C73 Iron Bone Sting! Qin Buyi!

Qin Buyi's eyes briefly lingered on Lan Linglong and Lang Ye, both of whom had fully recovered from their injuries.

Lan Linglong rose, her face alight with happiness. "Congratulations, Mr. Qin, on surviving the lightning tribulation."

Lang Ye also stood, bowing respectfully. "Congratulations."

Turning to Lang Ye, Qin Buyi inquired, "Do you have any plans for what comes next?"

Lang Ye let out a sigh. "You've claimed all three of Blue Star's great secret realms. Looks like I'll be making my home across the four seas."

Qin Buyi, who had knocked this man unconscious numerous times, offered earnestly, "If you're without a place to go, consider joining me."

A spark of interest flickered in Lang Ye's eyes before fading. He hinted, "Following you might bring unnecessary trouble your way. Are you certain about this?"

Qin Buyi had already perceived Lang Ye's extraordinary nature. For instance, the pill he provided Lan Linglong healed slowly, but it was reliable. Most intriguingly, even with his Probing Eye, Qin Buyi couldn't discern the pill's true nature—it remained a mystery.

With a nonchalant tone, Qin Buyi responded, "I'm no stranger to trouble myself. Staying with me could be life-threatening at any moment. It's your call."

Lang Ye caught the subtext in Qin Buyi's words; the potential troubles didn't concern him.

"Then I'll cast my lot with you," Lang Ye declared. "From this day forward, you're my elder brother."

He then produced a pill from his pocket and offered it to Qin Buyi. "Big Brother, judging by your energy, I suspect your sea of consciousness has suffered greatly. This pill should aid in its recovery."

Qin Buyi had intended to trade all the swords from Qi Yun for points at the Merchant Shop, seeking a remedy for his own wounds. But here was Lang Ye, presenting him with a pill directly. After a thorough examination with the Probing Eye, which revealed no grade but also no harm, Qin Buyi accepted it.

Qin Buyi's past as an assassin had taught him one thing: caution is the key to survival.

Trusting others is a gift, and Qin Buyi, until now, had only placed his trust in Azure, his life-and-death companion. With everyone else, he maintained a guarded stance.

Even Lan Linglong, who had been loyally by his side, hadn't earned his full trust.

And Lang Ye? He was merely an acquaintance.

Once he was sure the pill was safe, Qin Buyi accepted it and swallowed it down. It melted upon contact, its potent effects surging through his throat to his sea of consciousness, dispersing throughout.

Within moments, the injuries in Qin Buyi's sea of consciousness were largely healed. A few breaths later, the damage was completely mended, and the searing pain vanished without a trace.

With his sea of consciousness restored, Qin Buyi retracted the Divine Consciousness that had been bolstering its inner walls.

He didn't question Lang Ye about the pill's origin; their mutual understanding went unspoken.

Having not yet checked his attributes since advancing to the Early Period of Combination, Qin Buyi pulled up his personal information panel:

Name: Qin Buyi

Desolate Body, Primary

All attributes increased by 5%.

Cultivation: Rank Six, Early Period of Combination (567/1000)

Divine Consciousness: Combination Middle Period

Strength: 567

Speed: 567

Physical Strength: 567

Attack: 567

Defense: 567

Fortune: 567

...

Killing Saber, Rank Six (567/1000)

Broken Blade (1/9)

Attack increase by 10%

Attack: 567

Killing Saber Technique, Fourth Rank (200/200, unable to advance)

Attack: 200

Azure Dragon, Rank Six (567/1000)

"To think I've reached Rank Six so swiftly," he mused.

"My Divine Consciousness is now at the strength of the Combination Middle Period."

"The only downside is the slow progress of the Killing Saber Technique, stuck at the Fourth Rank."

With a sense of longing, Qin Buyi inquired, "System, how can I acquire the continuation of the Killing Saber Technique?"

"Congratulations on reaching Rank Six, you rookie of Rank Six," the System's mischievous voice echoed, leaving Qin Buyi with a scowl.

Lately, the System has been crossing the line more and more. What started as playful teasing has now become its standard opening line.

"I'm asking you how to get the rest of the Killing Saber Technique."

"Oh, fork over a thousand Merchant Points first, then I'll spill the beans," the System said.

Qin Buyi retorted, "Do I look like I'm made of Merchant Points? Why don't you just sell me and see how many points I'm worth? Besides, what do you need Merchant Points for?"

Ding! The system is calculating the host's value...

Ding! Calculation complete. The host is utterly worthless.

Qin Buyi was thoroughly defeated by the System's shenanigans and fell into a prolonged silence, "..."

The System, noticing Qin Buyi's silence, clarified, "I don't actually need Merchant Points, but there should be some ceremonial aspect to this. Answering your questions for free would just make me look cheap."

Since arriving on Blue Star, the System had even picked up the local lingo.

Qin Buyi grew increasingly exasperated, realizing that the System was becoming ever more human-like.

"Alright, alright. I haven't managed to wring a single point out of you since the start. Time to switch up my strategy," the System said with resignation.

"Can't you just do it for free?" Qin Buyi asked.

The System responded firmly, "No! But here's a deal for you: this time, say 'The most handsome system, your servant pleads for your help in resolving his query.'"

"Impossible," Qin Buyi flatly refused without a second thought.

"I've already compromised as much as I can by not asking for Merchant Points. You have three seconds to decide. If you don't beg me, I'm off to binge-watch my shows," the System declared.

"A true man stands tall and resolute. He can lose his head, shed his blood, but never his dignity."

Three!

"You can count to a hundred for all I care. It's still impossible."

Two!

"When I say impossible, I mean it."

One!

"The most handsome system, your master implores you to help him unravel his doubts," Qin Buyi said through clenched teeth.

Indeed, Qin Buyi had caved.

"Ha! I didn't think you'd actually do it. Well, there are minor flaws, but nothing too serious. The fifth and sixth forms of the Killing Saber Technique can be found in the Awakening Secret Realm."

Considering your good behavior this time, here's a friendly tip: the Awakening Secret Realm will last quite a while. I recommend you first secure access to the Penglai Secret Realm.

Upon hearing the response, Qin Buyi tersely replied with a single word: "Scram!"

Host, how can you treat me this way? It truly breaks my heart.

Qin Buyi stopped paying attention to the system, pondering what challenges awaited him in the Awakening Secret Realm.

The image of Honglian surfaced in his mind.

He murmured to himself, "This time, will our paths cross again…?"

Lost in thought, Qin Buyi was brought back to reality by Lan Wenhao's laughter, "Haha, congratulations, Mr. Qin, on your advancement to Combination."

Regaining his focus, Qin Buyi saw Lan Wenhao and Lan Tianhe approaching and greeted them with a smile, "Gentlemen, it's been too long."

Lan Tianhe announced, "Mr. Qin, we've prepared a feast at home in honor of your achievement."

Qin Buyi nodded in appreciation, "Then I thank you."

Lan Wenhao added, "No need for formalities, Mr. Qin. This isn't the place for lengthy discussions. Let's head to the Lan residence for a meal and catch up."

As Qin Buyi and company were about to depart, a chorus of voices rose from below.

"Senior, I beg you to take me on as your disciple."

"I would gladly serve by your side for life, Senior."

"Senior, I implore you to accept me; I am ready to attend to you day and night."

"Senior, a person of your high moral standing surely wouldn't fall for the wiles of a seductress like her."