[HSRGSS] Chapter 101: Grown-Up Jingliu

"I did it! I did it!"

Jingliu was overjoyed as she saw the result of her strike.

Now, she was convinced that Lucian had not lied to her—daily hair-shedding training really could make her stronger!

Especially in terms of aura—with aura, she could become even stronger.

"Master, come on, I've made progress now. Let's see how far the gap is between us."

Jingliu eagerly raised her sword, wanting to compare herself against Lucian again.

Lucian rolled his eyes, then casually swung his sword.

Thud!

Jingliu instantly knelt like before.

'Our gap's really this big? Even after improving, I still have to kneel...' Jingliu felt a bit disheartened, but quickly regained her confidence. 'It must be the difference in aura. I have to learn a stronger aura.'

Lucian had no idea what kind of epiphany Jingliu was having on her own, but either way, once she was on the battlefield killing more Abominations of Abundance, she would level up naturally.

However, what Lucian did not expect was that, ever since he had taught Jingliu the meaning of 'aura,' the Xianzhou Cangcheng had gained a strange swordswoman.

On dark, windy nights when murders and arson took place, there would be a long, white-haired girl standing on a high perch.

With her back to the criminals, sword in hand, her voice cold and indifferent, the girl would say, "At the peak of the sword, standing proud over the world—wherever I exist, the heavens shall follow!"

"What a strong presence! She's a tough one!"

As the criminals were distracted enough to comment on the girl's words, they would be frozen solid, rendered immobile, and arrested.

Needless to say, the strange swordswoman was none other than Jingliu.

Even when dueling, Jingliu insisted on a round of theatrics before actually striking, which made the Xianzhou natives truly understand what 'aura' was.

Years later, some in the Cangcheng actually began imitating her—always putting on a show before a fight.

One day, while Lucian was out buying vegetables, he saw two local boys about to fight, standing back-to-back as they recited the same line.

""In this life, I care not for right or wrong, only life and death.""

"…"

Hearing such an edgy and cringeworthy line, Lucian could only smile helplessly.

As expected of the most prosperous of the Xianzhou, the locals were sharp-minded, grasping the concept without needing any guidance.

Even Lucian had to admit that, when it came to showing off, even he had to admit defeat.

All he could say was that the meme cultures from his original world were truly harmful to this innocent world.

Little did Lucian know that this casual act would one day spark a wave of flamboyant display at the Luminary Wardance Ceremony.

===

Rumble—!

Thunder rolled across the sky as dusk settled, and heavy clouds pressed down.

Lucian strolled back home, and the moment he stepped inside, the rain that had been brewing all day finally began to fall—starting with a fine, rustling patter against the tall glazed roof tiles of the study and the broad banana leaves outside the window.

Soon, the drops merged into streams, weaving a curtain of water that hung between sky and earth with a constant rushing sound.

'Jingliu must be in the study again, looking up cool quotes.'

Lucian did not need to guess—he already knew Jingliu's habits well.

It was only natural, considering they had lived together for seven years.

He even knew the exact dates of Jingliu's monthly cycle and could wrap her up with a Godly Bandage without hesitation. He could even predict that she was currently on tiptoe, reaching for 'The Book of Aura Farming Quotes' he had made in the past upon her request.

Lucian gently pushed open the study door and stepped inside.

Jingliu's study, which was once her late father's domain, was spacious, with rows of ebony shelves crammed with various books and scrolls, casting overlapping shadows.

At this moment, Jingliu, wearing only a simple moon-white hanfu-style dress—the soft fabric accentuating her slender figure—stood before one of the taller shelves that required looking up.

Jingliu's head was slightly tilted back, gaze locked on the innermost spot of the top shelf, where 'The Book of Aura Farming Quotes' resided.

In the stillness of the moment, the warm yellow light of the lamp illuminated only half of her profile. It outlined her straight nose and graceful lips, while the other half remained hidden in shadow, her long lashes casting fine silhouettes beneath her eyes.

Her feet rested on an old wooden ladder—one her mother had used and kept to this day. Even though not tall, the ladder still required her to stand on tiptoe and stretch her arm fully to reach the top shelf.

Soon, Jingliu's fingertips inched toward the deep-blue cloth-bound book, but just as she touched it, the ladder creaked under uneven weight and wobbled!

"Ah..."

A short gasp caught in Jingliu's throat as her body instinctively stiffened, her balance faltering, her raised arm pulling back reflexively to find stability.

"Careful."

A deep, calm voice suddenly sounded almost against Jingliu's ear—steady and reassuring—before a gentle but firm force supported her waist and shoulder from behind, pulling her back from the brink of falling.

A familiar scent enveloped her instantly—clean, crisp, with a trace of tranquil greenery.

Jingliu instantly knew it was her master's scent.

Her heart tightened as if gripped by an invisible hand, then suddenly released as she felt the strong warmth of the presence behind her, seeping through the thin fabric of her clothes.

Jingliu turned sharply and found herself staring straight into Lucian's eyes, just inches away.

In the dim light, Jingliu's light red eyes appeared especially deep, yet still reflected her faint embarrassment with clarity.

"Master?"

Jingliu's voice now carried the tone of a grown young woman, no longer the childishness of an eleven-year-old.

Still, the growing redness in her cheeks and ears betrayed her heart.

"A swordmaster, yet so quick to nearly fall?"

Lucian looked at Jingliu with a faint, knowing smile.

Jingliu was too close—close enough to see each distinct lash, close enough to see her lightly pressed lips. Her warm breath brushed faintly against his neck, bringing a subtle tingling that trailed down his spine.

"Wearing a dress today—makes sense it's harder to move around."

"Do you think I'd fall on purpose, Master?"

Jingliu gently pushed Lucian away and turned her back to him.

At the same time, the corners of Jingliu's lips curled ever so slightly, unseen by anyone.

Lucian's gaze lingered on Jingliu's back—on the fuller curves, the tall figure, the slender waist.

All of it spoke clearly.

Jingliu had truly grown up—the girl of eleven was now a truly grown woman.

"Well, the dress looks beautiful. It suits you perfectly." Lucian complimented sincerely.

Upon hearing this, Jingliu chuckled softly, shyly tugging at the hem of her dress, then glanced at the dark clouds outside and changed the subject.

"Master, why haven't you officially taken up the position of Arbiter-General yet?"

"Didn't I say it seven years ago? You're more important than that position."

"What if I want to go to the battlefield?"

"I'll personally lead the army."

Jingliu saw the unwavering look in Lucian's eyes—his straightforward answer left no room for doubt.

For a moment, Jingliu was lost in thought.

She truly wanted to join the army—to hone her swordsmanship, to improve through actual battle, yet she could not bear the thought of leaving her master.

In that dilemma, hearing that Lucian was willing to accompany her to the battlefield filled Jingliu's heart with warmth and joy.

"Alright, Master."

Jingliu gazed straight into Lucian's eyes, her expression solemn.

"From now on, I'll be your arm and will become the sharpest sword in your hand."