From Demon Slayer to the Multiverse: The Ultimate Exploiter

Standing at the center of the arena, Tong Gu swept his gaze across the so-called "outstanding youths of Mountain City." Not a single one dared challenge him.

His expression held no trace of triumph—only a hint of desolation.

So, this is what the world has come to. The once radiant individuals have long since decayed and festered.

These so-called "outstanding youths" had clearly not earned their titles through exceptional potential or readiness for the Game of Fate. Their prominence stemmed merely from backdoor deals, their purpose as tools for the power behind Wu Guangzhi to amass even more resources.

Tong Gu's disdain and disappointment were evident, piercing into the hearts of these youths like a sharp blade.

A young man in a plain white robe appeared ready to stand, but Wu Guangzhi's icy glance stopped him. The two men beside him promptly pressed down on his shoulders.

Wu Guangzhi knew full well that these individuals were no match for the Exploiter. Sending them into the fray would only serve to bolster Tong Gu's reputation.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Wu Guangzhi began to applaud softly, breaking the tense atmosphere. He smiled as if unbothered.

"Our new S-class member truly lives up to his reputation. But the Best Newcomer Award isn't simply about strength…"

"Otherwise," he added with a chuckle, "wouldn't this just become a martial arts tournament?"

The room erupted in laughter at his comment. Some laughed in agreement, while others wore complex expressions.

Unexpectedly, Tong Gu also laughed—soft at first, then louder and louder. The corporate representatives exchanged uneasy glances as the laughter stripped away their façade of composure. What was the Exploiter up to?

"Wu Guangzhi, four years ago, you participated in the Awakening Trial and received an E-class evaluation…"

Tong Gu's words were clear and deliberate, exposing Wu Guangzhi's past to the entire hall.

Wu Guangzhi—better known as Mr. Wu—froze for a brief moment before forcing himself to remain calm. Yet the anger welling up inside him broke through, eroding his usual polite demeanor.

"So what?" Wu Guangzhi shot back, his tone sharp. "Are you suggesting that those with an E-class awakening evaluation have no potential for growth?"

Tong Gu shook his head and smiled faintly.

"The Game of Fate is full of possibilities. As long as you don't give up, anyone can seize their chance. Even with an E-class evaluation, there's always hope for something great."

Wu Guangzhi felt as though Tong Gu was peeling away his carefully constructed façade layer by layer, leaving him vulnerable under the harsh glare of the spotlight.

"And yet," Tong Gu continued, his gaze locking onto Wu Guangzhi's, "I'm curious, Mr. Wu—what do you think qualifies someone for the Best Newcomer Award?"

Wu Guangzhi faltered, unable to respond.

For a fleeting moment, his mind raced back to the day he tried to visit the Exploiter but stumbled upon that little girl instead… Could it be…

A sudden surge of murderous intent coursed through him, and the hall's curtains stirred eerily, though there was no breeze. Something unseen seemed poised to enter.

No! Wu Guangzhi quickly recognized the recklessness of his thoughts. Striking against the Exploiter at the Newcomer Conference would unleash chaos beyond what even his backers could contain.

As he composed himself, he glanced at the main platform. Zhang Xingwen, the elder statesman with graying hair, lowered his head as if in thought. His sharp eyes, however, flicked briefly toward the entrance. On the other side, Ju Dongliu's previously closed eyes were now open.

A chill gripped Wu Guangzhi. They were baiting him.

Do they already know about my patron?

As Wu Guangzhi scanned the gathering, he finally noticed the assembly of "outsiders": Lu Ye of the Twin Swords of Green City, Dai Jincheng the Ice Demon, the enigmatic Zhang Xingwen suspected to be of golden rank, and the formidable S-class Ju Dongliu.

Why were such powerful figures gathered at what was supposed to be a minor Newcomer Conference in Mountain City?

Tong Gu noted Wu Guangzhi's shifting expressions and knew the man had seen through the ploy. But Tong Gu was long weary of these power plays and intrigue. Could such schemes even ensure humanity's survival in the face of Game of Fate's challenges?

Players were never meant to be this way. Players should be pure.

Before Wu Guangzhi could recover, Tong Gu turned to the stage and addressed Jin Honghai, the representative of the Players' Guild, in a loud, clear voice:

"Representative Jin, can you answer on Mr. Wu's behalf? What exactly are the criteria for this so-called Best Newcomer Award?"

"Why is it that at this Newcomer Conference, I barely see any actual newcomers?"

"Where is Zhou Yi, the prodigy from Yancheng, who earned an A-class evaluation?"

"Where is Kou Li, the B+ genius from the coast?"

"Even here in Mountain City—where are our talented youths?"

"This so-called Newcomer Conference—does it even belong to the players anymore?"

Tong Gu's voice echoed across the hall, growing louder and louder. Jin Honghai's face turned pale as he glanced around for help. Zhang Xingwen calmly sipped his tea, Ju Dongliu shut her eyes once more, and Dai Jincheng's icy gaze froze Jin Honghai in place.

How did this happen? Jin Honghai wondered in panic. The guild has always operated this way—why is it an issue now? Why is it falling apart on my watch?

Elsewhere, Gong Li silently recorded the proceedings on his device. Though Wu Guangzhi had evaded being fully exposed, Tong Gu's bold confrontation had turned the spotlight onto the Players' Association.

An S-class rising star publicly denouncing the association's corruption—this would ignite a storm online, a storm even the shadowy figures of Fallen Street couldn't contain.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Jin Honghai finally croaked, "Let's… proceed to the vote…"

Initially planned as a secret ballot, the voting was meant to shield decision-makers from scrutiny. But Tong Gu dismissed the idea.

"No need for that. Let's vote openly," he said, his tone indifferent.

Zhang Xingwen laughed. "Now this is efficient. I hate paperwork!"

Lu Ye, Dai Jincheng, and Ju Dongliu all nodded in agreement, leaving Wu Guangzhi fuming.

One by one, the "outstanding youths" of Fallen Street reluctantly stood but received no support. Meanwhile, the crowd shifted, uneasy under Tong Gu's piercing gaze.

Ultimately, it was unanimously decided.

"The Best Newcomer of the 100th Players' Association Conference goes to Tong Gu, the Exploiter of Mountain City!"

Jin Honghai's weak voice announced the result as Tong Gu took the coveted token from Fallen Street's grasp. With a cold smirk, he turned and left the hall.

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