Adhering to the principle of striking first, Li Rui leaped into the air, stepping on the body of the Bone Giant. A bright pattern of skills appeared in his palm, as the giant's head was as tall as a person — a sure Critical Strike no matter how it was hit!
To catch the enemy off guard and gain faster speed, Li Rui allocated 2 attribute points from the previous event and 3 attribute points from leveling up all to physique as soon as the Bone Giant rose.
Now, at level 2, he has 13 physique points, which even surpasses many level 4 or 5 agents.
His actions were so swift that just before he made his move, the Secret Realm prompt arrived late.
[Random Event Triggered: Live Sacrifice.]
[Event Objective: Transcend Lost Souls.]
[Reward: Experience +400, Assignable Skill Point +1, Random Quality Equipment.]
The experience reward given by this Bone Giant was more than the previous waves of group enemies, and the random item specified was equipment. This alone indicated that it was a more powerful Elite Monster.
It's highly possible that its original design was meant for a team, requiring multiple attackers working together to defeat this high-level boss.
However, unfortunately, it faced an overdeveloped Li Rui.
Bang!
A perfect angle Critical Strike landed on the Bone Giant's face.
"Aww—"
With a roar, the tall figure stumbled, wildly waving its hands in the air to ward off the guy who lacked martial ethics and struck first.
By the time Li Rui landed from the air, he had evaded these attacks, secretly marveling at how the Elite Monster didn't suffer a fatal blow from his Critical Strike, but just swayed a bit.
If it were the Snake-headed Demon Monk or the Twisted Bone Evil Monk from before, they would have been killed instantly.
However, judging from the giant's actions, Li Rui believed he could still take it down. The only issue was he might expend a large amount of spiritual power and stamina, and at this point, he was level 2, needing 800 experience to reach level 3. The unexpected event reward alone wasn't enough for the upgrade.
And the temple was full of crises, with no telling what would happen next. If he consumed too much, it wouldn't be beneficial for clearing the dungeon later on, especially since only half an hour had passed.
By this time, the giant had regained its stance, with its grim claws made of bones descending swiftly and powerfully from above. The attack's range was so vast that a regular level 2 agent likely couldn't dodge this move.
However, Li Rui's perception was strong, instantly sensing where he should evade. His physique was also sufficient to support his quick repositioning.
While he sprinted with all his might, an unexpected change occurred.
In the path of the Bone Claw's attack, a red paper appeared out of nowhere, resembling a talisman.
What surprised Li Rui the most was he hadn't even noticed how the talisman appeared.
Szi!
Amidst his astonishment, brilliant golden light erupted from the talisman, scorching and dazzling, so blindingly intense it looked like it could explode with another glance.
But in the next moment, all the golden light surged, transforming into Golden Thunder, vastly differing in aura from the prior blood-red Celestial Thunder, roaring towards the Bone Giant.
Boom—
In an instant, the giant, which had endured Li Rui's hit seemingly unscathed, vanished without a trace, reduced to dust in the Golden Thunder.
As the dust settled, the real person controlling the talisman was revealed: an old man with white hair and beard, donning a yellow and purple Daoist robe, holding a black wooden and silver silk Duster in his right hand and a yet-to-be-released spell in his left hand.
Although he looked elderly, his eyes were exceptionally clear.
However, Li Rui was furious.
Why is this old Daoist still kill-stealing!
He took two steps forward, angrily shouting, "You—"
At this moment, a notification from the Secret Realm arrived.
[The lost soul has been transcended, random event Live Sacrifice completed.]
[Experience +400 received.]
[You have new attribute points.]
[You have new equipment.]
Li Rui turned his anger into joy, changing his expression at lightning speed: "You, old Daoist, have impressive skills. I am impressed, elder."
The Daoist's figure swayed, suddenly crossing the spear forest in an instant, appearing nearby.
Li Rui was startled, instinctively jumping back a step.
The old Daoist looked him up and down: "Young man, why are you here alone? This Cloud Temple once thrived with incense offerings, but now it is extremely dangerous."
"So, the real name of this place is Cloud Temple. He seems very knowledgeable; is he a fixed NPC in this dungeon? His power far exceeds mine, better not make an enemy easily."
Having figured out the strategy, Li Rui said, without reddening or skipping a beat: "I noticed the evil presence here, worried it might harm those outside the temple, so I wanted to come in and see if I could do my part."
He racked his brain, trying to make his words sound more cultural.
The old Daoist nodded slightly after hearing him: "Such a kind heart deserves the title of a young hero. This humble Daoist is Chongxuzi from Shenxiao Palace. May I ask the young hero's name?"
This name sounds reliable!
"My name is Li Rui."
"Rui, meaning fortune, the young hero must be blessed with good fortune," Chongxuzi smiled.
Why do I feel like he's mocking me? Li Rui frowned slightly.
Chongxuzi continued, "I noticed your strike was powerful and profound. May I ask your teacher?"
"Self-taught, I just wing it." Li Rui didn't know how to explain to an NPC that he was playing a game in their world.
Chongxuzi was a bit surprised: "A remarkable talent, the young hero. Nevertheless, I must advise you, this is a place of strife, not suitable to stay long. It is better for you to leave soon."
I wish I could leave! The gate was sealed, and I can't get out even if I want to.
Li Rui looked towards the temple's main gate and suddenly froze.
The heavy wooden doors, previously locked by the Secret Realm's power, were now wide open, the layer of cyan light representing the underlying rules had disappeared.
Only then did he realize, belatedly, that the old Daoist had opened the Dungeon's door.
"Wait a minute, that's not right. Leader Zhao mentioned that those who can transcend dungeons and escape the Secret Realm's underlying rules should be world NPCs."
When he looked at Chongxuzi again, his gaze had changed.
This guy must be a character of several dozen levels.
Back then, the sickly doctor Zhao Wuji had explained that such NPCs were incredibly powerful, moving between dungeons, a massive variable. In principle, if aiming to clear the dungeon, it was advisable to stay away from such people.
Li Rui thought this old Daoist indeed was formidable, not only able to break the Secret Realm's rules but also capable of covering great distances quickly and effortlessly defeating the Bone Giant.
Faced with such a person, he had a clear thought.
"Keep away? Nonsense! Since I have to stay in the temple, I must cling to this powerful ally. How can I persuade, rather, convince him to help me clear the dungeon?"
Seeing the person before him silent for a long time, Chongxuzi, with clear eyes, said: "Young hero?"