Chapter 18: Challenging Venti to a Duel!
[Option 1: After Venti finishes performing his poem, pin him down in front of the entire audience, using absolute force to immobilize him, then remove Venti's white stockings, declaring that cuteness has nothing to do with gender — Venti, I hereby claim you!]
[Completion Reward: A-rank Anemo Spirit-Slaying Sword (Earth-Breaking Wind).]
[Option 2: I am the most beloved bard in Mondstadt; challenge Venti to a bard's duel and win.]
[Completion Reward: (Hakadō No. 4 • White Lightning (Lv.1)), effect: release a bolt of lightning from your fingertips, paralyzing the enemy's body.]
[Option 3: Sing the poem "Miss Lisa's Dog" at Mondstadt's Fountain Plaza; the manuscript has been uploaded to system storage.]
[Completion Reward: (Hidden Step Technique • Four Leaves, Three • Cicada), Yoruichi's unique secret skill.]
[Effect: At the moment of being attacked, leave behind outer clothing (or other items) as a decoy to mislead the opponent and avoid damage; must be combined with Instant Step to use.]
System, are you sure you're the "Get Strong by Courting Death" system, and not the "Get Strong by Social Suicide" system?
Su Han wanted to shout this loudly, but the system offered too many rewards to ignore.
Every single reward made his heart race, but the one that thrilled him the most was the reward for Option 1.
Although his current speed made escape easy, he lacked truly powerful offensive options.
After a moment's thought, Su Han asked, "Venti, forgive me for asking… but are you… male or female?"
Looking closely, Venti's face was exquisitely delicate, flawless, practically perfect.
His emerald eyes were like a clear spring, deep and mysterious; those moist, thin lips did not belong on a boy.
Following his swan-like, slender white neck downward, beneath the black-and-gold butterfly bow sat a green glass bead. And more importantly, beneath that pristine inner lining was a faint, gentle curve.
Most people would have overlooked it, but Su Han's gaze was sharp. Still, even with that, it was impossible to determine Venti's gender for certain.
Venti pressed his lips into a smile. "Your eyes are quite… rude, you know."
"As for my gender… why don't you guess?"
A trace of pity flickered in Yae's eyes. "So… you've finally reached this stage too?"
Su Han: "?"
Yae: "You… even get aroused by boys. How should I put this… I don't mind at all."
Paimon: "Exactly! Even if Su Han likes cute little animals, it wouldn't be strange—"
Paimon, please do not assume other people's sexual preferences are some furry thing.
Su Han pondered briefly. "In that case… pardon me."
In an instant, Su Han's figure vanished — he intended to test the depth of the bard Venti's skills early.
Yae's goal was clear: she sought her lost family and was willing to traverse all seven nations, even if it meant opposing the gods themselves.
During that journey, she would inevitably face countless obstacles, and one day, she might confront one of the Seven Archons directly.
To keep pace with her, Su Han knew he had to keep growing stronger. Social death meant nothing to him.
"Got you—huh?"
The next moment, Su Han's smile froze. He clearly felt he had touched a solid body, yet —
All he grabbed was a fleeting afterimage of Venti.
The speed of his opponent was obviously beyond his own — surpassing even [Instant Step (Beginner)].
Venti blinked innocently, his smile undiminished. "Hehe, want to play tag? I'm really good at that."
Yae's expression turned serious. She had experienced Su Han's speed firsthand, and even so, he couldn't catch Venti — which meant…
Either Venti's skill was superior to his, or Venti's speed was.
Su Han waved dismissively. "Nope, not playing."
Venti bowed gracefully. "I still have a poem to perform, so I shall take my leave."
But Su Han said, "Wait! I challenge you to a duel, in the name of bards!"
Venti: "Huh?"
Su Han: "A bard's duel. If you lose, no cost to you; if you win, I will buy you a cup of apple cider. Deal?"
Venti: "Interesting. Well, that settles it."
Su Han: "Good. Then the duel will be in half an hour. Allow me to prepare first."
…
Since he was going to face an experienced bard, he had to prepare thoroughly.
After some inquiries, Su Han arrived at Mondstadt's famous tavern — The Angel's Share.
Why here? Because drunkards were obsessed with alcohol, making them relatively easy to deal with in Su Han's mind. They would be his first targets.
The middle-aged bartender, with a goatee, was named Charles. Seeing Su Han at the bar, he called out, "Greetings, traveler from afar! Welcome to The Angel's Share. What would you like to drink?"
Su Han didn't like alcohol; in fact, he hated it. His constitution made him extremely sensitive — one sip, and he was drunk.
When drunk, he often caused trouble. Over time, he grew to despise alcohol completely.
Su Han: "Do you have any recommended drinks?"
Charles: "The finest apple cider from Dawn Winery — 5,000 Mora per glass. It's The Angel's Share's signature drink."
"If you like, I can offer a special concoction. Your first drink is on the house."
"If you prefer spirits, try Death in the Afternoon — Captain Kaeya's favorite."
"And the cheapest?"
"Beer — only 2,000 Mora per glass."
Shit. That's expensive.
He only had 51,000 Mora. Hiring these drunkards would be far beyond his budget.
After some thought, Su Han slapped the Mojin talisman dangling at his waist onto the bar. "Appraise this…"
Charles: "Sir, if funds are tight, I could offer you a drink for free."
Su Han cleared his throat and, seeing no one nearby, whispered for Charles to come closer.
The more Charles listened, the more expressive his face became.
"This talisman's value is hard to estimate. It looks high quality, but we'll need our master to return to make the final judgment."
"However, I can manage the rest. Come back in a few days to collect the remaining Mora."
Charles clapped his hands. "Quiet, everyone! Listen up!"
"Praise be to Barbatos — our generous guest has booked the entire tavern tonight. Drink as you please!"
Cheers erupted throughout the tavern.
Charles continued, "But he also hopes for your help."
"He has a bard friend who, tonight, will duel the three-time reigning champion bard of Mondstadt."
"Unfortunately, his friend doesn't have much time left, so he wants to win at least once before departing."
"Since this is his lifelong wish, as hospitable Mondstadters, what harm is there in telling a small white lie?"
Su Han clasped his hands, hoping Yae and Paimon were making equally smooth progress on their end.
Hehe… Venti, almost the entire audience is mine. What chance do you have against me?
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