Virtual Reality Cultivator-Chapter 20: An Invitation to a Deeper World

Ethan stared at his laptop screen, his heart pounding.

"Meet me."

The message from the mysterious person felt like a challenge. As if they knew he wouldn't be able to resist.

Ethan clenched his fist. He already knew that Immortal Cultivation VR was not just a game, but a grand experiment. Now, someone behind the screen wanted to meet him in person.

"Is this a trap?" he thought.

However, before he could type a reply, a set of coordinates appeared on the screen:

📍 "Red Lotus Café, Eastern District. Tomorrow at 7:00 PM."

Ethan frowned. "They've already set the time and place... They're serious about this."

After a few seconds of thinking, he typed a response.

Ethan: "I'll come. But if this is a trap, I won't be coming alone."

The message was sent, but there was no further reply.

Ethan sighed. "Looks like I'm really diving deeper into this world."

Preparing for the Meeting

The next day, Ethan went about his usual routine. He went to work, completed his tasks, and pretended that nothing had changed. But in his mind, he kept thinking about the upcoming meeting.

How deep had Zenith Corporation infiltrated the real world? Who exactly wanted to meet him? And most importantly... what did they want from him?

Ethan tried not to be suspicious, but while he was at the office, he felt as though someone was watching him. Was it just his imagination? Or was someone really following his every move?

As 6:30 PM approached, Ethan left his office and headed to the Eastern District.

"Alright, let's see who wants to meet me."

The Meeting at Red Lotus Café

Red Lotus Café was a small place located at the corner of a quiet street. The building was simple, with a dim red neon light shining on its sign. From the outside, it looked like any other café—people sat, enjoying their coffee and chatting casually.

However, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that this place was chosen for a reason.

He entered and scanned the room. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary... until his eyes landed on someone sitting in the corner.

A man in a black suit with a dark blue shirt underneath. His hair was short and neatly styled, and his gaze was sharp, like someone used to observing others.

As Ethan approached, the man raised his head and gave a faint smile.

"You're earlier than I expected, Ethan Liu."

Ethan sat across from him, remaining cautious. "Who are you?"

The man casually took a sip of his coffee before answering.

"My name is Adrian. I'm one of those who know what's really going on."

Ethan looked at him sharply. "So you know about Immortal Cultivation VR and the experiment being conducted by Zenith Corporation?"

Adrian gave a slight smile. "More than you can imagine."

Ethan clenched his hands under the table. "Explain. I want to know everything."

Adrian looked at him for a moment, then spoke in a low voice.

"You've realized that the virtual world and the real world are beginning to merge, haven't you? That the effects of this game don't just stay in the VR headset, but they're also carried over to your body?"

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Ethan nodded. "I can feel Qi in the real world."

Adrian seemed a bit surprised, but he quickly nodded. "That means you've passed the first threshold. Not many players can do that."

Ethan leaned back in his chair. "What do you mean?"

Adrian looked at him seriously. "Immortal Cultivation VR wasn't created just for entertainment. It's an experiment conducted by Zenith Corporation to test something called 'Spiritual Energy Transfer.' They want to see if the power in the virtual world can truly be applied in the real world."

Ethan gasped. "So they really are trying to create humans with cultivation abilities?"

Adrian nodded. "And you... are one of their test subjects."

Ethan froze. "I... I'm a test subject?"

Adrian continued, "All players who can feel the effects in the real world have been chosen unknowingly. Those with a high compatibility with virtual energy will experience changes in their bodies. And Zenith is monitoring every move you make."

Ethan's blood ran cold. "They're monitoring us?"

Adrian nodded slowly. "That's why I contacted you. If you keep digging too deep, you'll attract their attention."

Ethan fell silent, his mind racing.

"So they're intentionally watching players who show signs of change?"

Adrian stared at him intently. "And if they consider someone too dangerous... they'll take action."

Ethan felt a cold shiver run down his spine.

"What happens to those who are considered dangerous?" he asked quietly.

Adrian sighed and took another sip of his coffee before answering, "They... disappear."

Ethan's heart began to race. "You mean... they really...?"

Adrian nodded. "Some players who experienced significant changes have never been seen again after a few weeks. Their accounts are deactivated, and their traces in the real world vanish. As if they were never there."

Ethan clenched his fists. "So Zenith Corporation isn't just experimenting... they're also controlling who gets to develop?"

Adrian looked at him deeply. "That's why I'm warning you, Ethan. If you don't want to meet the same fate, you need to be careful."

Ethan fell silent. He had just begun to understand his potential in this world, but now he realized that the stronger he became, the greater the risks he faced.

However, instead of fear, he felt more challenged.

"So what should I do?" he asked finally.

Adrian gave a faint smile. "I know of a group that's also aware of the truth. We fight against Zenith from behind the scenes. If you want to know more, join us."

Ethan stared at Adrian intently.

"And if I refuse?"

Adrian took another sip of his coffee, then set the cup down on the table. "Then you'll fight alone against something much bigger than you."

Ethan fell silent.

This world was no longer just a game. It was a battle for something bigger—a truth that had been deliberately hidden.

And he had to decide his own path.

"I'll think about it," he said finally.

Adrian smiled faintly. "Good. But don't take too long to decide. Because our time is limited."

Ethan knew, from this moment on, there would be no turning back.

The virtual world and the real world had truly merged.

And he was right in the middle of it.