My Misfortune Crushed Instances-Chapter 114: Running Into an Acquaintance Here Too
"Heroes, we will fight to the death to hold off those other beasts, you go ahead and handle the leader."
As the fame of Li Rui and his two companions spread across the front lines, they received noticeably different treatment. Now, even the small commanders were formulating tactics around them.
However, even without the soldiers’ assistance, the trio, each possessing a rare skill, could easily take down a small boss.
After an intense battle, another wave of attacks was repelled. Li Rui had already accumulated hundreds of thousands of experience points, leveling up to 19.
This was thanks to the new skill that significantly enhanced their killing efficiency. Although the original skill, Thunder Vortex, consumed less than Thunder Shocking Earth, it was a three-in-one skill and still couldn’t be used recklessly.
Furthermore, the attack range of Thunderbolt Palm and Big Cover Hand was too small, thus not very efficient.
Now, with the Fly Dragon Face as a two-in-one skill, and with the agility amulet’s enhancement, its consumption was further reduced, and its range was quite large. As long as they found the opportunity to select an angle, a single strike could directly shock several barbaric beasts to death.
It’s just a pity that there were too few leader-level barbaric beasts in the second wave, or else they could have gained more experience.
Under their command, the defense at Segment Six was rock solid, preventing the barbaric beasts from advancing even a single step. So far, the breakthrough count remained at 0/100.
However, other defense lines were different. Even with the support from Hong Lu and others, Segment One had already let eight monsters through.
Nevertheless, he was still quite satisfied.
"The second wave is over. Only eight got through. We might break the record."
The flatterer quickly activated his talent: "Yes, our team’s configuration is high, and Brother Hong made excellent choices."
The straightforward fellow wasn’t to be outdone: "But, those other three can even take down leader-level beasts, it seems they have an easier time."
"..."
One statement killed the conversation. If it weren’t for this guy being level 20 and capable of providing considerable combat strength, Hong Lu would’ve wanted to kick him out.
The four of them, having gained some rest time, retreated to the rear of the line to begin recuperating. Primarily, they focused on healing injuries and consuming food to replenish physical strength, as the constant combat was extremely taxing physically.
This is one of the Secret Realm’s challenges. The attacks are not only dense but also continuous, becoming more difficult as they proceed. At least, theoretically, it was like this; those suddenly receiving new skills midway through weren’t accounted for.
Just then, someone excitedly rushed over from the rear, discussing with the comrades, "Reinforcements are here, reinforcements are here!"
Hong Lu and the others immediately felt something was off.
According to how the plot should develop, there shouldn’t be reinforcements at this time.
The crowd at the back began to stir as if some significant figures had appeared. Upon closer inspection, they saw several individuals without armor but carrying swords, all possessing extraordinary presence, clearly experts.
Hong Lu asked a commander, "Who are those people?"
"You don’t recognize them?!"
The commander said disdainfully, "They’re from the Demon Suppression Bureau of the capital. The leader there is Deputy Superintendent Wei Xun, a top-grade master."
Hong Lu was lost in thought.
Liangting’s Demon Suppression Bureau? Rumor has it there’s a world NPC there. Could it be this person?
He felt both worried and expectant in his heart.
Could I be encountering a world event this time?
In ordinary situations, the recommended approach when encountering a world NPC is to stay away. Such individuals are too powerful; one whim could be the end.
Don’t think it’s safe to encounter typical righteous figures like Chongxu or Zhenyue. Although they’re righteous, Secret Realm agents might belong to the Evil Dao.
Meeting a Shenxiao Palace Daoist as a corpse collector profession is asking for trouble.
However, now Hong Lu and the others weren’t overly worried, as their camp was currently aligned with the world NPC. As long as they didn’t court trouble, the NPC wouldn’t likely harm the helping Jianghu (martial artists).
Sure enough, upon hearing that someone specifically came to assist, Wei Xun personally stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Thank you all. I, Wei, have always respected heroes and righteous gentlemen, but alas, the military situation is urgent, so I cannot afford the luxury of a drink."
Hong Lu had never spoken with a world NPC before, and he was admittedly nervous. Wishing to make connections, as drawing Liangting’s Secret Realm in the future might bring benefits, but fearing saying the wrong thing, he chose the most cautious few words of courtesy.
In truth, Wei Xun was merely making formalities. Seeing nothing special from the other party, he took his leave, continuing to inspect the front lines.
Bringing people to assist, he at the very least needed to understand the military situation to know how best to act.
However, regardless, the front-line soldiers were naturally jubilant seeing these experts, believing that victory was near.
The cheers spread from Segment One to Segment Five, and he finally reached Segment Six, where he saw an unexpectedly familiar face.
"Brother Li!"
"Brother Wei!"
The two ran toward each other with excitement, standing face to face together.
"I never thought we’d meet here again, six months after parting ways."
Li Rui knew that this explained the difference in the flow of time; it was the setting of the Secret Realm. In the grand plot of the Secret Realm World, the beast tide breakthrough occurred six months after the Silent Forest event.
"Brother Wei, how did you suddenly come to this place?"
He asked the question he was most concerned about, knowing full well this wasn’t part of the original plot.
Wei Xun shook his head: "I chased Zuo Qiutian all the way here, but unfortunately, he still got away, heading towards Golden Scale Marsh."
Li Rui, upon hearing the first part, was immediately alarmed. He had a blood feud with the man surnamed Zuo; next time they met, the latter would surely try to finish him.
However, upon hearing the latter part, he felt slightly relieved. Since the man had gone to Golden Scale Marsh, there was currently no relation with Liangting here.
Turning it over in his mind, he suddenly remembered something and discreetly pulled Wei Xun to the side to ask, "Brother Wei, you’re quite familiar with Prince Zhen Dong, right?"
Wei Xun replied: "Fairly acquainted. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing."
Li Rui thought, if Prince Zhen Dong came again, could he use their acquaintance to inquire about Community Thunder’s situation?
"Hey, Brother Li."
Wei Xun’s expression changed, asking, "Your hands and feet, aren’t they...."
He suddenly recalled that the last time in the Silent Forest, Li Rui had lost his hands and feet. How had they regrown in less than six months?
Li Rui, with a dry cough, replied: "I encountered a celestial physician named System Immortal, who used a legendary overseas celestial method to heal me. However, that physician is elusive and roams everywhere, so it’s likely difficult to meet again."
Wei Xun exclaimed: "There truly exists such miraculous spells in this world."
Li Rui could only smile silently.
"Brother Wei, attend to your matters first. Don’t delay because of me."
"Alright, let’s talk again after the war ends."
After people left, Li Rui turned back to see Kong Hua looking at him as if he were an enigmatic creature.
"Brother Rui? Could you maybe write a guide on how to meet world NPCs?"
High-level neutral characters are dangerous, but if you can become sworn brothers with them, it’s not only safe, it’s effectively a protective talisman.
Li Rui wasn’t one to boast, only saying: "Don’t overthink it. If you encounter one, follow the guidance laid out and don’t improvise too much."
His acquaintance with Wei Xun came from dragging Zuo Qiutian to death; such a method couldn’t be easily replicated.
At this moment, the war drums sounded again, seemingly faster than before.
Then, a gale started to howl, and outside the line, all the barbaric beasts suddenly went berserk, letting out earth-shattering roars in unison.
A figure several feet tall appeared amongst them. The beast horde rallied around it.
The being had writhing crests on its head, visible only at a distance, but it reminded Li Rui of the serpent-haired medusa from foreign legends, though its body wasn’t serpentine, rather it was broad and covered in animal fur.
Its lower body had four legs; muscular and sinewy, with paws like those of a tiger or leopard stepping on the ground.
Each side of the torso had four arms; the lower pair were simian hands, while the upper pair were connected to raptor’s talon-like claws.
"This can’t be right, what is that thing?" asked a dumbfounded Kong Hua. "Is there such a creature in the strategy guide?"
"Wait, I think I’ve seen it somewhere."
Huo Yun furrowed his brow, deep in thought, then suddenly realized: "Pang Manjun, that thing’s also a world NPC! I saw it in the background story of the Golden Scale Marsh!"
Li Rui slapped his forehead: "I knew it, Wei Xun appearing here had to have a reason."
