Chapter 463: We Modify the Mutual Cultivation Method
Lin Nuo had taken the most crucial step by meeting with the old leader of Helong Hall, Mu Yuanfeng, and accepting his trial.
Isn’t this similar to an RPG? Talk to the NPC Mu Yuanfeng, receive a task, head to the quest point, complete the mission, get rewards, level up or earn some currency—just that simple flow.
So next up, it’s time to tackle the task and level up.
To showcase his work ethic and efficiency, Lin Nuo knew he had to complete the task promptly.
But first, he needed to rendezvous with Qin Shili.
Thus, he slipped away.
……
One night.
The jungle was particularly cool at night, with the breeze rustling through the branches.
In the woods stood a girl with a frosty demeanor, gently lifting her head to gaze at the full moon and starry sky.
Tonight, the moon was bright, and the silvery light fell upon her silver hair, adding an air of mystery.
She looked like a girl descended from the moon, her silver locks mirroring the moonlight.
She had arrived early, waiting for a man.
The forest was terrifyingly silent, and the approach of footsteps soon caught the girl’s attention.
Before long, a young boy stepped out from the woods.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” The boy spoke as he walked.
“Waiting for you is never a bother.”
Qin Shili looked towards Lin Nuo as he approached, taking soft steps forward.
Qin Shili was the only person Lin Nuo designated to exchange intelligence with; they always met in secluded areas, where Lin Nuo would relay information, and they would discuss their next plans.
Their meetings were so discreet that outsiders might think they were having an affair.
Despite Lin Nuo’s sudden departure from Xuanyun Sect, he quickly got in touch with Qin Shili. Both of them were usually aloof and few of words, yet they exhibited astonishing synergy. Qin Shili understood precisely where Lin Nuo would choose to meet and how to convey messages.
They avoided the eye of both the underworld and righteous factions, meeting here instead.
Qin Shili’s seventh level capability made it somewhat challenging to conceal her aura, but under Lin Nuo’s guidance, she had learned to do so quite well.
Of course, no matter how hidden she was, Lin Nuo would still be able to detect her.
It wasn’t possible to teach her complete concealment; he had to keep something back. He couldn’t completely trust anyone these days, not even himself.
“I’ve made significant breakthroughs since returning to Helong Hall. After killing Xu Hu from Hu Tian Gang and Shi Kui from Li Huo Society and sowing discord between them, the old leader Mu Yuanfeng has begun to pay attention to me.”
“So that young master intends to betroth you, right?”
Qin Shili’s cold words were like sharp needles, deftly shifting the topic to that young master.
Last time, that young master snatched him away from her and Ling Meng. She still harbored resentment about it.
Stealing a man right before her eyes—infuriating!
“Not at all.”
Lin Nuo quickly denied it.
“I’ve only just joined Helong Hall; why would they be willing to betroth me?”
“Is that so? I think that young master would really like you, perhaps even love you to the extent of offering you power and everything else. You could marry her without any effort.”
“You’re overthinking it. That young master is hypocritical and extremely cautious. Even if she shows goodwill, it’s only to earn my loyalty; I have to be wary of any good intentions.”
Lin Nuo countered directly. He knew very well about Mu Yiting’s tactics.
In Xuanyun Sect, she pretended to be a good girl to gain popularity; if it weren’t for him being a loyal follower of Qin Shili back then, he might have been her lackey.
The same applied in Helong Hall—until she knew his true identity, she would use this method to win him over. Quite impressive!
But he wasn’t falling for that, merely putting on a show and seeing who could last longer.
Qin Shili asked coldly:
“And what about you? Becoming her husband would be a great option to grasp power and enjoy endless wealth and glory.”
“I’m a competent person; I don’t need to use such means. I can climb up based solely on merit.”
Lin Nuo countered again. Am I some sort of pretty boy? Ridiculous! With my skills, I could establish merit and be valued without relying on charm!
Let’s say, for argument’s sake, that he did end up in a union with Mu Yiting. It would be because he qualified due to his strength, not because he sold his good looks for it.
Even if his handsome face couldn’t be hidden, he chose to rely on his abilities.
It’s a principle—a principle that an aspiring, passionate villain should maintain.
“Ha, I hope so.”
Qin Shili’s words carried a hint of doubt. In her eyes, Lin Nuo was an exceptionally talented man, and since he had knowledge of the underworld, magic factions, and righteous forces, it wasn’t impossible for that young master to take an interest in him.
“Now that you’re thriving in Helong Hall, it seems you’ve forgotten your roots.”
“My heart is directed toward the righteous path; I’m joining Helong Hall only for the sake of the common people.”
Lin Nuo stated seriously, ready to start a book titled “For the Common People.”
“Is that so?” Qin Shili questioned further.
“Isn’t it?”
“Then what do you plan to do next?”
“They want me to represent Helong Hall and seize an area called Tianyuan Domain; you’ve heard of it, right?”
“Of course.” Qin Shili nodded, “That place has abundant spiritual energy and plenty of resources; it’s a good spot.”
“Yes, it’s being closely monitored by cultivators. This time, it’ll have to be you who takes the lead. You’ll lead the cultivators there, then pretend to lose against me, making a strategic retreat, allowing me to complete the task successfully.”
“Do you really think I can make them retreat?”
“Absolutely! Your reputation and achievements are well-known among the sects; you have authority. If you withdraw, everyone else will definitely follow suit.”
“Even if we withdraw now, we’ll be back later. Can you hold the ground?”
“No worries; it’s not necessary to hold the area indefinitely. Occupying territory isn’t enough; it’s about collecting resources. Once we harvest the resources, we can relinquish control. At that point, the righteous factions won’t be interested.”
Lin Nuo declared seriously, he already had a plan in mind. As long as they occupied it this time, who cared whether they could hold it afterward? Just occupy it for now!
“Since you say so, I will certainly support you.”
Qin Shili, as the woman backing Lin Nuo in Helong Hall, naturally supported him wholeheartedly; otherwise, she wouldn’t have set aside her cultivation to come here.
“Is there anything else?” Qin Shili asked.
“Nothing, we can leave now.”
“I do.”
“Hmm? Speak.”
Just as Lin Nuo was about to turn away, he turned back to converse with Qin Shili.
Qin Shili stated:
“What about our synergy?”
“Excellent! The cooperation is very good.”
“Then it’s settled. Since we have such synergy, it’s time to cultivate the Mutual Cultivation Method.”
“What Mutual Cultivation Method?”
“Harmony Technique.”
“What???!!!”
“Harmony Technique.” Qin Shili repeated the phrase.