Two months have already passed-
*clank* The sharp clang of metal against metal reverberated through the spacious training room.
Sparks flew as Xuan Yan's crimson-edged sword collided with Qian Renxue's radiant golden blade.
Qian Renxue stepped forward, her blade slicing in a precise arc aimed at Xuan Yan's midsection.
Xuan Yan twisted his body, his sword coming up in a sweeping parry.
*clang* The clash created a shockwave that sent a ripple of energy through the room.
He countered with a quick thrust toward her shoulder, the tip of his blade glowing faintly with red energy.
Qian Renxue pivoted gracefully, her golden hair trailing behind and with a quick sidestep, she deflected his strike and retaliated with a diagonal slash aimed at his torso.
Clang!
Xuan Yan met her blade with his own, their swords grinding against each other as they pushed forward.
Sparks erupted between them as their gazes locked and both of them had exciting smiles on their faces.
"You've improved," Qian Renxue muttered, her voice steady despite the effort in her strikes.
Xuan Yan smiled. "Likewise, Sister Renxue."
He spun his sword in his hand, its crimson glow intensifying as he dashed forward.
*woosh*
Qian Renxue raised her sword just in time to block his downward slash.
She pushed back, her golden aura flaring as she unleashed a rapid series of strikes.
*swoosh* *swoosh* Her blade became a blur of light, each swing aimed with precision to exploit any opening in Xuan Yan's defense.
*clank* *clang* But Xuan Yan matched her blow for blow, as his sword weaved through her strikes, deflecting and countering with impeccable timing.
Qian Renxue leaped into the air, her blade glowing brighter as she brought it down in a powerful overhead slash.
Xuan Yan crossed his sword above his head, catching her strike in a shower of sparks.
The force of the impact drove him to one knee, but he gritted his teeth and pushed back, forcing her to retreat.
Not wasting a moment, Xuan Yan lunged forward with a spinning slash, his blade leaving a crimson trail in its path.
Qian Renxue sidestepped, the tip of his sword grazing the edge of her robes.
She retaliated with a thrust aimed at his chest, but he twisted his body, the blade narrowly missing its mark.
*clang* Their swords locked again, the blades crossing and grinding against each other as they pushed for dominance.
Their faces were inches apart, both of them breathing heavily but refusing to back down.
"Haah.. Yan, seems like I still can't beat you." Qian Renxue said, her eyes narrowing.
"Haa.. Same with me."
With a burst of energy, they broke apart, both of them skidding back across the floor.
For a moment, they stood still...
Then, as if by unspoken agreement, they charged at each other again.
Clash!
Their blades met in midair, the collision creating a shockwave that sent dust and debris flying.
Qian Renxue spun on her heel, her blade slicing in a wide arc.
Xuan Yan ducked under the swing and countered with an upward slash.
She flipped backward, avoiding the attack and landing gracefully on her feet.
Qian Renxue leaped back, as she prepared a powerful attack.
She raised her sword high, and a beam of golden light shot forth, aimed directly at Xuan Yan.
Not to be outdone, Xuan Yan channeled his energy into his sword, the crimson glow intensifying, and swung his blade in a horizontal arc, releasing a wave of red energy that collided with her beam.
*thoom* The two attacks met in the center of the room, creating an explosion of light and energy that shook the very walls.
The shockwave sent both of them flying back, their feet skidding across the floor as they struggled to maintain their footing.
When the dust settled, they stood on opposite ends of the room, their swords still at the ready.
Both were breathing heavily, their bodies marked with bruises and sweat.
"Haa.. " Taking a deep breath, Qian Renxue sat on the floor, placing the sword down.
"I give up."
Panting heavily, Xuan Yan also retreated his martial spirit and walked to her.
"Sister Renxue..." With a soft sigh, he sat beside her on the floor as he leaned backward, lying on the floor.
Qian Renxue watched him for a moment, her lips curling into a faint smile.
Following his lead, she shifted her position and lay down beside him, her gaze fixed on the high ceiling of the training room.
For a while, neither of them spoke, content to bask in the afterglow of their intense sparring session.
Xuan Yan broke the quiet first "I have already reached level 30.. once I get my third spirit ring, I will surely beat you... Sister Renxue."
Qian Renxue turned her head to glance at him, her golden eyes narrowing playfully.
A scoff escaped her lips, and she propped herself up on one elbow to look at him more directly. "Dream on," she replied, her voice dripping with mock arrogance.
"By the time you're struggling to get your third ring, I'll have my fourth ring and I will blast you right out of the training ground!"
"Hahaha..."
Xuan Yan burst into laughter and seeing this, she also laughed along with him.
As their laughter subsided, Qian Renxue flopped back onto the floor, a contented sigh escaping her lips.
"You're also getting stronger. I can feel it. Soon, you'll surpass me if I'm not careful."
Xuan Yan turned his head to look at her, "You think so?" he asked, a small, cheeky grin tugging at his lips.
Qian Renxue rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself. "Don't let it go to your head, little guy. Strength isn't just about spirit levels. You've got talent, sure, but you'll need more than that."
"Yeah, yeah..."
They shared another quiet laugh before falling back into a comfortable silence.
The faint glow of the evening sunlight filtered through the high windows of the training room, casting a soft light over them.
...
Returning to the room, Xuan Yan directly went to take a bath to clean his body.
After a fresh bath, Xuan Yan stepped out of his room and walked to a nearby room.
Raising his hand, he knocked on the door "Teacher."
Bibi Dong who was in the process of wearing her clothes, raised an eyebrow "Wait a minute, Yan'er."
Xuan Yan stood outside for a few seconds and Bibi Dong opened the door for him "Come in."
Xuan Yan smiled and entered her room "Teacher..."
Sitting gracefully on her bed, Bibi Dong patted the space beside her, an inviting smile gracing her lips. "Come here," she said, her tone gentle.
Obediently, Xuan Yan walked over and sat down beside her.
Before he could say a word, Bibi Dong reached out and lightly pinched his cheek, her expression both affectionate and teasing. "What happened, hmm? Did my little disciple come to see me just because he missed me?"
With a smile, he replied "Hahaha.. Teacher, I have reached level 30, so I was wondering if you are free.. so we can get my next spirit ring."
Huh? The words caught her off guard, and for a moment, Bibi Dong's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You're already level 30?"
Her gaze softened as she looked at him, a mixture of pride and wonder filling her eyes. "You've grown so much, Yan'er," she murmured, almost to herself.
"It feels like just yesterday you were struggling with your first spirit ring, and now… level 30 already."
"Surely we can go tomorrow to get your ring."
[Ding!]
[Mission: Get your third spirit ring]
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!