Real Mode, One-Life Clear

[Ability Upgrade Book: A cultural scripture from the world of Sword and Blade Demon Sealing, a mysterious book inscribed with ancient characters. The text records various humans since the birth of the ancestors, each possessing different abilities and remarkable talents. Reading it can improve corresponding personal abilities.]

This was a thin, ancient book; the characters on it looked extremely archaic at first glance.

Mu Ye could not understand them himself and could only learn a little bit through the game system's introduction.

Roughly speaking, it recorded many humans from the ancient era, all of whom possessed different talents passed down through generations.

These were characters like the Ranger, Thief, and Demon Sealer from the game.

After reading it, the reader's abilities would be improved.

A character's innate abilities had levels, though there was no proficiency display.

It was likely that these innate abilities, unlike secret martial arts, could not be grinded and could only be improved through special channels.

[You have used the Ability Upgrade Book. Please select the ability to upgrade.]

[Mind Eye / Demon Subduing Body]

"Demon Subduing Body."

Mu Ye chose this without hesitation.

This unique ability was the primary combat strength of a Demon Sealer. It allowed one to unlock the seals within the body to temporarily boost various attributes, while also possessing a special attack effect against demons.

Rumor had it that this was because Demon Sealers harbored Demon Blood within them.

As the official protagonist of the Sword and Blade Demon Sealing game, his background naturally could not be simple.

[Current 'Demon Subduing Body' Lv2.]

[Unlocked exclusive Demon Subduing technique 'Sacrificial Slash'.]

[Demon Subduing Body Lv2: Unlock a portion of the seals within the body to temporarily boost various physical functions. The stronger the user, the greater the boost. Special Demon Subduing techniques can be used in this state.]

[Sacrificial Slash: A true Demon Sealer possesses the will to sacrifice themselves at any time to save the world. Consume your own life force to reactivate the ancient, mysterious, violent power within your body, unleashing a heaven-shaking strike that deals devastating damage to any opponent, right up to the point of near-death.]

As expected of a protagonist.

After the personal ability was upgraded, an exclusive skill was unlocked.

This Sacrificial Slash looks quite formidable...

It's not a secret martial art... Mu Ye found it quite interesting.

Not every character ability upgrade came with such an exclusive skill; the protagonist character still had some prestige.

"Then let's try it out..."

Reloading the save, following the sequence, and issuing challenges. I challenged five third-rank experts in a row, and finally, Feng Wuque.

This time, with the Lv2 Demon Subduing Body, the moment I activated it, I suppressed Feng Wuque for the entire duration of the fight. Even though he was as ferocious as if he had taken some kind of drug, he was completely unable to parry under the blade and sword of the Demon Sealer.

Before he could even use his Sacrificial Slash, he was defeated.

[1. Kill Feng Wuque directly.]

[2. Expose the Feng family's despicable conduct in Chishui Village on the spot, then kill him in front of everyone.]

[3. Spare his life for now.]

[4. ...]

This process is interesting.

Mu Ye thought for a moment and decided to try option 1 first: kill him directly.

After killing him, it immediately incited public outrage. I was then surrounded by over a thousand Xifeng Army soldiers and five third-rank experts. After a fierce battle, I managed to rescue Madam Shen at the cost of being covered in wounds, but the Shen Mansion's reputation plummeted, making it impossible for them to maintain a foothold in Taiping City.

Mu Ye was not surprised by this outcome.

Killing Feng Wuque in public would certainly not convince the crowd.

Choosing option 2 resulted in a slight difference from option 1. Because there was no substantial evidence, even with Shen Qingchan testifying, she was a member of the Shen Family and could not convince the public; I would still be ostracized.

Choosing option 3, after sparing his life, I logically became the head of the Taiping Martial Alliance. The crowd was convinced, the Shen Mansion gained a reputation, and I became the well-deserved Young Hero of Taiping City.

However...

Just as Madam Shen had anticipated, even if I won, the Feng family would not let it go easily.

Feng Wuque directly brought out that old man, who captured me alive. He did not harm Madam Shen, but instead invited us into the inner residence of the Feng family under the guise of discussing the development of the Taiping Martial Alliance.

In normal mode, even with the upgraded Demon Subduing Body, the Demon Sealer could not defeat that old man, who possessed strength nearing the fourth rank.

Especially after having fought a grueling battle against Feng Wuque, it was even more impossible to win.

"Interesting..."

Mu Ye was lost in thought.

It seems that, following the normal progression, this is the absolute limit.

Feng Wuque has many backup plans; his methods are not bad at all.

"What if I... didn't choose to fight from the very beginning?"

Mu Ye suddenly wondered.

So, he gave it a try, choosing to remain silent and not make a move from the very beginning.

At this moment, it was Shen Qingchan who stepped up.

The young girl from the Yunhai Sword Sect erupted with immense strength, challenging five third-rank experts in a row, only to narrowly lose to a powered-up Feng Wuque by just a single point.

There was no helping it; she had exhausted her strength.

In a sense, Shen Qingchan could be considered a true local genius within the game, the kind without any exaggeration.

After Shen Qingchan's defeat, the options appeared again: choose to intervene now, or continue to remain silent.

The outcome of intervening was the same as before, with little difference.

Remaining silent, however, led to a result that surprised Mu Ye: Madam Shen's favorability did not decrease.

It was a very interesting phenomenon. Logically speaking, not intervening twice should have lowered her favorability, right?

At this point, Madam Shen would choose to join the Taiping Martial Alliance and cooperate with the Feng family, while simultaneously requesting that she and Shen Qingchan be allowed to leave Taiping City. Feng Wuque readily agreed, then invited Madam Shen into the inner residence of the Feng family.

"..." Mu Ye.

No way... Madam Shen is truly a woman of character... Mu Ye's favorability toward this female lead increased significantly.

He hadn't expected that even after he refused to intervene, Madam Shen would still consider his well-being.

Could it be that this situation was already within Madam Shen's expectations?

Had she been mentally prepared for this all along?

Mu Ye realized.

This Madam Shen had likely taken every possible scenario into account.

After leaving the Feng family, an option appeared.

[1. Re-enter the Feng family and take Madam Shen away.]

[2. Other people's business, what does it have to do with me?]

[3. ...]

Mu Ye chose to return this time, but the result was anticipated by Feng Wuque, who had already stationed the old man in the inner courtyard. The two clashed, and he was soon surrounded by the Xifeng Army. Before he could hear what Madam Shen and the Feng family were discussing, he was unfortunately defeated and killed. The last thing he saw before death was Madam Shen rushing out of the room, looking at him with a complicated expression...

The screen froze.

Facts proved that one cannot be indecisive in life.

If you decide to act, you cannot give up; if you choose not to act, then you must see it through to the end.

Indecisively switching between choices, like a reed in the wind, rarely yields good fruit in games. In the end, you end up with nothing.

Faith must be firm!

"The general situation has been figured out..."

Mu Ye calculated for a moment in his mind, then reloaded his save, returning to the game interface.

"Come on, Real Mode, one-life clear!"

Feng Mansion was crowded with guests.

The Demon Sealer wore a martial arts outfit. Although a ghost-patterned veil—the symbol of a Demon Sealer—covered their face, revealing only a pair of deep, cold eyes, they still drew the gazes of countless guests present.

"You are familiar with those five third-rank experts, right?" Madam Shen had already taken her seat in the front row.

The latter nodded slightly.

"One of them is neutral: Chen Tianshang, who has the backing of Hundred Artifacts Villa. He does not fear the Feng family." Madam Shen's earnest voice was melodious, as if reminding the latter, "The others are all formidable rivals. Although I do not know what Feng Wuque intends to do, the outcome is obvious..."

"I can beat these people," Shen Qingchan said, brimming with confidence and vitality.

"Even if you can beat them, you will eventually fall into Feng Wuque's trap..." Madam Shen glared at her, adding meaningfully, "Act with discretion; your life is what matters most."

Shen Qingchan huffed.

Before long, Feng Wuque made his appearance. The man was truly handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes. He carried a sense of uprightness typical of a soldier, yet dressed in a white robe, he possessed an indescribable air of elegance.

At first glance, he actually left quite a good impression.

After a brief speech, the dishes were served and the banquet began.

Having already eaten the delicacies at Shen Mansion, Mu Ye did not think much of the standard of the Feng family's banquet.

Once everyone was wined and dined, Feng Wuque walked to the high platform at the front, his voice booming like a bell.

The many guests knew that it was time for the main event.

"It's starting." Madam Shen glanced at the Demon Sealer beside her, her expression as calm as still water.

The Demon Sealer nodded slightly.