Yan nurtured a nascent confidence within Xiao Qing, guiding her to select the most fitting specialized attribute based on her innate skill.
Attack speed.
“Once you’ve honed your attack speed, you’ll be able to unleash rapid, continuous strikes that will effectively lock your opponent down until they’re defeated.”
Yan crossed his arms over his chest, a smile playing on his lips as he regarded Xiao Qing.
“Come to think of it, isn’t there a crucial prerequisite for executing the linked control of [Chain Control]?”
A sudden realization dawned on him, and he turned his gaze to Xiao Qing.
“Precisely. [Chain Control] can only be activated by striking an opponent who is already incapacitated by a control effect, thus enabling a continuous lockdown.”
Xiao Qing nodded in affirmation, offering her answer.
“Which implies, then, that an initial crowd control effect must precede any combo attacks…”
Yan thoughtfully stroked his chin, pondering the implications.
“Then use [Spear Uppercut]?”
“[Spear Uppercut]?”
Xiao Qing tilted her head, a hint of confusion in her expression, clearly puzzled as to why Yan would opt for [Spear Uppercut]—a first-tier crowd control skill with negligible damage—as their opening move.
“Master? Why [Spear Uppercut]?”
“Because…”
Yan’s lips curved into a subtle smile as he met Xiao Qing’s gaze.
“[Spear Uppercut] boasts the quickest initiation among all spear-based control abilities.”
“Oh, I see.”
Xiao Qing acknowledged his words, a moment of understanding dawning on her.
Given their strategy to execute rapid combos, a control skill with swift execution, such as the simple yet quick [Spear Uppercut], would undoubtedly prove most effective.
“Not only that.”
Yan wagged a finger playfully, a knowing smile gracing his features as he looked at Xiao Qing.
“Didn’t I mention I’d impart some fundamental spear techniques to you? This way, you can practice them in real life to improve your physical fitness, which will also significantly enhance your performance as a Spearmaster within the game.”
“What’s more, the execution animation for the Spearmaster’s [Spear Uppercut] in ‘Companion God’s Realm’ is an exact replica of the ‘thrusting uppercut’ maneuver found in actual spear martial arts.”
As he spoke, Yan lowered his hand, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
“With this in mind, your spear training should now have a little more zest, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Disciple…”
Xiao Qing’s face flushed with discomfort, a pained grimace twisting her features, yet she still managed to respond with effort.
“I will try my best.”
“Very well, then I shall proceed to instruct you in a few more spear movements. Remember to practice them assiduously once you log off this evening…”
With a flourish, Yan twirled the long spear at his side, creating a graceful ‘spear flower’ (TL Note: A decorative flourish performed with a spear, often for practice or show). A mischievous grin played on his lips, though his eyes held a stern intensity as he watched Xiao Qing.
The subsequent hours steadily unfolded, marked by Yan’s rigorous spear instruction and Xiao Qing’s diligent, focused practice.
****
“Ah, it’s almost time to log off.”
Yan glanced at the system interface, noting that the displayed time indicated it was already dinner.
“For today, I’ve imparted these specific movements to you. Now, log off and go have your dinner.”
“Yes, Master.”
Xiao Qing nodded, then awkwardly retrieved the long spear, stowing it behind her back.
“Ah, and don’t forget to practice the movements I just demonstrated in the real world as well.”
“While it might initially feel somewhat unfamiliar to replicate spear techniques learned in full immersion with your physical body, consistent and diligent practice will ensure you adapt swiftly.”
Observing the scene unfolding before him, Yan’s lips curved into a slight, knowing smile as he spoke with a soft chuckle.
“Should you apply yourself diligently to practice, I’ll teach you this particular method of sheathing your spear next time.”
With that, he subtly rotated his wrist, causing the spear’s shaft to spin gracefully in his hand, carving an elegant ‘spear flower.’ Yan then smoothly swung his right arm, and the long spear effortlessly settled onto his back.
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he peered at Xiao Qing.
“How about it?”
“Rea… really!?”
Xiao Qing’s question burst forth, laced with profound surprise, her eyes shimmering with unbridled excitement.
“Ah, of course.”
Yan offered a slight shrug. In his estimation, this was hardly some closely guarded, esoteric technique; rather, it was a fluid motion that came naturally after mastering the spear, primarily serving as a stylish flourish with little practical application.
“That’s great!”
A joyous expression bloomed on her face; she happily pumped her right fist into the air and gave a light hop, her long ponytail, tied at the back of her head, bouncing buoyantly with her every movement.
She appeared to be utterly captivated by Yan’s stylish spear-sheathing technique, her eagerness already palpable.
‘If only she harbored such fervent enthusiasm for the more tedious fundamental spear techniques,’ Yan mused.
In that moment, Yan truly grasped the sentiment of being a mentor, and he offered Xiao Qing a helpless, yet fond, smile.
“Well, good luck.”
“Yes, Master!”
Thereupon, Yan brought up his friends list, noting with a slight shrug that both Qing Bai and Tian Jiu had already logged out.
He then exited the guild arena, turning his attention to Alice, who stood beside him.
“I’m logging off too. Good night, Alice.”
“Mm, good night, Yan.”
Alice offered her characteristic serene smile, her eyes curving gently as she returned his farewell.
Yan summoned the logout interface, and in an instant, his form dissolved into myriad specks of blue light, gradually fading from Alice’s sight.
****
“What an enticing aroma! Why have you prepared such an abundance of delicious dishes today?”
The moment Yan stepped out of his room, he was immediately captivated by the tantalizing aroma wafting from the dining area. His gaze fell upon the lavish spread covering the table, a bewildered expression settling on his face.
“You, you! So engrossed in your games, have you truly forgotten what special day it is today?”
His mother raised her spatula, appearing on the verge of scolding him, but then, with a sigh of resignation, she pressed a hand to her forehead, looking utterly exasperated.
“Ah!”
Prompted by his mother’s words, Yan slapped his forehead, a sudden flash of realization illuminating his features.
“Oh, it’s my birthday today.”
“You can’t even recall your own birthday? It seems the older you get, the more absent-minded you become.”
His mother grumbled, shaking her head, as she set the final dish—Coke chicken wings—onto the dining table.
“Ah, this is delicious.”
Yan, completely unfazed by his mother’s jibe, snatched a pair of chopsticks from the holder and immediately darted towards the Coke chicken wings, expertly picking up a substantial piece and popping it into his mouth.
“Did you only grab your own chopsticks?”
“It’s simply that Mother’s cooking is so incredibly fragrant, I was too eager to begin eating and inadvertently overlooked it.”
His mother shot him a pointed glare, prompting Yan to awkwardly scratch his head before turning to retrieve another pair of chopsticks from the holder, placing them carefully before her.
“Sigh.”
His mother let out a resigned sigh.
“There’s no helping you…”
“Eat.”
“Okay~”
Yan chuckled in response, then proceeded to devour his meal with an utter lack of decorum.
In short order, the lavish spread of delectable dishes was reduced to mere scraps, as though a typhoon had swept through. His mother’s culinary skills remained as perfectly suited to his palate as ever; having grown up on her cooking, he had, once again, finished everything before he even realized it.
After the meal came the customary cake, an unvarying tradition each year. However, Yan harbored no particular fondness for desserts encased in thick layers of cream. Consequently, despite his and his mother’s prolonged efforts to consume it, roughly half of the cake invariably remained.
“From now on, why not just get a smaller one, or better yet, forgo it entirely? I don’t particularly enjoy eating it anyway.”
Yan gazed at the remaining half of the cake, easily enough for another four or five servings, and expressed his sentiment with a touch of regret.
“Absolutely not. It’s your birthday, after all; a grand cake is an absolute must.”
On this particular point, his mother proved surprisingly unyielding. She looked up, her expression resolute, and unequivocally refused.
“Alright, alright…”
Yan offered a helpless smile.
“Moreover, even if you don’t care for it, others might.”
His mother turned her head, a knowing, meaningful smile gracing her lips.
“Who would possibly enjoy it…? And besides, isn’t this my birthday…?”
Yan muttered his retort.
“Perhaps friends who come to celebrate your birthday… or a future girlfriend, for instance?”
His mother delivered the suggestion with a mischievous smirk.
“Friends, you say…? I can barely remember my own birthday, let alone organize a special banquet for friends to celebrate…”
Yan offered a wry, self-deprecating smile. He was, after all, the sort who never drew attention to his own birthday, nor would he ever think to invite classmates over for a celebration.
He was, however, frequently invited to other people’s birthday parties, which, in its own way, suggested a comfortable level of popularity.
‘Ah, popular with his male troublemaking friends, more like…’
“And furthermore, this talk of a future girlfriend and such—can we please avoid such fanciful topics…?”
“Hmm, I don’t find the topic illusory at all. It’s just that my son has always been such a blockhead (TL Note: A slang term referring to someone who is dense or oblivious, especially in matters of romance), likely incapable of understanding a girl’s heart, isn’t he? It’s truly a shame for all those girls who fancy you…”
Once his mother touched upon such subjects, her words flowed incessantly, as though she sought to indulge her own mischievous streak, always eager to pry into her son’s romantic life.
“Ha… I’m full, going to practice spear now…”
Unable to endure his mother’s ceaseless gossiping any longer, Yan declared, gave a small wave, and bolted out the door.
“Honestly…”
His mother pouted in resignation, then rose from the dining table and slowly began clearing the dishes.
****
Ah, the weather was growing progressively hotter; despite autumn’s imminent arrival, the temperatures remained as scorching as the height of summer.
Yan vigorously wielded the long spear in his hand, beads of sweat glistening on his face and tracing paths down his chin, thoroughly dampening his black short-sleeved shirt.
Even in the evening, long after dinner, the temperature showed no inclination to abate.
“Sigh…”
Yan slowly exhaled, halting his movements. He plunged the long spear into the earth at his feet, intending to take a short respite.
“Th-that!”
A familiar voice pierced the quiet. Yan, startled, raised his eyes to look beyond the half-height tiled wall enclosing his family’s courtyard.
Liu Xuerou stood there, having gathered her courage to look up, her fair, delicate face suffused with a deep crimson blush.
“Yan! Happy Birthday!”