Chapter 76: This Sect Is Not Worth Staying

007 didn’t have time to stop her; he could only watch as Xu Nuo, with Lu Ciyuan trailing behind her, strode out of the courtyard with overwhelming momentum, heading straight for the outer sect gate. On the way, under the suspicious gaze of her system, Xu Nuo opened the store interface. This was the first time since unlocking the store that she was seriously considering purchasing equipment.

Game currency exchanged at a one-to-one rate with real money. The variety of items on display was dazzling, with different categories corresponding to different game worlds—so many that it was difficult to choose. Unsurprisingly, the prices were steep; even the most notorious pay-to-win mobile games paled in comparison to this.

007, ever the diligent system, began introducing and recommending items to its host. “Dear Host, the store is running a promotion right now. If you purchase a seasonal pass, you can choose three exclusive purple-grade skins or limited equipment as a reward.”

A purple-grade skin was equivalent to a top-tier divine artifact in this game world.

Xu Nuo, however, had her doubts. “Do these skins offer any special bonuses?”

007 replied honestly, “No. But these skins are stunningly beautiful and do increase your defense. Please check the specific stats.”

Several exquisite garments floated before her eyes—some pure and enchanting, others ornate and elegant, some dreamy, others ethereal—each one radiant, unparalleled in beauty.

Unlike the expensive skins confined to computer or mobile screens, these garments could be experienced firsthand: she could feel the fabric, see the flow of magical effects, and even wear them herself. These were sensations unattainable in everyday reality.

Having guided so many hosts, 007 knew that almost no girl could resist such beautiful skins.

Xu Nuo didn’t hesitate to praise them. “Wow, this is really well done. The modeling is incredible.” Truly worthy of a skin only obtainable through spending money—far more dazzling than the two reward skins she’d earned in her previous game.

“But it’s a pity there aren’t any special bonuses,” she added.

After complimenting the designs, Xu Nuo swiped past the skins and began examining the equipment in detail.

“Host, you’re not choosing any skins?” 007 asked.

“No,” Xu Nuo replied righteously. “I’m not the kind of shallow woman who only cares about appearances.”

007 felt a headache coming on—for a system, at least as much as it could. “So what do you want to choose?”

“Something actually useful, of course.” On the way to the outer sect, Xu Nuo picked through the options until she finally settled on her equipment.

Paying for it made her wince. “I can already see how insane the big spenders in this game are going to be.”

Not forgetting her responsibilities, she added, “Little Seven, the game needs to balance the gap between paying players and free players. There’s a lot of potential here for different gameplay styles, and the audience could be huge.”

007 wiped imaginary sweat off its brow. “You’re absolutely right. I’ll report your feedback to the higher-ups.”

Lu Ciyuan followed Xu Nuo back to the outer sect—a place he had lived for several years now.

“Hey, have you heard? That unlucky brat got lucky for once. Some inner sect senior sister took a liking to him and brought him into the inner sect.”

“Heh, which senior sister is so gullible?”

“I heard she just joined and doesn’t know about his past. Bet she’ll send him back in less than two days.”

A few servant disciples were chatting idly by the spirit fields, their conversation centered on Lu Ciyuan.

“What are you talking about?” A clear, charming female voice cut through their chatter. Startled, they turned to see a young woman standing not far away. Her features were delicate, and although she wore only ordinary mortal clothing rather than a disciple’s uniform, there was nothing vulgar about her. Standing amid the blossoming spirit fields, she exuded an air unique among all the sect’s disciples.

There was no doubt—she was a mortal.

Servant disciples were sometimes responsible for procurement, so it wasn’t unusual for mortals to appear in the outer sect. But none of them had ever seen a woman like her before.

“Miss, who are you looking for?” The previously languid servants immediately perked up and hurried over. Female servant disciples in the outer sect were exceedingly rare; they were practically starved for company.

Xu Nuo only smiled, stepping aside to reveal the boy standing behind her.

“You’re back?” The group hesitated for a moment, then sneered as if it was nothing new. “Of course, someone like you couldn’t possibly stay in the inner sect. You were thrown out again, weren’t you?”

“Get out of the way, don’t be a nuisance.”

“The weeds in the field aren’t all pulled yet—don’t just stand there.”

“We’re talking to you, are you deaf?”

It was the same old familiar environment, the same old scorn. Lu Ciyuan lowered his gaze, silent as ever.

007 watched the scene with a mix of heartache and excitement—sympathy for the target, and anticipation for the host to finally make her move.

As 007 expected, Xu Nuo stepped forward.

She placed a reassuring hand on Lu Ciyuan’s shoulder. “How do you feel right now?”

“Miss Xu…” Perhaps due to his injuries, the boy’s voice was hoarse, frail and timid. He actually took a few steps back, trying to hide behind her.

His fearful manner made the servant disciples burst out laughing. “The kid’s hiding behind a girl—get out here!”

“Little lady, don’t be fooled by how pitiful he looks. He’s bad news, you’ll catch his bad luck if you get too close.”

“Come here, let your brother take care of you.”

007 grew anxious and urged, “Dear Host! Now’s the time to act!”

Xu Nuo finally spoke again, asking Lu Ciyuan, “Do you feel wronged? Angry?”

007 answered for him, excitedly, “Of course he does! What he needs most right now is your care! Go stand up for him, protect him, comfort him while he’s at his lowest!”

Lu Ciyuan nodded. “Mm.”

“So…” Xu Nuo grasped his hand and drew a long sword, its sharp gleam flashing before everyone’s eyes. In full view, she pressed the hilt into Lu Ciyuan’s hands.

The sudden weight made Lu Ciyuan stagger.

“Is… is that a high-grade spirit weapon?”

The servant disciples gaped. How could a mortal woman possess a top-tier artifact?

In this world, equipment was classified into artifacts, spirit weapons, and immortal weapons—green, blue, and purple grades, each divided into upper, middle, and lower tiers. The sword Xu Nuo produced was an upper-grade spirit weapon.

Most servant disciples would never lay hands on such a treasure in their lifetime.

One of them demanded harshly, “How did you get a high-grade spirit weapon?”

“You must have stolen it from the inner sect!”

“Damn jinx, you actually dared steal a spirit weapon!”

Lu Ciyuan replied calmly, “I didn’t steal it.”

“If you didn’t steal it, where did it come from? Still won’t confess? Do you not want to stay in the sect anymore?”

Looking at the chaos before him and the sword in his hand, Lu Ciyuan’s lips curled in amusement—this was truly interesting.

“Catch them! Don’t let them escape!”

“Hurry and report to the Disciplinary Hall—thieves like this must be punished!”

The servant disciples brandished their weapons and surged forward.

“Don’t be afraid.” Xu Nuo pressed down on Lu Ciyuan’s shoulder. “Go on, take them all on by yourself. Not one of them is your match.”

“But I’m afraid,” Lu Ciyuan whispered.

“What’s there to be afraid of?” Before she finished speaking, Xu Nuo shoved him forward with a forceful push. Blades drew near, and he instinctively retaliated.

In an instant, the fierce servant disciples deflated like punctured balloons. Their weapons shattered and clattered to the ground.

For a moment, silence reigned. The servant disciples stood frozen, unable to believe what had just happened.

Xu Nuo’s eyes shone with appreciation. “Impressive.”

Lu Ciyuan returned the sword and retreated behind Xu Nuo, resuming his timid posture. “Miss Xu, that nearly scared me to death.”

“What’s there to be afraid of? Didn’t you just defeat them all?” Xu Nuo encouraged him. “You’re strong—they can’t beat you.”

The servant disciples gritted their teeth. What was so great about this useless kid? It was all thanks to that sword! If they had a high-grade spirit weapon, how could they possibly lose to him?

“Don’t get cocky. We’ve already reported you to the Disciplinary Hall. How long can you keep this up? You’d better surrender now!”

“Shut up. You lot can barely bully anyone, and even in a group you can’t touch him. Now you want to tattle? Do you know who you’re dealing with? Do you even have the strength to fight him? You’ll be stuck here your whole lives, just envying others while you rot away as useless nobodies in the outer sect…”

Armed with years of experience flaming people in games, Xu Nuo unleashed a rapid-fire barrage of insults. Her opponents were left speechless. She then turned to Lu Ciyuan. “Go beat them up again, teach them a lesson. See if they dare mess with you now.”

Lu Ciyuan’s mouth twitched. “I don’t dare.”

“If you won’t hit them, then I’ll hit you,” Xu Nuo threatened.

007 interjected, “Host, isn’t this a bit much?”

“What’s wrong with it?” Xu Nuo was puzzled. “This is how I show I care. I’ve told you before—look, he’s not being bullied anymore, is he?”

007 complained, “He’s not, but this doesn’t feel at all like a romance game. How is he supposed to fall for you like this?”

How could he possibly be moved by someone who acts more like a stern elder than a gentle lover? Instead of comforting him, you push him out to face a crowd alone. Now 007 understood—her talk about letting Lu Ciyuan grow strong on his own wasn’t a joke. She meant every word!

Lu Ciyuan gave a helpless sigh. “Alright.”

“Don’t come any closer! It’s forbidden to fight privately in the sect. Aren’t you afraid of being expelled?” cried a servant disciple.

Hearing this, Lu Ciyuan obediently stopped and looked to Xu Nuo for guidance.

“What’s there to be afraid of?” Xu Nuo gripped the hand holding his sword.

Just then, a stern shout rang out. “Stop!” A group of disciples in Disciplinary Hall uniforms rushed over.

Xu Nuo remained unfazed. “Come, tell them—this sect is not worth staying in!”