The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: Protagonist; Divine | Composed, resolute, quietly brave, perceptive.
Miao Miao: Yena's Best Friend | a flower spirit | Protective, outspoken, fiercely loyal, emotionally intuitive.
Shu Lin: Third Senior disciple | Reserved, conflicted, deeply caring but emotionally restrained.
Jin Yue: Third Senior disciple | Witty, supportive, mildly sarcastic, loyal friend.
Yin Caixia: Second Senior disciple | Honest, respectful, good-hearted senior.
Master Hua Jing: Sword Hall In-Charge | Wise, authoritative, composed, subtly testing.
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As Shen Lei called for the second round, unease rippled through the arena. Shu Lin's brows furrowed, a rare shadow crossing his calm face. Even Yin Caixia appeared taken aback.
Yin Caixia stepped forward. "Master… Yena's cultivation is low. To fight her with spirit power—would that be just?"
Shu Lin, too, approached and bowed before Master Hua Jing. "Master… the sword she wields is not her spirit weapon. She does not have her spirit weapon with her to channel her powers."
He lifted his head slightly, his voice earnest. "I beseech you… please withdraw this command."
Yena and the others approached, standing by his side.
Master Hua Jing regarded them coolly. "So… this is how you stand against your master." Her voice held neither anger nor displeasure, but a measured calm. She turned her gaze upon them. "Do you deem me partial?" A sigh escaped her lips. "Yena has already passed for the upcoming trials. Yet, as she has surpassed her senior in swordplay, I wished only to test her further."
At once, Yena bowed deeply. "Master… Senior Shu Lin only spoke out of concern for me. I, however, am willing to take part."
She rose and met Master Hua Jing's eyes steadily. "I am prepared for the second round."
Master Hua Jing studied her for a moment before her expression softened. "Are you certain? You may yet choose to decline." But seeing the quiet resolve in Yena's gaze, she allowed a faint smile. "You never disappoint. Since you accept of your own will… I grant you leave to wield your spirit weapon, should you wish."
Yena bowed again. "Thank you, Master. Yet… I wish to use only this sword for the match. My cultivation may be lacking, but I have faith in my swordsmanship."
Master Hua Jing's smile faded into a pensive look. "Think twice, Yena. This shall not be a simple exchange of swordplay. Caixia will unleash her powers—and her spirit weapon. It will be a grave disadvantage for you."
Yena bowed low. "Master, I understand… and I am willing, regardless of the outcome."
At last, Master Hua Jing nodded and addressed the assembly. "Very well. Both duelists shall rest and prepare. You may return to the arena in five minutes."
As Yena stepped away with her companions, Shu Lin spoke first. "You never listen, do you?" His tone was soft, yet edged with worry. "It is not that I doubt your abilities… but Senior Caixia is among the finest practitioners of our sect. Did you truly need to agree?"
Before Yena could reply, Jin Yue interjected, "He is right. Not only did you agree, you refused to use your spirit weapon. Do you even realise the risk? You could be hurt—this is no trivial trial."
Miao Miao cut in, folding her arms. "Enough, both of you. Let her speak. I believe Yena has her reasons." She turned to Yena, her voice firm. "Now, speak your mind. These two shall hold their tongues."
Yena gave a small laugh. "Well… honestly, you are both right. It is a huge disadvantage. And I do know how strong Senior Caixia is." She glanced at Miao Miao. "I don't really have a plan… nor did I give it much thought." She let out a soft sigh. "But… if I had refused, Master Hua Jing would have grown even more distant—more doubtful of my abilities."
She looked at each of them in turn. "I know you are worried. But trust me. I truly want to participate in the Sect Tournament. And I know what I am doing." A quiet smile touched her lips.
Miao Miao, without waiting for the others, declared, "Very well. We understand—and we support you." She elbowed Shu Lin and nudged Jin Yue pointedly.
Jin Yue opened his mouth, then closed it. "I…"
Miao Miao gave him a look. "Say something useful for once."
Jin Yue smirked. "I was merely about to wish her luck." He looked at Yena with a playful glint. "All the best."
"Then say so properly. She needs to get back for her spar," Miao Miao chided.
Amid their banter, Shu Lin said quietly, "Be careful. Do not overexert yourself… and I hope my sword serves you well."
Yena nodded with a smile, her heart lighter. With her friends' faith in her, she turned and walked back toward the arena—ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The duel stretched on for several intense minutes.Though Yin Caixia began cautiously, once she unleashed her spiritual power, her strikes grew swifter—bearing the weight of her cultivation.Yena, with no spiritual force to match, could only defend. Each parry drained her strength. She knew too well—a direct assault would be futile.
Her breath grew shallow. ["I cannot hold much longer… If I am to win, it must be now."]
Steadying her breath, she planted her right foot behind, drawing a measured arc upon the ground. In the same motion, she surged forward, releasing a wave of force into the air.Yin Caixia faltered but swiftly raised her sword, summoning a shield of energy before her.
In that fleeting opening, Yena moved.
With a faint whisper, her fingers traced along the blade.Her voice soft as a murmur—"Xiān Guāng…"
She closed her eyes for but a heartbeat. Then, in one swift motion, her voice thundered across the arena—
"Ten Thousand Swords Return to One… Now!"
In an instant, a host of ethereal swords materialized midair—hovering, poised above Yin Caixia.
Gasps rippled through the hall.
Yin Caixia's eyes widened. "Shu Lin's sword technique…"
Even Master Hua Jing stirred upon her seat—her composure briefly shaken. She had seen this sword art but once before… in Shu Lin's hands.
That Yena, with her faint cultivation, could call forth such a move was beyond expectation.
Yena descended lightly to the ground, her sword floating freely above her open palm.
Yin Caixia let out a soft breath—and smiled. "Yena Shī Mèi… well done. I concede."
The hovering swords dissolved into shimmering light as Yena drew the weapon back into her grasp. She bowed deeply. "Thank you… Senior. I—"
But the words failed her. The toll of the battle overtook her strength. Her eyes fluttered closed, and before any could move, her body crumpled gently to the ground.
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Scene: Miao Miao-Yena's Shared Quarters
Yena's eyes fluttered open.
Miao Miao, Jin Yue, and Yin Caixia hovered over her anxiously.
As she tried to sit up, Caixia gently supported her. Miao Miao climbed onto the bed and threw her arms around her.
"You scared me half to death."
Yena gave a faint smile, gently patting her head. "Little Miao Miao… my fault."
Miao Miao pulled back with a soft huff. "At least give me a little warning next time. You know I panic when you faint."
Jin Yue, trying to ease the mood, chimed in, "Indeed. She drank three whole jugs of water in her distress."
Miao Miao shot him a glare, and Jin Yue turned away.Yena and Caixia exchanged soft smiles.
Caixia spoke warmly, "How do you feel?"
"I'm alright now. Thank you, Senior."
Caixia nodded, then sighed. "But Miao Miao's right. You should warn us next time. I completely froze when you used Shu Lin's sword move… and when those swords appeared—my mind went blank."
Yena smiled faintly. "Qiánbèi… that was the only move I had left. If not for that, I would've surely lost."
Caixia gave a short laugh. "You don't need to be modest. I admit my defeat." Then, glancing at her, "But tell me, did Shu Lin teach you that? I've only seen him perform that technique—and even your footwork matched his. He must think highly of you to pass on such a skill."
Yena merely smiled.
Just then, Master Hua Jing entered.
At once, all of them bowed. Yena tried to rise, but—
"No need to stand," Master Hua Jing said, sitting down beside her. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, Master."
"That's good." Master Hua nodded.
Yena hesitated, then said softly, "Master… about that sword technique—"
"Ah, don't worry," Hua Jing interrupted with a faint smile. "Shu Lin already explained. He's with the Sect Master now—he said he taught you."
Caixia let out a soft groan. "Seriously? He dodged all my questions when I asked." She glanced at Yena. "He must hold you in high regard."
Master Hua Jing spoke with a knowing look. "I was surprised too. But considering you used his sword—and that Shu Lin admitted teaching you—the sword formation didn't seem so impossible after all."
Yena replied softly, "It was thanks to Senior's sword that I could pull off such a formation. I think… just like Senior, his sword believed in me. And, in that moment, it helped me."
Hua Jing nodded. "You two seem to understand each other well. It's good to see. He was very worried about you."
Just then, Shu Lin entered in a rush.
Seeing Master Hua Jing, he stopped and bowed.
The Master gave a soft chuckle. "Seems I won't need to speak on his behalf."
Caixia teased, "Shu Lin… take a breath. What were you running for?"
Master Hua Jing stood. "Let's leave them to talk. Come, Caixia."She patted Shu Lin's shoulder and walked out with Caixia following.
Miao Miao nudged Jin Yue, signaling him to leave.
"What?" Jin Yue blinked.
Miao Miao sighed and dragged him by the arm. Jin Yue complained as he was pulled out, "Hey… why can't we stay? I…"
Once they were gone, Shu Lin moved closer to Yena's bedside. "Are you alright? Feeling unwell? Should I call the medic?"
Yena glanced at the stool. "Would you like to sit, Senior?"
Shu Lin nodded and sat down.
"I'm fine. Truly."
Shu Lin let out a long sigh. "I don't know what to say anymore. Do you realise how dangerous that was? Couldn't you think before taking such risks? You—"
He faltered when her calm gaze met his.
He lowered his head. "I… I didn't mean it like that. But that sword technique… it's no simple feat. And…"
"And yet, I'm alright," Yena cut in gently. "Don't you have anything else to say to me?"
Shu Lin fell silent, lowering his eyes.["Yena… I'm sorry."]
Yena turned away. "Senior… I'm tired. I'd like to rest. May I ask you to leave?"
"…Alright. If you ever feel unwell… let me know."
When she didn't respond, Shu Lin rose and left quietly, casting her one last glance before stepping out.
Moments after he was gone, Miao Miao slipped back into the room.
"He's gone?! Aren't you going to ask him why he lied about teaching you that sword technique?"
Yena smiled faintly. "I have my answer."
Miao Miao sat beside her. "How can you be so calm? Even if he can't remember… he shouldn't have claimed it was his. You were the one who taught him."
Yena met her gaze with a soft smile. "Is that what you're worrying about?"
Miao Miao blinked, then leaned in. "Yena… why did you suddenly use that sword technique? Don't tell me…"
Yena smiled.
Miao Miao groaned. "Yenaaa… Even if you wanted to test whether he remembers the past, you shouldn't risk your health!"
Yena squeezed Miao Miao's hand. "Even though I wanted to know if he remembered… I also genuinely wanted to win the match."
Miao Miao sighed. "You'll never change... Then… do you think he—"
Yena nodded.
Miao Miao nearly shouted, "What?!" Then, calming herself, "Why? How? Do you think he'll tell others?"
"I don't know why he remembers. But if he wanted to expose us, he would've done it already. Today… I only wanted him to admit it. But if he chooses not to… I'll act like I know nothing—just like he does."
"But... what about our identities?"
"Remember, when he first came to the Divine World, he thought I was a commoner like him. He misunderstood… and I didn't correct him. So even if he remembers, to him... I'm merely a girl who crossed into Tianlok—just like him."
Miao Miao sighed. "It's all so complicated. You two should really talk… but you can't. We can't risk the truth getting out."
"Neither can he," Yena said softly. "Maybe… he's hiding things for the same reason."
Miao Miao lay her head on Yena's lap. "I just don't want you to get hurt."
Yena smiled, running her fingers gently through Miao Miao's hair. "Hmm."
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