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Su Qing also noticed Jingliu and leaped down from the rooftop. In sync with his movement, a longsword flew towards him, coming to a steady halt before him.
"Yingxing forged this sword for me," Su Qing introduced. "What do you think?"
Jingliu examined the sword closely. "Its blade is formidable, and its design unparalleled. I heard there were six swords forged in total? Each must be no less impressive than Dismay."
Both being avid sword enthusiasts, they initially exchanged insights on their shared interest.
Then Jingliu continued, "Jing Yuan and the others couldn't make it today. It's just you and me at this gathering."
Su Qing sheathed his sword, acknowledging her words.
They both took seats at the stone table.
A silence fell between them.
Su Qing realized that usually, other companions would be present. Today indeed marked the first time he and Jingliu were alone together. Moreover...
They had exhausted the best topic right from the start.
With Jingliu's reserved nature, Su Qing momentarily didn't know what else to discuss.
The two sat silently as moonlight gently bathed the courtyard.
[March 7th: @Jingliu, doesn't the silence feel awkward?]
[Jingliu: Not at all.]
Jingliu was already appreciating the moonlit scenery.
Given her serene demeanor, the viewers had no doubt she could simply sit there, admiring the moon for an entire night.
Eventually, it was Su Qing who broke the silence first, gesturing towards the table. "Let's have some refreshments."
"Thank you," replied Jingliu. "You always go to such thoughtful lengths preparing these."
"It's nothing; it's one of my interests too," Su Qing responded.
[Bronya: These two are so courteous!]
[Qingque: It's like watching introverts exchanging polite greetings after all their lively friends failed to show up.]
[Sushang: Is Su Qing an introvert?]
[Qingque: Not really, but he isn't particularly outgoing either.]
[March 7th: Why is it getting awkwardly quiet? Let's liven things up, huh?!]
[Stelle: Yayyy!!?]
[Qingque: ? See now? They're actually quite spirited, and they complement each other perfectly.]
[Sushang: Ha ha ha, I get it.]
Su Qing said, "I prepared these pastries for several people, but since none of them came, feel free to have more."
Jingliu nodded.
Su Qing mentioned it casually without expecting much. To his surprise, Jingliu started eating one pastry after another.
He watched with interest as Jingliu held the sweets delicately between her hands, appreciating the moonlight while savoring each bite slowly. She didn't rush through her meal, yet without any pause after finishing each, she continued until she had consumed five or six pastries in succession.
Pleased, Su Qing asked, "Are they tasty?"
Jingliu gently nodded. "They're very delicious."
Noticing Su Qing's continuous gaze on her, Jingliu felt slightly puzzled. Thinking there might be food crumbs on her lips, she lightly touched them with her hand, checking.
Yet there was no trace of crumbs on her lips.
Jingliu looked at him, slightly tilting her head. Her lovely features held a questioning expression, white hair gently falling around her face.
Su Qing smiled, feeling that Jingliu could sometimes be adorably clueless.
[Fu Xuan: ...In Abundance, Jingliu was their sworn enemy, and here on Xianzhou, she's also a sword leader.]
[Fu Xuan: Only Su Qing would perceive her as adorably clueless.]
[Jingliu: What does "adorably clueless" mean?]
[Stelle: Well, asking this question itself is quite adorable and clueless.]
[March 7th: Focused solely on swordsmanship and battlefield battles, it's possible in everyday life...she might indeed be...a bit adorably clueless??]
"It's nothing," said Su Qing. "I was just watching you enjoy those pastries."
With this amusing interlude behind them, any discomfort during their solitude had vanished. Su Qing decided to broach a topic of interest: "Who taught you your sword technique?"
"A senior among the cloud riders," replied Jingliu.
"Which one specifically?"
"She has passed away, fallen in battle against the abominations."
"...My condolences."
Jingliu shook her head. "It's alright. Dying in combat is considered a honorable end for a cloud rider."
Su Qing nodded, expressing his agreement.
After enjoying their desserts under the tranquil moonlight, Jingliu felt a rare sense of relaxation tonight.
As their conversation flowed, she began recounting her experience learning swordsmanship from that senior.
"At that time... I had just survived a calamity and was deeply engulfed in fear, barely able to speak."
"When I started training with swords, she handed me one and said, 'It's alright if you cannot speak; this blade can be your voice.'
'With this sword, you can make those monsters, which took everything from us, vanish completely. Such beautiful ideals are scarce in the world now.'"
Su Qing listened attentively. "Was this the motivation behind your sword training?"
Jingliu nodded. "Yes, even the process itself mirrored these words. After teaching me basic techniques, she tasked me with killing ten of the Buli people's battle beasts using only my sword. That marked the completion of my first lesson."
Su Qing smiled. "That sounds like a truly straightforward yet impactful first lesson."
"Indeed." Jingliu reminisced, "Throughout my continuous sword training, there were times when I encountered enemies too formidable for my blade alone. I considered giving up and seeking other means."
"But along the way, star ferries may crash, arrows may run out, and automatons may cease to function. As she taught me, ultimately, all we can rely on is the sword in our hands."
Su Qing shared his perspective from another angle.
Initially, he preferred fighting with his fists, finding it exhilarating. However, over time, he realized that having the right weapon could significantly enhance his combat efficiency.
[Herta: That's true; your fists might work against Tianyi-5 demons.]
[Herta: But facing something like an Abundance Emanator, charging straight in with just punches would be absurdly impractical.]
[Stelle: Can't you just be One-Punch Man then?]
[Herta: No extreme hypotheticals allowed. Even you know to use a baseball bat.]
[Herta: ...Wait, on that note, @Stelle, did you take your baseball bat from my Room of Curiosities?!]
[Stelle: Ah!]
[March 7th: Oh no! Herta remembered!]
[Stelle (coughing violently): Cough cough cough, let's not discuss this now. Focus on the stream, focus on the stream!]
[Sparkle: Enjoying it.]
Su Qing was an excellent listener. After initiating the conversation, he attentively heard Jingliu recount her journey with swordsmanship thus far.
Jingliu reflected thoughtfully afterward, "I've never spoken about these experiences to anyone else."
"Not even Bai Heng?" asked Su Qing.
Jingliu shook her head. "Bai Heng has a lively nature. If I were to share such things, I fear she might feel burdened and disheartened."
But Su Qing responded, "From what I understand, if you told Bai Heng, she'd undoubtedly be very happy, feeling trusted by you."
"Is that so?" Jingliu seemed uncertain.
Tonight, as she recounted her past experiences, even her usually calm thoughts began to stir.
The only part she omitted was what had transpired in Cang City.
Having shared her earlier thoughts, Jingliu hesitated briefly before revealing her deepest concern, "However, now...I still grapple with doubts from when I first began learning swordsmanship."
"As Luofu's sword leader, I can vanquish most Abundant Evils.
"But against monsters like the Feng Rao Emanator, let alone Abundance itself, can my sword truly prevail?"
She lifted her gaze to the moon, a look of bewilderment crossing her face. "Compared to the vastness of heaven and earth, the sword in my hand is no larger than a needle. How can it cleave through the stars?"
Indeed, if the Emanator was already so formidable, Yaoshi seemed even more unreachable, akin to distant celestial bodies, forever beyond human grasp.
Hearing such doubts voiced by the esteemed Luofu Sword Leader would likely astonish many. Yet, it was true that the repeated onslaughts of Abundant Evil were disheartening.
The enemy had launched multiple invasions on Xianzhou within moments, never fully defeated. Even Cang City, once thriving, fell into history under its relentless assault.
Since that fateful day at Cang City, the nightmare haunted Jingliu incessantly.
Her every swing of the sword since then has been driven by a resolve for martyrdom.
Dreaming that one day, she could meet her end in battle like Senior Cloud Rider, bringing everything to a close.
Jingliu had never shared this inner turmoil with anyone. But now, facing Su Qing, who seemed so akin to herself, she hoped—no, prayed—for an answer. Even if it were negative...
She asked the right person.
Given their similarities, Su Qing had naturally pondered this question before.
Seeing Jingliu's usually composed demeanor replaced by confusion as she looked at him, Su Qing reflected deeply for a moment before responding, "During Cang City's calamity, I was present."
"I witnessed firsthand the Emanator Shuhu, with thousands of faces submerged within its grasp—a monstrous sight unimaginable to most." Recalling that experience, Su Qing continued, "Confronting such an entity indeed evokes a sense of utter helplessness. One might even succumb to illusions, tempted by the false promise of eternal life propagated by these beings."
[Herta: The Fertility Faction's greatest threat lies in using the allure of false immortality to assimilate you and your loved ones.]
[Bronya: What does Yaoshi truly intend? Is it also about causing harm?]
[Herta: In theory, Yaoshi embodies compassion and empathy.]
[Herta: It never denies prayers, unable to bear witness to decay and suffering. Yet the Aeon's nectar, to mortals, may be no different from poison...]
Jingliu listened attentively as Su Qing recounted his experience.
She too had witnessed that scene, gaining profound insights from it.
Regarding whether Abundance could be defeated, Su Qing described Shuhu's terror, seemingly suggesting a negative answer. However, he swiftly changed course:
"But afterward, when I was deeply ensnared by illusions, General Teng Xiao's sword severed Shuhu's vines, engaging it in battle."
"No matter how formidable the Abundance Emanator, the general held his own against it."
These reflections were the culmination of hundreds of years of thought, Su Qing's words flowing unabated.
"Thus, after all this time battling, I have come to understand," he continued in a calm tone. "If I fall, there is still the general. Should the general perish, there remain other Xianzhous. Above them stand the marshal, even the Imperial Bow itself, Si Ming."
"Looking back through history, despite Shuhu's repeated returns causing immense losses, we ultimately prevailed each time." Su Qing raised his hand and placed it on the stone table. "The Abundant Evil will resurrect, but for every resurrection, we shall slay it once. If it revives again, then we'll kill it anew."
"No matter how many times, across lifetimes, until every last trace of it is ground to dust and eradicated completely—until not even a shred remains in this world."
Su Qing gazed at Jingliu. "Yaoshi may indeed be like stars, but we too have our own constellations. The Hunt's vengeance knows no end save death. With so many comrades by our side, regardless of the evil faced, I see nothing to fear."
Even with his calm demeanor, Jingliu couldn't help but feel stirred by Su Qing's words.
[Qingque: Whew, that gave me goosebumps...]
[Fu Xuan: Can you sense the resonance within your very blood?]
[Qingque: Absolutely, Grand Diviner!]
[Topaz (emotional): Xianzhou truly brings out the older generation when you take down the younger, and even more ancient figures after them. Once entangled, it indeed doesn't cease till death.]
[Topaz: And the most outrageous part is, they can actually summon Aeon Stars.]
[Sparkle: ? There's one group whose Aeons won't bother with them—not naming names.]
[Topaz: ...This is merely a trial bestowed upon us by the Amber King!]
[Sparkle: Hmm? I was referring to the Annihilation Gang.]
[Topaz: ...]
[Stelle: Ha ha, Sparkle, naughty!]
[Seele: She knows how to have fun.]
Jingliu carefully pondered Su Qing's words.
"To fight until death."
This echoed her own resolve, yet their implications were starkly different—one marked by despair, the other by determination.
After hearing Su Qing articulate this principle, Jingliu reflected and found resonance within herself.
Though her sword was indeed sharp, over centuries, she could never have achieved what she did alone.
Closing her eyes, Jingliu vividly recalled the scene from that day in Cang City.
Even against such formidable beings as Shuhu, is victory possible?
If I die, there will still be the general...
Resurrect once, kill again, scatter ashes to the wind...
Just as Su Qing had helped her withstand Shuhu's terrifying pressure before, allowing her to persevere.
His words today were equally compelling, causing Jingliu's heart to race and blood to quicken.
Facing the Abundance Emanator anew, relying solely on my own blade...
But with Su Qing by my side, alongside Bai Heng and others, fighting together...
Jingliu opened her eyes.
The haunting nightmares of her youth, once terrifying, now seemed less dreadful to her today.
Seeing she remained silent even after opening her eyes, Su Qing sought to change the mood. "This gathering was meant for relaxation; how did we end up discussing such heavy topics?"
Jingliu softly replied, "Thank you."
"For what?"
"Various things." She picked up another pastry. "At this moment, I'm thankful for this osmanthus cake - it's truly delicious."
They looked at each other, and Su Qing smiled warmly. Jingliu, too, revealed a rare smile.
A deep understanding and resonance passed between them without words.
Unlike their usual gatherings with many people, tonight's meeting felt tranquil and intimate. The two enjoyed snacks, admired the moonlight, and engaged in conversation.
Later on, they delved into discussions about swordsmanship. Currently, Su Qing lacked structured sword techniques. He asked Jingliu if her swordsmanship could be shared or if it needed to remain confidential.
Jingliu responded candidly, "My sword technique, anyone who wishes to learn, I will teach."
Thus, they further explored swordsmanship together, with Jingliu wielding Dismay to personally demonstrate moves.
Though their gathering consisted of only two people, they both left fully satisfied when it concluded, somewhat reluctant to part ways.
[March 7th: Hmm? Wait, have Su Qing and Jingliu's relationship improved again??]
[Jingliu: No need to worry. Su Qing and I are merely close friends.]
[Silver Wolf: Oh, so just close friends, then that's fine...]
[Silver Wolf: Wait, did you think I'd say that?!]
[Silver Wolf: Last time, you were still just 'friends,' and now you're already 'close friends'! How did it escalate so quickly?!]
[Jingliu: Quickly?]
[Jingliu: Sharing experiences over a thousand years ago, spending centuries together in battle—these resonances and deepening bonds culminated in tonight's mutual understanding. I hardly consider this rapid.]
[March 7th: Ooh, Jingliu suddenly said something quite profound!]
[Kafka: ...]
[Himeko: ...]
[Firefly: ???]
[Stelle: Beep-beep-beep!? Detected a significant increase in Jingliu's danger level!]
The next day, everyone gathered together.
Due to various last-minute commitments, none had been aware of others' absences.
Bai Heng asked, "So, who all made it yesterday?"
Jing Yuan looked at Yingxing. "Although I organized the gathering, I couldn't attend myself. My apologies."
Yingxing responded, "Why look at me? I mentioned from the start that I wouldn't be coming."
Then he glanced towards Dan Feng.
Dan Feng explained, "There were clan matters; unfortunately, I couldn't spare the time."
All three turned their gaze to Bai Heng.
Bai Heng scratched his head, chuckling nervously. "Ah ha ha, well, just remembered yesterday that the foxfolk have their annual celebration, so I ended up not attending either."
[Qingque: Your friend slings an arm around your shoulder: Coo-coo-coo, of course I'd come, why would I lie to you?]
[Stelle: Joyful, what a flock of no-shows!]
Finally, they looked at Su Qing and Jingliu.
Su Qing nodded. "I was there."
Jingliu added, "Me too."
Shocked, Bai Heng exclaimed, "Huh? So only the two of you showed up yesterday?!"
Jing Yuan hastily inspected the courtyard. "Didn't you end up fighting? Did anything get damaged?"
Dan Feng and Yingxing also expressed surprise.
In their minds, envisioning Su Qing and Jingliu alone together, they mostly imagined them exchanging sword techniques, battling from dusk till dawn...
Su Qing seemed somewhat speechless. "How could we?"
At most, they had only sparred for half the night.
Most of their time was spent chatting instead.
Bai Heng, curious, asked, "What did you two talk about yesterday?"
Jingliu glanced at Su Qing, leaving it to him to decide.
Thus, Su Qing simply replied, "It's confidential."
Some conversations should wait until Jingliu herself chooses to share them.
Bai Heng was even more stunned. "Confidential?!?" she exclaimed, grasping Jingliu's arm with a tone of hurt. "Even though we've known each other longer, now both of you have secrets from me."
Feeling somewhat troubled, Jingliu looked towards Su Qing for help.
Fortunately, Bai Heng couldn't maintain her shock and burst out laughing shortly after. The group continued chatting jovially, quickly moving past the incident.
After all, they believed that given Su Qing and Jingliu's personalities, nothing significant would likely occur between them.
[Qingque: ? Even Bai Heng didn't notice anything?]
[Jingliu: As I've already said, Su Qing and I are just close friends; there's truly nothing else.]
[Sparkle: Introducing 'Just Close Friends, Jingliu'.]
[Sparkle: Well, let's see how far this relationship evolves!]
[Black Swan: (laughs) Actually, no need to rush - by the next chapter at most, others will start sensing something is off between them.]
[Jingliu: ?]
[Firefly: Oh oh! It's the long-awaited preview for the upcoming chapter!]
[Black Swan: Firefly, why not give forecasting a try?]
[Firefly: Hmm, alright, let me think.]
[Firefly: Then, next episode—Firefly takes center stage!]
[Stelle: ...Only dare to dream of just appearing?!]
[Firefly: With such limited material, I can't imagine anything grander. ??]