Seeing that the Cloud Knights had nearly finished their work, Qin Shaoqing decided it was best to leave before any trouble arose. However, before he could move, one peculiar young woman stopped him.
"H-Hey! Where do you think you're going? You need to stay for questioning!"
"Well, I'm just a passerby, young lady. I'm sure those merchants can provide a more in-depth explanation." Qin Shaoqing examined the young woman closely, wondering if he had encountered her before.
'Sushang… Sushang… where have I heard that name before?'
Under Qin Shaoqing's careful gaze, Sushang suddenly felt exposed and couldn't help growing nervous.
"Ah!" Qin Shaoqing's mind clicked as he recalled a stream he once watched while tending his stall.
"You're Miss Sushang, right?"
"O-Oh? How did you know?"
"Haha, I occasionally watch Guinaifen's streams. I'm quite fortunate to meet Miss Guinaifen's friend—though I didn't know you were a Cloud Knight."
"H-Haha… well, I never really mention it to anyone." Sushang's nervousness faded, replaced by embarrassment.
"Oh? I think that's something worth boasting about. Seeing such a capable Cloud Knight as yourself puts my heart at ease." Qin Shaoqing's easy smile quickly melted the last of Sushang's guard.
"Ahem."
One of the senior Cloud Knights stepped forward, interrupting their conversation.
"Sir Qin Shaoqing, correct?"
"Correct, sir."
"I need you to explain the situation from your perspective."
Qin Shaoqing naturally complied, recounting everything—from tailing the suspects to the confrontation's end.
"I see. Thank you for informing the Cloud Knights of the location. We will investigate further." Upon hearing about a potential Sanctus Medicus base, the senior's gaze sharpened as he contacted higher authorities.
"Thank you, citizen Qin Shaoqing. With your valiant efforts, you uncovered a dangerous sect's activities. The merit points you've earned will be issued in a few days." The Cloud Knight bowed sincerely.
"No worries. There's no need to give me merit points."
His refusal shocked everyone present. Merit points were as valuable as gold—exchangeable for pills from the Alchemy Commission or weapons from the Artisanship Commission.
'Such a firm refusal… He never expected a reward from the start.'That thought resonated with everyone—except Qin Shaoqing.
'I just don't want to run into that High Cloud Knight again.'
Seeing the sparkling eyes around him, Qin Shaoqing realized he'd been completely misunderstood—but clearing it up now would only make things worse.
"Sir Qin Shaoqing, you are truly humble and valiant. I wish you a long and steady life." Sensing his resolve, the senior Cloud Knight offered his blessing.
Observing Qin Shaoqing's calm and steady aura, many junior Cloud Knights felt as though they had encountered a retired swordmaster.
Such temperament could only be forged through countless battles. His presence even rivaled that of General Jing Yuan.
"U-Um… could I have some of your time later?" Sushang finally asked, gathering her courage.
"I'd be pleased to spare some time, Miss Sushang." Qin Shaoqing smiled politely—while inwardly cursing. With so many eyes watching, refusal wasn't an option.
Soon after, the Cloud Knights escorted away the captured Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Qin Shaoqing and Sushang agreed to meet elsewhere.
After bidding farewell to the merchants, Qin Shaoqing departed. Once he confirmed no one was nearby, a string of curses erupted from his mouth.
All directed at one thing.
His dysfunctional system.
[Sanctus Medicus's Rage: Every Sanctus Medicus member near you will feel inexplicable rage toward you!]
[Body Full of Dew: Every long-life species and follower of Yaoshi near you will feel inexplicable attraction toward you!]
Re-reading the messages, Qin Shaoqing punched the wall beside him.
"Come on, System! Can you be normal for once?! I don't need this! Why can't you be one of those systems that actually makes its host stronger directly?!"
Receiving no response—as usual—he slumped.
Why did his system have to be dysfunctional?Why couldn't he trade it with another protagonist who had a functional one?
He continued cursing for quite some time.
As if hearing him, the usually silent system suddenly booted up.
[Hearing host request.]
[Searching term: "normal system."]
[Searching…]
Qin Shaoqing's eyes widened.
[Quest added!]
[Mission: Acquire a disciple.]
[Reward: Absolute Sword Sense!]
[Penalty: Death.]
[Duration: 1 day.]
[Good luck!]
"…"
Qin Shaoqing's knees nearly gave out as he stared at the sky. In his imagination, faint maniacal laughter echoed.
'That damn Aeon is messing with me.'
In low spirits, he headed to the agreed meeting spot. If he was going to die, he'd at least keep his promise.
Upon arriving, he was surprised to find Sushang already waiting.
"Miss Sushang, I'm surprised you arrived so early."
"Oh—Senior Qin Shaoqing! G-Good afternoon. No worries, I didn't wait long." Hearing the title made Qin Shaoqing's mouth twitch.
"You don't need to call me that. I'm just a humble citizen. Still—why don't we talk about why you asked to meet me?"
"R-Right, um…" Sushang hesitated, clearly struggling.
"Actually, how about we grab—"
"P-Please let me be your disciple!"
Sushang's sudden declaration—and deep bow—left Qin Shaoqing and every passerby utterly stunned.