Chapter 20: Tingyun - The Maiden Prevails

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The fierce flying swords followed Yanqing's every command.

Under his control, those six flying swords seemed to multiply into thousands, sweeping forth amidst a chilling gale.

Wind and snow filled the practice field, obscuring both combatants' figures.

Yanqing couldn't help but flash a delighted grin, confident that Su Jinyan would fall under his ultimate technique.

As soon as this move was unleashed, the artisans of the Artisanship Commission knew the outcome was sealed, shaking their heads with sighs.

In the face of such a relentless storm of sword strikes, instead of fleeing, Su Jinyan remained steadfast, calmly awaiting its onslaught.

This fellow was being overly arrogant. Did he not realize the caliber of the sword genius he faced? They could only pray that Yanqing wouldn't injure him too severely; otherwise, it would be difficult to explain to the general later.

Fu Xuan softly murmured, "The victor has been decided."

Master Gongshu chuckled, "Indeed." He added admiringly, "No matter how many times I witness it, Young Yanqing's swordsmanship is always a sight to behold."

"Imperial Diviner Fu Xuan," Fu Xuan continued, "you should swiftly contact the Alchemy Commission for a physician, just in case anything untoward happens to your little diviner here."

Fu Xuan glanced at him, puzzled. "When did this venerable one imply that Yanqing would win?"

Master Gongshu blinked, taken aback.

Fu Xuan furrowed his brow. "Must this venerable one explain again?"

"Yanqing lost to Su Jinyan due to underestimating his opponent?" Tingyun shook his bell with a light chuckle. "Mistakes teach valuable lessons, after all."

"It's better to learn from setbacks on the practice field than on the battlefield."

Master Gongshu looked utterly bewildered. "What are you two talking about? This should have been a clear advantage for young Yanqing—how could he lose when overwhelming his foe like that?"

Just then, intense sounds of clashing and scraping erupted from the practice field.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

The deafening cacophony filled the air. The once dim and cracked shield suddenly blazed with golden light, repelling every incoming flying sword effortlessly.

[Mantra Art: Shield (LV 3) proficiency increased by 20; current proficiency: 300/475.]

Yanqing's smile froze at the corner of his lips. When exactly had this happened?

Su Jinyan raised his fingertip, aiming directly at Yanqing's forehead, swiftly amassing potent Shadow Energy. Despite Yanqing's desire to evade, he lacked the strength to do so. Attempting to forcefully halt the attack would only invite severe backlash.

In the next moment, thousands of flying swords shattered simultaneously.

They disintegrated into six dull blades, plummeting to the ground one after another. The tumultuous storm of wind and snow dissipated instantly.

Clutching his head in agony, Yanqing gritted his teeth, barely managing not to cry out loud.

[Mental Lash (LV 5) proficiency increased by 10; current proficiency 1320/1320.]

[Mental Lash has been upgraded to LV 6. New Effect: When used on enemies mentally dominated by Mental Lash, it can erase their memories of being under control.]

Yanqing's head throbbed with excruciating pain.

It felt as if Auntie Rong had mastered the Shadow Clone Technique, creating thousands upon thousands of clones, all simultaneously shouting, "Do you confess?!"

This technique was called Mental Lash, where the caster uses Shadow Energy to assault the target's mind. It inflicts continuous psychic damage for three seconds, typically employed against beings with robust physical strength but vulnerable mental fortitude.

Against well-prepared opponents, its effectiveness is often limited. However, when caught off guard due to information disparity, it yields remarkable results, just like now.

Taking advantage of Yanqing's disoriented state, Su Jinyan stepped closer and gently patted his shoulder. "You lost, little bro."

"I...I actually lost..." Yanqing looked crestfallen, realizing that on a battlefield, this defeat could have proven fatal.

He had always diligently honed his skills, achieving mastery in swordsmanship. Notably, he boasted exceptional accomplishments such as slaying three Nestfathers of Buli Ren and sinking one of the Winged Ones' Nayan Ships.

Yanqing's victories had garnered widespread acclaim throughout Luofu, leading him to become overly confident and unguarded.

However, after this battle, Yanqing realized there was still much he needed to learn. Numerous factors determine victory on a battlefield. His downfall today stemmed from his mindset - overestimating himself and underestimating his opponent were the primary reasons for his defeat.

Su Jinyan had clearly feigned vulnerability intentionally, yet Yanqing fell for it. Had he been more cautious, he likely wouldn't have lost.

Smiling gently, Su Jinyan offered comfort, "Little brother Yanqing, is something troubling you?"

Yanqing glanced at him, recognizing the feigned ignorance.

"Feel free to share your troubles with me," Su Jinyan continued. "Look, I just won the match; I'm genuinely happy now."

Yanqing raised an eyebrow, silently pleading, Please act human, will you?

Taking a deep breath, Yanqing bowed respectfully, "Yanqing accepts the outcome of our bet, Teacher. Please accept my reverence."

Su Jinyan nodded contentedly. "Honestly, Yanqing, your performance wasn't bad. However, would you like to know where you fell short compared to me during that fight?"

Humbly seeking guidance, Yanqing asked, "Could you please enlighten me, Teacher?"

Upon returning, Yanqing planned to analyze the battle thoroughly as well.

However, if Su Jinyan could point out flaws he couldn't perceive himself, it would be like adding the finishing touch to his skills.

Su Jinyan spoke solemnly, "The difference was vast and immense."

Yanqing couldn't help but bristle—was that even human speech?

"Joking, joking," Su Jinyan continued. "In truth, if you had maintained your composure, the outcome might not have been certain."

Yanqing nodded, understanding that jest aside, accepting defeat gracefully was crucial. This bout between them served as an unexpected introduction, easing their initially stiff and unfamiliar relationship considerably after the battle.

"Uh... Ahhh..."

"How could Yanqing lose?"

"My three million—three million gone..." Master Gongshu stood frozen like a stone statue, enduring the cold wind's relentless gusts.

The artisans and apprentices of the Artisanship Commission wore mournful expressions. Without exception, they had all bet on Yanqing to win, losing their investments utterly.

Who would have thought Yanqing could be defeated? Everyone believed Su Jinyan was certain to lose—and disastrously so. It now seemed they had grossly underestimated her opponent.

Tingyun, grinning widely, swished her fluffy tail back and forth. "This humble maiden has struck it rich."

Su Jinyan approached Tingyun with light steps and asked cheerfully, "Tingyun, how many credits did you earn this time?"

Tingyun gleefully replied, "Just about thirty million or so."

"Rest assured, Benefactor, your share is included; we'll split it fifty-fifty."

Su Jinyan smiled slightly. "Let's make it thirty-seven percent for me, sixty-three for you."

Tingyun's joy overflowed. "Oh, Benefactor, you're truly generous."

"Well then, I won't decline such kindness. This humble maiden will promptly transfer nine million credits to your account."

"No, no, no, there seems to be a misunderstanding," Su Jinyan clarified. "What I meant is, I take thirty million, and you keep the remaining seven thousand."

Tingyun blinked, perplexed.

Fu Xuan interjected, "Tingyun, this venerable one bet on Su Jinyan's victory. When will those nine hundred million credits be transferred to my account?"

Tingyun blinked, momentarily taken aback.

Alright, alright, alright—so you two team up just to bully me, huh?

Fu Xuan fell silent, turning her gaze towards Su Jinyan, who was also watching her intently. Neither spoke, each waiting for the other to initiate conversation.

Fu Xuan pursed her lips, her expression growing visibly irritated.

Why does dealing with him feel even more challenging than handling Qingque?

After a long moment, Fu Xuan couldn't hold back any longer. "Su Jinyan, you—"

Su Jinyan's expression jolted as he glanced down at his phone.

"The auspicious hour has arrived; today is my grandfather's wedding day. Lady Fu Xuan, please allow your subordinate to take leave now."

Tsk, even the excuse for leaving mirrors Qingque's—it seems she thinks she can casually deceive this venerable one just like that.

Without hesitation, Fu Xuan grabbed his wrist and said mildly, "This venerable one should have instructed Tingyun to remind you immediately upon waking to report to the Divination Commission."

Looking utterly innocent, Tingyun maintained she had indeed reminded him.

But Su Jinyan hadn't listened, insisting on bringing her to the Artisanship Commission instead.

Su Jinyan turned the blame around, feigning seriousness. "Tingyun, what happened there? Why didn't you inform me of such an important matter right away?"

Feigning hurt, Tingyun responded, "Please don't fault me, Benefactor. With your grandfather's wedding coinciding, I got so excited that I forgot."

"In my excitement, I simply forgot," Tingyun replied innocently.

Su Jinyan felt puzzled. "Why would you be excited about my grandfather's wedding?"

Tingyun flashed a sly smile. "Besides, although Benefactor missed the opportunity to report for work at the Divination Commission, haven't you gained something else instead?"

Unable to resist, Su Jinyan asked, "What gain?"

Tingyun softly began her explanation, "Consider this, dear Benefactor, when I brought you to the Artisanship Commission, it was primarily to let you meet your grandfather."

"Although you didn't get to see him, you did meet your grandmother, didn't you?"

Su Jinyan looked bewildered. "Ah? Grandmother?" he exclaimed. "Where is she? I didn't see anyone like that!"

Tingyun opened her folding fan and chuckled lightly behind it. "Oh, Benefactor must jest; isn't your grandmother right here~"

Su Jinyan blinked in surprise, momentarily speechless—this was the first time someone had outwitted him verbally.

A hearty laughter echoed from afar, causing Fu Xuan to involuntarily turn her gaze towards the source.

"After such a long time, Miss Tingyun remains as eloquent as ever."

Yanqing trailed closely behind the newcomer, resembling a chastised child, too hesitant to utter another word.

Tingyun smiled gently. "General, you flatter me." She added with a playful tone, "No matter how articulate I may be, I'm always at the mercy of our esteemed Benefactor."

Su Jinyan's lips twitched slightly. "Heh."

With you holding my secret tight, you sly fox, who exactly is bullying whom?