Apocalypse: Everyone Levels Up, I Return to the Time Before the Server Opened-Chapter 93

Chapter 93: Trashy Life-Preserving Sword, Girls Mature Early!

Zhouxing City. High Tower. In Elder Han Wenqing’s private study…

“You bastard! Don’t push me!” Ye Qiu shouted angrily at the ancient sword embedded in the rock.

Then, he reached out to pull it.

However… The ancient sword didn’t budge in the slightest.

It didn’t react at all. It was as if it were part of the rock itself!

“Damn it... this is infuriating!”

Since being reincarnated, this was the first time Ye Qiu had been this pissed off.

This sword really wasn’t giving him any face!

Whether he spoke kindly or harshly, it gave no reaction whatsoever!

Sigh...

Ye Qiu let out a helpless sigh.

No other choice, he had to cheat.

He began to stir a special area within his mind, where a wisp of sword intent floated.

Sword intent was perception that touched the core of the sword path!

It wouldn’t become widely known among players until Version 3.0, when the Ancient Gods descended.

Ye Qiu was already ahead by several versions!

Whoosh!

Soon, an indescribable aura radiated from Ye Qiu.

His whole presence grew sharp like an unsheathed sword, commanding all other blades beneath the heavens!

Buzz buzz buzz...

The ancient sword in the rock finally reacted!

Its trembling seemed more like the fearful submission of a lower lifeform in the presence of a superior!

Clang clang clang!

The sword shook violently, colliding with the rock, producing sharp metallic clangs that hurt the ears.

Ye Qiu reached out and gripped the sword’s hilt.

With a forceful tug…

Zzzzzttt...

The sound of metal scraping against stone rang out, accompanied by sparks.

Finally, the ancient sword was completely drawn out by Ye Qiu!

“Heh, finally got you out!” Ye Qiu exhaled in relief.

With the sword intent dissipated, his body returned to normal, though his lips were a bit pale.

Using sword intent always drained him greatly.

His attention quickly shifted to the sword in his hand.

Previously, the sword had been in a semi-sealed state, making it impossible to view its stats.

Now that it was fully drawn, the details naturally appeared:

[Life-Preserving Sword (Orange Epic)]

[No equip requirements.]

[+100 Constitution.]

[Passive Skill – Adaptability: After use, allows manual adjustment of displayed stats, hiding true level. Ineffective against targets more than 20 levels above the user.]

“Uh...” Ye Qiu shook his head, visibly disappointed. “So mediocre! Just plain average!

“It’s not even comparable to the skill on the ‘Coward’s Cloak’!

“For something so trashy, you sure played hard to get!”

As if hurt by his criticism, the Life-Preserving Sword began to buzz again.

Still, trash or not, it was better than having no sword!

Ye Qiu tested the Adaptability skill.

In the next second, a virtual panel appeared before his eyes, almost identical to his own character status window.

On this panel, most of the stats could be adjusted manually!

For example: Level.

Ye Qiu pushed it up to 999999...

No upper limit.

Then down to -999999...

Also no lower limit.

Even the four core attributes could be adjusted!

Ye Qiu was entertained for about ten minutes before getting bored.

In the end, he set his level to 10, and adjusted the stats back to normal ranges.

Stretching, he glanced at his master, Han Wenqing, still refining pills in the secret chamber.

So he logged off.

Everything now rested on tomorrow’s meeting with the Human Emperor’s avatar!

The thought alone made Ye Qiu’s blood surge with excitement!

—

In the real world.

At Ye Qiu’s house, Su Xintong had finished preparing the meal.

As she was about to serve it, she noticed Ye Qiu seemed to have “fallen asleep” again, his eyes tightly shut.

This time, she didn’t dare wake him, afraid something might go wrong again.

Worried, she tiptoed over and placed her finger beneath his nose.

“He’s breathing... thank goodness.” Patting her chest, she sighed in relief.

What she feared most now was Ye Qiu suddenly dying!

Even if she wasn’t a murderer, outsiders would surely look at her suspiciously.

“You better not die!” Su Xintong muttered at him.

The dim room, lit only by faint candlelight, cast shadows on Ye Qiu’s face.

Sword-like brows, starry eyes, a high nose bridge, perfectly shaped lips...

He was, truthfully, very handsome.

If his long hair were trimmed a little, he’d be no less attractive than any so-called “hot” TV idol!

Maybe even more so. He had a unique youthful aura that was even more captivating.

Girls tend to mature early, and Su Xintong was no exception.

Staring at Ye Qiu, she unconsciously compared him with the other boys she knew and realized that this boy, who had always stayed under the radar and constantly ignored, was in a league of his own when it came to looks!

Why hadn’t she noticed before?

Must’ve been because he always looked so messy and unkempt!

With graduation and final exams approaching, students’ nerves, which were tight for three years, were finally beginning to relax.

At school and in student group chats, bold boys and girls were already flirting, confessing, and even making out openly in classrooms!

Rain pouring outside, dim lighting, just the two of them alone in the room...

It created a naturally relaxing and intimate atmosphere.

Not romantic per se, just a mood that made one let down their guard.

It brought out Su Xintong’s playful, romantic side — sparking innocent, girlish thoughts.

“Why are you so close to me?” suddenly, a voice interrupted.

“Ah!” Startled, Su Xintong’s legs gave out and she plopped onto the floor!

“Uh...” Ye Qiu was baffled.

Was that reaction really necessary?

In the dim light, he couldn’t see Su Xintong’s flushed face.

He just heard her mumble with a guilty tone, “D-dinner’s ready... I came to wake you up...”

“Oh.” Ye Qiu sat up, his injuries had long since healed.

Su Xintong panicked and quickly stopped him. “Don’t move! What if you... die again or cough up blood? What do I do then?!”

While she spoke, she rushed over to the stove, served up the dishes, and brought them to his bedside. “I’ll feed you.”

Without waiting for a response, she picked up chopsticks and aimed a bite of tomato scrambled eggs at him.

Ye Qiu could only laugh.

She really thought I am still a patient?

“I can feed myself.”

He smelled the food. It was simple tomato scrambled eggs, green pepper pork slices, and a pot of rice.

Seeing he insisted, Su Xintong let him eat on his own but warned, “If you feel unwell, you must tell me right away! Don’t you dare cough up blood again and scare me!”

“Got it.” Ye Qiu mumbled, mouth full of food.

Su Xintong served herself some too.

Watching Ye Qiu devour his food, she chuckled.

Besides her top grades, cooking was her strong suit.

With a busy father and lots of time alone, she’d picked up cooking young and turned out to have a real knack for it.

Even her picky father praised her endlessly.

“Next time, don’t put so much sugar in the tomato eggs. They’re a bit too sweet. And the green peppers are too thin. Also, the pork wasn’t marinated. It still has a bit of that raw meat smell,” Ye Qiu said after eating.

Su Xintong: “...”

After dinner, Ye Qiu suddenly turned to her. “Should I walk you home now?”

“Eh?” Su Xintong was surprised. Then protested, “It’s still raining hard out... and there’s no power.”

Ye Qiu smiled, “Which is exactly why it’s the best time! It’s dark, raining, and late. No one’s outside watching. They’ve probably all gone to bed!”

Su Xintong gave him a glance. “You just coughed up blood! What if you die halfway there?”

Ye Qiu waved her off. “Relax. I won’t go far, just to the alley entrance. I’ve got a raincoat. You can take it and no need to return it.”

After all, the apocalypse was just a few days away.

Who cared about returning things?

But Su Xintong didn’t answer right away.

Until…

Zzztt!

The power came back on!

The room lit up instantly.

From outside came a voice, “The power’s back! Old Zheng, watch the security cameras! Guard the gate! No one goes in or out!”