Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1304 - 580: Exchange (2)

Fang Yu blinked, and Quan Heng instantly grasped his meaning.

So, they were from Tianyuan Town...

Quan Heng felt a flicker of temptation. After all, until the An Mansion completed their ritual preparations, he was largely idle.

It was precisely this idleness that allowed him to frequently visit his frail and sickly female benefactor.

"It's not impossible, but I must first return to the An Mansion to inform my master before I can depart. Furthermore, I might bring Benefactor Guo along for the visit."

Quan Heng gave a heads-up, fully aware that leaving Guo Yuxin behind would undoubtedly lead to trouble and cause a scene.

Hearing this, Fang Yu's expression immediately brightened.

He could trust Monk Quan Heng.

Within Tianyuan Town, Fang Yu had learned that Quan Heng was a genuinely upright individual, and the memory of his past rescue was still vivid.

Having such a devout expert nearby offered significant reassurance, making any excursions outside feel considerably safer.

As for Benefactor Guo?

Fang Yu couldn't initially recall who she was, but after a moment's thought, he remembered – she was the woman who had battled his second sister and lost!

She was still alive?

Fang Yu was momentarily speechless. She certainly clung to powerful connections.

The events in Tianyuan Town had resulted in the demise of numerous players, making her survival quite astonishing.

However, that night had been utterly chaotic. Survival had depended less on raw strength and more on sheer luck.

"The commotion seems to be originating from that direction!"

"Let's investigate!"

Voices echoed from a distance. Fang Yu and Quan Heng exchanged a knowing glance, their understanding immediate. They activated their movement techniques almost in unison, swiftly departing the area.

Fang Yu took the lead, with Monk Quan Heng following closely behind.

Once they began moving, Fang Yu truly perceived that, without invoking his devout abilities, Monk Quan Heng's physical prowess was merely equivalent to a Thousand Blood Bar.

This became apparent as Fang Yu slightly increased his pace, causing Monk Quan Heng to display a hint of confusion and fall a bit behind.

"Inspector Diao has certainly grown stronger," Quan Heng remarked, clasping his palms together after Fang Yu slowed down to match his pace.

"Of course, I've been putting in a great deal of effort," Fang Yu replied with a chuckle. Being commended by someone who had easily overpowered him in the past was, in a way, a validation of his enhanced strength.

Quan Heng initiated the conversation, and Fang Yu responded in kind, asking, "Speaking of which, I never really knew the extent of Master Quan Heng's power. Back when we first met, you were holding back considerably during our spar, weren't you?"

"Amitabha, it was merely a misunderstanding then. There was no need for me to exert my full strength. As for my current cultivation..."

"Fate, Wheel, Thought, Emptiness... I am currently at the Emptiness Soul stage within the Seven Souls, which roughly corresponds to the Wood Realm in your Martial Arts cultivation."

Fang Yu felt a stir of emotion.

He didn't fully grasp the concept of the Emptiness Soul stage, but the Wood Realm was familiar.

Unlike the Taoist Qingling, who, despite being a powerful devotee, was ultimately an adversary and kept many secrets.

If Fang Yu had agreed to become his disciple back in Sunset City, perhaps things would have been different, and he might have gained valuable insights into cultivation.

However, by not becoming his apprentice, he had naturally missed out on a significant amount of information.

Monk Quan Heng, walking beside him, was different.

If one were to use a traditional game interface, the health bar floating above Quan Heng's head would typically indicate friendliness with a green hue.

Of course, this was merely Fang Yu's fanciful imagination. In reality, Quan Heng's Thousand Blood Bar appeared no different from anyone else's – a solid, blood-red color.

"Wood Realm... Is that the Initial Stage of the Wood Realm? Or perhaps the Middle Stage? Or High-level?" Fang Yu inquired cautiously.

This question bordered on sensitive territory.

If another cultivator were to ask Fang Yu about the specifics of his realm's strength, he would undoubtedly be displeased.

However, Master Quan Heng, being aligned with Fang Yu's faction or at least a neutral ally, pondered for a moment. He then clasped his palms together and replied, "It's likely equivalent to the High-level of the Wood Realm in your Martial Arts. My master mentioned that after that night in Tianyuan Town, I've been nearing a breakthrough. Yet, I don't personally feel it; it's most likely just my master attempting to console me."

With a decisive step, Fang Yu halted his movement. His expression turned serious as he offered a respectful salute. "Master Quan Heng, my current strength stands at the Initial Stage of the Wood Realm, and I appear to have encountered a bottleneck. I am quite perplexed and would be deeply grateful if Master Quan Heng could offer guidance when you have the time."

This gesture was both courteous and sincere.

Both individuals had disclosed their respective cultivation realms, yet they implicitly understood that this information would remain confidential between them.

While Fang Yu kept several potent trump cards hidden, such as his Bone Armor, Demonization, Bloodline Spirit, and the Yuan Demon Body, he couldn't be certain if Monk Quan Heng possessed his own clandestine abilities.

A certain degree of openness was already a profound demonstration of trust.

Had it not been for their established acquaintance and a basic understanding of each other's personalities, Fang Yu would never have disclosed his current cultivation realm to the monk.

"Amitabha, I wouldn't presume to guide you; rather, let us strive for improvement through mutual exchange," Monk Quan Heng replied.

With the context set, they shared a knowing smile.

Fang Yu observed that upon meeting Monk Quan Heng again, the monk seemed to have subtly transformed, though Fang Yu couldn't pinpoint the exact nature of the change. Their connection back in Tianyuan Town was nowhere near as deep as it was now.

Exiting the narrow alley and emerging onto the bustling street, they deliberately slowed their pace, merging seamlessly with the moving throng.

"Master Quan Heng, earlier I observed your techniques, and they appear quite distinct from the believers I've encountered during my travels," Fang Yu commented.

"You have encountered other believers?" Quan Heng responded, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

Encounters with fellow believers were indeed uncommon.

Utilizing the surrounding crowd as a natural screen, they felt no apprehension about being overheard.

Fang Yu initially nodded, then elaborated, "I witnessed that believer in combat; a crimson Qi Shield enveloped them, exceptionally resilient, which they employed against adversaries. However, your methods resembled those of an ordinary Martial Artist, lacking any visible blood shield."

"So, Inspector Diao could perceive that? Ah, yes... you mentioned possessing the strength of the Wood Realm."

After a brief pause, Quan Heng offered an explanation: "The situation is rather straightforward. Consider me an example; believers are categorized into three distinct stages. The first stage marks the initial awakening as a believer, wherein one harnesses spiritual power to condense what you term a blood shield, also referred to as the Spirit Shield."

"The second stage involves the refinement of the Spirit Shield, transforming it from a purely defensive barrier into a form best suited to the individual. This form manifests differently for each person. Some opt to maintain the original Spirit Shield's configuration, merely enhancing its protective capabilities. Others, like myself, undertake a complete reshaping of the Spirit Shield. Consequently, what I currently wield is not the raw Spirit Shield, but its altered manifestation, rendering it less conspicuous."

"The third stage entails the integration of the Spirit Shield directly into the body, fostering a profound union between spirit and flesh—a goal I am diligently pursuing. Successful integration will likely coincide with a breakthrough in my cultivation realm."

Fang Yu absorbed this explanation, gaining a clear understanding.

It became apparent that his own Bloodline Spirit state was merely at the nascent first stage.

Viewed in this light, his path forward was still considerable.

He halted his steps abruptly.

"Master Quan Heng, please return to the An Mansion to deliver your report, and then proceed to my Forest Snake Gang as soon as feasible. I have some personal matters that require my immediate attention."

The grand plan to hunt demons had only just commenced.

Fang Yu had no intention of pausing their efforts.

With a believer now at his side, the need to actively lure demons had diminished. If any demons possessed a shred of self-preservation, the mere sight of Quan Heng would likely send them scattering.

The sheer, innate deterrent effect believers represented, akin to a natural predator for demons, would undoubtedly prevent ordinary demons from daring to approach.

Quan Heng appeared visibly surprised by the sudden change in plans.

Their conversation had been progressing smoothly, and now Fang Yu had an urgent task.

Nevertheless, he didn't dwell on it and clasped his hands together in the customary gesture.

"Amitabha, if that is the case, Inspector Diao, I shall take my leave. If all proceeds as expected, I should arrive at your establishment tonight. Should any unforeseen circumstances arise, I will dispatch someone to the Forest Snake Gang to inform you."

Fang Yu offered a smiling nod in return.

"Very well."