The Side Character Who Wins by Doing Nothing

Chapter 43: Chapter 43: United Combat

Liu Xi had been a little annoyed to hear Lu Sangjiu shouting for Gu Jue, but when she heard the second half of the cry—that *she* was here—her displeasure vanished in an instant.

So, with their combined efforts, Gu Jue finally noticed them amid the chaos and reached them in just a few leaps.

Perhaps because Lu Sangjiu had shouted even more vigorously than Liu Xi, Gu Jue’s sense of direction was slightly off.

He didn’t land in front of Liu Xi, but in front of Lu Sangjiu instead.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, Lu Sangjiu pointed to a pouting Liu Xi. "Er... your junior sister is over there."

Only then did Gu Jue turn to Liu Xi. "Are you alright?"

In front of Gu Jue, Liu Xi was like a completely different person and incredibly easy to please.

She had been pouting just a moment ago, but the instant Gu Jue asked after her, she shook her head, her face blossoming into a smile. "I’m fine! Eldest Brother, what about you? Are you injured?"

Gu Jue shook his head as well. "My companions are up ahead. Let’s go join them."

Afraid Gu Jue would leave them behind, Lu Sangjiu quickly added, "We’re with Liu Xi!"

Gu Jue glanced at her and grunted in acknowledgment. "Come along, then."

’Now that I’ve latched onto the male lead’s coattails, I can finally relax.’

On the way over, Chi Yan sidled up to her to gossip. "That’s Gu Jue, right? You two know each other?"

Latching onto a powerful figure was one thing, but she still had to draw a clear line. Lu Sangjiu replied reservedly, "We’ve had a few dealings in the past. We’re not close."

Chi Yan nodded in understanding and griped, "I’ve heard for a while that Gu Jue is arrogant and difficult to get along with."

"After meeting his junior sister and now him, I can only say they’re truly from the same sect. Both of them must have grown up on a block of ice."

Lu Sangjiu couldn’t agree more, but she kept her opinion to herself, only instructing Chi Yan, "Mr. Gu is incredibly strong. Stay close to him."

Chi Yan clearly didn’t have the instinct to cling to a powerful backer, but he was useful to Lu Sangjiu, so she had to drag him along for the ride anyway.

Following Gu Jue to the very front, Lu Sangjiu’s gaze swept over his companions. She didn’t recognize any of them, which saved her the trouble of making small talk.

The situation was urgent, and no one was in the mood for introductions. A few quick nods were exchanged, and that was that.

They had stopped just short of a vast swamp. Lu Sangjiu could see the bodies of two Cultivators slowly sinking into the mire.

Clearly, they were the first to rush in without understanding the situation and had already paid the ultimate price.

Seeing this, no one dared to move forward, even with a beast tide at their backs. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

One of the less resilient Cultivators had already broken down. "It’s over... We’re going to die here!"

"SOB... I don’t want to die!"

An air of despair began to spread. Gu Jue’s brow furrowed, and he said in a heavy voice, "It’s not time for despair just yet."

Someone immediately vented their frustrations on Gu Jue. "Easy for you to say! Who do you think you are? If you’re so capable, stop running your mouth and get us out of here!"

The name Gu Jue was famous throughout the Cultivation World, but few had actually seen him in person.

The speaker clearly didn’t recognize Gu Jue, and given the circumstances, they didn’t hold back in their tirade.

Gu Jue’s expression turned cold. Just as he was about to speak, Lu Sangjiu cut in.

She wore a gentle smile, her voice soft. "Fellow cultivator, I know it’s impossible not to feel anxious at a time like this, but lashing out won’t do any good."

Lu Sangjiu’s tone was pleasant, and she was beautiful besides. No matter how frayed everyone’s nerves were, it was hard to snap at someone speaking so gently.

For a moment, everyone fell silent, listening to what Lu Sangjiu had to say.

Seeing her chance, Lu Sangjiu gestured to Gu Jue. "This fellow cultivator beside me... I imagine many of you don’t recognize him, so allow me to make an introduction."

"This is the Lingjian Sect’s greatest prodigy of this generation, Gu Jue!"

"Many of you have surely heard the name Gu Jue. If even he can’t give us a glimmer of hope for survival, who can?"

There are few Cultivators at the Nascent Soul realm or above in the entire Cultivation World, let alone among those who entered this Secret Realm.

Therefore, a Late-stage Golden Core Cultivator like Gu Jue, especially one who was a leader among his peers, was already an incredibly powerful figure.

And that was without even mentioning his title as the Lingjian Sect’s greatest prodigy, which was more than enough to command respect.

After a brief silence, someone exclaimed excitedly, "You’re really Gu Jue? This is great! We’re saved!"

Once one person spoke up, the morale of the group was easily lifted. The crowd, which had been lifeless just moments before, quickly found a renewed hope for survival.

This was precisely Lu Sangjiu’s goal.

At a time like this, Gu Jue’s name was the perfect medicine to rally the crowd.

The sudden shift left Gu Jue a little stunned, but he quickly realized Lu Sangjiu’s intent. He gave her a slight nod. "Thank you."

Lu Sangjiu didn’t speak aloud, instead sending him a voice transmission. "There’s no need for thanks. The beast tide is almost upon us. The only way we’re getting out of this is to fight with our backs to the wall."

"Mr. Gu, I’ve rallied their spirits. The rest is up to you."

Gu Jue’s gaze hardened instantly. He gave Lu Sangjiu a firm nod. "Leave it to me."

With Lu Sangjiu having paved the way, the next steps were much easier. Gu Jue organized everyone into an orderly battle formation, ready to fight the moment the beast tide arrived.

The Cultivators present were from different sects, each with their own specialties. Gu Jue had everyone form teams of three.

Each team needed a front-liner for close combat and to absorb damage, a back-liner for damage output, and someone with an outstanding movement technique who could provide support wherever needed.

There were also a few Medical Cultivators present; they were stationed at the rear to treat the wounded.

If someone on a team was injured, they were to retreat immediately for healing, while the remaining members could join a neighboring team to continue the fight.

After Gu Jue finished speaking, the others began to form teams on their own.

Lu Sangjiu naturally teamed up with Chi Yan. She had intended to offer the last spot to Liu Xi, but the other girl had already grabbed Gu Jue’s arm. "Eldest Brother, I’ll be with you!"

Liu Xi and Gu Jue, along with a front-liner named Lin Ziye, formed a team, leaving an open spot on Lu Sangjiu’s.

Just then, one of the male cultivators from Gu Jue’s original group stepped forward and smiled at Lu Sangjiu. "As it happens, my movement technique is pretty good. I’ll join your team."

Lu Sangjiu naturally agreed. "Alright!"

’I’ve never seen this person before, so why does his voice sound so familiar?’

But with the battle imminent, she had no time to dwell on it. She focused, steeling herself for the coming beast tide.

Not long after they finished organizing, the beast tide was upon them.

In the distance, a horde of at least a thousand demon beasts charged toward them, a spectacular and terrifying sight.

But everyone was already prepared to fight to the death. No one retreated.

With a single order from Gu Jue, the crowd launched their attacks on the horde of demon beasts!