Chapter 14：A chance for retaliation.

Is the Shan Hai Jing from the demon tribe?

"Momo's statement instantly caused a huge uproar on the StarNet."

"Lily and her Dreamforge realm have truly become the center of attention on StarNet, overshadowing everyone with her individual popularity. While the other contestants are not entirely without ground to stand on, they are simply incomparable to the other participants in the first match."

"Even second and third place contestants don't have the kind of popularity to dominate the trending topics on StarNet."

"What's more, countless viewers flocked to Lily's Dreamforge realm. Although the high cost of the immersive sensory experience led to some user loss, it also stole away numerous viewers who would have otherwise purchased access to other contestants' Dreamforge realms."

"Not a single Dreamforger doesn't aspire to personally craft a vast Dreamforge realm."

"Resources are limited, the total number of viewers is finite, and Starcoins are also in short supply. The more people go to your realm, the fewer will come to mine."

A few days ago, other contestants' Dreamforge realms were making quite a bit of money, but the moment Lily's Shan Hai Realm went live today, it single-handedly disrupted the ecosystem of the other contestants, causing a loss of more than half of their users."

"One must ask, after witnessing the grandeur of the Shan Hai Realm, who among the viewers would still have the heart to experience the Dreamforge realms of other contestants in comparison?"

"Many contestants had already been quietly grumbling, but dared not voice their complaints publicly."

"On StarNet, Lily is riding high with overwhelming praise, and even the usual complaints and grumbles have been drowned out, unable to be seen."

"Especially since Lily is in first place, the champion. She earned her position through skill, and all that's left for others is to whisper jealous remarks behind her back."

"However, at this moment, the prominent Dreamforge realm strategist, Momo, stepped forward to speak out, accusing Lily of dishonesty. The alluring Shan Hai Realm was actually a grand celebration of the demon race. Immediately, others followed suit, like dogs sensing blood, rushing in to attack, banding together in a frenzy."

[Finally, a big shot has publicly spoken out against it—support! Support for Momo! This is exactly what I've been wanting to ask, but never dared to say. In the Beast Simulation competition, it's normal to encounter any kind of beast, but in the Shan Hai Realm, with so many users sharing their experiences, has anyone seen a human appear? It's too laughable—there's an entire Dreamforge realm of beasts with not a single human in sight!]

[Exactly! And have you all noticed? The competition has already ended, yet the entire StarNet is flooded with news about Lily. This is just the first match, and the Starsea Dreamforge livestream competition has been held over fifty times—when has any contestant ever made such a grand entrance from the very start? It's almost like one of those stars from the Empire who bought their way into popularity.]

[Isn't that right? It was already mentioned that Lily made it onto the StarNet trending topics during the qualification rounds in their home star system. Now, look at the situation—doesn't this plot feel familiar?]

"Regardless of the race, when someone becomes infatuated with an object of their affection, everything about it seems perfect. Countless filters are added, and they elevate it to a golden image, almost wishing they could forge a deity out of it."

"But if they don't like it, from the very beginning, it's nothing but disdain, intense jealousy, or a sense of personal offense. They wish nothing more than for it to vanish, resorting to baseless slander, twisting the truth, and all manner of methods, just to bring it to ruin."

"Even a group of scheming, disorganized individuals can unleash tremendous power."

[The humans, as well as the viewers who have experienced the Shan Hai Realm, naturally defended Lily at the first opportunity. Anyone who questioned her was immediately called out—where's the proof? If you're so bold, then talk about the Shan Hai Jing, show us your evidence! If someone becomes wealthy, it's bound to spark jealousy. Can't get first place, and this is how you react? How pathetic.]

[The entire Starsea Dreamforge livestream competition is supervised by the committee, which also includes the Demon Clan's Tianyao Master! If you really have evidence, go ahead and bring out the Demon Codex, take it to your Tianyao Master for judgment! Otherwise, you're just spreading rumors—prepare to face punishment from the StarNet Enforcement Department!]

[The StarNet regulations have been in place for a thousand years, and yet there are still some with ill intentions, trying to stir the pot. Times are different now—StarNet is not a place where the law cannot reach. And as for certain contestants who think we don't know what they're up to, as Dreamforgers, to slander other members of your own race without evidence is disgraceful! You should be ashamed to call yourselves human!"]

"The battles on StarNet have become especially intense, particularly among the demon clan factions. Many of the smaller demon races are infamous for their lack of rationality. Once provoked by words and stirred up by Momo's inflammatory statements, they immediately joined the fray, launching insults at Lily's family lineage. The situation escalated rapidly, and it began to spiral in an uncontrollable direction."

"Dreamforger Shan Yue found a scenic spot in the StarNet experience game to take a nap, but one urgent communication after another started ringing."

"Why are they causing trouble for him again? The competition just started, and he's already been urgently called twice? What kind of luck is this? And again, it's that Lily contestant? Shan Yue looked at the various transferred public opinion matters, his face growing darker with each passing moment. By the time he saw the messages, his face was nearly green with frustration."

A typical verbal spat is one thing, but what I fear most is when they start using it as a banner to rally others, with hidden agendas aiming to gain something behind the scenes. If racial conflict erupts, as a Dreamforger, I'll be the one held responsible."

[Don't send a single Starcoin to a human contestant! Not even one Starcoin should be wasted! This is our Demon Codex, it concerns the dignity of the demon race!]

[Support the local contestants! Support the demon race contestants! Ask yourself—are you human or demon?"]

[Strongly oppose the dominance of the human race, and demand the committee conduct a thorough investigation! Publicly disclose the ownership of the Dreamforge civilization!"]

Seeing the overwhelming force and the rising tide of demon factions demanding retribution against the human race, Shan Yue's mood sank to the depths. Even though the Dreamforger Alliance had been established for so many years, racial conflicts never ceased. When the public's anger was stirred, even if it were to subside, it would create a rift, which would be detrimental to the progress of future work.

Shan Yue ground his teeth, truly wanting to curse these brainless demons. Each of them seemed to be unknowingly used as pawns, and he couldn't help but wonder if the Dream Clan had something to do with it. They were all just bored!

After understanding the root of the conflict, he immediately reported it to the Civilization Library.

"Whether it belongs to the Demon Codex or the Shan Hai Jing, whether it's human or demon, let the higher-ups sort it out. As for the escalating firestorm right now, the first thing to do is divert these idle people's attention."

"If this keeps going, it will truly escalate into a racial conflict, and the consequences would be unimaginable." Soon after, several trending topics suddenly appeared on StarNet, with interstellar gossip tabloids releasing sensational tabloid news. Stars from different races quickly shifted much of the heat away from the situation.

The scandals that were exposed involved the Insect Clan, the Demon Clan, and several other smaller races. Now, things have shifted—there's no more focus on the human-demon feud, no concrete evidence yet. "Alright, that's enough, let's move on. After all that bickering, it's time to enjoy some juicy gossip instead."

As Shan Yue watched the heat of the human-demon feud gradually fade from the livestream competition, he let out a sigh of relief. With the tension easing, he no longer felt like lying down and sleeping.

Exposing scandals was like drinking poison to quench thirst—it couldn't be relied upon. Looking at the urgent report he had sent to the Civilization Library in his inbox, Shan Yue couldn't help but wonder when, or if, he would receive a response.

slept deeply, her dreams filled with strange and surreal images. In her hazy state, it felt as though she had returned to the old days, walking through the fields once again.

Though her mind was preoccupied with thoughts, she still didn't sleep too long. Four hours before the start of the second round of the competition, she woke up.

Lily sent a message to James, suggesting they meet at the restaurant. With the second round of the competition approaching, she didn't want to settle for tasteless, high-calorie food and was craving something more satisfying to comfort her stomach.

Lily enjoyed her meal, feeling content, but her keen eyes quickly noticed James acting cautiously. When she glanced at him, he quickly masked his expression, pretending everything was normal.

Lily also noticed the strange looks and hushed whispers from a few contestants gradually entering the restaurant, their eyes subtly fixed on her.

"Come on, what's going on with me this time?" Lily asked James as she accessed StarNet through her smartbrain.

James was still talking animatedly, but Lily caught a few key words and quickly found related posts on StarNet. She swiftly pieced together what had happened.

She raised an eyebrow, quickly summarizing the unfolding situation—it was all quite simple.

"Strike the bird that sticks out," she thought. And she was that bird being targeted.

This kind of thing would be unsurprising in any era.

The heat had already died down. Although the so-called demon race influencer, Momo, kept posting and questioning Lily, most netizens just came for the drama and then left. Only a few demon race Dreamforger contestants remained, jumping around and demanding that Lily respond.

Lily noted down the names of those few contestants, then continued enjoying her dessert, savoring it. She happily indulged in the gossip about various star celebrities from different races, showing no sign of anger whatsoever.

James sneaked a glance at Lily. "Sis, aren't you angry?"

Lily cut a small piece of cake and handed it to him. "If you were bitten by a crazed pet beast, would you bite back?"

James shook his head vigorously, as if his answer was certain. "Of course not."

He thought for a moment, then added, "But that's still so infuriating!"

Just thinking about the hateful words exchanged and the venomous remarks from the demon race made him tremble with anger.

Lily calmly took another bite. "When you want to add a crime, there's always an excuse."

She glanced at her credit account and, wow, the numbers were astronomical. No wonder it had made the demons so envious.

"Have you seen Momo's guide?" she asked James.

James nodded. "I've seen it. The demon who wrote that guide only recommends demon race Dreamforger contestants. A few of them have been active on StarNet ever since."

Lily continued, "So, do you know that Momo is a Dreamforger?"

"He's definitely not," James replied immediately. "Momo has always claimed to be just an ordinary citizen, here to experience the Dreamforges."

"Now let me ask you this," Lily said, swallowing the last bite of her dessert as she glanced at the time. "If this Demon Codex Momo keeps talking about really exists, and according to him, it's housed in the highest-level database of the Civilization Library, how does he know about it?"

Hearing Lily's question, James froze for a moment. "Yeah, if he claims to be an ordinary demon and not a Dreamforger, then how does he know about the Demon Codex? At the very least, it should be a demon race Dreamforger with some background and lineage who would know about it."

James narrowed his small eyes, his mind turning over the possibilities. "Sis, are you saying that Momo is actually taking star coins from other demon race Dreamforgers in the competition, then deliberately smearing you? And he's publishing Dreamforge experience guides, so he can direct those viewers to the other demon contestants?"

Lily said noncommittally, "I didn't say that."

Whether a demon race Dreamforger made a deal, she wasn't sure, but it was clear that there were plenty of people on StarNet who were quick to take advantage of the situation, raising their racial flags and stoking the conflict.

James clenched his fists, growing angrier. "It's definitely like that. Too bad there's no evidence; otherwise, I'd expose it on StarNet and make them pay."

A gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years. Let's go back and prepare for the competition.

Lily's calm demeanor eased James's anger somewhat. Stirring up trouble on the StarNet was meaningless—if they had any real skill, they should prove it in the competition. The live matches were what truly mattered. There was no need to bother with these cunning and deceitful fiends.

At the dormitory entrance, they parted ways. James scratched his head and said, "By the way, sis, you said two things earlier that I understood… but also kind of didn't. Something about 'fabricating a crime'...?"

At the dormitory entrance, they parted ways. James scratched his head and said, "By the way, sis, you said two things earlier that I understood… but also felt like I didn't. Something about 'to impose a crime'...?"

Reentering the consciousness pod and connecting to the StarNet, Lily returned straight to her personal dreamforging realm and began a frenzy of land purchases, directly acquiring a million square kilometers for expansion.

To ensure she entered the competition with peak mental strength, Lily focused solely on expanding her dreamforging realm without engaging in the dreamforging of Shan Hai Jing.

She fashioned only a cloud bed for herself, suspended high above the firmament, where she gazed down in solitude.

An hour later, the second round of the Starsea Dreamforging Live Tournament commenced right on schedule.

Lily opened her eyes and saw a red bracelet appear on her left wrist. The surroundings were a heap of debris, an abandoned wasteland.

This environment was deeply familiar to Lily, as her original self had grown up in the junkyard of Birdstar.

"Contestant Lily, you have entered the Starsea Dreamforging Live Tournament. Welcome to the second round of the official points match."

"This match is divided into five factions: Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, and Black. Contestants may battle against participants from any faction outside their own, with no restrictions on dreamforging methods."

For each opponent defeated, the contestant will receive half of the defeated player's points for this round.

The duration of this points match is five Starsea days. The match cannot end prematurely, and any contestant with fewer than 5000 points will be automatically eliminated.

The regional map has been automatically activated for you. During the match, contestants must independently search for resources to survive.

Lily's gaze shifted slightly. This was a faction-based points elimination match.

With no restrictions on dreamforging methods, this meant it wasn't just about summoning beasts. If her mental strength allowed, she could forge anything she desired into existence.

The confrontation of dreamforgers had always been about utilizing one's unique methods. Lily moved her right hand, and a dragon-engraved mask slowly materialized in her palm.

The mask covered her face, obscuring her features, and the live stream audience could no longer discern her expression or mood.

With a wave of her hand, dozens of white doves appeared, scattering in all directions, flying toward different points.

Lily stroked her hands, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. She wondered which faction and region those fiendish dreamforgers were in.

In this faction-based match, wasn't this the perfect opportunity for a gentleman's revenge?