So Very Versailles~ / You're Too Weak~

She stared in surprise at the robe's self-awareness, while a smacking sound came from somewhere nearby.

"Well, well. The Phoenix Feather Robe accepted its master that easily? It must be getting old. It has no eye for quality anymore." The voice was teasing, and as disdainful toward Xiangyi as ever. Xiangyi immediately recognized its owner as Hua Nu.

But she couldn't see Hua Nu anywhere around them. Instead, Oleander, still kneeling on the ground, said coldly, "Hua Nu, how dare you show disrespect to the Flower Master!"

As she spoke, she seemed about to get up and look for Hua Nu. But then she remembered that she had just damaged Xiangyi's clothes and was still being punished, so she gritted her teeth and stayed on her knees.

Oleander's character was like that of an ancient female general: loyal to her master to the bone. At the same time, she hated evil with a passion. Hua Nu must have said something that led to the mess around them.

"If the Flower Master doesn't mind, why should you?" Hua Nu's voice was even more teasing. Then Xiangyi felt something soft press lightly against her. When she looked, a hazy phantom had turned clear. Hua Nu had wrapped her arms around Xiangyi's waist from behind, her smile even more bewitching.

But Xiangyi knew Hua Nu wasn't doing it to show affection. She was using Xiangyi as a shield. As long as Hua Nu held on to her, Oleander wouldn't dare attack.

Xiangyi had thought Oleander's arrival was something to celebrate, but she realized she was wrong. Oleander's temperament was the complete opposite of Hua Nu's. On top of that, Oleander was a Top-tier Flower Person, and Xiangyi couldn't control her now—not even copy any of her skills.

"You... Let go of the Flower Master! If you have the guts, come at me!" Oleander's palm-sized body radiated an overwhelming presence. Her regal, commanding aura even made Xiangyi feel oppressed.

And this was Oleander at only level one. If she absorbed enough Spiritual Power and grew up, Xiangyi couldn't imagine how mighty she would become. She was undoubtedly the perfect candidate to serve as Xiangyi's personal shadow guard.

"Hehehe. If you say I have to let go, then I'd lose face, wouldn't I?" Hua Nu laughed even harder. She touched the garment called the Phoenix Feather Robe, which seemed to find her repulsive. It immediately grew steel armor that encased and protected Xiangyi.

Hua Nu looked stunned at the robe's show of self-defense. Then, as if resisting a touch from an ordinary person, the armor sprouted spikes, trying to drive Hua Nu out of its safe zone.

"Hahaha... How interesting." Hua Nu laughed and let go. Her gaze then fell on the Flower God, Huangquan, and she sighed. "As expected of Lady Huangquan. You give away a Top-tier item just like that. If your two mothers knew you'd given away their keepsake, they'd probably cry their eyes out."

Hua Nu had brought up the fact that the Flower God, Huangquan, had two mothers again. Xiangyi was still trying to process the strange things this world had imagined into existence. Huangquan had already walked over to her chair and resumed her leisurely reading.

From her expression and manner, she seemed not to mind giving this plaything to Xiangyi.

Xiangyi felt a little embarrassed, though. She worried that she wouldn't be able to bear the price of accepting this magical treasure. She picked up a piece of clothing she had left over from the day before and was just about to change when she realized the Phoenix Feather Robe was clinging to her.

Not only that, the Phoenix Feather Robe seemed to have fused with her. When she tried to pull it off, it clung even tighter, transforming into something like a bodysuit. It was incredibly light and showed off every contour of Xiangyi's figure.

"Flower Master, there's no point trying. The Phoenix Feather Robe has already accepted you as its master." Hua Nu's eyes held a hint of jealousy, and her tone was full of resentment.

"Accepting me as its master doesn't mean it has to stick to me like candy. How am I supposed to go about my daily life?" Xiangyi laughed helplessly. Forget the Phoenix Feather Robe—she hadn't even written a phoenix into her story. Now a magical treasure way beyond her understanding had appeared, leaving her completely at a loss.

"The Phoenix Feather Robe was made from a phoenix's flesh and blood. It's impervious to blades and spears, water and fire. Most importantly, it can change into any form. Just think about the style of clothes you want to wear, and it'll make them for you."

With a helpless sigh, Hua Nu explained the Phoenix Feather Robe's origins and functions. The more she looked at it, the more she thought it was a waste. She seemed to like the Phoenix Feather Robe very much, but it wouldn't give her the time of day.

Xiangyi gave a puzzled "Oh," then pictured some clothes she had seen on TV. In an instant, the garment on her body rippled and changed into modern clothing. Its color and style were identical, and even the fabric felt the same. The way it moved against her skin was as natural as breathing. Xiangyi realized how wonderful the Phoenix Feather Robe was.

Just as Xiangyi was thinking that Huangquan had really gone all out, she suddenly remembered asking Huangquan to make her some clothes earlier.

There was no need to think twice. Huangquan probably wouldn't make clothes for her again—and couldn't be bothered to, either. So she had given Xiangyi the least valuable thing in her little storehouse.

Xiangyi felt conflicted and couldn't help glancing at Huangquan again. After thinking it over, she brought her fists together in a respectful salute, like someone from ancient times.

"Thank you, Lady Huangquan."

Huangquan didn't even raise her eyes. She kept reading the book in her hands. Seeing that Huangquan was still as indifferent as ever, Xiangyi continued trying on different outfits, thoroughly enjoying herself.

And just then, Shaoyao finally lost her patience and appeared.

"Are you all going to fight or not?!"

Everyone's attention had been drawn to the Phoenix Feather Robe. They had clearly forgotten what had happened earlier.

When Oleander heard Shaoyao say that, her killing intent surfaced again. But Xiangyi hadn't told her to get up, so she remained kneeling in midair, like a dashing figurine.

But unlike a figurine, her beauty was beyond human. The killing intent radiating from the sword at her side was even more intense.

"Oleander, you can get up now, but don't attack anyone yet." Xiangyi remembered that she still hadn't properly greeted Oleander, so she put her exploration of the Phoenix Feather Robe aside for the moment. She had just taken a few steps forward when Oleander immediately retreated, as if Xiangyi were some terrifying monster.

Xiangyi froze in confusion. Hua Nu smiled and explained, "Flower Master, don't tell me you don't know what kind of flower Oleander is?"

"A beautiful flower. What else?"

Xiangyi thought about the little she could remember. She knew oleander was poisonous and extremely dangerous.

"Her body is covered in poison. Aside from Lady Huangquan, none of us Flower People dare touch her." Hua Nu smiled as she gave Xiangyi the answer. From their recent interactions, she seemed to have figured out the source of Xiangyi's power, too.

Xiangyi transferred Spiritual Power with a kiss and copied the other person's abilities. With someone like Oleander, it wasn't just a matter of transferring Spiritual Power. Xiangyi would probably die as soon as she got close.

Huangquan was immune to all poisons, but Xiangyi was still just an ordinary person. Xiangyi was dumbstruck. Her expression turned pained, and she nearly blurted out, Does that mean I can't kiss her?

"Flower Master, I'm sorry." Oleander looked very remorseful. Then she raised her head and said with utmost determination, "But if you're interested in me, I'll show you anything you want."

Her tone and manner of speaking gave Xiangyi the strange impression that, before she came in, Hua Nu—the old Harem Harvester—had described Xiangyi as a depraved maniac.

But somewhere along the way, Hua Nu and Oleander must have disagreed about something, which had led to the fight. It had only paused briefly when Xiangyi came in.

"No, I couldn't possibly be interested." Xiangyi forced a strained smile. Her gaze unconsciously drifted to Hua Nu again. As expected, Hua Nu's lips curled in a secret smile, as if she were delighted to see Xiangyi in a bind.

Oleander had two layers of defense. One was the poison on her body. Clearly, Xiangyi would need to acquire the passive skill Poison Immunity later to get past that.

The second was Oleander's own temperament, combined with Hua Nu's attempts to sow discord. Together, they made things much harder for Xiangyi.

Whatever the case, Xiangyi could only leave Oleander alone for now, until she gradually lowered all her defenses.

Xiangyi felt more and more regretful. Oleander was still standing there, as if she would charge into danger without hesitation at Xiangyi's command.

"All right, Oleander, you can go do your work."

"Flower Master, what should I do?"

"Whatever you used to do as a Flower Person, just keep doing that."

Xiangyi thought for a moment, then added some details. Oleander nodded slightly, glanced at Hua Nu, and walked over to the corner. She took out her long sword. As she moved, several black butterflies appeared and then transformed into skulls.

A murderous aura surged around her, bringing with it genuine killing intent. The sword had a black hilt and a smooth blade that gleamed coldly. It looked like a peerless weapon.

"Before she died, Oleander was the greatest swordswoman of her time." Seeing how absorbed Xiangyi was, Hua Nu offered a little reminder about Oleander's former status.

Xiangyi wanted to ask how such a formidable swordswoman had ended up as a Flower Person, but in the end, she held back.

First, she still hadn't gotten over the fact that Shaoyao ate people.

Second, she was worried that knowing too much would keep her from treating the Flower People normally.

That would be a major obstacle to getting along with them. Rather than knowing everything, it was better for her to remain ignorant. After settling on that, Xiangyi dug out the little stool she had made earlier and watched Oleander's usual training.

Oleander seemed to be training her concentration. After taking a few breaths, she swung her first sword strike at incredible speed. A powerful gust blew the Little Grass away, while Huangquan remained seated in her chair, completely unmoved.

Hua Nu smiled as she watched the commotion. Shaoyao clung to the nearby peach blossom spirit as if relying on her to stay grounded.

As for Xiangyi, she focused her qi throughout her body, avoiding the awkward fate of being blown away like the Little Grass.

Oleander was incredibly strong—the kind of strong that defied all reason. Xiangyi marveled at her, then saw Oleander swing her sword a second time. The air tore with a sharp sound, as if the swordsmanship had crossed the boundary between dimensions and could split space itself.

Unable to resist her curiosity, Xiangyi asked Hua Nu again.

"Hua Nu, where was she the greatest swordswoman?"

"In the Immortal Realm, of course." Hua Nu answered with a hint of pride in her voice.

Xiangyi looked surprised, then decided it made sense. An ordinary human could never become a swordswoman who could tear space apart like that.

The more powerful Oleander seemed, the deeper her resentment grew. Perhaps that, too, would turn into some dreadful, horrifying story.

Xiangyi watched quietly for a while, then began trying to cultivate qi the way Oleander did. She concentrated all her power into her long sword and released it in a single burst.

The Flower People noticed what Xiangyi was doing, but most of them watched for entertainment. In their eyes, humans had their limits. No matter how extraordinary Xiangyi was, she couldn't learn the essence of Oleander's centuries of practice.

About ten minutes later, Xiangyi had gathered all the qi in her body. She swung forward with all her might. In an instant, the enormous force rebounded and overwhelmed her, forcing her back several steps and making her spit up blood.

Hua Nu was just about to mock her, but Xiangyi didn't move. She seemed to think for a moment, then followed the breathing method Hua Nu had taught her. She learned how to control the flow of qi, letting it circle smoothly around the blade.

Oleander, who had been practicing on her own, seemed to notice that Xiangyi's second attempt was different. She put down her sword and watched Xiangyi intently.

A few more minutes passed. Xiangyi sent the qi she had gathered toward the wall with a slash of her sword. A neat crack appeared in the wall, and the force continued onward, striking the barrier-like surface behind it.

The blow damaged it, but the barrier quickly absorbed the force. Judging by the dent, Xiangyi's sword strike had worked. What's more, she hadn't needed to use all her power to unleash the technique at full strength.

At the same time, Xiangyi heard a slow notification from the system.

The system: Sword proficiency increased to level 3.

The notification told her that those two strikes had filled the proficiency experience bar. Xiangyi found it incredible. She also noticed some major flaws in the system. It seemed to level up by fighting people and monsters, or by creating new techniques.

If that was the case, then before going to Heaven City, all she needed to do to level up was find someone to practice with. And Oleander was clearly the best candidate.

Xiangyi turned around and smiled at Oleander.

"Oleander, what did you think of what I just did?"

Oleander answered seriously, "Very good. The Flower Master has a real talent for swordsmanship."

Xiangyi smiled faintly, still pretending she lacked confidence. "Really? But I feel like I'm pretty bad."

"Oleander never lies. With a famous master to guide you, Flower Master, you'll surely make a name for yourself one day."

Seeing Oleander's such formal reply, Xiangyi continued, "Then would you be willing to be that famous master?"

Oleander was taken aback, then immediately refused. "Sorry, Flower Master. Even though you're the Flower Master, I don't take students."

Xiangyi was a little surprised. She had thought she could use the Flower Master's authority to coax Oleander, but she hadn't expected an outright refusal. Still, she couldn't bear to lose such a useful training partner. After thinking it over, she said, "Then could you teach me a move or two? You should know my situation through the memories you inherited. I can't even fight my way out of a paper bag right now. If I go somewhere new, I could die horribly."

Oleander puffed out her chest and raised her voice as she promised, "Don't worry, Flower Master. I'll stay by your side every moment!"

The words of gratitude Xiangyi had prepared suddenly became useless. She also realized that, aside from being pretty, Oleander seemed to be the sort of person with very little emotional intelligence.

The Flower People watching Xiangyi try to coax Oleander were nearly dying of laughter. Hua Nu was especially amused, laughing so hard she swayed. In the end, perhaps feeling sorry for Xiangyi, she added, "Oleander can't protect you when you're in bed with someone."

Hua Nu was as blunt as ever. Oleander's face darkened. She didn't seem to like discussing such things and looked as if she were about to get angry.

Xiangyi felt that Hua Nu was deliberately adding fuel to the fire, so she softened her tone. "There are times when you won't be around."

Oleander's expression and gaze were unwavering. "I'll always be there. If anyone wants to hurt the Flower Master, they'll have to step over my dead body!" Oleander's attention had wandered off course again. It seemed nothing Xiangyi said indirectly could change her mind.

Seeing that this beautiful, dashing woman had such poor emotional intelligence, Xiangyi could only say more helplessly, "Then if you won't teach me, you could at least spar with me."

Oleander shook her head firmly. "But, Flower Master, I could kill you with a single strike. I'm really not a suitable sparring partner for you."

At that moment, even Xiangyi wanted to smash Oleander's head in. In the end, though, she merely smiled to hide her anger and looked toward Shaoyao, who was laughing just as hard.

"Shaoyao, spar with me."

Shaoyao had been in high spirits, but the instant Xiangyi asked her to spar, her face fell. She really didn't want to fight Xiangyi. Apart from Falling Leaves Plucking Flowers, every move Xiangyi had learned was the same as hers. There was no way the fight would lead to a clear result. But right now, no one else seemed able to spar with Xiangyi. Thinking of Oleander's bold words, Shaoyao copied her.

"Then be careful, Flower Master. One slash from me and you'll die."

"Fine!"

Xiangyi picked up a wooden stick from the ground and immediately went at Shaoyao.

A few seconds later, Shaoyao was defeated in a single blow.

"Ah, this is exhausting." Xiangyi rolled her shoulders and continued her story of humblebragging.

Shaoyao seemed distressed. She opened and closed her mouth several times, but still couldn't understand why, after evolving, she had lost to Xiangyi, who had copied her skills.

"What a fine sword!" But Oleander had already seen the reason. Shaoyao was good at assassination, but her defense was extremely weak. At the same speed, Shaoyao had no chance against Xiangyi, who had an advantage in physical constitution.

Besides, Xiangyi hadn't relied entirely on assassination techniques. She had just learned Oleander's method of gathering qi, and Shaoyao never stood a chance.

But the simple-minded Shaoyao didn't know how far behind Xiangyi she was. She kept looking for trouble with Xiangyi, refusing to give up. Xiangyi smiled faintly and beat her again. After several rounds, the system announced another level-up.

The experience gained from fighting Shaoyao was greatest the first time, and negligible after that. It seemed she could use the Flower People to gain experience, but couldn't farm it repeatedly. What's more, every move and technique counted toward the experience calculation, giving Xiangyi the strange impression that she was playing an RPG.

Unfortunately, her system seemed buggy. It worked inconsistently, like an unfinished product. For now, it could barely be considered an appraisal tool.

"I'm done! I'm done! We've been at this all day!" Shaoyao was in such a sorry state that her self-esteem finally crumbled. She waved her hands, refusing to keep fighting Xiangyi. Xiangyi looked disappointed, then turned her gaze toward Hua Nu.

Hua Nu wore a faint smile. Xiangyi's attention was drawn once more to the beauty mark beneath her eye. Then Hua Nu smiled and raised the silver needle in her hand, tentatively asking, "..."