C21 Physical Awakening Method
As Mu Jin internally screamed for help, she inadvertently locked eyes with Ying, who had followed her.
Ying's strikingly clear blue eyes captivated her attention in an instant.
But upon recognizing the all-too-familiar face, Ying's eyes widened in shock, his teeth clenched as a flicker of rage passed through his gaze.
He swiftly drew his one-handed sword and charged at Mu Jin.
"Justice! Give me back my brother!"
"Holy shit!"
Mu Jin blurted out a curse as she saw the traveler with the sword rushing at her. Clutching her expensive dress, she stumbled awkwardly to avoid the thrust.
Xiangling watched in astonishment at the unfolding scene.
Did her new friend have some past beef with Mu Jin? They were at each other's throats upon meeting!
It seemed like Ying was unleashing a one-sided assault, while Mu Jin appeared reluctant to retaliate, clumsily evading the attacks.
That's when Xiangling noticed Mu Jin wasn't wearing those odd tights anymore but had switched to a dress that looked quite pricey.
This had to stop! She needed to find a way to separate them!
"Stop fighting, you two!"
"Whoa! Xiangling, help me!"
When Mu Jin shouted Xiangling's name, Ying paused, stunned. Seizing the moment, Mu Jin quickly grabbed the baseball bat she'd stashed in the system's built-in space.
With no time to dodge, she swung the bat at Ying's head, hoping to bring her back to her senses with her signature Physical Awareness Technique.
"Eat my bat!"
Thud!!
Ying hit the ground, one hand pointing to the earth, her sword clattering beside her.
Silence fell over the three remaining figures.
Paimon, snapping out of her daze first, pounced on Ying, shaking her vigorously. "Oh no! Traveler! Are you okay?!"
"Traveler, you can't die on me! You still owe me several Sweet Flower Wine Chickens!" Paimon managed to force out a few tears.
"Are you okay?" Xiangling asked, eyeing Mu Jin, who was holding the incriminating bat, nervously.
She was aware of Mu Jin's strength... Surely that hit hadn't knocked Ying senseless?
Mu Jin herself was uncertain: "It should be... okay, right?"
"Freeze! The West Wind Knights have received a report of an unauthorized brawl taking place here!"
A group of tardy West Wind Knights encircled them.
"Good heavens! She's knocked out the Honorary Knight!" someone exclaimed upon spotting Ying lying on the ground.
"Miss, please come with us."
Onlookers who had gathered for the spectacle murmured among themselves.
"Why is she still dressed in the Lawrence Family's attire?"
"Could it be that the Lawrence clan wanted to incapacitate the Honorary Knight?"
"Tsk... So this is the 'noble' idea, huh?"
Mu Jin's heart sank. She had been the one attacked, or rather, her face had been targeted because of its resemblance to the traveler.
"This is a personal matter! Sir Knight, there's really no need for concern!" Xiangling interjected, hoping to prevent the knights from taking Mu Jin away.
It was supposed to be a simple trip to buy food! How did it turn into such a debacle?
Ying, who Mu Jin had just knocked out, staggered to her feet, shaking her head as if trying to clear it.
Her mind felt as chaotic as if several Paimons were buzzing around her, saying, "Let's explore the area ahead next time."
"Whoa! Traveler! Are you okay?"
Paimon looked on anxiously at Ying, who was still frowning, checking for any injuries.
She eyed Mu Jin warily and inched closer. "Are you... Tianli?"
Tianli wasn't known for being gentle. Even on a secondary account, he wouldn't be this weak, right?
Thanks to Mu Jin's physical wake-up call, Ying's mind had indeed started to clear.
Mu Jin quickly denied the accusation: "I don't even know what Tianli is. If you don't believe me, ask Xiangling. She found me in Liyue."
She had acted too hastily, it seemed.
Yet this face bore such a striking resemblance to Tianli's...
"Honorary Knight... Are you sure you're okay?"
Ying glanced at the crowd of onlookers and reassured them, "I'm fine. It was just a friendly spar, and I slipped up."
The knights promptly dispersed the crowd, allowing them to carry on with their duties.
Xiangling stepped close to Mu Jin, scanning her from head to toe for any additional injuries.
"This is fantastic... no injuries..."
Xiangling embraced Mu Jin with joy, and Mu Jin, grinning goofily, hugged her back just as tightly.
In a way, they were friends who had shared near-death experiences!
Ying watched Mu Jin's expression, unable to fathom the heavens ever sporting such a goofy grin.
Her doubts about Mu Jin eased a little.
Ding! Time-limited mission complete! Your reward has been sent via email. Please claim it promptly.
Ding! Traveler Ying's favorability towards you is at 5%, with extreme emotions at 25%. Her impression of you: a small account opened by the heavens, seemingly naive, but warranting constant vigilance.
Mu Jin, containing her excitement, claimed the reward from her email with a single click.
She saw her crystal balance hit 1400, along with five standard supply cards.
She was so elated she felt like jumping for joy, but with others present, she reined in her exuberance.
Ohhh yes!! I've finally got enough for a ten-pull!!! Woohoo!!
An amazing Character Card is out there waiting for me!!
"By the way, Mu Jin, what happened to your original clothes? And whose are you wearing now?" Xiangling squinted her eyes.
Was this the dreaded Double Death Question?