Chapter 141: Butterfly Village

Seeing Li Zhi about to leave, Nie Miao and Yao Lang hesitated for a moment. The two exchanged glances, sparks of challenge flashing between them as if sizing up a rival. Then, simultaneously, they quickened their steps toward Li Zhi.

"Zhi Zhi, I'll go with you."

"Zhi Zhi-jie, let me help you!"

Li Zhi immediately sped up her pace.

As the four of them walked away, the tour guide called out from behind, "Hey, aren’t you four going to take photos? You can only visit Butterfly Valley once. Once we enter the village, it’ll be troublesome to come back!"

Yao Lang turned and replied, "My friend isn’t feeling well. It’s fine—you all take your time. We’ll head back to the bus first."

Han Wenlin had initially wanted to follow them, but the girl named Tao Tao, who had sat next to him on the bus, stopped him. "Wenlin-ge, can you film another short video for me? I’ll walk from here, and make sure I’m centered in the middle three grids. My feet should align with the bottom line of the nine-square grid, okay?"

Han Wenlin: "……"

Jiao Shen glanced at Li Zhi’s retreating figure, supported by the others, then turned his attention back to Butterfly Valley. Since entering the dungeon, he hadn’t received any system prompts, so he had to carefully observe every detail for clues.

But perhaps there were too many butterflies here. The air was thick with fluttering wings and scattered dust-like scales, and after a while, even Jiao Shen felt dizzy. After circling the area without finding anything useful, he followed the forest path back to the parking lot.

There, he saw Li Zhi squatting by the roadside, the other three players hovering around her with worried expressions.

Jiao Shen walked over. "What’s wrong?"

Nie Miao’s eyes were full of concern. "Zhi Zhi-jie threw up."

Jiao Shen was surprised. "Threw up? That serious?"

Li Zhi was still dry heaving. Xu Yan turned to him and asked, "Are you feeling unwell too? We suspect the butterfly dust might be the problem."

Jiao Shen said, "It was a bit stuffy in there, but I’m fine now." Nearby, the other players were also emerging from the woods, all seemingly unaffected. He turned back to Li Zhi. "It probably isn’t the butterfly dust—no one else is sick. Did you eat something bad before coming in?"

Li Zhi took the water and tissues Yao Lang handed her, rinsed her mouth, wiped her lips, and stood up. "Maybe."

She still looked pale, so Jiao Shen didn’t press further. When the other players returned and saw Li Zhi being helped weakly onto the bus, they exchanged glances. One of them muttered under his breath, "And she’s supposed to be a top player? So fragile."

Han Wenlin scoffed at the speaker. "Everyone gets sick sometimes. Hope you don’t fall ill later."

The man awkwardly shut his mouth.

As the tourists gradually returned to the bus, the tour guide picked up the loudspeaker. "Now that we’ve finished visiting Butterfly Valley, we’ll be heading into the village. Today’s schedule isn’t too packed—I’m sure everyone’s tired after the long ride. Once we arrive at Butterfly Village, we’ll check into the pre-booked inn. The afternoon will be free for exploration, and we’ll gather at the inn entrance tomorrow at 8 a.m."

One of the players raised a hand. "Do we have to stick with the tour group? Can’t we explore on our own?"

The guide replied, "We recommend staying with the group. Since all of you won free trips, Butterfly Village has arranged a special seven-day itinerary to give you the most immersive experience possible. This kind of free travel opportunity is rare—don’t waste it! Of course, we’ve also set aside free time for independent activities. Rest assured, this trip will be unforgettable."

Half an hour later, the bus finally rolled into Butterfly Village.

The moment the vehicle crossed into the village, the players and the audience outside the screen finally heard the system’s voice:

—Players have entered Butterfly Village. This episode’s storyline begins: You are the lucky tourists selected by Butterfly Village. Following the tour group, you’ve arrived at this ancient settlement with a long history, ready to embark on a wondrous journey.

—This episode’s mission: Spend seven days in Butterfly Village for the tourism festival. We hope you enjoy your stay!

This mission seemed simple—just survive seven days.

Li Zhi opened her eyes to a rustic, timeworn village. Stone-paved roads were flanked by stilted bamboo houses with distinct ethnic styles, preserving the authentic charm of an ancient culture in both architecture and clothing.

Though they had left Butterfly Valley, the village was still dotted with fluttering butterflies, just as the guide had said—a place where time seemed to slow, exuding untouched beauty.

The guide turned on the loudspeaker. "Please disembark and gather. Vehicles can’t enter the village, so we’ll walk to the inn from here."

Xu Yan whispered to Li Zhi, "Feeling better? Can you walk?"

Her tone was so reliable that it sounded like she’d carry Li Zhi if needed. Li Zhi smiled at her. "I’m fine. Much better now."

It had been years since she’d last fallen ill. Right now, she felt the weakness of someone recovering from a serious sickness. Walking wasn’t an issue, but if they encountered danger requiring physical strength, she might be in trouble.

Fortunately, the players sent by the authorities this time looked highly capable. Leaning against Xu Yan, Li Zhi suddenly understood Chi Yi’s happiness.

Being carried didn’t seem so bad.

After gathering, the group followed the guide toward the inn. Walking through the village, they could truly feel its rustic, ancient atmosphere. Tourist spots like this, close to nature, were usually packed, but as they moved along, they noticed the village wasn’t overcrowded.

The guide explained that Butterfly Village strictly controlled visitor numbers to preserve its unique, untouched environment, avoiding the commercialization seen in other ancient towns. The goal was to give every guest the most immersive experience possible.

The enthusiastic brother who’d wanted to lead songs on the bus immediately praised the place.

Li Zhi chuckled. Xu Yan leaned in as she murmured, "Probably afraid too many people would discover their secrets."

Walking along the weathered stone paths, they arrived at their lodging—a three-story bamboo inn with a wooden plaque reading Silver Lotus Inn. A beautiful woman holding a folding fan stepped out, drawing gasps from the crowd.

The guide introduced her. "This is the owner of Silver Lotus Inn—Madam Yin Fu."

Dressed in a bellyband that revealed her slender waist and back, draped in a translucent shawl, the alluring proprietress swayed gracefully, her high-slit skirt hinting at long, shapely legs. "Welcome to Butterfly Village. Please, come in."

Several men from the tour group eagerly hurried inside.

Li Zhi overheard a male player mutter, "She looks so bewitching—is she a butterfly spirit in disguise?"

How suspicious.

As the forty-some tourists entered, the dimly lit lobby instantly felt crowded. The inn’s interior was exquisitely decorated, walls adorned with butterfly-themed ornaments. Soft light filtered through gauzy curtains, casting a dreamy, seductive glow—fitting for the madam’s aura.

"To accommodate your group, we’ve stopped accepting outside guests. Rooms on the first, second, and third floors are all available." Madam Yin Fu placed a butterfly-shaped tray on the bamboo counter, filled with keys. "Each room holds two people. Choose as you like."

Among the forty-plus tourists, only ten were players—four women and six men, easily paired up. Nie Miao wanted to room with Li Zhi, but seeing Xu Yan’s icy expression guarding her, she held back and teamed up with another female player, Guan Xiaoxing, instead.

Li Zhi sat on the lobby sofa. Xu Yan whispered, "Which floor should we stay on?"

Li Zhi thought for a moment. "Any. With so many rooms, we can’t avoid potential issues right now. Let’s just pick one and adjust later."

Xu Yan nodded. Considering Li Zhi’s condition, she chose a first-floor room to avoid stairs.

The group quickly sorted out their arrangements. Standing behind the counter, Madam Yin Fu smiled. "The inn serves three meals a day at set times. Enjoy your stay in Butterfly Village."

The overhead lantern light cast shadows on her face, enhancing her mystique. Li Zhi studied her, noting the vivid butterfly tattoos peeking through her shawl—so lifelike they seemed ready to take flight.

The girl named Tao Tao, who’d sat with Han Wenlin, asked curiously, "Madam, are those tattoos from drinking the Butterfly Spring’s water?"

Madam Yin Fu seemed amused by her naivety, covering her smile with the fan. "Little girl, turn right outside, walk a hundred meters, and you’ll find a tattoo shop under a butterfly lantern. Go there—you can get as many as you want."

Tao Tao giggled sheepishly. "Oh, I thought the legend was true." She turned to Han Wenlin. "Wenlin-ge, wanna explore the village with me later? Madam said there’s a tattoo shop. I wanna check it out."

Han Wenlin, deep in conversation with his roommate, didn’t even look up. "Go ahead. I’ve got other things to do."

Tao Tao looked disappointed but took her key upstairs.

A nearby tourist teased, "Kid, you don’t know what’s good for you. That girl’s clearly into you. A vacation fling would be perfect!"

Han Wenlin shot him a smirk, then leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Bro—" he lowered his voice, "Actually, I’m into guys. Wanna give it a shot?"

The man fled in terror.

Han Wenlin scoffed, then caught Li Zhi watching him with amusement. Flustered, he cleared his throat and approached her. "Cui Zehui and I are planning to scout the village this afternoon. This mission seems too simple—just survive seven days. Feels suspicious."

Li Zhi nodded. "Go ahead."

Among the players, two pairs were on the first floor, the other three on the second. Unable to room with Li Zhi, Nie Miao settled for the first floor as well. Seeing Li Zhi and Xu Yan heading to their room, she hurried after them.

"Zhi Zhi-jie," she cooed, linking arms with Li Zhi. "Let’s search for clues together this afternoon!"

Li Zhi sighed. "I need to rest. You can go with the others first."

Nie Miao pouted. "Nooo, Miao Miao only wants to follow Zhi Zhi-jie! Miao Miao is your most loyal little follower!"

Li Zhi: "...Fine. I’ll come get you after resting. What’s your room number?"

Nie Miao beamed. "107! Miao Miao will wait obediently for Zhi Zhi-jie!"

Li Zhi: "Okay..."