In a multiplayer game, the audience is ever-shifting, flocking to whichever player shines brightest in the moment.
Now, Zhang Gui was performing at his peak—cheers, tips, and likes surged around him in a frenzy, as if victory were already assured.
Yet, curiously, despite Zhang Gui's recent ascent to the coveted Core Promotion Slot, his viewership did not swell. Instead, as Mu Sicheng and Du Sanying's audiences dwindled, they streamed not to Zhang Gui, but in a wild tide toward Bai Liu's "Graveyard Disco Zone." None paused to watch Zhang Gui's channel.
Bai Liu, who had just been subdued by Zhang Gui, was by all accounts the least impressive player—he should have been losing viewers, not drawing them in droves.
Some viewers, unable to contain their curiosity, whispered among themselves:
"What on earth is Bai Liu up to? Does he have some hidden card? Impossible! He's bound by puppet strings—there's no way he can turn the tables!"
"…I agree. Why don't we just take a quick look and come back?"
"You go ahead. I'm not leaving—Zhang Gui's channel is too exciting. Just tell us what Bai Liu is doing when you return."
"Alright, we'll check it out and report back. Don't worry, Bai Liu's probably just putting on some desperate, attention-seeking antics! I'll come back and tell you all about it as a joke!"
A small group of Zhang Gui's viewers set off to witness Bai Liu's supposed folly.
But those who left, vowing to return with tales of Bai Liu's antics, never came back.
The remaining audience grew ever more restless:
"No way—does Bai Liu really have a trump card? That can't be! I've never heard of a way to break free from puppet strings!"
"…Even Du San and Mu Sicheng's fans are flocking to Bai Liu like mad. Did they hatch some plan? What on earth is happening?!"
"I can't take it anymore—I'm going to watch!"
"I'm curious too, but damn! I'm a die-hard Zhang Gui fan… Oh, whatever, I'll just take a peek! I'll be right back!"
And so, the audience for every player in "Last Train to Ruin" began to trickle, then surge, toward Bai Liu's channel. The once-desolate "Graveyard Disco Zone" became a bustling hub.
So great was the influx that this rarely-visited corner was now packed to the brim, all thanks to Bai Liu's magnetic pull.
Wang Shun glanced at the swelling crowd behind him, then at Bai Liu on the small screen, his expression and tone more complex than ever: "…He's actually siphoning viewers from the other three top players. Bai Liu…"
At the game's outset, Bai Liu's accumulated audience had been all but poached by the greats, leaving only a handful to watch him. Yet now, he had drawn back every lost viewer in a wild reversal, and more besides. Once they arrived, none left.
Wang Shun had never before seen anyone so voraciously draw traffic from three top players' channels, as if Bai Liu were about to absorb the entire "Last Train to Ruin" audience.
Most of Bai Liu's viewers found themselves unable to tear their eyes from the screen, as if witnessing the climax of a breathtaking film. Only those with weaker nerves looked away, whispering anxiously:
"God, I can't watch! Can Bai Liu really outwit Zhang Gui? That's Zhang Gui—93 intelligence! And he dares to play tricks on him!"
"Hold steady! Don't panic! I think Zhang Gui's already taken the bait!"
When Mu Sicheng was hurled, arms severed, across the screen, Bai Liu's channel erupted in wails—many covered their eyes:
"Oh my god! Mu God is suffering so much! Even knowing it's part of the plan, I can't bear it. Bai Liu is ruthless—he was even smiling as he pushed Mu God!"
"I think Mu God is doomed this time… I doubt someone as calculating as Bai Liu would save him."
"Me too…"
"Damn it, Mu Sicheng, are you stupid?! How could Bai Liu possibly save you?! As your fan, I'm furious! You're just giving yourself away!"
"Even though Bai Liu claims he'll save everyone, I doubt it. He's probably just being hypocritical to win over Mu Sicheng and Du Sanying. He and Zhang Gui are cut from the same cloth—when the time comes, these clever types will abandon others faster than anyone."
"In the end, maybe only Du Sanying and Bai Liu will survive. The rest will probably be thrown to the monsters."
"Mu Sicheng is so pitiful… completely played by Bai Liu…"
But when Bai Liu turned the tables, broke free of Zhang Gui's control, and, in the final seconds before the train started, snatched the mindless Mu Sicheng from the monster's grasp, the audience fell into a long, stunned silence as they watched Bai Liu's battered group sprawled in the ravaged carriage.
In mere seconds, he had reversed the situation, seized control, repelled the monster, and—most crucially—just as Bai Liu had planned, not a single member of Zhang Gui's camp or his own had perished.
After a long pause, a viewer finally spoke, disbelief and awe mingling in their voice:
"He actually… Bai Liu actually kept everyone alive…"
"I'm speechless… I thought Mu Sicheng was doomed when he was dragged away, but Bai Liu just dragged him back and even took a punch for him…"
"Damn, I cried when Bai Liu saved Mu Sicheng. I believe in love again—no, in partnership!"
"He's too strong, Bai Liu is too strong! Why can I only give one like?!"
"I'm so excited I want to tear my clothes off! Bai Liu and Mu Sicheng are both incredible! Their brotherhood, their perfect cooperation, moved me to tears!"
"Wuwuwu, it's so sweet! When will I ever have such a sweet brotherhood? Bai Liu! Will you partner with me too?!"
"Bai Liu, you're a god! A god!!!"
"Bai Liu, forever a legend!!!"
Wang Shun slowly removed his glasses, wiped away a bead of sweat, and put them back on, gazing at Bai Liu's bloodstained, exhausted face on the screen. Amid the thunderous cheers for Bai Liu, Wang Shun smiled sincerely.
[41,776 new likes for Bai Liu's channel, 40,107 new favorites, 10,401 players charged up Bai Liu, with a total of 15,442 points.]
[60,004 new viewers are watching Bai Liu's channel. Over 40,000 likes in a minute—congratulations, Bai Liu, on achieving the "Ten Thousand Dance on Your Grave" milestone.]
[Yo~ Ten thousand gather at your grave~ Yo~ Not even the coffin lid can hold you down~ Yo~ Bursting from the earth, you soar to the sky, you're unstoppable~ Yo~]
[Congratulations, Bai Liu, you have met the requirements to leave the "Graveyard Disco Zone." Promotion slot unlocked. Your channel data is being recalculated, promotion slots are being reassigned…]
[Due to a sharp decline in Zhang Gui's data, the system is disappointed and has decided to swap the promotion slots of Zhang Gui and Bai Liu.]
[Congratulations, Bai Liu, you have obtained a promotion slot and entered the core homepage. Your viewership is skyrocketing…]
[Player Zhang Gui has entered the "Graveyard Disco Zone."]
Upon hearing this system announcement, Bai Liu's audience paused for a heartbeat, then erupted in even greater jubilation, their voices rising as one:
"Bai Liu, charge! To the core slot!"
———
After a brief rest, Bai Liu opened his eyes.
Mu Sicheng was wrapping protective bandages around his limbs—these would slow him down, but increase his defense and staunch bleeding, a common in-game item.
Seeing Bai Liu awake, Mu Sicheng instinctively handed him a roll of bandages. Bai Liu, without a second thought, accepted them and remarked, "Protective bandages—a fine item. Thanks." He began to wrap himself, showing not the slightest intention of paying, utterly shameless in his freeloading.
Mu Sicheng was speechless. "…Did I say you could have them for free?"
"I assumed you did," Bai Liu replied, utterly unabashed. "Of course, you can try to take them back, but with my HP at six, you could kill me with a single punch."
He spread his freshly bandaged hands, gazing innocently at Mu Sicheng, as if to say: if you're not afraid of killing me, go ahead and try.
Mu Sicheng: "…"
He turned away in frustration, refusing to look at Bai Liu. With Bai Liu's HP at six and blood streaming from his limbs, Mu Sicheng had instinctively handed over the bandages.
But Bai Liu's shamelessness was infuriating—he'd charged Mu Sicheng a hefty fee for the potions he'd just administered, yet had no qualms about taking Mu Sicheng's things for free.
Though Mu Sicheng hadn't really expected payment, seeing Bai Liu's "so happy to have scored a freebie" expression was deeply annoying.
But annoyance was useless—he really couldn't do anything to the fragile Bai Liu with only six HP.
Others in the carriage were also bandaging their wounds. The thief's brother's ferocious assault had left everyone injured, except for Du Sanying, who sat awkwardly in a corner, watching the others. Suddenly, Bai Liu called out, "Du Sanying."
Du Sanying turned instinctively, just in time to catch a massive mirror shard tossed lazily by Bai Liu.
He stared, dumbfounded, at the shard that had cost them all so much effort. "Bai Liu, why are you giving this to me?!"
"Your luck is a hundred percent. You won't be easily hurt or lose items. It's safest with you," Bai Liu replied matter-of-factly. "If I die, it would be a waste for the monsters to get it."
He spoke casually, but both Mu Sicheng and Du Sanying's faces changed.
Du Sanying clutched the shard nervously, stammering, "You're not going to die, are you, Bai Liu? You must have calculated your HP—you'll clear the level by the skin of your teeth, just like last time."
Mu Sicheng shot Bai Liu a heavy look.
Bai Liu was candid: "I've calculated my HP, but accidents always outnumber plans, don't they?"
"For example, the second monster in this game was far stronger than I anticipated, and there's still one more to come. So, who knows what will happen?" His tone was calm, as if discussing someone else's death. "My odds of dying aren't small, so Du Sanying, it's safest for you to hold the shard. Even if I die, it won't go to waste. Do you understand?"
He finished, then coughed up a mouthful of blood, flecked with fragments of viscera, which he wiped away without a care.
Everyone in the carriage fell silent at the sight of blood on Bai Liu's hand.
With HP at six, the toll on a player's body was immense. Few could remain conscious, let alone lucid. Bai Liu was right—dying in this state was only natural.
Du Sanying, eyes red, looked at Bai Liu with a mix of gratitude and sorrow. Bai Liu had saved them all, but at such a cost to himself…
"Alright!" Du Sanying nodded vigorously, moved. "I'll guard it well! I'll give it back when the game ends! Don't worry, I won't give it to anyone but you!"
He shot a wary glance at Zhang Gui, as if guarding against theft.
Bai Liu regarded Du Sanying's sudden resolve with mild surprise.
He'd given the shard to Du Sanying simply because monsters would target whoever held it—Mu Sicheng had suffered for that reason. Du Sanying, with the highest HP and perfect luck, was the best decoy to draw aggro, keeping Bai Liu and the others safer.
Zhang Gui looked at Du Sanying as if he were an idiot, sneering but saying nothing.
After all, with Bai Liu in control, Zhang Gui had nothing to worry about. The shard was safest with the lucky fool Du Sanying.
What Zhang Gui couldn't fathom was why Mu Sicheng and Du Sanying, both rising stars, obeyed Bai Liu so completely—never before had he seen players so willingly controlled, even paying for the privilege.
But then, he'd never before met a controller who would risk his life to save his "puppets."
Zhang Gui's gaze lingered on Bai Liu's pale face. Bai Liu, sensing it, nodded politely, as if there were no enmity between them, though they'd been at odds only a minute before.
Damn, maybe I've been bewitched too, Zhang Gui thought, cursing inwardly—he found himself not wanting Bai Liu to die.
But his reasons were practical: with Bai Liu in charge, everyone's HP would be managed with surgical precision, minimizing losses and maximizing survival.
If Bai Liu died, Zhang Gui doubted he could control Mu Sicheng and Du Sanying as perfectly. Without their cooperation, he and his three puppets had little hope of clearing the game.
This game was too difficult.
In short, to clear a game of this difficulty, all seven players must cooperate—but only Bai Liu could make that happen.
This man with only six HP was the lynchpin of the entire game.
Bai Liu glanced at the countdown on the platform. "We're about to arrive. Here's the plan: Mu Sicheng and Liu Huai will work together to steal shards from the 'Passengers.' Mu Sicheng will do the stealing, Liu Huai will draw aggro. My HP is too low, so I won't help this time. Can you two handle it?"
Liu Huai and Mu Sicheng's expressions grew strange—these former enemies were being paired up by Bai Liu's casual command.
Liu Huai looked away, guilty. "I'm fine with it."
Mu Sicheng said nothing, his face blank. He knew it was the best plan, but working with Liu Huai, he felt an uncontrollable aversion—a dangerous hesitation in high-speed cooperation.
With a speed over 7,000, even a second's delay could be fatal in a game of this difficulty.
He'd managed with Bai Liu only because Bai Liu never faltered, always covering his mistakes.
But Liu Huai was no Bai Liu—he was unlikely to risk everything to cover for Mu Sicheng.
Still, Mu Sicheng was not one to let feelings override reality. After a moment's pause, he admitted, "I'll do my best. I may have some instinctive resistance to working with Liu Huai, but I'll try to control it."
"No," Bai Liu interrupted, meeting Mu Sicheng's gaze. "You're not working with Liu Huai—you're working with me. He's just my puppet, controlled through Zhang Gui. You're cooperating with my puppet. Does that help?"
Mu Sicheng stared at Bai Liu, then suddenly laughed. "That works."
"Good." Bai Liu turned to Du Sanying. "Du Sanying, I need you to keep the shard outside your system inventory. Can you do that?"
Du Sanying was confused, but nodded. "Okay, sure."
"Li Gou and Fang Ke, you'll support Liu Huai and Mu Sicheng, clearing attacking passengers and reducing their pressure."
Li Gou and Fang Ke: "…Alright."
Finally, Bai Liu looked at Zhang Gui. "Your task is to protect me."
Everyone was startled. Mu Sicheng frowned in disapproval. "Bai Liu, Zhang Gui is cunning. Even if you control him, you can't be sure he won't break free and kill you. You only have six HP—it's too dangerous to stay with him…"
"Precisely because I have six HP, I can guarantee he'll protect me," Bai Liu interrupted calmly, locking eyes with Zhang Gui, his gaze unwavering, a hint of certainty within. He suddenly changed his address: "Master, will you kill me?"
Bai Liu's sudden smile was both sly and fragile, a strange allure on his bloodless face. "I don't think you will, Master. You missed your only chance to kill me. Now you never will. There's only one thing left for you to do—"
His lips moved softly: "—Save me, Master."
Bai Liu's use of "Master" was not misplaced—he was still Zhang Gui's puppet, but the word, spoken from those pale lips, sent a chill down Zhang Gui's spine.
Though it was a term of submission, when uttered by Bai Liu, it felt as if Zhang Gui were the one being toyed with.
The only chance to kill Bai Liu… Zhang Gui stared, remembering.
Eight minutes ago, when he'd raged and threatened to kill Bai Liu, Bai Liu had looked at him just like this, asking, "Master, will you kill me?"
He hadn't killed Bai Liu then.
So now, he never could.
[The train is approaching Xinghai Lake Park. Passengers disembarking, please remain seated and hold on, stay clear of the doors, board in order after those exiting—zzzzzt (static crackles)]
Before the announcement finished, before the train had even stopped, a flaming fist smashed a hole in the door. The thief's brother, his head charred black, thrust himself inside, roaring at everyone, pounding the battered door in fury. Even without words, his rage at the theft of his mirror shard was palpable.
"No way!!" Du Sanying clutched his hair in despair, making it stand up like a parrot's crest. "Why are you back again, little brother?!"
"Du Sanying, I suggest you run," Bai Liu advised kindly. "I put the stolen shard on you, so he'll chase you relentlessly. And I haven't assigned anyone to protect you. Good luck."
Du Sanying was silent for two seconds, then, tears streaming, whipped out his chaotic go-kart and leapt aboard.
As he wiped his tears with his elbow, he shouted curses at Bai Liu: "You did this on purpose! You put the shard on me on purpose! Wuwuwu damn you!!!"
"Yes," Bai Liu admitted shamelessly. "I'm using you to distract the thief's brother. Lead him away with your train, and we'll steal the other passengers' shards. Don't forget to run far—don't get us caught in the crossfire."
"I'll kill you, Bai Liu!!!!" Du Sanying sobbed, his face contorted, eyes swollen like a fried egg. "Wuwuwu, I trusted you so much—do you have no heart?!"
Bai Liu gave a perfunctory thumbs-up to the go-karting Du Sanying. "Believe in yourself, Du Sanying. You're the luckiest—you can do it."
"I can't—!!!" Du Sanying howled, his voice cracking.
The door slid open. The thief's brother, fists blazing, charged in, then paused, mouth agape, searching for the shard.
Bai Liu could see the charred skull and shriveled, blackened brain within the thief's brother's head. The brain seemed to twitch, an eye opening briefly before vanishing into the scorched mass.
An eye in the brain… Bai Liu raised an eyebrow.