Yan Ruyu had just returned to Celestial Cyan Workshop, still reeling from the shock of the Demon Beast Forest and the methods of the Profound Yellow Sect Disciples.

The Female Disciples of Celestial Cyan Workshop were also asking all sorts of questions, eager to know the situation at the Profound Yellow Sect. After all, they had people there they cared about.

Yan Ruyu didn't say much, only rubbing her temples, a worried look on her face. If the Demonic Beasts from the Demon Beast Forest were to break out, could they possibly stand a chance?

Thinking of the Fire Control Technique Flourishing Flowers had given her, Yan Ruyu frowned. Did she really have to learn it? Kong Qingquan and the others had already found their immortal destinies; perhaps the Profound Yellow Sect is my immortal destiny. No! It should be said that Flourishing Flowers is my immortal destiny. Although this man is a bit overly enthusiastic and devoted to me, I've always remained cautious about the Profound Yellow Sect. This Sect is too mysterious. In less than a year, it has reached this stage. And most of the Disciples under its guidance are in the same Realm as him. Can this be normal? An Immortal Sect? Do I really have to rely on a man? My Celestial Cyan Workshop was founded precisely so I wouldn't have to rely on men, but what about now? I, the Shopkeeper, am actually having to rely on a man. What in the world is happening?

After Half a Moment, she picked up the Jade Slip in front of her and gently placed it on her forehead. She grasped all the spells of the Fire Control Technique.

She was well aware of what her decision meant. Since it had come to this, a bit of change in Celestial Cyan Workshop wasn't such a big deal!

"Shopkeeper Yan!"

The voice of Flourishing Flowers came once again.

Yan Ruyu slowly opened her eyes, somewhat surprised to see Flourishing Flowers approaching on his Flying Sword.

Was this person a bit too enthusiastic? It hadn't been long since he had escorted her back. Why has he come again?

Flourishing Flowers jumped off his Flying Sword and hurried forward. "Shopkeeper Yan," he said, "our Profound Yellow Sect is going to host a martial arts competition. It's just a friendly match among our Disciples. The Sect Leader said outsiders can come watch. Would you like to come see?"

Hmm? A competition among the Disciples of the Profound Yellow Sect?

Yan Ruyu was indeed tempted; after all, she was only a novice when it came to Magic.

She needed to observe to enhance her own Power and also to understand what Magic truly was. Now that Flourishing Flowers had come to invite her, it seemed like an opportunity. If that's the case…

"Yes."

Yan Ruyu nodded gently. After hesitating for a moment, she turned and said, "Have some tea before you leave. You've taken me on quite a journey today; you must be tired."

"Okay!"

Flourishing Flowers smiled brilliantly. He had moved one step closer to winning over Yan Ruyu. Her inviting him for tea already counted as her caring about him. Such good news!

"You said the competition will involve using your Magic spells?" Yan Ruyu asked, instructing someone to prepare tea. It had to be good tea!

Flourishing Flowers nodded and smiled. "There are no restrictions. Winning depends entirely on Power."

He also wanted to secure first place, but with Old Mo, that freak, around, the chance for other players to seize first place was slim. The second and third places, however, were still up for grabs. His Power wasn't bad; being in the Top Ten shouldn't be a problem, right?

"Can I bring other Disciples with me?"

Yan Ruyu stared at Flourishing Flowers. His appearance kept changing—she was aware of that—but the feeling he gave off was unmistakable. Flourishing Flowers was still Flourishing Flowers, just with a different face.

"Of course," Flourishing Flowers nodded and explained. "The Sect Leader has agreed to allow outsiders to watch. Besides, Celestial Cyan Workshop and our Profound Yellow Sect have good relations. It'd be more lively if everyone went together."

"Thank you."

Yan Ruyu nodded gently, a complex look in her eyes. She was clear about her choice: to use herself in exchange for the future of Celestial Cyan Workshop. It was her choice, and she wouldn't regret it. Perhaps there might have been better options for her, but the Power displayed by the Profound Yellow Sect had truly shocked her. She didn't know how outsiders perceived things, nor did she care to find out, but at least she could sense one thing: this Flourishing Flowers was sincere towards her. Given this, she would not regret her choice.

"Why the formalities between us?" Flourishing Flowers said with a smile. "If there's anything you need, just come to me. I still hold some sway among the Disciples. I'll be sure to resolve anything I can for you!"

Yan Ruyu didn't say much more, quietly sitting to one side.

As for Flourishing Flowers, he sat on the other side, watching the Female NPC before him. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That was certainly true. At the very least, he felt that Yan Ruyu was prettier than the Blood Demoness, and more enticing, wasn't she? Playing games? The most important thing is to have fun. His pursuit was simple: to enjoy himself in the game. Yan Ruyu seemed to be the one who could make him happy. Even if she was an NPC, even if she was a virtual character, he wanted to experience what a real romance felt like. After all, in reality, his identity limited his freedom. As a Clan disciple, he mostly had to consider his family's interests.

"Why don't you stay here today and look around?" Yan Ruyu said lightly, as if talking about something very ordinary. "It might not match the sights of your Profound Yellow Sect, but Jiangnan also has its own unique charm."

Flourishing Flowers hummed in agreement, then his tone changed. Hmm? What was going on?

"Shopkeeper Yan, you..." Flourishing Flowers looked surprised, momentarily unable to process it.

"Call me Ruyu."

Yan Ruyu's cheeks tinted pink, though it was hard to tell.

Flourishing Flowers stood up, overjoyed. He looked at Yan Ruyu and stammered, "You... you really want to be with me? I mean, you don't mind that I keep changing appearances? Ah... it's just that we're a bit special. How do I explain it to you…"

Watching the momentarily speechless Flourishing Flowers, Yan Ruyu showed a rare smile. Perhaps this was what Master had meant about feeling this kind of flustered embarrassment only when you meet the right person?

"Uh... wait for me a moment!" Flourishing Flowers suddenly leaped onto his Flying Sword. "This needs to be done formally!" he said hurriedly. "I'm going to get something to declare my feelings for you. Wait for me!"

Saying this, he flew off on his Sword into the distance. He seemed to be headed towards the Demon Beast Forest.

Yan Ruyu simply sat by the low table, a faint, almost imperceptible smile on her lips.

「Demon Beast Forest.」

Junlin, along with the people from Lingxiao Hall, was clearing the surrounding Demonic Beasts as they headed toward Kuhai Town.

"Should we also involve NPCs?" Old Mo asked from behind.

Junlin nodded. "That NPC named Lin Chen seems good. Let's get in touch with him first and see. Anyway, it's never a bad idea to have good relations with NPCs."

From the moment Xu Nian agreed, he had wanted to contact Lin Chen. This NPC was wealthy and generous. Having good relations with him might secure even more good things.

"Just fleece one person like that?" Black Immortal Qi asked, taken aback. Isn't it wrong to bully an NPC like this?

"Is this called fleecing? This is called building good relations!" Abbess, Don't Love Me said earnestly. "Young man, this is all about worldly wisdom. From the way you talk, you sound quite young."

Black Immortal Qi was stunned and turned to look at the others. This isn't fleecing? You old geezers are really good at twisting words.

"Young man, you're still too green!"

"Exactly! Black Immortal Qi, even the name sounds very young. What adult would choose such a name?"

"This game is about interpersonal relationships, not just fighting and killing."

"Sigh, we're all Third Test Players, but Black Immortal Qi is too young."

"..."

Black Immortal Qi: What in the world? We're all Third Test Players, and you're mocking me here? You think I can't tell you're all young too?

Junlin chuckled. "Alright, alright, stop teasing each other. Let's find Lin Chen first. And give him the Storage Ring made by Great Inventor; it'll make it easier to keep in touch later."

"Starting to invest in NPCs already?" Black Immortal Qi asked, looking surprised.

"See? This is worldly wisdom!" Old Mo came up, slinging an arm around Black Immortal Qi's shoulder, and laughed. "Play for a while longer, and you'll understand. This game isn't simple!"

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