Chapter 138 - Loyalty
“Xuegang…” Xun Yimu's voice lingered in the air.
Hearing her young master's feeble yet emotionally charged voice, Xuegang's heart resonated with an indescribable summons.
As a foreign dignitary of the Profound Yin Family, Su Xuegang was more than just a servant girl; she was envisioned as the young master's future aide and trusted confidante, poised to assume a prominent role within the Profound Yin Family hierarchy.
Growing up alongside Xun Yimu, she mirrored his every endeavor, diligently mastering the same skills and acquiring complementary cultivation techniques.
Though she existed as Xun Yimu's shadow, her status could never eclipse that of her master, lacking the coveted Profound Yin Physique and remaining a mere ordinary Immortal Cultivator.
Xuegang understood her place as a servant, bound by duty, yet her bond with the young master was profound, and her affection for him genuine…
The memory of their initial encounter lingered vividly in her mind; both were but children then, with Xuegang slightly older. She beheld the small figure, delicate and fragile, cradled in the arms of adults, offering a warm smile—an image akin to a delicate white flower, vulnerable yet poised to blossom…
Her fervent desire was always to safeguard the young master!
Though her current capabilities fell short of protecting him, she was determined to convey her unwavering loyalty whenever he called upon her!
Tears welled in the young maid's eyes as she rushed forward, embracing the collapsed form of her cherished young master.
Just before Xun Yimu closed her eyes, she caught sight of Xuegang's determined expression on his young face.
Eventually, she managed to utter a few words before darkness engulfed her vision, and she slipped into unconsciousness.
“Wuwaa! Young Master, are you okay!?” Xuegang cried, holding the young master in her arms, tears streaming down her face. She felt as if the world were collapsing around her. Casting a resentful glare at Guo Fan, she exclaimed, “This is all your fault! What have you two done to the young master?! If anything happens to him, the Profound Yin Family will never forgive you!”
The young maid trembled with anger, her entire body quivering.
She had momentarily forgotten that both Loo Kuto and Xun Yimu, the strongest in combat, had already lost consciousness, leaving the innocent young maid to fend for herself.
Uttering such menacing threats wasn't a prudent decision.
Moreover…
Guo Fan distinctly felt Xun Yimu's gaze fixated on him before she collapsed. There was a sense of “expectation” within her eyes, as if she wished for him to catch her.
Unintentionally, the faithful Xuegang had disrupted the young master's meticulous plan.
Yet, young master Ye lacked professionalism.
Despite intending to employ a “harsh strategy” against Guo Fan, he found himself unable to bring harm to him when it came to executing it. He assumed a defensive stance and maintained the capability to shield himself with Spiritual Energy at any moment.
Tsundere clearly didn't desire Guo Fan's assistance in standing up, yet when he stumbled, she secretly hoped for his embrace… Her pride lasted no more than five minutes.
Guo Fan couldn't help but reminisce about Gu Yaling, who was of similar age. If it were her, Guo Fan reckoned he would have initially smiled through tears when extending his hand. Eventually, she would have relented and allowed him to help her up obediently.
Despite the impropriety of reminiscing about his distant wife, Gu Yaling, in front of Fang Xiang and Xun Yimu, he began to yearn for her tenderness and charm.
Despite her prior discord with Su Feng, they managed to coexist harmoniously after settling their differences.
During that period, life was considerably more tranquil compared to the present.
Alas, they never returned; they could only wait until matters were resolved before resuming their lives.
Guo Fan inwardly shook his head. Observing Xuegang's loyal and protective demeanor towards Xun Yimu, despite resenting her lack of sincerity, he was tempted to remark that her young master didn't require her assistance.
Seeing the name “Xuegang…” on Xun Yimu's lips, he gestured for her to desist.
What exactly he meant by “don't” was uncertain; perhaps it was “don't approach”?
However, events unfolded contrary to his desires. The faithful maid swiftly seized Xun Yimu without a word and embraced her tightly. He suspected Xun Yimu hadn't lost consciousness so quickly.
Guo Fan regarded Xuegang with a subtle gaze. Despite her lower cultivation compared to his own, she dared to pledge her loyalty to protect Xun Yimu. In terms of fidelity, she was undoubtedly exemplary.
Nonetheless, if Xun Yimu regained consciousness and recollected this incident, she might face disciplinary action…
However, before Xun Yimu could react, Fang Xiang waved her hand, and a concealed guard behind Xuegang moved to strike with a knife.
“Swish! Smack!”
Xuegang also fainted.
Within the study, only Guo Fan and Fang Xiang remained conscious, reminiscent of the initial scenario.
Despite the disarrayed state of the floor, conversations revolved around the intensity of the preceding battle.
Guo Fan gripped Xuegang in one hand and Xun Yimu in the other, sensing the normalization of spiritual qi within his body.
Utilizing the techniques of Killing Heart and Evil Gall had energized his spiritual energy, causing it to surge. Now, as it flowed back along with the returned portion of the sword, it initiated his breakthrough as it circulated into his Dantian.
Following the blood bond, the Killing Heart Sword absorbed the accumulated killing intent, blood, and stagnant air, utilizing them as sustenance for the Sword Master due to the feedback mechanism.
This also contributed to the malevolent reputation of the Slaughtering Heart Sword.
In the gaming realm, the experience garnered from monster slaying equated to about 0.001% of the opponent's HP with each kill.
Guo Fan currently stood at the Foundation Establishing Stage, aided by a counterfeit card. Engaging in combat with a Physical Integration Period practitioner differed significantly from battling monsters; any loss of health by the opponent would substantially boost his experience.
His advancement to Foundation Establishment Seventh Level occurred seamlessly, with his ascent persisting.
Such progress was unattainable in the game, as acquiring high-level cards necessitated conquering formidable characters and traversing advanced maps—a feat achievable only at high levels.
By the time players possessed such cards, they were already formidable entities, rendering them unfit for higher-level encounters.
Entrusting the two girls to Fang Xiang, Guo Fan seated himself, commencing his breakthrough towards Foundation Establishment Eighth Level.
Fang Xiang, noticing his endeavor, stood vigilant beside him.
A concealed sentry outside the door reported, “City Lord, Loo Kuto has been incarcerated without any disclosure of activity. Elder Sister Yueh is on patrol.”
Acknowledging the report, Fang Xiang turned her attention suddenly to Xun Yimu.
Gauging the abundance of Spiritual Energy, he contemplated further exertion, aiming for direct advancement to the ninth step of Foundation Establishment.
Reality mirrored his expectations, progressing smoothly. Upon dawn's arrival, his cultivation halted at the pinnacle of the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, one step shy of Core Formation.
“Hu…”
Guo Fan couldn't help but release a lengthy sigh. Upon reaching the Core Forming Stage, he transcended the novice stage, capable of self-defense even without the aid of the illustrated handbook.
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