The golden clock was an exceptional legendary item. If Han Jiao weren’t so clumsy, her cousin wouldn’t have given her such a precious treasure, fearing she’d die in a nightmare world.

By turning the clock’s hands, the dungeon world could revert to a chosen point in time. However, upon returning, Han Jiao would lose all subsequent memories, only knowing it had been reset from the clock’s indicators.

The clock’s greatest value was its non-disposable nature. Each dungeon allowed nine uses, after which it would need to be taken out to recharge.

The golden clock also had a hidden feature: viewing the reset timelines, like a recording playback. While Han Jiao herself wouldn’t remember the previous attempts, the clock would record everything related to her, transcending the dungeon’s limits.

Such a powerful item came with limitations. Nine uses were one, memory loss upon reset was another, and the final one was that viewing the clock’s records would destroy it.

If possible, Han Jiao would never destroy such a lifeline. But with nine failures, this was her last chance.

Viewing the past nine failures could give her crucial information. Without it, the clock would survive, but she’d be dead.

Life or item? The choice was clear.

Wen Renxi couldn’t miss such an obvious change. Thinking of the players’ diverse abilities, she grew concerned. “What’s wrong? What did you find?”

Han Jiao forced a smile and shook her head. “…Nothing.”

Wen Renxi raised an eyebrow.

While Han Jiao’s acting was usually mediocre, at least she tried. Now, she made no effort to conceal her distress.

Or, the issue was too grave to hide.

This convinced Wen Renxi that Han Jiao had learned something significant.

“We’re partners now. Even if we compete later, we’re still partners. Withholding information might lead to mistakes. You don’t want that, do you?”

“In return, I’ll share a discovery of my own.”

The girl, cross-legged on the bed, seemed like a student wanting gossip from her roommate, casually writing in a notebook. Were it not for the nightmarish reality, Han Jiao might have relaxed as well.

But she had failed nine times.

Nine!

She couldn’t reveal anything.

Not until she reviewed the clock’s records and decided on a course of action.

“Nothing.” Han Jiao was in no mood to deal with Wen Renxi.

The threat of death dampened her spirits.

She opted to review the clock’s records.

An item was replaceable, but life wasn’t. She understood priorities. However, reviewing the records wasn’t instantaneous; nine resets required time, and she needed an opportune moment.

Seeing Han Jiao’s silence, Wen Renxi didn’t press. She’d wait.

After a brief rest, Wen Renxi stretched.

Hmm…

Attacking the coffin had to be done in secret, not in broad daylight with the whole village and unknown player abilities to contend with.

She’d find a way to cremate it at night.

Without a groom, the bride’s “consummation” would be impossible.

Daytime in the dungeon was less dangerous than nighttime, a window of opportunity for the players. Qin Guoan was about to leave in search of Zaoya, but Professor Huang blocked him at the Hu’s gate.

Others were stopped too, leaving Wen Renxi and Han Jiao in their room. Han Jiao’s compass still tracked Zaoya, so they were temporarily safe.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Professor, we’re helping the villagers find the bride.”

Wasn’t it obvious? Why else would they leave?

Huang frowned, his gaze towards Qin Guoan hostile. “Do you remember you’re a student, here for my internship? I brought you here to learn, not to run errands. Help after finishing the assignment, but don’t interfere with my work!”

“If you won’t learn, go back. Don’t embarrass yourself!”

Lu Lu’s words died in her throat.

If Huang decided they weren’t learning, they might be forced out of the village.

Mission failed.

Both Qin Guoan and Lu Lu forgot their research purpose.

“The bride’s disappearance is the villagers’ concern. You can help in your free time, but not during my work…”

“Sorry, Professor, I was wrong.” Realizing the danger, Qin Guoan apologized.

Huang softened, “Where are the others?”

“Professor, Wen Renxi and Han Jiao searched last night and just returned. Huang Pingyu and Jiang Ming haven’t come back.”

As for Shao Xiaofeng, Huang knew he was dead.

Huang’s expression darkened.

Hearing the commotion, Wen Renxi emerged with Han Jiao, holding a notebook. “Professor, we’re ready.”

She held up the notebook. “We documented the villagers’ customs last night. Do you want to see?”

“Let me see.”

The other players watched as Huang’s attitude towards Wen Renxi and Han Jiao shifted, praising them while glaring at the others.

Han Jiao realized what Wen Renxi was writing and felt odd.

“See, see!” Huang berated Qin Guoan’s group, then went to the village chief’s house.

The villagers were still searching for Zaoya, as Mr. Hu had promised a reward, and a snow bride’s disappearance was significant.

Mr. Hu and Zaoya’s parents were the most anxious.

They were counting on Zaoya’s marriage to Hu Jizu for prosperity. With her escape, they feared misfortune. Zaoya’s entire family had joined the search.

There wasn’t much farm work this season anyway.

Wen Renxi, holding the notebook, followed Huang to the chief’s house, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

“Hand over Zaoya! You incited her. Why else would she run from such an honor!” Nearing the chief’s house, Wen Renxi heard Zaoya’s brother. She had seen the family at Hu’s yesterday.

Zaoya’s brother was grabbing a young man, demanding Zaoya’s return.

“I told you, I don’t know. Why blame me for her elopement?” The young man, Li Jiayao, was Zaoya’s neighbor, her childhood friend. Zaoya’s brother knew he liked her.

Zaoya was beautiful, capable, and kind. Why else would the Hu’s want her?

Li Jiayao did like Zaoya. They were young, and Zaoya was the village’s best girl. But he gave up when he heard she was chosen as the snow bride.

Zaoya had asked him to take her away, but he refused.

The snow bride was important.

He genuinely didn’t know where she was.

“Who else? Your mother was jealous she wasn’t chosen. If Zaoya’s gone, your sister might be, so you helped her!”

Zaoya’s brother glared at Li Jiayao.

If Zaoya escaped, what about his family? He had plans to marry well and prosper. With Zaoya gone, his dreams were shattered.

Han Jiao recognized Zaoya’s brother, her gaze full of contempt, especially Han Jiao, who had interacted with Zaoya, thought he was repulsive.

“I said no! Leave my sister out of this. It’s good Zaoya was chosen, but my sister’s just as good.” Irritated, Li Jiayao shoved Zaoya’s brother, and a scuffle broke out.

Some searched for the reward, others hoped Zaoya wouldn’t return so their daughters could be chosen.

“Worthless!” Lu Lu scoffed.

The whole village was despicable!

Seeing Wen Renxi watching, Lu Lu smiled. “What if they can’t find Zaoya and grab a player instead…”

It was a casual remark, but she froze, then gasped.

Was it possible?

Why not?

Yesterday, Shao Xiaofeng failed. Lu Lu thought it was a mission restriction, but now she remembered the Hu family hadn’t said the bride couldn’t be someone else, just that she had to be female.

What about players?

Or other village girls?

The thought of being stuffed into a coffin with a dead man chilled Lu Lu.

As her words sank in, the others realized too. Qiu Ping felt a pang of regret.

Zaoya’s brother confirmed her suspicions: the bride didn’t have to be Zaoya, but someone Mr. Hu accepted.

Who…?

Qiu Ping’s eyes scanned the group, landing on Wen Renxi.

Outsiders would be more easily accepted than village girls.

Han Jiao was rich, Lu Lu was experienced, but Wen Renxi seemed most vulnerable.

Qiu Ping thought her fleeting malice went unnoticed, but Wen Renxi’s hand tightened on her knife, and she offered a gentle smile.

“Qiu Jie, do you need something?”

Han Jiao saw Wen Renxi’s hand and sensed something was wrong.