124 - I’m Really Not an NPC

"Spiritual power?" Yue Ling's expression remained aloof as she glanced indifferently at the disciple from the Liyang Sect, nodding slightly as if it was of no consequence. "Alright," she said. Immediately, another disciple from the Liyang Sect couldn't help but shout angrily at that person, "Hey, are you out of your mind, letting her use spiritual power?" "Did you forget about Cheng Luo's tragic end? Even 256 elite players couldn't withstand her." "Wang Xuan even used the Exorcism Array against her and it was useless. And you still let her use spiritual power? Do you think we haven't died miserably enough?" "Are you insane?" The disciple was about to defend himself when Yue Ling's cold voice rang out, "Universal Lightning Control!" All the Liyang Sect disciples panicked and looked up at the sky. As expected, dark clouds loomed overhead, accompanied by flashes of lightning and peals of thunder. "Oh my god, it's this move again!" "Sigh, I'm doomed again." "In the Star Fantasia Realm, even the top players were instantly wiped out by this move. It's pointless to resist." "Yeah, this electrifying feeling is amazing; I must be in love!" Everyone looked skyward in resignation, watching as a torrent of lightning bolts illuminated the entire Liyang Sect's premises with a radiant brilliance. In the blink of an eye, hundreds of disciples, with expressions ranging from fear to liberation or even enjoyment, were utterly engulfed in the endless lightning. Huo Yun, standing on the high platform, blushed slightly. Even though he had anticipated this, seeing the sect's disciples wiped out so effortlessly by her still left him somewhat embarrassed. He was especially annoyed at the person who had recklessly instructed Yue Ling to use a spiritual power skill; did that person have any sense at all? With a heavy heart, he stepped forward and asked quietly, "Uh, Fairy Yue Ling, what do you think about the test results?" Yue Ling did not answer him. She stared off into the distance and asked, "Why aren't those two here?" "Uhhh?" Huo Yun followed her gaze and was startled to see that it was Qing Feng and Zhang Xiaofeng standing there. "Ahem, those two, they're our logistics staff, not partici—" His words were cut short by Yue Ling's cold interruption, "Logistics should also be tested." "But..." Huo Yun wanted to say more, but her icy demeanor silenced him. All he could do was nod vigorously, "Yes, yes, they should be tested." He then shouted, "Qing Feng, Zhang Xiaofeng, hurry over here, Fairy Yue Ling will personally instruct you." The two exchanged glances and saw the bewilderment in each other's eyes. Zhang Xiaofeng asked in a panic, "Did she just call us?" "Mhmm," Qing Feng nodded, remaining calm, "Don’t panic. Ling Yue isn't that terrifying, and it's only a sparring mode." "You're right!" Zhang Xiaofeng agreed, nodding slowly, and followed closely behind a calm Qing Feng. He suddenly paused, "Ling Yue, who is that?" Huo Yun and others had already cleared the area, leaving space for them. As they approached Yue Ling, her exquisite features became increasingly clear. Their hearts raced, recalling how during their first encounter in the Azure Cloud Secret Realm, Yue Ling had been a mere flicker in their vision before they were swiftly defeated, not having seen her face clearly. At the time, she had worn a veil. This was truly their first close-up view of her. Her stunningly beautiful visage captivated them, leaving a mysterious comfort in their hearts. But when they saw her cool and indifferent eyes, they shivered, feeling an overwhelming, indescribable pressure that made them feel inferior, prompting them to lower their heads in disgrace. However, as they lowered their heads, the serene girl before them vanished suddenly. "Not good!" they realized simultaneously. Having already been slain by her sword once, they were overly familiar with this moment they had replayed countless times. They exchanged a look and, in unison, shouted, "Returning Dragon!" In an instant, their swords and sabers lashed out, spinning like dragons, white and blue interchanging, forming a Tai Chi image! "Whoosh!" Almost simultaneously, a pale moon-colored longsword pierced the void. "Ding!" A crisp sound rang like a softly struck bell. The spinning Tai Chi of blue and white instantly shattered, leaving the pair staggering apart. Before they could recover their balance, a streak of moon-white light speared through their chests. Helpless and dispirited, they lifted their heads, only to catch a glimpse of the water-blue silhouette turning away. They fell to the ground, eyes open in unwillingness. Was this where it ended? Would she look down on them? But then, unexpectedly, Yue Ling's calm voice spoke, "Let them go together." Huo Yun, astounded, felt his authority as sect master threatened. He struggled under her imposing aura but eventually said, "Fairy Yue Ling, they need to guard the celestial gate; leaving isn't feasible." Yue Ling paused, looked back at him, and asked calmly, "Is that not possible?" Under her steady gaze, Huo Yun froze, initially wanting to refuse. But the words transformed into a compliant "Yes!" instead. Yue Ling nodded slightly, then fixed her gaze on him, "Then you try." Stunned, Huo Yun felt his heart tighten immediately. "Uh... there's no need for that, right?" He was the master of the Liyang Sect; being beaten publicly by Yue Ling would be a loss of face and authority. Yue Ling looked at him with slight surprise, asking, "You're not going to the secret realm?" In front of a crowd, being timid would only diminish his credibility further. "I will!" Huo Yun gritted his teeth, "I would appreciate Fairy Yue Ling's evaluation!" He understood that this was both a crisis and an opportunity. If he could withstand several hundred or even a thousand moves, or display some exceptional techniques, he would undoubtedly gain immense respect from the Liyang Sect disciples. Should he be fortunate enough to score a victory, even a minor one, his name, Huo Yun, would reverberate with great acclaim, not just in the Liyang Sect but throughout the entire Star Fantasia Nation! Resolutely, he unsheathed the Fire Dragon Blade, undisturbed by its long dormancy, readying himself with a solemn demeanor. Yue Ling's gaze focused, her energy locking onto Huo Yun, wielding the snow-pure weapon in her fair hand. No one would have expected Yue Ling to take things so seriously now. As a last resort, she preferred not to use force to solve the issues with the Liyang Sect, not only because it was risky but also because it might not be the most effective approach. While unsure of each party's dynamics, she knew Qing Feng differed from Huo Yun's faction. If she could gradually undermine Huo Yun’s authority, strengthening Qing Feng’s faction’s control within the sect, then neither Yue Ling in reality nor Goudan in the Xian Realm would suffer threats from the Liyang Sect. Of course, if this peaceful approach failed, there would still be time to resort to force. Given the real-world implications, she was determined to go all out, ensuring his defeat ended humiliatingly!