Chapter 396: Chapter 396: The Bizarre Door
On hearing that all the masters unanimously wanted him to solve the puzzle, Li Yao immediately realized that there must be some problem.

However, he was posing as a goblin and didn’t recognize any other NPCs, so he had no opportunity to investigate the situation further.

From the current situation, he could tell that even the Dwarf Masters were encouraging him to unlock the door.

“I am but a mid-level engineer with little power. There are so many esteemed elites here, where would I get the audacity to be presumptuous? You’re trying to break me,” Li Yao bowed and said.

“Eh, brother, you’re wrong there. Just looking at your puppet, it’s clearly extraordinary, must be of an epic quality. You can’t claim you’re lacking in skills while using such a superior puppet, I won’t believe it,” a goblin master interjected.

“I don’t believe it either. Don’t be modest, brother. Otherwise, isn’t this door going to be a waste?” chimed in a Dwarf Master.

“You two are overly flattering me. My skills are not grand enough to rise to this occasion. Why don’t you go first? I’ll stand aside and learn. You, seniors, are not going to deprive me of this opportunity, are you?” Li Yao wasn’t going to fall for it.

There were too many odd things about the ancient gods. He didn’t want to fall into their trap and die perplexed. Although he could resurrect, he had too many precious objects on him. Losing even one would be heart-wrenching.

“You might be able to fool others with this act, but sure can’t fool me,” a sharp voice came from a female goblin.

Li Yao looked up and found that it was the female goblin who had escaped on the back of a beast.

“You’re quite lucky to have made it this far.”

Ignoring Li Yao, the female goblin said, “You all may not know, but this master is more dangerous than he appears. He once deceived us.”

“Are you suggesting Amonden was killed by his hand?” asked another goblin severely.

“Exactly, don’t be fooled by him. This man’s actions bear no resemblance to his words,” said the female goblin. “You might not know, but this master has opened the Gemini Door before. If anyone could unlock this door, it would probably be him.”

Hearing the female goblin’s words, the room erupted into murmurs. The masters present were all familiar with the perilous nature of the Gemini Door. If he had indeed unlocked it, then another master was sacrificed.

“This brother really plays his cards close to his chest. Well, since you’re so talented, no need to hide your skills. Go ahead and unlock this portal,” suggested an old goblin master, his face grave.

“You, a member of the Dark Camp, ordering me around? Don’t you think that’s laughable? Since when did the Light Faction stoop so low as to take orders from the Dark Camp? Surely you all…”

“Silence! Who are you exactly? Why don’t we recognize you?” an elderly dwarf with a gray beard said chillingly. “The two camps are now collaborating sincerely, yet you dare sow discord. Are you trying to break the peace treaty?”

Li Yao laughed, “What an outrageous charge! So now, not opening the door equates to breaking the peace, huh? Why don’t you open it then? For the alliance of the two camps, go ahead, I’ll back you up from behind.”

“You, quick-tongued,” the grey-bearded dwarf was infuriated by Li Yao.

“So when you can’t win an argument, you label me as quick-tongued? How ridiculous. In that case, let’s be candid: what if I refuse to go first?” Li Yao said while maintaining a safe distance from them.

“Refuse? Now that you’re here, you don’t really have a choice,” all masters smiled playfully.

With their response, the atmosphere suddenly grew tense, with players ready to fight at any moment.

The five players guarding Li Yao were muttering curses. There were at least a thousand players on their side, and the five of them, even with their iron strength, could not withstand such a number.

“Master, you’re so talented, just open this door, why trouble yourself,” Magic Land was sweating profusely.

“Is that so?” Li Yao’s eyes flashed with fury. His golden puppet arm flickered and a flash of the sword streaked across.

Sword Qi Slash!

With just one stroke, Magic Land’s life points were wiped out. His eyes were full of disbelief as he fell to the ground.

“Spreading nonsense can cost one’s life. I can tolerate it once, but I don’t want to see it happen a second time,” Li Yao swept his gaze over War Horizon and Light Flower, and asked, “What do you say?”

“We are commanded to safeguard the master, so naturally, we follow your lead, master,” War Horizon quickly responded. He initially thought about persuading Li Yao, but seeing Magic Land’s fate, didn’t dare to say a word.

“The master’s enemies are my enemies,” Light Flower also declared her loyalty.

“Good, this guy’s reward will be distributed equally among the four of you,” Li Yao nodded and said, “Don’t worry. They may outnumber us, but they can’t stir up much trouble. However, I don’t want to see what just happened happening again, do not blame me if I show no mercy.”

Not only did Li Yao’s show of force intimidate War Horizon and others, but it also shocked other gamers. His effortless sword stroke that instantly killed was truly terrifying.

“And you, have you forgotten how I saved you, how you schemed against me, and how you ran away like a scared dog?” Li Yao pointed his sword at the female goblin.

The female goblin shivered and retreated behind a few goblins, her beast following her.

Many of the masters wore solemn expressions. They had initially thought Li Yao would be an easy target, but they now saw him as a scourge.

Although Li Yao had only struck once, many of them could see that his combat power was off the charts. Regardless of their numbers, if Li Yao really fought to the death, he could certainly take a few of them with him.

“You all talk too much, if you won’t do it, I will.” An old, shaky dwarf slowly walked up to the door.

“Teacher, don’t do it.”

“Master, you can’t lose hope.”

When the old dwarf stepped forward, many dwarfs tried to dissuade him.

“Enough, I don’t have many days left anyway, dying wouldn’t mean much,” the old dwarf said firmly, “This door emanates strangeness. If the sacrifice of my life can unravel the mystery of this door, then it’s worth it. At least my death would have meaning.”

As he spoke these words, the old dwarf had already started to adjust the control panel. Everyone’s attention focused on him.

But within less than five minutes, dark clouds enshrouded the old dwarf.

His eyes were filled with horror. He wanted to say something, but when he opened his mouth, large amounts of black blood spewed out. In just a few seconds, under everyone’s terrified gaze, he fell to the ground.

Less than ten seconds later, the darkness dissipated. The old dwarf and his puppet disappeared as if they never existed in this world…

PS: Struggling with the plot…