The courtyard buzzed with tension. Disciples gathered on the roofs, hiding in trees, peeking from windows. Word of the clash between Han Yu and Jian Yao spread like wildfire.
It was unknown whether this was intentional, spread by Murong Xie’s underlings or accidental due to Jiao Yao’s explosive energy. Regardless of whatever it may be, this was bound to bring Han Yu a fortune of Eight Emotions Energy.
Li i stood to the side, arms crossed, already regretting not bringing popcorn.
Jian Yao stepped forward, calm and collected, his cultivation flaring subtly—Late Stage Qi Refining Realm. The spiritual pressure he exuded caused cracks to form in the flagstones beneath his feet.
Han Yu, by contrast, looked as if he’d just rolled out of bed. His robes were slightly wrinkled, and he still had peach juice on his chin.
"You sure you’re ready?" Jian Yao asked.
"ntally, spiritually, and emotionally," Han Yu replied, cracking his neck. "Especially emotionally."
Jian Yao frowned slightly. "What?"
"Nothing," Han Yu said, grinning.
SHUA
A wisp of greySurprise.
"Begin!" soone called out from the gathered crowd.
Jian Yao vanished.
Han Yu’s eyes widened as a punch smashed into his chest, sending him skidding backward with a loud CRACK. He slamd into the courtyard wall, gasping.
Li i nearly stepped forward—until she saw Han Yu’s face.
He was smiling.
’My new body is a lot more durable than I thought if I can take attacks like that with just so defensive qi amplification.’ Han Yu thought.
"This guy’s serious!" Han Yu laughed, staggering upright. "This’ll be great for testing durability!"
SHUA
Yellow wisp of Joy—from Li i again seeing him well.
He dashed forward again, this ti weaving and ducking, his movents unpredictable.
Jian Yao frowned. "You move like a drunk duck."
Han Yu grinned. "Drunk ducks have dreams too."
Then, just as Jian Yao launched another attack—
Han Yu yanked sothing from his sleeve and threw it at Jian Yao’s face.
SPLAT.
"...Is this...a sticky rice dumpling?" Jian Yao asked in stunned disbelief.
"Seasoned with spirit beast bile," Han Yu said cheerfully.
SHUA
GreySurprise.
RedAnger.
Dark BlueDisgusted Sadness.
Han Yu felt a rush of Eight Emotions energy filter into him.
"Okay, I take it back," he said, hopping away from the furious Jian Yao. "Drunk ducks are better than angry wolves."
"You dare mock ?" Jian Yao roared.
He drew his blade, spiritual energy coating the tal in a flash of brilliant white.
The crowd gasped. Drawing a weapon in a duel like this ant things were getting serious.
Han Yu, of course, pulled out...
...a parasol.
"What—"
"It’s enchanted," Han Yu lied, opening it with a fwoosh. "Can block most types of light-based attacks. Also, good for rain."
Jian Yao didn’t wait. He swung his blade, sending a sweeping arc of energy flying at Han Yu.
BOOM!
The parasol exploded.
"Okay, not rainproof either," Han Yu muttered, stumbling out of the smoke with singed eyebrows.
But to his surprise, he had managed to absorb a thick strand of golden-yellow Joy from the watching crowd. They were thoroughly entertained.
Not to ntion:
SHUA
GreySurprise from Li i.
PinkAffectionate Amusent from soone in the crowd.
And a massive RedAnger surge from Jian Yao.
Han Yu’s Soul Qi reserves flared within him, stronger than ever before.
"Don’t think your gas will help you win," Jian Yao growled, lunging forward with a high-speed thrust.
Han Yu knew he couldn’t block that. Not with raw power.
But he didn’t need to.
He sidestepped, just barely—and jabbed two fingers into Jian Yao’s ribs.
"Tickle point," he said smugly.
Jian Yao froze. Twitched.
And to the disbelief of everyone watching—he snorted.
The deadly atmosphere shattered in an instant.
"...Did he just laugh?" soone whispered.
Han Yu looked like he’d been gifted the Heavens.
SHUA
YellowJoy.
GreySurprise.
RedAnger, instantly following the embarrassnt.
Jian Yao’s face darkened like a thundercloud. "You’re dead."
Han Yu imdiately leapt backward. "I accept that as a complint. But, uh—ti!"
He waved his hand frantically. "Ti out! I’m late for my nap! Or wait—feeding the frogs! Or sothing!"
Li i clapped slowly from the sidelines. "Incredible. He turned a duel into a circus."
Jian Yao’s blade vibrated with fury. But just as he prepared to strike again—
"Enough," ca a voice from above.
An elder descended, robes fluttering, expression stern.
"This is not an official challenge duel," the elder said. "You’ve made your point, Jian Yao. You know very well duels like this are not allowed. You’ve been warned before several tis too. Or do I need to send you to the discipline pavilion to remind you of it."
The blade sheathed with a hiss, and Jian Yao glared at Han Yu. "This isn’t over."
Han Yu wiped imaginary sweat from his brow. "It never is."
SHUA
One last grey Surprise.
One lingering red Grudge-flavored Anger.
Delicious.
As the crowd dispersed, Han Yu slumped against the courtyard wall.
Li i walked over and nudged him with her foot. "You’re insane."
"And victorious," Han Yu replied.
"You didn’t win."
"I emotionally won."
She sighed, then passed him another pill. "You’ll need this. You’ve used too much spirit Qi, haven’t you?"
Han Yu looked at the slightly glowing jade pill and accepted it with a grin.
"Yeah," he admitted. "Using defensive qi amplification drains like crazy right now. I can’t be careless. I need way more fuel. Especially for stronger attacks." he added.
Han Yu had already mastered how to use his spirit qi in a basic way such as defending and amplifying his muscles for a stronger attacks. he had used the sa for defending against Jiao Yao, even using the Ironwood Stance to so extent.
It was the very sa skill he had been unable to use before when he was in the body tempering realm. But now it was finally coming in use.
"More pranks?" she asked, deadpan.
"More emotional resonance farming," he corrected.
Li i groaned still not understanding just what he was jabbering about.
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