Upon reaching level 37, Lin Moyuâs attributes improved once again, and all his skills, except Corpse Explosion, were upgraded to level 37.
Lin Moyu had hoped to use the large number of corpsesâapproximately 10,000âto push Corpse Explosion up a couple of levels. It was a rare opportunity. However, the Dragonkind Battle General's interference ruined his plans. First, the corpses were scattered, and in the end, they were destroyed when the other party self-destructed.
Thus, Corpse Explosion remained stuck at level 5.
Lin Moyu realized that grinding Corpse Explosion was more difficult than he thought. Reflecting on the battle, three key mistakes became clear.
First, he hadnât anticipated that the Dragonkind would possess a summon-sealing skill.
Second, he didnât expect the Dragonkind Battle General to self-destruct, similar to the Darkfiend Prince. This mutual annihilation strategy was extreme, something regular people couldnât easily counter. Only Knights with their Extreme Defense skill might endure it.
Third, the Dragonkind legion support disappeared after the Dragonkind Battle General's self-destruction. He likely fled, recognizing the situation was hopeless.
"Summon-sealing skills are a Summonerâs greatest weakness. Most of the abilities of a Summoner revolve around summoned creatures. There must be ways to counter it. Iâll ask Teacher about this when I return." Lin Moyu mused.
A few hours later, Ni Jun informed him that the war had ended. The Dragonkind failed to capture a single fortress and eventually retreated. Additionally, it was reported that they had also attacked the Abyss. At the Abyssâs entrance, the Dragonkind clashed with the Abyssal Demons in a brutal battle, with both sides suffering heavy losses before the Dragonkind retreated. They later set up a base in a remote area of the Dimensional Battlefield, officially announcing their return.
Back at the White God Courtyard, Lin Moyu found Bai Yiyuan absent, but Meng Anwen was there, sitting with his eyes closed as usual, looking relaxed.
Every time Lin Moyu visited, Meng Anwen seemed to be in this same position, as though he had rooted himself there.
âSenior Meng, has Teacher gone to Fortress No. 9?â Lin Moyu asked, pouring tea for Meng Anwen.
Meng Anwen cracked open his eyes, and a sharp gleam flickered, âHow⊠did you become a godly general?â
Lin Moyu recounted the events at Fortress No. 6.
Meng Anwen was astonished, âYou single-handedly wiped out a 10,000-strong Drake Legion and forced a Dragonkind Battle General to self-destruct? Youâve definitely earned the title of godly general.â
Sensing a deeper meaning behind Meng Anwenâs words, Lin Moyu decided to ask directly. âSenior Meng, if Iâve made any mistakes, please enlighten me.â
Meng Anwen spoke softly, âHave you ever considered how much combat power you would retain without your undead army or Primordial Rune skill?â
Lin Moyu estimated, âLess than 20%.â
Meng Anwen continued, âYou probably think Summoners without their summoned creatures would retain less than 10% of their combat power.â
Lin Moyu agreed inwardlyâwasnât that the case?
Meng Anwen chuckled, âThatâs true for ordinary Summoners. But the truly exceptional ones can retain 80% to 90% of their combat power, even without their summons. Of course, it's too early for you to talk about this. Some things you can only master after the third class awakening. However, you should start learning how to fight independently of your summons. Your teacher will guide you on this when he returns, so I wonât overstep.â
âThank you, Senior Meng.â Lin Moyu said sincerely as he poured more tea for Meng Anwen. Although Meng Anwen wasnât his teacher, his willingness to offer advice was already quite generous.
After a while, Bai Yiyuan still hadnât returned.
Suddenly, Meng Anwen smiled. âYoung Lin, would you like to know where your little girlfriend went?â
Lin Moyu nodded. âYes. I asked Teacher, but he didnât tell me.â
âI wonât either.â Meng Anwen said, a playful look in his eyes, âBut I can let you see for yourself.â With a flick of his finger, a screen appeared in front of Lin Moyu.
On the screen, Ning Yiyi was battling a fearsome monster. Lin Moyu had never seen such a creature before. Ning Yiyi moved with remarkable agility, swiftly darting around the creature. The monster was powerful, and each punch it threw created deep pits in the ground, unleashing massive bursts of energy.
Lin Moyu felt a surge of concern. Just as the energy bursts reached her, Ning Yiyiâs body jolted and twisted slightly, causing the energy bursts to miss her entirely.
Seeing Lin Moyuâs anxious expression, Meng Anwen chuckled. âThis is Yiyiâs skill, Split Second. It allows her to enter a special state for a brief moment, dodging all attacks. The skill activates in an instant and lasts only for a split secondâhence the name.â
Lin Moyu nodded in understanding as he watched Ning Yiyiâs agile movements. With two daggers in hand, she skillfully sliced the monster, leaving deep gashes on its body. The wounds bled profusely, struggling to close.
Meng Anwen continued, âThatâs Yiyiâs Bleed skill. Any damage she inflicts causes a bleeding effect, leading to continuous health loss. Itâs similar to your poison-type skill, though it lasts for only a few seconds. However, it has the advantage of stacking. If her attack speed is fast enough, the accumulated damage can be impressive.â
...
Meng Anwen explained Ning Yiyiâs skills in detail, but Lin Moyu quickly realized that he wasnât just describing her; he was giving insight into the Assassin class. Thanks to Meng Anwenâs explanation, Lin Moyu gained a clear understanding of the classâs strengths and techniques.
Before long, the monster fell at Ning Yiyiâs feet. She wiped sweat from her forehead and flashed a radiant smileâthe same warm, familiar smile that had often crossed Lin Moyuâs mind during their time apart. It was like a ray of sunshine that warmed his heart, sweet and comforting.
Though the battle had been challenging for Ning Yiyi, it was clear she hadnât been injured. Lin Moyu recognized the daggers she wieldedâthey were part of the hell outpost set. The rest of her gear also belonged to the hell outpost set, which meant she was at least level 30.
On the screen, after a brief rest, Ning Yiyi charged toward another monster. As the fight began, Meng Anwen dispelled the screen with a flick of his hand.
âDo you want to know where she is?â Meng Anwen teased.
Without hesitation, Lin Moyu replied, âI do.â
Meng Anwen chuckled, âSince you want to know, Iâm not telling you.â
âDonât worry about her. Yiyiâs safe. Sheâll face challenges and might get injured, but her life wonât be in danger. This is the path Old Ning has set for her, and she must walk it on her own. You canât help her, just as you must walk your own path. And even if Old Bai helps you, it can only be icing on the cake. But I can promise you this: when you meet her again, youâll be in for quite a surprise.â
Lin Moyu nodded, absorbing Meng Anwenâs words. He understood that his path was one he had to forge on his own. While assistance from others could complement his efforts, the ultimate measure of his success depended solely on himself.
âOld Bai has high hopes for you. Heâs betting everything on you, so donât let him down.â Meng Anwen said earnestly.
âI understand, Senior Meng. I will do my best.â Lin Moyu responded.
Meng Anwen closed his eyes, signaling the end of the conversation, and fell silent once again. Lin Moyu sat quietly, waiting for Bai Yiyuan to return. About half an hour later, a spatial ripple spread through the courtyard, signaling Bai Yiyuanâs arrival.
The moment Bai Yiyuan saw Lin Moyu, he grinned, âThere you are, brat. I was just about to go looking forââ
Bai Yiyuanâs voice cut off as he froze, then suddenly darted toward Lin Moyu, eyes opened wide, âYou brat! How did you become a godly general?â
Lin Moyu promptly recounted the events at Fortress No. 6.
Bai Yiyuan burst into laughter, âYou little rascal! You wiped out an entire army by yourself, and even left the legion and seized all the military merit and EXP! For behavior like that, Iâve got one thing to say... beautifully done!â
After a hearty laugh, Bai Yiyuan grew serious, âRemember this: while humanity needs a large number of class users, what it needs even more are top-tier godly powerhouses. A single top-tier godly powerhouse is worth 10,000âno, 50,000, maybe even 100,000 ordinary class users. So donât bother worrying about what others think. As long as you donât harm the core interests of the human race, do whatever you want. And if anyone dares to spout nonsense, beat them so badly their own mother wonât recognize them.â
Lin Moyu didnât know whether to laugh or cryâhis teacher was certainly unconventional.
âTeacher, is there a way to counter summon-sealing skills?â Lin Moyu asked.
Bai Yiyuan answered without hesitation, âOf course there is, and more than one. But youâre not strong enough yet. Youâll need to reach at least level 40 and undergo your second class awakening before you can use them. Come on, Iâll take you somewhere.â