Chapter 130: Chapter 129: Cold Jokes
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Somewhere within Central Starskiff Haven.
In Bochang's perception, amidst the tranquil sea of clouds, everything had frozen to a standstill.
Leaves suspended mid-air.
Insects with wings locked motionless.
Even Serval's gaze was crystal clear to him.
Option one or option two?
That was the question.
"I've drawn three useless items in a row now; logically, it's about time for something good. Should I risk drawing another item?"
"Although this skill isn't bad, it seems inferior compared to Deception Mastery." Bochang pondered briefly, "No, not necessarily—it has its own strengths..."
After hesitating for a few seconds,
Bochang decided to choose the second option and said, "Serval, have you ever heard of creatures called raccoon dogs? They place leaves on their heads and can cast illusions, transforming themselves into humans."
"Raccoon dogs? No... Is it some type of cat?" Serval looked puzzled.
"No, raccoon dogs are quite different from cats," replied Bochang.
"Oh, I see..." Serval nodded slightly, preparing to inquire further about these illusions.
At that moment...
The blonde woman finally noticed something atop her head. She reached up and felt a vibrant green leaf resting there.
An awkward silence fell between them.
After glancing at the leaf in her hand, Serval looked up and said, "So... you were referring to me as the 'leopard cat' earlier?"
"I just wanted to alert you about the leaf on your head," Bochang shrugged slightly.
Serval casually tossed away the leaf from her hand.
"Alright, I thought you were trying to tell some lame joke..."
[Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill, Leopard Cat's Illusion, allowing you to cast illusions using leaves.]
Upon hearing the system's voice,
Bochang leaned back against his seat and remarked, "It could indeed be considered a lame joke, since it wasn't funny at all."
"No... I actually found it quite amusing." Serval suddenly laughed, her full red lips curving upwards, and her gem-like blue eyes accentuated her radiant features even more.
In that instant,
the scenic beauty of Luofu Immortal Continent seemed to pale in comparison.
Still smiling, Serval gazed at Bochang with crescent moon-shaped eyes.
The blonde woman was undeniably attractive.
With her fashionable attire, attractive figure, and a rockstar aura, Serval exuded a confident charm.
Alongside Bailu, she also drew considerable attention on their journey.
For a moment, Bochang was utterly captivated.
Leaning lazily against the wooden chair, chin resting on one hand, Serval teased, "What... speechless?"
It might have been Bochang's imagination, but it seemed as though Serval had regained her composure from their first encounter at the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop.
[Dating Options activated.]
[Option 1: Affirmatively say, "Yes, because you're very beautiful." - Completion Reward: Strength increased by 100%.]
[Option 2: Deny with, "Not at all, don't be ridiculous." - Completion Penalty: Assault by Stellaron Hunters.]
Option 1 appeared quite serious, with a substantial reward to boot. However, the key concern lay in Option 2.
No matter how hard Bochang tried, he couldn't fathom how those few words would trigger an attack from the Stellaron Hunters. In previous instances, negative rewards were directly linked to his actions. This time, there seemed no connection whatsoever.
Bochang remained puzzled even as the countdown for the Dating Options began.
He chose Option 1.
"Ah, because Serval is very beautiful."
After uttering these words, Bochang had no time to gauge the blonde woman's reaction.
Because...
His Spider Sense was blaring with urgency.
The target of the attack: his chest.
Bochang turned just in time to see a rustic black-red longsword thrusting towards him.
Danger was imminent.
"What!"
His pupils contracted sharply as he instinctively activated Invisible Hand at full force.
Ten invisible, dark purple hands surged towards the enemy.
Grasping the ancient sword, riddled with cracks and enveloped in a fierce gale, it relentlessly sliced through the dark purple hands, causing pain to spread instantly throughout Bochang's body.
Simultaneously, he seized the attacker's limbs and neck.
Only now did Bochang get a chance to observe his assailant.
It was a man with red eyes, wearing a black trench coat and sporting a peculiar smile on his face.
"A Stellaron Hunter? It's Blade! Wait... didn't I choose the first option? Why would Blade still... Damn, it seems that regardless of my choice earlier, being attacked was inevitable. That explains the strangeness, but... when exactly did he approach without me noticing?"
As the black-haired, red-eyed man approached within striking distance, Bochang's heart pounded with fear.
Ever since receiving multiple options involving the Stellaron Hunters, Bochang knew he had been targeted. Consequently, he remained highly vigilant throughout his journey. Even while enjoying the scenery from this spot, he constantly scanned his surroundings for any suspicious individuals.
He never anticipated Blade would suddenly appear beside him, despite not detecting his presence moments ago.
These thoughts raced through Bochang's mind in just 0.01 seconds.
The full-powered Invisible Hand could only stall, incapable of inflicting any damage on Blade.
The sword tip steadily neared his chest.
To block this attack, Bochang had two choices: either use the Dragon Talisman to unleash a blast at Blade or summon the Vow Spear and endure the strike head-on.
Using the Dragon Talisman seemed the safest option. With one shot, Blade would likely dodge most of the time.
"If I use the Dragon Talisman..."
However, nearby residents had not been evacuated. Employing the Dragon Talisman recklessly risked causing unintended harm. Just recently, Bochang accidentally blew up Tingyun's Minghuo Merchant Group.
During the rift creature invasion, residents had been evacuated, making it relatively risk-free to use such power. But now?
If Bochang fired the Dragon Talisman, he might not even kill Blade but could inadvertently harm numerous Xianzhou citizens instead.
That would be a disaster. It's highly likely that Bochang would then find himself on the Xianzhou Alliance's blacklist, possibly even warranting a bounty notice.
"I can't use the Dragon Talisman; my only option is the Vow Spear." Bochang's mind raced rapidly. "This weapon cannot be destroyed and will surely block Blade's attacks. Moreover, with my strength doubling again, I'll have thirty-two times the power of an average person."
"Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received a 100% increase in strength," announced the system's voice in his ear.
A surge of immense power welled up from deep within him, spreading throughout his body.
Seizing the opportunity, Bochang summoned the Vow Spear. As he gripped its icy blue shaft, a sense of security washed over him.
Still seated, unable to stand quickly enough, Bochang employed the Hundred Birds Phoenix Spear Technique, aiming directly at the ancient longsword.
The spear tip clashed with the sword point in mid-air, erupting dazzling sparks.
The immense recoil surged through the spear and into Bochang's body, causing the wooden chair beneath him to shatter instantly, splinters scattering in all directions.