A Confrontation

Pin point accuracy with her projectiles was something that Xiao polished since her younger years. Picking off enemies from a distance was an invaluable skill that she had realized early on.

Now, from her crude ice stakes to the pristine ice sword that looked like the masterwork of a skilled blacksmith, Xiao bombarded the head of a wooden training dummy. Ever since her master shared some of her ice qi with her through dual cultivation, the quality of Xiao's ice hardened significantly.

The trees in Liuming's training garden swayed with serenity. A fine atmosphere to marvel at Xiao's precision. Even the Shen family lackeys surrounding them were amazed.

A slow clap to admire Xiao's skill echoed. Xiao turned to witness Liuming smiling.

"Mistr...I mean, Master Xiaoyu, come and have a break with me. Your tea is ready!" Liuming gestured to the seat by her side.

As Xiao sat beside Liuming, Xiao innocently gazed at the redhead.

"Is there something on my face, master Xiaoyu?"

Xiao smiled, "No, it's nothing".

Until now, Xiao was still adjusting to the sudden shift in Liuming's attitude towards her. But Xiao much preferred the Liuming right now than the previous one that tried to get on her nerves whenever she can.

There is just one problem though...

"Liuming, it's now the afternoon but I haven't even seen you train once." Xiao sipped her tea upon laying her observation.

"Oh, there's no need. I'm not competing with you anymore and my family always ensures that I'm in the list of core disciples."

This is bad. At this point if Liuming ever had a run in with Qiuyue, that frigid bitch will make Liuming's head explode with a single flick on Liuming's forehead! In fact, Liuming's cultivation is so low that Xiao couldn't even pinpoint what realm she is on.

"Do you mind telling me what your cultivation level is right now?"

"Dao Challenger, 8 stars." Liuming answered.

Never mind a flick, Qiuyue will down Liuming with a simple sneeze! It wasn't Xiao's aim for Liuming to stand up against a monster like Qiuyue, but simply for her to escape with her life intact if such situation ever occured.

Knowing the path Xiao and her master tread, she will inevitably meet with Qiuyue once more. Xiao must prepare Liuming.

Xiao abruptly stood, magnifying the gravity of her words, "The hell, even Fang Xuan's cultivation is higher than yours! Shen Liuming, you will train with me this instant!"

"B-but master Xiaoyu, can we do it tomorrow? I've reserved a spot for us in the restaurant in the city, plus I had the upper room prepared for us at the auction house!"

The auction house rarely opens, they only do once they have acquired enough materials to earn profit.

Ranging from rare ingredients that can aid one's cultivation, to high-tier pills than can give you an edge in combat.

It might be worth checking out since there could be something that would benefit Liuming.

Sinking back to her seat, Xiao sighed, "Alright, you win. But tomorrow I'll train you to the bone!"

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"I knew you wouldn't be able to resist my charms! Don't be shy, order anything that you like!" Zhangming grinned.

After that whole fiasco at Lin's sect mansion 3 days ago, Zhangming felt it necessary to get into his fiance's good graces.

What better way to do it than to showcase his wealth? Treating Lin to one of the most expensive restaurants in the heart of the city.

Its walls decorated with magnificent scroll paintings, up above were large lantern chandeliers. The well dressed patrons and their reserved way of eating spoke volume to the place's status.

"Let me make one thing clear, counting rice grains appears more enticing than spending lunch with you. If it wasn't for my mother convincing me, I will not be here."

The standoffish timbre that Lin took made Zhangming scowl. Hard to tame, Young Mistresses are supposed to be a willful lot but this Lin was simply being rude to him! How dare her!?

"If you want this marriage to succeed I suggest you change your tone with me."

Lin chuckled, "Don't be stupid. This marriage WILL succeed whether we want to or not. Our families arranged it, remember?"

Now seething with anger, Zhangming stood. Him, Stupid!? This bitch didn't care at all about giving him face in front of these patrons! His hands balled into fists.

"What are you going to do, hit me? Go right ahead and try, but I'm warning you, there are consequences in laying your hand to a lady." Lin warned, electricity sparking in both of her eyes, a reminder for her fiance to tread carefully.

Under Lin's baleful glare, Zhangming gulped nervously before faltering. Defeated, he sunk back into his seat while cursing. Why did he have to be engaged to a cultivator!? If this cunt wasn't this powerful he could have already pressured her into sleeping with him even before their wedding night!

"Well, well, well. Look who it is." All smiles, Liuming approached the vacant table reserved for them.

So that's why the table next to them was empty. Lin clicked her tongue. From one nuisance to another, can't Lin catch a break?

Lin's gaze fell to the masked woman behind Liuming. It's been only days since Lin ended things between them and Xiao was already gallivanting with Liuming? No matter. Lin 'should' not care. Xiao and her weren't even a couple to begin with.

Their eyes locked. Liuming wondered if she was that easily replaceable to Xiao, that even someone like Liuming could replace the position she vacated in Xiao's heart.

Breaking off their stare, Lin awry smiled, it doesn't matter anymore.

"It's you two again! Are you two stalking us!?" Zhanming pointed his finger at their faces.

A crude gesture that Liuming didn't appreciate.

"If you don't want for me break that finger of yours them you better shut your mouth, Zhangming."

Xiao could lambast Zhangming for all Lin cared, but Liuming acting high and mighty around her was something she could not stand.

"Are you threatening my fiance, Liuming?"

Liuming smirked, with her mistress by her side she has no one to fear! Even though the sharp glare that Lin had made her a bit nervous, Liuming can irritate Lin all she wanted!

"Is it not obvious? Do you need me to spell it out that I will beat his ass if he keeps pointing his fingers at us? Oh wait, I think I do since you've proven yourself to be dimwit for going through with the decision to marry him." Liuming laughed villainously.

A laugh that grated Lin's ears. Who the hell would want to marry a massive pervert like him!?

And this Liuming dares to step on the sacrifices she made for the sake for of the An family?

Without warning, Lin stood and rushed to slap the redhead.

Lin audibly gasped in surprise as her palm that was mere inches from delivering Liuming's well deserved lesson, was stopped by Xiao, holding her by the wrist.

No matter how resolved Lin was, pain still gripped Lin's heart at the fact that Xiao was now on Liuming's side, not hers. Rather than show how hurt Lin was, she instead drew emotion on the anger brewing in her.

Heaving in relief, Liuming was glad that Xiao decided to step in before she lost face to the patrons.

Xiao never thought that she would have a stare down with Lin like this, the scorn reflecting from Lin's eyes made Xiao feel like she was an enemy.

That everything that they shared together, Lin simply threw out the window. If that was case, then Xiao would remind Lin of them.

"Let this one go, Lin. For old time's sake, please."

Lin grit her teeth, yanking her wrist away from Xiao. Lin stared daggers at Liuming before declaring...

"Let's leave, Zhangming. I have lost my appetite."

Watching the blue haired woman's figure fade into the distance. Liuming smiled ear to ear. She had just successfully antagonized Lin! Granted it was done with her mistress' help, a victory was still a victory!

Liuming turned around to celebrate with her mistress in driving Lin away...

"Master Xiaoyu, did you see that...ow!"

...only to be met by chop on top of her head, making Liuming wince in pain.

"Can you PLEASE stop agitating Lin? I'm trying to forget about her, dragging me into your stupid fights with her is not helping."

"Sorry, Mistress. I only wanted to put Lin in her place for abandoning you."

Xiao sighed, aside from her change of attitude in her presence, it seems like Liuming was still the same bratty young mistress.

"That's fine as long as you avoid Lin from now on. Let's eat, since we still have an auction to attend."

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