Chapter 71: Taking Back What Was Lost
Looking at Celestia's serious expression, Li Xin couldn't help but chuckle, "What's that you're saying? Young Master Simmons is deep in thought and meditating."
Seeing the disbelief on their faces, Li Xin continued, "Young Master Simmons is highly motivated today. During our sparring, anyone who wants to join in can feel free. Anyone interested?"
"I'll join, I'll join, I've been pondering for days and came up with a few moves!" Little Red Roll Rock said excitedly.
"What are you waiting for then? Let's go!" Li Xin warmed up his wrists and took to the field.
Little Red Roll charged towards Li Xin with fiery momentum, and in the next moment, Little Red Roll spiraled up and got stuck on the wall.
"Anyone else? Young Master Simmons still has a bit of rest time left," Li Xin said with a smile, enjoying the activity and workout.
Everyone looked at each other, and Lancer stepped forward, "I'll go!"
"Me too, Brother Li, taking on two at once shouldn't be a problem, right?" Celestia said, "But you can't attack me."
"Sure, you both come at me," Li Xin also wanted to see the skill level of the Curse Masters from the Saint's Grace Canon Law School.
Curse Masters can crack hidden arrays and layouts, and in regular combat, they can use spells to disrupt opponents. Additionally, when equipped with the Hex-Tech Gun, they can even challenge Knights; Hex-Tech has redefined the role of Curse Masters.
Celestia was certainly unreserved, using her Hex-Tech Gun alongside Lancer's frontal assault. Whenever the opportunity arose, she would cast spells; spells are tricky and not easily avoided with intuition based on material perceptions, requiring either deep knowledge of spells or an insight ability to detect trajectories for evasion.
Unfortunately for them, Li Xin possessed both, and the Hex-Tech bullets and spells were unable to hit him. Despite the interference from Celestia, Li Xin effortlessly knocked Lancer away, leaving him lying immobile on the ground.
When Li Xin turned to look at Celestia, she ceased her attempt to prepare her bullets; the rapid reload she had specifically practiced was too late to use.
"You guys practice, I'll go accompany Young Master Simmons." Li Xin chuckled, feeling invigorated.
After Li Xin went inside, the people from Saint's Grace at the base exchanged glances, while the fallen Lancer gestured for help, and Balakli hurriedly came over to help him up, "Careful, easy."
"Impossible, does it really hurt that much?"
"Come on, when he comes out again, it's your turn. Didn't you see Rock still squatting there without saying a word?"
It's been quite some time, and Rock, who usually chatters the most, is still squatting there. Damn, it really hurts to the core; even after catching their breath, they're still feeling numb.
Yet Rock wasn't satisfied, struggling and baring his teeth, "I'm just thinking."
Lancer, too, couldn't help but laugh and cry, "What sort of monster did the captain bring back? We never thought he was this formidable."
"Yeah, even Prince knows him. Who exactly is he?" Balakli was curious, and everyone looked at Celestia.
Celestia shrugged helplessly, "Looking at me won't help, I only know he came from there too; what exactly goes on, only Simmons knows."
Everyone suddenly had a realization, and secretly, they had guessed it might be an extraordinary place. Little Red Roll, still squatting, looked hopeful, thinking how marvelous it would be to visit such a twisted place.
Returning inside the base, Simmons was already prepared. Li Xin laughed, "You've recovered quickly, so let's step it up a bit, both of us."
Simmons twitched, as if having no choice but to either be beaten to death by Didia or practiced to death by Li Xin.
"Let's do this, I am destined to soar high, I'm Simmons!"
"Haha, remember this energy, don't ever forget!"
Whoosh... Li Xin's figure vanished, not bothering to use any weapons. There's still several days to go, plenty of time to practice.
At mealtime, the family needed to be whole, in the dining room, Simmons, Lancer, and others were on good terms, though all sported bruises, except for Li Xin and Celestia who remained mostly intact.
Li Xin and Sedilia brought the meals, as the others truly felt pain with even slight movements; they just maintained appearances, humbly keeping quiet. Li Xin was energized and radiant, sweat spent, gaining the joy brought by endorphins, showered at the base, ate well, and resumed typing to earn money, determined to reclaim lost dignity one day!!!
Seeing the sudden intensity in Li Xin's gaze, Simmons and the others involuntarily shivered, "Uh, Brother Li, are we done for today?"
Li Xin nodded, "Yeah, that's it for today. Tonight, use Spiritual Ability to relax your muscles, or by tomorrow you'll be immobile. Tomorrow morning, young master is coming to pick me up."
"Do you think he can muster the strength? I'll go instead," Celestia said in disappointment, "You guys are truly disgraceful. If I were a man, I'd wear him down to death!"
Embarrassed by Celestia's chastisement, the group felt ashamed, except for Little Red Roll who pouted defiantly, "I just didn't perform well, tomorrow I'll be the main force, Brother Li, don't hold back, I'm not in form today!"
"Alright, I like the spirit, let's eat." Encouragement was given for enthusiasm.
Li Xin, having eaten his fill, left first, and once gone, the others immediately collapsed onto their chairs. Damn, holding onto the last bit of masculinity just now was exhausting, and now they deflated, being among old friends with no need to pretend.
"If this keeps up, we'll reach paradise before the boss and Didia even duel."
"We need to think of something, to deal with him!"
"Not quite right, Brother Li's doing it for our own good."
"Nonsense, I think he's enjoying it immensely. Regardless of what, tomorrow just beat him up first, what do you say, Celestia?"
"I think it's feasible, otherwise where's our Saint's Grace dignity? Prepare well tomorrow, I'll go pick him up, and give him a formal Saint's Grace welcome." Celestia was eager for chaos, mainly because the group was beaten beyond recognition, "Simmons, what's your take?"
"Do as you please, best of luck. I need to prepare well." Simmons said, still absorbed in today's battle, with Li Xin mostly using distance control to suppress him. Mastery over distances brings towering superiority, with powerful attacks or abilities that can't hit the opponent amounting to nothing, and providing excellent counterattack opportunities. If Simmons can get accustomed to Brother Li's attack and defense rhythm, he'd stand better against Didia.
Thinking of this made Simmons smile.
Celestia and the others exchanged glances, wondering if the captain's mind was battered.
Simmons, having devoured his food, limped away as he couldn't sleep. Now was the best time for bodily improvement. This kind of state was exclusive to the Secret Castle, achieved only with absolute strength. Brother Li grasped everyone's limits firmly, reaching a realm of foresight, only Celestia and others didn't comprehend it.
Li Xin returned to the inn, placing his backpack aside. It's cumbersome carrying it, yet essential. With the inn filled with a mixed crowd, if lost, he wouldn't know where to file a claim—luckily he didn't have much wealth.
"Li Li... Brother Li... Brother..."
The door already opened as Li Xin looked at Ma Liu and decisively said, "I'm here, what's up."
Ma Liu handed out an envelope, "Telegr... Telegr..."
"My telegram, right? Good, hand it over, thank you!" Li Xin quickly took it, patting Ma Liu in thanks, "No thanks needed, if there's nothing else, just say alright."
"Alright!" Ma Liu responded gladly, before leaving satisfied.
Li Xin opened the envelope, revealing a telegram from the Celestial Capital, comprising of a sequence of numbers.
Li Xin opened a drawer and took out a "Hex-Tech Compendium", then began writing, cross-referencing the numbers.
"Family is well, Night Patrol in Hedan has major operations, unknown, extremely dangerous, do not get involved."
With Night Patrol having significant operations in Hedan, Kathy's current standing still couldn't access the details, indicating high confidentiality, hence the risky reminder to Li Xin.
Li Xin burned the telegram and returned the book, with several versions stored in his drawer, changed each time. These were pre-arranged with Qi Badao, who had no idea what purpose they served, complying whenever Kathy requested them. Given Dao Yuan Continent's circumstances, no one should suspect. Nonetheless, he refused to underestimate Hidden Power, a bit of caution never harms.
Though Night Patrol has operations, he's just a minor character, probably with no significant connections.
Li Xin sat before the typewriter, starting to type, tapping away with diligence as a typing expert.
He's determined to reclaim his lost dignity!
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