Chapter 199 - 198: Tricks, Scoundrels, and an Angry Bailu (Part 1)

Words : 1216 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Pei Guang saw this as the perfect opportunity to push his favor level with March 7th to a new peak, especially with the main storyline on pause, making it the ideal time to deepen their bond. With that in mind, he approached Banxia. "Ms. Banxia, since you miss your loved one so deeply, let's go find him right away." Banxia, her face turning a shade of pink, nodded. "Alright, but actually, I could go alone." Pei Guang shook his head, "No way! There are too many enemies around here. If you go alone, you'd get caught or worse. Then we'd fail the mission, miss out on rewards, and lose critical story progression. So, no solo acts." March 7th chimed in, "Exactly! Solo missions never end well—just like in horror movies where the characters always split up for no reason!" Pei Guang glanced at her. "Didn't know you knew about that?" March 7th replied, "I might not play many games, but I've read enough novels and watched enough movies to understand the basics." Taking in their advice, Banxia hesitated, prompting Pei Guang to remind her, "And remember, this place is crawling with monsters—maybe even Disciples of Sanctus Medicus fighting the Cloud Knights. You wouldn't want your loved one to get caught, would you? Those people don't see short-lifers as human. If you're too slow, they might already be..." March 7th, watching Pei Guang's strategy, could only shake her head. His ability to "encourage" people was still as relentless as ever. Banxia's doubts evaporated. She turned to Pei Guang, asking, "What exactly should I do?" Pei Guang responded, "Just focus on where your loved one might be and head there—no hesitation. If we run into mara-struck foes, I'll handle them." Banxia nodded, determined. "Alright!" Pei Guang then turned to March 7th and Bailu. "Now, watch and learn from a speedrunner!" March 7th looked at him, curious. "But won't we run into more mara-struck soldiers along the way?" Pei Guang replied confidently, "Not an issue. Dan Heng, Seele, and Silver Wolf have already cleared out the ordinary mara-struck soldiers. If there are any left, they're likely Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. I'll just cut them down. They're probably here to capture Banxia or for some other reason." "Got it..." March 7th replied. "Too bad Dan Heng's just out of range," Pei Guang added. "Or we could've brought him along!" With their plan set, Banxia led the way to Liangmu's location. But just as she neared her destination and slowed, Pei Guang kept marching forward, making no sign of stopping. "Pei Guang, wrong way! Over here!" March 7th called. "Nope! I'm speedrunning here. You stick with her—I'll clear out any enemies along the way," he replied. A true speedrunner, Pei Guang planned to use every possible method, mechanic, and trick to complete the mission quickly. He'd take down all enemies so that when Banxia inevitably slowed down, he could simply toss her into a trash can and blitz through with a cart. Why not sprint from the start? If he charged in recklessly, Banxia might get hurt—or worse, eliminated by an enemy. In plenty of games, escort NPCs are fragile and can die easily from the slightest attack. With this being a search-and-rescue quest, developers might even add random hazards like trips or stumbles. Clearing a safe path was the best way to ensure success. So Pei Guang set off. Even though Cloudford had been swept twice already, Pei Guang knew that, with the main quest at stake, he couldn't afford any accidents. To identify who was mara-struck and who was with Sanctus Medicus, he came up with a simple plan. Pulling out Herta Puppet No. 1, Pei Guang looked around before instructing her, "Just shout this phrase on loop: 'The mercy of Sanctus Medicus, the Ambrosial Arbor's new growth. Disciples shall attain enlightenment together.' Walk with me and shout it as we go." Sighing, Herta Puppet No. 1 rolled her eyes, "Great, I've really got myself into something here... fine, I'll shout it." Pei Guang reassured her, "Don't worry—you won't do it for free." "Adding to my favor?" Herta No. 1 asked slyly. "Sure, we can do that," Pei Guang agreed. Herta No. 1 smiled, "Good enough. And, by the way, any fun gadgets you find, make sure to bring them to me. Your creations baffle even my database." "Who knows where they came from~" Pei Guang replied casually. After a bit of banter, she began her work, adjusting her internal programming to repeat the phrase automatically. "The mercy of Sanctus Medicus, the Ambrosial Arbor's new growth. Disciples shall attain enlightenment together." Herta Puppet No. 1 cheerfully broadcasted the signal as they advanced. They hadn't gone far before a mara-struck soldier noticed them from a distance. "Brother, Sister, why are you calling so loudly? It'll alert those meddlesome Cloud Knights and ruin the Head's plans!" Spotting the mara-struck soldier, Pei Guang and Herta No. 1 shared a knowing look and approached quietly. Pei Guang whispered, "Mercy of Sanctus..." "...Arbor's new growth!" Herta No. 1 finished. As the mara-struck soldier responded reverently, "One in sanctification, together into bliss!" Herta No. 1 asked, "Is this the one?" Pei Guang confirmed, "No doubt about it!" The mara-struck soldier started to say, "What are you..." Before he could finish, Herta No. 1 swung her hammer at his head. Momentarily stunned, the soldier attempted to block, but he was just a bit too slow. With his focus on Herta No. 1, Pei Guang had already maneuvered behind him and struck with his sword, aiming for his lower back. Pei Guang had no special preference for targeting this spot—it just happened to be effective in causing maximum internal disruption. Really! Against most enemies, Pei Guang wouldn't hesitate to go for a swift kill, but with members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, he wanted to ensure they felt every bit of pain. The intense pain made the mara-struck soldier freeze momentarily, just in time for Herta Puppet No. 1's hammer to strike his head with pinpoint accuracy. Even the enhanced life force granted by the Ambrosial Arbor couldn't save him from this merciless onslaught. The mara-struck might have increased durability, but they weren't invincible. With major lacerations and a final blow that nearly severed him, the Disciples' soldier couldn't even scream as he perished. His body didn't bleed as a normal human's would; transformed by the mara, it turned yellow and crumbled, scattering in the wind like autumn leaves. Pei Guang watched this graceful yet haunting sight, nodding in satisfaction. The fight had lasted only a few seconds—a speed he was very pleased with. With the enemy gone, Pei Guang and Herta Puppet No. 1 exchanged glances and shared a smile. She glanced at the spot where the mara-struck had dissipated and scoffed, "No good at all!" Pei Guang smirked, "Nope. A monster that doesn't even drop loot is as useless as the Antimatter Legion." Herta No. 1 replied, "Alright, enough small talk. Weren't you aiming for a speedrun? Let's keep moving."

Chapter 199 - 198: Tricks, Scoundrels, and an Angry Bailu (Part 1)

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