Brother Lu is such a good person.

In less than half an hour, Shen Yan arrived at Lu Ze's residence.

"Brother Lu, shall we begin now?"

Looking at Shen Yan's impatient demeanor, Lu Ze couldn't help but think to himself, This guy must really be craving that new game...

"No problem."

Lu Ze nodded and patted his chest reassuringly.

"Don’t worry, Brother Shen. Even if you don’t pass this illusionary realm, I’ll design another one focused on sword cultivation for you in the future!"

After all, soul games were inevitable—might as well earn some goodwill early and let this guy march willingly to his doom.

"Brother Lu... you’re not at all like the rumors say. You’re actually a good person!"

Hearing this, Shen Yan was deeply moved.

According to the disciples of the Tianxuan Sect, Lu Ze was practically portrayed as a scheming, sinister demonic cultivator. But after interacting with him, Shen Yan realized he was nothing like that.

"Still, Brother Lu, you might be underestimating me... I might just clear your illusionary realm."

Shen Yan grinned and twirled the hammer in his hand with practiced ease, as if it were an extension of his own body.

Lu Ze kindly reminded him, "Brother Shen, you do know that the realms I create completely seal off all cultivation and innate talent, right?"

"Of course I know. But even without cultivation or physical prowess, I’m confident I can clear it."

Shen Yan nodded, his eyes brimming with self-assurance.

Lu Ze had no reason to doubt him.

According to the backend records, Shen Yan’s performance in illusionary realms was consistently impressive—unlike Zhong Yi, he was a skilled, high-level player.

However, in Getting Over It, everyone started from the same point.

Lu Ze wasn’t worried about someone speedrunning the game.

"Then it’s settled."

With a smile, Lu Ze handed Shen Yan a pre-prepared crystal shard.

Just then, Nangong Yuan pushed the door open.

"Rebel—ahem—disciple, the Tianxuan Sect’s soul resonance array is finally complete."

Nangong Yuan clutched his aching back, looking utterly exhausted.

Between constructing the array and channeling spiritual energy for the Tianxuan Sect these past few days, he was completely drained.

"Go check if those features—livestreaming, in-game purchases, and whatnot—are working properly... This master needs to rest."

"Livestreaming? You mean projecting the gameplay?"

Shen Yan’s eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement.

"What, Brother Shen, you want to livestream your attempt at clearing the realm?"

A sly grin flickered across Lu Ze’s face before he quickly backtracked.

"Actually, maybe you shouldn’t. This realm is pretty difficult. What if you embarrass yourself in front of everyone...?"

Shen Yan immediately bristled.

"Brother Lu, what kind of talk is that? Do I look like someone who backs down from a challenge?"

"Besides, the Tianxuan Sect disciples have a pretty low opinion of you right now. This is the perfect chance to change their minds!"

"I’ll livestream while explaining the strategies and techniques to clear the realm. Help everyone overcome their inner demons and improve their perception of you—sounds like a win-win, no?"

Lu Ze nearly laughed out loud.

Righteous sect disciples were so easy to provoke.

Once this livestream went live, his reputation would probably be beyond saving.

But that didn’t matter.

What mattered was breaking Shen Yan’s spirit to level up his system.

With so many eyes watching, the odds of him losing his cool would skyrocket.

"Alright then. If you’re set on livestreaming, I’ll enable it for you now."

Lu Ze granted Shen Yan the livestreaming permissions.

Shen Yan channeled spiritual energy into the Illusionary Tower, and his consciousness plunged into the realm.

The words Getting Over It flashed briefly across the screen.

Since the game had been hastily developed, there was no loading screen—Shen Yan was immediately thrust into the illusionary world.

"Huh? Where is this?"

Shen Yan opened his eyes and looked around at the desolate valley, curiosity brimming.

He tried to move but found himself completely stuck.

Glancing down, he realized the problem—

His lower half was sealed inside a massive black cauldron, turning him into something like a roly-poly doll.

He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t even feel his lower body.

The only way to move was by swaying his upper half to rock the cauldron.

In his hands, he tightly gripped a black iron hammer.

"Easy. I’ll just use my hands to push myself forward."

Shen Yan quickly devised a solution.

But something was off.

His hands couldn’t move freely—they were locked in place, only able to grip the hammer’s handle.

Then, belatedly, the system prompt appeared:

[You have been sealed inside a cursed cauldron by demonic cultivators.]

[Your only companion is the hammer in your hands. Use it wisely!]

[Atop the highest peak lies the legendary Immortal Gate.]

[Reach the summit, cross the gate, and break the seal!]

"So... I have to use the hammer as a pivot? Push myself forward with it?"

Quick-witted as ever, Shen Yan hatched a bold plan.

He strained to angle the hammer downward and pushed with all his might.

The recoil sent him and the cauldron flying several feet.

Face-first, he slammed into the ground.

But thanks to the cauldron’s roly-poly nature, he instantly bounced back upright.

"Oof—what the—?!"

Shen Yan grunted.

Not because it hurt—strictly speaking, pain didn’t exist in this realm.

But because he was now covered in dust, looking utterly ridiculous.

Remembering the livestream—and the possibility of his fellow disciples tuning in—he hastily raised his hammer-wielding arm and rubbed his face against it in a desperate attempt to clean up.

Lu Ze was stunned.

Even with movement restrictions, Shen Yan had somehow managed that.

Guess he really cared about his image...