149 - I’m Really Not an NPC

"Do you still need to block me?" Yue Ling's cold eyes seemed to see through everything. Huang Tu Zhi Zhu, feeling somewhat abashed, withdrew from the valley entrance, sneaking a couple of glances at Yue Ling with a hesitant look. Yue Ling observed his behavior but remained silent. She wanted to test how much he valued Bi Shui Zhi Zhu and whether he would set aside his dignity as the demon realm's leader to seek her help. After a few seconds of hesitation, Huang Tu Zhi Zhu finally made up his mind and asked expectantly, "Yue Ling, would you be willing to help me become the ruler of the demon realm?" Upon hearing the words "ruler of the demon realm," Yue Ling's mind immediately conjured images of soul-enriching pellets piled high within the demon treasury. This stone monster is truly despicable! Trying to entice her once again! Thus, she coldly replied, "Speak directly!" "Uh, hehe." Seeing that she seemed genuinely angry, Huang Tu Zhi Zhu had no choice but to abandon his roundabout approach and quietly said, "Could you help me rescue Bi Shui Zhi Zhu?" "Hmm." Yue Ling nodded gently. Huang Tu Zhi Zhu was preparing to appeal emotionally, planning to promise further benefits, and was stunned by her response, delightedly asking, "Did you just agree?" Seeing that Yue Ling seemed disinclined to interact with him, he wasn't upset at all and happily said, "Great, let's set out immediately!" "Wait." Yue Ling called out to stop him, initially intending to quickly break through to level 20 to handle the upcoming actions, but she suddenly felt a bit tongue-tied. After a long silence, she tentatively said, "A soul-enriching pellet by the thousands." "Oh!" Huang Tu Zhi Zhu suddenly realized, promptly handing her a soul-enriching pellet. But no matter how Yue Ling looked, she felt he wore a strange expression, as if saying "I've seen through you." I'm not that kind of person! These soul-enriching pellets mean nothing to me! [Ding~ You have gained experience points: ten million.] [You have leveled up, current level: 20] [Level 20 compensation package has been opened] [You received: Level 30 compensation package, Early Snow Unsealing Jades *10, Spiritual Currency 200,000] [You have received the blessing from the Xianxia world: All attributes +10%] Yue Ling breathed a slight sigh of relief; the experience was just enough. This way, her chances of success on this journey would greatly increase. She glanced at her inventory, where the Deity's Blessing (All Attributes Increased by 500%) lay quietly, ready for use. Her lips curved faintly, though Huang Tu Zhi Zhu, watching her expression, noticed. Indeed! There's no mistake! Huang Tu Zhi Zhu felt like laughing triumphantly; evidently, no matter how cold and aloof Yue Ling seemed, she too had her weaknesses. Soul-enriching pellets were her vulnerability! Once he pinpointed her Achilles' heel... hehehe... Seek her help in the future, and wouldn't it be twice as effective with half the effort? "What are you thinking?" Suddenly, a cold voice interrupted, startling Huang Tu Zhi Zhu out of his fantasies. He quickly looked up, seeing the extremely beautiful girl whose weakness he had uncovered, gazing at him with suspicion. Yue Ling regarded him with skepticism, feeling his demeanor was rather vulgar. How could a ruler of the demon realm wear such an expression? Huang Tu Zhi Zhu awkwardly chuckled, saying, "I was thinking, shouldn't we be going?" "Hmm." Yue Ling naturally had no interest in delving into such queries. She glanced at Huang Niu and A Bi, who stood there obediently without saying a word. It was best to leave the conversations among the strong for the novices to watch shivering. Yue Ling pondered for a moment and said, "You two stay at Huangshi Village." Huang Niu shook his head vehemently, saying, "No!" Yue Ling patiently explained, "This time, it's not something you can get involved in." Huang Niu looked unwilling, opening his mouth to protest, "But I..." Yue Ling's tone turned stern, her voice cold, "Listen." "Oh…" Huang Niu dared not refuse, dropping his head dejectedly. Seeing this, Yue Ling felt a pang of sympathy, a thought striking her as she tentatively asked, "Would you like to learn the Black Tortoise Armor Technique?" [Ding~ Do you accept Yue Ling's skill impartation: Black Tortoise Armor Technique?] Huang Niu was overjoyed, nodding rapidly, "Yes, yes, yes!" [Ding~ You have learned a new skill: Black Tortoise Armor Technique. (Level 1: Defense increased by 5%)] Huang Niu dropped to his knees in excitement, gratefully saying, "Thank you, Miss Yue Ling! Thank you, Miss Yue Ling!" Yue Ling's eyes narrowed, her heart skipping a beat, and instead of joy, an unrivaled anxiety cloaked her heart. What was happening? Could she really impart skills to players? Wasn't this a trait exclusive to NPCs? What mystery lay hidden within this? Noticing her somewhat heavy expression, Huang Tu Zhi Zhu asked puzzledly, "What's wrong?" "Nothing." Yue Ling shook her head gently. This matter was destined to stay buried within her. She then instructed Huang Niu, "Cultivate well while we're gone." "Hmm!" Huang Niu nodded solemnly, his gaze determined. Yue Ling suddenly recalled Chen Yang's unusual behavior during the Lingquan Secret Realm mission. Could it be that back then, she had successfully issued a quest to him as well? What was going on? Noticing her distraction, Huang Tu Zhi Zhu assumed she was worried about the rescue operation, comforting her, "Don't worry, we just need to sneak in, rescue, and leave." "Hmm." Yue Ling collected her thoughts, nodding calmly. Then, with everyone's eyes following them, she and Huang Tu Zhi Zhu disappeared into the distance. On a mountain path leading to Hentian Cliff, a young demon cried out in panic, "Don't take that, it's for my sister!" "Get lost!" He was kicked aside, painfully hitting the ground, blood flowing from his head. In front of the youth stood three demon NPCs. The one in the center was burly, with dark skin and a prideful demeanor. The demon to his right sneered, pointing to the proud demon, asking the youth, "Do you know who our boss is?" Another demon quickly chimed in, "Listen up, kid! He's a Yellow-clad Great Demon, personally invited by the Red-clothed Ancestor to attend the Bi Shui Immortal Banquet! It’s your honor, earned over ten lifetimes, to offer him treasure." The youth, struggling to get up, thought of his sister's condition, and angrily cursed, "You bastards! You’ll pay for this!" "Oh? Still daring to curse?" "Heh, the entire Ten Thousand Mountains are under the Red-clothed Ancestor's domain. Who dares harm his honored guests?" "Exactly! Even the famed Yue Ling of recent times would have to bow to our boss!" The Yellow-clad Great Demon said arrogantly, "Her? She’s only fit to serve me tea! Maybe Huang Tu Zhi Zhu could earn my serious attention!" "Is that so?" A cold female voice suddenly sounded as if from right beside them. The three demons were shocked, quickly looking over, only to catch a fleeting glimpse of something as pale as snow passing by. Suddenly, with a sharp pain in his right hand, the prideful demon cried out as it and his weapon fell to the ground. The demon youth's eyes widened, hope flickering in his formerly despairing gaze. "Saved!"