Chapter 563 - 0333 Should the task be done (2-in-1)_2

’If we talk about the biggest difference between the two tasks... it’s in the task reward...’

’The previous reward was the system’s own store update, the system’s own item.’

Xu Chang’an looked at the current task again, his eyes narrowing slightly.

’To change the rain curtain... is to alter the operational rules of this sky...’

Is the system telling him that its power is greater than he imagined? Is it not merely gifting him items but wielding enough energy to affect this world?

Is it flexing its muscles?

No wonder he thinks so; at the very least, the system’s level has indeed risen some notches from the petty matters it previously dealt with.

This is still a form of guidance, and Xu Chang’an does not enjoy being deliberately guided by any presence other than Miss Yun, regardless of the reason.

"Guidance..."

Or perhaps...

Xu Chang’an opened his system, looking at the system points that had overflowed to make it marked as [∞], infinite.

"Celestial Dao Points... Celestial Dao Points..."

The rhythm of Xu Chang’an’s fingers tapping on the desktop gradually accelerated, and then abruptly stopped at a certain beat.

In fact, Xu Chang’an had harbored doubts about this thing for a long time.

"Celestial Dao Points..."

"Heavenly Dao?"

Heavenly Dao.

Xu Chang’an thought of this and let out a laugh.

It should just be something to fool people; how could there be such a useless Heavenly Dao under the heavens?

Then... it couldn’t be that his system, like those written in novels, as an outsider, has been competing with the local Heavenly Dao since arriving in this world, and only now has gained some authority?

He attempted to directly question the system but was met with silence.

So Xu Chang’an, without any information, could only assume that this task from the system was still guiding him.

Or perhaps it was...

Xu Chang’an had a clearer guess in his mind.

Didn’t the system say that the task system had just restarted?

Could it be that this task is merely a test?

Just like how games have a beta version, this task is a test product that the system casually released for its "task module", to ensure that there will be no bugs in future tasks.

In this way, it would make sense if the task content was irrelevant.

And the task reward could also be understood as the system taking an opportunity to test its ability to interfere with this world?

Thinking it over, Xu Chang’an felt he couldn’t find any answers.

But he had already made up his mind.

Not doing it.

He doesn’t do anything that has task penalties, let alone this nonsensical reward.

Acting as if it doesn’t exist, that’s a policy he set long ago.

After all, if the task target wasn’t to praise Yun Qian, he should have refused without hesitation, why would he ponder so much?

The reason he thought so much was purely because the task directly pointed at Yun Qian, making him uneasy.

He doesn’t want to let Miss Yun catch the eye of this strange system.

Fortunately, he checked the task content carefully.

It asks him to praise the woman in front of him, without specifying any names like Miss Yun... this way, he feels slightly relieved.

In any case, just act like he didn’t see it.

Xu Chang’an swiped the task panel away, watching the sandalwood representing a quarter of an hour gradually burn to its end.

"A quarter of an hour...?"

Xu Chang’an watched the progress bar representing task failure gradually drop, blinking his eyes.

Speaking of which, the words "a quarter of an hour" always make him think of the Cloud Girl who could only last that long at night.

Xu Chang’an quirked his lips, then shook his head.

Actually... if the system is truly intelligent, really guiding, there is one obvious simple matter.

If only it had observed him for some time, it would have discovered.

That is—

To threaten him with Miss Yun’s safety.

For instance, if the system just set the task penalty to be related to Miss Yun, it wouldn’t even need to specify a name, but merely imply that if the task isn’t completed, he and his close ones would be unlucky...

Then Xu Chang’an believed he would be easily led by the nose by the system.

From this perspective, since the system hasn’t done that, it either doesn’t possess the human-like profit-seeking mind, or it is inherently a gentle existence.

Thinking carefully, at least the system has never forced him to do anything.

Is he perhaps being a bit ungrateful?

It’s hard to say if he is discarding the system after upgrading his talents using its generated Spiritual Qi, he’s merely treading the most stable path.

Information disparity.

Xu Chang’an sighed softly.

"System, it’s just that you didn’t reveal anything to me, after all... it’s the unknown that’s more frightening." Xu Chang’an spoke the words aloud for the system to hear.

Imposing a restriction.

All unknowns are not truly terrifying.

Miss Yun is not among them.

She is full of mysteries, yet very adorable.

System: "..."

What does "facing the end" mean?

This is what it means.

What could be more absurd than watching yourself and your destined one step into the coffin as a bystander?

But there is no solution.

The system’s guiding capabilities reach their limit in this regard.

As for threatening Xu Chang’an with Miss Yun, forcing him to do anything...

It would be effective, of course.

If it dared.

So, for the system, the current situation is a dead end...

Hmm?

Maybe not.

Because guidance is called guidance because... Xu Chang’an doesn’t necessarily have to follow the task content, the system only needs to throw a brick to attract jade, to plant a seed.

And Xu Chang’an is good at planting trees.

This seed will soon sprout.

——

Yun Qian crossed the threshold holding a cup of clear water.

At the same time, the sandalwood burned to the base, and Xu Chang’an was waiting for the [Task Failed] notification.

The thunderstorm outside continued.

At this moment, as Yun Qian entered the room with the water cup, she noticed Xu Chang’an looking at her.

That gaze was a bit odd, and Miss Yun immediately felt something off, yet she didn’t think much of it, only walking over.

Because she was holding the cup, Yun Qian walked with great care, her skirt swaying elegantly with her steps.

"..."

Xu Chang’an couldn’t help but sigh.

Really, why is his Miss so beautiful even when just walking?

Miss Yun still thinks she lacks charm?

Clearly, even if she does nothing, she would definitely attract a swarm of bees and butterflies.

"Water."

Yun Qian handed the cup to Xu Chang’an, meeting his intense gaze that seemed enough to melt her.

Only then did she, belatedly, come to her senses because she hadn’t been looked at like this for a long time.

This fiery gaze, she had seen most when they were on the island, where Xu Chang’an was most mischievous.

"What is it?" Yun Qian asked softly.

At the same time, the sandalwood burned out, leaving a small bit unburned, but time was up, and Xu Chang’an heard the system’s mechanical voice.

[Task: Facing the End (Part One), Completion 0%, Task Failed.]

And because the task had failed, the rain outside remained unchanged.

Xu Chang’an looked at the still dense rain outside, his hand naturally brushing Yun Qian’s long hair off her shoulder to her back.

"Miss, you look wonderful today."

The seed planted by the system sprouted.

"...Eh?"

Listening to Xu Chang’an’s words, Yun Qian was slightly stunned, her fingers instinctively clenching her clothes’ hem.

Was this a compliment?

It’s the truth, yet it counts.

Miss Yun is beautiful, in light colors she’s pure and delicate, in casual attire she’s naturally elegant, and in long dresses, she’s exquisitely noble.

As for why wait until the task failed to compliment Miss Yun, of course, it is because his affection for Yun Qian wouldn’t mix with any external factors.

He always wants to praise Miss Yun, needing no particular occasion.

"What are you saying all of a sudden?" Yun Qian avoided Xu Chang’an’s gaze, her facial expression seemingly calm, but on closer listen, one could feel the slight tremble in her voice’s end.

"It’s still not night yet, and..."

Miss Yun rarely falls into such an absolute passive state in front of Xu Chang’an.

Her body hadn’t recovered; just now, pouring water with the pot made her arms ache, lacking strength.

Today is certainly impossible.