Overlord Mo:I'm your lady in distress!

Few Days Earlier The golden rays of the afternoon sun poured through the lattice windows of Azure Sky Academy, casting long, shifting patterns across the grand training hall. The scent of sweat, ink, and burning incense lingered in the air—a familiar combination for the academy’s disciples, who spent endless hours refining their skills within these walls. Lan Xian Xian sat at the farthest corner, absentmindedly twirling a jade pendant between her fingers. Around her, students packed their belongings, their chatter buzzing with excitement over the upcoming break. Then—silence. The academy’s head instructor stepped onto the central platform, his presence alone enough to command attention. His sharp eyes swept across the room, scanning every disciple before he spoke. “The next five days mark the Mid-Summer Break.” His voice was steady, firm. “Upon resumption, the Moon Tournament Trial will commence. This trial will determine those qualified to enter the main tournament. Any disciple seeking to participate must register on the first day of resumption. Dismissed.” A ripple of excitement spread through the students. The Moon Tournament—a prestigious battleground where only the strongest could rise—was the gateway to greater recognition. For some, it was an opportunity. For others, a means of survival. Lan Yurong, however, remained still. She did not need to celebrate or whisper among the others. She had known about the tournament long before the announcement. She had prepared for it long before these fools even dreamed of it. More importantly, she had overheard whispers in the main hall—Master Qi, a legendary figure, would be choosing a disciple. If she could prove herself, the old man will definitely choose her. Victory was not an option. It was a necessity. At the far end of the hall, Lan Xian Xian yawned. A tournament? Let’s see... She had no intention of fighting. They could have their politics, their scheming, their thirst for validation. She had nothing to prove. Perhaps she could amuse herself. ----- Presently “Xian Xian!” She barely had time to turn before a blade sliced through the air toward her. Lan Yurong attacked without warning. The courtyard rang with the sharp clang of colliding steel. Xian Xian barely shifted, raising her sword in a fluid block, but Yurong pressed forward, her strikes growing sharper, more aggressive. Fast. Reckless. Desperate. Xian Xian’s gaze narrowed. This isn’t just a spar. Another strike. Another. Yurong’s blade danced, but her rhythm was off—too forceful, too rushed. She wasn’t testing Xian Xian’s skills. She was performing. Xian Xian sighed inwardly. So that’s your game. A sudden, fierce lunge forced Xian Xian to step back. If she kept blocking, Yurong would never stop. So she let the attack land. A sharp sting. A thin line of blood bloomed across her shoulder. “Ah!” Lan Yurong gasped dramatically, stepping back. Her sword trembled in her grip as she staggered, as if the mere act of cutting Xian Xian had left her shaken. The performance was flawless. A deep voice cut through the silence. “Yurong!” She knew that voice. She turned slightly, meeting the sharp, calculating gaze of Elder Lan, the head of the Lan family—her stepfather’s uncle. He stood still in the middle of his walk, hands folded behind his back, observing the scene with unreadable eyes. Right on cue. Xian Xian exhaled. Exactly as Yurong planned. Lan Yurong turned, her entire demeanor shifting in an instant. Her lips quivered, her voice soft, laced with sadness. “Grandfather... Xian Xian is still sloppy. She needs more training for the upcoming tournament.” She turned to Xian Xian, her expression full of forced concern. “Right, sister?” Xian Xian tilted her head. Lan Yurong was good—too good. If she hadn’t known better, even she would have believed that pitiful display. Lan Yurong needed Elder Lan to know that he picked the wrong daughter to dote on. Xian Xian wasn’t about to give her the satisfaction of resistance. So she simply dusted off her sleeve and offered a slow, indifferent nod. “You don’t need to worry. I’ll be fine.” Yurong blinked, momentarily thrown off by the lack of resistance. But she recovered quickly. “Nonsense!” She stepped forward, voice rising. “I know I’m your younger sister, but since I am more skilled than you, it is my duty to train you. I can’t let you be disgraced in front of everyone.” She turned back to Elder Lan, her eyes wide with false urgency. “Grandfather, you see? Xian’er must not fail, or else she’ll bring shame to the family!.” Xian Xian fought the urge to laugh. Shame? To the Lan family? And here she thought the family had already perfected the art of disgrace behind closed doors. She tilted her head, amusement flickering in her gaze. “Shouldn’t we wait until the tournament to find that out?” Elder Lan let out a sigh. He had long since seen through Yurong’s games, but he did not seem inclined to intervene. He merely waved a hand and resumed walking. “It’s fine to train, but don’t be too hard on each other.” Yurong beamed. “Yes, Grandfather!” she chirped, before turning back to Xian Xian with affection so exaggerated it could have won an acting award. “Sister, beauty and skillfulness are required to make a name for oneself. You already have the beauty, but your skills... we must work on them.” Xian Xian stared. Can this show end already? Still, she played along, offering an easy smile. “I’ll keep your words to heart.” Yurong giggled, reaching out to adjust a strand of Xian Xian’s hair as though they were the closest of sisters. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you in the tournament. I won’t let you suffer too much.” Xian Xian’s fingers twitched. ...You mean suffer at your hands. But she said nothing. Instead, she smiled. This is going to be interesting....