"Grandpa, you lost."

When Rosen heard this, he was momentarily confused. Then shock washed over him. He hadn't expected anyone's burst speed to outpace his Blade Draw Technique. Even without Spirit Energy enhancement, he stared at Lin Ming in disbelief.

"Alright, Grandpa, I won," Lin Ming said, releasing his right hand from the sword hilt. His hand trembled slightly—the sheer force of that instant draw still packed a punch.

Below the stage, Yuhan He gaped in shock. She dashed up, scrutinizing Lin Ming from left to right. "I don't see how you're that strong," she muttered. "How did you block Grandpa's Blade Draw Technique?"

"Hey, hey! Stop staring—it costs money," Lin Ming said, squirming under her gaze.

"Hmph! Looking won't make you lose flesh, you miser," Yuhan He retorted, puffing out her cheeks.

"...

"Miss, please don't throw a tantrum. This young man's a Body Cultivator; anyone would feel uncomfortable under such a stare," Rosen said sternly, snapping out of his daze.

"Alright, alright," Yuhan He sighed, instantly deflating. She clearly respected his words.

Rosen turned to Lin Ming. "Kid, I used Spirit Energy to unleash two Sword Qi strikes. Only then did I realize you used none yourself. Why?"

"Uh... personal privacy! Pay up if you want to ask!" Lin Ming grinned, holding out his hand.

"If you won't say, fine. But I must apologize for underestimating you, kid!" Rosen ignored the gesture and bowed.

Lin Ming stopped him before he bent down. "Grandpa, it's not your fault. A verbal apology's enough—no bowing needed." He added, "So, you acknowledge my strength now?"

"Hmph! I do." Rosen genuinely respected Lin Ming's power. Few could block his Blade Draw Technique—even with both sides holding back.

"Then... it's fine for my junior to stay a couple more days?" Lin Ming asked.

Rosen smiled and nodded.

"Yes!" Yuhan He cheered, leaping to hug Lin Ming. She'd thought returning to the academy was certain. The task was just for fun before leaving. Overjoyed he'd actually won, she wrapped her arms around him.

"Uh!" Lin Ming froze. A warm, soft body pressed against him, carrying a faint sweet fragrance. Most importantly, he felt two soft, round mounds against his chest. His mind blanked with one thought...

"I really want to eat baozi..."

...

Meanwhile, at Azure Spirit Academy, Shangguan Luoxue practiced swordsmanship in her villa-like dorm courtyard. Suddenly, she unleashed a Sword Qi that sliced a tree in half.

Beside her, Xiao Cui yawned sleepily. "Miss, what's wrong? You never released Sword Qi during practice before."

"I don't know... I just felt a sudden wave of irritation," Shangguan Luoxue replied, her face dark.

Xiao Cui, not thinking straight, blurted, "Only Young Master Lin Ming could make you react so strongly. Could he be out there with another woma—"

"Boom!" A fiercer Sword Qi erupted. The wall before Shangguan Luoxue split in two, leaving a deep gash in the ground.

She turned with a terrifying smile. "Xiao Cui, what did you say? I didn't catch it."

Xiao Cui saw the smile but felt chilling killing intent—like a freezing winter. She snapped awake, trembling. "N-nothing... haha... hahaha."

"Good. Then I'll continue practicing," Shangguan Luoxue said, turning away with a smile.

Xiao Cui broke out in cold sweat, watching her mistress "practice"—wildly unleashing Sword Qi. She prayed silently, "Young Master Lin Ming, please don't do anything reckless!"

...

Lin Ming felt an inexplicable chill down his spine. Just then, Rosen coughed sharply, his face darkening. "Ahem! Miss, this is highly improper."

"Eep!" Yuhan He yelped, releasing Lin Ming. Her face flushed crimson as she hid behind Rosen.

"Oho! So Grandpa was testing his grandson-in-law's strength for his granddaughter!" The clueless crowd now let their imaginations run wild.

"Huh, is that so?"

"Of course! Didn't you see her hug him after he won?"

"Now that you mention it, yeah..."

Lin Ming watched the gossip-hungry crowd with dismay. *What nonsense about testing a grandson-in-law. I was just completing a task.*

Yuhan He's face turned apple-red. Rosen's face darkened like soot, his expression grim. "Let's go back to the room," he said in a low voice.

He strode out of the Duel Arena, Lin Ming and Yuhan He following. Cheers chased them: "Grandpa admits defeat!" "When's the wedding?" Lin Ming cursed inwardly. *Damn it! It was just a hug. If I weren't so gentlemanly, I'd beat each of you to a pulp.*

Soon, they returned to the luxurious suite. (Yuhan He's room had two bedrooms—a master and secondary—with a large living room between. The rest? Use your imagination!)

In the living room, tension hung thick. Lin Ming stared seriously at Yuhan He, making her blush deeper. Rosen stood ready, hand on his sword hilt, poised to draw if Lin Ming spoke improperly.

Yuhan He's mind raced: *Is he confessing? Did he believe the crowd? But we just met! Love at first sight? He's going to confess!* Her face burned redder. Rosen's glare at Lin Ming turned hostile.

Lin Ming, puzzled by her flush, spoke directly. "Miss Yuhan, what's the reward? I've completed the task."

Yuhan He, shyly anticipating his words, froze in shock. "Huh?!"

Even Rosen, about to draw his sword, paused. He slowly lowered his hands.

"That's it?" Yuhan He asked hesitantly.

"Yep, that's it."

Her face darkened. She'd imagined her first confession happening now—not a demand for payment. "Hmph!" Her fondness for Lin Ming plummeted. She turned and stormed into her room.

Lin Ming watched her go, confused. "Grandpa, what's wrong? Where's my reward?"

Rosen stared at him speechlessly. *I thought you'd seize the moment to confess... though I'd have cut you down. I knew it wouldn't work, but it'd boost your favor! Especially after beating me—though I don't admit I lost. Miss was excited, and you said that. Well done. Young man, your emotional intelligence is incredibly... nice.*

He patted Lin Ming's shoulder. "Miss is just fetching your reward."

"Oh~ I see."