Chapter 20: A New Rival

The training field buzzed with the sound of swords clashing as the students practiced diligently. Yu leaned casually against a tree, smirking as Zian stood silently beside him.

"Alright, everyone, find a partner!" Yu announced. "Master said to practice in teams of two. Go ahead, pick your partners."

The students began pairing up, but one of them turned to Yu and asked, "What about you, Yu? Who's your partner?"

Yu shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Oh, I already have a partner."

The students exchanged curious glances. "Wait, who? Aren't you supposed to pick one of us?"

Yu chuckled. "Nope. My partner's already decided."

"Who?" another asked eagerly.

Yu pointed dramatically at Zian. "It's Beauty, of course!"

Everyone froze in confusion. "Beauty? Who's that? Is she here?"

Yu rolled his eyes. "Ugh, seriously? Can't you see him standing right here? It's Zian!"

The group burst into laughter, shocked and amused. "Zian? Why are you calling him Beauty? We thought it was a girl!"

Yu smirked, leaning toward Zian. "Because he's even more beautiful than any girl I've ever seen."

Zian turned bright red, standing stiffly as he avoided everyone's gaze. "Can we just start practicing already?" he muttered.

The students paired up and began their training. Yu and Zian stepped into the circle, swords drawn. Within moments, Yu's quick moves overpowered Zian, who stumbled and fell.

"Zian, are you okay?" Yu asked, stepping closer with genuine concern. "Did I hit you too hard?"

Zian dusted himself off, shaking his head. "I'm fine. But how are you so strong? You barely practice, yet you fight like a master!"

Yu grinned, spinning his sword effortlessly. "What can I say? Natural talent." Then, leaning closer, he teased, "Or maybe it's because you're so distracted by me that you can't focus."

Zian groaned, standing up quickly. "Why do you always say things like that, Yu?"

"Because it's fun to annoy you," Yu replied, his grin widening. "Besides, it's not like you hate it."

Before Zian could respond, a soft voice interrupted.

"Yu, I don't hate it either."

Both Yu and Zian turned to see a girl walking toward them. She was graceful and confident, with a sly smile playing on her lips.

Yu's expression shifted from playful to annoyed. "What are you doing here?" he asked sharply.

The girl tilted her head, unfazed. "I was just passing by and saw you all practicing. You've grown a lot, Yu. How old are you now?"

Yu sighed. "Why does it matter?"

She ignored his tone and continued, "You're so polite to everyone else, but why are you always rude to me? Did I do something wrong?"

Yu crossed his arms. "You're not my enemy, but you're not exactly my favorite person either. I only treat people I like with respect. Sorry if that bothers you."

The girl smiled sweetly. "Oh, it doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I'm ready to forgive you for everything."

Zian watched the exchange closely, his curiosity growing. *Who is she?* he thought. *She doesn't seem like just another friend. But then why does Yu seem so irritated by her?*

Just as the tension between Yu and the girl was about to peak, Master's voice boomed across the field.

"What's going on here?" he asked, walking toward them with his usual authoritative stride.

The students quickly fell silent, standing at attention. Yu muttered under his breath, "Just great. He's here."

Master's sharp gaze landed on Yu. "Yu, you seem to be in the center of yet another distraction. Care to explain?"

Before Yu could respond, the girl stepped forward, bowing politely. "Master, I was just visiting. I didn't mean to interrupt the training session."

Master raised an eyebrow, glancing between her and Yu. "Visiting? This is a training ground, not a social gathering. If you're not here to practice, then I suggest you leave."

The girl smiled politely but didn't budge. "Of course, Master. But I was also hoping to talk to Yu. It's been so long since we've spoken properly."

Master turned to Yu. "Is this true?"

Yu sighed. "She's just being nosy, as usual."

The girl's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "I'll leave now, Master. Thank you for your time." She bowed again and walked away, casting one last glance at Yu before disappearing into the distance.

Master watched her leave before turning back to the students. "Enough distractions. Everyone, back to practice. And Yu," he added, his tone firm, "focus on training instead of entertaining visitors."

"Yes, Master," Yu replied reluctantly.

As the students resumed their drills, Zian leaned closer to Yu. "Who was that?"

Yu shrugged. "No one important."

But Zian wasn't convinced. Watching Yu's uncharacteristically serious expression, he couldn't shake the feeling that the girl was more significant than Yu was letting on.