My little pony:Adventure of Seresia

“Ready, Madam? I’ll do my best to go easy.” Despite Shining Armor’s gentlemanly demeanor, the mare opposite him, Jin Yun, was less than impressed.

“Thank you for your kind words, but worrying more about yourself is better.” Before he could respond, Jin Yun’s sword held by her magic, struck toward him with astonishing speed, catching Shining Armor completely off escort!

Half an hour earlier, after watching the performance, Twilight and her friends followed Shining Armor further toward the castle’s central area. They passed a clearing where a crowd had gathered around a high platform, cheering fervently as two ponies engaged in a duel.

“What are they doing?” The soldiers’ enthusiasm caught Meng Yu’s attention, and she looked to Shining Armor with interest.

“Ah, it’s a friendly competition, a bit of a tradition here,” Shining Armor explained with a chuckle. “The soldiers gather to spar and hone their skills. Sometimes, I even join in for fun. Would you like your two escorts to participate? I’m sure they’d add some memorable moments to the event.”

“Please, don’t trouble the soldiers on behalf because my escorts. Jin Yun and JIn Yang aren’t particularly skilled in such matters.” Meng Yu smiled gently, hinting she preferred observing from the sidelines rather than joining in.

“You’re too modest, Ambassador. There’s no need to be shy; I’m sure the soldiers would love to experience guidance from an Eastern.”

Meng Yu paused, glancing back at her two escorts, seemingly gauging their thoughts. After a moment, she replied, “If Your Highness insists, we’re willing to participate.”

“Excellent! I’ll notify the soldiers so they can prepare.”

“What are you doing, Shining Armor? Why would you involve the ambassador’s escorts in the soldiers’ match?!” Twilight hurried to pull Shining Armor aside, her voice a tense whisper.

“It’s just a game. No need to worry so much,” Shining Armor said, casting a quick look toward Meng Yu. “Besides, aren’t you also concerned about the ambassador’s identity? Think of it as a little test.”

“What?! This... this wasn’t the test I had in mind! How will this prove anything?”

“Relax. Nothing will happen; Everypony knows their limits. You’re just too tense— just go have a rest over there.” Twilight tried to stop him, but Shining Armor had already turned and rejoined the gathering, leaving Twilight to seek help from Cadance.

“Twily, you know your brother better than anypony. Let him be. you need to learn to relax, or you’ll exhaust yourself.” Cadance tried to calm her with a gentle wing pat, though Twilight only grew more frustrated.

“Soldiers! We have guests!” The familiar voice halted everypony’s movements, all heads turning toward Shining Armor, who gestured toward Meng Yu and her entourage.

“Greetings, brave soldiers.”

“Allow me to introduce these distinguished guests from faraway Seresia: Ambassador Meng Yu and her escorts, JIn Yang Zhuozhuo and Jin Yun Piaopiao,” Shining Armor announced to his soldiers.

“Ambassador Meng Yu has taken an interest in our event and would like to join. Soldiers, let’s give her a warm welcome!” The soldiers stomped in unison, their hoofsteps echoing their enthusiastic welcome.

“Thank you, Everypony. To make up for interrupting your event, please enjoy a sword dance from JIn Yang!” Amidst the cheers, JIn Yang stepped forward, removed his cloak to reveal a sword at his side, and positioned it before him. He paused briefly, then began his performance. Under his magic’s control, the sword danced through the air, leaving a magical trail that resembled a shooting star, dazzling all onlookers. Each strike, every movement, was both elegant and deadly, a fusion of dance and combat that left the crowd in awe.

“That was amazing!”

“Can you teach us how to use such a sword?” The soldiers crowded around JIn Yang, bombarding him with questions about his skills and Seresia. Shining Armor smiled, amused by his soldiers’ admiration and curiosity.

“All right, all right, I know you’re eager to learn. There will be opportunities.” Shining Armor nudged through the crowd to clear a path for JIn Yang. “Now, who wants to spar with JIn Yang first?”

The soldiers eagerly raised their hooves, each wanting to be the first. Shining Armor, slightly surprised but unsurprised by their enthusiasm, organized them. “All right, line up! First come, first serve!”

“This way, JIn Yang,” Shining Armor guided him to the stage, followed by a soldier from the lineup. Once each stood at opposite ends of the platform, Shining Armor reminded them, “Remember, it’s just a game—take it easy, alright?” Both nodded, and he stepped aside to let them spar.

“I’m honored to spar with you, Mr JIn Yang.”

In the time that followed, every soldier was bested by JIn Yang, though each left with a newfound respect and a memorable experience.

“Mind if I try my luck?” Just as JIn Yang prepared to step down, Shining Armor joined him on stage, eager to spar.

“Of course, Prince Shining Armor.” Wasting no words, JIn Yang readied himself, meeting Shining Armor’s attack in a duel that captivated the audience. At first, JIn Yang had the upper hoof, but Shining Armor persisted, finally exploiting a gap in JIn Yang’s defenses. With a deft counter, he knocked JIn Yang from the platform, and the soldiers erupted in a cheer for Shining Armor’s hard-won victory.

“You won, Prince Shining Armor.” JIn Yang respectfully bowed.

“I can’t believe it… I actually did it!” Shining Armor himself was shocked at his success. He’d nearly given up; JIn Yang’s defense and attacks were flawless. But just as he basked in the crowd’s cheers, a resolute voice cut through the noise.

“I’d like a turn as well, if His Highness would oblige?”

After dinner, the ambassador returned to her room in silence, her face darkened, the jovial dinner atmosphere replaced with a tense unease.

“Chancellor…” Under JIn Yang’s urging, Jin Yun finally spoke, breaking the silence in a respectful tone.

“Do you understand where you went wrong?” Meng Yu held the cup in her hoof and slowly said after sipping the hot tea.

“I do, but… JIn Yang lost, and I just… I just wanted to win it back!”

“I’m just a bit tired, you saw his soldiers; there were many, and sparring with them one by one was exhausting. They’re decent, though, just need more work.” JIn Yang sighed. “After beating all his soldiers, losing to Shining Armor helps him save face with them. You’ve forgotten our master’s teachings.”

“Martial arts aren’t for determining superiority but for cultivating inner peace… When sparring, avoid pride and overconfidence.” Jin Yun repeated the lesson, her voice filled with regret. She’d forgotten this in her impulse to win back her brother’s defeat. She thought to defend herself but stopped, remembering how she’d bested Shining Armor that day, knocking him clear into the crowd. Whatever she said wouldn’t change the outcome; she could only bow down, awaiting Meng Yu’s judgment.

“I understand my mistake… and Willing to be punishment.”

Meng Yu’s gaze weighed heavily on her, and the silence grew more oppressive. It felt as if the very air thickened, and Jin Yun braced herself, fearing harsh discipline.

“Chancellor, Jin Yun meant to help. Surely her actions don’t merit severe punishment?”

“Very well. You will meditate in solitude for a day, with no food, and afterward, you will personally apologize to Prince Shining Armor.” Meng Yu’s voice was stern, and Jin Yun bowed even lower in acceptance. “Thank you, Chancellor, for your mercy…”