Infinite flow, but I submit myself

“Of course, once the deal is done, I require twenty percent of all your earnings as compensation,” Yan Wuzhen said slowly. “Think about it carefully—this is a sure-win deal. If things go smoothly, in just three days, you’ll have accumulated enough for 100 Soul Coins.”

The resurrection match rules dictated that 100 Soul Coins could be exchanged for a “Qualified Trial,” allowing one to leave this cursed place.

It was impossible not to be tempted. Not just Tang Mo Bai—even Xiu Wei Yi, who was merely an onlooker, thought it was a feasible plan.

However, Tang Mo Bai controlled his greed well and rationally asked, “According to what you said, I’ve already drawn most of the gamblers’ attention. That means I just need to win the matches step by step. So, what role do you play that justifies a 20% cut?”

Yan Wuzhen had voluntarily offered this crucial piece of intelligence, but that also meant Tang Mo Bai could simply bypass him and proceed on his own.

“Of course, if you’re strong enough to ensure that you can win every match cleanly and decisively…” Yan Wuzhen drawled, “then naturally, I wouldn’t deserve the 20% cut—because you could do it all on your own.”

A sly, fox-like smile appeared in his eyes. “But the entire plan hinges on the assumption that you possess the overwhelming strength to crush all the newcomers here. In other words, if you fail to deliver the performance they expect, then the audience gathered in the livestream due to the ‘potential’ will all leave.”

“Besides, even if you are strong, do you know how to pick your opponents? Do you know their backgrounds? Are you aware of any hidden, unspoken rules in this resurrection match—ones that, if ignored, could cost you your advantage or even your life?”

Tang Mo Bai’s gaze flickered slightly. It was true—what he lacked most at this stage was information.

“As it happens, I’m the only intelligence broker in this demonic arena,” Yan Wuzhen grinned, showing his teeth. “I know everything you need to know. I can help you pick the most suitable opponents, reveal hidden rules that you can exploit, and even help you pass the ‘Qualified Trial’ as quickly as possible.

“After all,” he added with a smirk, “I believe in honesty and never tell lies.”

Tang Mo Bai: …Seriously? That name?

“Of course, you don’t have to give me an answer right away,” Yan Wuzhen continued. “But don’t take too long—if I remember correctly, you newcomers need to participate in at least one match before tonight.”

After the sound of running water, Yan Wuzhen shook his hands dry, pulled up his pants, and left the restroom.

Tang Mo Bai and Xiu Wei Yi followed closely behind. After hesitating for a moment and ensuring Yan Wuzhen was out of earshot, Xiu Wei Yi asked, “Are you going to accept his offer?”

“I’ll think about it,” Tang Mo Bai replied vaguely.

Xiu Wei Yi nodded and left for the time being, while Tang Mo Bai returned to his previous room. He had neither paper nor pen, nor any coins at hand. However, he did manage to pick up a sharp stone from the ground—enough to write with.

So, he squatted down and began writing and drawing on the floor.

The livestream chat was filled with scrolling comments.

[Chat Messages]

“This is so boring! When is he going to fight? Hurry up, I’m just waiting for this newbie to go wild!”
“Yeah, why hasn’t it started yet? What’s taking so long? Also, he spent way too much time in the restroom.”
“Clearly, you guys don’t understand how this works. Only reckless rookies would rush into their first match. Anyone with a brain gathers intelligence first.”
“Exactly. The guy talking to Tang Mo Bai just now was Yan Wuzhen—the ‘Spider’ of the arena. He definitely has information. They were probably making a deal in the restroom.”
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking? (blushes)”
“By the way, what is he writing? Looks like some weird scribbles.”
“No clue. Hey, streamer, explain it to us!”

The chat audience had no idea what the scribbles meant and grew restless. However, in the real world, the expert team frowned after Tang Mo Bai wrote just the second character. They immediately began cross-referencing and decoding.

Indeed, this was one of his training protocols—to prevent the livestream chat from understanding his messages, he used a hybrid of pinyin, letters, and Morse code, ensuring only the expert team could decipher his communications.

He was relaying the conversation with Yan Wuzhen, as he needed to consult with the real world before making a decision.

Upon receiving the information, Wang Yuan Zhi immediately recognized its significance and convened a meeting.

“This is both a crisis and an opportunity,” a temporarily assigned negotiation expert stated, setting the tone for the discussion. “It’s clear that the individual codenamed Yan Wuzhen possesses critical intelligence about the resurrection match. According to his proposal, he could help Tang Mo Bai quickly clear the event.”

“But based on his speech patterns and behavior, I doubt he’ll be satisfied with just 20%. Working with him is too risky,” someone objected.

Just as the meeting was about to devolve into another debate, one of the combat instructors slowly stood up. He uttered a single sentence that silenced the room.

“You all make valid points, but have you considered this—” the instructor said slowly, “If Tang Mo Bai fights without any tricks, who do you think he can actually beat?”

The room fell silent.

A moment later, the entire team failed to hold back their laughter.

Yeah… that was a good point.

Others’ opinions might be debatable, but when Tang Mo Bai’s combat instructor spoke, his words carried undeniable weight.

And the reality was clear—after sending out his message, Tang Mo Bai had quietly sneaked over to the audience seats to observe the matches. Judging from the battles he saw…

Well, emmm, the only person he might stand a chance against was another weakling like Xiu Wei Yi.

Wang Yuan Zhi rubbed his face. “Alright, we’ll adjust the plan. We’ll accept Yan Wuzhen’s offer. If we’re taking this risk, we need to maximize the benefits—”

“Now, who is the hunter and who is the prey? That remains to be seen.”

Wang Yuan Zhi swept his gaze across the people present and smiled, “Can we really let outsiders bully our people?”

“Besides, the persona adjustments are complete. Our IDs can officially enter the arena now.”

Meanwhile, Tang Mo Bai was carefully observing the battles in the gladiator arena. The more he watched, the more his heart pounded in fear. But to maintain his ‘persona,’ he had to keep a stoic expression.

As time dragged on, the livestream chat grew impatient.

【Why hasn’t it started yet? Other streamers have at least finished their first matches, but there’s still no news here.】
【Hurry up! I’m ready to place my bets—why aren’t they starting?!】
【Is he scared? Don’t tell me he’s actually just a useless weakling.】
【I have a guess. Those weird scribbles the streamer was drawing earlier—could they be secret messages to some big shot, asking for the next steps?】
【But aside from that initial reminder, there’s been no sound from them since.】
【Streamer, you haven’t been forgotten, have you? (lol)】

Tang Mo Bai ignored the chat, but at that moment, a familiar ID—92673—finally sent a message.

【Do what you want, baby. I’ll always support you. (wink)】

That solidified Tang Mo Bai’s previously claimed ‘lover’ setting.

But…

Just thinking about the reality behind that account—how it was actually operated by a serious team of experts, and that the person sending the message was likely one of the burly instructors—made Tang Mo Bai completely break character. He covered his face with his hands, his ears turning bright red.

【Damn, the sponsor really showed up.】
【Wow, the streamer is so emotional they’re about to cry. Such a hopeless romantic.】

It was almost impossible to hold back laughter!

Tang Mo Bai struggled to suppress his amusement, eyes glistening with unshed tears as he choked out, “Mm, I’ll do my best.”

Yan Wuzhen had been lingering around the gladiator arena. When he saw Tang Mo Bai approach, he wasn’t surprised. Without a word, he turned and walked toward the restroom.

Tang Mo Bai followed. At the same time, Xiu Wei Yi happened to be nearby and was also dragged along by Yan Wuzhen. The three of them returned to a familiar place—the same restroom as before.

After confirming that they were alone, Yan Wuzhen said, “So, you’ve made your decision. Let’s sign the contract.”

He then pulled out a contract notarized by the Demon Marketplace and handed it to Tang Mo Bai. “Take a look. If there’s anything you don’t like, you can bring it up.”

“Can you give me a moment?” Tang Mo Bai asked.

“Take your time.”

Tang Mo Bai left with the contract while Yan Wuzhen remained in place, waiting.

Five minutes later.

Tang Mo Bai returned. Yan Wuzhen’s sharp gaze locked onto him, a smile playing on his lips. “They agreed?”

Tang Mo Bai instinctively nodded, but halfway through the motion, he forcibly stopped himself. He stood frozen for a second before lifting his head to meet Yan Wuzhen’s gaze.

“Don’t look at me like that. With those ever-present cameras around, we’ll never have any secrets here.” Yan Wuzhen pointed to the ceiling and then extended his hand toward Tang Mo Bai, smiling meaningfully. “Besides, the more intelligence I gather, and the faster I do it, doesn’t that mean your partner is even more capable?”

Recalling the intel from the real world, Tang Mo Bai reached out and shook his hand. “That’s true.”

For the next three days, at least, they were allies.

The expert team had meticulously examined every clause of the contract, even scrutinizing the decorative borders for hidden tricks. On the surface, it appeared completely safe. The contract explicitly stated that for three days, Yan Wuzhen must wholeheartedly assist Tang Mo Bai in earning as many Soul Coins as possible, and the opponents arranged by Yan Wuzhen must lose to Tang Mo Bai without causing him any irreversible injuries or death.

In exchange, Tang Mo Bai would give Yan Wuzhen 20% of his earnings over these three days.

The contract was notarized by the Lost Paradise platform, meaning no one could violate its terms without facing a tenfold penalty. Since the contract required a notary, Yan Wuzhen had no issue with Xiu Wei Yi being present. He had already anticipated this and deemed Xiu Wei Yi the ideal witness.

As compensation—and a way to ensure his silence—Xiu Wei Yi was granted shared intelligence rights. As long as he kept his mouth shut, he would receive access to valuable information for free. He had no objections whatsoever.

“But I want to add one more condition,” Tang Mo Bai said. “For these three days, you must share all the information you have about this place and the Lost Paradise with me. And you can’t lie about anything related to intelligence.”

Yan Wuzhen raised an eyebrow. “Information is my primary source of wealth…”

“But since you’re my dear client,” he said, watching Tang Mo Bai’s nervous expression, then chuckled, “of course, I have no problem with that.”

“Then, let’s have a great collaboration.”

The three then discussed the details of the upcoming battles in the restroom for a full thirty minutes.

When they finally zipped up and stepped out, laughing and chatting, they couldn’t help but notice the strange looks people were giving them.

…It was probably just their imagination.

At the restroom entrance, the three parted ways. Tang Mo Bai and Xiu Wei Yi walked straight toward the gladiator arena without hesitation. It was as bustling as ever, with the Blood Moon looming overhead—though now, everyone knew it wasn’t a real sky.

The moment Tang Mo Bai and Xiu Wei Yi appeared, all eyes turned to them.

The first day had already progressed into the afternoon, meaning they had perfectly missed the first round of battles. The other newcomers who arrived with them had already fought at least once, gaining an understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. Many bore injuries—some minor, some severe. Some wore triumphant grins, satisfied with the Soul Coins they had earned, while others looked utterly dejected, searching desperately for their next opponent.

The joys and sorrows of people are not interconnected.

As they stepped forward, almost every newcomer who had lost their first match turned to stare at them.

Their gazes held killing intent, despair, and hope.

But while the other slaves under 009’s command knew the truth, the outsiders did not.

After the first round of battles, though many fighters were battered and bruised, they now carried the scent of blood from their fights. Their once-gentle daily facades had been torn away, revealing a glimpse of savagery and beastly instinct beneath. And it wasn’t just the losers who were desperate to fight for their survival—the winners, who had already earned enough Soul Coins to stay alive for the night, were also seeking prey, eager to expand their advantage.

Just as some were about to make a move and challenge a weaker opponent, Tang Mo Bai suddenly stepped forward. He closed the distance between himself and his chosen target, deliberately turning his back to the predatory gazes behind him. Then, he took the initiative and asked,

“Hello, would you be interested in a duel with me?”

The moment that keyword—duel—was spoken, the newcomers and veterans watching from the sidelines all turned their gazes toward him. Upon realizing who Tang Mo Bai was and who he had just challenged, their faces momentarily froze—then quickly shifted to shock.

Seth glanced at him, then silently nodded.

As soon as the audience recognized Seth, the livestream exploded with chatter from frequent viewers of the gladiator arena.

【His first duel?? And he’s challenging him?! Is this for real?!】
【LOL, another one getting baited just by appearances.】
【Seth looks like he’s on the verge of breaking down, sure—but if no one has challenged him yet, doesn’t that already mean something?! Doesn’t this rookie get it?!】
【Maybe he’s just overconfident. These newcomers have no sense of fear.】
【‘Dark Horse’ rookie vs. War Machine—this might actually be interesting!】
【This is so stupid. He could’ve just picked a weak newbie to guarantee an easy first win. Why make things harder for himself? Just for attention?】

Oh? That’s exactly it.

It was for attention.

The stream’s viewership skyrocketed, the betting frenzy fueled a wave of excitement, and that excitement drew even more spectators to the broadcast.

Everyone was eager to see—just what kind of rookie was bold enough to directly challenge a veteran?

And, more importantly—who would emerge victorious?

This was exactly what Tang Mo Bai and Yan Wuzhen had planned all along.