PDLP Chapter 13 I call this self-cultivation
Chapter 13 I call this self-cultivation
A genius girl with a super-level professional skill lives in the home of a casual homeowner who just wants to relax.
This plot seems like some kind of chaotic love triangle is about to unfold.
Especially the way she looked at me just now, it felt a bit like... disappointed in me?
Su Ming touched his chin.
It seems that it will be difficult to relax in the days to come.
............
Dinner time.
With an extra guest at the Su family's dining table, the atmosphere became somewhat strange.
The relaxed Versailles atmosphere that was usually just Su Ming's family became slightly...formal with Lin Xi's arrival.
Lin Xi changed into a white loungewear outfit. Although she looked less sharp, she still sat up straight and ate with textbook-perfect elegance.
Su Zhiguo asked with a smile: "Xi Xi, besides preparing for the exam, what other plans do you have for coming to Shanghai this time?"
Lin Xi put down her chopsticks and answered earnestly, "Uncle Su, my main purpose in coming here this time is to challenge the masters in Shanghai and hone my sword intent. I've heard that many geniuses have emerged from Shanghai this year, and I want to get a general understanding of the level of my peers before enrolling."
Su Zhiguo nodded approvingly: Good! As expected of Old Lin's daughter, you have ambition! The Void Sword Maiden class requires constant battles to become stronger.
As he spoke, Su Zhiguo glanced at Su Ming, who was engrossed in eating, and kicked him with exasperation: "Look at Xi Xi! And look at you! All you do is eat!"
With a piece of braised pork stuffed in his mouth, Su Ming mumbled, "Dad, food is essential for survival. Besides, I'm a free agent, and she's a swordswoman; our roles are different. I need to conserve my energy."
Lin Xi turned her head and looked at Su Ming.
Her gaze remained cold, but Su Ming keenly caught a hint of...disappointment?
"Su Ming," Lin Xi suddenly spoke, her voice calm, "I heard you soloed the Hell difficulty level of the Dark Forest."
Su Ming paused, swallowing the meat in his mouth: "The news travels pretty fast. What, you want to praise me too?"
Lin Xi shook her head: No. Soloing Hell difficulty isn't difficult for someone with the Su family's resources. I've seen your completion stats; it's simply a matter of overwhelming your stats and stacking up your skills.
She paused, her tone becoming somewhat sharp: "As your only... friend from childhood, I originally thought you would awaken a profession like the God of Judgment. Unexpectedly, you chose the Unaffiliated."
Su Ming put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth.
Why do those words sound so harsh?
Friend? I seem to remember that we were enemies when we were kids.
Su Ming leaned back in his chair, looking at her with a half-smile: "So what if you're a free agent? Free agents are free to do whatever they want. Besides, who says you have to awaken a god-level profession to be considered successful?"
Lin Xi frowned slightly as she looked at his nonchalant attitude: Freedom? That's the excuse of the weak. In this era, without power, so-called freedom is just a castle in the air. Su Ming, you've disappointed me greatly. I originally wanted to compete with you in the assessment.
After saying that, she stood up: "Uncle Su, Aunt Su, I'm full. I'm going back to my room to cultivate."
A silence fell over the restaurant as Lin Xi walked away.
Su Qing was a little displeased: How dare this little girl talk like that? What's wrong with my Mingming? Has she never been beaten down by society?
Su Ming suddenly laughed.
interesting.
He originally thought Lin Xi was just a cold and aloof goddess, but he didn't expect her to be such a chuunibyou (a person with delusions of grandeur). Her mouth was full of talk about strong people, power, and disappointment.
It seems she's been thoroughly brainwashed by that elite education in the capital's social circle.
Moreover, she seems to have some strange obsession with her childhood friend?
[System Notification: Interactive Quest Triggered – Breaking Prejudice. Your childhood sweetheart believes you are hopeless. Please find an opportunity to demonstrate your true skills and show her that the freedom of a free spirit is built upon absolute strength. Reward: One random skill enhancement voucher.]
Su Ming stretched and stood up, saying, "Dad, Mom, I'm full too."
Su Zhiguo looked at him with some concern:
"Son, don't take it to heart. Xixi has always been very competitive."
Su Ming waved his hand: "Don't worry, Dad. Being competitive is a good thing, but I'll let her know that sometimes, lying down is also a state of mind."
Back in his room, Su Ming didn't lie down immediately as usual.
He went out onto the balcony.
The balcony light next door was still on.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, one could see Lin Xi sitting cross-legged on the carpet, with a transparent longsword hovering in front of her, radiating sharp spatial fluctuations.
Still cultivating so late?
Su Ming shook his head.
What a glutton!
However, Void Fiora... a melee mage with spatial abilities? That's definitely a bit tricky.
With a thought, Su Ming summoned the Thousand Chance Umbrella in his hand.
Since you want to compete, I'll play along.
However, not in the way you understand it.
He looked at the umbrella in his hand, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.
Just you wait, you crybaby.
When the assessment day comes, I'll show you what it means to be "lazy but strong."
Also, I haven't forgotten the grudge you took my lollipop when we were kids.
Su Ming smirked, turned around and went back to his room to begin his... binge-watching spree for the night.
After all, you need to be well-rested to have the energy to drink, right?
..............
The next morning, the air at Cloud Top Manor was filled with magical energy.
For Su Ming, this should have been a wonderful morning where he could sleep in until he naturally woke up.
However, the sound of sword energy cutting through the air coming from the neighboring balcony was as punctual and piercing as an alarm clock.
Su Ming, with messy hair and wearing pajamas, walked onto the balcony with a resentful look on his face.
Next door, Lin Xi was already dressed and ready.
She wore a white training uniform that allowed for easy movement, her long hair was tied in a high ponytail, and the transparent void sword in her hand danced around her, each swing causing a slight distortion in the surrounding space.
Her gaze was focused and sharp, and sweat slid down her slender neck, glistening in the morning light.
It must be said, the scene is beautiful, if you ignore the chilling murderous aura.
Good morning, Mr. Juan.
Su Ming yawned, still holding a cup of freshly heated spirit goat milk in his hand.
As Lin Xi withdrew her sword, the sword in the void instantly transformed into specks of starlight and vanished.
She turned her head and looked at Su Ming, who looked like he hadn't woken up yet, and her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
"It's 6:30 in the morning now."
Lin Xi's voice was cold and aloof.
"The early bird catches the worm. This time of day is the best opportunity to comprehend the laws of space. Now that you're awake, why not cultivate?"
Su Ming took a sip of milk and said matter-of-factly, "I'm cultivating."
Lin Xi looked him up and down:
"Cultivating oneself by drinking milk?"
Su Ming nodded seriously:
"This is called health preservation. A recluse doesn't need to comprehend those ethereal laws; what we need is a strong physique to withstand beatings."
"Besides, lack of sleep can affect brain development, which is related to intelligence. I'm just trying to maintain my core attributes."
Lin Xi was speechless.
She felt that discussing cultivation with Su Ming was like talking to a brick wall.
She shook her head, turned and went back to her room.
"Suit yourself. I still need to go to the simulation room for live-fire exercises. Hopefully, on the day of the assessment, your opponent will admit defeat because of your cool way of drinking milk."
Watching Lin Xi's departing figure, Su Ming curled his lip.
That girl still has such a sharp tongue.
However, now that you're awake, why not try out the new toy?
He hasn't even had a chance to use the third form of the Thousand Chance Umbrella, which was a reward for clearing the dungeon yesterday.