Chapter 3 Cloud Five Four Missing One

08

The martial arts ceremony is about to begin. You stayed up all night, rushing to register for the competition as soon as possible.

After practicing for so long, it's time to show off my skills.

You overcame all obstacles and successfully won the championship, earning the right to meet the Sword Master.

You suppress your joy and respectfully bow to the mirror.

"This junior greets Lord Sword Master."

"No need for formalities, please sit down." Jingliu nodded, gesturing for you to sit.

You responded politely, explaining your purpose.

"I come from Zhu Ming, and have come to Luofu to seek a master and learn martial arts. I won the championship in order to have the opportunity to meet you. I humbly request to become your disciple, Sword Master."

Jingliu sized you up; she'd seen your performance in the ring and thought you were a promising talent.

She teaches swordsmanship; if you want to learn, she will teach you.

Therefore, Jingliu immediately agreed to your request to become his disciple and formally accepted you as his student.

"Really? That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Sword Master... Master!" Overjoyed, you thanked her repeatedly.

"Alright, alright, no need for formalities." Jingliu walked up to you and gently patted your shoulder to encourage you. "Since you've followed me, let's discard these unnecessary rules. The competition must have been tiring, go back and get some rest, and report to my residence tomorrow morning."

"Yes! I will definitely be there on time!" you immediately answered loudly, looking proud.

Jingliu smiled helplessly. He really did have a childlike nature; youth was truly wonderful…

You hummed a song all the way after successfully becoming an apprentice, and the corners of your mouth couldn't be suppressed from turning up.

You couldn't wait to brag to everyone who passed by about how Jingliu had taken you as his apprentice.

You decide to properly thank Jing Yuan; without his help, how could you have succeeded so smoothly?

It was already dark when you got home, and Yingxing specially prepared a big feast to reward you. He had seen how hard you had been training these past few days, and you had shared this good news with him right away, so it was only right and proper for him to celebrate for you.

"Cheers!" You clink glasses with Yingxing happily, sharing your joy with him.

You probably won't be able to sleep tonight.

Young people are indeed full of energy. Even if you don't sleep all night, you are still full of energy the next morning and appear in Jingliu Mansion on time.

"Here you are. Put this on first." Jingliu smiled and handed you a set of Yunqi school uniform.

You happily took the school uniform and skipped and hopped into the changing room.

"Not bad, quite presentable." Jingliu gave his evaluation after you changed your clothes.

After a brief interaction, Jingliu will begin to create a personalized training plan for you.

Under her guidance, you began training your weaker areas, and several hours passed in the blink of an eye.

Taking advantage of a break, Jingyuan, who had just finished training, secretly slipped over and sat next to you, ostensibly to impart his experience.

"You look good in this too." You are so beautiful that even the ordinary Yunqi school uniform makes you look like a fairy.

Jing Yuan accidentally blurted out his true feelings, which startled him so much that he quickly tried to cover it up, afraid that you would misunderstand him as being improper.

You took it as a compliment and didn't think of anything else.

"Oh, right, since you're here, here's a gift for you as a thank you gift." You jogged into the inner room and returned a moment later carrying an exquisite wooden box, which you then solemnly handed to him.

"What's this?" Jing Yuan asked, taking the wooden box with a puzzled look and carefully opening it.

Inside the box lay a gleaming sword, its hilt engraved with intricate patterns, its blade radiating a silvery light that reflected a kaleidoscope of colors under the sunlight, clearly indicating its immense value.

"What a beautiful sword." Jing Yuan was quite fond of it, holding it in his hand and admiring it repeatedly.

"You like it, right? I went through a lot of trouble to buy this. Consider it a thank you gift for helping me train. You should cherish it."

"This is too valuable, I cannot accept it."

"No, you must accept it. You deserve it. Without your help, how could I have become an apprentice so smoothly? This little token is nothing at all."

"Alright, then I'll accept it. Thank you for the gift, I really like it." Jing Yuan no longer refused and generously accepted your gift.

Afterwards, you sat on the steps by the door and chatted with Jingyuan, learning many unknown anecdotes from him.

Jingliu stood not far away, sword in hand, watching the two of you chattering away like two little sparrows huddled together.

It seems things are about to get lively at your residence.

...

09

After that, you practiced swordsmanship step by step, occasionally chatting with Jingyuan while slacking off.

That day, you were practicing your sword in the courtyard as usual when you suddenly heard a series of giggling sounds coming from not far away.

The Jingliu Manor was rarely visited; apart from the sounds of sword practice, it was mostly quiet. Therefore, an unusual noise quickly caught your attention.

As you brandish your sword, you prick up your ears, trying to overhear some gossip.

"I heard you've taken on a new apprentice. Where is he? Let me see him!"

"I finally made it here, and you're so cold-hearted. It's heartbreaking. You cold-hearted woman..."

"Aheng, stop fooling around..."

As the footsteps drew closer, the voices in the distance became clearer.

It sounded like the voices of Kagami Ryu and a strange woman.

Who could it be?

But before you could guess, the owner of the voice quickly walked in.

Just as you were about to go up and greet the two of them, the strange woman next to Jingliu suddenly squatted down and pinched your cheeks with both hands at the same time.

"So you're Ah Jing's new apprentice? Let me see you." The purple-haired fox girl struck up a conversation with you in a friendly manner. "You're so chubby and cute. You look much more well-behaved than that Jing Yuan kid."

Things happened so suddenly that you didn't even have time to refuse before the girl started fiddling with you on her own until Jingliu told you to stop.

"Aheng, stop fooling around."

The girl reluctantly stopped what she was doing, looking regretful.

Then Jingliu introduces the girl's identity to you, who are still in a daze.

From her, you learn that the smiling, purple-haired fox girl in front of you is named Bai Heng, a pilot, and also Jing Liu's good friend.

Bai Heng was overjoyed after learning your identity from Jing Liu.

"She's from Zhu Ming! She really is as beautiful as the rumors say." Bai Heng kept praising her. "She's a real beauty in the making. I'm afraid she'll charm countless young men in the future."

Jingliu had long been aware of his friend's unreliability and was too lazy to correct her words and actions. He simply advised her to listen to her advice and not take it to heart.

When Bai Heng heard her friend say such things about her, she immediately pretended to be heartbroken and complained bitterly about her friend's coldness and ruthlessness.

It's quite unexpected that the seemingly aloof and dignified Sword Master would have such a quirky and clever friend.

Seeing that Jingliu remained unmoved, she quickly turned her attention to you.

She mysteriously pulled a packet of pastries from her sleeve and invited you to try them.

"Don't worry, it's definitely not poisonous." Seeing your disapproving look, she assured you confidently.

You picked up a small piece with some skepticism and put it in your mouth, then quickly swallowed it with a frown.

It's definitely not poisonous, but the taste is a bit peculiar, sour with a hint of spiciness, which isn't a flavor most people can accept.

Seeing your pranked expression, she managed to suppress her laughter.

Even if you're furious, there's nothing you can do about it.

Who told her to be her master's friend?

However, another prank target soon appeared.

The big white cat came running over, wagging its tail, and greeted you all very naturally.

Bai Heng used the same trick again, inviting Jing Yuan to taste some snacks.

Having learned from past mistakes, Jing Yuan cautiously shook his head to indicate his refusal.

"It's really delicious. Your junior sister has tried it and said it tastes good, right?" Bai Heng secretly winked at you when Jing Yuan couldn't see, signaling you to respond to her words.

Although lying is wrong, you still said something against your will without batting an eye: "It really is delicious."

Out of respect for you, Jing Yuan took a big bite without a doubt, then frowned and his expression became distorted.

Bai Heng laughed out loud without giving you any face, while you were trying your best to hold back your laughter.

The feeling of playing a prank wasn't bad.

Bai Heng secretly gave you a thumbs up, and you had to admit that you were starting to like this quirky fox-girl.

10

After this incident, you formed an inextricable bond with Bai Heng.

She comes to visit you guys from time to time, bringing you and Jingyuan some weird and wonderful little trinkets. Or, disregarding Jingliu's wishes, she takes you and Jingyuan out shopping without permission, speeding around Changletian in her Star Chariot, almost getting her driver's license confiscated...

She brought new changes to your monotonous life, making you gradually fall in love with Luofu and the group of people who are by your side.

Time flies, and soon it was New Year's Day in Luofu.

Because of you, Yingxing is paying extra attention to this New Year.

Normally, he would simply warm a pot of wine, prepare two hot dishes, eat alone while gazing at the snowy scenery outside the window, and then continue to immerse himself in his work.

He didn't care about holidays; every day he opened his eyes and started drawing. His lifespan was limited, so he had to make the most of every moment.

However, since you're here this year, and it's your first New Year in Luofu, he feels it should be celebrated more grandly.

"Brother Yingxing, I'm home!" You step into the house, dump the bags in your hands onto the table, and then rummage through them to show him what you've accomplished this morning.

"Look at this, isn't it festive? We can hang it at the entrance of the research lab; it'll make the space look lively."

"No need."

"Why not? It's so festive! Hang it up, please, please!" You skillfully used your charm and sweet talk.

"Whatever you want." Seeing your big, round eyes pleading pitifully with him, he finally softened.

Let the little girl do whatever she wants.

Ying Xing thought to himself.

"I knew Yingxing was the best." You immediately flattered him after getting the good deal, and happily showed him another item.

With your and Yingxing's concerted efforts, the once empty house is now filled with New Year's blessings, exuding a festive atmosphere.

Then, you even pulled Yingxing along to paste a large "福" (Fu, meaning good fortune) character on the door of the research lab, and also pasted festive Spring Festival couplets on both sides.

"Done!" After everything was finished, you admired your masterpiece with satisfaction.

Looking at the festive gate in front of him, Ying Xing's lips curled up slightly.

The newly renovated gate looks pretty good.

...

New Year's Eve arrived quickly. Yingxing was preparing dishes in the kitchen, while you were video chatting with Huaiyan.

"Ta-da! This is what I arranged. Doesn't it look good?" you asked, as if seeking praise.

"That's great, my darling daughter is so capable." Huaiyan always doted on you, his eyes full of affection.

"Hehe, actually Yingxing also deserves credit! By the way, let me show you what Yingxing is doing." You turn the camera to Yingxing, showing Huaiyan his current state.

"You've grown so tall in just a few years," Huaiyan remarked. "You can even cook now. You truly are worthy of being my apprentice."

“Master…” Yingxing replied helplessly.

Since Yingxing went to Luofu, the master and disciple have rarely had time to spend alone together.

You handed the jade tablet to Yingxing and pushed him out of the kitchen, indicating that he should have a good talk with Huaiyan, while you stayed in the kitchen to continue preparing the dishes.

Huaiyan also missed Yingxing. His precious apprentice was good in every way, except that he didn't like to talk.

Taking this opportunity, the master and apprentice had a heart-to-heart talk.

"Dinner's ready!" You bring the prepared dishes to the table one by one, and the bubbling hot pot broth in the pot emits an enticing aroma that makes your taste buds tingle.

"Okay, okay, go eat, I won't bother you anymore." Huaiyan hung up the phone at the right time.

After a deep conversation, Yingxing relaxed a lot and happily went out for a reunion dinner.

This was the happiest New Year he had since coming to Luofu.

With the love and companionship of his family, he no longer felt alone.

Looking at your face, flushed red from the spiciness, he smiled, a smile he hadn't shown in a long time.

From that moment on, he was no longer alone.

...