Qianyu and Lingxi (III)

To the audience below, the duel seemed to last a long time. The two women, one in white and one in grey, danced across the balconies and roofs, making a complete circle around the House of Paradise and then another.

In truth, the bout lasted only about ten minutes. Both sides did not suffer any wounds and property damage was kept to a minimum. However, the way of the sword was such that both women were able to convey an array of feelings to the other through their actions.

Peng Lingxi was a straightforward person. She had lived her life simply and a sword by her side. She didn't expect that someone could have such deep and complex emotions. Wu Qianyu's sword was both heavy and filled with meaning. She couldn't quite understand because she had never felt those things before.

Wu Qianyu, on the other hand, was taken aback by the frankness of Peng Lingxi's sword. There was no trickery, no distractions. Peng Lingxi loved the sword the same way she loved Chen Wentian; a pure and uncomplicated love.

Wu Qianyu sighed as she put away her sword. Such simplicity was something she couldn't achieve. She couldn't help but feel envious once more.

"Sister Lingxi, I apologize for my rudeness. Thank for you this lesson."

Peng Lingxi smiled wryly, "Sister Qianyu, no harm done. I will always welcome an exchange of swords and pointers. I have also learned many things."

Wu Qianyu bowed and Peng Lingxi returned it. Then, Wu Qianyu turned and quickly left through the door of the balcony. Peng Lingxi sighed and looked down at her beat-up sword. It was ruined from the countless clashes against a far superior weapon. She returned it to her spatial bag and retrieved a fresh steel sword that was a replica.

A soft clapping soon interrupted her thoughts as another person joined her on the balcony. It was Zhou Ziyun, wearing a simple blue dress that belied her status and the amount of power she held within this city.

"Sister Lingxi, that was an excellent duel. Your sword is enlightening every time I see it."

"Sister Ziyun," Peng Lingxi bowed her head politely, "I hope our duel didn't cause too much trouble."

Zhou Ziyun laughed lightly, "Nothing of the sort. It's just some minor damage. Easy to fix."

"Oh, that's good…" Peng Lingxi stood there, slightly uncomfortable.

She was a newcomer. She wasn't too familiar with the disciples yet. She also liked to keep to herself so there were even fewer chances to socialize.

"Sister Lingxi, whatever you are worried about, you don't have to." Zhou Ziyun said kindly, "Master doesn't have a lot of rules. This little spar is not an issue at all and he won't care. As long as you and Sister Qianyu don't form any lasting animosity because of today. Friendly competition among disciples is even encouraged."

"Ah, I understand… But, how should I let Sister Qianyu know… I didn't mean to offend her."

Zhou Ziyun chuckled as she looked over the balcony at the people below, "I sent Chengcheng to find Sister Qianyu. She'll make sure that everything is alright."

"Thank you, Sister Ziyun." Peng Lingxi bowed her again.

Zhou Ziyun reached over and held Peng Lingxi's arm, "Lingxi, you don't have to do that. You don't have to be so formal. We're all sisters now."

Peng Lingxi stared at the other women and then nodded.

Zhou Ziyun smiled winningly, "I think I know why Sister Qianyu had her outburst today."

"Oh, really? Then please enlighten me, good sister."

"Hehe, it's pretty simple. You both are around the same age and the same strength. She sees you as her rival, but not just in cultivation. Did you know, she was the first one among us to confess her feelings for our master. She was the first one and she always had that to her name. Now, you come along and say you beat her by five years. Of course, she wouldn't feel good about it."

"How can that be my fault?" Peng Lingxi complained.

Zhou Ziyun giggled some more and patted Peng Lingxi's arm to comfort her, "Lingxi, it's not. But that's not all of it. Sister Qianyu's cultivation path is very special. It is actually not related to sword Dao at all. Instead, it is closely tied to her emotional connection to master. Therefore, she has been feeling a great deal of pressure once you joined the sect."

"This…" Peng Lingxi contemplated the situation, "If there is anything I can do to help?"

Zhou Ziyun shook her head, "Right now? Probably not. Even I don't understand the details of her special powers. We just have to wait. Perhaps Sister Qianyu can figure it out on her own or maybe, Elder Mo can help her."

"Huh, who's Elder Mo?"

---

Wu Qianyu stormed through the corridor, her thoughts in turmoil. She was ashamed of herself for losing control. She was also frustrated that she couldn't beat Peng Lingxi. If she didn't have the Purple Jade Sword, there was no chance she could have gotten even a draw.

Behind Wu Qianyu, Nalan Wan'er followed with a frightened expression. She didn't know what was going on, only that her master and another disciple of the immortal lord had suddenly started fighting. She didn't know what would happen to her master from now on or what would happen to her.

"Sister Qianyu?" A voice ahead made the both of them pause.

Lin Qingcheng appeared around the corner with two of her directors in tow. Her golden mask was off and held in one hand. For Nalan Wan'er, this was the first time she had seen the Golden Madam in person, let alone her face which was kept hidden all the time. She was so awed that she quickly fell to her knees and bowed.

"Chengcheng," Wu Qianyu collected her emotions and sighed, "I'm sorry for causing trouble in the House of Paradise. I can pay for the damages out of my allowance. I can also move out immediately."

"Big Sis Qianyu!" Lin Qingcheng quickly came up and hugged Wu Qianyu, "Don't worry about it. It was just a small matter. If you move out now, I will be very unhappy!"

Wu Qianyu accepted the hug and finally smiled. It was difficult to stay angry in front of Lin Qingcheng because she reminded Wu Qianyu of Chen Wentian in many ways.

"Thank you, Chengcheng." Wu Qianyu said.

Lin Qingcheng nodded, "That's better. Anything you need, the House of Paradise will provide. You are my big sister. Oh, is this the little beauty you picked up in Black Rock City? Wah, she's so pretty, like a fairy."

Nalan Wan'er blushed and bowed again, "Nalan Wan'er greets the Golden Madam!"

"Hehe. Alright, alright. You are my big sis' person so I won't mistreat you."

"Thank you, madam."

Lin Qingcheng pulled Nalan Wan'er up and the pair chatted. She promised to send some clothes, jewels, and makeup as a gift for their first meeting. She was also fascinated by Nalan Wan'er's beauty which could be considered on the same level as the ice sisters.

Wu Qianyu interrupted them, "Chengcheng, about those things I was looking for?"

"Ah, yes!" Lin Qingcheng blushed, "Everything you asked for has been prepared in a special room."

"Good, I would like to use it now. I want to cultivate for a while, would you look after Wan'er in the meantime?"

"No problem. Follow me!"

---

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