Changing Faces

As soon as Lucy said that...

Everyone couldn't help but look at Rosalind.

Rosalind was filled with shame and indignation, wishing she could sew Lucy's mouth shut on the spot.

--This person had previously said that there was no need to be so exaggerated, and that he was acting as if he were making a sacrifice, showing an attitude that there was no need to be so solemn when facing the Architect of Nine Provinces.

Now we're seeing the benefits.

They just sold themselves outright, like a princess!

Even though I know she did it for Franca good.

But I treat you like a confidant, and you treat me like a bargaining chip?

Rosalind's Fox Ears bristled, and she stared at Lucy, her face flushed.

Lucy shrank back guiltily.

It was also subconscious on her part; she was just too attracted to him.

However, before Franca could even start fighting amongst themselves, the other maid couldn't stand it anymore—well, she wasn't exactly the real deal, was she?

But they clearly didn't think that way.

"Ah----"

Shen Nian gave a short "Ah," took a step forward, sized Rosalind up and down, and then revealed an arrogant expression. "Is Franca now willing to abandon the royal family's dignity in order to become stronger? Too bad, our young lady has no shortage of servants!"

Lu Xiu slapped her on the head with a chop. "This is a diplomatic occasion, what are you doing acting like a wicked servant?"

On the other side.

Jian Li silently stepped forward, blocking Lu Xiu's path, and drew her long sword. "----Get past me first."

Seeing Jian Li's posture, as if she were about to be splattered with blood at any moment, Lu Xiu also gave her a chop to the neck. "Diplomacy, diplomacy, what are you doing acting like a top henchman of a gangster boss, ready to kill someone in the street at any time?"

Jian Li put away her weapon, rubbed her head, then silently uttered an "oh" and took half a step back.

I've managed to handle those two overly dramatic maids.

Lu Xiu turned to look at the group from Franca, preparing to reject their suggestion.

She didn't want to be granted a fiefdom or open a zoo, so what would she need thousands of Frans for? Not to mention bringing along a Franca princess who could potentially cause a diplomatic incident at any moment.

Most importantly, the other party said that anyone could wear a maid outfit, making her seem like a pervert.

She might tease Jian Li and Shen Nian at most.

I don't enjoy teasing others.

She instinctively wanted to speak.

But the words were barely out of his mouth.

Lu Xiu suddenly stopped.

etc----

From her personal perspective, she genuinely didn't want to be granted a fiefdom.

However, from Nine Provinces's perspective, Franca does have value in winning them over.

Lu Xiu looked at the Frans with animal ears before her. She had been speculating since the world rankings were first introduced that perhaps one day there would be arenas where the entire world would participate.

But relying solely on Nine Provinces would probably be insufficient.

Lu Xiu has no problem winning high-difficulty battles on her own.

But she had a strong intuition that if there really was a showdown involving the entire world in the future, and the world ultimately lost, her situation would definitely be dire.

This was an intuition that came out of nowhere.

Lu Xiu herself couldn't explain why she thought that way, but there's an old saying that goes, "When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken."

It's never a bad thing to do some preparation.

Looking at the gamified world now, her impression of the Franca race is actually quite good.

Although this group of people were a bunch of reckless fools constantly teetering on the edge of self-destruction, and often acted impulsively, their attendant had even recently sold out their own princess for a reward—

But being a brute has its advantages; compared to those scheming forces, dealing with them is much easier for Lu Xiu.

Most importantly, their growth potential is extremely high.

The existence of the Blood Frenzy Art talent gives them an extra trump card compared to ordinary humans. As long as they can solve the problem of the uncontrollable backlash after Blood Frenzy Art, this Orc Race can definitely become a sharp blade.

in addition.

Lu Xiu knew their purpose.

For her, guiding these Orc Race Blood Frenzy Art wasn't difficult at all—she was also quite interested in their Ancestral Bloodline.

You need to know.

Currently, all the moves she's created in the Construction Space, except for Rampage (an improved version of Blood Frenzy Art), are unusable.

Lu Xiu doesn't know how to solve this problem.

Perhaps we could try to find a breakthrough by working with the Frans.

Thinking about this...

Lu Xiu swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue and instead said, "I need to discuss your proposal with the Nine Provinces authorities, but please, Your Her Royal Highness the Princess, forget about it—I'm afraid the King of Franca will come to Nine Provinces to fight me to the death overnight, and then the Nine Provinces authorities will come to me overnight to try and persuade me to change my mind."

Hearing Lu Xiu's words.

Rosalind finally withdrew her gaze from Lucy and explained, "I'm sorry, Miss Lu Xiu — Lucy was just talking nonsense because she was too excited. Please don't take it to heart."

Although he said that...

But to be honest...

Rosalind actually really wanted to try staying by Lu Xiu's side.

As Silver Fox race with the highest success rate of Blood Frenzy Art, and with Rosalind currently a member of the royal family, it would be a lie to say she wasn't tempted by the Flawless Blood Frenzy that could break her limits without any side effects.

But she also knew very well that Lucy's words were ultimately just impulsive remarks.

Her identity as a princess of Franca involves diplomatic relations and political influence between the two countries, so it is indeed inappropriate for her to actually become Lu Xiu's maid.

Even if she herself were willing, the higher-ups at Franca would absolutely not agree to such an absurd thing happening.

"Hmm—we'll discuss the specific number of people and arrangements later."

Lu Xiu thought for a moment and said, "I'll discuss this with the Nine Provinces officials first."

Upon hearing Lu Xiu's words, Rosalind breathed a long sigh of relief, and her tense shoulders finally relaxed completely.

As long as Lu Xiu doesn't outright refuse, there is hope.

"Thank you." Rosalind bowed sincerely.

On the other side.

Upon hearing Lu Xiu's words, the members of the Franca Delegation exchanged glances, all showing some excitement.

Especially Lucy.

After all, Rosalind needs to maintain a certain image, but they don't.

Looking at the relaxed Franca group, Lu Xiu's thoughts returned to the issue she cared about most.

Her interest in these Orc Race stemmed not only from her desire for the future, but more importantly, from her wish to break free from the limitations imposed by those blood-based techniques.

Human energy and blood cannot withstand external depletion.

I have a question for you.

Lu Xiu looked at Rosalind and suddenly said, "You Frans experts in the use of Qi and blood. So I'd like to ask—do you have any methods or skills for absorbing the Qi and blood of others to nourish yourselves?"

"Absorbing other people's vital energy?"

Rosalind was stunned by what she heard, and Lucy and the others behind her exchanged bewildered glances.

This statement sounds...

Don't look at me like that, I'm not a pervert.

Lu Xiu explained, "It's just my interest."

Since one's own vital energy and blood are limited.

Lu Xiu's first thought was to absorb the life force of others.

In short, it's about developing an absorption mechanism based on the circulation of Qi and blood.

Although I felt inexplicably nauseous----

In addition, the system's life steal doesn't work.

That will only increase your health points; it has nothing to do with your Qi and Blood.

Rosalind's Fox Ears twitched slightly after hearing this, and she fell into deep thought. She then said, "Miss Lu Xiu, if I understand correctly—you want a method that can Plunder the opponent's life force during battle?"

"Right"

"I'm sorry, this isn't recorded in Franca. Our Blood Frenzy Art is essentially about igniting the Ancestral Bloodline; it's about drawing from within, not Plunder from without. But is your Mental Strength insufficient for this?"

"No."

Lu Xiu gently shook her head. "I can help you ignite your Ancestral Bloodline Ancestral Bloodline because it inherently possesses this function. However, more complex tasks, such as allowing your vital energy to break through your skin and leave your body, are impossible unless you already have wounds. Even then, it would be difficult, since Mental Strength is not telekinesis, unless it involves vital energy leaving the body—"

As they talked...

Lu Xiu's voice gradually faded as she fell into deep thought.

Um?

Wait a minute.

Qi and blood separated from the body----

moment.

Lu Xiu suddenly realized something, and her beautiful eyes lit up. "No, I seem to have fallen into a misconception."

Rosalind looked somewhat bewildered. "Miss Lu Xiu, what do you mean?"

Why should I absorb it into my own body?

Lu Xiu didn't answer, but murmured, "Absorbing other people's blood and energy into one's own body is not only troublesome, but may also cause pollution. It's completely unnecessary. Since those skills only require blood and energy as a medium to release them—"

That doesn't say you can't use someone else's life force! Right now, my Mental Strength is just enough to interfere remotely. Although it's impossible to directly control the life force within a player, I can first injure the opponent and then extract and control it.

Although you can only control the blood seeping from enemies for now, and the amount of health you gain at once won't be much, it adds up over time. And doing this might even make your skills stronger in big battles.

And if that's still not enough, you can release it using your own Qi and blood—"

Upon hearing this,

Everyone looked at her.

Although I don't know what Lu Xiu is talking about.

But they could still understand the meaning of injuring the opponent and then using that opponent's life force to unleash a skill.

Is this really normal procedure?!

"I'm such a genius!"

Lu Xiu, oblivious to the stares of others, took a deep breath and then looked at the group from Franca: "Excuse me, I suddenly had a new idea. Do you have anything else to say? I'll discuss that suggestion with the Nine Provinces officials later, and I'll let you know when I have the results."

"It's alright now."

Rosalind shook her head slightly, noticing Lu Xiu's eagerness, and naturally wouldn't bother her any further.

"Then I'll see you off."

Lu Xiu nodded, then led the Franca Delegation towards the Teleport Bonfire, and watched Rosalind and the others turn into Bai Guang and disappear beside the Bonfire.

She turned to Jian Li and Shen Nian and said, "We can go shopping later. I'm going to test something new—by the way, Shen Nian, could you please relay that Her Royal Highness the Princess's suggestion to Yan Fushou?"

That's all.

She then went directly into the Construction Space.

They didn't give Shen Nian and Jian Li a chance to speak at all.

Shen Nian felt that Lu Xiu did it on purpose.

On the other side.

Rosalind, Lucy, and the others returned to Chen Capital.

Only after confirming that they had truly left the Witch Forest did they hear the footsteps of other people around them.

The members of the Franca Delegation then awoke from their reverie, feeling as if everything they had just experienced in the forest was merely an unreal dream.

But that wasn't a dream.

"Your Her Royal Highness the Princess ----"

Lucy stood there for a moment, then finally broke the silence, asking, "What did Miss Lu Xiu mean by what she said at the end—'injuring the enemy and then drawing their blood from a distance to unleash her own skill'? Is it really possible for someone to do something so outrageous? And what kind of skill requires such a release?"

"Have no idea."

Rosalind shook her head gently. "That's completely beyond our imagination. Perhaps only Lu Xiu herself understands—there's no point in us delving into it. Just remember not to spread it around."

"Compared to what Lu Xiu mentioned at the end, the most important thing now is Flawless Blood Frenzy. Lu Xiu may only think that she did something insignificant, but it is really too important for us in Franca— "

That brings us to this.

Rosalind slowly raised her right hand and clenched her fist tightly.

The aftereffects of the forced Blood Frenzy Art in her body have now completely disappeared.

"Flawless Blood Frenzy."

"We, the Frans, have had countless brilliant ancestors die, and a problem that we couldn't solve for centuries—she solved it in just two days."

"A person like this deserves no amount of courtesy."

"You must build a good relationship with her."

Lucy nodded in deep agreement. "Indeed, I previously thought Her Royal Highness the Princess going too far, making it seem like she was offering herself up, but now it seems that if Her Royal Highness the Princess could exchange—"

He hadn't finished speaking.

Rosalind's gaze immediately swept over her silly childhood sweetheart beside her.

Lucy's Fox Ears drooped instantly, and she dared not speak.

I'll settle the score with you later.

Rosalind shook her head. "Let's go back to the hotel now and report this. I'll contact my Emperor Father immediately and prepare a contingency plan."

Regardless of the Nine Provinces government's attitude, Franca must seize this opportunity and do everything possible to ensure that Franca warriors become Lu Xiu's Guard.

At the same time.

Nine Provinces.

Coordination Bureau.

Yan Fushou was sitting behind his desk, holding a cup of freshly brewed hot tea, listening to Shen Nian's report.

Although Shen Nian felt that Lu Xiu had deliberately run away.

But she still obediently contacted Yan Fushou.

Yan Fushou took a sip of tea, then asked, "----They didn't fight, did they?"

Shen Nian's voice came through. "How could they possibly fight! They couldn't possibly beat Lu Xiu in the Witch Forest!"

Yan Fushou leaned back comfortably in his chair, blowing on the floating tea leaves in his cup. "I was asking if Lu Xiu hit them—"

The people from Franca didn't dare to make a move, but they were a bit impulsive, and who knew what kind of nonsense they might say, which would infuriate Lu Xiu—

"Alright, since no fight broke out, Lu Xiu can handle the rest herself. Just briefly mention what you talked about, and I'll make a note of it."

Subconsciously.

Yan Fushou felt that this meeting would most likely involve Franca showering Lu Xiu with compliments.

There shouldn't be anything major happening.

After all, it was only their first meeting.

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the communication panel.

"You should listen to what I have to say first."

Shen Nian said this softly, and then recounted everything that had just happened outside the Wooden Cabin in the Witch Forest.

From how Lu Xiu effortlessly suppressed the raging blood energy within Rosalind, to how she helped the Frans Blood Frenzy Art, to Lucy's impulsive betrayal of the princess, and finally, the outrageous condition proposed by the Franca Delegation—

Yan Fushou stood there, holding his cup, dumbfounded. He had been in the same position ever since Shen Nian spoke, until he heard the Her Royal Highness the Princess of Franca say that she could send several thousand Franca warriors to serve as Lu Xiu's Guard.

He suddenly realized what was happening, subconsciously swallowed, but forgot that he still had tea in his mouth. He choked and spat it out.

"Pfft----cough cough cough!"

But Yan Fushou didn't even bother to wipe the water stains from his chest.

He jumped up from his chair.

"Wait—wait a minute!"

"Shen Nian, repeat that to me again!"

"What do you mean Lu Xiu not only caused Blood Frenzy Art herself, but she can also casually help people in Franca Blood Frenzy Art?!"

"And what do you mean the Franca Delegation has no shame and is sending thousands of Franca warriors to serve as maids for Lu Xiu?!"

What the heck?

Is this spoken in Nine Provinces dialect?

On the other side.

This is not an isolated incident.

Inside the hotel.

Rosalind also contacted her father, who was far away in Franca and was the current King of Franca.

On the communication window.

The King of Franca was a handsome old man, somewhat resembling Rosalind, but even more robust.

His Majesty the King was leaning back in a large armchair, looking very relaxed.

Regarding this meeting.

He cared, but not too much.

After all, he felt that this was only the first contact between Franca and Lu Xiu, at most a matter of getting to know each other and going through the motions, and it was impossible to discuss any core interests.

In comparison.

He was more worried about his daughter.

"Rosalind, how did your chat go with that strongest Architect in Nine Provinces?"

The King of Franca looked at Rosalind, his tone carrying the worry of an old father. "You weren't being too obsequious, were you? Although the other party is very important, remember that you are Franca's only princess! Don't lower your stance too much!"

Besides, is the other person easy to get along with? Are they like those traditional Nine Provinces high-ranking officials, full of ulterior motives? Don't be fooled by a few casual words from them."

Rosalind took a deep breath. "Emperor Father! Stop with the nonsense! Don't interrupt me! Let's get down to business! This is important!"

King: "Alright, alright, you tell me."

Rosalind began to recount what had just happened in the Witch Forest.

Then, at the end, he said, "Emperor Father, this matter is extremely important to Franca. This is our only chance in hundreds of years, so I want to send several thousand of Franca's most elite warriors to stay by Miss Lu Xiu's side under the guise of attendants—"

Emperor Father! Emperor Father!! Old man!!! Are you even listening to me???

On the other side of the screen, King of Franca remained motionless, his wine glass still brought to his lips.

Until Rosalind suddenly raised her voice.

Clang.

King of Franca's wine glass slipped from his hand and shattered on the ground. Only then did he realize what had happened. His massive body lurched forward, almost touching the screen. "----What do you mean by 'Flawless Blood Frenzy '?! Say it again!"

It means exactly what it says.

Rosalind was prepared for this and explained, "She only used her Mental Strength to help us ignite our Ancestral Bloodline, achieving a controlled Blood Frenzy Art without any side effects or risk of going out of control— Emperor Father, you should know very well what this means for Franca."

"So, what do you think about sending the most elite Franca warriors to Nine Provinces? Although they are nominally Guard, as long as half of them return to Franca by the agreed time, they will be Franca's strongest player legion."

The king, breathing rapidly, did not answer, but instead asked again to confirm, "----Is this true?"

"Absolutely true!"

His Majesty the King was stunned once again.

A full five seconds passed.

He then came to his senses.

I agree.

After a moment's thought, the King of Franca said, "Give me as many men as you want!"

Rosalind breathed a sigh of relief.

But then...

The king paused abruptly, looked up at his daughter, and asked, "But—is you on the list?"

Rosalind: "----? Definitely not!"

"Foolish! You're going too!"

King of Franca said directly, "She is someone who can control the power of our ancestors! In other words, she is similar to our ancestors. Being able to stay by her side, you wouldn't be ashamed to be a maid, let alone Guard!"

After all, they are serving their own ancestors.

"That's not what you just said. You told me not to be so obsequious—"

"My daughter, there's an old saying in Nine Provinces: 'Those who understand the times are the heroes.'"

""

At the same time.

Lu Xiu was unaware of what was happening in the outside world.

Ultimately...

Whether it was Blood Frenzy Art or agreeing to Franca's demands, it was all just a matter of course for her.

now.

She is experimenting with the ideas she had before entering Construction Space.

On the dark and oppressive beach.

Opposite Lu Xiu stood the deformed Orphan of Kos, still wielding a pink round knife.

Just this once.

Lu Xiu did not use her own blood and qi to unleash her moves; apart from Rampage mode, she used the blood of her enemies.

A cloud of dark red blood mist was floating beside her.

That was the residual blood she had forcibly extracted and gathered from the Orphan of Kos using her Mental Strength during the battle.

"That works too!"

Lu Xiu stood still, glancing at the cloud of blood mist beside her. "And it was quite easy."

At this moment.

Orphan of Kos suddenly let out a shriek, filled with murderous intent, leaped high into the air, brandished his round knife, and once again slashed down at Lu Xiu!

Lu Xiu suddenly pulled back to create distance, dodging the attack, and then leaned forward slightly.

Boom!

With sand flying everywhere, he jumped up.

The instant she took to the air, the dark red blood mist beside her, which had been bound by Mental Strength, instantly boiled and coiled around the blade in her hand.

----With the enemy's blood, we forge our own strength!

In mid-air.

Lu Xiu raised her long sword, which was covered in the blood of her enemies, and with an overwhelming sense of oppression, she slashed down fiercely.

Mountain Collapse Strike!

Bang!!!

The moment the blade in Lu Xiu's hand hit the ground.

A violent surge of crimson blood erupted from the ground and shot skyward!

Sand and gravel, along with the Orphan of Kos, also took to the air.

soon.

Orphan of Kos once again vanished as a stream of data.

After all, this unfortunate fellow had been tormented by Lu Xiu for quite some time before this attack.

Lu Xiu slowly stood up, her long sword pointing diagonally at the ground, the remaining blood on the blade beginning to dissipate.

She glanced down at the long sword.

"----Not only did it succeed! But its power can even vary depending on the amount of blood energy?!"

Lu Xiu was slightly taken aback, then her clear, beautiful eyes shone brightly. "I really am a genius!"

Just then...

The system window popped up again.

[Unknown system detected, meeting inclusion criteria.]

[Initiating recording----]

[Calculation in progress----]

[Current completion rate: 5% - 7% - 90%]