Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1366 - 610: Sky-reaching Pillar (Part 2)

~6 minute read · 1,544 words
Previously on Online: I Can See Health Bars...
Fang Yu encounters Guo Yuxin and Monk Quan Heng, who seem to be engaged in some peculiar training. Monk Quan Heng reveals he must return to the An Mansion to repair the Sky-reaching Pillar. Ding Hui, however, expresses a sudden interest in seeing the pillar and asks to accompany Monk Quan Heng, prompting Fang Yu to reconsider his plans.

Monk Quan Heng posed his inquiry once more.

It felt less like a question about a visit to the An Mansion and more about whether they intended to reside there.

Following Ding Hui’s logic, the safest location is often the most perilous, making the An Mansion a prime example of hiding in plain sight. It was doubtful the Foolish Underworld would ever conceive of their targets seeking refuge within the domain of the Ten Major Families.

However, the Ten Major Families themselves likely harbored ancient protectors. Thunder City's magnitude was incomparable to Sunset City; the older the Family Heads in this city, the more probable it was that ancient behemoths lay hidden within.

A brief visit could be managed, and with Monk Quan Heng’s safeguarding, the likelihood of encountering such ancient beings would be negligible.

Yet, a prolonged stay seemed unnecessary. While the Forest Snake Gang was somewhat underpowered, it was, at least, recognized as their own territory, allowing for unhindered movement. Residing at the An Mansion would undoubtedly impose constant restrictions.

"I will decline; although the Forest Snake Gang operates on a smaller scale, the accommodations are quite pleasant, negating the need to relocate. As for the plans tomorrow... If Master Quan Heng has no objections, I would like Ding Hui to accompany you, provided you ensure her well-being."

"My husband’s words are my words!"

Ding Hui added, her voice sticky with affection.

"Amitabha. In that case, tomorrow, Benefactor Guo and Master Ding will accompany me back to the An Mansion. I merely intend to survey the premises. Based on prior assessments, the An Mansion does not appear poised for habitation anytime soon; a peculiar unease lingers."

Monk Quan Heng’s concluding remarks were delivered in a voice so hushed it seemed to be for his own ears alone.

A sudden clarity dawned upon Fang Yu.

With this development, Ding Hui would accompany Monk Quan Heng to the An Mansion tomorrow, liberating him to pursue the hunt for demons!

This meant... tomorrow was designated as hunting day!

Contemplating this, a flicker of anticipation stirred within Fang Yu, a curiosity about the caliber of demon intelligence furnished by the Rebel Army.

Hopefully, their findings would include some Great Demons with a blood gauge between forty to fifty thousand; fifty to sixty thousand would be ideal, but a super Great Demon exceeding sixty to seventy thousand would necessitate a meticulously crafted plan or the selection of a secluded area to unleash his most potent abilities.

While a grand feast of battles was desirable, it was not something to be consumed carelessly.

Even though nothing was definitively set, Fang Yu found himself already experiencing a quiet excitement and a burgeoning sense of expectation.

With the immediate matters resolved, Guo Yuxin commenced her persistent entreaties to Monk Quan Heng, urging him to impart his martial arts knowledge, demonstrating a remarkable lack of shame...

Meanwhile, Ding Hui gathered her various tinctures and implements, retreating inside.

Fang Yu followed her, but was abruptly called to a halt.

"Mr. Diao."

Turning, he observed Forest Snake Gang's Hall Master Xiong Rudong, accompanied by the other two Hall Masters, Tian Xinghan and Zhang Xiangzhi.

Fang Yu had limited prior dealings with the latter two, but he harbored a distinct fondness for the sturdy demeanor of Xiong Rudong.

Only after exchanging greetings did he grasp their purpose: to convey their profound gratitude.

All three bore visible injuries, their bandaged and medicated states creating an unsettling sight, yet their deliberate act of expressing reverence was undeniably considerate.

One does not strike a figure met with a smile, so Fang Yu graciously welcomed their sentiments.

"Had Mr. Diao not intervened this time, our Forest Snake Gang would have faced utter annihilation."

"Mr. Diao’s intervention turned the tide; having you as a Guest Elder is a divine blessing upon the Forest Snake Gang!"

"Mr. Diao, when you first arrived, I harbored certain reservations. But now, I am a complete convert! Henceforth, unless explicitly ordered by the Gang Leader, my allegiance belongs solely to Mr. Diao!"

As their effusive praise continued, Fang Yu felt a slight swelling of pride.

However, a moment of introspection followed...

I merely subdued some minor adversaries. I haven't accomplished anything truly monumental.

Observing their combat power, exceeding four thousand blood...

Frankly, it wasn't as if he had performed some extraordinary feat; they were simply too feeble...

That being said, a strength of four to five thousand blood in Tianyuan Town signifies a Captain-level individual, representing the core of Tianyuan Town's might.

In Thunder City, the exact standing of such strength remained uncertain, though it should likely be categorized as foundational power.

After all, within Thunder City's Foolish Underworld, individuals at the Captain level typically boast only around five thousand blood.

This suggests that this particular threshold is just sufficient for maintaining a defensive stance.

"Husband, please invite them inside for a conversation; it is late, and the air outside is quite chilly."

Ding Hui's suggestion to welcome them in was met with their polite refusal as they took their leave.

Shortly thereafter, they departed.

Fang Yu secured the door after re-entering, noticing Ding Hui's smiling gaze upon him.

"Diao Keqing, are you willing to come inside?"

"Cease your teasing. What are your intentions regarding Song Zhenrong's situation tomorrow?"

Regarding Song Zhenrong, Fang Yu felt unable to offer any immediate assistance.

"Simply instruct the servants to convey the message in the morning; my thoughts are not yet sufficiently focused for rash actions at this moment."

Fang Yu, finding no way to assist further, replied, "Just handle it yourself. I'll try to finish my tasks tomorrow, so you can have free time to visit people."

He paused for a moment, a question forming.

"By the way, what do you know about those Ten Pillars belonging to the Ten Major Families?"

Ding Hui shook her head gently.

"Though I stayed in Thunder City for a considerable time, my knowledge of the Sky-reaching Pillars is quite limited."

"Firstly, I was just a beginner back then. I hadn't earned enough standing in Thunder City to get close to influential powers like the Ten Major Families."

"Secondly, the Sky-reaching Pillars are unique assets, exclusively held by the Ten Major Families."

"It's not just me; even within the Ten Major Families, their own young masters and ladies, or those of even higher standing, might not have access."

"So, I was genuinely surprised when I heard Master Quan Heng was repairing the An Family’s Demon Suppression Pillar. It seems Zhongfu Temple's reputation does carry weight," Ding Hui concluded.

Fang Yu sensed, perhaps mistakenly, that Ding Hui didn't hold Monk Quan Heng in particularly high regard...

Could it be simple prejudice because Monk Quan Heng hails from Zhongfu Temple?

Yet, Zhongfu Temple is certainly not lacking in prestige.

The monks of Zhongfu Temple dedicate themselves to good deeds and accumulate merit. Although, according to Ding Hui, the high-ranking monks there are rather eccentric, their years of accumulated reputation and standing should be quite formidable.

Most importantly, they possess the necessary skills.

Repairing those Ten Pillars isn't a task for just anyone. The fact that Thunder City sought help from Zhongfu Temple indicates that the temple holds the crucial knowledge.

"Did you inquire about how Master Quan Heng intends to repair the Demon Suppression Pillar?" Fang Yu asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Naturally, but Master Quan Heng stated it's a secret technique passed down through his sect and cannot be revealed. However, he mentioned that observing the process is permitted, and understanding his repair method through complete observation shouldn't be too difficult,"

Ding Hui said this as if it were a trivial matter.

In reality, achieving such a feat is nearly impossible.

It's akin to a martial arts prodigy mastering techniques after just a few glances and then executing them perfectly in battle—an utterly astounding accomplishment...

"Oh, wait!"

As if recalling something significant, Ding Hui suddenly added.

"During my time in Thunder City, while I was investigating the Ten Pillars, I overheard speculation suggesting they might actually be ten powerful artifacts!"

"...Are you serious?"

"Who really knows? There are numerous theories circulating in Thunder City about the Ten Pillars. The artifact hypothesis is considered relatively plausible. But think about it, if artifacts are remnants of Immortal Treasures, and these Ten Sky-reaching Pillars are all artifacts, then what caliber of Immortal Treasures must they have originated from?"

Ding Hui’s eyes held a look of longing. Even though she disliked martial arts, she was captivated by the legends of Immortal Gods.

"If the Ten Pillars are indeed artifacts, that's certainly impressive. But if they truly possess the power to suppress demons, that would be truly extraordinary..."

Fang Yu murmured.

"You're not wrong. The arrangement of the Ten Pillars incorporates principles of formations. I recently learned a bit about formations myself and noticed some underlying patterns. However, the claim of Pillars suppressing demons... hmm, it's hard to say for sure. Perhaps it's true. Oh, speaking of which! Do you recall the array used by the Hai Family in Sunset City?"