Myriad Realms Gatekeeper

Shen Ye hesitated for a moment, then went to the office area to get some paper and pen, did some things, and came back again.

Several boys were still reaching for the top.

More boys had already stopped, ready to do something else.

"Hello everyone—boys, look over here."

Shen Ye beckoned.

By now, everyone was somewhat acquainted and recognized him as the first one to reach for the top, so they all turned to look at him.

Under the gaze of the teenagers, Shen Ye wore a serious expression, waving the slips of paper in his hand as he loudly said:

"Everyone!"

"We are brothers from all corners of the country and being selected for such a world-class exam means you must all be excellent."

"To protect everyone and ensure you are not harmed during the best years of your youth—"

"President Qian of the Human Martial Arts Group has asked me to make some things (Qian Rushan: ?)."

"As for the expenses, President Qian has already paid, so everyone can rest assured, watch, and consult with me."

"Those who are interested, come and have a chat, take a look."

Not get harmed?

What in the world was that?

Guo Yunye curiously asked, "What exactly is it?"

"Some techniques for interactions with the opposite sex—so to prevent you from being deceived and to protect your minds and bodies, I want you to gain some knowledge in advance, like a preventive injection," Shen Ye explained.

The opposite sex? Techniques?

The boys' interest was piqued instantly.

Seizing the moment, Shen Ye arranged the slips of paper he had written on the ground.

The crowd looked over and saw that each paper had a line of text, roughly including:

"You smell so nice";

"Is that muscle? Wow, that's impressive";

"Let's have a drink, shall we?";

"Your Adam's apple is moving, can I touch it?";

"I want a hug, nothing else, I just like the feeling";

"It's so dark and scary outside, I'm afraid to go alone";

"We have time, let's go watch a movie";

"It's too late to go back, what should I do?";

"Don't worry, I'm just a friend";

"Your hands are so warm, can you warm mine?";

"I've never done this with anyone else";

"Wow, your shoulders are so solid, have you trained?";

"Brother, your lips look so nice, they seem very soft too";

"My ex-boyfriend hurt me deeply, I'm scared to have feelings for you";

"I can't walk after drinking, can you help me?";

"I forgot to switch off the washing machine when I left, will you come up with me?";

...

The boys were stunned.

Suddenly, one boy shuddered and pointed at a slip of paper, unable to speak.

Everyone turned to look and saw the paper read:

"Do you really have abs? I don't believe it!"

"A girl used this technique on you?" Shen Ye asked.

"Yes," the boy said shyly, looking down. "I was so naive, I even lifted my shirt to show her."

Shen Ye observed his expression and said, "You didn't actually like her, right?"

"Yes," the boy replied.

"After seeing your eight-pack abs, she wouldn't leave you alone?"

"Right, I regret it now, but I just didn't know how to respond at that time."

Shen Ye showed a sympathetic look, patted his shoulder and said, "Remember, girls are not simple, you have to be careful with such techniques, don't easily reveal your body."

"Also, be careful if she has taken any photos of you with her phone."

The boy suddenly looked up at Shen Ye in shock.

Could it really be!

Hearts sinking, everyone took the warning seriously.

Shen Ye sighed deeply, closed his eyes, and spoke earnestly:

"Our male bodies are precious, and if your pictures end up online, who can you complain to? Do you want to spend your whole life with people pointing at you saying 'I have his photo'?"

The surrounding boys all showed a look of lingering fear.

"Understood, we mustn't show ourselves to those we don't love, and we have to be cautious about being photographed!" the boy concluded with a determined expression.

Shen Ye spread his arms and said solemnly, "Brothers, it's because I'm too handsome that I have such experience, and since you've stood out from the crowd, you must be mindful of these things in the future to protect yourselves."

The boys fell silent for a moment.

One boy, after much restraint, finally asked, "Brother, what if someone keeps talking to me, you know, sending messages online, and I don't want to offend them since we know each other?"

"You just keep replying with 'haha', 'oh my', 'amazing', 'great', 'really?' 'I see'." Shen Ye advised.

"Is that so... but what if that doesn't work?" the boy asked, still worried.

"Then say you're going to take a shower, and the conversation will naturally end," Shen Ye suggested.

The boy seemed to have an epiphany.

Suddenly, another boy pointed at a slip of paper and asked, "Brother, how do you deal with this one?"

Everyone looked.

The slip of paper read:

"It's so cold outside, are we going to keep talking out here?"

They all turned to the boy in question.

His eyes were red, as if he was struggling with some undisclosed trouble.

Everyone drew a sharp breath.

—This was too cunning; who wouldn't fall for that?

It was truly hard to guard against!

Shen Ye turned serious and said:

"Remember, you must go to public places with a lot of people, absolutely not to dark, deserted places with no signal, because it will be too easy for her to make a move."

"But I don't know whether she is sincere or not..." the boy said hesitantly.

"That's right—brothers, the most important thing is whether she likes you as a person or just wants something from you—you must be vigilant about this," Shen Ye stated.

"Can you explain further?" the boy asked.

"Of course," Shen Ye said.

The crowd of boys gathering around grew larger and larger.

In just a few minutes, their number had surpassed twelve, with even more being called over.

Everyone listened to Shen Ye with fear and trepidation as he imparted strategies for coping.

Some girls, curious, came closer but were scared away by the unanimous vigilant stares of the boys.

In that moment, they were united with a common purpose!

Then a little while passed.

The card in his pocket gave a slight tremor.

Shen Ye took a moment to pull it out and take a look, only to see a new prompt had appeared on it:

"The second test is complete."

"You have become a member of the 'Newcomer' deck."

Colors gradually began to fill the card.

Shen Ye was surprised to find his own portrait appearing in the center of the card.

On the card, he first pulled out a knife, then shook his head and tossed it away, followed by a short sword that he thought about and then threw away as well, sighing in defeat.

Suddenly.

A lightbulb appeared over his head.

As if struck by an idea, he reached behind him and pulled out a skull, nodding continuously as he clutched it in his hand, standing tall and proud, exuding an air of spirited assurance.

Behind him was a backdrop of interweaving darkness and blood, casting the entire card with an aura of gloom, darkness, and mystery.

Shen Ye's pupils suddenly constricted.

——These Tower of Tarot cards really have something special!

They could actually see that I don't know how to use knives and swords, and also that I have a skull with me!

Lines of small text appeared on the card:

"Shen Ye."

"Human Martial Arts Group examinee."

"Preparatory Card, No-Star Rank."

"Note: All newcomers are initially issued a Preparatory Card;"

"Your performance will determine future evaluations. When you reach One-Star Grade, you will become an Official Card."

"Current privileges: You may look up some basic information about 'Newcomers'."

Turning to the back of the card, he found it continuously updating with various information about the exam:

"The Flying Shuttle you are aboard will arrive at Yunshan Port in 24 hours."

"Youngsters from prestigious families are already in place."

"For this exam, the Global News Network has sent a large interview team."

"The Three Great High Schools are making final preparations. According to the spokesperson, everything is being prepared methodically, and the exam will begin as scheduled."

"The Tower of Tarot referees are also ready."

At the same time, a line of small text emerged at the top of the card:

"You have become a Preparatory Card in the 'Newcomer' deck. You may inquire about basic matters related to this selection exam."

But there was no time now.

After answering numerous questions from the boys and helping them clear their doubts, Shen Ye closed up shop and once again took out his card.

What to ask?

Shen Ye thought for a moment and asked, "How many cards are there in the official 'Newcomer' deck?"

"54 cards," small text emerged on the card.

"Only 54... What are the benefits of becoming an Official Card?" Shen Ye asked.

Another line of small text appeared:

"To become one of the 54 Newcomer Cards and retain this status until the end of the exam will guarantee admission to the Three Major Academies."

What?

That's a guaranteed placement!

Wouldn't everybody be scrambling for it?

"How many people are taking part in this exam?" Shen Ye asked.

A line of digits surfaced on the card:

"3579 people."

These 3579 represented the finest talents from around the world!

But there were only 54 Official Cards.

Only 54 people would make it onto the list.

"How many cards are there in the 'Newcomer' deck altogether? How many Clan Young Masters, and how many Normal examinees?" he asked further.

The card again displayed small text:

"Currently in the 'Newcomer' deck as Preparatory Cards: 1603 of Clan Young Masters, 105 Normal examinees."

"Are there any Clan Young Masters who haven't made it into the deck?" Shen Ye asked.

"None."

By total number and in terms of those who had made it into the deck, Normal examinees were at a disadvantage.

——The gap between people is simply too vast!

If they become classmates in the future, how could one ever catch up?

Unless one is a peerless genius!

So, 3579 individuals were vying for 54 guaranteed placements.

If you don't get one, you have no choice but to take part in the exam under normal rules.

It's akin to two paths.

But...

Even those 54 must sit the exam.

If they lose their qualification during the exam and their place in the deck, they are reduced to competing regularly.

Suddenly, Shen Ye remembered that girl.

"Is Xiao Mengyu in the 'Newcomer' deck?"

An image of Xiao Mengyu promptly appeared on the back of the card.

There she was, wearing a conical hat, standing on a lone boat with crossed swords, her beautiful eyes exuding a cold and lethal intent.

Above the night sky reflected on the water, five glowing stars twinkled.

"Xiao Mengyu."

"Scion of the Luo Family."

"Strength Level: Five-Star."

"Official Card, indisputably the number one swordsman among all candidates."

"Five-Star Benefits: ??? (You must attain a Five-Star Rank to know)."