Chapter Fifty-Seven: Wang Ling’s Parents Arrive

“But I just want to ask, what are you so worried about? The bullet didn’t hit her vitals—it merely grazed her lung, causing a bit of bleeding. She passed out from blood loss, but it’s not fatal,” Bai said again.

...

Lan Tian swore to himself that once he became truly powerful, he would definitely teach Bai a lesson—make it learn what proper communication really meant! There was no need to speak with such dramatic pauses; Bai was clearly toying with him! He could hardly resist the urge to punch it.

Yet, after listening to Bai’s words, Lan Tian finally breathed a sigh of relief. Still, after suffering once, he dared not show his happiness. He probed carefully, “Are you sure she’s all right? She won’t die? The bullet just grazed her lung—just blood loss?”

“Relax. A lung graze can be serious or minor, but after scanning, I found the injury isn’t severe. With the doctors’ rescue, I believe there’s no major danger. Even if she can’t fully recover, you can teach her some cultivation methods later and she can heal herself using cosmic energy,” Bai said with a smile.

“I didn’t tell you before because I wanted you to learn a lesson. The enemy may not be able to harm you, but that doesn’t mean they can’t hurt those around you. Remember: at all times, no matter how weak the enemy seems, never let your guard down! Otherwise, if your family suffers, regret will come too late.”

“Remember, in the universe, all dangers must be strangled in their cradle!”

“Otherwise... you’ll suffer even greater losses in the future!”

“And then, it won’t be a game anymore. One careless move, and you might end up like my master: perishing with no grave.”

“I understand! Don’t worry—once Wang Ling recovers, my first task will be to bring my parents to me. I’m really frightened now!” Hearing Bai’s explanation, the heavy stone in Lan Tian’s heart finally fell away. He began pondering the safety of his family and friends while settling comfortably in his chair, waiting for the surgery to end.

He knew, not only in the universe but even on Earth, he was still far from invincible. The release of the virtual network would inevitably touch the interests of many people—even nations—stirring countless nerves. He truly needed to start preparing. He wasn’t afraid of trouble, but his family and friends needed protection.

The launch of the virtual network wasn’t just about letting people experience a 100% realistic virtual game; he was also preparing to use it to help Earth adapt to any cosmic forces that might arrive at any time.

“Lan Tian, these are Xiao Ling’s parents.” Chen Xiaoxuan entered from outside, followed by a middle-aged couple—the man stern-faced, the woman elegant and dignified, though both looked anxious. Behind them came a man in his thirties, likely Wang Ling’s father’s secretary.

Lan Tian realized—so that’s why Chen Xiaoxuan had gone out, to fetch Wang Ling’s parents.

“What happened?! Why was Xiao Ling shot?! What were you doing?! Why did Xiao Ling take a bullet for you?!” Wang Ling’s father stormed over, grabbing Lan Tian’s collar and shouting.

He was the deputy governor of Su Province. Although usually gentle, he carried the aura of authority, and now, in anger, his presence was overwhelming.

“Uh... Uncle, it’s all my fault—I didn’t protect Wang Ling properly. But please don’t worry, she’s going to be fine,” Lan Tian replied, though he was now more than human, he still felt uneasy before Wang Ling’s father.

Had this happened earlier, when Wang Ling’s fate was uncertain, his mood would have been grim and his temper short. But now, all he could do was play it meek.

“Who are you?! Xiao Ling was shot, and you act unconcerned. Xiao Ling was shot saving you!” Wang Ling’s father grew even more furious at Lan Tian’s casual demeanor.

“Uncle, my name is Lan Tian. Wang Ling really will be fine, believe me—I have... well, I have my ways of knowing,” Lan Tian stammered, unsure how to explain, “Don’t worry, it only grazed her lung—just blood loss, nothing serious.”

“I don’t care if you’re Lan Tian or Black Sky! How can a grown man let a woman shield him?!” Wang Ling’s mother came over, face full of indignation.

“Auntie, this was indeed my oversight. I won’t make flowery excuses for forgiveness, but I can promise: from today on, no one will ever hurt Wang Ling again—not even a hair on her head. That’s my commitment,” Lan Tian said solemnly.

“You? What right do you have to make such promises?” Wang Ling’s father scoffed, his dislike for Lan Tian at its peak. “From today, no one hurts Wang Ling? Nonsense!”

He thought Lan Tian was nothing—if he truly had that ability, how could Xiao Ling have been shot today?

In fact, seeing Lan Tian, Wang Ling’s father suddenly understood why she’d refused the arranged blind date, even fighting with the family—she’d set her heart on this boy.

But no matter what, letting his daughter take a bullet for him was utterly unacceptable.

“Xiao Lü, go look into him. I want to see what makes Mr. Lan Tian so confident!” Wang Ling’s father ordered his secretary right in front of Lan Tian.

Lan Tian could only smile wryly, saying nothing, humbly inviting the elders to sit and wait patiently for the surgery. Then he greeted Fan Ming, “Old Fan, you don’t need to handle this—go back to the company. There’s a lot to do, and while I’m gone, I’ll need you to manage.”

“All right. Call me anytime if you need anything,” Fan Ming nodded. Though he wanted to stay close to his mysterious boss, he knew the company was swamped, so he had no choice but to leave.

...

Outside, in a men’s dormitory at Ningcheng University, students lounged about in groups, clutching their phones, inviting each other to play Kings of Glory.

It could be said that Kings of Glory was the most popular mobile game of the moment. Among university students—the front line of gaming—if someone claimed not to have played Kings of Glory, it was unthinkable. Even many girls who usually disliked games couldn’t resist its charm and became addicted.

That’s precisely why Lan Tian had chosen Kings of Glory as the framework for Bai to transform into a virtual game, without even considering alternatives.

“What the heck?! What is this?! Is it real?! Are you crazy?!” In the midst of their gaming frenzy, a particularly skinny student suddenly let out a shrill scream.