1539

**Chapter 1539: If We Must Be Awkward, Let's All Be Awkward Together**

Due to Lin Moyu's influence, Zhuang Bi and Chu Xiong unknowingly benefited. Although Qing Fei and Shui Zilan didn't try to curry favor with Lin Moyu, they also didn't want to offend him.

A woman's intuition told them that maintaining a good relationship with Lin Moyu would only bring benefits, not harm. However, directly approaching Lin Moyu was difficult, so they instinctively chose to befriend Zhuang Bi and Chu Xiong.

Qing Fei had interacted with Lin Moyu before and could roughly gauge his character from their brief conversations. Seeing the Skeleton Generals, she knew she had made the right choice.

Lin Moyu sending the Skeleton Generals over proved that Zhuang Bi and Chu Xiong held some significance in his eyes. Moreover, during the competition, they seemed to be always together with Lin Moyu, at least as good friends.

Shui Zilan had her own thoughts. She knew her strength was slightly inferior to Qing Fei and Dongfang Ze. Much of her combat power relied on her three minor god-level puppets. If she faced a giant beast alone, her puppets could easily get damaged, affecting her combat power and putting her at a disadvantage in the next stage of the competition.

Therefore, choosing to cooperate was a very good strategy. Besides, Shui Zilan had further plans, which she hadn't revealed yet.

Zhuang Bi and Chu Xiong naturally had no reason to refuse the cooperation request from Qing Fei and Shui Zilan. After all, it was beneficial to them.

After some discussion, the four decided to first deal with the known giant beasts and then search for the corresponding stone tablets. As long as they had the tokens, they would have the initiative.

Lin Moyu, through the Skeleton Generals, knew that the four had started cooperating. He smiled, "Smart people, this win-win approach is not bad."

He could guess Qing Fei and Shui Zilan's intentions. With their help, Zhuang Bi and Chu Xiong would have no problem entering the first layer. Qing Fei and Shui Zilan might even escort Zhuang Bi and Chu Xiong to the first layer first, as a gesture of goodwill.

A day later, Zhuang Bi, Chu Xiong, Qing Fei, Shui Zilan, and Shui Zilan's follower successfully killed three giant beasts and obtained three tokens. Including the tokens Zhuang Bi and Chu Xiong already had, they now had five tokens, just enough for each of them.

However, only three of the tokens had corresponding stone tablets. They still needed to find the other two.

Suddenly, they all received a message simultaneously.

**[Contestant No. 3 has entered the first layer.]**

Chu Xiong exclaimed, "That guy is lucky."

Qing Fei said, "I didn't expect him to be the first."

Zhuang Bi shook his head, "If it weren't for us, Junior Brother Lin should have been the first."

Shui Zilan shook her head, "It doesn't really matter who is first. Just like when we entered the second layer, new rules will only be announced once everyone is in."

Chu Xiong agreed, "Sister Zilan is right. We don't need to rush; we should proceed steadily."

Qing Fei said, "I think we can start looking for the stone tablets now."

They had the tokens; now they just needed the stone tablets. They already knew the locations of three stone tablets, but two were still missing.

Shui Zilan suggested, "According to our previous agreement, should we escort the two senior brothers to the first layer first?"

Chu Xiong immediately shook his head, "No need, no need. Let's find the other two stone tablets first, then enter the first layer."

Qing Fei looked at Zhuang Bi, who said, "I have no objections."

Qing Fei nodded, "Alright then!"

Zhuang Bi glanced at Chu Xiong, sensing a hint of flattery in his words. Not just now, but throughout the day, Chu Xiong had been echoing Shui Zilan's words.

Zhuang Bi knew Chu Xiong well; his intentions were obvious. Despite his rough appearance, Chu Xiong was quite shrewd. Shui Zilan didn't seem to mind Chu Xiong's behavior; in fact, she seemed quite happy.

The group began searching for the stone tablets. They leveled city after city, quickly eliminating the simulated enemies within. Another day passed, and they finally found all the stone tablets.

The Human Emperor Network's reminder appeared again.

**[Contestant No. 6 has entered the first layer.]**

Wei Bowen had also entered.

Qing Fei took a deep breath, "Let's go in too."

Now, they just needed to reach the stone tablets to enter the first layer.

As they were about to part ways, Shui Zilan suddenly took out five fist-sized dolls.

"These are my Heartfelt Puppets. They have no other function but to locate each other."

"When we enter the first layer, we can use these puppets to find each other and continue cooperating." Everyone agreed to Shui Zilan's proposal.

They had realized the benefits of cooperation: it was not only easy but also safe. Although it might be slightly less efficient, this competition wasn't a race against time, so there was no need to rush for first place.

The difference between finishing first and last wasn't significant.

Qing Fei took a Heartfelt Puppet, "See you in the first layer."

Chu Xiong and Zhuang Bi also took a Heartfelt Puppet each.

The five then parted ways, each heading towards their respective stone tablets.

Chu Xiong kept his eyes on Shui Zilan's departing figure, reluctant to look away.

Zhuang Bi patted his shoulder, "Alright, alright, you'll see her again soon."

Chu Xiong scratched his head, "Old Zhuang, what do you think of Sister Zilan?"

Zhuang Bi pondered for a moment, "She's beautiful and thoughtful, very nice."

Chu Xiong asked, "Do you think I have a chance?"

Zhuang Bi looked him up and down, making Chu Xiong feel uneasy.

Chu Xiong couldn't help but shout, "Old Zhuang, what do you mean?"

Zhuang Bi laughed, "Just kidding. Shui Zilan doesn't seem to dislike you, so keep trying. You have a good chance."

Encouraged by Zhuang Bi, Chu Xiong felt confident.

Chu Xiong declared, "Alright, I'll definitely marry Sister Zilan."

Zhuang Bi chuckled, "Good luck, I'm rooting for you."

Chu Xiong suddenly said, "Old Zhuang, I think Sister Qing Fei is also nice and suits you well."

Zhuang Bi glared at him, "Are you full? You haven't even settled your own matters and you're worrying about mine."

Chu Xiong retorted, "We're brothers; it's natural for me to be concerned. I'm serious; you and Sister Qing Fei really suit each other."

Zhuang Bi remained silent, not saying anything.

Chu Xiong persisted, "I can tell you like her. If you don't mind, I can..."

"Shut up!" Zhuang Bi interrupted him and flew towards another stone tablet.

Chu Xiong scratched his head, muttering, "If you like her, just say so. Why be so secretive? I don't think Sister Qing Fei dislikes you either."

Suddenly, Zhuang Bi stopped.

From his Heartfelt Puppet, Chu Xiong's voice came through, including his muttering.

Zhuang Bi's expression became complicated. The Heartfelt Puppets could transmit sound.

So, Qing Fei and Shui Zilan must have heard it too.

Zhuang Bi sighed inwardly, deciding not to say anything.

At this moment, Qing Fei and Shui Zilan also had complicated expressions.

They didn't know what to say, so they remained silent.

Lin Moyu, far away, also heard the conversation through the Skeleton Generals and couldn't help but laugh.

The cooperation among the four had led to such an interesting situation.

But thinking about it, they did seem well-matched!