"So, instead of the Cloud Knights' base, I'll be taking you straight to the Shackling Prison—all expenses paid, heavily guarded, maximum security."
Just moments ago, he had been calling her "big sister" with every breath.
But now, his tone shifted abruptly.
His expression, once bright and confident, turned stern and serious.
March 7th and Stelle both looked surprised.
They had just been teasing Yanqing—
But it turned out he had been aware all along!
He'd simply kept quiet to investigate Blade's whereabouts first!
The two exchanged awkward glances.
The live chat's tone also flipped instantly:
"[Yanqing might be a bit arrogant, but he's sharp and vigilant!]"
"[Jing Yuan taught him well!]"
"[He's been playing dumb this whole time!]"
"[Though, let's be real—that's his master's master he's dealing with.]"
Facing Yanqing's accusation, Jingliu remained as calm as ever.
"Suspicious behavior, hiding your identity—that alone is enough. Did you think just because I'm young, I'd be easy to fool?"
"Not to mention, how did a 'stranded traveler' suddenly appear in a sealed-off port? And your movements—light, precise—nothing like a blind person's."
"As for your swordplay analysis—hearing the flow of my techniques is one thing, but you even counted the exact number of flying swords I wielded. That's not something an ordinary person could do."
"You're no ordinary woman, are you?"
Jingliu replied, "I never said I was blind. You assumed that when you saw the black cloth over my eyes."
For a moment, Yanqing was speechless.
Jingliu continued, "Don't worry, little one. I bear no grudge against you, nor do I intend harm to Xianzhou."
"The blindfold is proof that I seek to avoid triggering old memories—lest I fall back into madness and repeat past sins."
Hearing this, Jing Yuan looked slightly surprised.
He even glanced at the real Jingliu beside him.
Her mental state and reasoning were shockingly clear.
Almost none of the signs of Mara-struck corruption remained on the surface.
Could it be... she had truly found a way to suppress it?
For a fleeting moment, it felt as if the old Jingliu—his mentor and friend—had returned.
The feeling vanished as quickly as it came.
Jing Yuan suppressed those emotions.
This was likely just an illusion.
He'd have to see how the story unfolded.
"I came here to capture one man. Traveling with you was merely convenient," Jingliu said.
"You're also... after [Blade]?" Yanqing ventured.
"[Blade]—so that's what he calls himself now? A fitting name for one who lives by the sword."
"You're no match for me—and thus, no match for [Blade]. Having me accompany you is the only way you'll survive, little one."
Meanwhile, in the real world—
Jing Yuan, Jingliu, and Dan Heng all turned toward the door at the same time.
A hand pushed it open slightly.
"No one called you. It's just the game's storyline," Dan Heng said flatly.
Blade stood frozen, his expression eerily blank.
"You want to watch too?" Jing Yuan asked.
Jing Yuan placed the Jade Abacus on the floor, activating its projection mode so all four could watch together.
On the small ship's bow, the four of them gathered around the glowing screen—
Silently observing the story unfold.
To an outsider, the scene might've looked almost... nostalgic.
"The blade has yet to be drawn—how can you know the outcome? Don't underestimate my sword," Yanqing retorted.
Jingliu replied, "I'd rather not fight a fellow Cloud Knight. How about this—"
"Let's compete. We'll test our blades against the Abundance abominations infesting the Luofu. Whoever slays more, faster, wins."
"If I lose, I'll surrender willingly—straight to the Shackling Prison, no resistance."
"But if I win, you share [Blade]'s whereabouts with me. Fair?"
Yanqing shook his head. "Cloud Knights don't bargain with duty. Besides—you won't win."
"I admire your confidence. But as you said—'the blade has yet to be drawn.'"
Blade actually spoke up: "This kid really picked the wrong opponent."
"If I recall, you never lost a single duel as Sword Champion?"
Jingliu turned to him. "You seem well. You're even remembering things."
"Hearing the game's dialogue... brought some things back," Blade muttered.
Jing Yuan chuckled. "Yingxing—no, Blade—it seems even you can't resist a good story."
"Why not spar with him yourself?"
Blade ignored Jing Yuan.
He also seemed to temporarily lose interest in Dan Heng.
His focus remained entirely on the unfolding plot.
Meanwhile, on the other ship—
Yanqing had leapt to his feet in excitement!
"Finally! A real test of skill!"
"If it's a speed contest against the Abundance creatures, I've got a real shot!"
"Jingliu's been gone for years—probably spent all that time suppressing her Mara. Plus, she's older now."
"Meanwhile, I've been training nonstop—theory and combat both!"
"My odds should be higher... right?"
"No, better stay humble. Let's say... 50-50."
He clenched his fists.
Even though it wasn't him personally fighting, he was fully immersed—
Wishing he could jump into the screen and take on the challenge himself!
Seeing his tension, March 7th reassured him: "Relax, little Yanqing! Stelle and I admit we underestimated you earlier."
"Go on! Beat this 'Jingliu'!"
"We're rooting for you!"
"Thanks," Yanqing nodded.
Guinaifen and the viewers also began analyzing and predicting:
"I still think Jingliu's stronger! No matter her current state, she was the Sword Champion. Yanqing's still too young—he's got a ways to go before claiming that title."
"[In Flying Light, Jingliu was like a queen! But now she seems... subdued. Maybe past her prime?]"
"[She looks so frail—was that short film exaggerating her strength?]"
"[50-50! Xianzhou proverb: 'Fists fear youth.' Swords probably follow the same logic.]"
"[Old Sword Champion vs. future Sword Champion—this is gonna be good!]"
"[Hype! Let's see an epic duel!]"
Advance 100 Chapters are up on my !
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