After My Favorability Level Is Up to the Top

Chapter 189

Chapter 189 - Accidents Are Everywhere

It marked Guo Fan's inaugural encounter with the essence of sword intent.

It wasn't the raw power of the sword technique that mattered, but rather the trajectory it followed. It wasn't about how it was executed, but rather the underlying purpose.

Breaking down these once instinctive steps rendered familiar skills foreign. They ceased to be mere techniques, evolving into an entirely new realm of understanding.

Yet, this transformation was confined to a handful of sword skills he had mastered.

Despite unlocking a secondary weapon slot due to his determination and boldness, ordinary players lacked the stamina to pursue both paths. Mastery of dual-wielding was reserved for the elite, the Great Gods. Guo Fan was a mere average player, adept at offense. While dual-wielding was alluring, it remained beyond his reach, relegated to occasional flashy displays.

Yet, it was precisely his omission of advanced skills that sparked enlightenment. He resembled a blank canvas, ripe for revelation.

During his initial transmigration, grasping such skills would have posed a formidable challenge. However, with his Core Forming Stage cultivation, understanding dawned as a new experience.

Whether slicing through rushing rivers or muscle fibers, the sword intent embodied the same essence: ‘Dao'.

Carving a cow with a butcher's knife wasn't just about practice; it delved into the anatomy of the animal and the technique of wielding the blade. Each incision was calculated, executed with precision akin to a graceful dance.

Yijun's swordsmanship mirrored this philosophy. Her display was pure, devoid of spiritual enhancements or embellishments. It was simplicity in motion, bewitching the observer's heart.

Likewise, the force of the river mirrored this principle. Its fluidity seemed impenetrable. Yet, Gong Wei had succeeded, as had he. Beneath the surface lay discernible joints and currents.

These revelations flooded Guo Fan's consciousness in an instant. Delving deeper into sword cultivation would unveil this as the genesis and culmination of one's Sword Dao.

He snapped back to reality, the vibrations in the sword dissipating, leaving tranquility in its wake.

Dong Yuan and his companions approached.

“Then let's proceed inside,” Guo Fan suggested warmly, eyeing the white jade palace. “Guarding this place alone is perilous. We can't predict what lies within. With everyone's cultivation lost, we're all in the same boat. By sticking together, we can watch each other's backs. Otherwise, we risk sacrificing our lives for naught.”

Despite mutual distrust, they maintained a facade of harmony. Beneath the veneer, however, tensions simmered.

Dong Yuan and his allies harbored similar intentions. They nodded in agreement, entering the palace through its square entrance. They arranged themselves into two rows, advancing side by side to avoid suspicion.

None among them possessed torch-making skills. Exploring collapsed structures with torches risked oxygen depletion in confined spaces.

Yet… oxygen was a foreign concept to these individuals.

Their collective ignorance spared Guo Fan considerable hassle.

He realized that even sans their magical abilities, cultivators wouldn't fare well as adventurers. He silently thanked his lack of knowledge regarding fire pistons upon his initial transmigration.

Thus, in an uneasy atmosphere, they relied on a night pearl provided by Hee Mengyao to illuminate the ancient white walls.

Dust thickened the air, coating the once pristine walls in a veneer of yellowed soil, marred by numerous cracks.

The ground bore witness to blackened bloodstains, the air thick with the stench of decay, inducing nausea.

Despite their hushed steps and bated breaths, an unsettling sensation lingered in the darkness.

The two little foxes were still leading, but their keen sense of smell and tracking skills were now entirely useless.

They covered their noses more tightly than anyone else, puffing their cheeks in displeasure. Eventually, Guo Fan had to carry them forward.

This made Qingfu unhappy, as it was originally her spot, now taken by someone else. She tugged at Guo Fan's clothes, and he turned to see her round eyes.

He had no choice but to carry her on his back.

With a hammer on top of her head, the group now looked like Guo Fan and a collection of accessories.

Hee Mengyao, watching from the side, covered her mouth, laughing. Yijun reached out to adjust the hammer on the kitten.

Guo Fan was unsure whether to laugh or cry. Dong Yuan and the others watched, the corners of their mouths twitching. The previously tense atmosphere was completely disrupted.

But midway through, Su Makeup pricked up her ears and alertly said, “I hear something!”

The two little foxes and Qingfu immediately and quietly jumped off Guo Fan.

Everyone stopped and held their breath.

Sure enough, they heard heavy panting, a hoarse sound like drooling. In the dark, quiet environment, it was truly terrifying.

Accompanied by dull footsteps.

Guo Fan concentrated, listening for a few breaths, determining the sound came from the top left.

He looked up, exchanged glances with the others, deciding to quietly wait for it to pass, avoiding any conflict.

The palace was so silent. A fight could attract other demonic beasts.

Just as he thought this, he saw Pann Xiaoying on the other side. While everyone held their breath, focusing on the top, she stood in the middle.

If she had stood casually, it would have been fine, but she positioned herself beside Hee Mengyao.

Because of the foxes and Qingfu earlier, Hee Mengyao had moved to the side. Now, Pann Xiaoying quietly approached her, eyes showing a trace of malice.

It wasn't killing intent, but satisfaction, as if she had achieved her goal.

The yak grass in her hand twisted into a thin line, sharp as a needle, aiming for Hee Mengyao's arm.

Pann Xiaoying wouldn't be foolish enough to kill now, but with Hee Mengyao, a descendant of the Martial Emperor, who could open the secret realm with her blood, it was unpredictable what effect it would have in the palace.

In a split second, Guo Fan blocked with his sword, protecting Hee Mengyao's side.

Unexpectedly, the yak grass was as hard as metal, and when it struck the sword, a sharp sound echoed.

The sound was much louder than their voices. Instantly, the heavy panting stopped.

After a brief pause, a sudden roar erupted. With a boom, the white jade wall above cracked open, and a huge, skinny humanoid creature with long limbs fell to the ground with the dust, opening its rotten mouth towards the group.

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