’s side, Another Summer of Sleep slams the ground and a shockwave makes mobs’ hp drop a huge percent. “Yes, last time he told me about it.” “Basically, I stole my twin brother’s identity card to submit to be a pro player.” Lin Jie was rendered speechless. “You stole your brother’s what?”

“He was thinking of running away from home but I stopped him. I’m the big brother so I should be the one who sets a good example.” Ye Xiu explained. And whether or not the explanation actually convinced anyone is another thing altogether.

“What bad luck, the hidden boss didn’t spawn at all.” Zhang Jiale complained when they reached the final boss. As if on cue, an announcement flashed on the public channel.

“Eleventh server, Midnight Phantom Cat, First Hidden Boss Kill: Windward Formation, Dark Thunder and Pine Moon.”

One of the names is very familiar to the group of four. “Oh? I believe we found two more.” Ye Xiu’s cigarette shook a bit in his mouth. “Old Wei and Old Lin might be here too?” “Who do you think Pine Moon is?” Zhang Jiale wondered out loud. Sun Zheping has already searched up his name and the most possible answer is quite easy to think of. Pine Moon is a striker. The only striker that comes to mind is Han Wenqing. “Ahh, they found each other faster than we did.”

The final boss finally died after some time. It’s probably luck as they were the first ones to beat the entire server with how slow they started getting into it.

The announcement of their achievement flashed on the world server. “Eleventh server, First team to beat Green Forest, One Autumn Leaf, Another Summer of Sleep, Narcissus Tazetta and Dazzling Spring.”