Those veteran players who chose to become Zhou Yuling’s followers just to enter the Novice Apartment…

Each had their own hidden agenda.

Some wanted to enjoy the benefits of the Novice Apartment; some sought opportunities within Apartment 0000; some simply wanted to bully newcomers as veterans…

And then there were those like Yan Cheng, the Rookie King, who came with an extremely clear purpose—to upgrade his privileged status from Rookie King to Administrator.

Not just any ordinary administrator either.

His goal was to become a specially-numbered administrator!

With such diverse motivations, these followers naturally grew restless.

How much time had passed since this second day began?

As some players trapped in the White Tower commented:

“Given Zhou Yuling’s wealth and resources, she must possess a Red Light Elevator Card!”

“That means after arriving at Apartment 0000, she could directly take the red elevator to the 18th floor.”

“Calculating this way, reaching the Court of Disorder should only take her minutes!”

“But look—how long has it been? She still hasn’t released us!”

“That woman—is she playing some trick, planning to go back on her word?!”

These speculations voiced the concerns of many players within the White Tower.

Especially that eerie young man covered in blood patterns who had previously been disciplined by Zhou Yuling.

He spoke with particular bluntness:

“Hmph! I said it before—that Zhou Yuling woman is definitely hiding something!”

“When I said this publicly, she immediately made an example of me.”

“And you lot? Not only did you not support me, but you actually let her use me to warn the monkeys, too scared to even fart in protest…”

“Well now? If something really happens, you’ll only have yourselves to blame!”

Wu Ying’s clone had heard from Zi Sang Haoyun before—

That blood-patterned eerie youth was named Xu Gou.

Affiliated with the first-class secret realm organization “Heavenly Net,” his privileged background made him arrogant.

Clearly, he remained bitter that no one had spoken up for him when Zhou Yuling made him an example.

Now he indiscriminately mocked everyone present.

And it was precisely because of such brazen provocateurs that the trapped players grew increasingly agitated.

Though some, accustomed to self-preservation, merely wore ugly expressions when mocked by Xu Gou, ultimately choosing silence.

Only those stronger than Xu Gou dared retort sarcastically:

“Her making an example of you was your own damn fault!”

“Everyone has their secrets—who else would she kill if not someone snooping around?”

“Digging your own grave, then blaming us for not joining you? Ridiculous!”

The speaker was the same youth who had previously conversed with Zhou Yuling.

From Zi Sang Haoyun’s introduction, Jiang Ye learned this young man was Peng Gu, a player from the top-tier secret realm organization Blood Breath Pavilion.

Naturally, top-tier organizations outclass first-tier ones.

So Peng Gu’s background surpassed Xu Gou’s.

His strength likely did too, hence his boldness in pointing fingers and cursing.

Both clearly shared similarly abrasive personalities.

Within moments, they were openly trading insults.

The surrounding crowd only backed away, showing no intention to mediate.

If anything, some seemed eager to egg them into fighting!

Xu Gou’s strength indeed seemed inferior to Peng Gu’s.

After repeatedly losing verbal battles and lacking courage to fight, his face flushed with humiliation.

Mid-argument, he subtly shifted topics, proposing a new perspective:

“Look how heated we’ve become—the entire White Tower’s players are restless…”

“This unstable atmosphere can’t be good, so why hasn’t Zhou Yuling responded at all?”

Peng Gu, recognizing his diversion tactic, mocked again:

“Just some petty squabble—why would she bother?”

“How about we actually fight and see if that woman intervenes?”

These simple words made Xu Gou’s face alternate between red and pale.

Fortunately, someone else considered his point valid.

A bystander resembling Jiang Ye spoke in Jiang Ye’s voice:

“Brother Xu’s argument has merit.”

“It’s not just about your quarrel.”

“The White Tower’s atmosphere truly is unstable.”

“And given Zhou Yuling’s capabilities, reaching the Court of Disorder shouldn’t take this long.”

“Facing unexpected circumstances, she should at least send word to reassure us.”

“Even a simple explanation would be better than leaving us anxious!”

“Yet whether it’s followers’ complaints or your argument, nothing has drawn her response…”

“Don’t you all wonder what this implies?”

This perspective quickly gained support:

“Honestly, I’ve been thinking the same.”

“We followers aren’t unreasonable.”

“Even if Zhou Yuling’s bad with words, any statement would beat wild speculation!”

“But she’s remained completely silent…”

Another voice continued:

“So you’re saying—something happened to Zhou Yuling?”

This blunt conclusion instantly amplified the tense atmosphere!

Numerous hindsight remarks emerged:

“I felt uneasy when dragged into this White Tower—gathering so many players here seemed unwise!”

“I worried then—what if Zhou Yuling died before releasing us? We’d all be doomed!”

“Just didn’t have time to voice concerns earlier, and now look—trouble’s here!”

Though some doubted:

“That can’t be right. If truly in danger, wouldn’t she release us for help?”

“With nearly ten thousand helpers, what veteran player couldn’t we defeat?”

Indeed.

While listening to these discussions, Wu Ying’s clone also pondered:

What exactly happened to Zhou Yuling?

Why no messages to reassure them, nor any release…

Fortunately, Wu Ying’s clone differed from other followers.

He was just a clone.

Other clones could investigate Zhou Yuling’s situation.

Like Zhang Minghan’s clone, currently using the Carefree Dao Stone to return to Apartment 0000.

Each floor of Apartment 0000 represented a unique environment.

Even the 1st floor lacked a lobby—

Instead, it was a desert called Twilight Sands.

Endless dunes with frequent sandstorms limited visibility, creating a desolate atmosphere.

Though in reality, this desert likely hid numerous veteran players.

Bold newcomers also gradually infiltrated Apartment 0000.

But the vast desert and obstructing sandstorms minimized player encounters.

Those without [Red Light Elevator Cards] wandered aimlessly, searching for the red elevator.

Zhang Minghan, possessing even the rule-defying [Carefree Dao Stone], naturally had a [Red Light Elevator Card].

Jiang Ye originally planned to use it to reach the 18th floor’s [Court of Disorder].

But unaware of his main body’s situation,

his external clones weren’t rushing there.

Instead, he focused on Zhou Yuling’s status,

while also concerned that Zhang Minghan’s clone visiting [Court of Disorder] might arouse suspicion.

Before acting, Zhang Minghan’s clone messaged Zhou Yuling,

inquiring about her situation, plans, or needed assistance.

Such considerate messages fit Zhang Minghan’s persona perfectly—

a soft man buttering up his sugar mommy.

Yet Zhou Yuling, whether ignoring him or truly in trouble, didn’t respond.

After waiting briefly, Zhang Minghan’s clone prepared to proceed.

But before summoning the red elevator,

an unexpected message arrived.

Unfortunately, not from Zhou Yuling.

But from a troublesome Defenders’ Alliance member—

Yuan Qiu: [Where are you, Old Zhang? Free right now?]

This Yuan Qiu was, naturally, female.

Young, lively, even naively innocent, and quite attractive.

Crucially, she seemed interested in Zhang Minghan.

Casually calling him “Old Zhang,” their interactions bordered on intimate.

Yet Zhang Minghan dared not pursue her.

For one simple reason—

Yuan Qiu had a formidable father, Yuan Yihong.

Not only influential within the Defenders’ Alliance,

but also a ranked VIP player!

That alone might have been manageable.

But Yuan Yihong had explicitly warned Zhang Minghan with condescension:

“How you got here doesn’t interest me.”

“But my daughter? Trash like you shouldn’t even look her way.”

“Lay one finger on her, and you’ll learn your past suffering was merciful.”

“Furthermore, if anything happens to my daughter…”

“Whether you’re involved or not—”

“Your death will be exceptionally painful.”

Therefore…

Regarding Yuan Qiu, Zhang Minghan couldn’t even consider mooching.

He practically feared this little sister.

Moreover…

Zhang Minghan privately suspected—

Though classified as a non-dark Defender,

Yuan Qiu might actually be…

a transformed anomaly!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep