Yanqing’s Reputation Takes a Hit – Grandmaster? No, She’s Just a Big Sister!
Xiao Guizi's Livestream
"Yanqing is seriously bold!"
"Blade escaped with Kafka, and he dares to chase after them alone?"
"Guess that's what it means to be a Cloud Knight!"
On the Exalted Sanctum map, the current mission followed Yanqing's first-person perspective as he searched for traces.
But the map looked different from before.
The ground was littered with fallen Mara-Struck!
This was the first time Guinaifen had encountered a situation where all the enemies were already dead before she could fight them.
She immediately moved forward to investigate.
"These wounds… clean cuts, precise strikes."
"Since the enemy left traces, this should be easy."
Following the trail of corpses, she soon arrived at a clearing where a woman was surrounded by Mara-Struck.
Yanqing spoke up: "How could there still be civilians trapped here? The Cloud Knights in this area are slacking."
"Hey, don't worry! I'll save you right away!"
As he approached, the woman's figure became clearer—
Guinaifen's brain short-circuited.
"Huh?!"
"Isn't that…?"
"Jingliu!!"
Before, not many people might have recognized the name.
But ever since the release of the Flying Light short film, combined with leaks from dataminers, every player now knew—
This was the former Sword Champion of Luofu, Jing Yuan's master!
It was rumored she would appear in future story content, but no one expected her to show up so soon—and in Yanqing's companion mission!
"The foreshadowing was real!"
"Jingliu is actually alive?! And she's back on Xianzhou?!"
"Yanqing, stop getting closer! She's even more dangerous than Blade!"
"She's not some civilian—she's your master's master!"
"Jingliu: 'You're right, but the ones surrounded are those Mara-Struck.'"
"Yanqing just hit the jackpot!"
Guinaifen tensed up.
Flying Light had already confirmed it—this Jingliu had succumbed to Mara.
Even the Ten-Lords Commission declared her dead.
Later, she was supposedly defeated by Jing Yuan in a great battle before disappearing.
Now, she suddenly reappeared on the Luofu.
Who knew if she still had her humanity?
Was she even truly alive?!
Panicking, Guinaifen quickly used several combat and survival buffs before the fight started.
Fortunately, the battle was against three Mara-Struck.
Otherwise…
Guinaifen was certain—Yanqing would be in deep trouble!
[Battle Concluded]
Jingliu said: "Thank you for saving me, little brother."
"Heh, just doing my duty. Luofu's ports are sealed—why are you still out here alone?"
"I arrived on a merchant ship," Jingliu replied calmly.
"I wanted to reunite with old friends and relive the past… Who knew Luofu had become so dangerous?"
Yanqing's expression softened with sympathy. "You came at a bad time. Xianzhou is dealing with some trouble."
"But it shouldn't take long to resolve."
"Still, you can't stay here. Let's head to the nearest Cloud Knight outpost."
[Chat]
"Such a normal conversation?! Flying Light almost had me fooled!"
"Jingliu's condition seems stable? Aside from her cold, hollow voice, she seems no different from a normal person."
"Could it be that, during her disappearance, she found a way to cure Mara? Did she return to serve Xianzhou again?"
"Whoever said that—you're even more naive than Yanqing."
...
Guinaifen was equally curious.
What had happened to Jingliu?
Why had she returned?
The story continued.
Yanqing asked another question: "By the way, have you—"
His voice trailed off as he noticed the black cloth over her eyes.
Instantly, his expression turned apologetic.
"You… can't see? Sorry, I didn't realize…"
"My name is Yanqing. I'm a Cloud Knight guard. Let me escort you safely."
"I'm Jingliu."
"Sis Jingliu, I'll guide you for now. We might take a detour, but I'll make sure you reach the Cloud Knights safely."
[Chat]
"Yanqing is such a good kid!"
"This is gonna be a fun episode!"
"Yanqing calling Jingliu 'sis'—does that make him Jing Yuan's peer now?"
"She's at least a few centuries older, bro."
"More like your great-great-grandma."
---
On the Bridge
Jing Yuan, Jingliu, and Dan Heng watched the scene unfold in silence.
They weren't too concerned about the mixed-up generational titles—for long-life species, this was commonplace.
For example, Jing Yuan himself had once been the little brother trailing behind Jingliu, calling her "Big Sis" and "Master."
Yet later, he became one of the High-Cloud Quintet, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her as equals.
What worried them more was—
Yanqing, with his youthful pride, was unknowingly interacting with a latent Mara-Struck.
One wrong move could trigger a disaster.
Jingliu murmured, "Under normal circumstances… would I have met this little brother?"
"Perhaps… fate has its own designs."
Jing Yuan sighed inwardly.
Yanqing… I can only wish you luck.
A blade too rigid may shatter… But if he endures…
Perhaps this encounter will temper him.
---
Inside the Train's Cabin
The Express Crew and the Stellaron Hunters were also watching the livestream.
Silver Wolf had temporarily handed her seat to Yanqing—she was busy grinding for Simulated Universe rewards.
Yanqing, however, was stunned when he realized his own companion mission was being broadcast.
Seeing himself face-to-face with Jingliu, his brows furrowed in disbelief.
"This… is this really happening?"
"Even if she's the General's master, she's still Mara-Struck, her eyes covered…"
"I… I should be able to handle her, right?"
His confidence wavered with each word.
March 7th couldn't help but tease: "Wow, you're actually escorting her in-game!"
"And calling her 'Big Sis Jingliu'… Pfft—"
Yanqing wasn't in the mood to banter.
Watching his in-game self confidently addressing Jingliu as "sis," his face burned red, sweat beading on his forehead.
The General had seen it.
Jingliu had seen it.
Everyone had seen it.
How was he supposed to show his face in the Luofu after this?!
"Ugh… I'm doomed!"
"Pull yourself together!"
"Don't embarrass the Cloud Knights!"
To be continued…
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