Absolute Destiny Game
Chapter 373 - 19 Qi Refining Skill Third Level (Extra for Alliance Hierarch Pseudo-Christ a)

Chapter 373: Chapter 19 Qi Refining Skill Third Level (Extra for Alliance Hierarch Pseudo-Christ a)

After discussing the next steps for improvement with "I Want to Be Immortal," Xiao Jie immediately headed to the auction house, preparing to start perfecting his own configuration.

Attributes and such require time to accumulate gradually, but the body movement skill could be acquired immediately.

Now, with a stable income from Monkey Wine and Secret Dog Food, he could earn a few taels of silver each day, and he had already accumulated over thirty taels of silver in his bag.

However, for his needs, it was still not enough. An ordinary low-level body movement skill could be acquired for just a few taels of silver, but the higher the level of the skill, the price often increases exponentially.

Luckily, he had many rare materials collected from Konglao Mountain, worth some silver. He had not sold them before, but now Xiao Jie did not hold back, checking the market prices and listing them all at once.

After calculating, if he sold everything, making seventy to eighty taels was definitely possible.

With this, he could save up to one hundred taels, easily acquiring two high-level body techniques.

As for combat skills, he wasn’t lacking in that area—Wolf King Dual Blade Kill was a high-level combat skill, and combined with his several ultimate skills, his setup was quite complete.

Of course, improving attributes and learning skills were important, but the most crucial thing was to improve the level of Qi Refining Skill. As long as he could raise Qi Refining Skill to Level 10 and ascend to become an immortal, issues with skills and attributes wouldn’t be a concern anymore.

Looking at the Immortal Transformation Gourd, the demon core inside had already been successfully refined, a gourd full of Spiritual Energy, enough to upgrade to the Third Level of Qi Refinement.

Coming to the martial arts gym, he rented a practice room and Xiao Jie promptly began absorbing.

Sitting cross-legged, he drew in Spiritual Energy using the Immortal Transformation Gourd.

As the gourd slowly floated in mid-air, the Spiritual Energy drifted out little by little, entering his body through the seven orifices, and Xiao Jie’s heart raced with excitement.

Watching the Spiritual Energy slowly increase within his body, after absorbing for over twenty minutes, finally—

[System Notification: Your Ancient Qi Refining Skill level has increased, you have successfully unlocked the Third Level Realm—Mysterious Realm. Legendary Trait "Plague Poison Avoidance" unlocked.]

[System Notification: Due to the Talent "Spiritual Enlightenment," your comprehension has increased by 1 point.]

[System Notification: Your Demonization Index has increased, it is now 19%.]

Click to check Qi Refining Skill—

Trait 3: Plague Poison Avoidance—All plagues and diseases are avoided, and toxic miasma is feared not. (Click to view details)

[Plague Poison Avoidance (Legendary Trait)

Passive Effect: You gain immunity to toxins and diseases. (This effect is invalid against Legendary-level toxins and diseases.)

Trait Introduction: Legends say that ancient Qi Refiners, long absorbing Spiritual Energy and refining their bodies, underwent a thorough sublimation and change of constitution. This allowed them to purify and nourish themselves, thus unharmed by diseases or toxins. Even if they venture into deadly miasmic areas, they harbor no fear, living a hundred years without illness.]

Xiao Jie frowned slightly, this Talent was quite powerful, it’s just a pity it couldn’t directly enhance combat capability, which was somewhat regrettable.

Luckily, although it couldn’t directly enhance combat capability, it was a huge upgrade for survival ability. Any attacks like Corpse Poison could be ignored in the future.

And the effect in reality was even more profound—food poisoning, food additives, gritty technologies and harsh living conditions need not be worried about anymore. Next time something like COVID or SARS explodes, I won’t be afraid at all.

Additionally, a point increase in comprehension, exactly making up 20 points, he wouldn’t need to wear the Old Man’s Bamboo Hat anymore.

He was feeling quite pleased with himself.

[System Notification: You are entangled by a Demon Soul...]

Again? With the experience from last time, this time Xiao Jie was much more practiced and quickly clicked to check.

[Demon Soul Entanglement: A powerful demon’s residual soul is entwining you—every minute, there’s a chance to trigger the "Frenzy" effect, indiscriminately attacking nearby units.]

Crap, this is not good!

Seeing the effect of this Demon Soul, Xiao Jie was startled.

This was even worse than the fear effect.

The fear effect was only dangerous in combat, but this Frenzy effect was really troublesome. If by any chance he attacked an NPC and then got mobbed and killed by the town guards, that would be terribly unjust.

Xiao Jie thought it best not to take chances and decided to dispel it as soon as possible.

He even dared not recklessly leave the practice room, just in case he triggered it as soon as he went out—that would be a mess, as the gym was filled with combat-type NPCs, and once a fight broke out it wouldn’t end well for him.

He quickly exited the game.

Thinking it over, this matter couldn’t be delayed, he urgently contacted Hidden Dragon Do Not Use.

Hidden Moon Following Wind: Brother Qianlong, can you help me contact a high-level Taoist? I need to dispel a DEBUFF.

Hidden Dragon Do Not Use: Sure, I’ll talk to the Alliance Hierarch in a bit. I’m still busy now, I’ll contact you later.

Xiao Jie was relieved, thinking it’s better not to log in for now.

——————————

"This time, the operation went smoothly," Long Xingtianxia said to Hidden Dragon Do Not Use. "What are your plans for the Luoyang Branch next?"

"We might conduct some reconnaissance activities on Black Wind Village, and if the conditions are right, we’ll strike. However..."

"However, what?"

"I want to return to the main guild," Hidden Dragon Do Not Use suddenly stated.

Long Xingtianxia was somewhat surprised, "Why bring this up so suddenly? Aren’t you leading the Luoyang Branch well?"

"Another person died today..." Hidden Dragon Do Not Use’s tone was somewhat somber.

Long Xingtianxia was a bit puzzled, "It’s just a game, isn’t it? Aren’t deaths expected? Haven’t there been deaths before?"

"No, this is different. Those who died in the past did so because they disregarded commands and acted on their own, essentially seeking their own death. I wouldn’t feel anything for such people, even if more of them died. But the one today, who died under my command, I feel—I owe someone."

Long Xingtianxia frowned, "This kind of thinking isn’t good, you know. You’ve been a soldier; don’t you have to be more decisive in war? Sacrifices are inevitable for victory, and as a soldier, you should understand this."

"But this isn’t war... Looking at the people who died, I always feel I am responsible for their deaths, and it makes me uncomfortable.

Perhaps I am more suited to be a soldier, involved in direct combat. Isn’t the main force about to slay the dragon? They will probably need a lot of people, right?"

Long Xingtianxia sighed. He was quite familiar with this mindset. Not everyone could ignore their subordinates’ sacrifices, and leading in war was a technical task that demanded utmost rationality. Once engrossed in self-doubt or losing touch with reality, it was not only dangerous for oneself but a significant hidden danger for the entire team.

He couldn’t refuse this.

"Alright, if you insist, I will arrange for someone to take over. Do you have someone suitable in mind?"

"Little White Dragon—maybe."

"He’s not even 20 yet, right? Can such a young person handle this? Never mind, I’ll ask him later. You continue leading for a few more days and think it over. By the way, I heard you obtained another Professional Item?"

"Yes, but Pingtou snagged it. He said he wants to keep it for his brother, and I’ve agreed."

"We generally discourage such actions since Magic profession complements strategic resources for the whole guild—but sometimes personal reasons outweigh the laws. We’ll let it slide this time, as long as you ensure Pingtou’s brother joins us.

Oh, and here are two Monster Inner Cores for Hidden Moon Following Wind."

Hidden Dragon Do Not Use did not finalize the transaction. "He declined the invitation."

"Hmph, quite the temper. Well, a forced share is never sweet. Let him be a mercenary; he’s still considered an ally."

"And the inner cores?"

"We won’t give them to him yet. Let’s wait until we see that ’Heavenly Cave.’"

"He also mentioned needing a High-level Taoist to help dispel a DEBUFF, possibly from the Wolf Demon he fought during the day."

"That can be arranged. Speak to the vice president later..."

——————

Xiao Jie was unaware of when Hidden Dragon Do Not Use or Long Xingtianxia would arrange for the High-level Taoist to perform the Evil Exorcism.

However, he probably couldn’t wait for it today, so he might as well deal with the issues in reality first.

The impact of the Monster Inner Core was not limited to the game, it was equally precarious in reality. Although the Demon Soul Entanglement did not affect reality, the influence of the residual spirit of the demons on his mental state was unavoidable. Last time, he almost lost his sanity and attacked someone, and Xiao Jie was still terrified by the thought.

This time, he needed to prepare in advance.

A single task doesn’t disturb two masters, so Xiao Jie directly called Chen Tianwen.

"Hey, hey, hey, Brother Tianwen—Chen, I need a favor. I’ve been entangled by a Demon Soul again."

Chen Tianwen was silent on the other end for a while before he reluctantly said, "...I mean, are you still using those Monster Inner Cores to practice Qi Refining Skill?"

"I have no choice. There’s nowhere in the game where the Spiritual Energy is abundant, so I have to use Demon Cores for practice. Didn’t you say last time that I made it through okay, no big deal? I just killed two Wolf Demons and leveled up."

Chen Tianwen was at a loss for words. "Refining a Demon Core once is, of course, no big deal. You made it through.

But you can’t withstand consuming Monster Inner Cores like meals all day every day. As the saying goes, a quantitative change leads to a qualitative change. If you keep consuming Monster Cores and absorb too many residual spirits of demons, I can’t really predict what might happen."

Xiao Jie felt a little uneasy being told this; he was indeed worried about this. The increase in his Demonization Index might just be one reaction—now it was already at 19%. What would happen if it reached 100% remained anyone’s guess.

Moreover, he recalled an incident when he fought Dong Lingzi, the old fellow was shocked to discover he was a Qi Refiner but later seemed to have realized something and laughed at his calamity. At the time, Xiao Jie felt somewhat uneasy. Thinking about it now, could there be more hidden dangers in refining Demon Cores with Qi?

No, he must find Dong Lingzi in his dreams later to have a chat; his residual spirit should still be around, right?

But first things first, let’s get through today.

"I’ll be mindful about this in the future, but could you help me out for today, Brother Chen? I’m really counting on you."

"Come to my house. Oh, and bring An Ran too."