No Longer A Bodyguard

Even as the new dawn rose, it failed to clear the dark clouds of anxiety in Yanmei's heart. Xiao still hasn't come home.

Sitting in front of the sect's gate entrance was the worried sick Yanmei, who by the way, still hasn't gotten any rest as soon as she dropped Liu back in Jiang Shian.

Hoping to help alleviate her worry, Fang Xuan appeared to offer Yanmei a cup of tea.

"Here, Miss yanmei."

Appreciating the gesture, the weary Yanmei tried her best to put on a smile as she accepted the cup.

"Thank you, Fang Xuan." Her lips pursed the cup. Its earthy flavor with just a touch of sweetness was refreshing, she could have enjoyed the taste more if the situation wasn't that dire.

The standing Fang Xuan took a sip of his own cup, venting right after, "You know, I'm still mad at you and Elder Xiao for leaving me behind. Seeing how badly in shape you were after you arrived earlier, I couldn't help but think maybe I could have been of assistance."

"It was Xiao's revenge, her pride and all that. Even I had to 'convince' her to accept my aid."

A low chuckle escaped from Fang Xuan's lips. He probably would have been unable to keep up with them. They are both strong, their strength would stagnate if they decided to stay in some backwater province. They would need massive amounts of spirit stones and worthy opponents that would allow them to raise their stars. Fang Xuan predicted that Xiao won't be in their sect for long, the duration of her stay he could guess. What better way to confirm it than to ask her lover directly?

"Miss Yanmei, will Elder Xiao leave after the inter sect tournament?"

"I…can't answer that for you. Why don't you ask Xiao when she returns?"

Suddenly, Yanmei stood up from her seat, her sullen expression turned to boundless joy, she could sense Xiao's qi approaching.

Approaching from the sky was Xiao's figure, closing in on them.

Seconds later, Xiao jumped from up high. Yanmei used her wind qi to effortlessly jump and meet Xiao mid fall.

With how tight they embraced each other, It was as though they were lovers who hadn't seen each other in years. As they slowly descended, their reunion was sealed with a kiss. The gusts of wind cushioned their fall, celebrating the lovers as their feet landed on the ground.

As much as they would love for their lips to remain eternally bound, Yanmei could tell that Xiao was in dire need of rest.

Yanmei separated, her hands still on Xiao's waist, she said, "I was worried sick about you. I almost charged back in there if you hadn't returned sooner."

Xiao tightened her embrace, if it was possible, she wanted Yanmei to be closer. The closest she could get. It must have been the effect of their life death struggle, she wanted nothing more than to celebrate that she was alive, to feel Yanmei's warmth in her skin.

"Show me just how worried you were." Taking on a coy tone, it was Xiao's invitation, following it up with another kiss.

A kiss that was foiled by none other than her lover. Yanmei's fingers pressed Xiao's lips, halting the second meeting of their lips.

"Xiao, we'd have plenty of time for that later. For now, you need to rest."

Although disappointed that her burning desire was reproached, Xiao would not give up her pursuit of Yanmei being by her bedside. Even if it was just the simple act of having Yanmei's arms around her as she drifts onto dreamland.

Xiao took Yanmei's hand that pressed her lips, her eagerness to have Yanmei by her side was transmitted by how tightly she grasped it, as if Xiao never wanted to let go. Staring deep into Yanmei's green eyes, Xiao spilled what her heart wanted to say.

"Come rest with me."

Yanmei was not adverse to Xiao's neediness, the grin on her face was a hint that she even welcomed it. Her only reason for refusal was to check up on her business back at Xiulan. Her assistant should be able to handle it. Very well, if Xiao wanted her to be at her side, then be at her side Yanmei will.

But before they could move into Xiao's room, from the corner of her vision, Yanmei saw a figure that inspired dread.

It was Luqing arriving at the scene, gone were her cat ears and tail. The sinister aura of a demonic cultivator was masked by her human form.

Yanmei abruptly swayed Xiao to the side, as if she was saving Xiao from some kind of incoming attack. That must have been her thought since Yanmei was unaware of Luqing's circumstance.

Brandishing her deadly claws, gusts of razor sharp winds swirled in each of her hands as Yanmei lunged at Luqing with unbound fury.

As the viscous winds approached, Luqing's calm expression was broken by a cocky grin.

What should have been the torn and bloody Luqing, Yanmei's strike hit nothing but empty space as the demonic cultivator already vaulted above her, twirling as she landed behind Yanmei in the perfect position to strike.

Like a bow, Luqing's right fist was taught back. What a perfect way to prove her point to Xiao. Her fist would be akin to an arrow that would remind Xiao that in their world, it is the survival of the fittest. Taking in a weakling as a lover is nothing but a detriment.

"Luqing, no!"

Xiao's pleading shout served as the signal for Luqing's brutal strike, as her qi charged fist barreled into the back of Yanmei, sending the fox woman flying as if she was a rag doll.

Xiao's thoughts were immediately on the well-being of her lover, dashing past Luqing to assist Yanmei in getting up.

Watching the two, Luqing plastered a smug grin on her face. That ought to send her point across. It didn't take long for that grin of her to be wiped, as she sensed an oncoming attack.

Luqing evaded by strafing backwards, a massive Bagua Dao came crashing down on her previous position, its power was strong enough to leave a crater on the floor. Fang Xuan immediately dashed forwards to chase, allowing him to catch up instantaneously.

His speed surprised not just Luqing, but even Fang Xuan himself. He did train everyday but this kind of result would be too explosive of a growth. Abnormal even.

Mid chase, Fang Xuan readied his 'Mirage Striking Thrice'. Fang Xuan released three slashes in a 'Z' pattern. Making use of his unnatural speed, Luqing was forced to take a cultivator several leagues below him seriously in order to deflect his attacks with her claws.

Fang Xuan's strike was about to connect again when Luqing's roar erupted, forcing Fang Xuan back.

"GWAAAAAAH!" Triggering her transformation, and with it, her sinister aura. "Enough! I, Luqing, will not suffer this humiliation, I will end all of you!"

Suddenly, Zhen took over Xiao's body. It was a shame. Laying with a demonic cultivator was essential in building Xiao's aptitude for Dual Cultivation, but it seems that Luqing was unfit to be Xiao's partner. She is too wild.

"It seems your duty as a bodyguard was short-lived. As a respect for Shangying, I will let you leave this place alive."

Luqing scoffed. She never wanted to work with Xiao anyway. Thus, Luqing left.

Xiao's consciousness returned, her arm she lent to Yanmei as they made their way inside the sect.

"So, that woman was supposed to be your bodyguard?" The dubious Yanmei questioned.

"It's a long story, I'll tell you all about it in my room."

+++

As Luqing left and the lovers went inside the sect, Fang Xuan was the only soul left at the entrance.

Fang Xuan was forced to his knees, he could feel his newfound strength leaving his body.

"NO, PLEASE! DON'T LEAVE!" Fang Xuan begged, maybe if he pleaded hard enough the supernatural strength bestowed upon him would remain?

A few seconds later, he could feel his strength return to normal. Fang Xuan sighed in despair, if only he knew the trigger so he could activate it again. His gaze shifted to his sword.

His previous downcast expression turned into glee. It's the sword!

Fang Xuan stood and hoisted his Bagua Dao up in the air.

"Sword! Reveal to me your secrets!"

There was nothing. Perhaps if he venerated the sword it would respond?

"Great Supreme Heavenly Blade Without Equal! Impart to me your strength!"

Again, nothing.

Fang Xuan felt a hand press on his shoulder, he turned around to see his father staring at him with understanding eyes.

"Son, whatever hardships you are going through, know that you have my support."

With a nod, his father returned back inside the sect, promptin Fang Xuan to chase after him.

"You don't understand! This sword gave me otherworldly strength! Father, I'm not crazy!"