MTLNOVEL Chapter 23 - "Checkpoint in Black Rock Town"
Chapter 23: “Checkpoint in Black Rock Town”
Hansu Zhenren spoke with profound meaning, imparting his final words of guidance to Xiao Yu,
“This talisman contains one of my great divine techniques, equivalent to me personally intervening once on your behalf.
“Talisman spells are one-time-use items, so unless you find yourself in a situation of life and death, do not use it lightly.”
A Great Divine Technique!
Xiao Yu’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
He knew his master’s cultivation level was unfathomable. A technique that Hansu Zhenren deemed worthy of being called a Great Divine Technique must surely be extraordinary.
“Thank you, Master! Disciple will remember this well!”
Xiao Yu carefully stored the talisman with utmost respect.
The thought of having a trump card capable of delivering a devastating blow against any opponent filled him with both confidence and anticipation.
Hansu Zhenren’s tone grew warmer as he continued:
“Before you depart, make sure to visit Fu Qu. No one in Tianyong City cares for you than she does.”
“She is my only daughter, and if you ever let her down, I will be the first to hold you accountable.”
All of Tianyong City knew how much Fu Qu cared for her senior brother. It was a well-known secret, and Hansu Zhenren, ever observant, was no exception.
To Xiao Yu, Hansu Zhenren’s gentle warning felt like a subtle affirmation of the bond between him and Fu Qu.
“Master, you have my word. Little Junior Sister is kind and beautiful. Spending time with her has always brought me joy. Should anyone attempt to harm her, I would protect her with my life.”
Xiao Yu spoke from the heart. He would never allow anyone to hurt Fu Qu, and if such a situation arose, he would retaliate with unrelenting fury.
“Good. Hearing this, I feel reassured.” Hansu Zhenren nodded, his expression softening.
“The hour grows late. Go prepare yourself and set out on your journey.”
Hansu Zhenren watched his most cherished disciple leave with quiet pride, confident in Xiao Yu’s character and abilities.
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Xiao Yu first visited the Listening Rain Pavilion to bid farewell to Fu Qu.
This was their first private meeting since the moment he had inadvertently stumbled upon her at the waterfall.
To his surprise, Fu Qu, normally lively and outgoing, seemed reserved, her demeanour suddenly shy and restrained. She avoided meeting his eyes, her cheeks constantly flushing with colour.
The pavilion’s fragrant corridors, filled with the scent of blooming begonias, seemed to mirror the subtle tension between them.
Seated across from Fu Qu on a stone bench, Xiao Yu spoke gently,
“Little Junior Sister, I will be leaving Tianyong City to train for some time. It could be a matter of days, or it may take several months. While I’m away, you should focus on your cultivation. Strive to enter the Golden Core stage soon.”
“Senior Brother is leaving for training?”
Hearing this, Fu Qu finally lifted her head. Her eyes met his, filled with reluctant longing, as though she wished to stop him but couldn’t bring herself to speak the words.
“Yes. The wolf demon at Iron Pillar Temple is about to break free. Master has assigned me to strengthen the formation. I also want to travel the world, search for inspiration, and hopefully achieve mastery of the Void Sword of Illusions.”
Xiao Yu’s gaze lingered on Fu Qu. She sat against a backdrop of snow-white begonias, their lush greenery framing her perfectly. The flowers’ fragrance mingled with her own, enhancing her luminous, jade-like complexion.
Her beauty in that moment left him momentarily breathless.
“Senior Brother, I will wait for you to return.”
Fu Qu’s words were simple yet resolute.
No matter how long Xiao Yu stayed away, no matter what trials he faced, she would remain where she was, waiting for him to return.
“Little Junior Sister.”
Moved, Xiao Yu instinctively reached for her hand.
Fu Qu’s hand was small and delicate, her slender fingers smooth and soft, like the finest porcelain. Holding her hand brought him a sense of tranquillity and warmth.
“Senior Brother.”
Gently, Fu Qu leaned her head against Xiao Yu’s shoulder, her posture exuding trust and affection.
Time seemed to pause as the two sat in silence, surrounded by fragrant blooms. Their unspoken bond spoke louder than words.
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Under the vast and immense sky, a streak of light zipped across the heavens. The radiant figure of Xiao Yu descended onto a verdant hill overlooking Black Rock Town.
“Word has it that demonic beasts have been appearing in Black Rock Town at night. Since I’m passing through, I might as well investigate.”
Dressed in a fitted travel outfit, with the Lightfeather Sword strapped to his back, Xiao Yu strode toward the distant settlement.
Three days had passed since his departure from Tianyong City.
Rather than heading directly to the Iron Pillar Temple, Xiao Yu had chosen to take his time, using the journey to sharpen his skills and study the jade slip on formations given by Hansu Zhenren.
During this time, he traversed dense forests, scaled magnificent peaks, and passed through bustling cities filled with vibrant human activity.
Wherever Xiao Yu went, he left his mark. He thwarted bandits, slew man-eating beasts, and eliminated rogue cultivators who preyed upon the innocent. Each act of justice enhanced his reputation.
Arriving at Black Rock Town, Xiao Yu issued a command to his system:
“Checkpoint.”
The system immediately responded, acknowledging his new location.
The system’s unique checkpoint feature allowed Xiao Yu to claim rewards each time he visited a new location. What he would receive depended entirely on luck.
“Let’s see what fortune has in store for me this time,” he thought with anticipation, stepping further into Black Rock Town.