20 07 - Hunting the Hunters...
After three days of intense practice with 'Divine Dividing', Fang Lin had managed to train to the point of holding his Balance Breaker for a whole day normally and around 8 hours of combat. The result wasn't too bad though still not good enough in his opinion. It seems he still need to put in some more effort if he wants to be able to use Balance Breaker for longer during intense combat. Should there come a day where it was needed and the Balance Breaker release itself, wouldn't he be in deep shit then?
Around this time in the library area, a mob was surrounding a single individual being all excited about one thing or another. That youth being surrounded is of course Chen Linjian, who was recruiting people into the upcoming expedition that he's planning. Nie Li can also be seen mixed into said mob. Hm,.. it seems he's planning to join as well like in the original. Also... wonder if he's already sent that list of methods to use 'Purple Haze Grass' to the alchemy association yet? He'll have to talk to Yang Xin about that later tonight. But on another note... what is it with these people holding a meeting in a library of all places? Well... he guess it wouldn't be too strange since they are 'students' after all...
Just as Chen Linjian was about to conclude his recruitment with Nie Li joining the expedition, Fang Lin cut the wind to their sail and interrupted them. "Brother Linjian, I wonder whether or not you have spots for two in this trip of yours?" said a slightly smiling Fang Lin. Chen Linjian was slightly surprised as he turned towards the voice and immediately recognize Fang Lin. Although he had only showed up in class once, Chen Linjian still recognized him as a classmate. Standing next to Fang Lin was a stunning beauty, she is precisely Xiao Ning'er herself.
While Chen Linjian was ecstatic about having the rumored genius joining him on the trip, Nie Li on the side was completely startled by the two's sudden appearance. How did they do that!? He couldn't even detect their presence at all even with all of his years of experience. Well no matter... this is a good chance to see the strength of a golden soul realm genius. As they were somewhat acquainted, Nie Li of course went to chat with Fang Lin and Ning'er a bit. Chen Linjian, upon seeing that Nie Li actually knew Fang Lin, he felt glad that he decided to allow Nie Li to come as well. After all, there is bound to be something special about him if a genius like Fang Lin was willing to be friends with Nie Li.
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Later that day in the night, Fang Lin dropped by Yang Xin's place and asked if she's received any letter recently concerning the use of 'Purple Haze Grass'. The answer he got was a satisfying yes as she showed him the letter.
"Mhmm~ I did get the letter this morning. Is this from 'him'...? The one you wanted to me support if he showed up here at the association? Nie Li was his name right~?" Fang Lin who was looking at the letter just nodded then took out a brush and started filling in other methods that Nie Li purposely left out and handed that back to Yang Xin.
"Yes, and very soon he should be coming here in order to take the Master Alchemist Exam. You could publicize the rest of the recipes I've given so far but make sure to support him anyways. That Nie Li, his upcoming role will be huge in Glory City... aah please also remember to leave my name out of it... I can't afford to take the spotlight as of yet." said Fang Lin as he got up, ready to leave... towards the window? and not the door and paused. "As for the Sacred Family... well you know what to do about them... I'm still trying to gather informations and proofs as we speak. Well then, good night Sis Yang Xin." With that, Fang Lin was enveloped in a bright light and disappeared as if he was never there in the first place. Left behind, Yang Xin had a disappointed look on her beautiful face. Did you have leave in such a hurry? Hmph...
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Soon, 3 days had past and Chen Linjian along with his groups are now holding a final meeting before their departure to Ancient Orchid City Ruins... in the library again. Seriously! What's with these guys and their library fetish? Couldn't they have met somewhere else? Looking around, Fang Lin noticed Shen Yue giving a venomous glare at Nie Li. If looks could kill, Nie Li definitely would have already reincarnated at least a dozen times already... The heck did Nie Li do to him? With question in mind, he turned towards the two ladies standing on both of his sides. Xiao Bai was of course lazily napping on his shoulder.
After a bit, he got the gist of why Shen Yue had such hatred towards Nie Li currently. Apparently, the day before Chen Linjian showed up, Nie Li and his group were just chatting with both Ning'er and Ziyun in the library as usual. Shen Yue and posse happened to pass by and saw them then immediately misunderstood the situations. Somehow or another, a sort of showdown happened between them and Nie Li ended up humiliating Shen Yue even more than in the original which greatly anger the little prick.
It seemed that even without the jealousy factor of Nie Li hitting on Ziyun, Shen Yue still managed to find a reason or another to antagonize Nie Li. The heck? It seemed to Fang Lin that destined enemies are just meant to cross path no matter what the other do or don't do... Oh well. More powers to Fang Lin since that act had gathered a bit more limelight towards Nie Li. Before things calmed down, it seemed Shen Yue attacked Nie Li yet again! Just the day before too it seems and ended dragging down the whole Sacred Family reputation into the dirt. At that, Fang Lin could only secretly 'facepalm' in his heart. What is wrong with this Shen Yue? Did he get dropped as a baby or something? Didn't he learn his lessons from before?
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During the whole trip, Fang Lin did almost nothing besides chatting with Ning'er and Ziyun which endlessly gathered envious stares of all the males in the groups. Some of the girls there also wanted to join but with a glare from Ning'er, they all backed down like a bunch of frightened chicks. At the same time, Nie Li could be seen trying to chat up Huyan Lanruo every chance he could get. Seeing Nie Li's action, Fang Lin just gave a devilish smirk which sent some of the fangirls nearby into a shrill. Heh, it seems one of the 'gift' Fang Lin had left behind with his 'Hypnotism' is working.
After sometime, soon night time approached yet Fang Lin and group didn't even bother to pitch a tent, knowing they would soon be moving out. Ziyun wanted to protest their decision since he and Ning'er didn't... couldn't tell her they knew what was going to happen and was somehow convinced to not worry about it. Not too long a time past, Nie Li did his thing and convinced Chen Linjian to move, once again proving his usefulness to the group. And also managed to somewhat impress Huyan Lanruo, Good for him... hopes things work out between them.
While the group were on their merry way, there was a huge commotion happening back at Glory City due to a certain someone releasing the 'proper' usage of 'Purple Haze Grass'. This in turned completely jacked up the price due to shortage and stirred everyone within city, the Winged Dragon Family included. When they wanted to talk to Ning'er however, they found out she already left Glory City on an expedition earlier so they could only wait until she came back. From what they found out, it seems that Ning'er was the main reason for the 'Purple Haze Grass' shortage and if she still had them... their family would be rich!
Back to the group, Nie Li had noticed people tailing them and convinced Chen Linjian they were people from the Dark Guild. Fang Lin, Ning'er, and Xiao Bai of course noticed them as well yet purposely did not say anything. The more useful that Nie Li become to the group, the more his name would spread later when they return, which is a good thing for Fang Lin. Besides, those three trash mobs weren't his real targets this time anyways.
After another impressive showing of his insightfulness, Huyan Lanruo was once again impressed with Nie Li which finally made that Chu Yuan fellow erupt in jealousy. Of course they had their little showdown. Meanwhile, Fang Lin and co just stood to the side and enjoyed the show while of course, outwardly showing that he was supporting Nie Li and in truth, he really did. Supporting Nie Li and Lanruo's romance that is... Although he didn't explicitly say anything, his actions of standing by Nie Li's side clearly said otherwise. Shen Yue on the side was almost passed out from puking blood. He just lost 3 silver rank Fighters... just like that! Explaining that to the family's head is going to be tough...
As they continued on their journey, 3 days quickly passed by and they finally reached the Ancient Orchid City Ruins. The only thing putting a damper on their moods though was the group of Giant Blue Armed Apes attack them. Even until now, Fang Lin and Ning'er did almost nothing other than passively killing anything that attacked their little group. When Chen Linjian asked why, he just answered that he was only here to protect Ye Ziyun while allowing her to gain some experience. Hearing Fang Lin's answer though almost made Chen Linjian puke blood. The heck? Can't you see that the group is in trouble!? What do you mean letting your girlfriend gain experience?!
This however, is also letting Nie Li show his brilliance once again which in turn made Huyan Lanruo's eyes turn into heart shapes. Wao! That's fast... Good for them. Fang Lin could almost hear the imaginary sound of the system awarding him the 'Cupid' title... It didn't happen of course. Just as it seems like they were about to win the battle however, the big boss showed up which scared the crap out of everyone when Nie Li exposed its strength.
When all seemed hopeless, Nie Li was about to use himself as bait to lure the beast away, Fang Lin whom had been silent until now suddenly appeared behind the Ape, with Black Dao coated in scarlet flame. Slowly the Ape's body was split in half and fell down to its death. Although the whole scene was very anti-climatic, it had huge effects on the the rest minion apes as they as they immediately ran away due to the death of their boss.
At that spectacle, everyone on the scene just sucked in a breath of cold air. So powerful! How did he even move so fast! Or rather.. if he could do that the whole time, why didn't he move earlier damn it!? Of course no one had the guts to voice this outloud. Nie Li was the most shocked of them all of course. When Fang Lin had moved, there was no energy ripple or anything indicating that he even moved. Even now he still couldn't tell what Fang Lin's current realm is at, but he theorise that it had to be at least peak Gold Rank, if not then early Black Gold! Definitely a monster...! It's a good thing Fang Lin wasn't his enemy...
After that, the group moved on and entered the Ruins. Soon after however, a group of people dressed in all black appeared at the entrance of the Ruins.
"Intel said that rumored genius and a few noble family scions are part of this group. Your priorities are the nobles while the rest... you can kill them! As for that genius kid... leave him to me" said one of the black robed which seems to be their leader. At his authoritative voice, all the other black robes replied in unison "Yes, Deacon!"
Fang Lin and his group minus Ziyun of course noticed those guys however they didn't dare act yet lest they spook them into running away. "Finally showed up huh? Well then... soon we'll see who is hunting who..." whispered Fang Lin as he gave a somewhat devilish smirk.
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stats update;
***************************Status***************************
Name: Fang Lin
Title: "Pig Slayer"
Lv: 71 (20%)
Tier: "Mortal"
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Physical Level: 8 Stars Mortal
Soul Level: 9 Stars Mortal
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Traits: "Serene Mind", "Pain Tolerance", "Fire Affinity", "Wind Affinity", "Space Affinity", "Time Affinity"
Skills: "D-Sword Mastery", "D-Cooking Mastery", "C-All Fiction (sealed-1year)", "EX-Dragon God Ascension", "Perfect Memory"
Bloodlines: "A-Phenex", "None"
Equipments: "Black Dao (Rare)", "S-Divine Dividing"
Items: "Basic Camping Set", "C-Spatial Ring (small)"
Summons: "Xiao Ning Er", "Xiao Bai"
AP: 407,500
EP: 157,420
IP: 511,200
UP: 50,000
***************************Status***************************
Name: Xiao Ning'er
Title: "Shinigami in Training"
Lv: 71 (43%)
Tier: "Mortal"
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Physical Level: 7 Stars Mortal
Soul Level: 9 Stars Mortal
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Traits: "Loyal", "Pain Tolerance", "Determined"
Skills: "D-Sword Mastery", "Inner World"
Bloodlines: "C-Shinigami", "None"
Equipments: "Zanpakuto-sealed- (Rare)", "Avalon (conceptualized)"
Items: "C-Spatial Ring (small)"
***************************Status***************************
Name: Xiao Bai
Title: "Sacred Beast Descendant", "Lightning Dragon Slayer"
Lv: 71 (9%)
Tier: "Mortal"
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Physical Level: 9 Stars Mortal
Soul Level: 9 Stars Mortal
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Traits: "Lightning Rod"
Skills: "Bone Hardening", "Lightning Manipulation", "Shape Shifting", "Lightning Dragon Slayer"
Bloodlines: "Thundercloud Warcat", "Celestial White Tiger(Sealed-70%)"
Equipments: "None"
Items: "C-Spatial Ring (small)", "Senzu Bean (2x)"
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