Absolute Death Game

"I definitely didn't remember it wrong, see for yourself in my chat logs." Since he hadn't talked to anyone else in that period, the chat records were still there. Liu Xing looked through them and confirmed that Xiao Buli had indeed remembered correctly. Explore more at empire

Hey, now this is getting spooky. Could it be that this NPC has no intention of teaching anyone swordsmanship at all and just enjoys messing with people?

"Should we report this information?" Xiao Buli tentatively asked, while observing Liu Xing's reaction.

"No, we can't report it." Liu Xing almost immediately replied, then seemed to think that might have been too hasty, "What if the higher-ups want us to treat this NPC like a boss and we have to fight it? What then? Would we fight or not?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Buli thought that it was indeed a possibility. The distinction between monsters and NPCs in this game was very unclear, and a Dark Gold NPC pretty much equated to a solo Dark Gold boss. This kind of temptation could indeed bring big trouble. However, the fact that Liu Xing would say such a thing also indicated that he wasn't particularly loyal to the company.

"So what do you think we should do? Shall we just pull out?" Xiao Buli wasn't harboring much hope for this unexpected encounter, considering he already had a plan ready to go, and he just needed to follow the original instructions from his superiors.

Liu Xing shook his head, "Let me think about it." He scratched his head in thought for a long while but couldn't come up with any solution, "It seems we have to give up. But it's best to keep this between us and not tell the other members of our group."

Xiao Buli nodded in agreement, having no objection to the suggestion.

After Liu Xing said his goodbyes and left, Xiao Buli didn't leave. He was still racking his brains for the real answer. Faced with two completely opposite choices, the Nameless Sword Guest had given two completely contradictory answers. Such a result was beyond his expectations. It looked like the answers given by the Nameless Sword Guest previously really had issues.

Or perhaps all the given answers were wrong? But what could the true answer be?

A light bulb went off in his head; could it be that one must come up with their own answer? If he encountered such a master in the real world, asking such a question, how would he respond?

Xiao Buli's mind raced. If such a master asked him this question in real life, he would most likely show humility and ask for guidance, since such questions certainly weren't ones that a beginner like himself could answer—In that moment, he suddenly felt that he might have figured out the correct answer.

However, the problem became how to verify his idea. He looked around; it was best not to involve the people from his group, none of whom practiced swordsmanship. Even telling them would only add to his troubles, and it could attract unwanted attention from above. While he was pondering, a figure in a green shirt descended from a nearby slope.

Xiao Buli was taken aback upon seeing him—it was He Suoju, whom he had met earlier in the Sword Pavilion.

(Perhaps I could test my idea on this guy.) Xiao Buli thought as he called out to He Suoju, "Hold on, can you help me with a task?"

He Suoju seemed a bit wary, "I don't have time, you should find someone else to help."

"If you succeed, you could learn some powerful swordsmanship!" Xiao Buli coaxed him. He Suoju stopped in his tracks, seemingly tempted, "How powerful?" Yet, he remained cautious.

Seeing his reaction, Xiao Buli couldn't help but laugh, "Don't be so nervous, boy. Your shabby gear doesn't even arouse my desire to rob you. I wouldn't want to get wanted over a newbie like you."

He Suoju, encouraged by Xiao Buli's words, moved a bit closer, "Tell me, what's the task? But let me make it clear upfront, you're the one asking for my help, I'm not trying to break any rules, so you can't use this against me."

Xiao Buli thought to himself that he wasn't that bored, and he roughly explained the situation.

"So you just have to do as I say, and you might successfully become an apprentice. Remember, don't choose the answers given by the Nameless Sword Guest. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this, I'm only offering it because I find you somewhat agreeable, so don't waste it."

"Why are you being so generous? Aren't you jealous that I might get such a sought-after opportunity?"

Xiao Buli thought to himself that this was hardly a rare opportunity; if He Suoju knew about the Mystic Hollow Palace, he'd be green with envy.

After some thought, he replied, "I guess you could say I'm quite persistent. I really want to know if my guess is right. Moreover, compared to the benefits one can obtain in the game, I care more about the experience gained from observing the process of the quest. That way, if I encounter a similar situation next time, I can handle it with ease."

He Suoju was silent for a moment, seemingly finding Xiao Buli's words somewhat credible, or maybe the chance to apprentice under the Dark Gold NPC was just too enticing. In the end, he agreed, "Fine, but I can't guarantee success."

Xiao Buli thought to himself that he'd better pray for success because if he failed, he might very well end up dead.

The two headed into the bamboo forest. Xiao Buli stopped at a distance and said, "Go ahead, do as I told you."

As He Suoju walked in alone, Xiao Buli stood not far away, paying attention to their conversation.

He Suoju was surprised when he saw the Nameless Sword Guest and glanced back at Xiao Buli, thinking that the other man hadn't lied to him; he'd been overly suspicious. But he couldn't waste such a great opportunity.