Timely Rescue / The Duel Begins

"No." Xin Xia, sitting in her wheelchair, felt vaguely uneasy and said, "I feel like something's wrong. It's so late. Let's go."

Lin Yun'er was slightly stunned. "Xin Xia, can't you stand the smell? Forget it, it's already so late. You should return to the dormitory. I'll keep reading here."

Hearing this, Ye Xin Xia hesitated, feeling that she was being overly nervous. She bit her lip and said nothing for a moment before saying, "Then I'll go back to the dormitory first. Be careful. I heard that some students have gone missing recently."

The girl waved carelessly, letting the wheelchair-bound girl leave.

Not long afterward, Xin Xia returned alone in her wheelchair. In the darkness of the night, she felt as if some terrifying creature were staring at her. She instinctively tightened her clothes and spun the wheels faster.

"Did you say it's ahead?"

Suddenly, voices came from the road ahead in the darkness. Xin Xia was startled and hurriedly looked toward the campus path. She saw a woman and a man, both wearing trench coats and radiating powerful auras.

Lu Jun looked at the wheelchair-bound girl he happened to encounter and was slightly stunned. "Are you Xin Xia?"

Seeing that they were living people, Xin Xia first breathed a sigh of relief, then asked doubtfully, "You are...?"

"My name is Lu Jun. I'm a friend of your brother's. I don't know if he's ever mentioned me to you."

He said it casually, but inwardly he muttered, Mo Fan's sister is usually hidden away so carefully. He's never introduced me to her. He probably worries that I'm too handsome and might win her over.

Just kidding. With Ye Xin Xia's mother being Salang, the future Cardinal who would almost become the Pope, who would dare touch her? Besides, her father was no simple figure either. The situation was no less complicated than Mu Ningxue's.

Lu Jun had always kept his distance out of respect.

"Oh, oh, oh, you're Brother Lu Jun, right? I've heard my brother mention you."

Xin Xia spoke softly, but inwardly she thought, Brother Mo Fan always says he looks down on everyone, but seeing him today, that doesn't seem entirely true.

Lu Jun studied the breathtaking girl thoughtfully. His Mental Power skimmed through sealed memories, and he discovered something similar. In fact, it should have happened half a year earlier.

Ah!

Just as Lu Jun was about to speak, a sharp, tragic scream suddenly tore through the night sky. It clearly came from the Library.

"This is bad. It's a Demon Beast."

Within the range of his Mental Power perception, a turbid aura filled with Killing Aura appeared ahead. With no time to say anything to the two girls, he decisively activated the Azure Cloud Boots on his feet. His speed erupted, and he transformed into an afterimage as he rushed over.

Chapter 36: Timely Rescue

Inscription Women's High School, Library.

Lin Yun'er had fallen onto the library floor. Her eyes were filled with terror as she watched the enormous creature emerge from around the bookshelf. The Giant Eyed Rat Demon stared at her greedily, drool dripping from its mouth.

She immediately screamed and tried to control the stars to release magic, but she failed repeatedly.

The Demon Beast gave Lin Yun'er no time to react. It charged over violently. With a thunderous boom, its huge body pounced forward, casting down a shadow that blotted out the sky and completely covered the girl's small frame, leaving her face full of despair.

Just as Lin Yun'er was about to be buried in the Demon Beast's jaws, a loud shout suddenly came from the distance: "Tide · Water Shield · Cycle!"

Splash!

In an instant, countless streams of water vapor gathered in the air. The immense Water Element condensed into several ceaselessly flowing azure streams that revolved around the girl. They tightly enveloped her within a radius of several yards, leaving not a single blind spot.

Buzz, buzz~

The Giant Eyed Rat Demon pounced onto the turbulent, condensed Water Stream Ribbon. When its enormous claw came down, the rapidly rotating water scraped against it and produced a string of sparks, as if cutting steel. Blood sprayed out amid a powerful impact.

In the next moment, the Giant Eyed Rat Demon's body was sent flying several meters. It crashed backward into a tall, heavy bookshelf, causing rows of bookshelves to collapse with a roar as smoke billowed everywhere.

The effect of the Water Shield Magic amplified threefold by the Spirit Seed had completely transformed its power!

In the distance, Lu Jun's black trench coat fluttered wildly. Azure light spread up from his legs, while fierce wind swirled around his body. He had arrived just in time and released Water Shield · Cycle at Primary Level Three in a single second.

Azure radiance flashed in his hand. With a solemn expression, he said, "An Advancement Period Servant-level creature. It was only a step away from becoming a General-level Blood-Patterned Giant Rat. How can something like this exist in the city?"

Several breaths later, the pile of books trembled. A huge Demon Beast pushed aside countless volumes and emerged. One of its claws trembled slightly, making it difficult for the creature to stand steadily, and was covered in blood.

It looked at Lu Jun with some fear. Demon Beasts possessed exceptionally sharp senses and could easily detect the intense Killing Aura and vigorous magical aura radiating from the man before it. Its body instinctively retreated step by step as it sought a way to escape.

Buzz!

However, Lu Jun had no intention of letting the Demon Beast leave. He casually reached into the void and grasped. A dark, gleaming Vibranium Heavy Sword was drawn. Golden Radiance erupted, and he brought it down with both hands. A several-yard-long platinum arc of light swept across the air.

Dark aurora flashed, whipping up a fierce gale.

With a splurt, the Advancement Period Giant Eyed Rat was cleaved in half on the spot. Blood gushed out and dyed the library red. The remaining force of the sword light continued onward, sweeping across the wall of books behind it. In an instant, it pierced through, sending broken stones flying everywhere.

Everything had happened too quickly. Lin Yun'er sat on the ground in a daze, staring at Lu Jun as if he were a god descending to the mortal world. Her heart and mind trembled.

Lu Jun remained expressionless. With a swipe of his hand, he removed the blood from the treasured sword. His Metal Element had reached the Intermediate Level. Any Demon Beast below the General level would be slaughtered the moment it appeared. His twelve-meter-long greatsword seemed to ask, Are you scared yet?

"Are you all right? What's your name?"

He walked over to the girl and politely extended his hand.

Lin Yun'er remained unable to recover for a long time. When she suddenly heard him, she hurriedly stammered, "Y-you... hello. My name is Lin Yun'er."

Hearing this, Lu Jun understood. It really was her. Strictly speaking, in the original work, this girl should have died half a year ago. The circumstances had also involved her being alone in the library, where a Demon Beast had dragged her away and eaten her.

But thinking about it, it made sense. That was the Original Timeline without him. Now, he knew that Inscription Women's High School had a sewer breach, so he kept watch over it and occasionally cleared it out when passing by.

In addition, because Mo Fan had been stimulated by him, he had joined the City Demon Hunting Squad ahead of time, also effectively suppressing the Demon Beasts in the city.

All in all, it was the butterfly effect. The two girls had remained safe and continued their habit of going to the Library to read, until the accident occurred tonight.

Before the Disaster of Bo City erupted, going out alone at night was already reckless enough. To run into an underground passage breach on top of that meant trouble sooner or later. The only difference was which day it would happen.

Thus, Lu Jun had happened to save Lin Yun'er this time and reminded her, "Try not to come out at night. This world isn't as safe as you imagine. Quickly call your parents."

After he spoke, Lin Yun'er nodded repeatedly, still shaken. She picked up her communicator and called her sister.

Before long, several cars arrived at the school. The police and school administrators came together, sealing off the scene, investigating the incident, and asking after her well-being.

A valiant-looking woman led the group inside. Lin Yun'er rushed into the arms of her sister, Lin Yuxin, and the two sisters embraced tightly.

Then Lin Yuxin looked at Lu Jun with reddened eyes. She hurried forward and extended her hand. "Lin Yuxin of the Bo City Earth Sacred Spring Guard. I've long heard of Hunter Lu's reputation. Thank you for saving my sister."

Lu Jun smiled and politely held her fingertips, releasing them after a brief touch. "It's nothing. I happened to encounter her, so I saved her."

"Regardless, I'm still very grateful to you," Lin Yuxin said gratefully. "I can't imagine what I would have done if my sister had died. I'd probably have lived in guilt for the rest of my life. I've never had time to accompany her."

The two exchanged a few polite words. Once Lin Yun'er had recovered somewhat, she also came over to offer her solemn thanks.

Seeing that her sister was exhausted but still forcing a smile, Lin Yuxin said apologetically, "I'm sorry. Today's incident happened so suddenly, and my sister was frightened. We'll return home to rest first. This is my contact information. Let's properly get to know each other another day."

Soon, the two sisters were taken home. The investigation of the accident site would still take some time, and they needed to find the hidden danger. In reality, it was useless. The sewer system was too complicated, so it could only be classified as an accident.

He watched Lin Yuxin's back thoughtfully. She was a guard of the Earth Sacred Spring, and her cultivation was also among the few in Bo City to have reached the Intermediate Level. In the Original Timeline, she had been the first person to discover the omens of the Disaster of Bo City.

After saving Lin Yun'er and obtaining her contact information, he could completely join forces with them later.

At this moment, Lu Mei had watched the entire process from the side. She approached Lu Jun and sighed. "It seems there really is a breach. I recorded a video as evidence."

After the two gave their statements, they returned.

At home, his sister asked, "What do you plan to do?"

Lu Jun had already prepared his answer. He named several people who had left a deep impression on him. "The Earth Sacred Spring guards, including Lin Yuxin; Yang Zuohe of the Magic Association; and Zhan Kong of the military can be notified."

"Bo City Military Governor Zhan Kong... Your operation will indeed need his support."

Lu Mei nodded. The Earth Sacred Spring guards went without saying: they were the Black Vatican's primary target. If there really was a mole, there was no need to stir up a huge disturbance. They could simply have the mole steal it. Thus, the guards would definitely stand on their side.

"But the others may not believe me. There's a mole in the military, and I'm afraid the news will leak. I'll notify them one by one after half a year. By then, Bo City will open the Earth Sacred Spring. I boldly speculate that the Black Vatican will make its move during that period."

"When the time comes, we'll crush them in one go. The Black Vatican won't have time to react, and we'll have done everything we can."

Lu Jun sighed. He could block the Demon Beasts surging out from within the city, but he was powerless against those outside. In the face of a beast tide from an entire clan, an Intermediate Mage was still far from enough.

After he finished speaking, Lu Mei's brows furrowed slightly. There was no other choice but to do this. At present, they did not know which of the higher-ups had betrayed them, so they could only respond to change with constancy.

"Sis, thank you."

He let out a long breath. After carrying the burden in his heart for three years, he now had someone to share it with, and his mood relaxed considerably.

Lu Mei smiled gently. "Why are you thanking family?"

After the two opened their hearts and talked, they established their goal. Their cultivation also became more urgent. One controlled stars while another improved his Nebula.

Chapter 37: The Duel Begins

The second semester of senior year ended, and four short months passed in the blink of an eye.

For a time, the students of Bo City Tianlan High School were approaching graduation. The melancholy and pain of youth filled the classrooms and sports field, while most magic students did not have the qualifications to enter a university.

After this, they would enter society, becoming City Demon Hunters, patrol-team members, and so on. At best, they would barely endure until the age of thirty before accumulating enough experience to reach the Intermediate Level.

Their lack of talent was one matter. The truly difficult part was having no force supporting them. Which of those favored children of the universities did not become an Intermediate Mage around the age of twenty, or even possess a Spirit Seed?

Just look at the Lu siblings. Renting a single Nebula Magic Tool or buying a single Spirit Seed cost tens of millions. With the nourishment of a Nebula Magic Tool and decent talent, one could break through in half a year.

Without anything at all, reaching the Intermediate Level in middle age was perfectly normal.

In the classroom, many students took photos and wrote in commemorative books. Those with quick minds had already begun networking. Lu Jun, Mo Fan, and Zhang Xiaohou were gathered together, chatting about the future.

Lu Jun wore a trench coat. His features had matured, with sharp brows and bright eyes. Under the influence of the Water Element's gentleness and the Metal Element's hardness, his handsome, refined appearance carried no shortage of sharpness. His entire bearing was steady as he listened to the other two speak.

At this moment, Zhang Xiaohou said worriedly, "Brother Fan, you're going to duel Yu Ang of the Mu Family in a few days. Are you sure it'll be fine? I heard that he's been using the Stardust Magic Tool day and night and has reached Primary Level Three."

"You're graduating from high school anyway. Why don't you run away?"

"Run?!" Mo Fan cursed loudly. "There's no way I'm running. I'm going to make that dog Mu Zhuoyun kneel and apologize." Then he said spiritedly, "Don't worry. Yu Ang is nothing. I can deal with him with one hand."

At this point, he had reached Primary Level Three in two Elements. He had hunting experience, and the mentality of a strong warrior was beginning to show.

On the other side, Zhao Kunsan was showily dressed in a suit as he wandered among the students with a face full of smiles. He was pleased with himself. He had fawned over Mu Bai for three years. The world had failed to understand him, but now that he was graduating, everyone could see that he had made the correct choice.

Before long, he had become someone accepted by the Mu Clan. At the very least, he could become a small business owner under one of their groups.

Thus, many students looked at Zhao Kunsan with envy and jealousy.

Suddenly, Zhao Kunsan shifted his gaze and saw Mo Fan and the others. He deliberately raised his voice. "Oh, right. I almost forgot. Before graduation, we still have a great show to watch. Someone is overestimating himself and challenging a genius disciple of the Mu Clan."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone burst into laughter. The contrast was too striking. Zhao Kunsan had fawned over Mu Bai for so long before finally being accepted after graduation. Mo Fan could have directly obtained the favor of Mu Zhuoyun, the clan head of the Bo City Mu Clan, yet he had chosen the most difficult road.

Some were jealous, while others mocked him. In any case, no one thought highly of Mo Fan.

Mo Fan, however, remained as unconcerned as ever.

At the end, a teacher called him out alone. Seeing this, Lu Jun sighed emotionally. Principal Zhu was probably about to have the conversation about opening the Earth Sacred Spring. This item had originally been a benefit specifically provided to Tianlan's talented students, but it had gradually become something exclusive to the children of influential families.

Now that Mo Fan was challenging them for the first time, even though the principal did not think highly of his chances, he still encouraged him.

This was where the Black Vatican's terrifying nature had to be mentioned. They had made preparations on multiple fronts. If everything went smoothly, Yu Ang, secretly a Black Vatican Member, would easily obtain the Earth Sacred Spring. Unfortunately for them, he had encountered Mo Fan.

After school, the students dispersed. Lu Jun walked out and saw Mo Jiaxing, a middle-aged man with an honest, simple appearance, pulling Mo Fan aside to talk. As expected, he was Mo Fan's father.

He was probably planning to plead with the Mu Family or something similar. Even though he felt inwardly that his son might not win, he still silently offered his support from behind. He truly was a traditional yet touching father.

Lu Jun sighed silently. His high-school journey had ended. He picked up his communicator and said, "Prepare yourselves. The operation begins."

Several days later, Mu Manor was brightly lit at night, full of splendor and revelry. One luxurious car after another converged at the foot of the mountain from all directions, like rivers flowing into the sea. One important figure after another appeared, making the scene extravagant and ostentatious.

Mu Zhuoyun placed great importance on this duel. He broadly invited the various forces of Bo City. Military Governor Zhan Kong, Deng Kai of the Demon Hunting Alliance, Yang Zuohe of the Magic Association, and Principal Zhu of the magic high school all arrived.

However, Lu Mei, the young expert who had suddenly risen to fame, and Lin Yuxin, who guarded the Earth Sacred Spring, politely declined the banquet. These people held little political power and focused more on the field of magic, so it did not matter.

Like in the original story, Mo Fan was not afraid in the slightest. He swaggered into the gathering alone and ate and drank for free.

Zhan Kong, who was nearby, saw this and was speechless. He had no choice but to remind Mo Fan out of concern.

Deep inside the Mu Clan, Mu Ningxue was arguing with her father. She had been thinking about Mo Fan for the past two years. Once summer vacation arrived, she returned to negotiate with her father, hoping to cancel this duel.

Unfortunately, she still failed. Mu Zhuoyun sneered. "Who told this little bastard to dare insult me in front of everyone? Isn't he very proud and aloof? Today, I'm going to let him know that if he wants to make a name for himself, he needs to rely on background and influence."

"Of course, with Zhan Kong and Principal Zhu protecting him, I'm only teaching him a lesson. I won't take his life."

After saying this, Mu Zhuoyun left without looking back to meet the guests.

Mu Ningxue remained standing quietly. She let out a sigh. Before this, she had also gone to meet Mo Fan alone, but just as she had known all along, that man was far too proud to yield. Naturally, it had been useless.

Soon, the duel between Mo Fan and Yu Ang began under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

At the site of the duel, Mo Fan struck first. Using his proficient Primary Fire Magic, he continuously broke through his opponent's Ice Element spells and gradually gained the upper hand. He even forced Yu Ang to bring out his Footwear Magic Tool and Shield Magic Tool.

To accomplish this much as a commoner, he truly deserved the title of genius.