Chapter 523: Acting on Impulse (1/10, Autumn Subscription)

In the game.

Fang Yue and Bai Daya came back to their senses together.

"We really came back!"

Bai Daya happily ran around the room, and after getting Fang Yue's permission, ran off toward the cafeteria again.

Fang Yue didn't bother with her, instead pondering where Bai Xiaoya's true body might be.

Fang Yue felt the odds were high that she was still at the Underground Stronghold.

And to return to the Underground Stronghold, one couldn't avoid that 【Coffin-Pulling Wraith】 and the wraith horde.

Besides... Qingsi County's decision was to seal off that entrance; as long as the entry and exit were blocked, safety could be guaranteed.

To this end, Tian Erjun had already explained at the meeting that they would invite some sect experts well-versed in formations to come help reinforce the array.

And this foundation was built on the premise that the wraith army had not yet arrived.

Before the reinforced array was finalized, they were currently using manpower to guard the entry and exit, ensuring no wraiths came or went.

The reason they could still call for reinforcements was that they were playing for time.

This batch of people had all ridden Qingsi Horses back, far faster than the wraith army's speed; this time gap was the key to them having a chance to hold Qingsi County and having time to call for reinforcements.

Fang Yue had the privilege to return to the Underground Stronghold, but he couldn't avoid the 【Coffin-Pulling Wraith】; going back would be suicide.

The Underground Stronghold was a main passage leading straight to Qingsi County and Ningguang Mountain, with several branching tunnels in between.

Setting aside the inability to pinpoint the 【Coffin-Pulling Wraith】's location, one couldn't precisely avoid it.

Just look at Qingsi County's current situation—on the verge of being attacked by the 【Coffin-Pulling Wraith】 and the wraith army at any moment—this wasn't the time for him to leave either.

"Once Qingsi County is held, I'll find a chance to go to the Underground Stronghold to look for people."

Having made up his mind, Fang Yue walked outside.

Just as he stepped outside the room, he ran into You Sisi bringing Yu Baiyi over, walking toward him.

Yu Baiyi, upon seeing him, still had a somewhat evasive look, which struck Fang Yue as odd.

"Lord You, is something the matter?"

"..."

You Sisi said nothing, only silently glancing into the room behind Fang Yue, then pretending to be casual: "Where is Bai Daya?"

"Do you need her for something?"

"Her current situation is very similar to Captain Lin's. Captain Lin is still unconscious, but she's awake and running around everywhere. I'm a bit uneasy, so I want Yu Baiyi to follow her. Having someone watching her at all times is better than some sudden situation popping up out of nowhere."

Fang Yue originally felt it wasn't necessary, but thinking of those 【Wraith Eyes】 that Bai Daya could manifest even in reality... he hesitated, then agreed.

He told Yu Baiyi where Bai Daya had gone. Yu Baiyi, as if he had done something guilty, hurriedly excused himself and ran off toward the cafeteria.

Fang Yue watched his departing back with puzzlement.

"What's up with him?"

"Perhaps he's too worried about the safety of Qingsi County."

"Oh, worthy of a White-Robed of the Qingsi Department, truly devoted to the greater good."

Fang Yue tossed off a casual compliment, then took his leave of You Sisi, intending to go check on Lin Ling and Lord Han's situation.

"I'll go with you."

Unexpectedly, You Sisi suddenly said.

"Huh? Don't you need to go guard the entrance to the Underground Stronghold?"

"Not for now. In terms of speed and endurance, most wraiths can't compare to the Qingsi Horse."

Speed-wise, among those wraiths in the Underground Stronghold, there are many that can keep up, but in terms of endurance, the Qingsi Horse is indeed a step ahead.

Full-throttle galloping and cruising speed—these are two different concepts.

The Qingsi Horse's cruising speed is already its peak speed, and it can maintain it for a long time.

But if wraiths chase at full speed, after a stretch they'll run out of steam and be left far behind.

This is the most important point of these horses as a means of transport.

"Then... let's go together."

The two walked toward Lin Ling's resting room together, neither speaking on the way.

Fang Yue was mulling over where the Phoenix Organization had hidden Bai Xiaoya's soul.

You Sisi, seemingly unable to bear the silence, suddenly asked: "Why has your strength improved so quickly?"

"... Uh, of course it's all thanks to my own hard work that my strength improved so fast. Don't be discouraged—cultivate diligently, and you too can become a Xiantian Realm expert soon!"

You Sisi clenched her fist tightly. She had originally planned to surpass Fang Yue, reach the Xiantian Realm, and come back to win face.

But in the end, Fang Yue had become a Xiantian Realm martial artist first, while she, the so-called genius, was still stuck at the Postnatal First-rate Realm.

"I will catch up!"

"What?"

"Don't get too cocky! I will definitely catch up to your realm, and even surpass it! Just you wait!"

"Oh, good luck!"

As they spoke, the two had already arrived outside Lin Ling's resting room.

Ignoring You Sisi's reaction, Fang Yue pushed the door open and went in. Lin Ling was still unconscious; his injuries were extremely severe. If not for his iron will, and possibly... an altered constitution, he might never have held on until the rescue arrived, and would have died in that secret room first.

Even now, Lin Ling was unconscious, surrounded by many physicians discussing and implementing measures.

"How is Lin Ling doing?"

The physicians inside were stunned for a moment, and upon seeing it was Fang Yue, spoke up: "He's basically out of life-threatening danger, but when he'll wake up, and what condition he'll be in when he does, is anyone's guess... If Ye Baiyi could have Miss Bai invited over so we could study her condition, we might be able to draw some references and figure out their current situation."

"That's no problem. I'll go call her over in a bit."

"Then many thanks to Ye Baiyi."

Fang Yue waved his hand, chatted a couple more lines, confirmed that Lin Ling really wouldn't wake up anytime soon, then walked toward Lord Han.

You Sisi silently followed. Only after putting a good distance between them and Lin Ling's room did she suddenly say, "Actually, I have thought about killing Bai Daya and Lin Ling."

"I know."

"You… know?" You Sisi said, surprised.

"Given your temperament, you never show mercy to the strange. But those two are both very important to me, both are my close friends and kin. If they truly turn into the strange, you won't need to act — I will deal with them myself. You can rest easy on that point."

"Close friends and kin, huh… alright! I believe you!"

After a pause, You Sisi said, "Then I won't dwell on this matter any longer. Also, regarding the Summon Sect Order — what do you think?"

"It's a good thing. I saw with my own eyes the number of strange gathered behind the 【Coffin-Pulling Strange】. Qingsi County alone simply can't hold them off. If we have a sect's help, there's a chance to hold Qingsi County."

"That's not what I mean. I mean Tian Erjun personally going to invite sect Elders and Sect Masters out of seclusion to help Qingsi County."

"What's the problem with that?"

"He's one of the most important fighting forces in Qingsi County right now. If he leaves in person, and it just so happens the great army of the strange attacks — then what?"

"But didn't he say that if he doesn't go, he can't invite those people."

"Then don't invite them! If Qingsi County gets through this crisis, from now on, every single one of these sects — I won't give them any more benefits!" A cold glint flashed through You Sisi's eyes.

(End of chapter)