The Sword Hall

Jiang stood there, waiting.

The moment Qian Yue approached, he had already run several calculations in his head. Her abilities were obvious, even without the system's help. She had closed the distance in mere seconds—an impressive feat on its own—but what truly gave her away was her voice. She had called out to him from an absurdly far distance, yet her words had carried perfectly, unnaturally clear.

Qi Amplification.

Anyone skilled would notice immediately.

And despite being a Peak-Level Second-Rate Martial Artist, she was only ranked second in the Junior Disciple's Martial Rankings. Meanwhile, Chen Feng, a Proficient-Level Second-Rate Martial Artist, held the first position. The setup was a walking cliché—hiding true abilities because of some useless circumstances.

Even within the same rank, martial artists were categorized by expertise: Entry, Proficient, and Peak.

A gap between Entry and Proficient could be bridged with an artifact or equipment. But the difference between Proficient and Peak? That wasn't something a mere weapon could compensate for.

Still, none of that mattered.

Because Qian Yue just revealed all that martial prowess… for something completely ridiculous.

Calling out to him. Just to get his attention.

And if any of the Sect Masters had been present, she would have completely exposed herself.

Jiang sighed internally.

I don't know what the old Jiang promised you, but I hope you're as useful as you are madly in love with me.

She finally reached him, panting heavily.

Jiang, absentmindedly: 

"My Yander—"

Her breathing slowed, and she blinked at him.

"Huh?"

[Personality Speech Activated]

"—Ahem."

She tilted her head. "Senior Brother, did you say something?"

Jiang's voice came out deeper, laced with that forced arrogance the system kept pushing on him. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Then, without another glance, he started walking—hands behind his back, posture straight, noble.

Nice save, System.

A brief pause. Then, once she caught her breath, Qian Yue hurried to his side.

"Senior Brother," she called softly.

[Personality Speech Activated]

Jiang clicked his tongue. "What is it?"

His tone sharpened, growing colder. His crimson gaze bore into her, the weight of it making the air between them suffocating, almost tangible. It wasn't just a look—it was a force, pressing down like an invisible hand at her throat, demanding submission.

The f-ck?! System, that's too much!

Jiang turned to look at her—and instantly regretted it.

Her breathing hitched again. But this time, it was different.

A faint flush crept up her cheeks, deepening with every second. Her half-lidded eyes grew hazy, unfocused, as if lost in a thought. Her lips parted slightly, and then—

She murmured to herself, voice soft, almost trembling.

"Senior Brother… My Senior Brother… looks so handsome…"

Her fingers twitched at her sides, subtly gripping the hem of her robe, her entire posture shifting—like she was unconsciously leaning toward him.

Jiang visibly tensed. 

Shit! Has she gotten worse than before?!

She was still in her black martial robe with blue dragon embroidery, but now her hair was messy—strands falling over her face, half-covering her eyes. And all this had changed within just a few hours since he last met with Hall Master Rumei.

She looked different. No, not just different—unstable.

[Composed Mind Activated]

Jiang inhaled sharply. No. I can't give up now.

He coughed once.

Then again, louder.

...She didn't react.

Still lost in her thoughts. Still murmuring to herself like some kind of possessed shrine maiden.

Jiang stopped walking.

Qian Yue kept going.

He called out, "Junior Sister… Qian."

She snapped back to reality.

Her expression changed instantly—her face shifting into that same innocent, obedient disciple look she had when they first met.

"Huh, Senior Brother?"

Jiang's gaze flickered with mild irritation before he finally spoke. 

"If you're just going to talk to yourself after calling me, then don't call me at all."

The words came out harsher than intended. But for once, it wasn't the System—it was Jiang himself.

Qian Yue flinched. Then, hurriedly, she bowed deeply.

"Se—Senior Brother, I apologize!"

Jiang didn't respond.

He simply stared at her, letting the silence stretch.

She remained bowing. Not moving. Not straightening up.

Jiang raised an eyebrow. Uh… how long is she planning to stay like that?

After a few moments, he finally spoke. "Lead me to the Sword Hall."

She flinched again, her head snapping up. "The Sword Hall?"

Jiang's gaze remained impassive. "Yes. Do I have to repeat myself?"

She quickly shook her head and turned, leading the way.

Jiang followed beside her.

Well, thanks for being my guide.

Jiang kept the thought to himself, unwilling to risk how the Personality Speech skill might twist his words this time.

Even as the fourth-ranked player in God's Game, he hadn't discovered every skill in the system. In fact, even the second-best player in the world had admitted in an interview that fully understanding the mechanics behind all of God's Game's skills was nearly impossible.

The walk was short, but the atmosphere was suffocating.

The Sword Hall stood near the heart of the Divine Dragon Sect—a towering structure of dark wood and golden accents, its rooftops curved like the fangs of a dragon.

Disciples quickly took notice of him as he approached.

Some turned away. Others whispered among themselves. A few simply stared, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright hostility.

I just can't get used to it.

A small smile appeared on his face. But to the onlookers, it looked sinister.

Only making his situation worse.

They were nearly at the entrance when—

THUD.

A massive figure landed in front of them, blocking the doorway.

Jiang looked up.

And up.

And up.

"The hell…?"

The guy was huge.

So tall that his head wasn't even visible past the wooden beam above the door.

He wore the same black martial robes, but with white dragon embroidery—different from the red for Senior Disciples and the blue for Juniors.

But Jiang barely registered the details. His thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

The poor tailor must have suffered making clothes for this giant.

Then, the Giant spoke.

"Coward! Stop hiding behind your family name!"

His voice boomed, his sheer size casting a long shadow over Jiang and Qian Yue.

"Stop harassing your juniors! If you have the guts, then fight me!"

Jiang frowned.

What the hell is this Burj Khalifa talking about?