Chapter 107: Stubborn Guy
She had learned long ago that envy and hatred were cheap currencies in this world, as common as dirt and just as useless if you knew how to step carefully. People who harbored those emotions rarely acted on them directly; they festered, whispered, and waited for a misstep. She let them be. Because to her, their opinions weighed less than dust.
Ling Yu shifted her focus elsewhere as she crouched beside Xian Yu. His delicate features were still pale, though the mana potion she had poured down his throat earlier had restored a measure of vitality. He sat cross-legged now, trying to regulate his breathing, the faint glow of residual magic still clinging to his form. His long lashes trembled as he blinked up at her, sheepish yet stubbornly proud.
"You should rest longer," Ling Yu said. Her voice carried neither warmth nor coldness, only a matter-of-fact firmness. "Your mana circuits are strained. If you push them too soon, you could damage them permanently."
Xian Yu gave her a faint smile, though his voice was weak. "If I didn’t push, you would’ve taken that strike head-on. I don’t regret it, Lady Ling."
Ling Yu’s lips curved just slightly. The corner of her mouth lifted, but her eyes remained sharp. "Stubborn guy. You nearly burned yourself out. Also, don’t call me Lady Ling, it makes me feel like an old lady. Just call me by my name."
[System Notification: Affection Value (Xian Yu → Ling Yu): +10. Loyalty deepened.]
"Yes, Ma’am!" Xian Yu answered in a robotic voice like the army’s roll call, which made Ling Yu laugh out loud.
The text flickered briefly at the edge of her vision, but Ling Yu ignored it. Her hand slipped into her inventory, and a moment later, she withdrew a gleaming object: a silver amulet shaped like a lotus flower, its petals inlaid with runes that shimmered faintly when exposed to light. The craftsmanship was exquisite, clearly not something one would scavenge in a ruined marketplace.
Xian Yu blinked at it, startled. "What is that?"
"A protective talisman," Ling Yu replied. She crouched lower, looping the chain around his neck. The lotus pendant settled just above his chest, and at once, a faint shield of translucent light shimmered into existence before vanishing into his skin. "It’s keyed to you now. It will absorb one physical attack that should have killed you. Afterward, it will reset on a cooldown."
Xian Yu’s lips parted, his eyes widening in disbelief. He grasped the pendant as if afraid it would vanish. "This... this is too precious. I can’t—"
"You can," Ling Yu interrupted firmly. Her gaze pinned him with the weight of command. "And you will. You are not strong physically, and I can’t afford to watch you crumble every time you get caught in crossfire. This will keep you alive long enough for me, or yourself, to retaliate."
Her tone softened just slightly, enough that only he noticed. "And I don’t waste resources on people I don’t value. Do you understand?"
For a moment, Xian Yu’s throat worked, words caught between gratitude and emotion. Finally, he nodded fiercely, tears welling at the corners of his eyes.
Fluffy, perched happily on Ling Yu’s shoulder, clapped its tiny paws together and squeaked approvingly.
[Fluffy: MASTER IS SO COOL!!! YOU’RE EQUIPPING YOUR HEALER! YES YES YES!!]
Ling Yu stroked the creature absentmindedly. She still didn’t understand how the system translated Fluffy’s thoughts so clearly, rendering its squeaks into comprehensible words. Sometimes she wondered if it was truly her companion’s voice, or if the system was merely interpreting data to suit its own design. But she didn’t pry further. She had long ago learned not to question too much about powers gifted by higher beings; it rarely led to answers, only deeper confusion.
And speaking of higher beings—
[Unknown Cosmic Entity: "Master invests in her follower. Wise. Loyalty grows when nurtured."][Ansclepus "The weak become strong when guided. Admirable strategy."][System Notification: Divine Audience Approval +8%. Sponsorship Potential Increasing.]
Ling Yu ignored the chorus of voices and focused instead on her own planning. The amulet was not enough. She could feed him mana potions indefinitely, yes, but it was not sustainable. He had to learn how to pace himself, to grow stronger, and most importantly, to defend himself when she wasn’t there to protect him.
Her mind shifted to Song.
He wasn’t here now, but once the groups reunited, Ling Yu already knew what she would do. Song was pragmatic, disciplined, and efficient. He was also merciless in his training. If anyone could shape Xian Yu into someone capable of surviving without being coddled, it would be him.
"After we regroup," she said aloud, as much to herself as to Xian Yu, "I’ll have Song take you under his wing. He won’t be gentle. But if you can endure his training, you’ll be able to fight, not just heal."
Xian Yu’s eyes widened. "Song? Who’s that? He sounds to be... terrifying."
Ling Yu’s lips curved faintly again. "He’s my butler, one demonic hell of an instructor. Which is why you’ll learn from him."
’From the way she speaks, and she even has a personal butler. My savior is indeed a noble woman.’
’Haha, why do I feel like she is shoving me into a tiger’s den?’
Xian Yu felt a chill run down his spine as he forced a smile on his face, a clear declaration of protest.
Xian Yu wanted to protest; she could see it in the way his mouth opened, then shut, then opened again. But he stopped himself, bowing his head. "If you order it, I’ll obey."
[System Notification: Xian Yu’s Determination +5. Hidden Potential Awakening.]
Fluffy squeaked proudly.
[Fluffy: YESSS!! TRAINING ARC INCOMING!! SONG WILL BE SCARY BUT IT’LL WORK JUST FINE!!]
Ling Yu smirked, hiding the amusement tugging at the edge of her composure.
Not far away, Shen Ming approached. His gentle, considerate facade was back in place, though Ling Yu could see the faint strain in his smile.