Both the Wolf King and I were newcomers to the Demon-Slaying Mercenary Corps, and I was genuinely concerned about the formal members. However, it seemed my worries were unfounded, as the guests at the soirée instinctively formed a wide circle, granting us ample space for our duel. The scene was almost cinematic, with their jovial toasts and laughter creating an atmosphere more enjoyable than a film.
Once I confirmed that no one would intervene on either side, my confidence surged. I summoned the Necromancer's Yellow Dragon Cannon into my palm, effortlessly hoisting it onto my shoulder. Tilting my head, I asked, "Wolf King, where have you been since we parted? Your skills seem rather lackluster."
The Wolf King, unfazed by my teasing, grinned and replied, "Wang Lin, you remain as fierce as ever. I had thought I had surpassed you."
"That was merely a daydream," I retorted. Understanding the principle that the first to strike gains the advantage, I engaged in idle chatter with the Wolf King as a ruse. Without warning, I unleashed the Necromancer's Yellow Dragon Cannon, transforming it into a fierce whirlwind aimed at a magical beast poised to pounce.
The cannon possessed the ability to summon heavenly thunder, with thick blue currents of electricity spiraling around its barrel, creating an imposing spectacle. This modified Yellow Dragon Cannon was not only an exceptional energy weapon but also served as a highly effective bludgeon.
The golden rule of magic states that magic counters magic. The tremendous force of lightning struck down, and even that formidable magical beast, despite its strength, was left in disarray, reduced to a swirling mass of black energy.
Due to the incident involving Miki, Guan Ling had been irate, yet upon witnessing my clash with another, her anxiety became palpable. As I obliterated the magical beast, she could not help but cheer loudly.
An abrasive voice from behind her remarked, "That was merely luck. Gao Bo hasn't shown his full strength; your friend is no match for him!" Guan Ling turned to see an exceedingly unattractive man, guzzling from a massive bottle.
The instructor, Gu Ya Li, frowned in disdain, stepping forward to shield Guan Ling. She whispered, "Yu Lian, enjoy your drink and refrain from meddling with the newcomers."
The ugly man, Yu Lian, laughed heartily, about to retort when he suddenly frowned, a milky-white shield forming around him. The silent roar of the Necromancer's cannon struck against it, emitting a chilling wail.
From a distance, I raised my hand and called out, "My apologies! I missed my target. I just destroyed Gao Bo's eight magical beasts, which is why I have the luxury to survey the surroundings."
Yu Lian, the sleazy character, had designs on Guan Ling, and I deemed it only fitting to reward him with a shot from my cannon. Guan Ling was someone I had rescued from Demon Island; in both emotional and personal terms, she held a special significance for me.
Anyone wishing to harm Guan Ling would have to contend with me first!
Yu Lian raised an eyebrow, smirking rather than fuming, and lifted his bottle in my direction, his peculiar eyes gleaming as they fixed on me.
Regardless of his menacing gaze, I had no reason to fear him. The Necromancer's Yellow Dragon Cannon offered a more brutal and savage attack than my usual dual swords, shattering Gao Bo's magical beasts. My impatience with the Wolf King's struggle against his opponent grew, and I bellowed, "Wolf King! Surely this is not all you can do? If you cannot handle it, then let me take over."
The Wolf King roared back, "Wang Lin! I can manage this fight; you should rest!" What a fool.
Gao Bo was shrouded in tendrils of black energy, capable of summoning magical creatures at will. To deal with such an adversary, one must strike decisively and overwhelm them. The golden flames surrounding the Wolf King were ineffective against magical beings, and he was clearly becoming entangled in a prolonged struggle.
I steadied the Necromancer's Yellow Dragon Cannon, preparing to unleash a fierce attack when a striking woman, who had been engaged in a heated battle with Gao Bo, floated to my side. To my surprise, she was someone I recognized—a French woman who had previously escorted me back to Demon Island and had promised me a date with a kiss.
"Hey, handsome! I mentioned that if you returned, I would agree to a date. It seems Gao Bo is preoccupied today; would you like to join me for a drink?"
Abandoning friends for the sake of a woman would be rather unprincipled, and I had no time for such indulgences today.
The French woman giggled, her alluring red lips inviting thoughts of desire, yet I had resolved that should she attempt to interfere, I would not hesitate to subdue her.
"Such a little man," she teased. "I will cheer you on!"
To my surprise, the French woman showed no intention of intervening; instead, she vocally supported me.
As I toyed with the Wolf King, Gao Bo appeared slightly irritated but still managed to blow a kiss in her direction, prompting her to squeal in delight and cheer for him.
These people were utterly deranged!
The Platinum Glory attribute possesses a holy power that effectively counters magical beings, yet among the forces I wield, its energy is the weakest. Fortunately, the thunderous summoning of the Necromancer's Yellow Dragon Cannon retains its lethal efficacy against magical creatures, so I resolved to employ my most reliable unnamed martial technique. Gao Bo, wary of my capabilities, hastily summoned sixteen dark magical beasts.
I grinned, preparing to surprise him. I extended my finger and swiftly inscribed a large character in the air, forming a dazzling array of white-hot runes composed of Platinum Glory that surged forth with tremendous force.
This new technique, derived from my understanding of the Holy Light Bullet and the Cursed Blade's Ghostly Runes, proved even more concentrated and destructive than the Holy Light Bullet. Although its range was limited, its short to mid-range lethality rivaled that of any weapon below level six. Caught off guard by my unexpected prowess, Gao Bo hastily commanded two dark magical beasts to shield him, but the radiant brilliance tore through the magical constructs, inflicting a deep gash from his face to his waist.
Regrettably, my newly mastered Platinum Runes Blade was still unfamiliar to me, or else I could have severed him in two.
Having sustained two consecutive injuries at my hands, Gao Bo's earlier composure vanished, replaced by a grimace as he muttered a series of bizarre incantations. Suddenly, I felt a sharp, needle-like pain coursing through my body.
Unbeknownst to me, several strands of black energy had latched onto me, transforming into small, peculiar creatures with sharp teeth that savagely gnawed at my flesh, causing the pain I felt.
In a panic, I summoned my energy, transitioning from the unnamed martial technique to the Platinum Glory, then shifting into a formless sword aura to eradicate these minuscule magical creatures. The peril of the situation left me drenched in cold sweat, forcing me to reassess my underestimation of Gao Bo.