If Xie Shuangxue hadn’t warned her beforehand, Yun Ruowei might have completely fused with the original blood controlling the Divine Vein.

It never hurts to be cautious.

Since they were already talking, she whispered something else to Xie Shuangxue: “The Feather Clan is still hanging around here, reluctant to leave. Cleaning up the aftermath is just a surface reason—they’re really here for something lost from Penglai City.”

This was the critical issue.

It was the eye of Penglai City’s protection array, a fragment of the Book of Floating Dreams. Now, it’s shattered again and has to be recovered. If someone uses it to reconstruct the array and ambush the Floating Clouds, it would spell disaster.

Back when this became a world quest, players followed the Feather Clan to various cities. The other places were relatively safe, and they quickly found a small piece of the fragment. Clues gathered from other cities eventually pointed to Lu Yun Tower. When Ling Luo and the others sent word, Chun Yao immediately led a team there.

In theory, the largest and most central fragment of the array eye, lost from Penglai City, should have been in Lu Yun Tower. However, the Feather Clan hasn’t found it there.

“It’s with me now,” Yun Ruowei revealed to Xie Shuangxue alone. “Controlling Yun Panlong completely was nearly impossible due to his immense power. Turning him into a demon is one thing; controlling his mind is another entirely different task. So, someone handed this to me. They said I could borrow it and that they’d retrieve it after the task was done, but…”

Yun Ruowei’s expression turned uneasy. “The Feather Clan could have it back if they wanted, but I realized this thing is stuck with me—I can’t get rid of it.”

Xie Shuangxue frowned. His instinct told him this item was the cause of Lu Yun Tower’s misfortunes. “No, we can’t let it stay. I’ll help you separate from it, and we can use this chance to test if his target is indeed the Divine Vein. If there’s any disturbance, he won’t be able to resist reacting.”

This matter, of course, could not be shared with the Feather Clan.

Currently, Yun Ruowei’s status is clean. If the Feather Clan learned of a plot behind her, it would discredit everything Xie Shuangxue had told them so far. They could make up a story later after handling this, but for now, they couldn’t let the Feather Clan in on it.

“I can’t do it alone; you have to help me,” Yun Ruowei said, looking increasingly worried. “There are so many Feather Clan members around. They’re all over the City Lord’s Mansion. My people are all from the Demon Clan, so they can’t show their faces right now; they’re still hiding, just hoping not to be discovered.”

In a situation like this, the Feather Clan wouldn’t leave until they found what they wanted.

Xie Shuangxue reassured her, “Alright, don’t worry.”

Of course, he wouldn’t stand idly by. Even if the Demon Clan members were out of action, there were still players he could use.

As he was plotting his next steps, there was commotion outside. This time, it wasn’t the quiet footsteps of Yun Ruowei; there were several people approaching, with steady steps that immediately gave away they were from the Feather Clan.

It was Chen Xin, Ling Luo, and Ling Xuan, followed by at least a dozen other Feather Clan members, and even Chun Yao’s voice was in the mix.

Yun Ruowei instinctively wanted to hide, but Xie Shuangxue held her back.

“Stay put,” he said. “You’re here just to visit me. Now that I’m awake, there’s no reason for you to hide. If they find you sneaking around, it’ll be even harder to explain.”

While they were talking, the Feather Clan had already entered.

At the front was Ling Xuan, who rushed in with a premonition. When he saw Xie Shuangxue awake, his eyes lit up.

“Shuangxue!” He quickly stepped to the bedside and squatted down, reaching out but not daring to touch him, as if he were looking at a rare, fragile treasure. “You scared me to death! Thank goodness you’re alright.”

Chen Xin and Ling Luo had similar reactions.

They crowded around the bed, so focused that they didn’t even notice Yun Ruowei standing to the side.

They also didn’t notice the player’s camera secretly set up by the window.

When Yu Haiqing had entered through the window, he hadn’t closed it when he left, giving other players an opportunity.

Many players had been lurking outside, just waiting for an opening.

With the help of her guild leader, Shi Jiu Jianghu, Qiao Zhihui, using her extended stealth duration, successfully snuck up to Xie Shuangxue’s room and started streaming the scene live.

The chat exploded as soon as they saw Xie Shuangxue sitting on the bed, with viewers flooding the screen with excitement, motherly concern, and, well, other reactions.

“My precious! Finally, I can see my baby again!”

“Mom’s missed you so much!”

“Ahaha, my beauty is on the bed waiting for me! I’m coming, darling!”

“That commenter above…so shameless…”

At that moment, Xie Shuangxue put on his innocent and pure expression, first comforting his concerned senior brothers and then glancing at the others who had arrived.

Chun Yao looked the same, with a gaze full of concern for him. And Luo Yin was here as well, standing right beside her.

The unusual situation in Lu Yun Tower had naturally drawn Luo Yin over, though Yun Ruowei seemed somewhat uneasy, stepping back and avoiding eye contact with him.

Behind them was Elder Ling, who had been worried about his disciple he hadn’t seen in a while.

The Feather Clan had deployed quite a number of people for this matter, so it made sense he’d be here. But seeing Ling Luo and Ling Xuan’s attention glued to Xie Shuangxue’s side made him a bit annoyed.

It was quite the lively gathering.

And the lively part wasn’t just the number of people—it was what Ling Luo said publicly once he confirmed Xie Shuangxue was safe: “Shuangxue, you’ve done an outstanding job in this incident. You not only alerted the Feather Clan in advance but also played a central role in taking down Yun Panlong. The Feather Clan will not overlook your contributions. I’ve already mentioned it to Her Highness and requested she appoint you as our clan’s Golden Plume Envoy.”

Xie Shuangxue blinked, genuinely stunned.

He hadn’t anticipated that in taking over Ling Luo’s storyline, he’d also inherit this title.

The Golden Plume Envoy was a title even the elder’s golden seal couldn’t compare to. It was a symbol of the younger generation within the Feather Clan, a position with authority in critical situations, even with a chance to claim the title of heir should anything happen to the current successor.

Ling Luo’s fall from grace after being this close to greatness was no exaggeration.

Xie Shuangxue was merely surprised, but Elder Ling was outraged.

When did this happen?!

Why wasn’t he informed?

He had always wanted Ling Luo to take this position, but Ling Luo hadn’t earned a major accomplishment to justify it. If he had resolved the Lu Yun Tower incident, he would’ve secured it. Who would’ve thought Xie Shuangxue would step in?

Xie Shuangxue was just an orphan the Feather Clan took in out of pity. How could he be worthy of this role?

Elder Ling was furious, but he had learned his lesson about speaking rashly to Xie Shuangxue. He coughed, trying to keep his tone polite.

“Ling Luo, you’re young; don’t be impulsive. We need to discuss this thoroughly. We can’t make such a decision lightly. I think maybe…”

Ling Xuan cut him off, “And why not?”

Are you still my disciple? Whose side are you on?

Elder Ling suppressed his anger. “It wasn’t solely Xie Shuangxue who took down Yun Panlong. Besides, few witnesses saw what actually happened. Such an appointment might be hard to gain acceptance for.”

It was true—Xie Shuangxue had killed Yun Panlong earlier than in the original storyline.

Ling Luo hadn’t had as many allies at that point, so when he was making his final, desperate move, it happened to be in front of the Feather Clan’s arriving troops, solidifying his reputation. Xie Shuangxue’s actions were witnessed mostly by players; the Feather Clan members had only heard about it, making some skeptical.

Given how Xie Shuangxue had behaved in Penglai City, could he really be this capable?

But his words only made the players angrier.

“Who’s doubting him? Do they not realize how hard our baby works?”

“Xuebao deserves this position more than anyone! Shut up, old man, or I’ll assassinate you tonight!”

Unaware he’d already been cursed by countless players, Elder Ling turned to Xie Shuangxue, playing it safe this time.

“Shuangxue, it’s not that the elder is against you. I just fear that if it’s not widely accepted, your path in the Feather Clan might be difficult. You undoubtedly achieved something great in Lu Yun Tower, but you’re still heavily injured, so you shouldn’t overexert yourself.”

He added kindly, “Why don’t I take you back to the Floating Clouds for a full recovery? I’ll open up my elder’s treasure vault for you; feel free to take whatever you like.”

Trying to send me back again?

If Xie Shuangxue argued or requested anything, it would make him seem greedy and ungrateful.

Taking over Ling Luo’s storyline wasn’t about the title of Golden Plume Envoy. He hadn’t even thought of it until Ling Luo brought it up, but if people doubted he deserved it, then he would take it.

But he didn’t argue, which surprised Elder Ling. Xie Shuangxue even agreed, “I think the elder makes a lot of sense. I’m still young and only did what I should. The title of Golden Plume Envoy is not something I desire. I just want my senior brother to be safe. Anything else doesn’t matter.” Xie Shuangxue sighed. “But I’m not useless. I heard the item lost from Penglai City hasn’t been recovered yet. I can’t accept any reward while that remains unresolved. Your Highness, don’t you agree?”

Chun Yao pondered his words and nodded. “Indeed. You’ve shown great resolve, thinking of this matter immediately upon waking.”

“I wouldn’t feel right going back without recovering what belongs to Penglai City,” Xie Shuangxue added, voice softening. “Besides, I just want to be by my senior brother’s side. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do my best. Please, Elder, don’t send me away.”

Elder Ling: …

When did I try to send you away?

With everyone staring at him after Xie Shuangxue’s words, Elder Ling was once again painted as the bad guy.

However, Xie Shuangxue’s words had given Chun Yao an idea.

Although others hadn’t seen it, Chun Yao was well aware that it had been Xie Shuangxue who had dealt the final blow.

No one could deny Xie Shuangxue’s achievement.

And it wasn’t impossible.

Chun Yao had examined his weapon later; Yun Ruowei’s lineage was from the Evil Sword, known for their powerful forging techniques. The Evil Sword had been clarified as not demonic, so Xie Shuangxue’s ability was undeniable. With a divine weapon in hand, such an explosion of power wasn’t unthinkable.

His selfless response impressed Chun Yao even more.

“You’re brave and wise, showing real growth here at Lu Yun Tower. This is good. I see no issue with naming you the Golden Plume Envoy. The Feather Clan has always rewarded merit,” Chun Yao declared. “However, everyone contributed to defeating Yun Panlong, especially Ling Luo and Chen Xin, who have years of service to the clan. Let’s say that whoever retrieves the lost array eye from Penglai City will become the Golden Plume Envoy.”

“I’m putting it out there now, and I won’t go back on my word.”

Elder Ling heard the first half and almost cursed Chun Yao for favoritism. Then he turned to glare at Luo Yin, standing next to him.

Hearing the second half, Elder Ling relaxed.

Xie Shuangxue’s body was frail, and finding the missing piece would require strength. He even leaned over to offer, “Shuangxue, how about patrolling with me? If you find it, it’ll be undisputed, and I won’t have anything to say.”

Xie Shuangxue agreed readily. He got out of bed but immediately stumbled, nearly falling, his face turning pale as Ling Luo helped him up.

“I have no strength,” Xie Shuangxue looked pained. “I’m sorry, Senior Brother. I don’t want to hold you back; I really want to help.”

“How is this holding us back?!”

Ling Xuan was visibly distressed, and he and his brother gently laid him back on the bed. “Don’t go looking. Just stay here, Ashue. If I find it, it’s like you found it.”

Elder Ling: …

He had barely been happy for a moment before hearing this, nearly dying of frustration.

Betrayal! Can’t you hold back?

Ling Luo and Chen Xin exchanged glances, both seeming to agree with this plan.

Meanwhile, the chat was exploding with laughter and cheers.

Qiao Zhihui, having sneaked close earlier, had placed the camera near the window, allowing players to hear Xie Shuangxue and Yun Ruowei’s conversation. Everyone now knew the item was with Yun Ruowei.

“Hahaha, my treasure is definitely winning.”

“I feel like it’s Xuebao guiding everything?”

“It’s Chun Yao’s rules, not Xuebao’s fault. He’s just clever, okay?”

Yun Ruowei, used to Xie Shuangxue’s subtly manipulative ways, spoke up.

“Let Ashue help me then,” she suggested. “My father isn’t in good health, and Lu Yun Tower still has much to manage. I trust Ashue. He’s healing, so he can’t use his strength, but he could think up a plan.”

She added, “A plan to govern Lu Yun Tower, of course—nothing physically taxing.”

Xie Shuangxue nodded. “Ruowei is burdened alone and truly needs the Feather Clan’s assistance.”

Chun Yao had no reason to refuse.

So, everyone seemed content.

Since Xie Shuangxue’s awakening, the Feather Clan had loosened their guard, allowing waiting players, like Qiao Zhihui, to finally slip in once the clan members left.

“Ashue! I missed you so much!”

Meanwhile, Bai Qiuyan was still trying to quit the game.

He had spent hours doing so, complaining endlessly to Yu Haiqing and fixating on some custom merchandise.

“Just name a price, and I’ll pay it.”

The response was cold: “Not for sale.”

“I’m a top-tier VIP!”

“And I’m a popular streamer, Yu Haiqing; I’m warning you!”

“I’m quitting! If I take any action, Endless Sea will lose big time, and you’ll be taking the bus!”

His threats were ignored.

Yu Haiqing was in a meeting with Gou Yuan, who, after endless plot twists, felt like he’d grown a lot. But hearing Yu Haiqing’s next plan left him stunned.

He had assumed the CEO would rein things in now that the story was spiraling. But no—he planned to turn up the heat.

“Lin Tong and Wei Lan suggested something similar,” Gou Yuan said, burying his face in his hands. “Are you really going through with this?”

Yu Haiqing nodded, then reassured him, “Relax, making games is about risk-taking. You’ll get used to it.”

Gou Yuan stared into the void.

Then Yu Haiqing’s communicator chimed again.

Bai Qiuyan, not giving up, had changed tactics.

“Hello, I’m a poor, terminally ill student who just wishes for two full sets of Xie Shuangxue merchandise. Grant me this wish before I die.”

Yu Haiqing replied, “Even if you were a beast, it’s still no.”

Bai Qiuyan nearly lost his mind.

Damn capitalists!

I’m putting it here for the record—I’m quitting!

What kind of game is Gods and Demons? Not even a dog would play it.

But soon after, Bai Qiuyan found himself lurking in Xie Shuangxue’s fan forum.

Just checking the forum doesn’t count as playing the game.

But then he saw the latest post—Ashue was awake, and many players had already visited, even Shi Jiu Jianghu was there.

Damn…where’s my game headset?!