123 - I’m Really Not an NPC

The stronghold of the Lieyang Sect was silent, with all disciples standing tall and confident, their eager gazes fixed on the high platform. Each of them hoped that Yue Ling would turn and glance at them, leaving a good impression and laying the groundwork for future interactions with this top-tier NPC. "You're drooling," Qing Feng's disdainful voice broke through Zhang Xiao Feng's reverie, startling him back to reality. Hastily wiping away the drool that had reached his chin, he panicked. It's over, if Yue Ling saw that, she'd definitely think he was a creep. He could swear that Yue Ling had indeed thrown a contemptuous look his way just now. "An illusion, it must be an illusion!" Zhang Xiao Feng muttered to himself, reassuring that his embarrassing moment wasn't caught by her. The whispers of others secretly reached his ears. "Did she just look at me?" "No, she clearly looked at me!" "Stop arguing! Do you really think Yue Ling would spare a glance for you? She must be admiring the scenery of our sect’s estate. Stop imagining things," one said. "Why speak the hard truth? Can't we just fantasize a bit?" another retorted. At this moment, Huo Yun, who had been respectfully conversing with Yue Ling, nodded to her and then stepped to the edge of the high platform, raising his voice. "Everyone, quiet down and listen to me!" "In order to ensure the success of the Secret Realm expedition, Yue Ling has decided to personally assess your capabilities for tactical arrangements! Get ready, it will begin in 30 seconds." The Lieyang Sect disciples erupted into chatter. "No way? Yue Ling personally assessing us? Is she going to crush us all?" "We're doomed..." "This is another chance to witness her graceful form up close. How exciting!" Huo Yun nodded slightly to Chen Yang and said solemnly, "Initiate the combat simulation mode!" Instantly, a circle of vibrant green light rose at the edge of the sect's grounds, enveloping everyone present. [Combat Simulation Mode Activated: No Penalty upon Death] Yue Ling floated down gently from the high platform to the plaza’s center, her light blue dress fluttering slightly. Her expression was as cold and arrogant as snow, and the extraordinary aura she exuded forced those around her to take several steps back, faces aghast. Before they could think further, Yue Ling, the cold and haughty young woman, scanned the crowd and said nonchalantly, "You may all come at me together." "What?" "Does she really look down on us that much?" "Even if it’s her, surely she can’t withstand all of us?" Zhang Xiao Feng overheard this and mocked, "Don't you know Yue Ling has defeated 256 elite players from the Xinghuan Nation?" Someone immediately chimed in, "Exactly, can we compare to such top-tier elites? They were all masters on the level of Brother Chen Yang." "If we’re not careful, she might just annihilate us all." Initially feeling insulted, the Lieyang Sect disciples remembered the tales of Yue Ling’s exploits and began to panic. Someone encouraged themselves, "Don't panic! Even in death, I’ll die with dignity!" "I have to leave a lasting impression on her!" "I’ll make sure she remembers my smile at the moment of death! That shows acceptance of death!" Zhang Xiao Feng, conflicted, asked hesitantly, "Qing Feng, should we join?" “No,” Qing Feng shook his head, deliberating before adding, “We wouldn't be able to take her down anyway.” Lowering his voice, Zhang Xiao Feng said quietly, "But, if Yue Ling speaks on our behalf, couldn’t we get into the Secret Realm?" Qing Feng cast a glance at him, saying mercilessly, "Yue Ling speak for you? Who do you think you are?" The anticipation in Zhang Xiao Feng’s eyes vanished immediately as he lowered his head gloomily, thinking, "Yeah, to her, I’m just a stranger, after all." Even though he's in the top five of the Lieyang Sect’s strength, no matter how much he strives to level up, to Yue Ling, there’s no difference between the first and the last in the Lieyang Sect; it's all just a matter of a single strike. [Countdown 10, 9...] Tension filled the air, with those at the front attempting to remain calm, while those at the back subtly elevated themselves in an effort to be seen. Yue Ling took this scene into account, almost unable to suppress a laugh. Are they trying to take a group photo? Feeling the need to be visible. All around the Lieyang Sect's array, various colors of light flashed, with everyone deploying defensive artifacts or preparing defensive skills, ready for combat. However, Yue Ling had no intention of competing with them in terms of skills or defenses, as that held no value for her. This combat simulation was a prime opportunity for her—to pre-experience being surrounded by the entire Lieyang Sect, simulating the threats she might encounter when leaving the sect. Since spiritual energy had not yet revived in reality, to achieve the simulation effect, the fight had to be conducted without using spiritual energy. Thus, she coldly announced, “In this battle, spiritual power is forbidden.” The Lieyang Sect members were initially stunned, then suddenly understood, feeling a wave of happiness. Did Yue Ling value technique over level and cultivation? Though their strength differed greatly from hers, they believed that in technical combat, there wouldn’t be such a vast gap. Perhaps by showcasing their skills, they might earn her favor? [3, 2, 1, Combat Begins!] Just as Yue Ling was about to draw her sword and charge into the crowd, a soft, gentle voice sounded in her ear: [Master, why must you fight without spiritual power?] The soft voice nearly made Yue Ling stumble again. Annoyed, she retorted internally, “Qing You… please, stop speaking at critical moments.” [Why? Am I a bother?] Qing You asked sadly. Sensing her sorrow, Yue Ling quickly explained in her mind, "No, it's because you make my legs weak." [Oh!] Qing You seemed to understand something suddenly, elongating her tone with a playful smile: [Qing You gets it now!] "Ah!" Yue Ling's body shivered, legs going weak, momentarily unsettling her agile movement, puzzling Zhang Xiao Feng and others who had been closely watching her. "What happened, is she injured?" "Is it a residual injury from the drastic change in divine machinery?" Returning to her senses, Yue Ling faced weapons thrusting towards her but remained composed. Merging with her sword, she flitted like the wind, maneuvering through the dense crowd like a nimble, enchanting shadow. Despite their numbers, the Lieyang Sect disciples couldn’t catch a trace of Yue Ling, helplessly watching as she continually claimed one disciple after another. A feeling of powerlessness surged within. "How do we even fight? We can’t even see her." "This is terrifying, her movement technique is unbeatable..." Not only were the Lieyang Sect disciples astounded, but Yue Ling was surprised too. She had assumed that without spiritual support, dealing with the Lieyang Sect's assault would be hard, but today’s experience proved otherwise—it wasn’t hard at all? With a single strike, she killed Chen Yang, who attempted a sneak attack, and stood calmly with her sword, none daring to approach. She glanced casually at the remaining members, stating flatly, “You are too weak. This Secret Realm trip could be dangerous.” Immediately, someone protested, "That's only because we didn't use spiritual power!" "Spiritual power?" Yue Ling nodded slightly, saying, “Alright, let’s try with spiritual power then.”