Yu Haiqing might not be interested in making money, but plenty of people are. There’s no way he’d ever sell Xie Shuangxue’s backend data algorithm, but surely creating some normal merchandise isn’t too much to ask. Bai Qiuyan muttered to himself and promptly sought out Gou Yuan.

As a top spender in Gods and Demons, Bai Qiuyan also has extensive connections in the real world, so it’s not hard for him to directly reach out to someone as high up as the game department head. The moment he sent his message, Gou Yuan replied with a concise but powerful “Already on it.”

Confused, Bai Qiuyan questioned, “Wait, you’re just getting to it now? Shouldn’t you have done this sooner? Don’t you have any business sense? How does Endless Sea even make money?”

Gou Yuan, faced with the investor’s questioning, didn’t know how to respond. After all, it wasn’t like he hadn’t thought about it. Game merchandise was, of course, a part of the department’s responsibilities, but they’d only planned merchandise for the main characters ahead of time. Who could have predicted that Xie Shuangxue, a mere supporting character, would blow up like this?

And Bai Qiuyan wasn’t the only one confronting him. Wu Xiang, the head of Lin Jiao Live, who considers himself a brotherly partner to Endless Sea, was here today specifically to talk about the same issue.

Being a veteran in the industry, Wu Xiang was a bit older and, without hesitation, blocked Gou Yuan at his office door, hooking an arm around his shoulder as he led him inside. “Yuan, we go way back, and we’re working in the same company now, so there’s no need to be so guarded around me, right?”

“What would I even guard against you?” Gou Yuan asked, bewildered.

“You know we’re focused on promoting the Gods and Demons livestream segment, right? And that’s supposed to be a… strategic partnership with your department, right?” Wu Xiang said, “A few days ago, there was that huge NPC-stealing storyline, and several major streamers went live with it all at once. We had no idea, which left us scrambling to keep up, almost missing out on the biggest buzz. Are you messing with me?”

Gou Yuan could only look up at the ceiling, speechless. He then replied seriously, “Honestly, I only found out about it afterward. I was just as surprised.”

“Oh, come on,” Wu Xiang chuckled, not believing him in the slightest. “You’re the head of Gods and Demons, and you didn’t know about such a massive plot point? Are you trying to tell me it just fell out of the sky?”

Gou Yuan met his suspicious gaze, feeling deeply wronged. No one would believe him if he told the truth. That “exciting,” “interesting,” and chart-topping story arc that players couldn’t stop raving about really had just come out of nowhere!

Wu Xiang looked at him as if he were some selfish little schemer, seemingly ready to head straight to President Yu to complain. Thankfully, at that moment, his star employees Lin Tong and Wei Lan entered, saving him from further grilling.

“We were just on our way to discuss something with Lin Jiao Live,” Lin Tong said, opening the office screen to play a recent scene. “There’s a new story development for Xie Shuangxue today, and I think it could be a great opportunity to push a live event, just like we did with the stolen transport for Yun City Lord. This one might even perform better.”

As soon as Lin Tong mentioned Xie Shuangxue, Wu Xiang’s attention was immediately drawn in. Lin Tong quickly elaborated on her idea for a collaboration.

Lin Jiao could create a dedicated section on this hidden quest, and viewers could interact with the livestream, like making guesses or placing bets, to win in-game rewards. It would be a rare publicity boost for Gods and Demons.

“But I think just attracting viewers won’t be enough in this case,” Lin Tong continued. “Lin Jiao Live wants to bring in new streamers too; they’re the real fresh blood. So I suggest we focus on encouraging players to register as new Gods and Demons streamers and go live with this trap storyline.”

Despite the series of unexpected story developments lately, the auction storyline was planned from the beginning, and players definitely had opportunities to exploit.

The day of the auction would be chaotic, and even if they couldn’t reach the final round, highly-ranked players could still sneak in to stream. In fact, they didn’t even need to enter the auction. The hidden plots and hidden quests in Gods and Demons were attracting tons of attention, and ordinary players could take up bounty quests to gather information about the Evil Sword—a story arc with plenty of intrigue.

In truth, any livestream content connected to Xie Shuangxue’s current story was bound to attract a lot of attention. The heat was real. Just look at Qiao Zhihui, who was barely noticed before the third anniversary but now has one of the most popular livestreams.

“It’s much easier for new streamers to build an audience with something that’s already in the spotlight,” Lin Tong explained. “As long as the platform encourages it, I believe many people would jump at the chance.”

At this, Wei Lan stepped forward. “Lin Jiao Live can decide its rewards. Gods and Demons will offer in-game rewards for the most popular streamers, along with physical prizes: official game merchandise packs.”

Wu Xiang thought the reward sounded a bit underwhelming. Lin Jiao would definitely need to offer special placements and cash bonuses. But then Wei Lan added, “Included will be Xie Shuangxue’s first official merchandise: a limited-edition Koi Snow Doll and a chibi figurine. We’re already finalizing the prototype.”

Wu Xiang: !!!

Gou Yuan, meanwhile, was just as surprised. “You’re fast—when did you prepare this merch without telling me? But this stuff will definitely attract people. Even someone like Bai Qiuyan has been asking about it.”

Wu Xiang, instantly interested, left with Lin Tong and Wei Lan to talk business, his attitude toward Gou Yuan now significantly friendlier. As he walked out, he kept asking politely, “Could I get a sample for our team? There’s been a lot of interest among the staff. Even my family loves Xie Shuangxue…”

Of course, it all came back to Xie Shuangxue.

This NPC’s name had been popping up way too often recently. Looking deeper into this inter-departmental collaboration plan, it was clear that the core revolved around this unexpected fan favorite, both inside and outside the game.

For a moment, Gou Yuan felt as though it was Xie Shuangxue, not him, who was calling the shots in the Gods and Demons game department.

All the storyline twists Xie Shuangxue was creating at Lu Yun Tower were new. Gou Yuan shouldn’t have allowed such unexpected elements to disrupt their plans, but he couldn’t deny that they’d all been incredibly beneficial for Gods and Demons.

As he pondered this, he couldn’t help but check on Xie Shuangxue’s storyline again. It was all brand-new material.

Xie Shuangxue was busy figuring out how to handle this auction house, unaware that he was quickly becoming the hottest topic in Endless Sea. He was merely worried.

Lu Yun Tower Auction House had appeared as a new location, and the Feather Clan didn’t even have a map for it. After some investigation, he learned that it was one of the Yun family’s properties. The Yun family had a deeply entrenched influence on Lu Yun Tower, and it was only natural for any profitable ventures to fall under their control.

Currently, the place was managed by Yun Pannan’s second daughter, Yun Qiang. However, since Xie Shuangxue had no ties with the Yun family, he couldn’t find a good way to make contact.

But Yun Pannan seemed very attentive to the Feather Clan, almost to the point of ingratiation. According to the original storyline, Yun Pannan appeared scheming yet was actually quite uninformed. He had no connections to the Demon Clan and merely sought to gain control of the City Lord’s position. His recent politeness toward the Feather Clan was likely an attempt to secure support for his ambitions, evident from the messages he had been sending to Ling Luo and Chen Xin. But they were focused on Yun Panlong and had no time for him.

Xie Shuangxue pondered his next steps as he set off to find his two senior brothers to discuss the matter. Before he got far, though, he ran into Ling Luo.

Following Ling Luo was a cloaked figure, hiding under a gray hood. Xie Shuangxue hadn’t caught a good look at the person’s face when he heard, “Ah Xue!”

In that moment, he recognized him.

The next second, the figure rushed over to hug him, revealing his face from under the hood.

It was none other than Ling Xuan, who had been missing.

Xie Shuangxue froze. Seeing him safe, he immediately felt relieved. Then he asked, “Where have you been all this time? Ling Luo and I were both worried about you.”

Ling Luo gestured for them to go inside.

On the way, Xie Shuangxue learned that Ling Xuan had snuck out to find him, only to be ambushed by robbers near Lu Yun Tower. He drew his sword to help, only to discover that he had saved a group of Demon Clan members.

But these were no fierce Demons; rather, they seemed weak and vastly different from the notorious villains of Penglai City. Ling Xuan had left them alone and, to avoid suspicion, concealed his Feather Clan identity, following them as their “savior.” He then discovered that this group had a hidden refuge within Lu Yun Tower!

These Demons were harmless, having banded together for protection after being targeted and harassed. Ling Xuan knew that the Demons responsible for the Penglai City tragedy were unique and nothing like these weaker Demons, so he didn’t see a need to hold them accountable.

However, it raised a question: Who had established this Demon refuge within Lu Yun Tower? It certainly wasn’t ordinary Demons.

Ling Xuan had gained some of their trust and intended to dig deeper. But upon hearing that Xie Shuangxue had been injured, he couldn’t hold back any longer and seized the opportunity to rush back, only feeling at ease once he saw Xie Shuangxue unharmed.

But even after seeing him safe, Ling Xuan felt he needed to return to continue his investigation.

Ling Luo, however, disagreed vehemently.

“Come back immediately! We’ll investigate these things ourselves,” Ling Luo snapped, frowning. “It’s too dangerous—Xie Shuangxue’s situation is a perfect warning.”

They already had leads on the demonic aura in Lu Yun Tower, so Ling Xuan didn’t need to put himself at risk. However, Ling Xuan was resolute.

“No! I find that place suspicious; it’s completely separate from Yun Panlong’s involvement!” he argued. “I’ve come this far and won’t back down now.”

He looked deeply at Xie Shuangxue as if drawing courage from him.

“This isn’t just about helping Shuangxue find answers. I need to do this for myself. Brother, I can’t hide behind you two forever. It’s time I stood up and did something.”

He looked a bit worn from the past few days, a far cry from the proud Feather Clan youth he once was, but his eyes shone, brighter than ever before.

The original storyline never showed Ling Xuan like this; somewhere along the way, he, too, had changed.

Ling Luo, unused to his younger brother’s defiance, became irate and called him “childish,” accusing him of acting rashly.

Finally, Xie Shuangxue stepped in and pulled Ling Xuan aside before they could argue further.

Ling Xuan still hadn’t finished explaining his plans. After catching his breath outside, he admitted to Xie Shuangxue the real reason he had returned.

“Though I’ve hidden my Feather Clan identity, I’m still not one of them. Many of the refuge residents don’t fully trust me yet. I actually came here to address something specific,” Ling Xuan explained. “Recently, Lu Yun Tower has been cracking down on Demons, capturing those who aren’t even involved, including some very young children. I heard they’re being held in the City Lord’s Mansion, and the refuge is planning a rescue.”

“If I can help free them, I’ll earn even more trust, and maybe I can finally uncover what’s really going on in Lu Yun Tower. Shuangxue, do you think I’m being foolish like my brother does? Can you believe in me, even just once?”

Under Ling Xuan’s hopeful gaze, Xie Shuangxue nodded firmly.

He truly believed in Ling Xuan; it wasn’t just a show of support. Xie Shuangxue was astonished that Ling Xuan had stumbled upon such a revelation. He had never heard of a secret refuge within Lu Yun Tower.

If Yun Panlong were behind it, rescuing captives from the City Lord’s Mansion wouldn’t even be a question. Since he wasn’t involved, the mastermind was most likely someone else.

Yun Ruowei.

“Of course I support you,” Xie Shuangxue said, not only nodding but also promising to provide more tangible assistance. “Ling Luo is just worried about you. I’ll talk to him. Don’t worry, Ling Xuan; I’ll help you with the City Lord’s Mansion mission.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely.”

After reassuring him, Xie Shuangxue turned back to Ling Luo, intent on devising a plan.

It was clear to him now that the Yun family’s City Lord’s Mansion held many secrets. For instance, if Yun Ruowei was indeed connected to Yun City Lord, wouldn’t the Mansion staff know about it? And as for the Demons Ling Xuan found, why were they being detained in the Mansion in the first place?

The Yun family’s influence was unavoidable in Lu Yun Tower. Xie Shuangxue would have to delve into it.

However, he didn’t reveal much to Ling Luo. Knowing his senior brother’s temper, he avoided confrontation and merely mentioned the auction. He also refrained from saying he planned to set himself up as bait, only hinting that he might find the antidote to Yun City Lord’s poison at the auction.

Ling Luo thought about it. “I’m not familiar with Yun Qiang, who runs the auction, but the Yun family has invited the Feather Clan to gatherings before. They were just formalities, so Chen Xin and I didn’t attend. She might be there, though.”

“That’s perfect, then. If you find it inconvenient, I’ll go in your place; it’ll still give face to the Yun family. Aside from the auction, I’d also like to ask around about the Evil Sword. Someone in the Mansion might know something,” Xie Shuangxue said. “It’ll be far safer in the Mansion than outside, so there’s no need to worry. As for Ling Xuan, I’ll handle it.”

Of course, handling it might mean going behind his back, just like before.

It wouldn’t matter if Ling Luo got mad. He could make it up to him later.

Seeing the agreeable Xie Shuangxue, Ling Luo’s anger finally subsided. Even though he knew Shuangxue was outwardly obedient but inwardly determined, he couldn’t help but trust him. Little did he know that Xie Shuangxue would go straight to Ling Xuan after leaving the room.

“I found a chance to sneak into the City Lord’s Mansion,” he said. “If the opportunity arises, we’ll coordinate from within and free those you want to save.”

Ling Xuan was deeply touched.

As expected, only Ah Xue truly understood him.

Little did he know that Xie Shuangxue was playing both sides.

The Yun family’s banquet came quickly. Returning to this scene, Xie Shuangxue’s objectives were much clearer than before.

Only, Yun Pannan seemed disappointed to see that he had come alone. While Xie Shuangxue was treated well within the Feather Clan, Yun Pannan could tell that the real decision-makers were not him. He soon lost interest after the banquet began.

But that was fine. Yun Pannan wasn’t Xie Shuangxue’s main target anyway.

He observed the Yun family’s younger generation. Many of them were in their thirties, and if Yun Panshan had children, they would likely know something.

In particular, he paid extra attention to Yun Panshan’s second daughter, Yun Qiang. She sat quietly at the side, seemingly uncomfortable with the gathering, only reluctantly joining in.

Yun Qiang managed the auction house, but her position had once been practically worthless. It was given to her only when it was on the verge of collapse. To everyone’s surprise, Yun Qiang had a knack for business, gradually reviving it. Now, her brothers were jealous, eager to snatch it back. Even now, there was still an internal struggle over her role as the auction manager.

One of the great things about Gods and Demons was its detailed storytelling. Even minor characters without names had a complete backstory through SEA’s design, each with their own personality.

Yun Qiang’s background might give Xie Shuangxue an opening. Just as he pondered this, he noticed something strange.

Tonight’s banquet was being held in the City Lord’s Mansion’s western garden. The area was spacious, and security wasn’t as strict as it was in the inner courtyard. Large trees bordered the site.

Were there players hiding up in those trees?

Moreover, some of the servants seemed out of place, and one of the dancers on the stage couldn’t keep up with the beat. Wasn’t that a player in disguise too?

What on earth were these players up to?