Chapter Fifty-Six: Paris

Kakun fought for love, defending his own feelings.

At least, that was what he told himself.

But what Xie Jing had in mind was simply to give this fool a lesson.

Back when he read novels, Xie Jing never understood why some protagonists would resort to violence over things that could easily be explained with words. Now, he understood.

Explaining was far too troublesome—it was much more satisfying to settle things directly with one’s fists.

Seria watched the scene unfold before her. Though she appeared calm, a flicker of panic betrayed her true feelings. Whatever identity she might be hiding, at this moment, she was just a girl.

“So cool! Sir Edward!” Kanina clasped her hands, gazing at Xie Jing with adoring eyes.

Galandis tried to step forward to stop the duel, but Aisha blocked her. The latter watched the confrontation between the two men with unconcealed excitement. As the NPC in charge of the dueling grounds, Aisha had an immense interest in all forms of combat—she would never let Galandis interrupt.

“Draw your weapon! Or do you plan to duel me with your bare hands?”

The atmosphere around Kakun grew increasingly violent. He swung his katana and grinned broadly.

Xie Jing extended his hand, and a brilliant light gathered within him, slowly forming and stretching from his palm.

A collective gasp filled the room—no one had ever witnessed such a spectacle. A sword of light growing from the hand—what kind of power was this?

Even Argonzo, quietly savoring his elven vintage in a corner, was taken aback. He had seen countless sword techniques, but never anyone who drew a blade like that.

Interesting…

Argonzo’s attention was now fully fixed on the duel. As one of the Four Sword Saints, encountering a new sword technique was always a delight.

Socia, the tavern owner, leaned gracefully on the bar with a wine glass in hand, her fingers gently stroking her face as she watched Xie Jing with interest.

Nearby, a beautiful woman with long silver hair sipped her colorful drink, arms folded, occasionally casting a glance toward Xie Jing.

The light was dazzling, but unlike the holy radiance of priests, the sword Xie Jing held exuded a pure, unadulterated brilliance.

Those with a sense for drama quickly cleared the tables away, making room for the duel.

“Come on!” Xie Jing beckoned to Kakun, looking utterly untroubled.

“Hmph!”

It was clear Kakun was not holding back.

His blade flashed coldly as he lunged at Xie Jing, sweeping his katana with enough force to cleave him in two.

Xie Jing parried at once, blocking the blow, only to find Kakun pressing down, then swiftly lifting his blade. A powerful wave rippled upward from below, sending visible shockwaves toward Xie Jing.

Not expecting this move, Xie Jing dodged to the side on pure reflex, narrowly escaping the attack, but Kakun pressed forward with nimble steps, closing in with a three-stage assault.

A massive, blood-red cross of energy appeared, bearing down on Xie Jing. But the sword of light in Xie Jing’s hand flared, instantly dissolving the power of the cross slash.

Aren’t these all basic skills of the Ghostblade?

Xie Jing was astonished. He never guessed that Kakun could perform techniques usually reserved for players.

He was caught off guard—after all, he had never learned any sword techniques himself.

He would have to break through with brute force!

Kakun leapt high, his katana descending with the force of a mountain, aimed directly at Xie Jing’s head—there was nowhere to dodge.

A fierce burst of light erupted. Two enormous, radiant hands appeared behind Xie Jing, whistling through the air as they struck Kakun hard.

In gaming terms, Kakun’s Mountain Splitter was interrupted by Xie Jing’s massive slap, sending him flying through the air to crash onto the ground. His katana clattered aside.

Simple. Brutal.

The crowd erupted in cheers for Xie Jing. Some of the female NPCs even lifted Seria from her seat and forced her to stand by Xie Jing’s side, paying no heed to her wishes.

The tavern was no longer quiet. The cheers stirred everyone’s hearts, and the music grew lively.

Kakun struggled up from the floor, shot Xie Jing a venomous glare, and stormed out—there was no way he could stay here any longer.

Galandis squeezed in next to Xie Jing, clearly very satisfied.

“Sir Edward, well done! That dark elf is nothing but a philanderer—he confessed to me while pursuing Seria!”

“He even gave me flowers! Not that it mattered, since I threw them away!” Kanina appeared out of nowhere, clinging to Xie Jing’s arm.

Xie Jing had heard of Kakun’s reputation as a flirt, but hadn’t realized he would leave no one untouched.

Seria, surrounded by the crowd, looked flustered. She liked peace and quiet, and had never liked Kakun—or Xie Jing, for that matter. Now, with everyone pushing her toward him, she didn’t know what to do.

“Go back with Galandis and the others for now,” a familiar voice whispered in her ear.

She glanced up to see Xie Jing dancing with the crowd, acting as if he hadn’t spoken.

“Today has been dreadful, Sir Edward. You’ve put me in a difficult position.”

With that, Seria slipped through the crowd, shooting Xie Jing a sidelong glance before joining Galandis.

Watching them leave the tavern, Xie Jing raised his glass with a smile.

“Drink to your heart’s content, everyone! I said it—tonight, it’s all on me!”

A roar of delight swept through the room. Socia elegantly handed out drink after drink, casting curious glances at Xie Jing.

The beautiful silver-haired woman, however, set down her empty glass and left without a word.

“Parris, what’s the matter? Why stop now, with someone else footing the bill?” Socia called after her.

The silver-haired Parris didn’t look back, just waved a hand and muttered a curse. “I’ve seen enough of love’s lies for one night—it’s sickening. I’m not drinking anymore.”

Socia made no reply, but Xie Jing had noticed. Seeing Parris’s face, his heart skipped a beat.

Parris! It was Parris!

The Princess of the Sewers!

Also the NPC Xie Jing liked most of all!

Abandoned by her parents as a child, she had done whatever it took to survive, ultimately growing into a wild rose, fierce and resilient!

The crowd blocked his way as he tried to follow, and in a blink, Parris was gone.

He would have to wait for another chance.

With a sigh, Xie Jing sat down alone and quietly sipped his drink.

Just then, a heavy hand clapped him on the shoulder.

“Edward, thanks for the drinks tonight!”

He turned to see Argonzo, who had left his corner and now stood by his side, greatsword on his back and cheeks flushed from drink.

“Mr. Argonzo, how about another glass of Elven Vintage?”

“No need!” Argonzo waved him off and smiled. “As a swordsman, one must always keep a clear mind, ready to draw the blade at any moment. Tonight, I’ve made an exception.”

“Mr. Argonzo, in this world, happiness is all that matters. If you dwell in sorrow, you’ll never see hope ahead.”

“No.” Argonzo’s face grew serious. “Sorrow is my driving force—it is my hope.”

“My Lukesi…”