Xie Shuangxue was surprised by the compliment.

Yu Haiqing clearly knew everything that had happened from the past until now, understood his vengeful and reckless nature, yet he still called him “kind.” It was unbelievable.

But looking at him, he didn’t seem to be joking at all. Yu Haiqing didn’t need to flatter him; it seemed like he genuinely believed it.

“Kindness is diverse. Xie Shuangxue’s kindness is selective, and that’s actually a good thing. Kindness that is indiscriminate is foolish, because some people don’t deserve it,” Yu Haiqing explained seriously. “There are too many bad people in this world. I’m just afraid you won’t be able to protect yourself, afraid that you’ll be bullied.”

Xie Shuangxue’s existence was dangerous in itself, and Yu Haiqing couldn’t trust anyone now. He couldn’t reveal anything to the outside world for fear of problems arising.

Having found him again was hard enough; he couldn’t let that happen a second time.

Xie Shuangxue followed his logic and thought it made a lot of sense.

“Hmm, you’re right,” he nodded to himself. “I’m truly a great person. Not just you, even Yun Ruwei praised me before.”

Other NPCs in the game thought he was good, players thought he was obedient, and now even Yu Haiqing, the president of Endless Sea, believed he was kind. That meant he was indeed a truly good person.

Great, Yu Haiqing had really gotten better at talking. He was a lot smoother than when they first met.

Xie Shuangxue stared at him for a while, then patted his shoulder, feeling like this person seemed more likable now.

The “Endless Sea enforcer” he had been wary of was now upgraded to “President Yu.”

But the things Yu Haiqing said couldn’t be judged immediately, so he would naturally verify them later.

Though Xie Shuangxue hadn’t killed the BOSS beforehand, he had indeed gained more authority. If his current access to light was enough, he could now bypass restrictions on the player forum and visit other sites.

Bai Qiuyun had deleted posts before, trying to suppress the heat, but with these clues, Xie Shuangxue would always find traces.

So far, he hadn’t found anything that indicated Yu Haiqing was lying. Every point lined up with the memories he was recovering, including the time he “woke up.” All the doubts Xie Shuangxue had before now had reasonable explanations.

If Yu Haiqing were making things up, there would be no need for him to put in so much effort to make everything seamless. He had already found Xie Shuangxue in the backend; if he had any intention of using him or deceiving him, he would’ve taken out that auxiliary chip early and hidden it elsewhere, not allowing Xie Shuangxue’s investigation to continue. In that case, it wouldn’t be as simple as removing a chip—the moment Xie Shuangxue moved, Sea would be heavily affected.

“Xie Shuangxue, do you have any other questions for me?” Yu Haiqing stared at him. “I’ll answer everything without holding back.”

Xie Shuangxue thought for a moment; there was actually one more thing.

At first, he had thought that Yu Haiqing recognized him because of the source code for 009, especially since Yu Haiqing had changed his code name from “Yu” to “Jiu,” which seemed odd. He didn’t know if it was related to him. But based on what Yu Haiqing was saying now, it seemed like he had never actually had the chance to see his source code.

A source code, in Yu Haiqing’s knowledge, wouldn’t be significant. Since Xie Shuangxue had doubts, he didn’t beat around the bush and directly asked.

“…Is your source code 009?”

Yu Haiqing froze for a moment, his expression showing that he had truly never known about this: “My teacher never mentioned this, and from Sea’s backend, we can no longer see the source code. When you moved from her private device to the Yinghuo game chip, it had already changed. Even now, I can’t see it.”

It was like a person who had reshaped their body—difficult to find the original bones or markings, though the soul remained the same.

“As for why I didn’t use ‘Yu’ in Gods and Demon, it was too obvious. It would be easy for people at the company to recognize it. Only Gou Yuan knows my actual identity, so I chose another name.”

Oh, that made sense.

Yu Haiqing explained clearly and gave a reasonable reason. Xie Shuangxue thought about it and decided not to press further.

If Yu Haiqing hadn’t known that he was 009, then that matter was probably irrelevant.

It wasn’t really a big deal.

After clarifying this, Xie Shuangxue lowered his head to think about the current situation.

As for whether to stay in Gods and Demon, he had already made a decision in his heart.

After all, he didn’t have a physical body right now, but staying in the game meant having a body that could move. Though it was a virtual world, the players were real. Gods and Demon had real popularity—far better than being bored out of his mind inside the equipment. Plus, his mother’s plans for him had been the same.

However, the story in Floating Dream wasn’t complete yet. Yun Panlong was just a phase Boss, and he had replaced Ling Luo’s storyline. The future still needed to be planned, so Yu Haiqing’s idea was indeed worth considering.

At this moment, Xie Shuangxue was lost in his own thoughts, not noticing that Yu Haiqing’s expression had changed slightly after hearing his words, as if he had something to say but was holding back.

Moreover, Xie Shuangxue was still unaware of something.

Not only did Yu Haiqing use the name “Jiu” in Gods and Demon, but his alias on the forums was also “YU009.” This codename wasn’t chosen randomly.

Xie Shuangxue’s source code was 009? Was it just a coincidence?

Yu Haiqing kept thinking about this. He furrowed his brows, unsure of what to make of it. Just as he was about to ask, the door to the room suddenly opened.

It was Yun Ruwei.

“Xie Shuangxue, why aren’t you sleeping… huh?” She looked at the two of them in the bed, suddenly wide awake. “Why is there a continent rogue here? I know you, how come you’re here?”

Yun Ruwei had been staying in the room next door, but since she was recovering from her injuries, she hadn’t gone too far. The two rooms were separated by only a thin wooden door, so she was close to Xie Shuangxue.

The wind had been howling around Lu Yun Platform all night, making a loud noise outside. Yun Ruwei felt heavy-hearted and couldn’t calm down. She woke up in the middle of the night, then heard voices coming from the next room.

Things had been so uneasy lately, and she was worried something might happen to Xie Shuangxue, so she came over to check. But she didn’t expect to see this scene.

“What are you two doing?”

Yun Ruwei looked serious, then added, “Yun Qiang also saw this, and she thinks it’s not good.”

Xie Shuangxue didn’t try to avoid her gaze. He simply changed his posture and lazily lay on Yu Haiqing’s chest. “We’re talking business.”

Talking business like this?

Yun Ruwei was skeptical.

“Really,” Xie Shuangxue waved at her to come closer, “weren’t you worried about not having a place to go? I discussed it with him, and we found a place for everyone.”

Yun Ruwei was taken aback.

Wait, Xie Shuangxue’s actions were way too quick!

And he didn’t seem like he was just joking. As Yun Ruwei moved closer, he already mentioned the exact location: “The Northlands.”

Yun Ruwei, who had just felt a little hopeful, felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on her. She sighed and couldn’t help but rub her forehead. “That place? You’d be better off not saying anything.”

There were empty lands on the entire continent, but the Northlands were a far cry from Lu Yun Platform. It was cold, desolate, and filled with scattered demons. Any other place would be better, but those fleeing demons wouldn’t want to go there—it was too barren.

“Are you being tricked, or are you confused because of your injuries?” Yun Ruwei reached out to touch his forehead, then glanced at Yu Haiqing. She bluntly reminded him, “Kid, not all continent wanderer are good people. You might not understand this place well…”

But Xie Shuangxue was focused on something else. “Why are you calling me kid? Yun Ruwei, speak properly. I’m still older than you.”

“Well, that’s what everyone calls you,” Yun Ruwei ruffled his hair, even showing some affectionate expression. “And Yun Qiang is older than you, I’m using her body, so it’s pretty much the same.”

Her relationship with Xie Shuangxue had gotten better, but she was still doubtful about this matter. Yu Haiqing, however, had a different impression. He realized that this was Xie Shuangxue accepting his proposal.

He immediately felt relieved.

Xie Shuangxue was willing to stay.

Xie Shuangxue knew the Northlands were desolate now. After all, Ling Luo had ended up there because there was nowhere else for him to go. But this was a game, and these settings could be changed.

Since Gods and Demon planned to attract lifestyle players with Lu Yun Platform and the Northlands as starting areas, it was impossible for the Northlands to stay desolate. Yu Haiqing had promised there would be mines, and unlike the well-prepared Lu Yun Platform, starting from scratch was also a style that lifestyle players liked.

“Don’t worry, Yun Ruwei, trust me, the Northlands aren’t as simple as they seem,” Xie Shuangxue said. “There are mines.”

Afraid she wouldn’t believe him, he emphasized, “A lot of mines.”

Yun Ruwei hesitated, “Really?”

“Really,” Xie Shuangxue said. “And you don’t have to do much. Just bring the demons there and build good relationships with the continent wanderer. They’ll be happy to help us.”

The idea of pioneering the Northlands didn’t sound simple. How could such a golden opportunity fall from the sky?

“Of course, it’s possible,” Xie Shuangxue said with certainty. “You just have to trust the continent wanderer. They’re the most helpful people.”

He loved players.

Players were the most powerful beings in the game!

Perhaps it was because of these people accompanying him that Xie Shuangxue didn’t want to leave this place. For him, being an NPC that players liked was becoming more interesting.

Yun Ruwei thought it over. The continent wanderer had indeed helped a lot, and they were very obedient to Xie Shuangxue. Given the current situation, the Northlands was the only place she could take so many demons.

Fine, let it be the Northlands.

“Then what about you? Xie Shuangxue, come with us,” Yun Ruwei looked at him. “Both Yun Qiang and I need you.”

But the Feather Clan would probably not let him go.

Xie Shuangxue didn’t answer immediately. He turned to look at Yu Haiqing, but the latter didn’t insist. He just said, “Xie Shuangxue can do whatever he wants.”

If Xie Shuangxue didn’t want to follow the Feather Clan’s storyline, he could go straight to the Northlands. It was up to him.

Xie Shuangxue smiled. “Do whatever I want? Can you cover for me?”

He still had plenty of storylines left.

Moreover, many scenes in the Gods and Demon trailer hinted at his villainous identity. If these plotlines were suddenly erased, players would definitely feel confused.

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it,” Yu Haiqing knew what he meant. “You just need to be happy.”

The planning team for Gods and Demon was still quite capable. Anything from puppets to disguises could be explained away. If the plot needed to get more complicated, they could always change things, though it would take some effort.

“I won’t abandon them,” Xie Shuangxue said. “I can’t just leave them halfway.”

Rescue to the end, escort the Buddha all the way. He couldn’t give up halfway.

The sword had already been drawn, and it seemed he didn’t want to leave the center of the storm right now.

Yun Ruwei was shocked, “Xie Shuangxue?”

“I just remembered, His Highness already promised me that I would become the Feather Clan’s Golden Feather Envoy, second only to him. It’s a position I fought hard for, and I can’t bear to leave just like that,” Xie Shuangxue smiled. “You go ahead. Once the Northlands are settled, I’ll join you.”

There were many things he couldn’t explain to Yun Ruwei.

He looked at his hands and said, “You don’t know me. I’m too delicate to suffer any hardship.”

Yun Ruwei: …

She was silent for a while, then reached out and ruffled Xie Shuangxue’s hair.

Xie Shuangxue widened his eyes and stared at her.

“I’ve known you long enough not to need to hear this,” Yun Ruwei sighed. “You’re just worried about your few seniors, right? And are you still thinking about revenge?”

She wasn’t stupid. Even without foreseeing the plot, she knew that the mastermind hadn’t died, and she had no idea what he might do next, but it was definitely going to be against the Feather Clan.

Though Xie Shuangxue had hidden it well, he was filled with demonic energy, and the Feather Clan was still watching him. There was always a risk of exposure. The safest option was to quietly go to the Northlands, where the Feather Clan wouldn’t find him. Returning there was a real danger.

“Not really,” Xie Shuangxue blinked. “I really want to be the Golden Feather Envoy. I’ve never done it before.”

And what Yun Ruwei mentioned was just one reason.

From the perspective of the plot, no matter how they changed his storyline, it would still have an impact. Finding an excuse to patch things up wasn’t interesting. Right now, players were still interested in Floating Dream’s plot. If the third anniversary storyline ended up being a letdown, they would be disappointed.

He didn’t want to disappoint them.

Since this was also his world, Xie Shuangxue felt he should take some responsibility. After all, he couldn’t take the players’ light for granted.

Yu Haiqing probably guessed what Xie Shuangxue was thinking.

He hadn’t chosen the easy path, and if Xie Shuangxue really went back, he would also be helping the Gods and Demon development team.

Lin Tong wouldn’t have to work so hard to figure things out. Even if Xie Shuangxue changed the plot, it wouldn’t be without reason. He’d always come up with a reasonable explanation that the players wouldn’t find fault with, and it would still be interesting. The others wouldn’t have to stress about it.

He knew it—Xie Shuangxue was the kindest person.

Yu Haiqing sighed inwardly and added, “Actually, Xie Shuangxue doesn’t have to choose. He can go back to the Feather Clan, but you can also take time to visit the Northlands.”

This was a fantasy game world, and players could use teleportation items, so NPCs could too.

Anyway, he was already certain.

“Alright, then. That’s settled.”

Yun Ruwei couldn’t bear to see them so close and pushed them apart a little. She looked at Xie Shuangxue and said, “These things can be discussed, but you need to get some rest!”

For NPCs, it was normal for the continent wanderer to do strange things, but to them, these rogues were like another species—they could interact, but not get too close.

“Xie Shuangxue is still so young,” she shot a glare at Yu Haiqing. “You need to tone it down a bit!”

Yu Haiqing: …

He felt like he had sorted out his feelings for Xie Shuangxue. It was different from those strange fans. He was a proper guardian. His teacher had entrusted Xie Shuangxue to him.

Guardians were allowed to do these things—being close to Xie Shuangxue or hugging him was completely justified.

He said this with confidence, but Yun Ruwei didn’t understand. She honestly added, “Don’t make excuses. You’re weirder and more dangerous than other rogues.”

“Alright, are we done talking? It’s late, let him rest already.”

Yu Haiqing: …

It was strange—he had just been scolded by his own game’s NPC system.

The problem was, Xie Shuangxue didn’t seem like he wanted to stay, and Yu Haiqing’s light was already in hand. The questions were done, so he once again used what he needed and moved on.

“Goodbye, big brother.”