Chapter 5: Lu Tianming

Zhao Kuo glanced back at the platform. It seemed no one would arrive anytime soon.

He was far ahead. He wondered how close Luo Ping'an and Tang Yingying were. If they were nearby, he might wait. But the sudden appearance of this thing before him...

A well-dressed wooden puppet in a black suit approached, its jaw clacking rhythmically. A puppet—honestly, it radiated an unsettling, eerie vibe. But in the subway world, anything could happen.

As it drew closer, Zhao Kuo raised his Lucky Gun without hesitation: "Whatever you are, I won't mind blowing your head off."

The puppet froze. Its wooden face somehow conveyed a mix of emotions—fear, pity, mockery—though Zhao Kuo couldn't fully decipher them.

"Are you the master here?" Zhao Kuo asked.

The puppet shook its head. "The master of Lushan is a supreme deity, an existence beyond our comprehension. Lord Zhao Kuo, never offend the master here."

"Then what are you?"

The puppet paused, seeming lost. "As you see, I am merely an ordinary puppet... with life."

A living puppet. Far from ordinary. In this mysterious station, extreme caution was warranted.

The puppet continued calmly, "Lord Zhao Kuo, I've been sent by my master to welcome you as the first arrival. It's an honor to be your guide."

"At Lushan Station, you may wash off the grime of your journey, enjoy fine services and food. With enough subway coins, you might even purchase... unthinkable things."

Subway coins? They could be used here?

Zhao Kuo's eyes lit up. As the first to reach Lushan Station, this information asymmetry gave him a huge advantage.

"What can subway coins buy?"

The puppet turned. "Follow me, Lord Zhao Kuo."

It stepped onto the escalator. After a moment's hesitation, Zhao Kuo followed, still gripping his crossbow and gun.

Halfway up, blinding light stung his eyes—after prolonged darkness underground, even light felt alien.

Then Lushan Station's second floor stunned him.

Shops overflowed with goods: food, daily necessities, tools. A cake cost 0.1 coins, milk tea 0.2. The aroma from a Chinese restaurant nearly overpowered his resolve.

"One coin for a feast. Regret not killing more monsters?" The puppet's tone held mockery.

He did regret it. But it wasn't too late.

Ignoring the puppet, Zhao Kuo collapsed into a plush sofa—so soft it swallowed him whole. The puppet waited silently as he opened the trading platform.

Sure enough, subway coins were being sold—5 basic materials per coin. Cheap! One coin here could buy 50 materials, including planks!

Without hesitation, he liquidated his remaining planks into materials, converted them to coins, then used those coins to buy more materials—repeating the cycle. Within an hour, he'd drained the platform's coin supply.

5,635 coins now filled his inventory. He grinned.

But others noticed. Midway through his spree, coin quantities began plummeting—competitors like Luo Ping'an had caught on.

Luo Ping'an: "Coins are vanishing. You've reached the station, discovered their use, haven't you?"

Sent 30 minutes prior. Luo had monitored the platform, among the first to spot anomalies. He'd deduced Zhao Kuo, with his steam locomotive, likely arrived first.

Zhao Kuo replied: "Stockpile subway coins. The more, the better."

Luo: "Thanks! Ancient Mountain's top players are nearing the station too. Frontrunners will arrive today."

Zhao Kuo: "Meet up when you all arrive."

He'd long considered this. Solo survival was unrealistic. Even with resources, facing groups alone was reckless.

As the chat closed, a well-dressed young man ascended the escalator—no puppet companion. Guides might be first-place exclusives?

The stranger noticed Zhao Kuo's puppet, eyes flickering with surprise before smiling politely: "Hello. I'm Lu Tianming." He extended a hand.

Zhao Kuo hesitated, instinct keeping him guarded.

The puppet interjected loudly: "Attacking others violates Lushan's rules. Offenders face obliteration."

Lu Tianming withdrew his hand, unperturbed.

Zhao Kuo raised his gun. "What if I pay coins to kill someone?" A thinly veiled threat.

The puppet replied: "Impossible—unless you become the master's honored guest."

Relaxed, Lu Tianming sat opposite, crossing his legs. "Lu Tianming. The top player... as ruthless as expected."

"Likewise. I'm Li Feiyu." Zhao Kuo shrugged

"Might as well say you're Han Li," Lu Tianming shrugged with a chuckle.

"Believe what you want," Zhao Kuo replied indifferently.

"Perhaps we could team up. In this subway world, going solo is a dead end. We need to unite all forces we can," Lu Tianming said, snapping his fingers.

A peculiar-looking waiter approached and bowed. "What would you like, sir?"

"A whiskey with blueberry juice, thanks."

"0.35 subway coins will be deducted. Your drink will arrive shortly, honored guest," the waiter replied deferentially.

"You're the one who hoarded all those subway coins earlier, aren't you?" Lu Tianming said confidently.

His team included a merchant, though the man only acted for profit. Lu Tianming had paid 50 basic materials for this intel but managed to stockpile 32 coins.

Zhao Kuo remained silent, standing slowly. "What were you hiding in your hand earlier? Poison needles? Something else? Sorry, I've got a cleanliness obsession. Can't stand being near disgusting people."

From the moment Lu Tianming had tried to act covertly, Zhao Kuo had marked him for death. This one can't be left alive. You've signed your death warrant.

Lu Tianming smiled, as if expecting this. "What if I say I had nothing? Would you believe me?"

"Enjoy yourself. Let's go." Zhao Kuo turned and walked into the dazzling emporium.

Lu Tianming watched him leave, his expression darkening.

Inside, Zhao Kuo didn't start shopping immediately. Instead, he tossed a coin to the puppet.

"You did well earlier"—a nod to the puppet's indirect warning.

The puppet happily pocketed the coin. At Lushan Station, subway coins were precious to its kind, obtainable only through trade.

"Lord Zhao Kuo flatters me. I merely serve. Would you like guidance on purchases?"

Zhao Kuo narrowed his eyes. "Yes, but I'm not sure what to buy." He'd realized the puppet was likely part of the first-place reward, easing his wariness.

The puppet tilted its head, emitting an enigmatic laugh. "Such questions fall outside my duties. Code 03518 cannot speak on forbidden matters. Apologies."

03518—its designation, or perhaps its name.

Zhao Kuo smiled and tossed another coin. "Understood." Though the puppet claimed ignorance, its refusal to advise on shopping in a station designed to tempt spending spoke volumes: Save your coins. They'll be critical later.

After an hour exploring the second floor, Zhao Kuo noticed the station filling with arrivals. A private message pinged—Luo Ping'an: "Ancient Mountain has reached Lushan. He wants to connect."

Zhao Kuo: "Where is he?"

Gu Shan: "Snack zone. Camouflage uniform."

Zhao Kuo headed over. Near the entrance stood a burly middle-aged man in camo, muscles taut beneath the fabric, gaze sharp.

"Gu Shan?"

"Zhao Kuo?"

"Greetings."

Zhao Kuo felt less guarded—they'd interacted before, and Gu Shan had proven decent.

"I'm Gu Shan, former military instructor. Ping'an says you arrived first?" His voice carried a soldier's steadiness.

Military background confirmed. Zhao Kuo led him to a restaurant.

"A single meal costs 0.5 coins here. Too pricey," Gu Shan frowned.

Zhao Kuo grinned. "Ping'an didn't mention my windfall? My treat, Brother Gu."

He ordered a 1.35-coin duo set—noodles, meat, veggies, ample portions. Gu Shan's eyes gleamed at the sizzling steak but restrained himself.

"We shouldn't splurge. This place baits us to drain our coins. They'll be needed later."

Zhao Kuo raised an eyebrow. He deduced it too? A strategic mind—perfect ally material.

"You're right. But how many coins do you have?"

"156, all from killing monsters."

156! This "brother" was a powerhouse.

As Gu Shan devoured the meal, Zhao Kuo ate leisurely—until he froze.

On the window beside them pressed a wide-eyed face.

Familiar. Like someone from the past.

Tang Yingying stormed into the restaurant, huffing.

"No wonder you ignored my messages! Feasting here, huh?" She plopped down beside Zhao Kuo, shaking her head theatrically.

Zhao Kuo ignored her sarcasm. "I thought you said you might not make it on time. How'd you arrive just two hours after me?"

"Want the answer? Get me a pair of chopsticks." She grinned.

Zhao Kuo signaled a waiter for utensils. Tang Yingying, despite her love for food, ate sparingly.

Satisfied, she leaned in. "Aren't you curious? With your steam locomotive, you only beat us foot-draggers by two hours."

Zhao Kuo frowned—he had wondered, especially after Lu Tianming's arrival.

"Time flows slower in the station than on the tracks," Tang Yingying explained through a mouthful of meat. "That's why."

Zhao Kuo nodded.

"Did you class-change yet?" she asked abruptly.

He narrowed his eyes. Why's she so invested? The green class card she'd sold him now felt deliberate.

Tang Yingying sighed at his silence. "I found a logbook like your notebook. It said the first 100 arrivals get green class cards. They can overwrite white ones or upgrade them—two chances to avoid trash classes."

"Why give yours to me?"

She swallowed a steak chunk improbably large for her small mouth. "Figured you'd make better use of it."

Zhao Kuo doubted her answer but let it slide. Tang Yingying's resources—like her water condenser and charcoal maker—were invaluable. Everyone had secrets. She's probably got cheats too, he mused.

Soon, she and Gu Shan polished off the meal, plates licked clean.

"Ahhh, paradise!" Tang Yingying patted her stomach. "I'd stay forever!"

The puppet interjected: "One billion subway coins buys permanent residence on the third floor, under our master's protection."

"Gah!" Tang Yingying jumped. "I thought you were decor! Compensation!" She thrust out a palm.

The puppet looked helplessly at Zhao Kuo.

Clearing his throat, Zhao Kuo changed topics: "Gu Shan, meet Tang Yingying."

"Hello!" Gu Shan remained stern.

Tang Yingying shook his hand. "Military?"

At his nod, she cheered: "Perfect! Our team finally has muscle!"

"Our team?" Zhao Kuo rolled his eyes.

She smirked and produced a card:

[Binding Card]

[Permanently links two players' subways. Shared fortunes!]

Zhao Kuo's eyes widened. Doubled productivity? Combat loneliness?

"My luck's stellar. You'll see," Tang Yingying boasted.

Better than mine? he doubted.

Clanging metal interrupted. A voice echoed:

"With 100 arrivals, Lord Yole hosts a banquet on the third floor. Golden invitations required. Gifts await!"

Three gilt invitations materialized—flexible metallic slips.

"This 'Yole' must be the station master," Gu Shan deduced.

"Freebies from a boss? Can't be cheap!" Tang Yingying's eyes sparkled.

Zhao Kuo frowned. Why gather the top 100? Future power players...

"Ugh, shouldn't have eaten so much," Tang Yingying groaned.

"Stay low-key," Zhao Kuo advised. "Lu Tianming's here too—dangerous."

Gu Shan nodded. "I'll change. Camo's too conspicuous."

Your build's the real giveaway, Zhao Kuo thought but held his tongue.

They splurged 12 coins on three outfits and masks each.

Staring at his reflection—trench coat and red-black demon mask—Zhao Kuo felt lighter. Having allies... helps.

As they ascended, the puppet murmured: "Lord Yole admires talent, especially yours, Lord Zhao. Impress him."

The third floor left them breathless. Gold-leafed pillars, celestial domes with fake stars—luminous pearls, not galaxies.

Lu Tianming's group passed by. Unrecognized, Zhao Kuo froze at a familiar face: Li Er? Since when did he join Lu Tianming?