Xishu Divine Teaching.
Wen Xishu felt an even stronger sense of mortification than Nissen in the capsized boat. The side effects of fame indeed had arrived, but luckily, no one recognized him yet.
"I’ve heard a lot about you, but I’m not accustomed to joining organizations. While Wen Xishu is indeed excellent, I am a non-believer. I am grateful for all that Wen Xishu has done, but I prefer my freedom. Thank you, and please respect that."
Wen Xishu rejected the so-called Xishu Divine Teaching.
"Friend, it’s okay. Our church aims to help others. I’m about to head to a region related to the number seven. Are you heading there too? Maybe we could go together!" The big bald guy did not give up on Wen Xishu.
Wen Xishu was taken aback. Could it really be such a coincidence? Seeing his expression, the big bald guy laughed:
"It seems you really have a connection with the Xishu Divine Teaching! My ID is Wen Xiangge, which means ’to understand elegance through hearing music.’ Though I am half Russian, I love Longxia culture."
The big bald guy waved, and two men and a woman came over.
All three were Longxia People.
"This is Xiaowu. He just got out of prison after serving his sentence. He’s a good person. Under the glory of our Xishu Divine Teaching, he is now a pure soul."
Xiaowu made a devout gesture of clasping his hands together:
"Under the insights of Venerable Wen, I’ve let go of many obsessions. A journey of life takes much repentance to complete. The current me is a renewed me."
"May I help you all survive in the Deceit Tower."
This time, Wen Xishu was truly shocked. This guy didn’t seem like he was faking it; he genuinely seemed to believe he’d been completely purified.
I’ve only been famous for a few days... and now there’s a cult using my name that has the brainwashing power to send people into the Deceit Tower to die?
"This here is Ah Miao. She was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer not long ago and came to the Deceit Tower to seek treatment, hoping to earn some money for medical expenses."
Ah Miao was a woman in her early thirties. Due to the torture of illness, her face was somewhat purple, and she had lost a lot of hair. But you could tell that she used to be a beautiful woman when healthy.
"And this last one is Xiangjiao. He once ate a banana at the orphanage and loved it so much he changed his name to Xiangjiao. He can’t even remember his original name, only that his surname is Wu."
Wu Xiangjiao...
Wen Xishu had the urge to mock, but restrained himself.
The big bald guy, Wen Xiangge, said:
"Xiangjiao used to like stealing, but he’s changed. Aside from being a bit lecherous, he has no other issues. But he and I are confident we can overcome his lust."
A lecherous thief, a terminally ill patient, a reformed convict...
To be honest, unless there’s some twist later, Wen Xishu felt that the Xishu Divine Teaching might actually have some positive influences.
However, he still felt that the big bald guy had an untrustworthy look.
Wen Xishu asked:
"Did all of you receive the Reverse Seven mission?"
"Yes, our Lord Wen Xishu blessed us, allowing us to stay connected in the perilous Deceit Tower," Wen Xiangge said.
He looked at Wen Xishu and continued:
"Friend, meeting by chance isn’t as good as planned. Why don’t we act together?"
Actually, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to team up. If worst comes to worst, he could use the rules to eliminate them once inside the Deceit Tower.
It’s not arrogance; with over ten Anti-Magic Values, three items, and two Deity Dice privileges, his starting point was much higher once inside the Deceit Tower.
If some tasks required teammates, having them would be better than not having them at all.
He nodded:
"Let me clarify, I won’t join any church. I have no idols, I don’t follow stars, and I don’t worship anyone. I am not interested in Wen Xishu, only hold simple admiration."
Wen Xiangge laughed:
"No worries, we’re all friends. By the way, what’s your ID?"
Wen Xishu froze. He hadn’t expected to end up catching his own words like a boomerang.
He stayed silent for a full thirty seconds, finding no way out:
"Alright, my ID is Wen Xishu. I take back what I said earlier."
Pfft, Xiangjiao chuckled, "Brother, you talked so much, only to be more enthusiastic than any of us."
Wen Xiangge sighed:
"It’s touching. I didn’t expect our Lord to guide us to meet another devoted believer."
IDs could be checked in the Three-Tower World. Many called themselves Wen Xishu for good luck.
Wen Xishu said:
"Before we start, any thoughts on this mission? Any intel to share? Anyone with experience in the Desire Tower to speak up?"
They all shook their heads.
Xiaowu said:
"It’s my first time in the Deceit Tower."
Ah Miao coughed several times, her face pale, saying:
"It’s also my first time in the Deceit Tower. If it wasn’t for wanting to survive... cough cough... I wouldn’t come here."
Wen Xiangge said:
"Ah Shu, if I may call you that, don’t worry. Our Lord will bless and protect us. Though it’s our first time, I believe we’ll all survive."
Your Lord will indeed bless me, because I need to save myself.
Wen Xishu said:
"In that case, let’s not delay any longer. Preparing is pointless, let’s enter the game."
Everyone agreed since they had already been waiting for half an hour. More and more people were visibly exploring the Deceit Tower, but nothing on the Reverse Seven mission was expected anytime soon.