Since all these rules and superstitions are outdated, what's wrong with me indulging in some me

Yan Xiangming took a drag of his cigarette, seemingly considering his words, "This information is top secret in the countermeasures team's files, but since you've already met them, you have the right to know."

"The Rules Management Bureau can only appear in A-level or higher instances. Their official members are called 'Enforcers,' and each member has two codenames: one based on the Western Tarot system, and the other based on the Eastern Zi Wei Dou Shu (Purple Star Astrology) system. Based on our understanding of them and the speculations of experts, one codename represents their abilities, and the other represents their personality or position; it's also possible that both are true."

"Each of their official members has a different appearance, style, and abilities. The 'Hanged Man Tianliang' we met this time is also the first one we've encountered. Based on our speculation, his power may be related to establishing rules and boundaries. How do you feel about that?"

Lu Changsheng thought of Tianliang's astonishing skill and nodded in agreement.

There's something I think you need to pay attention to.

"Oh?"

Yan Xiangming raised an eyebrow, wondering what the young man in front of him wanted to remind him of.

"This Hanged Man is not upright; it's reversed."

"The Hanged Man inherently possesses the quality of being suspended and still, and has a detached and outsider's perspective. The upright Hanged Man represents self-sacrifice, while the reversed Hanged Man tends to be more inclined to force stagnation and reject rules."

"You also know about tarot cards?"

Yan Xiangming was somewhat shocked. He knew Lu Changsheng's abilities in talismans and fortune telling, but he did not expect that he also knew so much about Western metaphysics.

"The so-called Eastern and Western mysticism are all means to an end. The essence of both is to explore the laws of fate and the nature of the world. There is no distinction between high and low, noble and base. Different problems can be solved in different ways."

Lu Changsheng smiled.

Yan Xiangming was taken aback, not expecting Lu Changsheng to say such a thing.

"Then how do you understand Tianliang?"

"Tianliang Star is a noble and auspicious star in Ziwei Doushu. In ancient times, it corresponded to the position of censor and also signifies a benefactor and protector. Its core characteristics are resolving disasters, setting boundaries, and also a sense of detachment from worldly affairs, which is somewhat similar to the characteristics of the 'Hanged Man'."

"That's similar to what our expert team analyzed," Yan Xiangming nodded. "But we didn't pay much attention to the upright and reversed tarot cards you mentioned. I'll go back and have the experts at Xixuan study it."

He paused and continued:

"This organization specifically appears in instances with large casualties, and their current stance is likely leaning towards chaotic good. They usually select some skilled veteran players to recruit as interns, and then conduct an intern assessment before officially joining. This is the first time we've encountered a situation like yours where you're immediately put in an intern assessment."

"Once your intern assessment begins, the dungeons will become increasingly difficult, some even reaching SS-level difficulty. Be prepared. As for other details, you'll have the chance to meet An Zhiyu once you enter the monster zone, and she will explain everything to you in detail."

"Strange area?"

Lu Changsheng looked puzzled.

Yan Xiangming looked at Lu Changsheng's bewildered face, a hint of a smile flashing across his usually serious expression.

"The Rules of the Strange Tales Player Residence Area, or Strange Area for short, is a unified place for all those who have participated in the game to live. It is managed and protected by the state. All your items have been brought here and placed. If you have any needs in the Strange Area, please contact Sun Chen directly."

Sun Chen, who was standing nearby, handed Lu Changsheng a cell phone.

"This is a dedicated mobile phone for all players in the real world. My phone number and Team Leader Yan's phone number are already stored in it. The government set up this phone to prevent hacking and protect your privacy, and also to facilitate communication. The government will not install any eavesdropping devices, so you can rest assured."

Lu Changsheng took the black phone and nodded without any objection.

The vehicle turned onto a relatively quiet, tree-lined avenue, flanked by tall plane trees whose shadows swayed gently. Ahead lay a quaintly designed gate, beside which stood an unassuming stone tablet bearing two powerful characters:

"Strange Area".

The gate slid open silently, and the vehicle drove in. The scene inside surprised Lu Changsheng.

The streetlights are warm, the roads are clean, and rows of luxurious villas stand tall.

"The strange zone has a complete system of housing, medical care, training, research, and logistical support, as well as the highest level of security. Players can live relatively normally here. Of course, there are certain restrictions on entering and leaving."

The car slowly pulled up in front of a modern villa with a simple yet stylish design. The car door slowly opened, and warm yellow light shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows, outlining the spacious living room.

"This villa will be yours from now on. You can enter and exit with facial recognition, and someone will deliver your three meals a day on time."

Yan Xiangming got off the bus first.

When is Cheng Caijun arriving?

Lu Changsheng asked.

Mentioning Cheng Caijun, Yan Xiangming's usually stern face stiffened, and his expression became slightly unnatural.

"His identity is somewhat special, and we are working hard to win him over."

Lu Changsheng nodded without saying anything more.

Yan Xiangming looked at Lu Changsheng, a slight hint of relief appearing on his usually cold face: "You should rest well first. Your next mandatory dungeon is in a month. You can relax for a while."

"Okay, thank you!"

The car door closed silently behind me, shutting out the last trace of noise from the outside world.

Lu Changsheng stood on the path in front of the villa. The night breeze rustled through the carefully trimmed shrubs in the courtyard, bringing with it the unique fresh scent of plants.

Lu Changsheng's tense nerves finally relaxed a little.

There was no questioning or investigation as expected. What the state provided was, first and foremost, the right to rest and an absolutely safe "home".

This approach made Lu Changsheng, who was used to being alone and relying on himself, feel a subtle sense of unfamiliarity and relief.

He pushed open the slightly ajar villa door. The motion-sensor light in the entryway automatically turned on, its soft glow not glaring. The indoor air was fresh, the temperature comfortable, the decor simple and bright, and the furniture complete.

Lu Changsheng did not immediately explore each room. He first sat down on the soft sofa in the living room, let out a long breath, and felt a wave of weariness wash over him.

The line between reality and illusion was completely blurred that night.

His fingers unconsciously touched his chest. Even through his clothes, he could feel the presence of the jade pendant. It was no longer scalding hot; its temperature had dropped to slightly above body temperature. But the enormous energy that had been forcibly absorbed and compressed inside still pressed down heavily like a dormant volcano.