C17 An Annoying Person

The arena fell into an eerie silence following the commotion. The duel was bizarrely brief; a mere two exchanges determined the outcome. Mo Yuntian, with his superior strength over Chu Xiangyue, had been soundly defeated.

Spectators were in disbelief, the shock of the event overwhelming them. "What on earth happened? When did Miss Chu become so formidable?" someone whispered, as if in a trance. Yet there were no replies, for no one had an answer. They were just as clueless.

Chu Xiangyue sheathed her Autumn Water Sword, her emotions churning like a tempestuous sea. She had triumphed in what should have been an unwinnable match. If this were a dream, she fervently wished never to awaken.

As she tenderly stroked the sword, the chill of the metal against her skin reminded her that without the Inscription Array, victory over Mo Yuntian would have been impossible. "Xi, I'm sorry. I misjudged you," she murmured, regretting her earlier disdain for Yao Xi and the others' work on the array.

She resolved to express her gratitude at the next opportunity. With all eyes upon her, Chu Xiangyue gracefully exited the Martial Training Field, soon vanishing from sight.

Wang Meng, finally snapping out of his astonishment, inquired, "What in the world just happened?" He was well aware of Chu Xiangyue's capabilities, which shouldn't have been so extraordinary. Clearly, he had missed something crucial and turned to Xiao Yang for answers.

After a pause, Xiao Yang spoke gravely, "There's an issue with the Autumn Water Sword."

"Oh?"

"I broke that sword three days ago. As far as I know, the Inscription Array within should be irreparably damaged. Initially, my research indicated that the array on the sword was rather inconsequential, hardly benefiting Chu Xiangyue. But as you've witnessed today... Chu Xiangyue has mastered her spiritual energy. Her current level of power is incomparable to before..."

"What are you trying to say?" Wang Meng was still baffled, his intelligence failing him in grasping the situation.

"I'm saying that Chu Xiangyue's sword now bears a new Inscription Array, designed specifically to enhance her control over her spiritual energy. The array's supportive effect was clearly demonstrated in the battle we just witnessed. The intricacy of its design surpasses even my own capabilities," Xiao Yang stated gravely, recalling the radiant halo that had emanated from Chu Xiangyue's sword, an image that still struck him as incredible.

"An Inscription Array that aids in controlling spiritual energy? Can that really exist?" Wang Meng questioned, skeptical.

"Why not? The functions of Inscription Arrays are varied and many. Our limited experience means we know only a fraction of what's possible. Haven't the events of today made that abundantly clear?" Xiao Yang replied with a smile, his curiosity piqued more by the identity of the individual who inscribed the array for Chu Xiangyue than by Wang Meng's astonishment.

Setting aside the inscriber's evident skill, the fact that they could discern Chu Xiangyue's deficiencies in cultivation and inscribe the most beneficial Law Array for her was a testament to their profound insight.

"Who could it be? Yao Wanli from the Myriad Mile Sword Crafting Pavilion, perhaps?" Xiao Yang mused. He had only heard of Yao Wanli through others. While the Sword Crafting Technique was reputable in the secular realm, for someone of his caliber and insight to inscribe such a sophisticated Law Array was remarkable.

Xiao Yang's keen intuition led him to sense that there was more to this than met the eye. He resolved to visit the Myriad Mile Sword Crafting Pavilion when the opportunity arose.

Meanwhile, as the crowd remained in a state of shock, a stunning girl in red had already drifted away from the entrance, her departure as elusive as her arrival, going unnoticed by all.

...

At the entrance of the Myriad Mile Sword Crafting Pavilion, Yao Xi looked around eagerly, as if expecting someone. Her anticipation was palpable. She was waiting for Lin Yu, and the memory of spending the night in his embrace caused her cheeks to flush with a deeper hue. Feelings for Lin Yu had sprouted within her, catching her by surprise.

After Lin Yu's departure, Yao Xi found herself unable to focus on studying the Sword Crafting Technique, feeling as though her spirit had vanished. She simply ceased all activity and lingered by the doorway, awaiting Lin Yu's return.

A single day without him felt like an eternity.

As dusk approached and Lin Yu had yet to appear, Yao Xi couldn't help but wonder, "Could it be that he's not coming today?" As the honorary guest Sword Crafting Master at the Myriad Mile Sword Crafting Pavilion, Lin Yu certainly had the liberty to come and go as he pleased. Still, a tinge of sadness crept into Yao Xi's heart.

"Xi, what has you standing at the entrance? Are you waiting for someone?" A warm voice suddenly broke the silence. Yao Xi turned to see Chu Xiangyue standing before her, and though slightly let down, she managed a smile. "Ms. Xiangyue, what brings you here? Is there an issue with the Autumn Water Sword you took last night?"

"No, it's perfect... truly," Chu Xiangyue replied, barely containing her excitement.

"Then what can I do for you?" Yao Xi asked, curious.

"I've come to express my gratitude..."

"Gratitude?"

"Yes. The new Inscription Array on the Autumn Water Sword is incredibly powerful. Thanks to it, I was able to defeat Mo Yuntian. By the way, did Grandpa Yao inscribe the array himself? It's truly remarkable!" Chu Xiangyue beamed with joy.

"Of course it's remarkable. Who else could have inscribed it?" Yao Xi boasted, basking in the compliment.

"Indeed... Grandpa Yao Wanli is truly skilled. Is he at home right now? I'd like to thank him personally," Chu Xiangyue inquired.

"Actually... about that sword..." Yao Xi nearly revealed that the Inscription Array on the Autumn Water Sword was Lin Yu's handiwork, but recalling his earlier request, she chose to remain silent.

"Actually, what?" Chu Xiangyue pressed, sensing hesitation.

"Well... it's just that... the Inscription Array was indeed engraved by my grandfather. Impressive, isn't it? Hehe... But he's stepped out and won't be back for a while, so your thanks might have to wait until next time," Yao Xi explained, her words faltering.

"That's a shame. No worries, I'll just come back another time..." Chu Xiangyue said with a graceful smile. But then, she saw Yao Xi's eyes sparkle as she excitedly waved to someone in the crowd, calling out, "Lin Yu... over here..."

"Lin Yu? That loser?" Chu Xiangyue's gaze followed and indeed, she spotted the green-robed young man strolling through the crowd.

"Xi..." Lin Yu affectionately ruffled Yao Xi's hair as he greeted her.

"Xi? Why such an endearing nickname?" Chu Xiangyue observed their interactions, her curiosity piqued. Meanwhile, Yao Xi seemed thrilled, clearly relishing the moment. What had transpired between them? How had their relationship improved so dramatically?

Chu Xiangyue had firsthand knowledge of the bad blood between Lin Yu and Yao Xi. Just two days ago, they were at each other's throats. Now they were suddenly close? Perhaps this scoundrel had deceived Lin Yu, who was naive to the ways of the martial world?

That seemed likely! Chu Xiangyue nodded to herself, her mind racing with conjectures.

"Miss Chu, long time no see. Congratulations on your victory in the duel," Lin Yu said with a smile. He had spent the last few days around the Outer Sect of the Profound Heaven Sect and had naturally caught wind of Chu Xiangyue's swift defeat of Mo Yuntian.

Chu Xiangyue, however, barely gave him a glance, snorting dismissively before turning to Yao Xi. She spoke softly, "Having someone I dislike here really spoils the mood. Xi, I'm going to head out. I'll come by another time to thank Grandpa Yao..." Without another word, Chu Xiangyue turned and walked away.

"The person you can't stand... Lin Yu... she's talking about you, isn't she? Did you do something to upset Ms. Xiangyue?" Yao Xi asked, her laughter muffled behind her hand.

"How could I?" Lin Yu's face flushed with color.

"Oh, you definitely did something, or else why the red face? Come on, spill the beans..." Yao Xi teased, her giggles filling the air.

"I'm not blushing. You must be mistaken. Let's go... Let's check what needs to be done in the Sword Crafting Room today," Lin Yu said, quickly changing the subject as he led the way, eager to leave Chu Xiangyue's probing questions behind.

"Alright, you've got to give me a good lesson today," Yao Xi said, bouncing along as she followed Lin Yu out.