[Ding! Option 1 has been completed. Reward obtained: 'Comical Eyepatch']
[Comical Eyepatch: When wearing this eyepatch, your thoughts will become incredibly serene. Nothing in the world can disturb the tranquility of your heart.]
Deep in the bamboo grove outside the City Hall.
Danjin stood with her scarlet blade held behind her, exuding an air of sharp, unyielding energy.
The crimson blade glowed intensely, as if ready to be drawn at any moment.
Meanwhile, Lucian was clad in white robes, the gentle breeze lightly brushing against the hem of his clothes, making him appear like an immortal descended to the mortal realm.
In his hand was the Tyro sword. Since this was merely a sparring session and not a life-or-death duel, the Tyro sword was more than sufficient.
The two stood facing each other, with Rover positioned between them.
Rover's voice was clear and bright: "Friendship first. Both parties, please exercise restraint and avoid harming goodwill."
At Rover's signal, Danjin made the first move.
Her voice was low yet powerful: "Blade, rise!"
Danjin swung her scarlet blade toward Lucian's side with swift, forceful movements—clearly the mark of a trained fighter.
Her swordsmanship was fierce, every strike brimming with overwhelming power.
Yet, Lucian was no less formidable.
Having just acquired the Cloud-Dancing Butterfly Steps the night before, he now had the perfect opportunity to put it to use.
His footwork was unpredictable, as light and varied as a butterfly flitting through the air.
Each time, he appeared in positions Danjin least expected, countering her attacks and rendering her offensive ineffective.
Lucian effortlessly dodged Danjin's strikes while retaliating with skillful moves of his own. Follow current novels on NoveIꜰire.net
His movements were elegant and fluid, as natural as flowing water.
Danjin gradually found herself struggling to keep up.
Lucian's swordsmanship seemed superior, leaving her unable to predict his next move.
This sense of helplessness wasn't just physical—it was psychological.
The main issue was Lucian's bizarre footwork, which constantly caught her off guard.
Though Lucian maintained the upper hand, he deliberately avoided delivering a decisive blow to Danjin.
He wanted to use this opportunity to practice and improve his skill proficiency.
After all, raising skill proficiency also increased skill levels—it wasn't necessary to rely solely on system missions for progression.
Unable to even graze Lucian's clothes, Danjin grew increasingly impatient.
In her agitation, she unconsciously tapped into her Resonance ability.
Lucian noticed her pupils gradually turning blood-red, the edge of her blade growing even fiercer.
Their clashing blades intertwined one moment, only to separate the next, leaving a fine gap between them.
Their movements were swift and precise, each strike revealing profound mastery of the sword.
As the spar intensified, Lucian realized Danjin was getting carried away—her aggression had surpassed the bounds of a friendly match.
Danjin's gaze grew increasingly ferocious, her blade no longer holding back.
Lucian sensed an overwhelming destructive urge emanating from her.
"I can't let this continue…"
With a ghostly step, Lucian evaded Danjin's attack and appeared behind her.
He then pulled out the Comical Eyepatch from his sleeve and, before Danjin could react, slipped it over her eyes.
In the next instant, Danjin seemed to enter a sudden state of enlightenment—a "sage mode," so to speak.
Her scarlet blade clattered to the ground, and her entire demeanor shifted from fierce to utterly dazed.
Hmm… She looked a lot like Chixia in her usual state.
Danjin stood frozen for several seconds before finally snapping out of it.
"Why is it so dark all of a sudden?"
Lucian burst into laughter, removing the eyepatch and allowing Danjin to see the light of day again.
"Eh? What just happened…?"
Danjin stared at the two before her, cupping her cheeks in her hands. "Weren't we just sparring…?"
Lucian: "Try to remember?"
She picked up her scarlet blade and sheathed it, finally recalling what had just transpired. A faint blush spread across her face.
"Sometimes I get too into it and lose control of my strength… Did I scare you?"
Lucian asked curiously, "So you can't fully control your Resonance ability?"
Just moments ago, Danjin had looked ready to obliterate the entire training ground.
Danjin quickly shook her head. "No, no, it's just…"
"According to research reports from Huaxu Academy, my fluctuation frequency is inherently more volatile than that of ordinary Resonators. If left unchecked, it can cause damage to the surrounding environment and living organisms…"
Danjin then asked curiously, "What was that thing you put on me earlier? I suddenly felt completely at peace…"
Lucian rubbed his chin thoughtfully before turning to Rover.
"Rover, actually, the reason I came back so late yesterday was because I was on a date with another woman!"
Rover immediately moved to apprehend him, demanding, "Another woman? You—"
Before she could finish, Lucian swiftly placed the Comical Eyepatch over her head.
Rover's expression instantly turned placid. "Hmm… Lucian, I remember you once said your heart had shattered into many pieces, so…"
Before she could finish, Lucian removed the eyepatch.
Rover blinked in confusion before flying into a rage. "Lucian! What you just said—"
Again, before she could finish, Lucian covered her eyes with the eyepatch.
Rover's expression returned to serenity. "Hmm…"
Lucian grinned—this thing was a divine artifact!
Just as he considered having Rover wear it indefinitely, she suddenly yanked it off herself.
A sense of foreboding filled Lucian's heart: "?"
Rover smacked the back of his head. "Do you think I'm stupid?!"
"And who was this 'other woman' you mentioned?! Explain yourself!"
After her furious outburst, Rover placed the Comical Eyepatch over Lucian's eyes instead.
Instantly, Lucian felt a profound calm wash over him.
He clasped his hands together solemnly. "Amitabha, kind lady. This humble monk is not a scoundrel—he merely wishes to offer every girl a home."
Even as Rover pummeled him, the eyepatch ensured Lucian remained utterly unbothered, as if he felt no pain at all.
Danjin: "Stop fighting, you two—!"
Chixia covered her mouth, giggling. "Lucian, what happened to your face? You're all bruised!"
Rover stood with her arms crossed, clearly displeased, while Lucian offered an apologetic smile.
"Rover, you know me—I've always been an upright, simple, affectionate, and devoted man."
Rover: "Oh? I don't see it at all. Prove it."
Lucian immediately straightened up, cupping Rover's face in his hands before puckering his lips and leaning in.
Rover frowned and raised a delicate hand to block his mouth.
"Alright, alright… We'll talk after your injuries heal."
"Hmm…" A faint blush colored her cheeks. "Our first kiss shouldn't be so rushed."
So they haven't even kissed yet? Chixia's heart leapt with joy—I'm still in the lead!