Chapter 160: Celebration

After redeeming their items, a new panel appeared with options for scheduling the next dungeon entry.

Before leaving the dungeon, Li Zhi had promised Li Jianxi that she would go see him soon. Now, she wasn’t sure whether he would return to normal after clearing the Butterfly Village dungeon, so she scheduled her next dungeon three days later—just to meet him as soon as possible.

Once they exited the reward space, everyone had received their desired items. Just before the safe house closed, Jiao Shen suddenly pulled Li Zhi aside. “Zhi-jie, can I get your contact info?”

Technically, Jiao Shen was a few years older than her. But calling her “Zhi-jie” was his way of showing respect to a top-tier player.

Li Zhi didn’t really feel the need to befriend players like him—they weren’t on the same path—so she smiled and politely declined. “Why? Want to treat me to dinner?”

Jiao Shen picked up on the subtle rejection in her tone and chuckled. “Our leader really admires you. He’d love to treat you.”

Li Zhi raised a brow. “Your leader?”

“You might’ve heard of our organization,” he said, pausing slightly. A note of pride crept into his voice. “Peacock.”

She had heard of it—Tang Manyu had mentioned it once.

After the rise of live dungeon broadcasts, many professional dungeon-running organizations had appeared across the globe. These groups were made up of elite players. Unlike cult-like organizations, these professional groups operated more like a new kind of profession: accepting contracts from all over the world to obtain desired items for rich clients unwilling or unable to enter dungeons themselves.

Their existence couldn’t be classified as good or evil. They accepted all clients, as long as the price was right. They didn’t kill indiscriminately, but they also didn’t hold much regard for human life.

At the beginning, the special authorities had contacted Peacock, paying a hefty sum to acquire some life-saving items. Those initial tools helped reduce the early death toll among official dungeon players.

Now, money wasn’t even the most important factor for such groups. They saw dungeons as amusement parks and called themselves “players.” Their organizational titles had become symbols of identity and status.

Peacock was the most renowned dungeon-running organization in the country. Li Zhi had seen forums where people speculated about the mysterious founders of such groups. Surely, they were among the top-ranked players on the global popularity list?

Someone had even guessed that she was the founder of Peacock once, and a bunch of people agreed with the idea—truly ridiculous.

But since these organizations were in fierce competition, revealing too much would put them at a disadvantage inside dungeons. So members rarely disclosed their affiliations online. How they took orders remained a mystery to Li Zhi.

She hadn’t expected Jiao Shen to be a member of Peacock. Curious, she asked, “So who’s your leader?”

He smiled. “If you’re willing to accept the invitation, you’ll find out soon enough.”

Li Zhi smiled back. “Thanks for the offer, but dinner’s unnecessary. Please thank your leader for the compliment.”

Jiao Shen looked like he wanted to say more, but the safe house had already entered the final three-second countdown. He gave her a nod before the space closed and each player was returned to their position from before entering the dungeon.

As the brief dizziness faded and Li Zhi opened her eyes, a series of loud bangs went off by her ears.

She opened her eyes to see Chi Yi and Lian Qinglin leading a group standing in the living room, each holding a confetti cannon. Colorful streamers rained down from above. Owen Dong was holding a festively wrapped loudspeaker, shouting, “Congrats to Zhi-jie and Little Han for clearing the dungeon safely! Applause!”

Clap clap clap—

The villa erupted in thunderous applause.

Li Zhi: “……”

Han Wenlin jumped off the sofa. “What the hell, I thought someone threw a bomb into the villa!”

Owen Dong ran up and hugged him. “Extra congratulations to our Little Han for surviving certain death! Misfortune past brings future blessings! Quick, Mengmeng!”

You Jingmeng rushed over with a bowl of sweet dumplings. “Coming, coming! Eat these tangyuan for peace and reunion!”

Han Wenlin: “…………” He looked reluctant, but once the bowl was shoved in his face, he swallowed them in a few bites.

Xu Yan asked, “Don’t I get any?”

You Jingmeng quickly said, “Everyone does! We cooked a huge pot! Yan-jie, how many do you want? I’ll serve you.”

Xu Yan laughed. “Thanks, I’ll get them myself.”

Li Zhi brushed confetti from her hair. Chi Yi ran over with a grin. “So? Pretty good celebration idea, huh?”

Li Zhi said, “I knew this was your idea.”

Chi Yi put her hands on her hips. “Then you should praise this genius! We’ve decided—anyone returning from a dungeon will get this kind of celebration. Festive, fun, and clears bad luck!”

Li Zhi chuckled. “Fine, as long as you all enjoy it. I’m going to take a shower first.”

Chi Yi grabbed her arm. “At least eat a bowl of tangyuan first!”

They really had made a huge pot. The three of them couldn’t finish it all, so everyone grabbed some and gathered around the dining table. It wasn’t even a holiday, yet it felt just like a celebration.

After eating, Xu Yan had to return to her mission. Her ride was already waiting outside. Li Zhi walked her to the door. Xu Yan seemed a bit reluctant to leave. “If I didn’t have a mission, I’d love to stay a few more days.”

Li Zhi smiled. “You’re welcome anytime.”

Xu Yan sighed. “Who knows when that’ll be.”

Like Li Feng, she had to follow orders. Li Zhi hugged her goodbye and watched her leave before returning inside.

That dungeon had been physically exhausting. After dinner and a shower, Li Zhi and Han Wenlin went to rest. The others knew how tired they were and didn’t disturb them. They slept until noon the next day. When Li Zhi woke up, she felt refreshed and clear-headed.

She picked up her phone and saw several missed calls and video requests.

Seeing the word “Brother,” her brow twitched.

She got up, freshened up, changed, and called Li Feng back. The phone rang twice and was abruptly hung up.

Li Zhi: “……?”

That angry?

This is going to be tough.

She decided to eat first. But when she opened her door, the whole house was silent. Her usually noisy teammates seemed to have vanished. Curious, she walked to the stairs—and understood instantly.

Li Feng was sitting stone-faced on the living room sofa, radiating black energy. Across from him, Chi Yi and Owen Dong sat stiff as boards, silent as chickens. Hearing her footsteps, they turned and Chi Yi shot her a “you’re dead” look.

Li Zhi replied with a look: Don’t panic. I got this.

She walked over. “Ge, how come you’re here?”

Their movements were usually restricted. Him coming in person meant he was really mad.

Li Feng didn’t look at her. “They said you were asleep, so I didn’t wake you.”

Chi Yi shot to her feet like she’d been pardoned. “You two should talk. We’ll head out now.”

Afraid to be collateral damage, the others quickly fled. Alone now, Li Zhi poured herself a glass of hot water and drank it before turning to ask, “Want some?”

Li Feng took a deep breath and frowned. “Didn’t you promise me?”

She had promised, hadn’t she? That she wouldn’t let herself get emotionally involved until they found a real solution.

Li Zhi walked over, holding her cup. “Ge, you once taught me to face my true thoughts. To express what I want and what I don’t.”

Li Feng massaged his temples in frustration. “That was when you first came back from the orphanage. You were quiet, obedient, never said what you wanted. I just wanted you to feel at home…”

That had nothing to do with falling in love!

Trying to stay calm, he said, “I’m not against you dating. Even if it were Owen Dong, I could accept it.”

Owen Dong, eavesdropping from the stairs: “……???”

Wait, what?!

“But Li Jianxi is different. He could vanish anytime with the system. You two can only be together in the dungeons. You’re risking your life for a relationship with no future. He can’t even send you flowers on your birthday.”

“Zhi Zhi…” Li Feng’s voice was heavy. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I know, Ge.”

Li Feng got more upset. “If you know, then why—!”

“I just believe I can find a way to bring him out. If I succeed, none of what you fear will happen.”

Li Feng frowned. “How can you be so sure?”

“I just am,” Li Zhi said, interrupting. Her eyes were calm, but her tone was unshakably firm. “I can save him. I can drive the system out.”

Li Feng had come prepared with a whole speech to convince her.

But looking into her eyes now, hearing her say “I can,” he found himself at a loss for words.

He had always known his sister was strong-willed and mature—probably from growing up in hardship. He rarely had to worry about her.

But ever since the [Ghost System] appeared, he’d begun to realize how little he really knew her.

She was far stronger than he ever imagined.

Even official players didn’t dare promise they could expel the system—but Li Zhi did, without hesitation.

After all, she was the first player who had dared to test the system by demanding a method to drive it out during a reward claim.

Li Feng realized this trip had been pointless.

He’d known the answer before coming. But if he hadn’t come, he wouldn’t have been able to convince himself to let go. He’d meant to scold her—but once he saw her, he couldn’t bear it.

Fine. The real culprit is that brat Li Jianxi. Next time they meet in a dungeon, he’ll settle the score!

Li Feng stood up with a stern face. “As long as you’ve made up your mind. I’m heading back. Only got three hours off.”

Li Zhi felt like laughing. But thinking about how he’d used those three hours just to come see her, her heart warmed. She got up and hugged him. “Thanks, Ge.”

Li Feng frowned. “We’re family. No need for thanks. Now go deal with those brats upstairs before they start laughing at you.”

Li Zhi grinned. “They wouldn’t dare.”

Li Feng snorted.

She walked him to the door. Before leaving, he couldn’t help asking, “What if—just what if—you fail?”

Li Zhi smiled. “I’m not afraid to have, and I’m not afraid to lose.”

The moment she took that first step forward, she had already accepted all possible futures.

Nothing was more regretful than having the one you love right in front of you—but being too afraid to reach out and hold his hand.

Li Feng opened the car door, half in already, then turned back with a cold warning: “Next time you see Li Jianxi in a dungeon, tell him he’s getting a beating. I want to see if I can take him.”

Li Zhi beamed. “He definitely can’t beat you. You’re the strongest, Ge.”

Li Feng: “……”

Hmph. Can’t trust a sister who’s been lured away.

He drove off. Back inside, Owen Dong stormed downstairs, rolling up his sleeves. “What did Big Bro Li mean by even if it’s me he can accept?! What’s that supposed to mean?!”

Han Wenlin and Xiaofen tried to hold him back, playing along. “Let it go, Owen. Don’t take it personally.”

Owen Dong huffed. “If he hadn’t left so fast, I’d give him a piece of my mind!”

Li Zhi calmly pulled out her phone. “Should I call him back? He’s not far.”

Owen Dong nearly fell to his knees. “Zhi-jie no! I was kidding!”

Chi Yi came downstairs. “You drama queens missed your calling. Should’ve gone into acting. Hey, is that your ultimate dream? To be in showbiz?”

Owen Dong slapped his thigh. “It actually is! If we get a chance, Yi-jie, introduce us!”

Chi Yi thumped her chest. “Leave it to me! I’ll be the queen, you…”—she pointed at Han Wenlin—“you’ll be my bodyguard. Mengmeng’s my lady-in-waiting.” Then she pointed at Xiaofen. “You’re handsome, you’ll be my boy toy.”

Xiaofen: “...Yi-jie, that’s not appropriate.”

Owen Dong got excited. “What about me?”

Chi Yi: “You’ll be my exotic belly dancer!”

Owen Dong: “???” He cracked. “So I still have to belly dance no matter what?!”

Laughter filled the villa once more, back to its usual chaos.

Li Zhi sat on the sofa with a cup in hand, watching them fool around, and suddenly missed Li Jianxi.

How long had it been since he stepped down from his throne and walked into hell?

Had he been lonely in the dungeon all this time?

Li Zhi took out the Sun-Moon Crystal from the item pool. It was a golden-red soft capsule, almost like fish oil, filled with glowing liquid that seemed to pulse with endless energy.

She stared at it for a moment, then rose and headed upstairs.

Chi Yi called out, “Zhi Zhi, we’re watching a horror movie later! Join us?”

Li Zhi shook her head. “You guys go ahead.” She paused and said, “I’m going to rest. Don’t knock on my door. No matter what you hear, don’t worry.”

Everyone stopped, suddenly nervous. “What are you doing?”

Li Zhi smiled. “Nothing big. Just strengthening my ability.”

You Jingmeng looked at her with awe. “Zhi-dage, you’re already so strong and still want to level up? You’re my inspiration! I’m gonna do fifty push-ups right now!”

After that, Li Zhi returned to her room.

She pulled the curtains closed, dimming the light. Clutching her sunflower pendant in one hand, she swallowed the Sun-Moon Crystal with a sip of water.