Chapter 74: Rejecting Pretentiousness Starts With Me

This skill was the Devil's Left Hand, which had leveled up to LV2 last night. Now, it could be summoned and dismissed at will, its agility vastly improved, nearly rivaling the Demon Hunter Nero's Devil Bringer.

"Aah!"

Number 11 jumped in fright, and Zoe looked displeased. She raised a hand and said,

"Let me go!"

Lin Xiao let go, feeling as if his body were being manipulated. Zoe pointed at him and commanded,

"Apologize to us. Bow at ninety degrees."

Lin Xiao moved backward two steps, bowing deeply to both of them like a puppet on strings, completely obeying Zoe's command.

Number 11 burst into laughter, shouting loudly,

"Make my big brother do Michael Jackson's crotch dance! His moves are sure to be seductive."

Recently, Number 11 had spent every day watching television at the supermarket. At the time, Michael Jackson was wildly popular in America, his performances dominating the screens. Number 11 had become his little fan.

Zoe was intrigued, giving another command,

"Do Michael Jackson's crotch dance. The more seductive, the better."

Lin Xiao's eyes turned vacant. One hand covered his crotch, the other held the back of his head, and he began to dance flirtatiously. His moves were outrageously provocative.

The two girls laughed uncontrollably, hugging each other as they pointed at Lin Xiao, unable to speak for their amusement.

The commotion lasted several minutes before Zoe lowered her hand, and Lin Xiao returned to normal, staring at them in bewilderment.

Who am I?
Where am I?
What just happened?

Number 11 recounted the events, clutching her stomach as she laughed, Zoe covering her mouth and giggling nonstop.

Lin Xiao slowly recalled, the scene resurfacing in his mind, his face burning with shame. He wished he could find a hole to hide in.

It was over. His lifelong reputation—gone forever.

"How did you do that, Miss Zoe?"

Hearing Number 11's question, Zoe raised a finger to her forehead and replied,

"This is an advanced technique of psychic power: mind control. I can control others' thoughts and turn them into my puppets. Your brother's mental strength is formidable, but mine is stronger, so I could easily take over his mind.

Do you want to learn, Eleven? Why not come to my room now, and I'll teach you the basics."

"Yes, yes, I want to learn! Then I can make the big bad guy dance every day. Let's see if he dares bully me again, hmph."

Number 11 cheered, grabbing Zoe's hand and dragging her to the room, leaving Lin Xiao alone, confused.

"Hey, is this a witches' coven? I want a refund for my tutoring fees."

"Sorry, wrong number. This is Kentucky."

Watching the girls disappear into the room, Lin Xiao felt his scalp tingling. He had intended to show off, but he had pushed it too far.

Of course, Zoe was showing off herself. He had interrupted her, and it was no wonder she reacted badly. It was all the fault of trying to outshine others!

From now on, he would reject all pretense—starting with himself.

Despite his embarrassment, Lin Xiao realized the true power of the Devil's Left Hand. This upgraded skill had evolved differently, its effect much stronger than merely upgrading with SP points.

He continued channeling magic, summoning the Devil's Left Hand again. A giant phantom hand extended outward, reaching a full five meters, touching the ancient pine across from the house.

With a thought, the Devil's Left Hand opened five carrot-thick fingers, grasped the trunk, and pulled hard. His body lifted into the air, crossing the open space and landing atop the tree.

"It really works."

Lin Xiao was delighted. He had suddenly remembered the single-player game 'Devil May Cry 4,' where the Demon Hunter Nero used the Devil Bringer in just this way—and so could he.

He summoned the Devil's Left Hand again, grabbed the railing under the eaves, soared back, and landed on the balcony.

"Perfect! With Devil's Left Hand and my dash slash, my agility has soared. Now I have movement in the air. Next time I face flying monsters—like vampires—I'll pull them down myself."

Lin Xiao thought excitedly, though he regretted the limited range; the Devil's Left Hand could only extend five meters. If only it were longer.

Indeed, shortness is the original sin! Fortunately, it wasn’t short now.

"The Devil's Left Hand is powerful, but Zoe's mind control is terrifying. I need to strengthen my mental defenses, or else I might kneel before another enemy without even fighting."

Right, he had the Mind Guardian Gem—and now he had the source power. He could forge a piece of jewelry specifically to boost his mental defenses, preventing future humiliation.

And he certainly didn't want to be manipulated by Number 11 every day; his dignity as a brother depended on it.

He opened the system and checked jewelry options. The best way to fuse the Mind Guardian Gem was with a ring, crafting a Mind Diamond Ring that could last a long time.

"The materials needed, aside from the gem, should ideally include a precious metal. I still have over two thousand dollars left. I'll buy a platinum ring and melt it down, then forge the Mind Diamond Ring as soon as possible."

Without delay, Lin Xiao woke his brother, Will, and the two went downstairs for breakfast.

As for Number 11 and Zoe, they were busy practicing mind control in the room. They probably weren't hungry, so no need to call them.

Driving Will to school, the day’s lessons passed quickly. By evening, Lin Xiao drove Will to the town’s only jewelry store, spending $2000 to purchase a platinum ring.

Platinum, also called white gold, is rarer than gold and more expensive. Why not use gold? Gold lacks the understated elegance and depth of platinum, and platinum pairs better with diamonds.

Returning home, he found Zoe gone and Number 11 at the supermarket protecting Joey. Lin Xiao secretly sighed in relief, told Will to stay downstairs and watch TV, and went to his room to forge the Mind Diamond Ring.

Last time, after defeating the demon projection, he had gained 100 points of source power. Combined with the previous 10, he now had 110—enough to craft the Mind Diamond Ring.

The materials were simple: one lower-grade elemental crystal, three portions of magic solvent, plus the platinum ring and the Mind Guardian Gem.

But before forging, Lin Xiao had a sudden idea. He swapped the lower-grade elemental crystal for a mid-grade one. Once all the materials were placed in the forge, a small interface appeared, prompting him to spend 50 points of source power for successful forging.

"Fifty points?"

Lin Xiao gasped. Last time, forging five pieces of equipment only cost 60 points. Now, one ring needed 50—this was daylight robbery.

"It must be the mid-grade elemental crystal. The resulting Mind Diamond Ring will surely be extraordinary."

Painfully, he clicked confirm. A flash of white light—and a ring set with a diamond appeared on the interface:

Radiant Platinum Star:
Item Type: Accessory
Equip Slot: Ring
Required Level: 6
Grade: Common
Weight: 0.15kg
Magic Defense: +20
Special Effects: 1. Intelligence +5, Spirit +5
2. Generates a Mind Shield, able to resist psychic attacks up to level 10; psychic resistance up to level 20 is 50%, up to level 30 is 20%

He took the ring from the inventory. A white diamond ring appeared in his palm—its smooth shape and elegant design exuding nobility and luxury.

A brilliant, square diamond was set on the ring, as if plucked from the sky and placed upon it, its dazzling radiance sure to make any girl scream.

Lin Xiao was certain: if he gave this ring to Zoe, tonight he’d end up in bed with her. (Someone: Hah! Dream on.)