Chapter 3: The First Kill

Young Master Aotian replied with a sound of "Hmm" and said: "Rest assured, female hero. My martial arts are exceptional, and the service is naturally guaranteed"

Young Master Aotian sighed towards the sky, muttering something under his breath

Prince Aotian thought to himself, has another person from the Emei Sect learned the Emei Nine Yang Skill? This skill is not simple; it is originally the sect's ultimate technique. However, since Zhou Zhiruo took over from Master Mie Jue, this martial art has begun to be popularized, and many elite players have been taught the incantations or parts of the incantations. Currently, the Emei Sect is gradually gaining power, partly due to this.

Hmm? This is ... ...

Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes were about to pop out: "Fell down? What nonsense are you talking about!"

What a surprise, such a thing exists

The female hero snorted and said, "No wonder you are in the business of taking heads! However, since you have accepted my task, you must do your best to help. I know your martial arts are quite good; otherwise, that boss wouldn't have recommended you to me. When the fight breaks out later, just make sure to protect Qingtou's safety, and leave the rest to me"

She quickly regulated her internal energy and adjusted her breathing, recovering some internal strength, and then immediately rushed towards the remaining NPC. However, as soon as she turned around, she was taken aback to see Young Master Ao Tian and Qing Tou standing there perfectly fine, seemingly pointing and gesturing at her, leisurely watching the show. The remaining NPC, however, had already fallen to the ground, with a knife scattered on the floor.

Hurry up and take action! It is just the right opportunity to exercise your courage and experience in the martial world

Then, with a smile, Young Master Ao Tian embraced his sword and continued to act in a dissolute manner, saying: "I am merely a helper..."

You are responsible for protecting the Qingtou; at critical moments, you must know how to shield them and sacrifice yourself for their safety

In the vast world of martial arts, every town is equipped with a martial arts hall, facilitating players to spar and communicate with one another. The martial arts hall is the optimal place for players to cultivate their skills; engaging in combat within the hall not only yields a substantial amount of martial arts experience but also exempts players from the system's death penalty. However, in recent years, the system has encouraged players to explore the world more, resulting in diminishing experience rewards within the martial arts halls. Consequently, these halls have gradually transformed into venues for players to familiarize themselves with martial arts and accept quests.

This method is indeed commendable, but the key depends on Lin Xiaoxiao's skills. The system has clearly made adjustments based on the players' strengths, and thus three NPCs have been dispatched for the trio. Each NPC's martial arts skills should be at a certain level; otherwise, they would not be able to effectively eliminate players. For tasks involving the Dugu Nine Swords, it is certain that not too many players will be allowed to enter the second round

Lin Xiaoxiao's weapon appeared to be of exceptional quality; with a single strike, the opponent NPC's weapon was unexpectedly shattered! However, upon hearing Lin Xiaoxiao's clear whistle, the Emei sword spun half a circle and slashed diagonally, directly exploiting the gap left by the broken sword to stab the NPC in the chest.

She was taken aback, rushed forward, and saw that the NPC had been acupointed; the person was not dead, but all their weapons had been seized. The female hero stared blankly at the NPC, then glanced at Young Master Ao Tian, and after a long while, she asked in a strange tone: "Was it you who did this?"

The female hero shouted loudly, and her long sword came down like a powerful strike against Mount Hua. An NPC swung his sword to block, but was struck on the forehead by her blade, staggering backward. Suddenly, the female hero's left hand shot out, executing the Buddha's Light Golden Summit technique right into another NPC's chest. This move was infused with the true energy of the Emei Nine Yang Skill, causing the NPC to cry out and immediately tumble several meters away.

I find you to be somewhat peculiar. You walk stealthily, glancing around with every step, and your entire demeanor is suspiciously alert! If you are not an assassin, how could you have such habits?

Lin Xiaoxiao was furious and was about to reprimand, but Young Master Ao Tian could not bear to watch any longer. He suddenly reached out and grabbed the wrist of the green-headed figure, swiftly pushing it forward, and the long sword precisely pierced the NPC's throat

The NPC nodded, turned to Qing Tou, and said expressionlessly: "Of course you can form a team, but the main task must be undertaken by this young man. If he fails during the mission, all of you will be eliminated. Is there any problem?"

Young Master Ao Tian also shrugged his shoulders and said, "Luck is just this good, and money is just this easy to earn"

The young man took the sword and looked down at the NPC lying on the ground, realizing that the latter was staring at him with a gaze that seemed to express genuine fear, as if he were a real person. This was his first encounter with such a realistic virtual game, completely different from the casual games he had played before, and the scene felt as if he were truly about to take a life. To have to kill someone right at the start of the game was also a first for him, who was somewhat withdrawn in reality, leaving him in a state of hesitation.

Lin Xiaoxiao felt an immense joy in her heart after killing two NPCs consecutively

Blood splattered, and both the green-headed character and the NPC let out a loud shout. Immediately, a white light appeared, and the NPC had vanished without a trace. The three of them simultaneously received a notification that they had defeated the NPC and passed the martial arts hall's test, allowing the team to continue with the subsequent tasks.

The female hero raised her eyebrows and said angrily: "No. This is such a great opportunity; a major task involving millions of participants is perfect for you to hone your courage. Moreover, I will never allow such shameless swordsmanship to be learned by others, you must work hard!"

The person beside whispered, "Sister, it's true. I saw him running this way with my own eyes, and as he reached here, he slipped and fell. This proud young master then rushed forward and pointed at him..."

The heroine disregarded her image and let out an inappropriate expletive

Lin Xiaoxiao was speechless; the NPC fell by itself. Who would believe such a statement? This proud young master must have used some technique to knock that person down. Perhaps this fellow was just trying to show off. Of course, the outcome was ultimately good; the female hero was both puzzled and delighted. To avoid any prolonged complications, she stepped forward, preparing to stab him with her sword. However, she suddenly remembered something and turned to Qing Tou, saying: "You come and kill!"

The young man with a blue head was on the verge of tears, clearly motivated by the fact that the one behind him was his sister. Lin Xiaoxiao was not one to dawdle; she quickly submitted her application in front of the martial arts hall. Before long, an NPC came out, glanced at them, and first pointed at the brother and sister, saying: "According to the task requirements, female players cannot accept the task, but this young man meets the criteria." After that, he looked at Young Master Ao Tian and suddenly raised his eyebrows, exclaiming "Oh".

Young Master Aotian was surveying his surroundings when he was startled by the words: "What do you mean by that, female hero?"

Yet I heard the NPC mutter: "How come you possess such unorthodox martial arts... you, ahem, cannot register either."

In an instant, a flash of white light appeared, and three black-clad NPCs emerged in the training ground, all dressed in the standard uniform provided by the system. Two wielded swords while one held a knife, and apart from their repulsive appearances, no other distinguishing features could be found

The honest words of the green-headed elder

The young man was taken aback and stammered, "I came to kill someone? This, this..."

I said, Aotian, you must be a killer

Quickly dispatching one, Lin Xiaoxiao let out a long breath. She jumped again and continued to attack the previous NPC. The NPC was struck in the forehead, blood gushing out. Seeing Lin Xiaoxiao charging at him, he was incredibly fierce, disregarding his own injuries and directly confronting her. Lin Xiaoxiao's long sword, however, moved with ease, slicing through the air like a dragon, and with a loud "clang," it collided with the opponent's long sword.

Young Master Aotian observed for a moment and discovered that Lin Xiaoxiao from the Emei Sect possessed quite impressive martial arts skills. No wonder she dared to take on this task with only three people. She was actually gaining the upper hand while facing two opponents. After several exchanges, her swordplay was intricate and precise, with moves that were sharp and fierce, employing the Emei Sect's Extinction Sword Technique. This sword technique was created by the Master of Extinction and is actually divided into two types: the Extinction Sword and the Absolute Sword, both of which belong to advanced martial arts. When practiced to a profound level, the moves become fierce, and their power is entirely dependent on the practitioner's internal energy. Moreover, Lin Xiaoxiao's internal energy was also remarkable, as her every move bore a hint of the Emei Sect's Nine Yang Skill.

The young man was still in shock, throwing the long sword he was holding onto the ground, shaking off the blood that had splattered on his wrist while shouting loudly. However, Young Master Ao Tian laughed heartily, patted the boy on the shoulder, and grinned, saying: "Is it stabbing? Is it exciting? Is it unexpected?"

The female hero was overjoyed, and despite her inadequate internal strength, she swiftly floated forward and thrust her sword before the opponent could rise. The NPC was unable to evade and was struck directly in the throat. He let out a muffled groan, rolled over, and immediately perished, transforming into white light and returning to the system

My sister gave me a book on basic internal skills and basic swordsmanship. However, I have not practiced much yet

The Emei heroine was taken aback. Generally, NPCs that exhibit such changes in expression are high-level NPCs, not the mechanical functional NPCs. These high-level NPCs possess a significant degree of autonomy. At this moment, the heroine thought to herself, if the NPC is behaving this way, could it be that Ao Tian is facing some issues? I hope he can at least pass the registration stage!

All three of them responded affirmatively, but Lin Xiaoxiao was so focused on the task that she did not notice the change in how the NPC addressed Prince Aotian. The NPC glanced at Prince Aotian again, waved his hand lightly, and the three players entered a closed room, which turned out to be a square training ground. Lin Xiaoxiao looked around and drew her Emei sword with a clang, appearing ready for battle. The green-headed player stood there somewhat nervously, holding his sword and unsure of what to do. Lin Xiaoxiao looked around again and drew her Emei sword with a clang, appearing ready for battle. The green-headed player stood there somewhat nervously, holding his sword and unsure of what to do. Prince Aotian curiously asked, "Young hero, although you are a novice, you should have learned some skills, right?"

He spoke as he handed the long sword to the green-headed one

Lin Xiaoxiao gave him a skeptical look. The green-headed one quietly tugged at his sister's hem and said, "Sister, I still don't know martial arts. Moreover, this task is said to involve millions of players... I think we should just forget it."

Let the proud young master protect Qing Tou, as it is a predetermined strategy for her to deal with the opponents. Qing Tou's martial arts skills are too poor, almost without any foundation, thus requiring someone to ensure her safety. This proud young master can simply protect Qing Tou from being killed, while she is confident in her own martial arts skills, intending to take the initiative to attack two opponents and then eliminate the remaining NPCs.

Young Master Aotian spread his hands and said: "It's just a trivial matter. Others have bad luck and think we are easy to bully; when they came over, they actually fell down, so I casually held them down."

The NPC possesses considerable strength, having consecutively unleashed the Emei Nine Yang Skill to secure two victories. She is confident in her martial arts abilities, feeling capable of handling one against two, but facing three would be significantly more challenging. She wonders how that Young Master Aotian is faring. She initially thought that Young Master Aotian also had decent strength, and if he were to defend with all his might, he should be able to hold out for a while.

Lin Xiaoxiao sensed the enemy's murderous intent long before. After giving her instructions, she let out a soft shout and, with a flick of her long sword, charged directly at two of the NPCs. Her colorful attire fluttered as the sword light flashed, exuding a remarkable aura of a female hero

It is merely an NPC, not a real person, just a stream of data!" the Emei heroine said displeased.

At this moment, Lin Xiaoxiao became unstoppable once she started, not caring whether Young Master Ao Tian could handle the remaining NPC. After exchanging twenty blows with a clanging sound, she grew increasingly excited, her swordsmanship flowing freely, filling the entire training ground with the sound of whistling blades. Although her two NPC opponents were skilled, they had already been suppressed and were gradually making fewer moves.

The long sword flashed and disappeared in an instant, piercing into the NPC's chest before being withdrawn again. The sword, charged with internal energy, struck the NPC's vital point, causing him to stagger back two steps before finally collapsing to the ground. Lin Xiaoxiao swung her sword once more, decisively ending the opponent's life.

The Emei heroine stood in front of the designated martial arts school for this mission, her left hand resting on her sword, casting a sidelong glance at Young Master Ao Tian

Young Master Aotian spread his hands and said: "Heroine, I am the helper you requested; there should be no mistake in scouting the enemy's situation!"

Lin Xiaoxiao engaged in a few exchanges with the two NPCs and quickly gauged their abilities. The opponent also wielded a longsword, seemingly employing a common sword technique from the martial world, yet their internal energy and lightness skill were quite impressive, nearly on par with that of a top-tier player. Lin Xiaoxiao was quite confident in herself, and with a flourish of her longsword, she launched a series of aggressive attacks.