Xianzhou 12: Jingliu's Confession, and: Himeko, You're Actually the Latecomer

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

[Seele: ? Indeed, Jingliu's evolution is remarkably swift.]

[Seele: And always with such direct approaches!]

[Bailu: Everyone seems focused on Jingliu...]

[Bailu: But why do I feel strangely familiar with Bai Heng's experiences?! It seems like déjà vu!]

[Stelle: ?, Did Bailu already watch this simulation once before?]

[Bailu: No, (puffs cheeks)(sways dragon tail questioningly) That's what makes it so peculiar!]

***

In the little courtyard, the tree they had planted earlier now stood several meters tall.

During tonight's gathering, Su Qing noticed yet again that only he and Jingliu were present.

[Guinaifen: Last time, others coincidentally couldn't make it, but this time it feels intentionally planned!]

[Jingliu: It was indeed intentional; I gave them advance notice.]

[Kafka: ?]

[Firefly: ???]

[Himeko: ???...]

[Silver Wolf: @Jingliu, dropping the act altogether, huh?!]

[Qingque: Seems she never really acted in the first place...]

[March 7th: Jingliu is truly straightforward! Just like her swordsmanship—sharp, decisive, and straight to the point.]

[Sparkle: Suddenly realizing, Himeko appears to be the most anxious now. ??]

Being alone with Jingliu didn't bother Su Qing at all. Their initial awkwardness during their first solo meeting had dissipated, allowing them both to feel completely relaxed even when just the two of them.

As usual, Su Qing brought some snacks, specifically preparing osmanthus cakes for Jingliu.

This time, Jingliu didn't immediately eat the pastry but studied him intently, as if trying to etch his image deep within her eyes.

When Su Qing glanced back at her, she lowered her gaze slightly, pretty lashes fluttering, avoiding his look.

Smiling, Su Qing asked, "What's wrong? Not feeling hungry today?"

"No," Jingliu replied. Normally, she might have left it at that, but after a pause, she continued, "I truly enjoy your pastries, no matter when you make them."

[March 7th: Wooo... (so tempted to ship them outright) (but just a bit more needed)]

Jingliu rose and moved to the center of the courtyard.

Unsure of her intentions, Su Qing also stood up and followed.

Once positioned, Jingliu said, "There are some things I want to discuss with you."

Just as the audience anticipated another straightforward confession,

Jingliu summoned her longsword and made a gentle thrust. It carried no lethal intent, rather suggesting an invitation to spar.

The two already had an exceptional understanding between them.

From Jingliu's opening move, Su Qing realized she wasn't seeking a serious match today, but rather an invitation to dance with swords. Consequently, he refrained from using the Sword Control Art, instead summoning his blade directly into his hand and naturally engaging her stance.

In their swordplay, they almost seemed telepathic, able to perceive each other's emotions through their movements.

As Su Qing swung his sword, he discerned Jingliu's mood and state of mind for the day.

Today was different from usual.

Jingliu's sword movements were even more gentle and flowing, as if narrating her innermost thoughts...

Through their swords alone, Su Qing could already sense Jingliu's subtle changes.

[Sparkle: This is the depth of true friendship! @Himeko, have you experienced anything like this before?]

[Himeko: Don't forget, Su Qing and I also shared common aspirations at one point. Part of why we became lovers stemmed from that connection.]

[Sparkle (after pondering): Hmm? You're right, it seems so.]

[Sparkle: Ha ha ha, well done, Himeko! Still got it going on!]

[Silver Wolf: Sigh... ex-girlfriend.]

[Firefly: Sigh! Ex-girlfriend.]

[Bronya: But sharing common aspirations versus being soulmates—there still seems to be some difference, no?]

[...On this point, Himeko couldn't offer any counterargument.]

Jingliu's mastery over the sword allowed for both lethal precision and graceful fluidity. The blade in her hand appeared alive, dancing under the moonlight and tracing elegant arcs through the air.

Throughout, Jingliu kept her gaze fixed on Su Qing.

Each swing conveyed her feelings, affirming her own heart's intentions.

Their story began when she first saw Su Qing in this courtyard. Before then, she had felt most people were much alike. However, upon meeting him, she realized there truly were individuals who, from the very first glance, captivated her attention irresistibly.

Following those initial moments were numerous gatherings with everyone here.

Occasionally sharing conversations with him, she found herself becoming his friend before she realized it.

Then came their first time alone together.

Reflecting now, Jingliu traced back to that as the origin of her changing feelings.

Their experiences resonated deeply, and Su Qing's words had helped dissipate her nightmares, allowing her to see hope once more.

Finally, on the night when the moonflower bloomed...

Could her personality be described as cold? After the Cang City incident, Jingliu nearly lost everything. It wasn't intentional aloofness; centuries spent battling evil creatures had frozen her heart like solid ice.

The companionship of friends gradually began to thaw it.

If Bai Heng's warmth and liveliness could be likened to pulling her upright from the ice,

then Su Qing was akin to a gentle sun, slowly melting away the remaining chill within her.

Su Qing didn't radiate intense heat or assertiveness, but rather offered a subtle, gradual sense of warmth for Jingliu to experience.

...Hmm, Jingliu thought, much like his osmanthus cakes - not overly sweet, yet leaving a lingering fragrance on the palate.

["Alright. Kafka realizes, Jingliu truly understands.]

["It was similar when Su Qing raised her."]

[But Kafka still seems somewhat unhappy.]

[Why haven't I ever had Su Qing's osmanthus cakes?]

[Firefly: Why haven't I tasted Su Qing's osmanthus cakes either?! ???]

[Seeing Firefly's repeated question marks, Kafka couldn't resist and flashed a smile.]

[After smiling, her unease seemed to dissipate significantly.]

[Kafka: @Firefly, thank you.]

[Firefly: Ah? Why are you thanking me suddenly???]

[Silver Wolf: There must be some trickery involved!]

[Stelle: Fried? What fried food? I'm hungry!]

[Now it was Black Swan's turn to reveal a subtle smile.]

[As a Memokeeper, she understood people's hearts best and guessed the reason behind Kafka's sudden gratitude.]

[To Black Swan, this indicated that everything was going smoothly, didn't it?]

Under the moonlight, Jingliu swung her sword.

Their figures intertwined, swords glinting, garments fluttering gracefully.

As they neared the end of their sword sequence, Jingliu reflected on her experiences with Su Qing, fully confirming her feelings.

In that moment, feeling their synchronized movements and perfect coordination while sparring, Jingliu experienced unparalleled joy.

She had realized it - though unaware at first, her affection for Su Qing was now unmistakably clear. How could she not be moved by such a kindred spirit?

After completing a set of sword techniques, Jingliu sheathed her blade.

Noticing that she seemed to have something to say, Su Qing patiently waited.

The moonlight, soft as water, draped everything around them with a hazy veil.

The courtyard was tranquil, with gentle breezes rustling the leaves overhead.

Jingliu gazed at Su Qing.

Bathed in the moon's glow, she appeared as an extraordinary beauty.

Jingliu's features were strikingly lovely, her figure graceful, and her skin fairer than snow.

Her long white hair cascaded like a waterfall, reaching down to her waist. Strands danced gently in the breeze, adding to her ethereal allure.

Indeed, Jingliu harmonized perfectly with the moonlight.

As lunar rays illuminated her skin, they accentuated its luminous translucence.

A serene detachment surrounded her, untouched by worldly concerns.

With clothing and hair swaying in the wind, Jingliu seemed poised to ascend on the breeze, reminiscent of a celestial maiden.

Su Qing watched quietly as well. Even he couldn't help but marvel at Jingliu's beauty.

Yet, swiftly, his thoughts flashed to a red silhouette. He shook his head, suppressing the stirring emotions within him.

[Himeko (corners of her lips curving upwards): ...But I shouldn't have popped open champagne halfway through the match, right?]

[Sparkle: ? Seems like you've learned your lesson.]

[Qingque: hhhhh]

[Jingliu frowned slightly.]

[Ah, ex-girlfriends...]

[Suddenly realizing it, Jingliu found herself echoing Firefly Silver Wolf's inward sigh.]

Jingliu had no intention of speaking in complicated or convoluted terms. She simply wanted to express her feelings with direct and straightforward words.

"Throughout my life with the sword, I've had few interests, only my blade and a handful of friends by my side."

"But now, I know what truly lies in my heart."

"Su Qing," Jingliu gently called out.

"Yes?"

"I like you."

It was that straightforward.

As these words left her lips, a faint blush graced Jingliu's lovely cheeks. This subtle hint of red completely transformed her aura. Her cool demeanor remained intact, akin to a moonflower bud, already captivating even before blooming.

Yet, once it blossomed, its true beauty became breathtakingly mesmerizing.

Su Qing felt his heart skip two rapid beats.

***

[March 7th: ...(silence)]

[Stelle: @March 7th, why aren't you saying anything? That's unusual.]

[March 7th: ...(no response)]

[Stelle: Did your account freeze? Giving you a poke.]

[March 7th: Aaaaaahhh!!!??????]

[Silver Wolf: Don't randomly poke people! You startled Witch!]

[Sparkle: Witch? More like a CP fanatic!]

[March 7th: Don't give me weird nicknames!]

[March 7th: But seriously, don't you feel it too? Jingliu looks absolutely stunning right now!]

[March 7th: Before Su Qing's confession, there was this ethereal aura, so beautiful. With the cool moonlight, it feels like I'm watching a fantasy drama! No wait! In dramas, it's all staged, but with Jingliu, it's real!!?!]

[March 7th: And then, after the confession, just one change—the blush on her face—but it transforms everything! She's like a serene fairy descending from the heavens, stirred by earthly emotions. Ahh! This is undoubtedly the most transcendent episode ever!!????]

[Sushang: ? Little March is rambling again.]

[Stelle: She's always like this; just get used to it.]

[March 7th: I've decided, I'm fully shipping Jingliu and Su Qing! Not even Aeon can stop me! Mark my words!]

[Stelle (mockingly): Which Aeon would have the time to bother with that?!]

[Qingque: Ha ha, usually March 7th roasts Stelle, but moments like these are the only times it's reversed.]

[Seele: But this time, March 7th made her point quite clear.]

[Seele: The moonlit confession just now was indeed very captivating and beautiful.]

[Audience members silently nodded in agreement.]

[Just as everyone appreciates the beauty of a blooming moonflower, admiration for aesthetics transcends culture and planets, being universally shared.]

***

After a brief moment, Su Qing and Jingliu took their seats at the stone table.

Jingliu seemed unchanged, quietly eating her osmanthus cake while holding it delicately.

The faint blush on her face remained, indicating the boldness and directness of her recent declaration.

[Bronya: Jingliu's unpredictable nature is intriguing.]

[Bronya: Usually so composed, it's hard to gauge what she's thinking. But once she decides, she acts immediately, without any hesitation.]

[Stelle: Indeed, when she joins the battlefield, she becomes an undeniably formidable opponent!]

[Silver Wolf: Strength means nothing; it's all about fate when mingling. Ultimately, what matters is whether Su Qing likes them or not.]

[Silver Wolf: My opponents last time were quite strong too, but he still chose me. ?]

[Herta: Chortle, both your previous opponents had deeper connections with Su Qing than you did.]

[Firefly: It wasn't just two opponents, but three.?]

[Silver Wolf: Ah! Right, yes, indeed, three! @Firefly, you're also very strong!]

[Stelle: Ha ha ha ha, even I feel like comforting Firefly now, thanks to little Silver Wolf's antics.]

[Qingque: Poor Firefly, but perhaps she can truly shine at Penacony?]

[Seele: Exactly! Let's dream big for her!]

Jingliu quietly finished eating the osmanthus cake.

Then, she lifted her head and met Su Qing's gaze.

Gently smoothing her long white hair, Jingliu blinked her red eyes, lowering them to avoid his look.

Apart from the blush on her face, this was the only sign of her unease that Su Qing could discern.

[Stelle: Oh! Suddenly realized Jingliu has white hair and red eyes! That sounds incredibly appealing!]

In any case,

even after confessing, Jingliu appeared remarkably composed.

Su Qing began to wonder if the enchanting scene under the moonlight moments ago was merely an illusion.

Indeed, it had felt dreamlike and surreal.

As Su Qing pondered this, he inadvertently continued gazing at the breathtaking sword leader across from him.

The blush deepened slightly, and Jingliu murmured softly, "...Don't stare at me continuously."

"Ah, okay, sorry."

Su Qing quickly diverted his gaze.

Was she feeling shy?

Jingliu, usually composed and aloof, showing such subtle vulnerability made one tempted to steal more glances.

[Himeko: ...]

[Sparkle: Hey Himeko, still want to pop that champagne now?]

[Himeko: ...Not yet, but neither do I feel defeated halfway through.]

Following this exchange, Su Qing and Jingliu tacitly avoided mentioning the earlier incident. Instead, they quietly engaged in conversation about various topics—sword techniques, friends, daily life.

Unbeknownst to them, they found numerous shared interests during their discussion.

Time passed swiftly amidst these conversations.

Just before parting, Jingliu gently said, "Remember my question earlier, I await your answer."

That ethereal confession scene was undeniably real.

"...Yes," Su Qing nodded.

Su Qing nodded silently.

Under the moonlight, they parted ways, both likely to find it difficult to remain calm tonight.

***

[Sparkle: Come on, let's open bets—guess the outcome of the confession!]

[Sparkle: A. As futile as Silver Wolf.]

[Sparkle: B. As successful as Himeko.]

[Silver Wolf: Hey, can we be a bit more serious with these bets?]

[Silver Wolf: Please add a clarification: A. As futile as Silver Wolf (but later making a dramatic comeback, executing a stylish counterattack, and ultimately claiming victory).]

[Sushang: Hahahaha!! I'm dying from laughter! The way Silver Wolf says this with such seriousness is hilarious!]

[Seele: She truly embodies the comedic role, doesn't she?!]

[Bronya: Combining humor with strength!]

[Qingque: By the way, has Silver Wolf made peace with being "futile" now?]

[Seele: Of course, after winning the championship, who wouldn't make peace with it?]

[Silver Wolf: In truth, my earlier setbacks were all strategic moves leading up to that final triumph.]

[Qingque: Stubbornness remains unchanged, as always!]

[Himeko: Since I've been brought up as an example, let me share my thoughts.]

[Himeko: Jingliu could never be like me. No matter what, I was Su Qing's first love, and that fact cannot change.]

[Jingliu: ...Actually, chronologically speaking, I met him eight hundred years before you did.]

[Jingliu: So, Himeko, it's you who arrived later.]

[Himeko: ?]

[After a moment, she grasped the implication of Jingliu's statement.]

[Himeko: ?????]

[Kafka: (laughs)]

[Silver Wolf: Amused.]

[Firefly: Amused?!]

[Qingque: Hahahaha! Jingliu is unstoppable! True to her status as sword leader, her moves are precise and unconventional!!]

[Qingque: Can't wait to see what she does next after confessing!]

[Black Swan: (glances briefly) Hiss...]

[Stelle: What?! Even Black Swan recoils in awe, Jingliu truly strikes fear!]

[Himeko: ???]

[Himeko: (heart pounding with anticipation)]