Absolute Death Game

For the next hour or so, Xiao Buli was far from idle, having wandered through every accessible place in Mystic Hollow Palace, yet he didn't uncover any more clues that could boost his Prestige. It seemed he had no choice but to start with Gu Yuexuan.

As five o'clock approached and it was nearly time to finish work, Li Jian suddenly stood up from his seat.

"Everyone, pause what you're doing for a moment, I've got something to say. Tomorrow is Sunday, and ordinarily we'd have the day off. However, since everyone is at a critical juncture in the game, there might be those who can't really leave it be. So, if you don't want to leave the company, you can continue to work overtime.

I'll explain it to Manager Qin, of course, there won't be any overtime pay," he said, half-jokingly. Li Baocheng laughed appreciatively as if Li Jian's joke was very funny, while Han Baiqiang just curled his lip.

"So, is anyone planning to stay?" Li Jian asked, his gaze sweeping over the three men.

"Li, I'm staying," Li Baocheng said excitedly. "I've taken on an epic quest recently, and with a little more effort, I can change my class, so I certainly won't waste any time." He spoke with the enthusiasm of a protagonist in some hot-blooded manga.

Han Baiqiang nodded unhappily, "I'll stay too, I'm also close to changing my class."

Li Jian nodded, seemingly approving of their decision, then he turned toward Xiao Buli. Xiao Buli, however, shook his head, "I plan to go out tomorrow."

Li Jian smiled and said no more.

Early the next morning, Xiao Buli collected his phone and left the company.

He went directly to the Gu family estate in the suburbs, and since he had already notified Gu Shaobang the day before, it was easy for him to meet Old Mr. Gu.

"You want to learn Tai Chi Sword Skills?" Sitting in the living room of Old Mr. Gu's house, he asked with great surprise.

"Yes, I do. Could old Mr. Gu teach me?"

Old Mr. Gu nodded, clicking his tongue in wonder. He seemed to find it hard to understand why a young man like Xiao Buli would want to learn Tai Chi Sword Skills.

"You haven't been reading too much wuxia fiction, thinking Tai Chi Sword Skills are really powerful, have you?"

Xiao Buli didn't answer his question, but instead tried probing, "Aren't they?"

"Of course not. Perhaps ancient Tai Chi Sword Skills were quite formidable, but nowadays the version we have is virtually unusable in a fight. At least I've never seen it be effective. The moves are the same, but the power seems to have been lost, probably because many techniques and intricate details weren't passed down properly," he said.

"By the way, which version of Tai Chi Sword Skills are you interested in learning?"

"Different versions? There are many versions of Tai Chi Sword Skills?"

Old Mr. Gu nodded, "Certainly, there are quite a few different versions of Tai Chi Sword Skills. Broadly speaking, they can be divided into three types. The first is what ancient people practiced, reportedly very effective in combat and supposed to be used in conjunction with a Mental Method Mantra.

However, by the modern era, it morphed into the second type, which is claimed to be powerful but is really not practical in a fight. The techniques are the same, but likely because a lot of skills and nuances were not passed down, they lost their effectiveness."

"The reason this happened, I suspect, is because the ancients valued this knowledge highly, often teaching some while withholding some, and a lot of things about swordsmanship just can't be conveyed in text alone. Without face-to-face instruction, it's hard to be clear.

Since they didn't have video cameras back then, the true essence was basically lost in transmission, though the general techniques were preserved. But even so, there are still many who practice this kind of swordsmanship, hoping to rediscover the legendary power of Tai Chi Sword Skills. However, whether anyone has succeeded, I can't say, at least I don't understand it," Old Mr. Gu said.

"And the third kind?"

"The third kind is what you see old men and women practicing in parks, a simplified version that's easy to learn but serves little purpose beyond exercise and health."

Having said this, Old Mr. Gu sighed, "Actually, the set I practice isn't much use either, it's just a bit more complex."

After finishing his explanation, he glanced at Xiao Buli and asked with a smile, "Now that you've heard my introduction, do you still want to learn?"

"Of course, I want to learn."

"Oh, do you perhaps think you can grasp its mysteries and master the real Tai Chi Sword Skills?"

Xiao Buli laughed, "Who can say for sure?" yet he showed no signs of wavering.

"Alright then, if you really want to learn, I'll teach you, but I must make it clear, I'm very strict with swordsmanship training. You better be mentally prepared," the old man was fond of teaching, and seeing Xiao Buli nod his head, he immediately sprang into action.

He changed into practice clothes, and the two headed to the training ground where the old man casually took down two treasured swords hanging on the wall and tossed one to Xiao Buli.

"Tai Chi Sword Skills are easy to learn but hard to master. The moves themselves aren't difficult to learn, and it's easy to mimic them, but the subtleties and delicate variations between the moves are hard to grasp. Additionally, beginners often make mistakes with coordination and continuity of movements. Due to limited time, today I will only teach you the general forms.

As for mastering the intricate variations, you'll have to work hard on your own. Come, I'll demonstrate it from the beginning for you, watch closely, kid!"

Having said that, the old gentleman began his performance. Although he couldn't claim a deep understanding of swordsmanship, just watching the old man's movements was enough to be impressive and a pleasure to the eye.

After completing a set of sword techniques, the old man started explaining each move to Xiao Buli from the beginning. After each demonstration, he had Xiao Buli practice it. Naturally, some taps and knocks were inevitable throughout the process, but Xiao Buli, being the petitioner, dared not take offense and learned quickly with an open mind.

Perhaps because of his background specializing in the One-handed Sword and his focus on form rather than detail, Xiao Buli mastered the general routine of the entire sword technique in just one morning. After the lesson, he practiced the entire set from start to finish. Though somewhat unpolished, he could already put it to use.

His understanding of Tai Chi Sword Skills was naturally nowhere near mastery, and there were many discrepancies and omissions between the transitions of the techniques. However, the old man was astonished at Xiao Buli's speed of learning swordsmanship.

"You've learned quite fast, kid. Although it's not quite there yet, your imitation is passable. So, now that you've learned the technique, have you discovered any mysteries?"

Xiao Buli, noticing the old man's teasing tone, replied with a slight smile, "Not yet, but who knows about the future?"

Hearing this, the old gentleman laughed heartily, "If you really come to understand something, that would be great. Don't forget to teach me then."

"Certainly, certainly," Xiao Buli agreed promptly, as if he hadn't picked up on the old man's playful tone.

Xiao Buli didn't stay for lunch; he only had one day left. Upon returning to the company and checking in, it happened to be lunchtime, so he decided to grab something to eat first.

Walking into the cafeteria, Xiao Buli noticed that there were surprisingly few people dining today; perhaps most had gone home for the weekend. Nevertheless, there were still some people around—a group at a table across the way with quite a few beer bottles on it. It was Li Jian and his White Tiger group friends drinking with Li Baocheng.

"Cheers! Little Li, you did a great job transitioning to your new class so quickly. Impressive, much better than when I started. I really see great potential in you. Why don't you stick with us from now on? We could use a long-range class," said Ma Long, pouring beer and speaking at the same time.

"That would be thanks to the few big brothers," Li Baocheng said with a beaming smile as he dutifully toasted each person in turn. Seeing Xiao Buli walk in, he seemed very pleased with himself and smirked at him, "Hey Xiao, want to join us for a drink?"

Xiao Buli inwardly chuckled; Li Baocheng really was a funny fellow.

He shook his head and ignored Li Baocheng's obvious attempt at showing off. He had more important things to do.

After grabbing some portable food from the dining table, Xiao Buli went to the data center, picked a computer in the farthest corner, shut the door to the small compartment behind him, put on headphones, and then logged into the game.

The moment the game loaded, Xiao Buli felt a rare surge of excitement. Success hinged on this moment! Thinking this, he opened his character's Skill Bar and saw a new skill added, his face instantly revealing a hint of surprise.

Tai Chi Sword Skills (Imitation) LV1: This is a set of swordmanship based on Taoist philosophical concepts, seemingly profound and mysterious. However, due to missing some crucial details, its power is significantly reduced, and aside from strengthening the body, it appears to serve no special purpose.

Sword Skill Effect: Activating this sword technique reduces your attack speed by 30% and increases physical strength consumption by 30%.