https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-211-Cangling-Debate-of-Swords-19-/13547305/
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Chapter 212: Cangling Debate of Swords (20)
Chapter 212: Cangling Debate of Swords (20)
This underground cavern was a vast map, with tunnels crisscrossing like a labyrinth, interconnected pathways, and numerous Flag markers. There were three entrances in total, hidden in secluded spots around Cangling Town. No matter which entrance a player used, they would initially face a single path. However, after passing through checkpoints filled with monsters and traps, the routes would branch out, with rewards scattered along these paths or at their ends.
The water pond where Xiao Tan and Bei Ling landed was theoretically navigable even for non-swimmers. While the center was deep, the edges gradually shallowed. Even if a player
Continuing forward from the water pool’s edge inevitably triggered a monster ambush.
“Something’s coming…” Xiao Tan remarked, stating the obvious as strange noises echoed ahead.
“That’s what I wanted to ask you,” Bei Ling replied, already pulling an MP5 from her satchel. She attached a flashlight to the gun’s barrel, aiming into the darkness. “This cave wall has no plants, but the lingering stench suggests an animal’s presence. The smell only appeared after this tunnel widened, meaning the creature is likely massive—confined to this section.”
“Then let’s run!” Xiao Tan suggested. “Retreat to the narrower passage. It won’t follow us there.”
“And then what?” Bei Ling countered, her voice steady. “This is the only path. The water pool might be temporarily safe, but we can’t stay here forever.”
“…You’re right,” Xiao Tan sighed, drawing his Winchester shotgun and loading bullets.
Retreating was technically viable. In this scenario, players didn’t need to eat, drink, or sleep—survival hinged only on avoiding monster attacks. If they waited until sunset, their teammates would notice their absence from the inn and come searching.
However, Feng Bu Jue had no way of knowing their predicament. He’d likely assume they were captured by Npcs rather than trapped in an underground pit. Even if Feng Bu Jue’s team searched every house, they’d probably overlook the hidden floor hatch in the remote, abandoned building.
In short, fleeing back to the water pool risked being trapped indefinitely—a conclusion Bei Ling had already reached.
“It’s close…” she murmured, her E-ranked reconnaissance proficiency sharper than Xiao Tan’s. As a shooting proficiency player, her vision pierced the darkness better.
Xiao Tan steadied his gun, preparing to fire.
Roar—
The ground trembled as a car-sized monster emerged. Its slick, water-glistening skin revealed a crocodile-like silhouette, though its head resembled a canine’s. The roar, however, was unmistakably bear-like.
Bang! Xiao Tan’s shotgun fired, unleashing a devastating blast at close range. Yet the monster’s armored hide deflected most damage—the pellets barely embedded in its scales without piercing flesh.
Simultaneously, Bei Ling’s MP5 opened up, her controlled bursts targeting the creature’s eyes with surgical precision.
The beast thrashed, snapping its jaws and dodging, but Bei Ling’s command cut through the chaos:
“Fall back!”
Xiao Tan understood immediately—not retreat, but tactical withdrawal. Reloading on the move, they fell into sync, firing while retreating.
Though the monster’s armor was formidable, the relentless assault forced it to defend its vulnerable eyes, slowing its advance. As its pace lagged, the duo gained the upper hand. With ample ammunition and ranged weapons, maintaining a five-meter distance meant they could kite it indefinitely in this confined space.
This creature, while imposing in the claustrophobic darkness, was deceptively weak. Its speed was sluggish, defense high but exploitable, and its attack repertoire limited to brute-force physical strikes. Unlike Feng Bu Jue and Si Yu’s encounter with the demonic tree, this foe was manageable.
The environment itself hinted at strategies: melee players could flee to narrower sections where the monster couldn’t follow, while ranged attackers could exploit its size—hitting it was easier than missing in the cramped tunnel.
Ironically, knowing the Flag’s location made fleeing optimal. The monster would eventually get stuck in a narrow choke point, immobilized and vulnerable.
Such design choices, while seemingly simplifying combat, were system-sanctioned logic. Hidden caverns with rewards or plot triggers wouldn’t force instant death—unlike sadistic nightmare modes.
Roar—
As predicted, after five minutes of kiting, the monster lunged—only to wedge itself in a narrowing rock formation, thrashing in frustration.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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