As the figure flung her cape over her shoulder, tension in the air didn't dissipate resolved into something else. From the darkness hood came no terror face Bai Cheng had expected, but something far more disarmable. She was beautiful, her beauty so sharp it was almost overwhelming. Clothed in a flowing crimson garment that shines like melted fire, her presence is like a burning sun against night.
Her lips curved into a smirk as her sharp eyes locked onto Gerald, completely ignoring Bai Cheng.
"Gerald," she said, her voice as smooth and cold as a mountain stream. "It seems you haven't lost your flair for the dramatic!"
Then Gerald crossed his arms, a perfectly neutral face, but Bai Cheng caught a flicker of annoyance. "And as presumptuous as ever, Miss Mei Feng." Spiritual pressure dropping on my doorstep? A bit much, don't you think?
"Please," Miss Mei Feng smiled, laughter in her voice, sharp with playful mockery. "You could handle it. And I had to make sure that I still had your attention.
It's been years, after all."
Bai Cheng is rooted to the spot and doesn't know what to do, nervously shifting his feet.
He feels completely out of his depth. "Uh. Gerald? Who is she?" he asked the others cautiously, his voice barely above a whisper.
Gerald nodded toward Mei Feng. "Old. Acquaintance. From the capital."
"acquaintance?" Mei Feng sneered, raising one elegantly slanted eyebrow. "Is that what we're using anymore? And I thought we were."
Gerald's jaw clenched. "We were, once. Until you decided to—never mind".
Mei Feng smiled broadly, clearly thoroughly enjoying herself at his discomfort. Then her gaze switched to Bai Cheng, and for the first time, she appeared to notice him. Her eyes roved over his slightly torn appearance and uncertain stance.
"And who's this?" she asked, cocking her head to one side, though her tone already indicated she knew the answer.
This is Bai Cheng, Gerald said flatly.
Her eyes lit up in recognition. "Ohhh, Bai Cheng," she drawled, her smirk widening. "The infamous kid without spiritual energy. I've heard the stories. Didn't think I'd actually meet you."
Bai Cheng stiffened, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I—I'm not. Infamous," he stammered, though his voice lacked conviction.
"And I'm not just some kid."
Mei Feng chuckled, music to my ears that felt more like the sound of a knife cutting through the air. "Oh? Then what are you, exactly?
Bai Cheng's fists clenched. "Someone you shouldn't underestimate," he said, his voice growing firmer.
Gerard sighed, rubbing his temples. "Mei, don't—
"Oh, relax, Gerald," she said, waving him off. "I'm just curious. What can someone like him possibly do? Come on, Bai Cheng, show me." She gestured toward him, her tone dripping with condescension.
Bai Cheng's blood boiled. He was not going to stand there and watch her mock him. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "You want to see what I can do?
Watch close!
Before the other could even react, Bai Cheng charged at Mei Feng, punching sharply at her. She did not even flinch. With one wrist-flick motion, she sent out her spiritual energy to blast him immobile.
Once again the air around Bai Cheng grew heavy and an unseen power pressed down on him like a dead weight anchoring him there. He clenched his jaw and fought it. Each step felt as though he was dragging his body through the stone.
"Is that all?" Mei Feng said teasingly, her light tone mocking. "You can hardly take a step and are going to fall."
"Don't underestimate me!" Bai Cheng growled, fighting down the spasm to take another step forward. His muscles shrieked in protest, but he wouldn't stop.
Gerald stepped between them, his face sharp. "Enough, Miss Mei," he said. "He's not ready to see you.
Mei Feng leaned back, her face twisting with incredulous amusement. "Not ready?
Gerald, He is like a newborn trying to walk on fire. Why are you dragging him into this?
"I'm trying to teach him," Gerald snapped, the calmness of his voice cracking. "He's stronger than you think and he is going to prove it."
Mei Feng snorted. "Prove it? To whom? The world doesn't care about people who can't cultivate, Gerald.
You're wasting your time."
"You think I don't know that?" Gerald said hotly. "But he's got potential, Miss Mei. More than you think. And unlike some people, I don't leave behind those who need help."
Words hung heavy with meaning, unsigned. Mei Feng's smirk faltered for one moment; something passed across her face: regret or anger—Bai Cheng couldn't tell.
She sighed, crossing her arms. "Fine. If you're so determined to make him into something, then I'll help. But on one condition."
Bai Cheng stood upright, his heart racing. "What condition?
Mei Feng curled up a mischievous smile. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough," she said enigmatically. "For now, let's see if you can last more than five seconds against me.".
Wait, what?" Bai Cheng barely even had time to react before Mei Feng moved again. She darted at him so quickly that it blurred into something else entirely.
He tried to block, but she was too quick. A sharp jab at his side sent him stumbling backward.
Come on," she teased, her voice playful. "Is that the best you've got? I thought you didn't want me to think you were a slouch.".
Bai Cheng clenched fists, frustration oozing out. He charged at her again, wild swings flying everywhere. But Mei Feng sidestepped every strike with fluid movements that seemed almost lazy.
"Stop flailing like a drunk," she said with a laugh. "You're not going to hit anything like that."
Enough! he called out above the noise. Gerald stepped forward again, his hand falling on Bai Cheng's shoulder. That's enough for now.
Mei Feng shrugged, pushing an errant tendril of her own hair away from her face. "Suit yourself.
But if he wants to learn anything, he's going to have to do better than that."
Then Gerald leans to gaze down at Bai Cheng, his face growing serious. "Did you see how she moved? The way she controlled the battle? That's what you should learn.
". Bai Cheng nodded, his body still aching from the brief clash. "I'll do it," he said, determination burning in his eyes. "Whatever it takes."
Mei Feng smiled. "Let's see.
But don't forget there's that condition. And trust me, this is no easy feat. As she turned away, crimson robes spreading behind her like wings, Bai Cheng felt an admixture of irritation and awe.
She was taunting him surely, but no one could deny her strength. Whatever was her condition, he would face it. He needed to. --- They didn't know that the wind had changed outside.
A shadow appeared silently and motionlessly in the doorway, inescapable unnoticed yet unignorable.