Her eyes lingered on him for a moment, studying him in silence. "That technique you used earlier… it isn't something from this sect."
He didn't answer immediately. His gaze wandered briefly toward the entrance, the evening light painting soft gold across the marble floor. "Does it matter where it's from?"
Elder Yao folded her arms, her tone calm yet layered. "To the other elders, it would. To me…" — she paused, a faint glint appearing in her eyes — "…I've known you for long enough."
Lao Xie chuckled quietly under his breath. "Ohh, other elders you say?"
"Do you really enjoy being in the spotlight?" she said, raising an eyebrow. "Because right now, half the elders in the sect have their eyes on you."
He smiled faintly. "Their eyes won't change much."
Elder Yao let out a soft sigh, her expression unreadable for a moment. "Come," she said finally, gesturing with her hand. "Let's talk somewhere else. Too many ears here."
Lao Xie tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Another location? Where exactly do you want to go, Old Hag? Don't tell me you're inviting me to dinner?"
Elder Yao shot him a sideways glance, the corner of her lips curving slightly. "You talk too much. Follow me."
They left the Martial Hall together, walking leisurely through the quiet stone paths that curved between glowing lanterns. The evening breeze carried the faint scent of plum blossoms. Lao Xie didn't rush—his steps matched hers, calm and measured, their silhouettes stretching long under the fading light.
Before long, they arrived before a tall, elegant building with a carved azure plaque that read Azure Sky Restaurant. Warm light spilled from the windows, the faint murmur of voices inside mixing with the gentle clink of dishes.
Lao Xie's brow lifted slightly as he looked up at the sign. Ohoo, she's got quite the taste, he thought, a quiet smile touching his lips.
Inside, Elder Yao spoke briefly with the attendant before they were led upstairs. The second floor was known for its privacy—each room sealed by a pre-set array that prevented spiritual sense from intruding. Perfect for quiet conversation.
The attendant poured tea, set down a few plates of appetizers, and quietly excused himself.
Elder Yao settled into her seat by the window, the evening glow brushing across her sleeve. "You've been causing quite the stir," she said casually, lifting her teacup. "You're aware of that, aren't you?"
Lao Xie leaned back slightly, his expression calm. "If they wish to look, let them. Watching won't help them understand what they see."
She studied him for a moment, her eyes tracing his face with quiet curiosity. "Your sword just now—it's too refined for someone at your supposed level. Even your qi feels… off. It's not something that should belong to your cultivation realm."
Lao Xie smiled faintly, eyes glinting with quiet amusement. "Why bother beating around the bush, Old Hag. You already know what realm I'm at."
Elder Yao's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh? So you noticed?"
He rested his chin on one hand, his smile deepening just a little. "You pried into my cultivation base the other day. Of course I would have noticed."
Her hand froze midway to her cup. For a brief moment, genuine surprise flickered across her face. "You even realized that… despite being in a lower minor realm than me? How was that possible…?"
He didn't answer, only took a sip of tea, his eyes half-lidded. The faint curve on his lips was neither denial nor affirmation—it was the kind of silence that made her frown deepen.
Elder Yao eventually sighed softly, setting down her cup. "You're walking a dangerous path, Lao Xie. Many others might start to take advantage of you. Some might even try to target you." Her voice softened. "Ruxin worries about you, you know."
Lao Xie's movement paused just slightly. His gaze flickered toward her, calm as ever, though the hint of amusement returned to his tone. "And you didn't?"
Elder Yao looked at him quietly, her expression unreadable. Then, after a long moment, she smiled faintly—one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Who knows."
Elder Yao blinked, her fingers pausing above the teacup. The faintest curve tugged at her lips. "You always have a way with words, don't you?"
Lao Xie leaned back slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a quiet smile. "I only say what's true. You wouldn't have followed me here if you didn't care, Old Hag."
Her eyes flickered toward him — a faint, amused glare. "Care? That's quite the word for someone like you."
He shrugged lightly, gaze steady. "Then what would you call it?"
The silence that followed wasn't heavy, but charged with something else — a quiet rhythm between them. The fragrance of the tea curled softly through the air as Elder Yao looked away, the faintest color brushing her cheeks.
"…You're still as insolent as ever," she muttered, taking a slow sip from her cup.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere," he replied smoothly, voice just low enough to make her glance at him again.
Her eyes narrowed. "You're playing a dangerous game, Lao Xie."
He smiled faintly. "Am I?"
She exhaled softly through her nose, setting the cup down with a quiet clink. "You know what I mean. You've caught attention from people who don't take kindly to being shown up. And now… after that display today, even the Inner Court will start asking questions."
Lao Xie's expression didn't shift, but a faint amusement lingered in his eyes. "Let them ask. The curious tend to lose sleep faster than the cautious."
Elder Yao gave him a sidelong look. "You say that now, but the sect's politics aren't a game for someone your age."
"I've been around long enough to recognize one when I see it." His tone was calm, but the words carried an older edge — one that made her pause for just a heartbeat too long.
"…Sometimes," she said softly, "I forget how young you're supposed to be."
Lao Xie's gaze met hers, and for a moment, the teasing in his eyes softened into something quieter. "Then remember, Old Hag. Age doesn't always make you the wiser one in the room."
Elder Yao stared at him — caught somewhere between irritation and a reluctant, almost fond smile. "You really don't know when to stop, do you?"
He tilted his head slightly, lips curving. "Would you prefer I did?"
Her breath caught for a brief second — barely noticeable, but enough that she looked away again, pretending to adjust the folds of her sleeve. "…You really are dangerous when you speak like that."
"Only when I'm being honest."
Elder Yao shook her head, half in disbelief, half in amusement. "No wonder Ruxin can't handle you."