บท 35: Chapter 34: Jingliu, Not Bad
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Jingliu was rumored to be Luofu's former sword leader, a legendary swordsman.
However, neither the annals of the Cloud Knights nor the libraries of the Divination Commission contained any records about her. Su Jinyan had no access to information on Jingliu; he only heard her name through tales from storytellers.
Despite this, it didn't hinder his ability to analyze and judge Jingliu's character.
Option one seemed unfeasible; such a cold and proud immortal maiden surely wouldn't lack admirers.
As for option three, it was a guaranteed path to death—he certainly didn't want Jingliu to strike him down with a single sword.
After brief contemplation, Su Jinyan chose option two:
["Jingliu, not bad."]
Under Jingliu's gaze, you turn away without any lingering attachment.
Jingliu blinked in surprise.
What an audacious soldier!
Throughout her life, she, Jingliu, the sword leader of Luofu, had encountered countless diverse individuals.
There was the solitary and lofty High Elder of Luofu, akin to the moon itself, who, upon witnessing her divine skill, felt compelled to challenge her in a quest for supremacy.
Then there was The Nameless, who traversed the star seas, well-versed in myriad experiences. He once steered his vessel specifically to bring her celestial wine brewed beyond the star sea, sharing spirited conversations under the shimmering night sky.
Renowned artisans regarded her as their confidante, while the apprentice she mentored had now become a distinguished leader among the cloud riders. Each of these individuals was both her friend and trusted companion, far surpassing the insignificant soldier before her.
Yet even they would never utter such audacious words to her.
["Stop."]
[As expected, Jingliu calls out to you.]
[She cannot comprehend where your unwarranted confidence stems from, leading you to make such arrogant remarks.]
["I saved your life," Jingliu asks, "don't you have anything to say?" ]
[Fool, how will you respond?]
Can I still improvise here? Su Jinyan's interest piqued; the Simulated Universe seemed to offer considerable freedom in interactions.
["Jingliu, not bad."]
[With a slight nod, you repeat the phrase once more, your eyes filled with the approving gaze typically reserved for an elder commending a junior.]
Jingliu: ["?"]
[Jingliu is a rare genius, unmatched for millennia, having received countless praises throughout her life. Consequently, such compliments usually leave her unfazed.]
[However, today, your admiration stirs emotions rarely seen in Jingliu's normally composed demeanor.]
[Being praised in this manner by a mere cloud rider... it leaves her torn between laughter and disbelief - an experience entirely new to her.]
["Do you know me?" Jingliu asks.]
["Luofu's Sword Leader, one of the High-Cloud Quintet, revered as 'Seamless Flying Light' - Lady Jingliu," you replied.]
[After answering, you turned to leave, but Jingliu called out to stop you once more.]
["Hold it! What is your name? And what position do you hold within the Cloud Knights?" Jingliu asked.]
["I am merely an obscure foot soldier from Luofu; why should my name concern you, Lady Jingliu?"]
[Despite the saying "repay kindness with gratitude," you did not express thanks for Jingliu saving your life. Instead, your gaze remained cold, repeatedly indicating your desire to depart.]
[Jingliu grew suspicious and, after persistent questioning, discovered that your heart had long been set on death due to your fallen comrades.]
[You had intended to face certain demise alongside the enemy, never expecting Jingliu to intervene and disrupt your valiant sacrifice.]
["The sole purpose guiding the remainder of my days is to avenge my fallen comrades," you declared.]
[Having heard your plight, Jingliu decided not to hold your earlier rudeness against you and would not obstruct your quest for vengeance.]
[With a deep look at Jingliu, you turned and left.]
Facing away from Jingliu, Su Jinyan began walking forward, his eyes betraying a hint of unease.
Wait, did I overplay it? Where's the promised reward?
"Wait, since you're determined to seek revenge, I won't stand in your way."
"However, as we've shared this encounter, I hope you will accept this."
[Jingliu's lips parted slightly as she removed a talisman from her snow-white neck and placed it into your hand.]
[In you, she sees her own past self.]
[Her homeland was the most prosperous among all Xianzhous, known as the thriving "Cang City."]
[Later, it was devoured by living star constellations spawned by the Plagues Author, with scarcely one survivor in ten.]
[Jingliu firmly believed that someday, using her blood, skills, and determination, she would prove herself victorious over these monstrous abominations.]
[Jingliu succeeded, but the teacher who instilled these lessons had long perished in battle.]
[Now, she hopes you can carry on this belief and live a better life.]
["I know you uphold the Imperial Bow's ideals deeply within you. If you encounter Abundant Evil Creatures, do not act impulsively."]
["Only by staying alive can you effectively fight your enemies."]
["If we meet again and you're still alive, then please return this talisman to me at that time."]
Congratulations! You have obtained: [Unyielding Belief] x1.
[Unyielding Belief]
Description: Hope never extinguishes; its flame burns eternal.
Effect: Wearing this item expands your Corporeal Slots to three, allowing you to materialize additional corporeal forms in reality.
Upon death in the Simulated Universe, you gain one free resurrection opportunity, which refreshes every Monday.
[Current Shell Slots: 1/3]
Su Jinyan was taken aback!
While it's said that a man should never kneel easily,
given today's circumstances, no matter what, he had to pay his respects to Miss Jingliu.
Hmm, well, technically it wouldn't be him kneeling, but Guan Feng doing so.
[Thud—]
[Under Jingliu's gaze, overwhelmed with emotion, you abruptly kneel and offer her a reverent bow.]
["Miss Jingliu, your immense kindness leaves me indebted beyond repayment. In the next life, I will surely repay this favor, serving as your loyal attendant," you declare.]
[Jingliu hastily helps you up, "Just moments ago, you wouldn't even utter a simple 'thank you.' Why have you suddenly knelt?" she asks.]
["A true ally sacrifices for their confidant," the cunning and greedy Fool replies.]
Hey, can you stop injecting personal biases into these descriptions?
["The battle at Fang Huo is fiercely contested, nearing perilous collapse. Despite the Xianzhou Alliance sending reinforcements, they remain outmatched by the Abundant Lands Allied Forces."]
["This parting may leave us uncertain when we'll meet again. Take care of yourself," says Jingliu before turning to depart."]
["My name is Su Jinyan, Su Jinyan!" you shout after her.]
[With the desperate situation at Fang Huo, as the sword leader of Luofu, she has more pressing matters to attend to and cannot linger here.]
[Jingliu pauses briefly, nodding slightly in acknowledgment, then vanishes from your sight.]
[Upon returning to the Red House, you retrieve the shells of Foxfolk Doctor-Jianjia and Vice Captain of the Rainbow Guard-Zuo Chao.]
[Current Shells: 3/3]
[Proceed to Area 1-2 immediately?]
"If only I could craft my own shell within the Simulated Universe..." Su Jinyan muttered as he chose to head towards Area 1-2.
[Before you lie three diverging paths, Fool. How will you decide?]
[Option 1: Proceed to Fang Huo City (Encounter)]
[Option 2: Proceed to Fang Huo outskirts (Combat)]
[Option 3: Proceed to Elwe's Themed Tavern (???)]
Generally, question marks signify the unknown.
Humans have always been driven by the desire to explore the unknown. Embracing this adventurous spirit, Su Jinyan selected Elwe's Themed Tavern.
[You arrive at Elwe's Themed Tavern, where the atmosphere is exceptionally lively.]
[Shells cannot be used inside the tavern. Do you wish to enter in your true form?]
Su Jinyan's eyes lit up. "Perfect, just watch me mess with them."
[As you prepare to push open the door, the bartender stops you.]
[What is your name? Where do you hail from? What is your status? Our tavern does not welcome those without identity or standing.]
[The bartender seems intentionally trying to challenge you, and the other guests in the tavern turn to gaze at you.]
[Although these patrons wear masks, you can detect a mocking tone in their gazes.]
["Wahh, how pitiful the Fool is! What will you do now?"]
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