"Senior, Qingzhi has taken the liberty to return to Qingyun Sect tomorrow," Fang Qingzhi said. After Lu Changtian left, she knelt and bowed deeply to the roof inside her room.
"I am not a stubborn fool clinging to the past. Nor am I nostalgic for the grace of Qingyun Sect and Chixiao Peak. They have become stumbling blocks on my cultivation path. I must sever them personally to continue my journey and live up to your expectations," she said earnestly.
She knew Qingyun Sect was a den of tigers and dragons but had to venture in. She also understood her senior likely disapproved of her return, which might even arouse suspicion. Having received so much kindness, her return could seeming make her an ingrate.
So she waited for her senior's decision.
If he agreed, she would go. If not, she would stay.
Chen Ping An replied via a sound-transmitting talisman, "No worries. To untie a bell, one must find the person who tied it. Since it started at Chixiao Peak, let it end there. Handle it yourself. I trust you!"
In the hut, Fang Qingzhi waited a while before a distant voice reached her.
"One's joy turns to sorrow when fortune wanes. The rise and fall of things are predestined. Every drink and morsel is fated. Bear your karma and act accordingly. You may go!"
Fang Qingzhi pondered Chen Ping An's words, deeply moved. She bowed deeply, her hesitant gaze firming up.
"Thank you for your guidance, Senior!" she said, tears welling up. Clutching the sword, she vowed, "I will not disappoint you!"
...
"Hello, is this Mr. Chen?" a voice asked.
"Yes," Chen Ping An answered.
"We're an outdoor variety show called 'Come and Adventure.' We saw your vlog of the Mount Yi challenge and would like to invite you to join us," the caller said.
"Scam call," Chen Ping An frowned and hung up. He was figuring out how to help Fang Qingzhi the next day. With little money left, the game would surely find a way to pressure him into paying. He had no time for such calls. Previously, he would spend an hour discussing life with scammers.
No sooner had he hung up than the phone rang again. Chen Ping An answered with a sneer, ready to expose the scammers.
"Mr. Chen, we're not scammers. We're a variety show called 'Come and Adventure.' Our director saw your vlog of the Mount Yi challenge and is very interested in you. We'd like to invite you to join our program. We have many famous stars. Our show has high ratings on Mango TV. Your participation could promote your stream and gain fans. It's a win-win situation!"
Chen Ping An's eyes narrowed. He searched the show on the hotel computer and found it was indeed a popular outdoor adventure program featuring celebrities. But why invite him?
He checked his streaming account and was shocked. His vlog had over 100 million views and 7 million likes. Comments and messages flooded his inbox.
"Whoa, I'm famous now?" he muttered, seeing his fan count hit 270,000.
This was the power of the internet. He shook his head in amazement, understanding why so many university graduates aimed to be online celebrities. Working for a boss was a dead end, but being a netizen offered a glimmer of hope. The self-media industry allowed pursuing one's passions. Monetization was ideal, but even without profit, life felt meaningful.
His vlog was linked to a trending topic: the 'Mirage of the Mount Yi Enthronement.' Experts explained it as a filming crew's projection via optical effects. A crew claimed to be filming 'Mount Yi Enthronement,' but Chen Ping An doubted it. The emperor's portrayal was vastly different from his experience.
Other trending topics focused on cancer awareness and support for patients. Chen Ping An realized his live broadcast and vlogs, filled with positivity and the spirit of resistance, stood out. Without selling goods or seeking donations, they offered a fresh perspective in a sea of content. Touched by his story, the public embraced his content, and with platform promotion, he skyrocketed to fame.
The variety show aimed to capitalize on his popularity. Chen Ping An saw through their scheme but remained polite.
"I'm not interested in variety shows," he said. "I just want to live out my remaining time in peace."
The caller, unsurprised, countered, "Who wouldn't want a chance to treat their illness? We'll pay you 500,000 yuan for your appearance!"
Chen Ping An's eyes widened at the offer. The caller clarified it was a buyout for the entire season, with payment upfront upon signing the contract.
After a moment of contemplation, Chen Ping An agreed, curious about the show's plans.
"Hiking up Tianmen Mountain. A professional climber will accompany you. Besides you, we've invited five celebrities. You'll join as a mystery guest. If you agree, add me on Green Messaging, and I'll send the electronic contract," the caller explained.
"Agreed! I love mysteries!" Chen Ping An said with a grin.
After hanging up, Chen Ping An felt a mix of emotions. His game spending seemed reckless, but without the game's motivation, he wouldn't have earned 500,000 yuan. The combination of his cancer and the Mount Yi challenge, along with his accident there, had created his massive online following, leading to the variety show's lucrative offer.
Cause and effect were truly fascinating!
After signing the electronic contract and submitting his bank details, seeing the additional 500,000 yuan in his account rekindled a glimmer of hope within him.
Who wanted to die if they could live?
While 100,000 yuan was insufficient against cancer, 500,000 offered a fighting chance.
He immediately dressed and headed to the hospital where he had previously been examined.
Following the standard procedure, the attending physician conducted a biopsy review.
In the diagnosis room, Chen Ping An and the doctor silently examined the X-ray.
"You merely climbed Mount Yi and suffered a fracture?" the doctor asked, his face grim.
"Yes, nothing else," Chen Ping An replied, noticing the doctor's odd expression.
The doctor sighed, pointing to the X-ray. "In less than a month, your cancer cells have spread from your leg and pancreas to your entire body, even forming brain tumors. This rate of metastasis is unprecedented. It's as if the cancer cells obtained massive nutrients and proliferated explosively in a short time."
Chen Ping An deadpanned, "So, still no cure?"
The doctor looked at him with a complicated expression and said, "Young man, you mentioned earning 500,000 yuan. Enjoy your remaining time, stay happy, and live life to the fullest without breaking the law."
The doctor's words left Chen Ping An speechless.