Since the passing of his parents, Liu Zhao had lived alone in a spacious room. This morning, he prepared breakfast while listening to the news broadcast from his smart speaker.
"The Exploiter Tong Gu has rejected partnerships with platforms like Feiyu, Cattooth, and YouTube, opting instead to sign with Blitzstation, which boasts a predominantly young user base. According to reports, Blitzstation's director plans to collaborate with Tiancheng Technology to create a custom super-device for Tong Gu, enabling multi-world video transmission…"
"Jiang Gu's eldest son, Jiang Xianlang, stated in his personal blog that Tong Gu, The Exploiter, was the junior his late father held in the highest regard. Their bond was deep, and he urged certain online groups to stop using his father's death to attack Tong Gu. Furthermore, he declared that Gu-style Martial Arts will continue to support anyone brave enough to challenge fate."
"As an S-Class trial participant from the previous season, Ju Dongliu expressed his keen interest in Tong Gu when asked for his opinion…"
Liu Zhao couldn't help but marvel at how Tonggu's actions had swiftly turned the tide of public opinion in the country, which had been gloomily negative since Jiang Gu's death.
Though the hero had passed, it seemed a new champion had risen. Dongxia's resilience inspired hope in many hearts.
Finishing his breakfast with satisfaction, Liu Zhao decided to create a video later in the day answering online questions about Tong Gu. Drawing from his three years as Tong Gu's classmate, he wanted to showcase the practical and hardworking side of Tong Gu beyond the moniker of The Exploiter.
---
Despite becoming an overnight sensation, Tong Gu remained steadfast in his training regimen. However, unlike before, he now devoted more attention to breath-control exercises alongside his study of energy perception.
A soft chime interrupted his focus.
Since the press conference, Tong Gu and had adjusted his phone settings to only notify messages from select contacts. Checking his phone, he saw a notification: his commissioned weapon repair was complete.
Taking a deep breath, Tong Gu picked up the device delivered earlier by Blitzstation—a sleek pair of glasses. The lenses appeared amber from the front but could switch to transparent depending on the scenario.
This was a temporary alternative, prepared while his implantable super-device was still under development.
Years ago, Jiang Gu and his team had used similar devices to transmit real-time footage from mission worlds back to reality.
[Observer V2]
Now, these devices were being gradually phased out in favor of implantable super-devices.
Tong Gu put on the glasses and noted their remarkably durable lenses. It was no exaggeration that these glasses could withstand a single strike intended for a "player."
Adjusting the glasses, he pressed a side button, rendering the lenses entirely invisible.
The material was specially designed to be recognized by Game of Fate as part of the user's body, enabling seamless traversal between worlds. Its value was astronomical, and its use was restricted to "players" who had achieved significant milestones, as mandated by governments worldwide.
Retrieving his newly repaired Nichirin Blade from the craftsman, Tong Gu strapped it onto his back. Then, he lightly tapped the side of the glasses.
[Observer V2 deployed. User detected: Tonggu. Would you like to initiate live streaming?]
With another tap, light flickered across the glasses.
[Live stream initiated. Streaming now…]
---
Guo Dengyuan, frail since childhood, had neither the stamina for martial arts nor the compatibility for genetic modifications. His parents had even considered cybernetic implants for him, but Guo ultimately declined.
He cherished being wholly human.
Lying in his luxurious bedroom, Guo scrolled through his phone in boredom until a notification popped up.
[The user you follow, Tong Gu, has started a live stream. Would you like to watch?]
His spirits lifted instantly. Jumping off the bed, he turned on his massive wall display while grabbing his phone to alert his friends.
"Quick! He's live!"
---
Meanwhile, Li Mei, staring at her monitor, rolled her eyes at the message.
"I was just about to tell you that," she grumbled.
On her screen, the live stream showed Tong Gu's first-person view as he strolled through a bustling street in Mountain City.
The outdated Observer V2 glasses limited the audience to seeing only what the streamer saw, disappointing Li Mei. The latest Stargazer model allowed full 360-degree environmental capture, giving viewers complete control over their perspective.
Liu Zhao, preparing to edit his video, noticed the stream notification and joined. To his surprise, over 3,000 viewers were already watching.
For such an unannounced, off-peak stream, this level of audience engagement spoke volumes about public curiosity toward The Exploiter.
"Is this the new S-Class Awakener? Why is he still using Observer V2?"
"Yeah, come on, Blitzstation, step up your game!"
As criticism of the outdated streaming tools mounted, a red-text moderator ID appeared in the chat:
[Admin: Tong Gu's custom Stargazer device is under expedited production.]
Liu Zhao chuckled. Blitzstation must be feeling the heat to make such a public statement.
"Where's Tong Gu heading?"
As the admin quelled doubts, the chat's attention returned to the stream. Tong Gu's brisk pace soon led him away from the commercial district. In the distance, a triangular portal grew clearer.
"That's the Changhong Bay portal!"
Local viewers quickly identified the landmark.
Through the projected chat, Tong Gu noticed comments from people planning to meet him at the portal. Amused, he finally broke his silence:
"Don't bother trying to meet me. You won't make it in time."
His words caused an uproar in the chat.
"Wait, what's going on?"
Then, with no theatrics, Tong Gu announced:
"I'm about to enter Game of Fate."
His statement was a thunderclap. The chat froze momentarily before exploding into chaos.
"Has he gone mad? He just finished the Awakening Trial yesterday!"
"Is this an S-Class overconfidence issue?"
"Don't do it! It's too dangerous!"
Among the frantic viewers, Guo Dengyuan used his wealth to post multiple highlighted messages:
[GuoSunny (CNY 1,000): Tong Gu, please don't go! Consecutive entries are too dangerous. Take care of yourself!]
[GuoSunny (CNY 1,000): Please rest for a few days!!!]
---
By now, Tong Gu had reached Changhong Bay Plaza. Hooded figures loitered near the portal, many of them unwilling participants forced to enter due to their monthly deadlines.
Standing unmasked in his trench coat, with his blade strapped to his back, Tong Gu stood out conspicuously.
A frail, hunched man wearing a black hood hesitated near the portal. His outstretched hand wavered before retreating. Hearing footsteps, he turned to see Tong Gu.
Their eyes met. The elder's gaunt face betrayed a life drained by the game. Tong Gu placed a reassuring hand on the man's shoulder. Startled, the elder stepped aside.
Approaching the portal, Tong Gu glanced back.
"Sir, no matter how much Game of Fate has taken from you…"
"…fate itself can never be just despair and sorrow."
The elder's reddened eyes glistened with unspoken memories. Gazing at the youthful, vibrant Tong Gu, he felt a rare flicker of hope.
"Watch me," Tong Gu said with quiet resolve. "I'm heading into the world of destiny."
Ignoring the flood of pleas in the chat, Tong Gu resolutely placed his hand on the portal.
Hum!
The portal glowed with blinding white light.
As Tong Gu's figure disappeared, the elder's frozen heart stirred. For the first time in years, he dared to hope—dared to summon courage long thought lost.
**********************************************
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