We're all consumed by envy, jealousy, and hatred that Non-player Characters like Xu Qing would actually fall for an idiot like you! Damn it!

They wouldn't hit a woman, but that doesn't mean they can't beat up someone else.

So...

Dung Beetle became their punching bag!

"Brother, you can only blame your bad luck," said Leaning Out, holding a tree branch and squinting. "Xu Qing is one of the few beautiful Non-player Characters. She could like anyone, but she just had to like you. You're just unlucky!"

Dung Beetle couldn't believe it. Xu Qing likes me, so what business is it of yours?!

"Leaning Out! Calm down!"

Dung Beetle hurriedly said, looking at the tree branch in his hand, "We're all on the same side here. Can't we talk this out? How about I go apologize to Xu Qing? I'll tell her I'm sorry she likes me, is that good enough?"

"Ha, he's even bragging to us!"

"Beat him! Beat him to death! If we don't beat him to death today, I won't be able to stomach my food!"

"Go ahead and beat him. I'll stand here and watch. Although I really want to go up and take a swing myself, I already did last time, so I'll sit this one out."

"Where's the Construction Team? Have them make a Pig Cage. After we're done beating him, we'll throw him straight into it!"

"..."

The next moment, amidst the Flower Rain throughout the Profound Yellow Sect, a series of agonizing screams erupted, sending chills down everyone's spines.

Even Xu Nian stood at the entrance with a satisfied expression, watching the group of players beat up Dung Beetle. That felt good, he mused. That guy had earned too many Contribution Points before. Even after repaying his debts, his arrogance was too much for even me, the Sect Leader, to bear. He really needed a good thrashing. But the Willow Branches Leaning Out and the others are holding seem too thin. I remember Dung Beetle has a Wolf Fang Club. Wouldn't that be great to beat him with? It's solid, so there's no fear of it breaking. And it seems to be a Spiritual Artifact, too.

"Sister Zhou, come and hit him too. This guy's a scumbag; he's deceiving you!"

A player handed the Wooden Strips to Sister Zhou, then stepped back to join the group of watching players.

Dung Beetle reeled. This is too much! Beating me in front of my love interest is one thing, but now you're having my love interest beat me too? It's a real shame this game isn't pay-to-play!

"Sister Zhou, there's no need for this, right? I'm the one who got you to first place!"

Watching Sister Zhou's hesitant look, Dung Beetle immediately panicked.

But Sister Zhou felt the intense, predatory gazes of the surrounding players, making her thoroughly uncomfortable. If I don't hit him, I'll probably be the one strung up and beaten next, right? she thought.

"Well, brace yourself," Sister Zhou swallowed nervously. "I'll just make it look good!"

With that, she raised the Wooden Strips in her hand.

SMACK!

"AH—!"

That scream was far more wretched than any of his previous ones when the others had struck him.

That single cry announced the shattering of Dung Beetle's heart. His own love interest had actually caved!

Then, Sister Zhou began to strike him again, her blows landing heavier and heavier. Players had already closed in, threatening him directly.

Dung Beetle closed his eyes. From this moment on, my heart is sealed in cement; I will love no one! Let it all be destroyed. I'm tired, he despaired.

"Enough!"

Suddenly, a soft command sounded from behind the crowd of players.

There, dressed in snow-white, stood Xu Qing, her lips tightly pursed as she watched the scene.

Beside her stood Female Disciples from the Great Dream Immortal Sect.

Clearly, she already knew what was happening.

"Oh crap, oh crap, why is Xu Qing here?"

"Good heavens, is this how they show off their affection now? It's so infuriating!"

"No way, I absolutely have to chat with Dung Beetle in private later. Now *that's* skill in wooing girls."

"Skill my ass! Let's scram!"

"..."

Seeing Xu Qing arrive, the players scattered, standing at a distance to watch the commotion.

Sister Zhou, still holding the Wooden Strips, stood frozen. She looked at Xu Qing walking towards her, then at Dung Beetle, who was still hanging in front of her.

Sister Zhou stared, aghast. So, the clown was me all along? After all this, does my relationship with him make *me* the other woman?

As Dung Beetle saw Xu Qing approaching, he desperately shouted, "Xu Qing, save me! These brutes are serious! If this goes on, I'll be beaten to death."

Hearing this, Xu Qing waved her hand lightly, releasing a burst of Spiritual Qi.

The ropes were instantly severed, and Dung Beetle fell to the ground.

Sister Zhou, feeling Xu Qing's powerful aura, guiltily took a step back, wondering, So... what am I supposed to do now?

Xu Qing had originally planned to return to the Central Region Xu Family for a few days. When she heard that Dung Beetle had been tied up and beaten by his fellow sect brothers in the Profound Yellow Sect, she rushed over immediately.

"These ropes clearly couldn't hold you. Why didn't you escape?" Xu Qing asked, looking at the wretched Dung Beetle on the ground, her expression complex.

Dung Beetle scoffed internally. Escape? Of course, I want to escape. But it's impossible! If these brutes don't get to vent their anger, they'll definitely beat me to death. Where could I possibly escape to? Unless I quit the game entirely!

Xu Qing glanced at Sister Zhou, who was still holding the Wooden Strips, sizing her up.

She already knew that this Female Disciple was Dung Beetle's Daoist Companion, but she hadn't expected this supposed companion to join in the beating instead of protecting him. Is this the kind of person Dung Beetle chose? she wondered.

Sister Zhou, feeling guilty, backed away again, tossing the Wooden Strips aside.

"Don't look at me, I was forced into this."

Sister Zhou quickly tried to explain, "If it comes to that... I... I don't want the reward anymore! I'll go to the Sect Leader and explain. I'll let you have first place on the Flower Collection Rankings, okay?"

She was truly panicked.

Who could have imagined things would turn out this way?

Xu Nian, standing at the Entrance of the Great Hall, looked at them and chuckled, "It can't be changed. What's yours is still yours."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.