Chapter 228
"How can this be? Kissing and hugging in public, I have to cover my eyes." Bai Ling hid on the other side of the stands, clinging to Yin Qiu's shoulder and said, "Now our palace has another sect leader who's always clinging to his sweetheart. What are we single people supposed to think?"
Yin Qiu laughed upon hearing this and teased, "Are you envious? You have the heart to match Duan Ning and Meng Jing together, but you don't care about your own marriage. Don't bother me, I have a martial uncle too."
Bai Ling glanced at Man Jiangxue sitting behind her and said awkwardly, "Beautiful women always find their owners too early, but I don't know where my marriage is yet. Oh well, I'll just wish you both well. Romance isn't for me. I'm the kind of person who likes to find fault with others, and there aren't many people I find pleasing to the eye. It's better to be single."
Yin Qiu said, "Then you can stay alone. I'm going to spend time with my martial uncle."
"Ah, why are you like this!" Bai Ling pulled Yin Qiu back and pointed to the sword-fighting arena, saying, "Look, there aren't many new disciples this year, and not many good prospects either. The matches won't be entertaining at all. Since Senior Sister Ji has become the sect leader, and the position of chief disciple has been vacant for so long, why don't we organize a sword-fighting tournament?"
Yin Qiu rolled her eyes and said slyly, "You want to be the chief disciple?"
"It's not that I think the new disciple competition is boring, and I'm also itching to try my hand," Bai Ling said. "Don't be ungrateful. If you hadn't used me as a stepping stone back then, and been injured by my sword so that Fu Xiang could have won first place, you might not have been able to get to Jingyue Peak and follow your master so smoothly."
Yin Qiu said, "My going to Jingyue Peak has little to do with being injured by your sword." She smiled, "But your suggestion is not bad. I'll go ask my martial uncle and senior sister Ji for their opinions."
After she finished speaking, she immediately inquired about the matter, and Man Jiangxue and Ji Wanshu naturally had no objections.
This year, there weren't many new disciples, so the competition wasn't as exciting as in previous years. No outstanding new stars emerged, and the few dozen participants quickly decided the winners, leaving little suspense and leaving the other disciples wanting more. Just then, Ji Wanshu received a suggestion from Yin Qiu and Bai Ling, so he instructed Lu Huaiwei to pass on the message and immediately begin the sword-fighting tournament. The winner would become the next chief disciple after Ji Wanshu.
Once the news spread, the disciples were extremely excited and overjoyed.
"The chief disciple! How prestigious that is! Every chief disciple of Yunhua has ever been a master swordsman. I wonder who will be the one this year!"
"Is there any need to say more? Senior Sister Yin has been invincible in all the peaks of the palace over the years. Who else can she be?"
"Senior Sister Bai Ling is pretty good too! She's the top disciple of Liuli Peak, and she and Senior Sister Yin always fight to the very end in sparring. Besides, when it comes to a real fight, it's not just about strength, but also about performance on the spot, and luck plays a big role too. Who knows, someone who isn't usually outstanding might come out on top!"
"Yes, don't forget about Senior Sister Lu. She's a real hidden talent. Don't let her gentle demeanor fool you; her swordsmanship is second to none. I bet on Senior Sister Lu!"
"I bet on Senior Sister Yin!"
.
As usual, the disciples argued and crowded into the stands, placing bets. Yin Qiu polished Zhu Bing until it shone, then asked Man Jiangxue, "Uncle-Master, guess who will win this sword competition?"
Man Jiangxue said, "That depends on whether you want to be the chief disciple."
Her words were an affirmation in another sense. Yin Qiu smiled and said, "Our Jingyue Peak is more desirable than other peaks because we have our Uncle Master in charge. But if Uncle Master isn't here, Jingyue Peak is actually far less powerful than other peaks. So if I win, it will be a different story."
Man Jiangxue looked at her with a gleam of interest and said, "So, according to you, you're determined to get the position of chief disciple?"
Bathed in the sunlight, Yin Qiu's figure was graceful and agile, her white dress fluttering, making her stand out in the crowd. She was like a delicate pear blossom, pure and flawless. She looked down at the Zhu Bing sword in her hand, her eyes reflecting the thin light emanating from the blade, much like a shimmering mountain lake, rippling with fine, dense waves, clear and beautiful.
“What my mother could do, I can do too,” Yin Qiu said, stroking Zhu Bing. Her voice was gentle but firm. “She was a beloved daughter of heaven, remembered by all. I may not be as talented as her or as skilled as my uncle, but I am diligent and hardworking enough. I always believe that hard work will pay off.”
After she finished speaking, she looked up at Man Jiangxue and said with a gentle smile, "What I pursue is not how outsiders praise me. I don't care about those empty names, nor do I need them."
The surrounding figures and noise mysteriously diminished at that moment, turning into a faint shimmering light. Man Jiangxue gazed at Yin Qiu and asked, "Then what are you pursuing?"
Yin Qiu met her gaze and said without hesitation, "I want to become someone who can be compared to my martial uncle. I don't want to stand in your shadow, even if that's a kind of luck in the eyes of others, and even if I used to think so too. But now I've grown up, and I've become greedy. I don't want to always rely on your protection. My martial uncle and my mother were known as the 'Twin Swallows of Yunhua,' and now that my mother is gone, the person who can be listed alongside my martial uncle's name should be me." A breeze blew by, carrying a refreshing fragrance of osmanthus. Yin Qiu's skirt and hair danced in the wind, her expression calm and her posture upright.
She looked so confident.
Man Jiangxue's eyes involuntarily sparkled.
Flagpoles were already erected in the arena, banners fluttering high in the wind. Yin Qiu, like a light snowflake, leaped down from the stands and stood on the outer edge of the arena. All the disciples who had volunteered to participate in the sword competition arrived one after another and gathered in one place.
Lu Huaiwei counted the number of people, but there was no time to make a list. Everyone was eagerly waiting. Just as Lu Huaiwei was about to call them to come up one by one, Yin Qiu took the lead and flew up to stand in the center of the field.
“The rules of this year’s sword competition can be changed,” Yin Qiu said calmly to the crowd. “I will be the defender of this title. Fellow senior brothers and sisters, if any of you believe you can beat me, you may fight me in pairs. Of course, multiple against one is also fine. We will not fight for the banner, but will compete in real skills. Whether you win or lose, you will know the truth after you have fought me.”
These words immediately caused astonishment among the disciples and elders on the platform, who couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
Wen Chaoyu was caught off guard and burst out laughing: "Who told her to do this? She's got some nerve. Man Jiangxue, did you instigate her?"
The previously subdued atmosphere became noisy again because of Yin Qiu's actions. Man Jiangxue looked at the white figure on the dueling field, leaned back in her chair, and smiled slightly, saying, "It has nothing to do with me; it was her own idea." Ji Wanshu was also surprised, but she was very satisfied and said, "I said long ago that I would make Yin Qiu the chief disciple. If she can really win in the end today, she will be more convincing than others."
“But these rules are too unfair to her. Young people are impulsive after all,” Wen Chaoyu said. “See? There are so many people preparing to participate. If they fight her one by one, it will be extremely exhausting.”
Unexpectedly, as soon as she finished speaking, half of the disciples who were planning to participate immediately withdrew.
"I was hoping to show off my skills, but who knew Senior Sister Yin would pull such a stunt? I'm no match for her. Going up against her would only get me beaten up. I'd better back down."
"That's right. She came to Tianyin Peak for a sparring match before the New Year. I tried my best but only managed to exchange twenty moves with her. I'd rather not embarrass myself by going back. It's the same as watching her fight!"
"Let's go, let's go back to the stands and watch the show. You guys can fight it out. I know my place; the chief disciple is nowhere near my level. Everyone, give it your all!"
Many people came and went, a scene that was both funny and absurd. Wen Chaoyu chuckled, "Being intimidated by appearances and knowing when to yield is indeed a wise thing to do. It seems our little niece is the braver one."
Although the number of people has decreased sharply, most of the disciples who left were indeed no match for Yin Qiu. Among those who remained, there were also some who were not skilled enough, but they were eager to try and compete with Yin Qiu. Seeing this, Lu Huaiwei could only reply, "Then let's do as Xiao Qiu says. Whoever is capable of defeating her can go and compete with her."
Duan Ning, engrossed in watching from the wooden chair, said to Meng Jing, "Do you bet on whether Yin Qiu will win? If Yin Qiu wins, you'll give me back the pearl hairpin and come back to Yaoding City with me to get married."
Meng Jing:
"Yin Qiu! Beat them all down!" Duan Ning rushed to the front of the stands and shouted hoarsely, "My good marriage depends on you!"
Helpless, Meng Jing chuckled and pulled Duan Ning, saying, "Stop making a fuss and sit down to watch."
The crowd dispersed, discussing who should go first. Yin Qiu remained calm and waited a moment before a disciple landed in front of her. Bai Ling leaned against a pillar, watching her, and gestured to Yin Qiu. Yin Qiu smiled back, and without hesitation, bowed to the disciple and began the first round of matches.
This disciple was from Wu Hui Peak. Yin Qiu vaguely remembered him, having fought him before. The two clashed instantly, a flash of silver-white sword light drawing everyone's attention. As expected, the battle was quickly ended by Yin Qiu, who secured his first victory as anticipated.
The disciple who lost showed no anger, gracefully taking his leave. About ten more disciples then took turns competing, but the disparity in strength was too great; Yin Qiu didn't even need to use her full strength, winning with ease. The first half of the match was a sure thing, she played with complete ease, leaving no doubt that she would ever lose.
Compared to the disciples who had long resided in the palace, Yin Qiuli had weathered many storms and possessed far more practical combat experience. Most of those who could hold their own against her were disciples who frequented outside the palace. They had clashed with the Ziwei Sect in the past, engaging in real battles, making them naturally stronger and more interesting to watch than the other disciples.
Bai Ling showed no intention of joining the fight, only watching from afar. Yin Qiu not only knew the Yunhua Sword Technique, but also the Fanxin Valley's martial arts. Although she didn't use the skills taught to her by Gongzi Fan much, her years of practice had made her internal strength formidable. The fusion of the two schools' techniques combined the softness of Yunhua Palace with the swiftness and ferocity of Fanxin Valley, making her moves unpredictable and difficult to defend against.
As the battle raged, dusk settled, and a fiery sunset painted the western hills ablaze with vibrant colors. Yin Qiu moved with effortless grace amidst the five-colored glow, his white robes rustling in the wind. His attacks were steady and swift, carrying a deadly intent, yet perfectly timed, causing no harm to anyone.
As dusk fell, lanterns were gradually hung around the arena, and the number of participating disciples dwindled until only a dozen or so remained. After an afternoon of fighting, the later opponents proved increasingly formidable. Yin Qiu, no one was made of steel, and his focused concentration naturally led to fatigue, yet he fought with ever-increasing ferocity. Sweat soaked his temples, trickled down his cheeks, past his chin, and into his clothes; his back was already drenched, radiating a lingering heat in the evening breeze, his blood boiling.
Firmly believing in her unspoken conviction to defeat everyone and achieve instant fame, Yin Qiu moved with the force of thunder, her longsword swift and powerful, relentlessly knocking her opponent off the field. She wiped the sweat from her face, glanced at Man Jiangxue over Wu Juejue's figure, and then pointed her sword at the disciples below, saying, "You lot, come at me all at once."
Lu Huaiwei watched with bated breath. Yin Qiu was clearly tired in the second half, and his movements were not as steady as in the first half. Seeing that Yin Qiu was even asking his disciples to join him, Lu Huaiwei advised, "Xiao Qiu, being too eager to win is a big no-no. Don't be too hasty. Take a break or rest to recover your strength. We can understand. Come down for a break, have some water, and then continue playing."
Panting, Yin Qiu shook her head upon hearing this and said calmly, "Besides teaching me to be confident, my martial uncle also taught me to be humble and to keep my sharp edge to myself. I have been humble for so many years and have never been eager to win, but today I insist on doing so. I appreciate your kindness, senior sister, but you don't need to persuade me anymore. Let's finish this quickly. This time, I must prove myself."
Lu Huaiwei saw a rare stubbornness and sharp edge in her eyes, an expression that Yin Qiu rarely showed before. Lu Huaiwei was startled. Although she couldn't understand why Yin Qiu insisted on fighting against so many, she was also infected by her spiritedness. Lu Huaiwei smiled and had no choice but to agree. She then asked the disciples, "You all heard what Xiao Qiu said. She took the initiative to make this request, so it's not considered bullying the weak. Go ahead and give it your all, but remember to stop before you hurt anyone."
The disciples exchanged bewildered glances, seemingly surprised by Yin Qiu's request. Then one of them said, "Since Senior Sister Yin is so confident, and we've watched her fight for so long and are already convinced, let's accompany her this time. Everyone, let's all..."
As soon as he finished speaking, he was the first to enter the arena. The remaining disciples pondered for a moment and then followed suit.
"Wow, Yin Qiu has really grown up," Wen Chaoyu said, both admiring and worried. "But if she keeps fighting like this, even if she wins, she'll probably need to lie in bed for several days to recover. Man Jiangxue, that child only listens to you. Why don't you step in and tell her to rest?"
Man Jiangxue remained silent, watching Yin Qiu fight with the dozen or so disciples for a while before saying, "Anyone can persuade her to rest, but I can't."
Wen Chaoyu asked, puzzled, "Why is that?"
Man Jiangxue didn't answer that question, but simply said, "Continue reading."
On the other side, facing a barrage of fierce attacks, Yin Qiu maintained a calm demeanor on the surface, but his movements revealed a noticeable slowness. The mountains were cool; even in August, the night air carried a chill, and once the sweat dried, one felt cold all over. But by this point, Yin Qiu had lost all sense of heat or cold; instead, he had removed his outer garment during the fight, seeking greater ease of movement.
The longswords slashed and parried, sparking blinding flashes that reflected the solemn expressions on their faces. The sword tips came flying, gleaming with a cold, star-like light, aimed straight at their faces. Yin Qiu swung his sword in a slash, using his other hand to deflect two people with finger techniques. Then he leaped into the air, unleashing several intricate sword flourishes, before swooping down.
The powerful sword intent was released, making people's hair stand on end, and the cold, sharp wind pressed down like dark clouds, making it almost impossible for them to open their eyes. Unexpectedly, Yin Qiu still had such strong true energy at this time. The disciples were greatly impressed and did not back down. They all released their moves to counter the sword and sent them towards Yin Qiu.
However, just as the two sides were about to clash, a figure suddenly flashed in the sky. Yin Qiu teleported behind the group, leaving only Zhu Bing behind. The disciples missed their target, their backs exposed to Yin Qiu. By the time they reacted, Yin Qiu had already struck down with both palms, slamming two disciples to the ground. Zhu Bing nimbly returned, gripping her hand again. Yin Qiu had already unleashed his full power, not wanting to linger in the fight. He unleashed his true energy, sweeping across the disciples' faces. The disciples only felt a slight sting on their cheeks, as if licked by flames. The next moment, a series of crisp sounds rang out, and the weight in their hands suddenly lightened. In an instant, Yin Qiu had severed the swords from their belts, leaving only the hilts in their hands.
Upon witnessing this scene, the crowd in the stands were stunned and speechless.
The disciples were also incredulous, standing there awkwardly, unsure how to react. The remaining disciples also looked astonished, but Yin Qiu didn't stop, giving them no chance to catch their breath, and in the next instant, he charged forward, pressing his advantage.
Thus, only six disciples remained in the arena. Watching them retreat step by step, driven straight to the edge of the arena by Yin Qiu, Bai Ling, who had been observing for a long time, couldn't help but sigh, but quickly smiled again. She hung her sword back at her waist, reached for a bowl of eight-treasure porridge from a wooden table, and enthusiastically gulped down two mouthfuls. The air was filled with the flashing sword light and the shouts and cries of the disciples. When Bai Ling finished the bowl of porridge and looked up again, only Yin Qiu remained.
The two stared at each other silently in the bright lights. The people in the stands around them seemed to be still in shock at Yin Qiu's great victory. After a moment of silence, they burst into a deafening cheer.
"We won! Yin Qiu won!" Duan Ning jumped up and down with joy, grabbing Meng Jing's collar and shouting, "Quick! Give me back the pearl flower, come back with me to get married!"
Meng Jing was so dizzy from being shaken that she almost couldn't catch her breath. Duan Ning, her eyebrows dancing with excitement, shouted and couldn't help but give Meng Jing a quick kiss on the cheek. Meng Jing's expression changed instantly; her face turned bright red. She was both ashamed and angry, staring at Duan Ning helplessly, looking like she had been wronged but could only suppress her anger.
"Oh dear, I didn't mean to!"
Seeing that her eyes were red, Duan Ning immediately apologized, "I got so emotional I lost my temper, please come back!"
Breathless, Meng Jing threw the pearl hairpins she was carrying at Duan Ning's chest and ran away without looking back. "Where are you going!" Duan Ning quickly chased after her, "Why don't you hit me! I promise I won't fight back!"
The fiery sunset was replaced by gloom, gradually fading into darkness. The disciples lit torches and erected them around the dueling platform, illuminating the area as bright as day. This also made the panting Yin Qiu stand out clearly, drawing attention. Yin Qiu's face was covered in sweat, a metallic taste rising in her throat, her chest heaving with blood. She forced back the blood and looked at Bai Ling, saying, "It's your turn."
Bai Ling gazed at her quietly, put down the empty bowl in her hand, and asked her, "At the new disciple assembly that year, you also went all out, even getting injured in my hands to help Fu Xiang. Back then, you did it so you could go to Jingyue Peak and stay by your master's side. What is it for today?"
Yin Qiu's head was spinning. The long battle had exhausted her physical strength and inner energy, as well as her mental energy. She was unsteady on her feet and could only lean on Zhu Bing for support as she replied, "It's to stand better by my master's side. When I was young, my biggest wish was to become as outstanding as my master. Even though I may never catch up to her in my entire life, I still want to strive to be worthy of her. Even if no one thinks I'm unworthy of my master, I will still fight for it. I want to be her equal, not just because she's willing to be with me."
Bai Ling smiled as she listened to her words: "Yes, that's exactly what Xiao Qiu, whom I know, would say."
"So now you're the only one who hasn't fought me yet," Yin Qiu said. "I don't need to rest, so bring it on."
Bai Ling shook her head and said slowly, "No, I won't fight you. You are already too tired. Even if I win, it would be an unfair victory and I wouldn't be able to convince the others. Besides, last year in Wei City, you survived a desperate situation on your own. So many secret guards couldn't suppress you, let alone in this small situation today. I will accept defeat without a fight."
Yin Qiu paused for a moment: "But how can there be a clear winner without a fight?"
"Alright, we've known each other for years, and I've never beaten you," Bai Ling shrugged, then suddenly became serious. "Xiao Qiu, you were willing to sacrifice yourself for Fu Xiang back then, and now I'm willing to do the same for you. We weren't friends from the beginning; we only gradually got to know each other and became close after Fu Xiang left. You've always been outstanding, and compared to you, I seem so ordinary. I'm not as pretty as you, my background isn't as good, and I'm inferior to you in every way—literary talent, martial arts, etc. I've always felt it's an honor to be your friend."
Hearing her say that, Yin Qiu's eyes widened slightly: "Why do you talk about yourself like that? Everyone has their own strengths. You've always been a carefree and easygoing person. Why are you suddenly belittling yourself?"
“I’m not belittling myself, I’m just stating the facts,” Bai Ling said. “I come from a humble background, and my family isn’t particularly distinguished. When I first entered the palace, I was punished by having to run laps after fainting during a horse stance exercise, and I was ridiculed for a long time. You may not know, but I was always secretly observing you and Fu Xiang back then. You two were so outstanding and popular; no one in the palace disliked you. I envied you and wanted to be your friend, but I was just average and had nothing remarkable about me. Fortunately, through tireless efforts and a bit of good luck, I came in fourth place at the new disciple assembly that year, went to Liuli Peak, and became the head disciple. Finally, I became your friend. So I understand what you’ve done today. I wasn’t wrong; you are indeed someone worth getting to know better.”
Before Yin Qiu could reply, Bai Ling continued, "I just wanted to tell you that since we're good friends, what you can do for Fu Xiang, I can naturally do too. Over the years, I've watched you and Fu Xiang, though separated by distance, always care for each other. To be honest, I've not only envied her, I've also been jealous of her. Now I've also had an opportunity to help you achieve your goals, and of course I want to seize it. I want you to know that I can also be your good friend, and friends don't compete for fame or fortune, nor do they care about winning or losing. If you can achieve what you've set your mind to, I will be happy for you and will always bless you and your master."
This outpouring of emotions, this monologue, could only be heard by Yin Qiu; it was a private conversation between her and Bai Ling. Yin Qiu was deeply moved, her eyes involuntarily welling with tears. She had so much to say to Bai Ling, yet she didn't know where to begin. With tears in her eyes, Yin Qiu stammered, "..."
"Am I your good friend?" Bai Ling asked.
"You..." Yin Qiu, fighting back tears, smiled and said, "Of course you are!"
"Then go back to your master's side," Bai Ling said, "and stand with her upright and honorable. From today onwards, you are the most admired chief disciple of our Yunhua Palace. How impressive, Xiao Qiu!"
Yin Qiu bit her lower lip tightly, but tears welled up in her eyes and she couldn't hold them back. She shrank Zhu Bing into a dagger, leaped down, and hugged Bai Ling tightly.
"Thank you, thank you so much for me." Yin Qiu sobbed uncontrollably, finally relaxing for a moment. "You are my good friend. We will stay in the palace forever. We will still be family, fighting side by side."
Bai Ling hugged Yin Qiu back, shedding a few tears as well. She smiled and said, "Alright, alright, stop crying. If you cry your face, your master won't like you anymore." She paused, suppressing her turbulent emotions, and turned to Lu Huaiwei opposite her, saying, "Senior sister, I'm not participating. Xiao Qiu is the final winner!"
Although no one knew exactly what the two women were talking about, everyone could see Bai Ling's intention. Lu Huaiwei was full of praise. After Yin Qiu stopped crying, she pulled her back to the center of the arena, raised Yin Qiu's hand, and announced loudly, "I declare that Yin Qiu is the winner of this sword competition!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the disciples and elders on the four stands all stood up, clapping and cheering, giving Yin Qiu their heartfelt applause.
The roar of voices surged like a tide, dense and noisy, filled with boundless joy and excitement, overwhelming Yin Qiu. Soon, led by Ling, the disciples left the stands one after another, running excitedly towards Yin Qiu and surrounding her.
Ji Wanshu and Wen Chaoyu were not to be outdone. After walking for a while, they realized that Man Jiangxue seemed to be doing nothing. When they looked back, Man Jiangxue was still sitting quietly in that place, her lowered gaze fixed on Yin Qiu, her eyes containing many indescribable expressions.
"Are you crazy? What are you standing there for!" Wen Chaoyu urged. "Go over and offer your congratulations!"
Man Jiangxue remained motionless, as if she hadn't heard what she said. Wen Chaoyu called her several times, but she didn't respond. Ji Wanshu understood and pulled the bewildered Wen Chaoyu down from the stands. When the two pushed through the crowd and approached Yin Qiu, they saw that Man Jiangxue had somehow gotten there before them.
Wen Chaoyu was taken aback, and said irritably, "It's really unbelievable! This person ran faster than anyone else without making a sound!"
The disciples crowded around the arena, making it impossible to move, chattering noisily. But upon seeing Man Jiangxue arrive, they tactfully dispersed. Wen Chaoyu lavishly praised Yin Qiutong, exhausting all her knowledge to shower him with compliments, calling him unparalleled and showering him with every kind word she could think of.
At first, Yin Qiu was able to respond to each question, but later she became exhausted and her vision blurred. Man Jiangxue stared at Yin Qiu for a long time, and only after Wen Chaoyu stopped talking did she embrace Yin Qiu and hold her hand to channel her inner energy into her.
Seeing the two of them huddled together, Wen Chaoyu and Ji Wanshu also stepped aside. Yin Qiu was completely exhausted, covered in cold sweat, and with her last bit of energy, she smiled at Man Jiangxue and said, "Uncle-Master, did you see that? I did it." Man Jiangxue gently stroked her face, wiping away her sweat, and said, "I saw that, you did very well."
“Senior Sister Ji has fulfilled her last wish, and so has mine,” Yin Qiu said. “We have both achieved our goals and done what we wanted to do. Uncle-Master, from now on, I can no longer depend on you, but be with you openly and honestly.”
"Silly girl," Man Jiangxue said with tenderness, hugging Yin Qiu tightly as if she wanted to etch her deep into her heart, "You have always been upright and honest with me."
Yin Qiu smiled brightly, her eyes and brows brimming with joy. She looked up at Man Jiangxue and whispered, "Uncle-Master, I really, really love you. We'll stay together forever, grow old together, and walk through the rest of our lives, okay?" For the first time, tears welled up in Man Jiangxue's eyes. She cupped Yin Qiu's face in her hands and said solemnly and gently, "Okay, we'll stay together until we grow old, and walk through the rest of our lives. Wherever you are, I will be there too. We'll always be together." Yin Qiu smiled contentedly, tears streaming down her face once more. She leaned against Man Jiangxue, turning her head to look at the two people not far away, and said, "Uncle-Master Wen, Senior Sister Ji, you must stay together forever too. The four of us can't be without any one of us." She then looked around at the people around her, "And everyone else, all of us in Yunhua, we must walk hand in hand, never abandoning each other, until the very last moment."
The gentle voice carried a power to unite people's hearts. Wen Chaoyu choked up as she listened, subconsciously tightening her grip on Ji Wanshu's hand and looking up to meet her gaze.
Hearing Yin Qiu's words, the disciples slowly gathered around again. Bai Ling and Lu Huaiwei stood together, both wiping away tears with handkerchiefs. Duan Ning and Meng Jing had also returned at some point. The two stood side by side, each lost in their own thoughts, gazing ahead. After a moment, their eyes met, and they smiled at each other.
Yin Qiu regained some of his composure. Seeing everyone standing around him, he waved his arms and shouted, "Hand in hand, never to be separated!" The disciples were deeply moved, immersed in the warm atmosphere of the moment, and echoed Yin Qiu's words in unison, "Hand in hand, never to be separated!"
"Overcoming all obstacles, protect my Yunhua!"
Amidst the joyous atmosphere, everyone cheered and shouted with glee, instantly filling the arena with laughter and cheers. The crowd was in high spirits, enjoying themselves immensely.
Yin Qiu laughed heartily, turned to look at Man Jiangxue, and said with a little pride, "Look, I fought this sword competition and my bracelet is still perfectly fine, not even scratched."
Man Jiangxue's eyes were full of affection, revealing her love without reservation. She picked Yin Qiu up and said softly, "Xiao Qiu is so amazing. Xiao Qiu is the best girl in the world."
Yin Qiu took the opportunity to put her arm around Man Jiangxue's neck and leaned closer, saying, "Then you must stay with me, Uncle-Master. I will stay by your side every day from now on."
"I'll do whatever you want," Man Jiangxue said, hugging her and pressing her forehead against Yin Qiu's. "I'll grant you whatever you want."
Yin Qiu said, "Really?"
Man Jiangxue said, "Really."
Yin Qiu smiled and immediately said, "Then I want my martial uncle to kiss me."
Man Jiangxue said, "Aren't you ashamed with so many people here?"
"I'm not shy anymore," Yin Qiu said. "Uncle-Master, please kiss me. I'm so tired. I'll feel better after your kiss."
Man Jiangxue smiled slightly, said nothing more, and immediately turned her head to kiss Yin Qiu.
The lights were soft and warm, the moon was high in the sky, and the gentle moonlight poured down like a thin veil, gently enveloping the two people who were embracing and kissing.
The kiss ended without lingering, both maintaining proper decorum and refraining from any impropriety. Yin Qiu looked up and saw the bright moon in the sky. She thought to herself: The moon is high above, loved by mortals, yet no one can touch it. My martial aunt is more precious than the moon, but I possess her.
"Do you know what that is?" Yin Qiu asked, pointing at Liang.
"What is it?" Man Jiangxue asked.
Yin Qiu pursed her lips and said very seriously, "It's you."
The moon was reflected in Man Jiangxue's eyes, and as her eyelashes lowered, the image shifted to Yin Qiu, who said just as earnestly, "It's you too."
(End of article)
Author's Note:
Yay! From today onwards, I'm also a writer with two completed works!
I originally planned to finish the final chapter in under 10,000 words, but I didn't finish until 4:30 a.m. It was too long, so I split it into two chapters. Although it's several hours late, I still kept my word and updated it.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
