My skills have mutated again!

Chapter 296 The Second Game: I'll Be the Fisherman

Looking at Lin Fan ahead, Xia Lin's gaze was deep and unsettling.

He has no protector... Lin Fan comes from an ordinary background, unlike the likes of the Righteous Ones. His current cultivation level is also low, and he has not yet shown the demeanor of a future Immortal Venerable. Therefore, he should not be valued by the Seeking Dao Sect, and he will not be assigned any protector.

However, he possessed quite a few protective magical artifacts.

All of these were brought in from outside; they do not belong to Lin Fan, but to Lin Xiantian, who has taken over Lin Fan's identity.

As for whether figures like NO.259 are hiding behind Lin Fan, acting as unorthodox protectors, Xia Lin couldn't sense that.

"It's not good to just take action directly..."

Lin Xiantian's power was sealed because of his identity substitution card.

Xia Lin, however, was in perfect condition. With his strength, taking down a Qi Refining Grand Perfection cultivator was naturally a piece of cake.

However, the faint sense of danger emanating from Lin Fan, along with the disappearance of the other Ash District Walkers, made Xia Lin remain calm and not in a hurry to make a move.

Not to mention, the mission of deceiving everyone actually gave Xia Lin a hint.

—If you want to clear the game, then this world must have a "Lin Fan".

Whether it's the real Lin Fan or the fake Lin Fan, someone will have to be chosen by fate to stand before Black Star and resolve this ultimate crisis.

If Lin Fan were to die at Xia Lin's hands now, the plot would completely collapse, and everyone present would be doomed when Black Star Devours the World nine years later!

Of course, if you're not aiming to complete the game and only want to finish the main storyline, there are other solutions to this problem.

However, since the mission to clear the level has already been activated, Xia Lin has to try it out.

Therefore, other possibilities will not be discussed for the time being.

Just as the disciples of the two immortal sects were introducing themselves, when it was Xia Lin's turn, he immediately addressed everyone as "Xia Tian" without arousing any suspicion from his fellow disciples.

It's normal to have a pseudonym when you're out and about; anyone with a little experience in the underworld is used to it.

In a relatively harmonious atmosphere, the group of fifteen from the Xundao Sect and the Xuantian Sect entered Yuanxing Town together.

……

In the original novel, the Yuanxing Town storyline is because a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect, who needed to consume the energy of ghosts and the fear of humans to cultivate martial arts, released hundreds of ghosts to wreak havoc on Yuanxing Town.

This person is not very strong, only at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, making him a suitable opponent for this small team.

But now a problem has arisen—the Zhongnan Sect has been wiped out because of Bao Bowen's actions, and the Zhongnan Sect disciple who ravaged Yuanxing Town was also eliminated by Bao Bowen's scheme long ago.

The villain is gone...

The identity substitution card also requires Lin Xiantian to experience this part of the story, because it involves the future heroines and the main characters...

So what to do?

Xu Haonan said this was easy to solve.

"If there are no villains, then we can just be the villains, right?"

To put it bluntly, it's all about acting to ensure the smooth progress of the plot.

In the underground space that was temporarily excavated beneath Yuanxing Town.

Xu Haonan and his team were located here. One of their own Ash Walkers had taken out the Hundred Ghosts Banner and was ready to activate the Hundred Ghosts Night Parade at any time.

If Xia Lin saw this scene, she would definitely say something sarcastic: "This identity substitution card is really interesting."

You guys are the protagonist, the villain, and the protector all at once. It seems you have to do everything, acting as both father and mother.

However, before the plot reached its starting point, Xu Haonan squinted and looked up at the horizon.

"Trouble has arisen again."

……

Trouble is bound to come.

After all, this time the Ash Zone wasn't a one-man show by the Creator of Heaven.

The trouble that Xu Haonan sensed was naturally Bao Bowen and his group.

As the strategist for Chaoxing, Lao Bao was equally clear about the identity substitution card and the logic of this Ember Zone.

Furthermore, these three months are enough time for Bao Bowen to refine his plans and have another round with Lin Xiantian, Xu Haonan, and even NO.259!

Outside Yuanxing Town, in a hidden interdimensional space.

The Ash Walkers of the Superstar side have gathered.

It wasn't just Wenrou, Kong Youwu, Bao Bowen, and others, but also Xiao Feng, the strongest member of the Super Star faction who entered this Ash Zone, the Human Race Sequence 8.

Xiao Feng's injuries had long since healed, after all, Xia Lin had previously washed away NO.259's Devastating Punch.

And now, looking at Xiao Feng, his aura is even stronger than before!
"It can be considered a blessing in disguise."

Xiao Feng smiled and said to Bao Bowen beside him, then his gaze turned deep, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion as he thought about his previous experiences.

As a human race Sequence 8, he is not only strong in combat, but also has a wide range of methods.

After Bao Bowen distracted NO.259, Xiao Feng recovered from his injuries and immediately began his operation.

After using a special permission-type item, Xiao Feng successfully contacted a force called the Black Martial Alliance in the Ashes Zone of the Outer Gods and Immortals Chronicles.

The meaning can be understood from the name.

This Black Martial Alliance is a pure villain, and is also the direct force of Black Star, the boss of the Ash Zone!

A martial artist needs many prerequisites to devour a world.

With his main body restrained by the five major immortal sects, one of the important reasons why Black Star was able to launch the Devouring Realm nine years later was that the Black Martial Alliance helped Black Star complete a great deal of preparatory work for the Devouring Realm.

In other words, Xiao Feng, and even Bao Bowen and others, have already joined the Black Star camp.

Moreover, Xiao Feng has risen to a high position in the Black Martial Alliance based on his strength, and has received many direct benefits from the Black Martial Alliance, which has greatly enhanced his strength.

"But Black Star is not Super Star. We must deal with this mole."

Bao Bowen said this with a smile, which made Xiao Feng nod repeatedly.

Starting with Black Star is also a way to complete the main quest.

Aren't the Black Martial Alliance Black Star's lackeys? Didn't they help Black Star complete the preliminary preparations for Devouring the World?
I'll join Black Star's side and delay Black Star's Devouring World progress... No need for high-intensity destruction, just push Black Star's Devouring World time to ten years later, and the main quest will be completed, right?

There are two key points.

"The first is to protect oneself, and the second is to harm the enemy."

Joining the Black Martial Alliance and delaying Black Star's Devouring World progress is a strategy to complete the main quest and protect oneself.

The reason for appearing here now is to harm the enemy.

Bao Bowen suddenly spoke up again: "That young man Xia Lin is quite interesting."

"After we parted ways, it seems that Brother Xia Lin had a game with NO.259. It seemed to be a draw, but it appears to have triggered the resurgence of NO.259's main personality."

"Xin Zhan? Hmm, I think that's his name..."

"This guy has a short temper. During the brief period of recovery, he not only lost the Antarctic Cave, but also broke the Dongchuan Divine Sword. He probably gave Lin Xiantian a lot of trouble."

Hearing Lin Xiantian's humiliation, everyone present laughed rather unkindly...

"However, this did not cause Lin Xiantian much harm."

“There are always substitutes for Antarctic Cave and Dongchuan Divine Sword. Judging from the logic of Lin Xiantian and Xu Haonan’s actions, their decision to continue pushing the plot forward already proves that Xia Lin’s influence is not enough.”

As he said this, Bao Bowen slowly raised his hand and clenched his fist.

"The rest is up to us."

The team members all nodded in agreement.

Her gaze was gentle yet complex.

Thinking of Xia Lin, Wenrou sighed inwardly.

"In the end, he was still arrogant..."

Otherwise, by following the team and enjoying Xiao Feng's combat prowess and Bao Bowen's strategic planning, the Ash District would have been more than capable of saving Xia Lin's life this time.

Xia Lin won't have to live like a mouse, hiding here and there, never reporting anything...

Wenrou was unaware that Xia Lin had already infiltrated the Xuantian Sect, activated the mission to clear the level, and was even now appearing beside Lin Fan under the alias Xia Tian.

Just then, the longsword at Xiao Feng's waist emitted a soft hum, prompting Xiao Feng to let out a cold snort.

"The rest is up to you. I may have to go into hiding for a while longer."

With that, he turned and left the hidden space, transforming into a sword light and disappearing into the distance. He only stopped after flying hundreds of thousands of miles away.

Ahead, NO.259 slowly stood up, staring blankly at Xiao Feng.

The second battle is about to begin.

This time, Xiao Feng is stronger, but NO.259 is weaker because Xia Lin washed away six of its main combat skills.

The debate over Sequence 7 and Sequence 8 has reignited, with the outcome remaining uncertain.

……

Watching Xiao Feng leave, Bao Bowen pondered briefly before revealing his businessman-like amicable smile once more.

Let's begin.

Beside him, Kong Youwu took out a bronze mirror.

As he infused his spiritual power and ghostly energy into the bronze mirror, the image on the mirror immediately became hazy, with faint ripples of light flowing through it.

Upon seeing this, a sinister smile appeared on Kong Youwu's pale face.

"Playing with demons? Demon warriors are the real experts, you bastard!"

With the power of the Ghost Warrior, Kong Youwu can use the bronze mirror as a medium to monitor everything that happens in Yuanxing Town without missing a single detail.

Three possibilities.

Bao Bowen, standing to the side, spoke up with a smile.

"First, the villain in the Yuanxing Town storyline is Ji Ming (the one next to Xu Haonan who takes out the Hundred Ghost Banner). We will record this scene and then make it public to expose Ji Ming and even Xu Haonan's schemes, so that they will be disgraced and expelled from the Immortal Sect."

"Second, they noticed our arrival and abandoned their plan... but this possibility is relatively small. In this game, Lin Xiantian is the core of the Heavenly Dao Creator's side. It can even be said that the Legend of the Outer Gods and Immortals is a special training program given to Lin Xiantian by the Heavenly Dao Creator's side... Abandoning the plan would be too damaging to Lin Xiantian."

"And the third one..."

Muttering to himself, Bao Bowen's gaze pierced through space, looking into the distance.

In the distance, a concealed beam of light has already flown in.

Finally, it landed in front of everyone, revealing the appearance of Xu Haonan and the others.

Bao Bowen pointed and said, "Look, this is number three."

"They came to stop us, and were forced to confront us head-on."

After saying this, Bao Bowen waved his hand and voluntarily disbanded the dimensional space.

Looking at the dozen or so Ash District Walkers led by Xu Haonan in front of him, Lao Bao's mouth twisted into a smirk as he asked in bewilderment, "How dare you, Xu Haonan, appear before me?"

NO.259 was intercepted by Xiao Feng.

Lin Xiantian's power was sealed because of the identity substitution card.

Bao Bowen, as the 14th in the human race, is the strongest among the three in this Ember Zone. His combat power alone is equivalent to that of everyone on the other side, including Xu Haonan!

Upon seeing the blog post, Xu Haonan also let out a heavy sigh.

"What can I do?"

Thirdly, we will restrain Bao Bowen and his group, and then activate the Night Parade of One Hundred Ghosts based on the previously prepared arrangements to maintain the normal development of the plot.

But this leads to another problem: Xu Haonan will inevitably have to withstand Bao Bowen's pressure as the weaker party.

"It's an acceptable option, I suppose..."

Xu Haonan and Bao Bowen thought to themselves.

For Xu Haonan, nothing was more important than Lin Xiantian and maintaining the smooth development of the plot.

For Bao Bowen, if he can overcome Xu Haonan's challenge with sheer strength, then his trip will not have been in vain.

Xu Haonan suddenly raised his hand, and a phantom image of a chessboard suddenly lit up the world.

The chessboard encompasses everyone, making them disappear from the real world.

at the same time.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator appeared outside Yuanxing Town with a blank expression. Suddenly, his expression turned serious, revealing a sinister and terrifying look.

"Hehehe... This place is blessed with outstanding people and spiritual energy, and there are even cultivators here. It is perfect for me to refine my soul."

Xu Haonan's backup plan.

A pre-prepared plot-driven native.

……

Xia Lin and his fellow apprentices ate and drank to their hearts' content at Yuanxing Restaurant, and chatted and reminisced.

Lin Xiantian couldn't see through Xia Lin's pretense, and Xia Lin didn't show any unusual behavior towards Lin Xiantian.

Maintaining his ordinary persona, Xia Lin returned to his room, set up a soundproof array, and after confirming that no one was around, he smiled and took out a communicator from his personal storage space.

The communicator connected, and Xing Fanwu's voice rang out.

"nailed it."

"Also, the two groups have already started fighting."

As a war bishop, Xing Fanwu possesses formidable stealth and reconnaissance abilities.

In war, reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance are both very important.

Having taken his position in advance, Xing Fanwu not only witnessed the rematch between Xiao Feng and NO.259, but also noticed that Bao Bowen and Xu Haonan were locked in a stalemate, neither able to spare a hand to monitor the situation.

"As for the villains, they're currently in my hands..."

At this point, Xing Fanwu glanced at the unconscious native villain at his feet and asked softly, "Should we still hold the Hundred Ghosts Parade?"

"Go for it, why aren't you doing it?"

Xia Lin laughed and said, "This is our chance... Keep it up! If we don't mess with our Lord Lin Fan, how will he connect with the female leads?"

"However, we need to control the intensity a bit. Let me explain."

It seems that the Heavenly Dao Creator and the Super Star are locked in a power struggle, with Xia Lin, along with the Clown and Xing Fanwu, struggling to survive in the cracks.

But this situation can also be described in another way: you two fight each other, while I'm secretly stirring things up from behind the scenes.

Xia Lin was inherently greedy, and also a gambler who dared to gamble.

The situation seemed dangerous, but for Xia Lin, it was also an excellent opportunity.

After Xia Lin finished explaining his plan, Xing Fanwu on the other end of the communicator remained silent for a long time.

Only at the very end did he manage to utter this one sentence.

"Brother, you're absolutely brilliant..."

Xia Lin chuckled: "Basic stuff, it's all basic stuff."

……

In the original storyline, the group was attacked by ghosts on their first night in Yuanxing Town.

This attack claimed three lives and severely injured five others.

One of the victims who suffered the most severe injuries was Lin Fan's senior sister, Wang Xiaorou, who is also one of the two female protagonists in the Yuanxing Town storyline.

As a widely circulated popular novel, The Legend of the Outer Gods and Immortals contains many plots that are popular with the general public.

For example, the healing scene in this plot...

The stunningly beautiful senior sister Wang Xiaorou had reached the Great Perfection of Qi Cultivation, but she was unfortunately poisoned by a ghost's aphrodisiac.

What?

Of course, it had to be our protagonist, Mr. Lin Fan, who bravely sacrificed himself to win the heart of the beauty.

In this part of the story, Lin Fan's wit and courage won over another female lead—Xia Lin's junior sister, Zhong Ling.

Lin Xiantian, who was already a womanizer, was really looking forward to this part of the story...

Xia Lin said, "I will definitely live up to your expectations."

In the night, ghosts attacked silently.

Just after midnight, screams suddenly erupted!

Just like in the original story, the team was attacked by ghosts, and three people died instantly, while five were seriously injured.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Xuantian Sect and Lin Fan risked their lives to repel the ghosts, only to receive "bad news".

"Senior Sister Xiaorou, she..."

The junior brother rushed to Lin Fan and told him about Wang Xiaorou's situation.

Lin Xiantian was secretly delighted, but on the surface he appeared anxious.

They rushed to Wang Xiaorou's room and found her face flushed and in poor condition.

"This is spring poison, not a normal toxin, so the antidote is useless."

A Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Xuantian Sect spoke up, defining the nature of the poison.

Everyone looked at each other, and finally Lin Fan sighed and bravely sacrificed himself!

The dialogue and trivial details need not be discussed in detail, but this part of the story highlights Lin Fan's chivalrous spirit and tender feelings, making him incredibly charming.

Just look at the starry eyes of Zhong Ling beside Xia Lin, and you'll know that this girl has already been captivated by Lin Fan...

Xia Lin's three months of training were no match for the protagonist's single move.

What we're saying is that this mission to clear the level is a matter of deceiving fate, and it's really quite difficult.

They definitely cheated...

As for the two women vying for one man...

Zhong Ling also has something to say.

The situation is urgent. We're all fellow travelers, so let's not be bothered by formalities.

Seeing that the competition between the females was about to begin, Xia Lin said, "Junior Sister, I'll take care of you."

Can I make you struggle to chase after a man until the later stages of the story before finally winning him over?

I've put an end to your hopes right now!

With the soundproofing array set up, no sound could be heard in Wang Xiaorou's boudoir.

But Xia Lin's strength... this soundproof array obviously couldn't hide it from him.

Hearing the blush-inducing sounds inside, Xia Lin's figure flickered, like a phantom, disappearing in an instant and then returning just as quickly, without attracting anyone's attention.

In the blink of an eye, Xia Lin had already used the newly acquired skill "Possessing the Six Armor Heavenly Soldiers" on Wang Xiaorou.

On this joyous night, I was blessed with a son!

Xia Lin has arranged everything clearly for you!
……

No one knows what Xia Lin is up to.

Those who are capable are engaged in two-on-one confrontations, leaving them unable to monitor the overall situation.

Lin Xiantian's strength was also sealed... Possessing the Six Heavenly Soldiers wasn't a skill that took effect instantly.

In short, Lin Xiantian had a great night.

However, the day after that arrived was the day to repay the debt.

"congratulations!"

The next day, morning.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Xuantian Sect, upon seeing the blushing Wang Xiaorou and the refreshed Lin Fan, immediately cupped their hands and offered their congratulations.

Lin Xiantian was taken aback...

No, why are you congratulating me?
Detoxification! I'm detoxifying, understand?

Recruiting concubines was just a side effect.

However, Lin Fan and Wang Xiaorou, who were in the Qi Refining stage, couldn't see anything amiss, but this Foundation Establishment cultivator did notice something.

He pointed to Wang Xiaorou's abdomen.

Congratulations on the birth of your precious child!

Wang Xiaorou was taken aback, and Lin Xiantian's expression froze.

Xia Lin put down the steamed bun in her hand and clapped her hands repeatedly: "This is indeed a joyous occasion!"

This Foundation Establishment stage cultivator is even more amazing than an ultrasound scan...

She could sense pregnancy immediately after conception... but she lost that ability during the Qi Refining stage.

Xia Lin led the applause, and soon the applause joined in.

Zhong Ling was stunned, the light in her eyes completely dimmed, and then she clapped along with Xia Lin.

Lin Fan was completely stunned at this moment.

He turned to look at Wang Xiaorou, then at the others who were applauding enthusiastically.

"This is impossible!!"

Lin Fan spoke in terror, his composure shattered.

At the same time, he immediately realized that things were in serious trouble...

……

"How could that be impossible? Senior Brother Wang is only at the Foundation Establishment stage, how could he lie?"

Xia Lin silently delivered the final blow, then swallowed the bun in her hand whole.

Lin Xiantian ignored Xia Lin.

He stared at the shy and bewildered Wang Xiaorou, his mind a jumble of thoughts, unable to make sense of anything.

In any novel, matters concerning the protagonist's offspring are handled with utmost care.

Because it involves far too many trade-offs and considerations.

In the novel "The Legend of the Outer Gods and Immortals", Lin Fan never left any offspring. This prevented Lin Fan from being caught in a dilemma when making crucial decisions and also provided the prerequisite for him to have a harem.

But right now, Wang Xiaorou is pregnant.

Then the problem is coming.

Do you want this child or not?

Lin Xiantian wasn't stupid; he immediately realized the hidden problem.

Yes, the plot has changed!

In the original novel, the protagonist Lin Fan didn't have any children. Now a child suddenly appears. How should this be handled? What will happen to the plot later on?

Don't want it? Absolutely not!

Could he really say I can't have this child?
Isn't this the behavior of a scumbag? Doesn't this contradict Lin Xiantian's character?
What can I do?
Lin Xiantian almost lost control of his facial expressions.

But then Lin Xiantian had an idea.

Lin Xiantian grabbed Wang Xiaorou and began to make amends.

"When I said it was impossible, I didn't mean anything by it; it was just pure joy... Senior sister, I will definitely take responsibility for you and the baby in your belly."

You can't portray a man as a scumbag; it goes against his established persona.

Therefore, Lin Xiantian had to acknowledge this child who appeared out of nowhere.

But it’s not a big problem…

He would contact Xu Haonan in a moment and have the child aborted.

This child must not be allowed to be born safely.

Suddenly a voice came from the side.

But it was the sound of "summer".

“I discovered something yesterday. It seems that someone is behind the ghostly wailing incident in Yuanxing Town.”

"Based on yesterday's attack, I felt that we might not be able to handle this matter, so last night, I used the sect's communication jade to report the matter to the sect overnight."

He smiled at everyone as he spoke.

"Judging by the time, my senior uncles should be arriving soon."

Just as the words were spoken, a surge of immortal light appeared in the distance, and a Nascent Soul cultivator rushed over at top speed!
The outer sect steward of the Xuantian Sect, a Nascent Soul cultivator, and True Person Baiyun have arrived!

Lin Xiantian looked at Xia Lin in astonishment, only to see Xia Lin let out a long sigh and say solemnly.

“Three of our fellow disciples have already died. We really need to ask the elders of the sect to handle this matter.”

Lin Xiantian: No, this isn't the original plot!

Xia Lin said, "Why would I play along with the original storyline?"
Am I here to help you advance the plot?

I'm here to complete the level completion mission!

Just as Master Baiyun arrived, Xia Lin heard the system notification from the Ash Zone.

[Thanks to your actions, the progress of the mission "Deceive the Heavens and Cross the Sea" has reached 1.826%!]

Once the progress reaches 100%, you will completely replace Lin Fan as the protagonist of this world!

[Note: Wang Xiaorou's pregnancy has far-reaching implications. As the situation develops, you will be given additional progress points!]

Keep up the good work!

(End of this chapter)