Sparring and Solace

Lost by the arduous training and practice, hours quickly passed. The setting sun had started casting long shadows across the training hall which painted the floor in hues of orange and gold, creating a picturesque scene within.

At one point, Xu Qi and Ling Lian began sparring against each other once again.

Xu Qi requested it this time since he wanted to test if he improved even if it's just a bit. Ling Lian, on the other hand, welcomed his challenge with a smirk. It was also just as important to her. To gauge her future competitor.

Despite everything, she still took pride in her current attainment and the present aberrant in the form of Xu Qi became motivation to not slack off.

What rare sixth stage Elemental Awakaner outer court disciple? Ling Lian knew she wouldn't achieve it without this young man in front of him! If she became content with that, it wouldn't be long for Xu Qi to overtake her.

With that thought in mind, the young woman didn't hold back at throwing her palm strikes and wind blades to Xu Qi.

They clashed against the young man's fists and fiery gusts that were still mesmerizingly beautiful with the fervent assistance of the primal elements.

Each impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, echoing through the hall. Some outer disciples passing by couldn't help but be shaken by the force they could make.

With the heat of the Flamebird Sprite covering him, Xu Qi let the primal element of fire dance around him. They were seduced and responded to his whispers as if they were lovers reunited after a long separation. He could feel his control over the fire deepen – albeit slightly – growing stronger with each passing second.

But as always, he would be overwhelmed by the gap of their cultivation.

A sixth stage was still insurmountable. But he noticed that he lasted longer than before. Furthermore, the combat senses that he lacked started to be honed bit by bit, earning him praise from the young woman herself.

Ling Lian's wind blade was swift, cutting through the air with a sound as sharp as a whip.

Xu Qi's whispers could only do so much to guide the fire, earth, and wind. The wind could effortlessly slice through his earthen shield, blow away his own wind burst, and put out the fire screen.

Nonetheless, despite being merciless in thwarting his defenses, Ling Lian would also adjust herself, allowing Xu Qi to display the full might of his Wind Whisper Art and Flamebird Sprite.

Her eyes grew wider with each exchange as Xu Qi kept surprising her. The gap between their cultivation levels was momentarily forgotten in the excitement of witnessing something new and extraordinary.

Their sparring grew intense as nightfall approached. Their shadows danced on the walls, elongated by the flickering flames of the training candles. Xu Qi's forehead glistened with sweat but his eyes remained alight with the fire of determination. He knew he had to push himself, to grasp every ounce of power he could before the Test of Competence.

And Ling Lian welcomed that not just for Xu Qi but also for her own. Despite having a guarantee of passing it, she wouldn't let overconfidence flood her head. Xu Qi became her anchor to the reality that she wasn't there yet.

Finally, after sending another palm strike that wrought havoc in Xu Qi's body, Ling Lian called an end to their spar.

She grabbed his arm, preventing him from being sent back to the wall as both of them panted heavily from exhaustion.

The air in the hall was thick with the scent of burnt air and the faint smell of sweat. She wiped her brow with the back of her hand as a tired smile played on her lips.

"We should rest," She said with her voice a little hoarse from the exertion. And almost naturally, she leaned her forehead against him.

"Mhm... I'm still no match against you, Ling Lian. Will I be able to catch up?" Despite the racking pain in his body, Xu Qi supported her weight and caressed her head. He liked the young woman's growing sweetness.

"Don't worry. You're already special. Just keep pushing forward." Even with her words getting muffled, Ling Lian's words were so soothing for Xu Qi's ears.

"Mhm. You're right," Xu Qi smiled. He knew that rest and recovery were as crucial to cultivation as training itself. "Let's call it a night."

Upon saying that, Xu Qi pulled her down to his lap and Ling Lian didn't resist as curled up in his embrace. Her chest rose and fell in rhythm with his. Despite their sweaty appearance, the two were already lost in each other's warmth.

Slowly, Xu Qi's arms wrapped around her waist and for some reason, despite being the stronger between them, Ling Lian felt safe in his embrace as her heart fluttered like a caged bird yearning for freedom.

Their breaths mingled as they looked into each other's eyes, the heat from their bodies casting away the chill of the evening slipping through the windows of the training hall.

Xu Qi's hands began to trace patterns along Ling Lian's back. His fingertips were light and tickling which left trails of fire in their wake as he quietly whispered to her qi, stimulating it to calm its agitation from their sparring.

Ling Lian's eyes closed as she enjoyed the sensation, the exhaustion of their training replaced by comfort and a different type of hunger.

He might not be as suggestive with his movements but Xu Qi knew what he was doing. How could he hold himself back when a beautiful young woman was in his arms? More importantly, they both shared a bond that was stronger than most couples.

"Xu Qi. Shouldn't we... rest?" Ling Lian's voice was soft and contained no hint of rejection. It lingered in the air as she lightly nudged his chest.

"Rest can wait," Xu Qi chuckled softly as his whispers attracted the primal elements, washing away some of their fatigue and drying the sweat off them.

He glanced down and found the young woman's eyes filled with anticipation. Slowly, his hands found their way to the sash of her robe. "We have other forms of... recovery."