Comprehending the true essence of the Longevity Art for the first time didn't bring a particularly drastic improvement for Nangong Lingyun. In terms of physical fitness, internal energy reserves, or the development and evolution of his martial spirit—he was already far ahead of his current level.
The gap between him and the other person was simply too vast. That little bit of energy was like a cup of water trying to extinguish a cartload of firewood.
On the other hand, Xiao Wu gained tremendous benefits.
Her soul power level directly soared from level 40 to 44, and even her martial spirit seemed to undergo some changes.
You had to understand, ever since she began cultivating the Longevity Art, starting with the golden carving representing the metal element of the five elements—
Along with three special soul rings produced by the System, each offering incredibly targeted abilities and enhancements, her Soft Bone Demon Rabbit had already been completely transformed.
Now that her already powerful top-tier martial spirit was further evolving, the result was truly beyond Nangong Lingyun's expectations.
The next morning,Nangong Lingyun had just woken up and couldn't wait to open the System Interface to check his rewards.
The complete elimination of an important character should come with some seriously juicy benefits.
[You and Xiao Wu have consummated your relationship, completing a crucial ritual between lovers. Your bond is now intimate and inseparable—you are part of each other.]
[SSS-ranked beauty, special plot character Xiao Wu's affection level +1%. You've earned 1,000,000 Pleasure Points.]
[You've reached 100% affection with original female lead Xiao Wu. Your relationship has entered the "Till Death Do Us Part" phase.Special Plot Achievement Unlocked: [Scumbag No. 26] – Maximum Backstab Level.Reward: 8,000,000 Pleasure Points.]
[Xiao Wu has found the one she will follow for life. Her affection is now permanently locked at 100%.She will no longer feel romantic emotions for anyone else, and the chance of her sacrificing herself for Tang San is now zero.Tang San loses the bonus from her 100,000-year soul bone,along with the future Sea God Set's left-arm component and soul bone armor.Special Plot Achievement Unlocked: [Scumbag No. 27] – Maximum Backstab Level.Reward: 5,000,000 Pleasure Points.]
[Tang San loses the future 100,000-year sixth soul ring bonus.Special Plot Achievement Unlocked: [Scumbag No. 28] – Maximum Backstab Level.Reward: 5,000,000 Pleasure Points.]
[Tang San also loses four core 100,000-year soul ring skills from his tactical system:Void, Explosive Eight-Stage Throw, Teleportation, Invincible Golden Body.Special Plot Achievement Unlocked: [Scumbag No. 29] – Maximum Backstab Level.Reward: 10,000,000 Pleasure Points.]
[Total Pleasure Points Gained: 131,060,000Points Earned This Round: 28,100,000Current Total: 59,080,000]
After this first "ice-breaking" journey,Nangong Lingyun was so enamored he didn't even think about leaving for a whole month.
"I've fought wars for years. Can't I enjoy myself for once? Let the music play and the dancing go on."
Until this day, news came from the Dark Division—
"In the Star Luo Empire, a certain little kitty has made a move."
In the Star Dou Great Forest, at a rugged and majestic terrain:
A spatial gate with black edges and silver rings slowly opened.
Nangong Lingyun leapt out, closed his eyes to sense the surroundings for a moment, and then his face changed to one of shock.
"They're actually trying to kill her?"
Roughly four to five kilometers away,a graceful figure, whose appearance belied her age, was frantically fleeing through the forest.
Beside her was a beautiful woman under thirty, trying her best to protect her.
They both had the Netherworld Civet martial spirit, and the woman's five soul rings—two yellow, two purple, one black—suggested her strength. But judging by her pale face and shaky steps, both her soul power and stamina were nearly depleted.
Behind them, more than twenty pursuers gave chase. Most were Soul Sect-level, with two Soul Kings among them, forming a semi-circle formation to close in on their prey.
The soul masters chasing them were ruthless, each attack aimed to kill.Earth and stones exploded, ancient trees were shattered in half or obliterated entirely.
The commander's face was twisted with rage, spitting out obscene insults as he shouted.
Both Zhu Zhuqing and her guardian were in terrible shape. Their soul power had dried up, and they'd been poisoned by some soul skill.
Seeing this, Nangong Lingyun was honestly surprised.
In his previous life, many fanfics—and even his own writing—had interpreted this plot differently.
They speculated that Zhu Zhuqing, a mere level 27 Grand Soul Master, couldn't possibly survive a journey across the entire Star Dou Great Forest unscathed unless…
"That so-called assassination attempt must've actually been a secret protection squad, right?"
But now, seeing it with his own eyes, he realized—when it comes to the throne, there's no such thing as blood or family ties.
As for how she eventually escaped, there must have been other factors.
Perhaps someone else was arranged to intercept up ahead, or maybe they encountered a powerful soul beast that distracted or injured the pursuers...
"But whatever the reason—this opportunity is mine now."
Nangong Lingyun smirked.
His figure turned into a stream of light, darting through the dense forest at extreme speed.
"Saving a damsel in distress—sure, it's an old trope, but it works like a charm."
As everyone knows, when an ugly man saves a beauty, she swears she'll repay him in her next life.
But if a handsome guy saves her?
He usually gets a lifetime commitment—right here, right now.
"With a face like mine… how could I not, heh heh heh."
As for whether she would've survived anyway...
"Morality? I've never been burdened by that."
At this moment, the woman guarding Zhu Zhuqing stumbled while fleeing and collapsed to the ground.
She rolled over ten meters along the grass before crashing into a tree and coming to a stop.
Her soul power was completely drained, her back and legs covered in deep, bone-exposing wounds.Blood loss was critical, and poison had reached her heart and lungs.
At this point, she couldn't even move, let alone escape.Any slight motion would bring excruciating pain—she was running on willpower and sheer grit.
But human will has its limits. Her body had been pushed past its breaking point.
"Auntie! Auntie…"
Zhu Zhuqing shook her desperately, trying to rouse her, but finally heard only a whisper:
"Run."
After that word, the woman's pupils visibly dilated, and her facial muscles went slack.
"Hahaha! Little slut, let's see who'll save you now!"
A malicious voice rang out from behind, rapidly approaching.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't have time to grieve. She took one last look at the woman and continued running.
Tears blurred her vision,
But her pale face remained full of stubborn resolve—she had no intention of giving up.
She clenched her teeth, pushing herself forward step by step,
Every stride a desperate attempt, for she had almost no energy left.
At one moment, as Zhu Zhuqing tried to jump again,
Her brain gave the command, but her body didn't obey—just like her aunt, she crashed heavily to the ground.
She rolled a few times and slammed into a large tree, her head spinning.
She tried desperately to stand and run again, but after several attempts, she realized—
Her legs had completely lost all feeling.
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