*CLANG* The clash of metal rang through the air as Xuan Yan and Qian Renxue's swords met in a dazzling burst of sparks.
The sheer force of their collision sent a shockwave rippling through the training ground, stirring up dust and leaves from the surrounding trees.
Both of them were forced a few steps back.
"That was an interesting story..." Qian Renxue muttered looking at him.
With a chuckle, Xuan Yan replied "Yeah..."
Qian Renxue's golden blade shimmered as she lunged forward again.
Xuan Yan, however, met her attack head-on, his own blade—rising just in time to parry.
Clang!
Their swords clashed once more, sending vibrations through their arms.
Neither yielded, both pressing forward with their footwork as they maneuvered across the training ground in a deadly dance of steel.
Qian Renxue twisted her wrist and redirected her blade in an upward arc, aiming for his shoulder.
Xuan Yan sidestepped with sharp reflexes, feeling the wind from her strike brush past him as he leaned in and countered with a rapid downward slash.
She spun to the side, dodging just in time before pivoting on her heel and thrusting her sword forward, aiming straight for his chest.
Swish!
Xuan Yan twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the lethal point of her blade as it skimmed past his ribs.
Not giving him time to recover, Qian Renxue pressed forward with a flurry of rapid strikes.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
He blocked every single one, but the sheer speed of her assault forced him onto the defensive.
The ground beneath them cracked as they moved in perfect synchronization, their footwork impeccable as they weaved between each other's attacks.
Xuan Yan suddenly ducked low, shifting his weight as he aimed a sweeping kick at her legs.
Qian Renxue saw it coming at the last second and flipped backward, her golden hair whipping through the air as she landed gracefully.
Taking advantage of the brief opening, he dashed forward with explosive speed, his blade cutting through the air like a streak of lightning.
Qian Renxue's eyes sharpened and she knew she couldn't fully dodge it.
Instead, she raised her sword and met his strike head-on.
BOOM!
The impact sent a shockwave through the ground, causing the nearby training dummies to tremble from the sheer force.
A sudden burst of energy erupted between them, forcing both of them backward.
Qian Renxue adjusted her stance immediately, her golden eyes locked onto Xuan Yan as she prepared to launch forward again.
EH? However, just as she pushed off the ground, her foot unexpectedly landed on a loose stone, throwing off her balance.
Her body lurched forward, and before she could correct herself, she crashed straight into Xuan Yan.
"Whoa—!" Xuan Yan barely had time to react before Qian Renxue's full weight knocked him off his feet.
With a heavy thud, the two tumbled onto the ground, the force of the impact sending a small cloud of dust into the air.
When it finally settled, the scene that unfolded was… rather ambiguous.
Qian Renxue was sprawled on top of him, her golden hair cascading over both their faces as she propped herself up on her elbows.
Their faces were so close that Xuan Yan could clearly see the slight flush creeping up her neck, her warm breath brushing against his skin.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
The intensity of their battle had suddenly been replaced by an entirely different kind of tension.
Xuan Yan blinked, staring up at the beauty above him. "Uh… comfortable?"
Qian Renxue's expression flickered between surprise and mild embarrassment before quickly shifting into a glare. "You—!"
She tried to push herself up, but in her flustered state, her hand slipped on the smooth fabric of his clothes, causing her to fall right back onto his chest.
Xuan Yan sighed as her heavy body pressed on him "Renxue, I don't think this is the best way to pin your opponent down…"
This time successfully, Qian Renxue lifted herself again before swiftly rolling off him.
She cleared her throat and stood up as gracefully as possible, brushing off the nonexistent dust from her clothes.
"I-It was just an accident," she muttered, crossing her arms and looking away.
Xuan Yan sat up, rubbing the back of his neck with a chuckle. "Of course, of course… just an accident."
Her glare sharpened, and she pointed her sword at him. "Say another word and I'll make sure the next time you fall, you won't be getting up so easily."
Xuan Yan shook his head helplessly and raised his hand.
With a smile, she reached out and held his hand as she pulled him up.
"By the way, did my mom tell you about that?"
Hm? Hearing her words, Xuan Yan raised an eyebrow "About what?"
Qian Renxue's gaze squinted "Seems like she hasn't said that to you yet..."
Xuan Yan was quite confused but then he remembered what it was, and smiled in his heart.
With a clueless face, he asked "No, she didn't say anything specific, what is it?"
Letting out a chuckle, she patted his head "Let it be a surprise then."
Xuan Yan let out a sigh and turned around "Then I am going and asking her now..."
But before he could leave, Qian Renxue reached out and held his arms "It's already evening, let's have some tea..."
...
Qian Renxue led the way out of the training hall, her golden robes flowing elegantly as she walked.
As they stepped into the open courtyard, the warm hues of the evening sun painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the marble flooring.
Xuan Yan stretched his arms as he followed behind her, the remnants of their battle still tingling in his muscles.
She looked for a nearby maid who had been waiting in the distance. "Prepare a tea set in the courtyard. Something light and refreshing."
The maid bowed respectfully and hurried off to carry out her order.
As they walked further into the courtyard, Qian Renxue suddenly stopped beside a beautifully carved stone water basin.
The crystal-clear water inside reflected the sky above, shimmering under the golden evening light.
She reached down, cupping the cool water in her hands and splashing it onto her face.
Xuan Yan watched her for a moment before stepping forward himself.
He rolled up his sleeves before scooping up some water and splashing it onto his face.
The cool sensation was refreshing after their intense spar, washing away the thin layer of sweat that had built up.
However, just as he was about to straighten up, a sudden splash of water hit him directly in the face.
Blinking through the droplets, he looked up to see Qian Renxue smirking, her hands still cupped with water.
"Really?" he said, wiping his face.
Qian Renxue tilted her head playfully. "What? Just cooling you down, since you seemed a bit overheated from our fight."
Xuan Yan narrowed his eyes with a grin. "Is that so?"
Without another word, he flicked a handful of water toward her, causing a few stray droplets to land on her cheek.
Qian Renxue gasped lightly, before her expression turned playful "Oh, now you've done it."
She dipped her hands into the water again and splashed a larger wave toward him.
Xuan Yan dodged slightly, but a good amount still hit his shoulder.
Not one to back down, he retaliated, scooping up more water and sending a splash right at her.
Finally, after a few more playful splashes, Qian Renxue raised her hand in surrender. "Alright, alright, we should stop before someone comes and scolds us for acting like children."
Xuan Yan smirked but nodded in agreement. "Fine, I'll let you off this time."
They both used clean towels nearby to dry their faces and sleeves, the moment of playfulness settling into a comfortable silence as they made their way toward the pavilion where the tea had been prepared.
By the time they reached the low table set in the middle of the courtyard, the maid had already laid out a fine porcelain tea set along with a small plate of delicate pastries.
The steam from the tea curled into the air, carrying a soothing floral aroma.
Qian Renxue gracefully sat down on one side, her posture as elegant as ever, while Xuan Yan took the seat across from her.
She reached out, lifting the teapot with steady hands and pouring a stream of golden liquid into his cup before filling her own.
"The best kind of tea is one shared in good company," she said with a faint smile.
Xuan Yan picked up his cup, observing the gentle ripples on the surface. "So, does that mean I'm good company?"
Qian Renxue's eyes met his as she took a slow sip. "For now," she replied, amusement dancing in her gaze.
Xuan Yan chuckled and took a sip himself, letting the warmth of the tea spread through him.
The evening breeze was cool against their skin, the scent of blooming flowers filling the air.
...
Later that evening, he returned to the chambers, and Bibi Dong, who was sitting on the couch sipping her tea, raised her head.
"Yan'er, come here..."
Xuan Yan walked to her and sat beside her on the couch "I wanted to talk to you about this, but earlier I forgot..."
Tilting his head, he asked in confusion "What is it, teacher?"
With a smile, she replied "About you becoming the Holy Son."
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!
Sometimes I just forget I am rewriting this fic, remind me lol.. with powerstones!