Chapter 20: Holographic Game (VII)

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Chapter 20: Holographic Game (VII)

Upon returning to Second World, he immediately sensed something was different. His internal energy circulated much faster than before. Although it had always flowed more quickly in Second World than in reality, it had never reached this speed. The sudden surge made him feel as though he was on the verge of losing control.

Calming his internal energy, he gazed at the unchanging scenery around him. He still didn’t fully understand the concept of internal energy. It was inherently difficult for a modern person to understand the nature of martial arts’ internal energy, just as it was difficult to understand mana in fantasy worlds.

Miao Lichen smiled slightly. As long as it could be used, there was no need to obsess over understanding it completely. Thinking too much about the nature of energy was tiring. However, this reaction gave him greater confidence in the Qixiu internal energy. The stronger it was, the stronger he would be. Since it had adapted to this fantasy world, would it also transform into cultivation energy in an immortal cultivation world? Since this was his special gift, it naturally wouldn’t be weak.

Miao Lichen took care of some guild matters, then handed the Shadow Cell’s clear strategy auction and other sales to DevotedLove. His hands-off management style had proven surprisingly effective. Clicking open the map, he found the location of Shadow Forest. He promised he would treat Qi Yingfeng well after clearing the dungeon for him, so he wouldn’t go back on this promise.

In the novel, Qi Yingfeng arrived at Shadow Forest as soon as the map was unlocked and obtained the Shadow Ring there. This ring granted invisibility, making it an extremely valuable item for a stealth-based class like Shadow Assassin. Although it could only be used outside of combat, it was one of his best items.

The dark forest exuded a slightly chilling aura, with everything from the land to the foliage cloaked in black. The moon hung above, casting a blood-red glow over the forest. The monsters lurking within carried the stench of decay, filling the damp air with the foul scent of rot.

Miao Lichen frowned and reached into his inventory, pulling out a cloak to conceal his bright red clothes. The cloak was black on the outside, with a red inner lining, a necessary precaution in the Shadow Forest where any color other than black could attract unwanted attention from monsters and bosses sensitive to hues.

Miao Lichen glanced at the name LunarBreeze on his friendlist and smiled. He knew how to locate him accurately through private chat, but that might alter the plot. The Shadow Ring must be obtained by Qi Yingfeng, and only by him. All he needed to do was wait patiently.

The Shadow Forest was an ideal location for leveling, eventually becoming a vast hunting ground due to its dark environment. It wasn’t just monsters that could be hunted; humans were also targets for those seeking to gain without effort. Sniping and being sniped were common occurrences. Darkness was always the best environment for hiding and committing evil.

Miao Lichen’s internal energy was also an excellent hunting method in the Shadow Forest. Preventing his targets from bleeding meant the scent of blood wouldn’t attract monsters from afar, while the faint pink light effects would draw in nearby mobs. The likelihood of him running into a boss was also slim. As long as he didn’t get caught in a group attack by more than a dozen mobs at once, he wouldn’t be in danger.

“CangChen, I didn’t expect you to choose this map.” Qi Yingfeng greeted as he leaped down from a tree. His black clothing blended seamlessly into the surroundings, and his expression remained blank, making his thoughts hard to discern. However, one could sense his calm aura and focused gaze. “This map isn’t particularly suitable for our glamorous guild leader CangChen.”

“What does suitability have to do with it? Isn’t it all about killing monsters and leveling up?” Miao Lichen turned, his white hair contrasting brightly against his black cloak. “Besides, I came here to find you.”

“Oh, it’s rare for you to come looking for me. What’s up?” No matter where he was, this man always gave people the impression that he was standing in the most magnificent palace. CangChen was definitely not someone who belonged to the light, making him a perfect fit for Shadow Forest. A slight curve appeared on Qi Yingfeng’s lips, like a ghost lurking in the night—sinister yet dangerously alluring.

∇ Capture Target Qi Yingfeng Favorability: 60.

“I promised to treat you well after you cleared Shadow Cell, and I won’t break my promise. If I don’t come to you, will you come to me?” Miao Lichen spoke, meeting his eyes as if stating a fact.

“Mhm… how did you know I would be here?” Qi Yingfeng asked, pursing his lips. ‘He is so sure?’

“Even though you hid well, you’re not completely untraceable. Your obsession with Shadow Cell itself is a flaw. I don’t think you would have been interested in joining Cangqiong Palace’s party if we weren’t close to clearing the dungeon.” Miao Lichen said as he moved his sword, beheading another dark-type monster. “Plus, you’ve shown interest in my hidden class.”

“Yes, I left a lot of hints, but you’re the only one who spotted them. You truly understand me,” a glint flashed through Qi Yingfeng’s eyes. CangChen was different, at least he was more sincere than everyone else he met in the games he played. If anyone else understood him this well, they should be fearing for their lives. He was used to being a venomous snake lurking in the darkness, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He was unwilling to be so well understood by others.

“Of course, I need to learn more about the person my fiancée likes. Don’t forget, my guild hunted you down before, so I have a general understanding of your abilities.” Miao Lichen said, meeting his eyes. “The Shadow Cell’s legacy is quite impressive, your ghostly aura is becoming more alluring. It seems like I need to be more vigilant.”

“I am not interested in your fiancée, but you do need to be on your guard.” Qi Yingfeng said, blinking as a hint of red flashing through them like the crimson moon in the Shadow Forest. “Instead of worrying about your fiancée, you should worry about yourself. I’m clearly more interested in you.”

Qi Yingfeng’s figure gradually blurred and disappeared from his spot. When he reappeared, he was behind CangChen. He deliberately leaned closer to CangChen. They were almost the same height, but CangChen looked thinner than him in his red clothing. His white hair gave him the aura of a banished immortal, someone untouchable. He didn’t know why, but he tangled his hand into his long white hair, while being close enough to breathe on his neck.

“Should I consider that an honor?” Miao Lichen tilted his head slightly, his smile as gentle as ever. Their faces brushed against each other.

∇ Capture Target Qi Yingfeng Favorability: 65.

Qi Yingfeng stepped back, frustrated that his attempt to gain the upper hand had only resulted in him being outplayed, especially by another man. CangChen was so stunning that Qi Yingfeng almost forgot he was looking at another man. His heartbeat quickened noticeably and he tensed up as his eyes scanned over Miao Lichen’s face. Without uttering a word, he turned around and disappeared from the spot.

“I feel like something over there is drawing me in. It should be related to my hidden class, so I’ll head out first,” Qi Yingfeng said before his figure disappeared in a very stylish manner. Just before he vanished from sight, he sent a party invite.

Miao Lichen tapped his toes, and flowers twisted around him. The pink light brought a hint of warmth to the black forest, but he didn’t care. The black cloak could not completely hide his bright red clothes, but all anyone saw was the pink light. He was simply too fast; all anyone could see were flashes of pink and black, along with the petals drifting through the air.

Qi Yingfeng had just entered the forest when he felt something calling him. The stirring of his power told him it belonged to the Shadow Assassin class. He only stopped when he saw Miao Lichen. Following the feeling, he ran into a dead end. The surroundings were densely packed with trees, and the trees grew unnaturally close together, leaving not even the slightest gap between them.

As CangChen landed behind him, he felt a breeze and heard the sound of rushing wind. He didn’t turn around, leaving his back to him, but he instinctively straightened up. “You got here pretty fast.”

“I think my lightness skill is pretty good.” Miao Lichen said, his gaze resting on the strange trees surrounding them. “They say treasures have spirits; since you feel like you’re being summoned, it’s definitely not ordinary.”

“I’m afraid it won’t be easy to obtain.” Qi Yingfeng said, his eyes flashing with a fiery glint. What excited him was not the treasure ahead, but the challenge that awaited him. As he touched the black branches of the trees with his gloved hand, he did not feel the firmness of wood. Instead, the branch felt strangely fluid beneath his fingertips. With a slight press, it sank inward, only to quickly restore itself.

Suddenly, a powerful force pushed him from behind, propelling him forward. His vision was consumed by endless darkness. Shadow Assassins were adept at seeing in the dark, but the darkness that filled his heart was almost overwhelming. Was he being betrayed once more, this time for equipment?

“How are you, LunarBreeze?” Miao Lichen asked calmly, simply inquiring symbolically.

“I’m doing very well.” Qi Yingfeng’s voice seemed even darker than before, echoing through the air and carrying a chilly quality, “My class thrives in darkness, so you should be more careful.”

“Indeed,” the calm voice answered. Qi Yingfeng felt the warmth of another person on his arm. Perhaps because of the cold forest, the difference in temperature was particularly obvious.

“Mhm, follow me.” Qi Yingfeng nodded, but then worried he couldn’t see, so he responded. He slowed down his pace and led him to a safe place. Although CangChen’s fingers were cold to the touch, he could feel his heated breath. Red flitted through his eyes from time to time, making him look strange.

He needed to carefully consider what CangChen, or rather, Miao Lichen, had come to mean to him…

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