Chapter 16: Skills

"9538, are there any other requirements or precautions for this mission?" Wang Keyue remained cautious.

"This mission is a temporary, voluntary task, not mandatory, but it does have a time limit—it must be completed within a month. In addition, successful completion will be rewarded with generous prizes. However, failure will also bring certain penalties," 9538 replied.

"Penalties! As expected, there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world! What kind of penalty? Will it be fatal?" Wang Keyue thought to herself that as long as her life was spared, she could accept any kind of punishment.

"There's no need to worry, Host. The penalties for this mission are not life-threatening, but as for the specifics, I am not certain," 9538 answered.

"Alright then, let's accept this mission!" Wang Keyue resolved.

"Very well, Host, the mission has been accepted," 9538 responded promptly.

Wang Keyue took out the basic blade skill card she had picked up. "9538, how do I learn this skill?" She planned to master it tonight, lest unforeseen circumstances arise.

"Host, simply place the skill card on your forehead and silently recite ‘use’ in your mind," 9538 instructed.

Without hesitation, Wang Keyue followed the instructions. As her will directed, a ball of white light appeared at her forehead, and then—"bang!"—her consciousness blurred, and she collapsed to the ground.

"Oh! Host, I forgot to mention, learning a skill card induces a state of deep sleep. It’s best to prepare yourself beforehand! Host! Host!" 9538’s voice echoed in Wang Keyue’s mind, but she could no longer hear it.

At that moment, her consciousness was already drawn into the sea of awareness—a blank space, devoid of sound or color.

Suddenly, figures appeared before her, each holding a large blade, performing various movements: cleaving, chopping, slashing, hacking, lifting, intercepting, pushing, thrusting, gliding, stirring, crashing, pointing, drawing—the thirteen fundamental forms of blade technique were displayed with exquisite mastery, fluid and ever-changing, each move natural, each form substantial. Wang Keyue watched, her eyes shining with excitement.

Each movement, each form, etched itself into her mind like a brand, playing over and over, weaving themselves through her consciousness.

The outside world was of no concern to her now. Immersed in the joy of learning, she was unaware that outside, Zhang Mama was already fraught with anxiety.

"Young Miss! Young Miss, wake up! Please, don’t frighten me!" Zhang Mama had just settled the old madam for the night and begun arranging the night watch. But no sooner had she finished than she heard a startled cry from the young miss’s maid nearby. Rushing over, she found the young miss had fainted.

Instantly, the entire group was thrown into commotion. Naturally, the old matron was awakened. She hurriedly instructed Zhang Mama to carry her granddaughter to her own bedding, which was already comfortably warm.

Zhang Mama stood up, silenced the noisy crowd, and went to fetch Old Madam Li from among the group.

Old Madam Li was a servant purchased by the household, with some experience in midwifery and emergency care—at such a moment, she was the only available option. Zhang Mama had no other choice.

Under considerable pressure, Old Madam Li nervously examined Wang Keyue’s eyelids and carefully listened to her heartbeat. At length, she let out a breath of relief.

"Reporting, Madam, the young miss appears to have fainted from exhaustion. Her symptoms resemble those of frail young women after childbirth…"

As Old Madam Li exhaled in relief, she grew careless with her words.

"Insolence!" Zhang Mama quickly interrupted. How could Old Madam Li compare an unmarried young lady to a married woman? Such recklessness! It seemed the servants needed a stern lecture soon.

Old Madam Li, startled, quickly fell silent, cold sweat beading on her brow. That careless tongue of hers!

"Enough, you may go," the old matron said, relieved yet unwilling to pursue the matter further. Her eyes, slightly reddened, remained fixed on her unconscious granddaughter.