A Psychiatrist's Bizarre Game Journey / Dream of the Mist

However, I believe you all know one thing. That is, nearly sixty years ago, during the... Yan... uh, Emperor Jingnan! On that day, during the grand competition in the capital, the sword immortal, who had disappeared for decades, reappeared in the martial world, and was reborn in the imperial palace, ascending to immortality. And that area, which was originally the site of the Forbidden City and is now a cemetery, is where he ascended to immortality.

When Zhou Ke'er heard the opening remarks, she didn't pay much attention at first, but when she heard the description that followed, she couldn't help but stop in her tracks. Although most of the old stories told by the storyteller were not the truth and had been embellished and exaggerated, as legends circulating in the martial arts world and among the common people, they were not entirely without authenticity.

Moreover, it always felt like the storyteller struck the gavel only after Zhou Ke'er had walked by, which seemed to have been intentional.

He wasn't sure if Zhou Ke'er was overthinking things, but he still decided to stop and observe for a while before making a decision.

And listen to this so-called story.

"I believe that you have all heard of these stories, but you do not know them in detail. What I am going to tell you today is the story of that sword competition a hundred years ago."

The storyteller took a sip of water to moisten his throat and continued, "Several days before the sword duel that day, the two sword immortals had already used their profound inner strength to carve the sixteen characters 'Full Moon Night, Forbidden City Peak, A Sword Comes from the West, A Celestial Immortal Flies from Beyond the Heavens' on the walls of the Forbidden City, which was awe-inspiring to behold."

Although the imperial court swiftly covered up the matter, rumors still spread throughout the martial arts world. To catch a glimpse of such a divine figure, countless martial artists gathered in the Forbidden City on that full moon night, creating a grand spectacle.

"Huh?"

Zhou Ke'er was shocked. This was blatant plagiarism of a classic novel from the Old Era! And the adaptation was illogical. In the original novel, the lord was the only one who had the right to allow experts to watch the sword fight at the Forbidden City. This novel was about a group of martial artists wielding swords and spears who dared to break into the Forbidden City? They were skilled enough not to be afraid of being caught and killed by the court, but were they not afraid of being arrested and having their entire families executed?

However, he didn't show it or say much, but continued to listen—after all, this kind of story is just storytelling, and it's normal to exaggerate and embellish it to make it more vivid and interesting.

"When the appointed time arrived, everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of the two swordsmen, wanting to know how they would arrive. Unexpectedly, things turned out differently than anyone anticipated..."

The storyteller paused, then adopted a mysterious air and said, "The two of them suddenly appeared atop the Forbidden City right before everyone's eyes! No one noticed how they arrived; they only saw... they truly appeared like gods, without any warning, right under everyone's noses!"

## Chapter 294, Section 289: The Grand Imperial Examination (Part Four)

Appearing out of nowhere, is that even possible? Is this still a martial arts setting? Is it some kind of fantasy or xianxia (Chinese fantasy) setting? But judging from the opening introduction and the character settings provided, it doesn't seem like a xianxia setting...

Zhou Ke'er frowned slightly, seemingly unperturbed. She felt that the storyteller's exaggeration was excessive. Even if it was some kind of magic trick, it was impossible to suddenly appear on the city peak in front of everyone.

"Such extraordinary skills are no longer available to anyone in the martial arts world, so let's leave them aside for now. Let's talk about the two who have finally made their appearance."

Standing atop the Forbidden City on the right was a stunningly beautiful woman with delicate features. She wielded a finely crafted, intricately patterned, and ornate rapier. This type of sword was quite peculiar; its blade was as thin as a needle, over three feet long, and its hilt featured an exquisitely carved hilt. Such a sword had never been seen before.

The storyteller paused again at this point, then picked up his teacup and slowly took a sip.

After listening to the storyteller's description, Zhou Ke'er subconsciously imagined what the sword looked like in her mind. Strangely, no matter how she thought about it, it looked like a Western sword from an old era. But this clearly didn't fit the setting of this Chinese martial arts world.

As Zhou Ke'er pondered this to herself, the storyteller spoke again: "And in contrast to him was a figure dressed in white robes, his clothes fluttering, like a banished immortal. He was only holding a wooden sword that looked tattered and worn, seemingly nothing special, and certainly not a divine weapon."

"When the female warrior questioned him about why he used such a worn-out wooden sword to fight her, implying that he looked down on her and didn't take her seriously, he merely raised his eyes slightly, his voice cold yet seemingly concealing a great deal of meaning, and said: 'I have roamed the martial world for over thirty years, slaying all my enemies and defeating all heroes. There is no one left in the world who can rival me. All heroes are helpless, and my long sword is useless. Is this not a tragedy?' What spirit this is! How admirable!"

"...snort."

Just as Zhou Ke'er was standing on the street listening to the storyteller's narration, she suddenly heard a soft, cold snort from the side, which seemed to contain a hint of disdain.

She subconsciously turned her head and saw a woman with full blonde hair, a striking, or rather... androgynous appearance. Most importantly... she was actually half a head taller than Zhou Ke'er. Although Zhou Ke'er was currently in her female form, so it didn't look out of place, but...

Ahem, wrong point. It should be... why would a character with a full head of blond hair and dressed like a Western European nobleman from an old era appear in a martial arts-themed mod?!

This is so distracting!

She crossed her arms over her chest, leaned back, and planted her feet firmly on the ground, striking a very strange pose with an arrogant expression on her face.

For some reason, this guy always gave Zhou Ke'er a strange sense of déjà vu, but she couldn't quite put her finger on where that feeling came from.

"...Who are you?"

Zhou Ke'er thought she could use her status to try and get some information out of them, "Could it be that you're from a foreign country, accompanying an envoy to our capital...?"

"You're the one watching me, aren't you!"

Before Zhou Ke'er could finish speaking, the other party interrupted her, slashing at her with her five fingers together. Zhou Ke'er noticed that the other party's nails were unexpectedly long and sharp.

"!"

Zhou Ke'er didn't expect that this guy wasn't speaking gibberish... no, she didn't expect him to attack without warning. Fortunately, Zhou Ke'er reacted quickly and immediately reached out her hand as well.

Immediately, Zhou Ke'er's hand, like rubber or some kind of cloth, instantly wrapped around the other person's stabbing hand, like a snake tightly gripping the other person's hand.

"Is this the Golden Snake Entwining Silk Hand...?"

Zhou Ke'er subconsciously used the skills she had acquired, pondering to herself while continuing to turn the tables and launch an attack on her opponent. At the same time, she didn't stop talking: "What do you mean by this?! How dare you attack an official of the imperial court without authorization! Who gave you the audacity! Fighting in the street is an even more serious crime! Who exactly are you? Tell me your name now! I'll show you what the etiquette of our Celestial Empire is all about!"

Having secured a seemingly righteous reason, Zhou Ke'er quietly slipped her other hand behind her back and, in the other person's blind spot, pulled out several thin needles from the inside of her belt. She subtly channeled her inner energy into her fingertips, preparing to ambush her opponent at the opportune moment.

"Hmph, too weak, too weak, too weak!"

However, the other party remained completely unfazed, acting arrogantly. With his other hand, which wasn't entangled, he circled to the side and suddenly thrust at Zhou Ke'er, shouting, "My name? Ridiculous! Would you tell the bread you're about to eat your name?!"

The onlookers were annoyed to see a guy who looked like a foreigner fighting with the guards of the Prince of Yan in the street, and speaking so arrogantly. But to avoid being caught in the crossfire, they all made way for Zhou Ke'er and the guy.

The storyteller, noticing the commotion, naturally stopped his narration and joined in the fun.

"bread?"

Zhou Ke'er narrowed her eyes, her mind racing. Logically speaking, this kind of foreign gadget shouldn't exist in modules set in ancient times, right? But the other party did say it...

Did the person who created the module make a mistake based on assumptions, or is it because the other person is a foreigner and therefore knows what bread is, or... is the other person actually a player as well?

But Zhou Ke'er didn't have time to think too much. After all, the other party had already attacked. So she immediately stepped on the Yu Step and narrowly avoided the attack by turning to the side. Then she followed up with the attack, and her whole body became like a python, trying to tightly coil up the other party's body.

But just then...

[Player "Zhou Ke'er" has been detected as male.]

[Making inappropriate advances towards women is prohibited and will soon be enforced...]

Please abandon this action within five seconds, otherwise it will be forcibly prohibited and a penalty will be imposed.

[Countdown: 5…4…]

"??? My Lord Rini?!"

Zhou Ke'er's pupils dilated in shock. What could he do? He could only forcefully stop! Why can women cling to men, but men can't cling to women?! This is gender discrimination!!!

What's wrong with this world? Can this society ever get better? How are we boys supposed to live before you're satisfied? Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. This country is filled with oppression of men. When will men finally be able to stand up for themselves?!

Zhou Ke'er was filled with grief and indignation, and had no choice but to let go. Before the other party could react, she immediately used the Yu Step to create some distance, but her face did not show any emotion. She quickly calmed herself down and said coldly, "If I had made a move just now, you would be a corpse by now! Considering that this is your first offense, I will spare your life. I hope you know that there are always people more powerful than you, and the Celestial Empire cannot be insulted!"

------------

290. The Imperial Examination in the Capital (Part 5)

"Good! Well said! I used to look down on the court's lackeys, but I never expected to find someone with such a grand vision. Only now do I realize my own narrow-mindedness. She truly is a woman who is just as capable as any man. Let's drink a toast! Consider this my apology to the heroine!"

As soon as Zhou Ke'er finished speaking, a rough and unrestrained voice came from the tavern next door.

Immediately, a burly, masculine-looking middle-aged man suddenly stood up at a table near the window on the second floor of the tavern. He laughed heartily, raised a bowl of wine, and toasted Zhou Ke'er from afar before bringing the bowl to his lips and tilting it sharply.

"?"

Zhou Ke'er glanced at the guy and secretly curled her lip: Where did this weirdo come from? What does this have to do with him? Just trying to get attention? And apologizing for no reason, is he out of his mind?

Zhou Ke'er thought this, and at the same time, she frowned slightly and retorted, "I am honored by Brother Xiao's high regard, but I cannot bear the title of a great heroine or a chivalrous woman. I have only done my duty as a member of the court. However, I would like to ask Brother Xiao a few questions. You say you look down on the court's lackeys, yet you say you admire the spirit of protecting the country. Do you know who has repelled foreign invaders throughout history? Who has protected the country? Who has governed the country and brought peace to the people? Who has quelled rebellions? Could it be you people from the martial arts world?! As the saying goes, heroes use martial arts to break the law. What face do you have, what merit do you have to look down on the righteous people you call lackeys of the court?!"

Although Zhou Ke'er didn't actually think that way, it didn't stop him from making sarcastic remarks. After all... if someone wanted to ride on his coattails for attention, they had to pay the price. And it also allowed Zhou Ke'er to establish a certain persona; wouldn't it be human not to take advantage of such an easy target?

"..."

After hearing Zhou Ke'er's words and seeing her seemingly gentle yet firm demeanor, the burly man surnamed Xiao was momentarily speechless, overwhelmed by her imposing presence and sense of righteousness. His expression darkened slightly.

The martial arts practitioners around them, who had initially looked at Zhou Ke'er with admiration and respect after hearing the words of the burly man surnamed Xiao, all lost their composure after he finished speaking.

However, since Zhou Ke'er isn't coming, she doesn't need their favor. As a lackey of the imperial court, why should she need the favor of people from the martial arts world? That's ridiculous.

"Hmph, you dare to spout such nonsense over a mere piece of bread. But you've already done enough to be proud of yourself. I'll allow you to tell me your name; I might reluctantly write it down."

The blonde woman, who had been ignored and left out, was no longer willing to remain silent. She raised her head high, revealing her slender, fair neck, and spoke arrogantly to Zhou Ke'er, "Then I will defeat you severely in your capital competition—if you are fortunate enough not to have been eliminated beforehand. I will grant you the honor of being defeated by me."

"..."

Zhou Ke'er couldn't help but give the other person a deep look, as if they were an idiot. She thought this person was probably suffering from chuunibyou (middle school syndrome) and deliberately said sarcastically, "Shouldn't you state your own name before asking someone else's? Is this your foreign etiquette? You truly live up to your name as a barbarian nation. That's really quite laughable!"

The people in the martial arts world around them all had very complicated expressions as they watched this situation. Although they all thought that what Zhou Ke'er said was indeed quite good, they were now unsure whether to praise her or criticize her, whether to refute her or agree with her. Praising her would make them seem shameless and like they were offering a warm face to a cold backside, while criticizing her would make them seem like they were siding with barbarians and were not a pillar of the state.

"Heh, I just felt that a mere loaf of bread wouldn't make much difference in knowing my name. But since you've asked so sincerely, I'll mercifully tell you."

The woman pointed her thumb sharply at herself and said haughtily, "Kono Dior!"

"?????"

What's with this weird sense of déjà vu?! Is this some chuunibyou player messing around, or did the writer of this module suddenly lose their mind?!

When Zhou Ke'er typed out this bunch of question marks, it wasn't that he had a problem, but that he felt everyone here had a problem!

At this moment, Zhou Ke'er had a vague sense that something was wrong. She felt that it would be beneath her to argue with this kind of guy, but since things had come to this, she could only bite the bullet and reply, "I am Zhou Ke'er, the guard of the Prince of Yan. I will learn from you in the grand competition in the capital. I hope you can hold out until then."

"boom!"

The woman who called herself Dior seemed to want to say a few more harsh words, but just then, a loud noise came from not far away.

"Overlord Blade, Song Yi, has come to seek your guidance!"

Before the people arrive, the sound comes first.

Then a black light flashed by, like a black line that instantly pierced through the sky and earth. In less than a breath, it flashed past Zhou Ke'er and the others and rushed towards the storyteller.

"!"

Before Zhou Ke'er could even react, she was already instinctively horrified.

That was way too fast! If the target was him, he probably wouldn't even realize it until his head was chopped off!

Not only him, but even Dio, who had just made those outrageous remarks, couldn't help but widen his eyes, his pupils suddenly contracted, and he unhesitatingly crossed his arms in front of him to block them.

"..."

The storyteller slightly raised his eyes, casually picking up the unremarkable, cracked gavel and unconcernedly blocking his view. He said calmly, "You've come to the wrong person. I'm just a storyteller. Why bother with your presence? And what is there for you to ask me?"

As the storyteller spoke slowly and deliberately, the black light stopped abruptly when it touched the broken gavel. Its immense power vanished without a trace, as if it had disappeared into thin air.

Only then did the people around them see the newcomer clearly. He was a young man dressed in black, holding a slender, black Tang sword. Of course, he only looked very young. Who knew how many years this powerful old monster had lived?

"It's the Overlord Blade Song Yi! His green... Shattered Dream Blade is renowned throughout the martial world, and his Vajra Fist is unparalleled, surpassing even his master. He is the unmatched Overlord Blade Song Yi, a master of both blade and fist!"

"How could he suddenly appear here?! Could he be here to participate in the capital's grand competition? But a master of this caliber would have long since disdained participating in the capital's grand competition!"

"And... his move was actually blocked by that storyteller! Could he be some kind of reclusive master? But I've never heard of such a person before!"

The surrounding martial arts practitioners were filled with discussions and exclamations of surprise.

"Hmph, more than twenty years ago, all the heroes who entered the ancient tomb in the capital to try to comprehend the Dao either suffered serious mental injuries and retreated, or died from qi deviation. You, on whom high hopes were placed, also failed to leave the ancient tomb... The world all thought that you failed to comprehend the Dao in the ancient tomb and died thereafter. Little did they know that you had actually cracked the secret of that ancient tomb and had since lived in seclusion and wandered the world."

Song Yi sheathed his longsword, gave a cold snort, and began to explain: "I have come here today to ask you for guidance on the martial arts recorded in that ancient tomb!"