Chapter 93 - Hammer's Resistance Plan
How does the friendship stand?
Guo Fan lifted his gaze, eyeing the progress bar with doubt. The girl's cosmetic hue remained vibrant pink, yet a tiny orchid icon appeared at its termination.
In the game, the ultimate realization was of friendship, but it only manifested after leaving a positive impression; otherwise, it might decline.
Does this imply a kind of friendship where one could rest comfortably in their own space, on their own bed?
I get it.
If the progress bar seems fine, then there should be no issues.
Guo Fan observed the tender hands clasping his. The blush-hued nails were captivating, typical of the fox demon lineage. Their average beauty quotient surpassed the norm, with a distinct soft glow.
Tan Ling fluttered her eyes and offered a smile. It resembled a reminiscent smile towards Zhousheng, but it radiated pure camaraderie, emphasizing one shouldn't hastily judge by looks alone.
“Meow!”
Hammer, previously in a deep slumber on his shoulder, jolted awake. Upon spotting the fox demon tugging at Guo Fan, his demeanor shifted to one of anger.
“Meow, meow, meow!”
Hammer's eyes widened in surprise as he gazed at Tan Ling. Why did a creature appear to approach her mount after just a rest?
The Demonic Dragon, having grown complacent from years of comfort, bore a healed scar and had forgotten its past agony. It had lost the memory of its mouth being severely injured and even perceived Guo Fan as the mount serving her.
Without this forgetfulness, there's no way she would have been tamed by mere human beings! Simply unimaginable!
She represented the unique Earth Fire Dragon Transformation, a distinguished demon with the essence of a True Dragon. Perhaps her captivating transformation endeared her to this mortal, leading her to accept the role of his mount.
“Meow, meow, meow! (The sound of the Demonic Dragon)”
Her claim over the mount would be defended by her trusty hammer!
The Demonic Dragon's gaze sharpened. As long as the dragon's spirit remained, its spine and head would remain intact!
“Eh?”
A shift in Guo Fan's thoughts. He detected the hammer's peculiar activity and, with a frown, extended his hand to gently lower her raised head.
“Meow…” Due to the binding contract, the hammer was pressed down, unable to rise.
Yet, the hammer's impact made Tan Ling reflexively pull her hand back, eyeing the adorable white kitten with curiosity. Why did she feel a sudden chill, as though something perilous lurked nearby?
Upon close observation, it vanished quickly, almost like an illusion.
Moreover, how did this adorable furry creature suddenly wear an expression of emptiness? It seemed as though a cat's dream was crushed by the harshness of reality.
If Guo Fan were privy to her thoughts, he'd be torn between laughter and tears. A Ninth Order Nascent Soul Demonic Dragon emerged abruptly. How could that not pose a threat?
Tan Ling concealed her astonishment, offering Guo Fan a playful wink. She lightly laughed behind her hand, commenting, “Your time away seems to have been quite beneficial.”
She didn't chalk this up to mere coincidence, recognizing this wasn't just any “cat.” Given that Guo Fan was its owner, Tan Ling acted as though all was normal.
It seemed she noticed Guo Fan's feigned presence but chose not to reveal him. Instead, she subtly played along.
What was the need to dig deeper?
Guo Fan responded, “I indeed acquired quite a bit…” Like, say, two hundred wives or so.
Luo Shun appeared puzzled. “Do you two know each other?”
Guo Fan affirmed, explaining, “Indeed. I once aided Ling during a rough patch by offering her some bean paste cake. Not long after, our friendship blossomed.”
Building friendships often proves simpler than cultivating love. Many times, gestures alone can strengthen bonds. Gifts, often monetary in nature, can do wonders.
When no scheme existed, offering something could increase its value slightly. However, with a scheme in play, making an offering might lead to unforeseen outcomes.
“I see now… Bonds forged through adversity are indeed invaluable,” Luo Shun expressed, nodding in understanding.
Guo Fan remarked, “Precisely… Yet, Ling, I've brought a friend along. Regardless, it's inappropriate for me to remain in your room. Let's keep things formal and refrain from jests.”
Tan Ling silently questioned who was jesting. She replied with a smile, “Naturally, I can't accommodate all of you in my room. How could everyone fit in such a limited space? It's true that there are Core Forming Stage individuals living above, but suggesting they all are would be an overstatement. Yes, there are residents in the regular rooms, but I've repurposed the spaces above into several rooms. There's still availability. The ones from earlier lacked the strength to even spar in those rooms, showing their ignorance. Hence, my earlier comment.”
“Let me show you to one of the rooms.”
Luo Shun responded with gravity, “There's no need. Xia Shui can proceed upstairs. I'll stay below. Are there any available spots in the communal residence?”
If he expressed a desire to immerse himself among the masses, he truly intended to do so.
Guo Fan, feeling powerless to dissuade him, signaled his understanding to a surprised Tan Ling. He found a place for Luo Shun in the communal residence, thinking that soon this friend would preside over the Tide-watching Sword-listening Conference, taking it as a valuable life lesson.
Tan Ling instructed the attendant to oversee the eatery and escorted Guo Fan to a chamber on the third tier.
As they journeyed, Tan Ling cast a glance at Guo Fan, querying, “What prompted the change in your demeanor? Have romantic entanglements caught up with you?”
Guo Fan halted momentarily, a wry smile forming. “It's a tale for another time…”
Tan Ling gave a dismissive shake of her head, rolling her eyes in the process. “I've no desire to hear about your romantic past. Years ago, I warned you. You were destined for a romantic encounter. It's an omen of the Fox clan's hidden method. Yet, you dismissed my words.”
“Who could have predicted back then that things would unfold this way?”
Guo Fan let out a sigh. How was he to know he'd be transported to another world?
He couldn't recall Tan Ling's previous words. Considering the myriad of roles she had portrayed, aside from romantic dialogues, the conversations among characters often contained inconsequential phrases that he wouldn't intentionally commit to memory.
His fingers brushed the hammer's rear. The very hammer that once symbolized the Dragon race's prestige. The hammer, once a beacon of pride, now appeared defeated, making a faint sound as it brushed against his palm.
Demonic Dragon silently vowed revenge. She had faced degradation for far too long. Now, with Guo Fan's trust in her, she needed to retaliate. She couldn't keep spiraling downwards. It was evident from her current state - she had been so oppressed that she lacked the vigor to retaliate, stripping her of all dignity.
Furthermore, it hadn't been easy for her to maintain her status, especially when she was continuously suppressed…
She was perplexed as to why this steed had advanced to the Foundation Establishing Stage, but now was the prime time for her to strike back.
Tonight could be the perfect opportunity…
Ideas of countering the hammer brewed within him.
Tan Ling escorted Guo Fan to the room's entrance, revealing its interior. Five individuals were already present in the renovated loft, all attendees of the Tide-watching Sword-listening Conference. The group comprised three men and two women, each representing different sects.
Notably, one woman donned a Daoist outfit. She was recognized as the top female figure of the Soaring Wisdom Sect, named Song Ru.
Song Ru was the younger disciple of Jade Soft Mist, known as “Song Na.”
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