The Traveling Market and the Missing Prize
Han Yu and Lin Mei stopped at a bustling regional market near the borders of the Azure Blossom Sect. Han Yu was supposed to be resting, but he was instead haggling for exotic fruits.
Lin Mei watched Han Yu with a weary eye. "Remember the Elder's rules, Han Yu. No creating new admirers here. We still need to find Ying Li and cure her lovesickness for the Trial."
"Relax, Lin Mei," Han Yu said, examining a shimmering blue fruit. "I'm merely expanding my network of culinary-focused friends. It's strictly professional."
Just then, a blur of movement shot past Han Yu. A slender, fast figure in dark robes, who had been lingering near the fruit stall, snatched the beautiful, intricately carved jade pendant from around Han Yu's neck and vanished into the market crowds.
"Hey!" Han Yu yelled. The pendant was his most prized possession—a gift from his mother, Lady Yu Qing, and rumored to hold secrets about his bloodline.
Han Yu was furious, his usual carefree attitude replaced by genuine annoyance. "Did you see who that was?"
Lin Mei pointed to a flash of dark robes disappearing over a stack of woven baskets.
"Fast! And a woman, judging by the size. I told you your charm would bring trouble!"
Han Yu's fury melted into a wry grin. "A chase? Through a crowded market? How romantic."
Jin-Jin, the Matchmaker Spirit, zapped onto his shoulder. "An excellent quest! Stolen property as a token of affection! This is a classic 'Prove Your Devotion' Trial! Go, my dashing thief-catcher!"
The Comedic Chase
The thief, whom Han Yu's Heavenly Insight Eye identified as a rogue cultivator named Jiao Qing (a specialist in stealth and agility), was relying on the crowds. Han Yu, however, was relying on pure, overwhelming speed and charm.
Jiao Qing activated a low-level stealth technique, weaving through the stalls.
Han Yu countered by using Wind Dance, increasing his speed drastically until he was a blur. He didn't just run; he moved with effortless, charming grace, dodging people with exaggerated bows and apologies.
Han Yu's Thought: "I can't use Thunder God's Wrath here; I'd vaporize the entire spice stall. And Void Severing Slash would cut the market in half. I need finesse."
Jiao Qing ran along the top of a stall, throwing small, sticky smoke pellets behind her.
Han Yu used Star Shifting Mirage, instantly teleporting the short distance needed to clear the smoke, appearing directly behind her.
"Madam," Han Yu said smoothly, flashing his winning smile. "Must you run? It ruins your delicate complexion."
Jiao Qing, startled by his sudden reappearance, skidded to a halt and flipped over a cart of cabbages, using the chaos to create distance again.
"It's a gift of love, prodigy!" Jiao Qing shouted back, tossing the jade pendant into the air briefly before catching it. "A token! If you want it, you must woo it from me!"
The Capture and the Celestial Barrier
Jiao Qing ran toward a narrow alley, hoping to lose him in the shadows. This was her mistake, as Han Yu was a master of evasion.
Han Yu activated Shadowless Drift, allowing him to blend seamlessly into the shadows of the alley, moving like a ghost. He instantly caught up to Jiao Qing, appearing silently right in front of her.
Jiao Qing gasped and instinctively threw a powerful, but sloppy, Piercing Palm strike—a technique Han Yu had mastered at the Mortal Awakening level.
Han Yu didn't dodge. He stood firm and activated his Celestial Barrier, forming a flawless, golden energy shield that easily nullified her attack. The force of her own palm striking the unmoving barrier sent Jiao Qing stumbling back in shock.
Han Yu plucked the jade pendant from her hand with casual ease.
"My dear," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "My affection is not something you seize by force. It is something you must earn through persistent, non-thieving devotion."
The Twist of Devotion and Lin Mei's Reaction
Jiao Qing looked utterly defeated. She fell to her knees, looking up at the incredibly handsome, powerful man who had just used a high-level Dao Celestial Soul defensive skill to block a basic palm strike.
"I... I stole it to get your attention," she admitted, tears welling up. "I love your mischievous spirit! I thought if I could outsmart you, you would see my worth!"
Han Yu sighed. "Ah, the old 'stealing priceless artifacts to win a prodigy's heart' maneuver. A classic." He looked at the pendant, then at Jiao Qing.
Han Yu's Thought: "A strong will, impressive agility, and her genuine devotion is now secured by my overwhelming power display. Perfect. A small Love Crystal Diamond potential here."
He knelt down and, instead of reprimanding her, he placed the jade pendant around her neck.
"Keep it," he said softly, flashing a deeply sincere, calculated smile. "As a temporary token of my professional appreciation for your excellent movement techniques. But next time, just send a letter. And maybe a pie."
Jiao Qing was speechless, her adoration instantly multiplying tenfold. Han Yu had not only defeated her but rewarded her. A faint, small Love Crystal Diamond flickered near her chest—a definite success.
Han Yu stood up and rejoined Lin Mei, who had just caught up, furious and breathless.
"You gave her your prized pendant! The one with the family secret! Why?!" Lin Mei shrieked.
Han Yu shrugged, looking smug. "Because Lin Mei, a man's heart is a fortress, and a jade pendant is merely a tool. Now I have a devoted admirer who will protect that pendant—and, more importantly, me—with her life. It's called investment."
He tapped the side of his nose. "Besides, I used my Celestial Barrier! That was much more satisfying than fighting an actual bandit. Now, let's go find that lovesick girl. I need to get back to my actual Trial."
The Adventure continued, having earned Han Yu a new, loyal devotee and yet another chaotic item to track.