He waved his hand dismissively. “You achieved this through your own hard work and talent. No need to be modest now.”
She gazed at him with gratitude. “Still, without you, I would have never been able to join this sect or unlock my true potential.”
He leaned back slightly. “Well then, shall we see how much you’ve improved?”
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Are you going to give me pointers, Brother Yuan?”
He chuckled. “Only if you’re up for it.”
She stood up in excitement. “Absolutely. Let’s head to the training grounds. It’s not every day that someone gets the opportunity to spar with you.”
They made their way to the open area behind the main building of her mansion. The training ground was surrounded by tall trees, providing both privacy and a natural setting.
“Ready when you are,” she said, taking her position.
He smiled. “Don’t hold back.”
She began by summoning a gentle breeze around her, the air swirling with faint traces of azure flames.
He observed her control over the fire and wind elements; he raised an eyebrow, seeing the crude integration.
She launched forward with impressive speed, her sword enveloped in azure fire.
He activated his Thunderbolt Flash Step, dodging her initial strike.
“Good speed, but if you integrate your wind and flames more seamlessly, your speed will reach new heights,” he remarked.
She smiled. “Thank you for the guidance, but I haven’t even shown you everything yet.”
She gestured with her free hand, and a gust of wind propelled her forward, allowing her to close the distance rapidly.
He responded by summoning a Lightning Barrier, the crackling energy deflecting her fiery blade.
She leaped back gracefully, gathering energy. “Azure Phoenix Ascension!” she called out.
A burst of azure flames erupted around her, forming the shape of a majestic phoenix. He watched with admiration.
“Impressive technique; seems like a growth-type technique as well,” he commented.
She directed the fiery phoenix toward him. He decided to test his new technique as well.
“Storm Summoning Art,” he intoned softly.
Dark clouds gathered overhead, and lightning crackled within them.
He channeled the lightning energy into his palms.
As the phoenix approached, he released a surge of lightning, the two forces colliding in a brilliant display.
The impact sent shockwaves through the training ground.
After the dust settled, they both stood facing each other, smiles on their faces.
“That was exhilarating,” she said, slightly breathless.
He nodded. “Indeed. Your control over your new powers is remarkable for how little time you have spent mastering them.”
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She walked over to him. “Thank you, Brother Shen Yuan. Sparring with you was really helpful for my cultivation. I found a lot of mistakes that seemed negligible when training on my own.”
He patted her head gently. “You can ask for a spar anytime; no need to be shy with me.”
She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. “Then I will listen to you.” She paused, staring into his eyes for a while before continuing, “You always know how to make me feel at ease,” she said softly.
He smiled warmly. “That’s what friends are for.”
She hesitated for a moment, then took a small step closer. “Brother Yuan, ever since we first met, you’ve been there for me—not just as a fellow disciple or a friend, but as someone I can truly rely on.”
He noticed the subtle change in her tone and the way her cheeks flushed ever so slightly. “I’m glad I’ve been able to help. Not only has your strength increased, but your mental fortitude has made significant progress.”
She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “I… I wanted to thank you properly.”
He lightly shook his head with a smile. “There’s no need for thanks between us.”
She shook her head gently while lowering it slightly. “No, I insist. You’ve been my mentor, my confidant, and…” she paused, raising her head, her eyes searching his. “…and someone very special to me.”
He looked deeply at her, realizing the budding feelings in her heart. “Qingyu…”
She continued her voice barely above a whisper. “I know we are both focused on our cultivation and the upcoming competition, but I wanted you to know how I feel.”
Shen Yuan stayed silent for a second before asking, “Have you thought about your feelings thoroughly?”
Han Qingyu nodded her head and replied, “The weeks we spent traveling, the consideration you showed me when you asked for Big Sis Huo Rong to make me join the sect, the days I spent thinking about you, and the last time we met… All of this has made me realize what I truly want.”
He looked into her eyes, seeing the sincerity and vulnerability there. “Qingyu…,” he softly said while patting her head.
She smiled softly. “Then perhaps, when time allows, we could spend more moments like this together?”
He nodded. “I’d like that. It’s easy to lose ourselves in cultivation, but spending leisure time like this is also important.”
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves around them, the atmosphere filled with budding love.
She glanced at the sky, noticing the late hour. “It’s getting late. Would you like to stay for some tea before you go?”
He considered her offer. “Tea sounds nice.”
They walked back to her mansion, the setting sun casting a golden hue over the garden.
Inside, she led him to a cozy sitting area adorned with delicate lanterns that emitted a warm glow.
She prepared the tea gracefully, the fragrant aroma filling the room. “This is a special blend I’ve been working on,” she said, pouring the tea into beautiful jade cups.
He accepted the cup, blowing softly as he inhaled the soothing scent. “It smells wonderful.”
They sat together, the conversation flowing naturally.
They spoke of their past, shared their insights from the training, and laughed over amusing anecdotes.
As the evening progressed, the distance between them seemed to close.
She reached out tentatively, her fingers brushing against his hand. “I’m glad you came today.”
He looked at their hands touching and met her gaze. “So am I. It’s moments like these that remind me there’s more to life than just cultivation.”
She smiled, her eyes reflecting the soft light of the lanterns. “You’ve given me so much confidence, not just in my cultivation but in myself.”
He turned his hand over, gently holding hers. “You were always strong, Qingyu. Even when I arrived at the Han Manor, you were standing against the Han Family all on your own. Sometimes it just takes someone else to help us see it.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other’s presence.
Eventually, he spoke. “The competition is nigh. After it’s over, perhaps we could take some time to explore the surrounding regions. I’ve heard there are places of great natural beauty nearby.”
Her face lit up. “I would love that. It would be nice to relax and see the world beyond the sect.”
He nodded. “It’s a plan then.”
She squeezed his hand lightly. “Thank you, Brother Yuan.”
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze in return. “For what?”
“For being you,” she replied softly.
They continued talking late into the night until the stars twinkled brightly above.