I speedrunned the fairies' game!

Chapter 5 The Shadow of the Stomach
"Brother Ran, who is this fairy?"

Zhou Cheng glanced at the boy's corpse on the ground, then at the cold-eyed fairy in black beside him, and was so frightened that he backed away repeatedly.

"Don't be afraid. She's my godmother."

Chen Ran casually replied, his fingertips continuing to decipher the storage pouch on the "destined male protagonist's" body.

If one had to pinpoint a unique advantage that every transmigrator possesses in this life, it would be—

All the knowledge and skills he acquired in the game in his previous life have been subtly transformed into his "instinctive memories" in this life.

This includes the 'corpse-touching technique'.

As an open-world adventure game, "Immortal Love" requires players to grind their "Creative Craftsmanship" skill to a certain level before they can unlock many of the "treasure chests," "spirit bags," "immortal treasures," and even some specific "teleportation portals."

If you're not prepared, you might fall into a teleportation trap or get a crappy line of narration—"The door can't be opened from this side."

As an officially recognized top-tier player, Chen Ran's "Tiangong Kaiwu" is at the max level.

This directly led to his astonishing discovery after he traveled through time—

He could actually read the ancient scripts of the various states of the Nine Provinces, as well as various obscure and difficult-to-understand runes.

A series of actions, as fierce as a tiger.

soon.

There was a crisp sound of "pop".

The storage pouch in his hand spontaneously opened, and a wisp of bluish-white mist emerged from the opening. The mist condensed and transformed into a palm-sized bronze cauldron with an ancient shape and lifelike black tortoise patterns wrapped around its body.

"This little gadget is exactly the same as the model in the game."

Chen Ran stroked the cool body of the cauldron, feeling content.

Based on the game's background setting.

The Nine Provinces are distributed in a tortoise shell shape with the Central Province as the axis, and divine beasts and spiritual creatures at the four poles suppress the primordial chaos.

This cauldron is one of the four wondrous treasures—the Xuanwu Cauldron of the Northern Territory.

Ironically, the origin and usage of the Xuanwu Cauldron left by the protagonist's father were not discovered until later in the game.

This cauldron can not only protect its owner from fatal damage by consuming its own spiritual energy, but also contains a vast space that can store and nurture all kinds of rare and wonderful things in the world.

As the only auxiliary spiritual treasure among the four extraordinary spiritual objects, its practicality is undoubtedly off the charts.

"Hmm, a high-grade storage pouch, you cracked it so easily. You little beggar, you are indeed no ordinary person."

Luo Shenggu, who had been observing the whole thing indifferently, crossed her arms and spoke in a cold, detached tone.

"Thanks to the Holy Maiden, I was able to kill my enemy and retrieve my family's secret treasure." Chen Ran clasped his hands together: "I can never repay the Holy Maiden's kindness."

These words came from the bottom of his heart.

To be fair, his original plan was to follow the game's storyline, first intercept and rescue Lin Yuewei, and then slowly sow discord between her and Tang Haotian. As for completely eliminating this destined male protagonist, that would probably be a matter for much later.

I never expected happiness to come so suddenly.

It can only be said that even the most meticulous planning cannot compare to a "flash of inspiration".

There's no way around it; as fellow female disciples of the Cihang Sword Sect, compared to the gentle and beautiful heroine Xiao Xianzi with her exquisite white silk stockings and jade-like feet, Lin Yuewei is simply too annoying.

I can't stand it any longer!
"But your cauldron..."

Instead of responding to the young man's words, Luo Yuling's gaze remained fixed on the small cauldron in his hand.

Knowing that he would be traveling with the other party soon, and that this item would certainly not be able to be hidden, Chen Ran frankly said, "It can barely be considered a treasure."

"It's not necessary."

Luo Yuling narrowed her eyes and said, "The spiritual energy contained within this object is as abundant as an abyss, and the true meaning of the Black Tortoise is hidden within the patterns of the Black Tortoise. This is the only one I have ever seen in my life."

"Harmful."

Chen Ran gave a dry laugh and said nothing more.

Luo Yuling coldly replied, "I have never been interested in other people's affairs, so you don't need to worry that I will take your treasure."

Chen Ran nodded: "In my understanding, the Holy Maiden is indeed a rare breath of fresh air in the demonic path."

"In your understanding?"

Luo Yuling's beautiful eyes flashed, and her pretty face beneath the black veil suddenly turned gloomy: "When exactly did you go to the Cangming Sect, you brat? And when did you see that screen wall?"

"Let's talk about this later. Don't worry, I will definitely tell the Holy Maiden."

Chen Ran spoke with a sincere expression, then pulled out a small knife and cut his fingertip.

A drop of blood fell onto the cauldron, and the moment it touched the bronze body, it seemed to be swallowed by a living creature.

"Om-"

The bronze cauldron suddenly trembled, and a pale blue halo burst forth from the black tortoise pattern. In the void, a strange phantom image of a tortoise and a snake intertwined vaguely appeared!

Chen Ran was overjoyed.

Based on the game CG visuals from his previous life, he certainly knew.

This is an extraordinary phenomenon indicating that the Xuanwu Cauldron has recognized its master!

The four wondrous spirits passed down through generations of the Tang family have now recognized this outsider as their master!

Damn it, what's with this minotaur's excitement?!
"interesting."

Luo Yuling stared intently at the scene, a meaningful smile curving her red lips: "You little rascal, you really don't treat me like an outsider."

There are no outsiders here.

Chen Ran methodically stuffed the spoils he had just seized from Lin Yuewei into the Sumeru space of the Xuanwu Cauldron. "From today onwards, we are in the same boat, Holy Maiden."

"Um?"

Luo Yuling was taken aback, then her heart filled with anger. In her anger, her proud chest heaved violently. "Who, who wants to get on your shabby little beggar's boat? What are the other two things you want me to do? Tell me quickly!"

The words just fell out.

From afar, the thin, dark-skinned beggar Zhou Cheng shouted, "Brother Ran! Senior Brother Liu from the Fourth Bag sent a message via flying kite, saying that the branch leader urgently summoned us back!"

"understood."

Chen Ran waved in agreement, then looked at the black-clad figure in front of him again, "Holy Maiden, as you can see, I have to return to the Beggars' Sect to handle some final matters. I hope you will wait for me at the Golden Roc Inn in the south of the city for two hours. I will be right back."

"I have no patience to waste time with a stinky little beggar like you."

Luo Shenggu crossed her arms, her gaze cold and disdainful. "Then you'll say the other two things now! Otherwise—"

"Holy Maiden".

Chen Ran interrupted softly, then brushed aside the stray hairs from his forehead and looked at the other person with sincere eyes: "It's not that I deliberately didn't say, but the time wasn't right."

"opportunity?"

Luo Yuling sneered, her tone tinged with contempt, "For a lowly mortal like you, all you ever seek in your mundane life is wealth, sex, and power. Why bother putting on airs?"

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ran became interested: "Holy Maiden, what does 'color' mean?"

"you"

Seeing the young man staring intently at her, Luo Yuling was taken aback, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she was at a loss for words.

Recalling how the other person had touched her waist with those filthy, large hands, she felt even more disgusted and ashamed!
After a moment, she suppressed her distracting thoughts and regained her saintly demeanor: "Listen, young man, if you seek wealth and power, my Cangming Sect has countless properties in the Central Plains and maintains relations with various kingdoms and lords. Of course, as a hot-blooded young man, if you are fixated on such matters..."

At this point, a blush rose again on her mature and alluring face beneath the veil. "I can easily find you three wives and four concubines within the Holy Sect, or even within the neighboring Joyful Union Sect!"

"Hahahaha." Chen Ran laughed out loud.

Luo Shenggu frowned, her voice as cold as ice: "Child, this is not funny."

"That's hilarious." Chen Ran shook his head and said, "The Holy Maiden has misjudged me."

"."

Luo Yuling was taken aback again, her eyes fixed on the young man, and she said in a hoarse voice, "Could it be that you, young man, are not interested in women?" "I have principles, though. I dare not take those demonic women that you mentioned, Holy Maiden," Chen Ran said, waving his hand.

"Ah."

Luo Yuling snorted coldly, and patiently continued, "Then which respectable girl do you like? I can abduct her for you."

"It's not necessary."

Chen Ran shook his head, then rested his chin on his hand and carefully examined the voluptuous and tall demonic woman in front of him.

The eyes observe the nose, and the nose observes the heart.

Finally, my gaze settled on her magnificent, generous, and incomparably snow-white breasts.

"In my humble opinion, Your Excellency still retains your charm."

Luo Yuling:
After reaching a subtle agreement with that arrogant and cunning Holy Maiden.

Chen Ran headed towards the Beggars' Sect branch south of Tai'an City.

He spent three months planning within the Beggars' Sect, traversing three months in total.

Today, the day to finally reap the rewards has arrived.

"Brother Ran, is the amount of 'Crimson Marrow Pills' that Chief Wang asked you to buy the other day sufficient?"

As they approached the door, Zhou Cheng couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

"Would you believe me if I said I don't have a single one on me right now?" Chen Ran asked with a half-smile.

"This..." Zhou Cheng's face turned deathly pale. "If we don't have enough people, I think... we should hold off on going in for now and try to gather more. You know Chief Wang's temper; I'm afraid..."

"It should be the one that's afraid."

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Ran's eyes: "Tonight will be its last night in this world, and it is the last thing I must do before leaving Tai'an City."

"Brother Ran, what makes you say that?" Zhou Cheng took a step back, his expression even more flustered.

"Alright, stop asking." Chen Ran waved his hand and asked curiously, "Aren't you curious about who that young hero Tang was just now? And why I asked that fairy in black to kill him?"

Zhou Cheng waved his hands repeatedly: "Why ask? Brother Ran must have your reasons for doing this!"

"."

Chen Ran paused for a second, then said earnestly, "Anyway, thanks, brother. You've done me a huge favor by holding Tang Haotian back this time. But I really didn't expect that this seemingly kind man would be so ruthless, actually wanting to kill you just because you led him astray."

He really didn't expect that.

In the game, players experience various events and interact with NPCs from the perspective of the protagonist, Tang Haotian.

Until the fifth expansion pack, this protagonist was always portrayed as a righteous and passionate hero, with a strong sense of justice and a righteous spirit. At most, his lines were sometimes a bit silly and childish.

Today, Tang Haotian actually instigated that sable beast to bite a defenseless mortal to death.

"Is it possible that the Tang Haotian in this real-world timeline is actually his true form?"

"If that's the case, then what is the connection between the game 'Immortal Love' and this vast world of Kyushu?"

Chen Ran was momentarily dazed.

The next moment, he quickly cut off the thought.

Some things are best left unsaid for now; once you start thinking about them too deeply, you can easily fall into endless nihilism.

The most urgent task is to quickly become stronger according to the "speedrun plan" in my mind, and then look back after reaching the highest point and transcending this world.

Perhaps all causes and effects will manifest themselves.

Thinking of this, Chen Ran's eyes regained their usual clarity and sharpness.

"Brother Ran, you really don't need to overthink it! And there's no need to apologize!"

Seeing his friend remain silent, Zhou Cheng quickly said, "That day, I was bullied and beaten by a thug, and my life was hanging by a thread. It was you, Brother Ran, who descended from the sky, knocked that scoundrel unconscious, and saved me! From that moment on, you have been a god in my heart!"

"The debt of gratitude for saving a life should be repaid with the greatest gratitude! Although I, Zhou Cheng, have never been to school, I still understand these principles!"

"Sigh, I've told you so many times, the time I saved you was an accident."

Recalling the scene of his sudden teleportation that day, Chen Ran was still speechless with fear.

"It wasn't an accident!"

Zhou Cheng, however, remained stubborn: "Although... although Brother Ran, you've been forced into the Beggars' Sect just like us, I've always firmly believed in my heart that you're different from us!"

"You, who, even on an empty stomach, still finds out the general situation of the Nine Provinces, are no ordinary person!"

"One day, you, the hidden dragon, will rise from the abyss and soar through the heavens!"

"As the saying goes, being born into poverty is not a disgrace; a true man is one who can bend and stretch!"

Who dares to say that today's nameless beggar won't one day become a renowned hero?

His words were forceful and resounding, his face filled with fervor and passion.

Chen Ran, however, was at a loss.

Is it really necessary to be so passionate?
After a long while, he patted the other person on the shoulder:

"Brother, your path has widened."

In a humble alley south of the city, lies the Tai'an branch of the Beggars' Gang.

A damp and gloomy underground room.

The candlelight flickered, casting a dim yellow light. Dark green water stains seeped through the walls, like countless pairs of lurking, malevolent eyes.

"Ah Zheng, why hasn't Chen Ran brought back the Crimson Marrow Pill yet?"

A shrill, hoarse voice, like the wailing of ghosts, rang out, "This leader's stomach is already parched with hunger."

A massive figure slowly emerged from the shadows behind the candlestick.

The "person" was twice the height of an ordinary person, covered in swaying fat. With each step, his round belly trembled incessantly, glistening with a greasy sheen in the candlelight. He looked both ferocious and disgusting.

"Go back to the branch helmsman!"

Liu Azheng, a disciple with four bags at the door, hurriedly bowed, his voice trembling like a leaf, "I just received Zhou Cheng's flying kite message, Junior Brother Chen is already on his way!"

As he spoke, he glanced up furtively.

It was as if their own branch leader had committed the sin of gluttony. In just a few days, he had become so fat that he was no longer human, resembling a freakish ball of flesh.

"My God, Master!"

Liu Azheng was shocked and immediately gritted his teeth to advise, "Chief Wang, please forgive my bluntness! You're getting so fat! In short, you can't eat anymore! I've always thought that Chen Ran is a very slippery guy; most of the pills he brings you are fake!"

"Fuck your mother's fart!"

The enormous figure charged forward suddenly, causing the ground to tremble.

"Do you think I wouldn't know whether those pills are fake or not?"

"This sect leader is getting old and just wants to take some pills to replenish his strength. What's wrong with that? If I run out of Crimson Marrow Pills, then I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to help me replenish my strength!"

As he spoke, he patted his round belly hard, making a terrifying "bang bang bang" sound.

Liu Azheng felt a chill run down his spine and retreated repeatedly.

The enormous figure suddenly burst into wild laughter, its fat jiggling even more violently. "Don't be afraid, child, it was just a joke! Hahahaha—"

He laughed wildly, and the laughter had not yet subsided.

boom!
The door to the dark room was kicked open by someone!

A familiar figure appeared at the doorway.

"You beast, still laughing?"

Chen Ran looked up at the hideous and enormous demonic shadow before him and said coldly:
"I've come to collect you."

(End of this chapter)