Yanqing: A Companion Mission? No! This Is My Execution Mission!  

"Big sister, are you from another Xianzhou ship? Is it [Yaoqing] or [Fanghu]?" 

"Big sister, how long has it been since you last returned to Luofu Xianzhou?" 

"Big sister, stay right here—don't move. I'll be back soon." 

Ahead of them, a member of the Denizens of Abundance's Sanctus Medicus appeared. 

Yanqing volunteered eagerly, stepping forward with determination. 

Facing the enemy, his tone instantly turned sharp and cold. 

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" 

The Sanctum Medicus member sneered. "Just in time… little brat. Your blood… will nourish our divine legacy—" 

"Fine. Seems like I'll have to teach you a lesson." 

[Battle Start] 

Finally—time to fight! 

Seated in his chair, Yanqing clenched his fists tightly. 

During the earlier dialogue, he might as well have had the word "naive" written all over his face! 

He hadn't even dared to glance at the live chat. 

But now, it was time to showcase his combat prowess. 

At the very least… 

In this regard… 

He was still in his element! 

Yanqing's confidence returned slightly. 

However… 

Just then, March 7th—with a tone that screamed "I'm totally doing this on purpose"—began reading the live chat comments aloud. 

"[This attitude… trying to act all grown-up in front of a pretty lady, huh?]" 

"[Calling himself 'little master'—pfft, this kid's got two faces.]" 

"[Yanqing's so cool and adorable in this story!]" 

"ENOUGH!" 

Yanqing, who had just started calming down, instantly turned red again. 

He clasped his hands together pleadingly. "Miss March 7th, I'm begging you! Stop reading them!" 

March 7th blinked innocently. "Hmm? You don't like it?" 

"Then I'll stop." 

Yanqing let out a long sigh and turned back to the story. 

[Battle End] 

"Little one, your swordsmanship is impressive," Jingliu remarked. 

"You… can see?" 

"I can hear. The whistle of blades cutting through air, the sharpness of steel—these things reveal the skill of a swordsman, even without sight." 

"Like a musician listening to a melody, or a poet discerning rhyme. The flow of your techniques leaves no room for clumsiness. To wield six flying swords simultaneously… there are few Cloud Knights who could match that." 

"Haha, you flatter me." 

"But there's still room for refinement…" 

"The way you divide your focus… it's somewhat…" 

Yanqing paused, then sighed. 

"It seems music and swordsmanship truly share similarities. General Jing Yuan once said something similar—that my swordplay is too brash, too unpolished. If I want to claim the title of 'Sword Champion,' I still lack a certain… finesse." 

"Sword Champion? That's the title given to the greatest swordsman among the Cloud Knights, isn't it? It feels… so distant." 

Jingliu's voice carried a hint of nostalgia and melancholy. 

Yet Yanqing remained oblivious. 

"Yeah. Ever since the… incident on the Luofu, the title's been left vacant. But once the Cloud Knights return from their hunt and the martial ceremonies resume, I'll claim it for sure!" 

Then— 

Stelle began reading the live chat. 

That's right! 

March 7th had promised to stop, but Star had no such reservations! 

"[LOL, I used to be the Sword Champion too.]" 

"[Jing Yuan: Oh? So you think the position's empty?]" 

"[Jingliu: Surprise! Your grandma's back!!!]" 

"[Every time she calls him 'little one,' my heart melts for Yanqing.]" 

Yanqing froze, as if turned to stone. 

This was a public execution! 

And Stelle was even worse than March 7th—she deliberately picked the most brutal comments to read aloud! 

"You people on the Express are TOO MUCH!" 

Yanqing shot to his feet, one hand gripping his sword, ready to challenge March 7th and Stelle to a duel to reclaim his dignity! 

Stelle tilted her head, feigning confusion. "Huh? What's wrong?" 

"I'm just reading some funny comments. It's not like I wrote them…" 

She shrugged, looking helpless. 

"Little one, you're making this really awkward for me." 

Yanqing was practically steaming, his face burning red. 

It was as if a voice in his head was announcing— 

[WARNING! WARNING!] 

"Alright, March, Stelle—Yanqing's still young. His pride's fragile. Stop messing with him." 

March 7th stuck out her tongue. 

Seeing Welt's stern expression, she and Star immediately straightened up, pretending to be fully engrossed in the story. 

Yanqing gritted his teeth and sat back down. 

After all… it wasn't entirely their fault. 

Those were just random comments from the livestream! 

If he had to blame anyone… it was this damn storyline! 

Other companion missions were all about showcasing the character's best moments. 

But for him? 

It felt like he was just digging his own grave deeper and deeper! 

Was this really his companion mission, or was it just a way to humiliate him?! 

Back in the story— 

Jingliu asked again, "The Cloud Knights' martial arts are passed down through masters. Who taught you swordsmanship, little one?" 

Yanqing answered without hesitation. 

"Since you appreciate the art, I won't hide it—my teacher is the Luofu's General, Jing Yuan." 

"Oh?" 

"Even if you've been away from Luofu for a long time, you must've heard of General Jing Yuan's reputation. Though he always says he's 'rusty with a sword'… whenever he teaches me, his skill is beyond anything I've ever seen!" 

"Alright, the area's secure. Let's keep moving." 

They arrived at the Cloudford's navigation hub, investigating the records to track the Stellaron Hunter Blade's escape route. 

After reviewing the logs, Jingliu smiled faintly. 

"Good. Now we know where he went." 

Outside the story— 

At this point, Yanqing felt like he was losing his mind. 

If he really escorted Jingliu safely back to the Cloud Knights' base, his entire journey would be nothing but a joke! 

And not just any joke—a legendary one! 

Personally escorting an enemy of the Luofu straight into their territory?! 

Even clearing obstacles for her along the way?! 

Giving her a five-star VIP experience?! 

If this were part of some historical record, he'd go down as the biggest fool of all time! 

Just as Yanqing was drowning in despair, convinced his reputation was ruined forever— 

The plot took an unexpected turn! 

"Alright, my business here is done. Now, let's get you to a safe place." 

"Given the current situation… there's only one suitable destination." 

"Indeed. So instead of the Cloud Knights' base, I'll be taking you straight to the Shackling Prison. All expenses paid, heavily guarded—maximum security." 

His tone shifted instantly. 

The atmosphere turned ice-cold. 

So… 

The in-game Yanqing wasn't an idiot! 

He'd known all along! 

He just hadn't revealed it! 

After investigating the navigation logs, he chose the perfect moment to expose her! 

Yes! 

YES! 

There was no way he was actually that dumb! 

He'd just been too distracted by March 7th and Stelle to think straight earlier. 

Now that he calmed down, it was obvious—there were too many inconsistencies along the way. 

This was his true intellect! 

"Livestream viewers! Did you see that?!" 

"I, Yanqing, am not some brainless Luofu swordsman!" 

"I've learned some of the General's tactical genius!" 

Yanqing felt like he could finally breathe again. 

It was as if he'd been submerged in a hot spring—pure, blissful relief!

To be continued…

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