Exchanging Pointers

Inside the transient blade's training hall, all eyes of his fellow disciples were locked onto Fang Xuan as he swung his sword. Xiao provided him pointers along with the necessary spirit stones to cultivate, his cultivation exploded to the point that if he ever encountered the street thugs from before, their numbers would mean nothing to his newfound strength.

As per Zhen's suggestion, Xiao would focus on training Fang Xan, it would be beneficial to focus all of their effort on molding him to become a combatant worthy enough to fight alongside Xiao in the tournament. And in return, Fang Xuan himself would oversee the other's training right after his, leaving Xiao unbothered as she proceeds to train under Zhen's tutelage.

The transient blades was an arms path school. Although their teachings majored on conventional weapons of war, Fang Xuan's weapon of choice was the bagua dao, even Zhen had commented on how the huge saber complimented his brashness as it would force his opponents to weather his blows, if they can't, the weighty sword would butcher them into mincemeat.

Shifting feet and forms, Fang Xuan performed a combination of  'Mirage striking thrice', a fast triple slash from horizontal, vertical, and ending at horizontal once more - followed by 'Oar parts the earth', he spun to gain momentum, and ended up smashing his blade into the ground resulting in a tremor, which in turn split the wood flooring, a powerful attack utilizing his earth qi. One that would no doubt end a fight IF he can get close enough to his opponent to use it.

A mid and short-range cultivator like Xiao knows that one must always be covered in both fronts. If they are not, then their opponent would take advantage of this fact and unleash a barrage where you would be caught lacking. 

Fang Xuan has no mid range moves to speak of. 

Ending his performance with a perfect Xie bu stance. His fellow sect disciples 'whoad' and all clapped in unison at the spectacular display of sword dance. He immediately ran towards their elder and questioned Xiao with a bright eyed expression. 

"What do you think, elder Xiao?"

"Your swordplay is good. But have you considered adopting any mid-range techniques?" Xiao gave due praise to the obvious fact that he did hone his sword techniques to the point that even someone like her who isn't into swinging swords could tell how efficient he was with them. She only needed to address where the core problem lies.

"Mid-range!? I don't need that! I can defend qi attacks with my sword just fine! All I need is to close in on my enemies and then bam! One 'Oar parts the earth' will make quick work of them!" 

<<He is brave, but he is also an idiot. A deadly combination, for him that is.>> 

In wholehearted agreement with her teacher, Xiao couldn't help but snicker at her assessment. 

"Is there something wrong with my forms earlier, elder? Why are you laughing?"

Every cultivator has to start somewhere, it may be a late start but Fang Xuan will learn today how important mid-range is when it comes to combat. Xiao's ice cold lessons will beat its importance into his very bones. 

"It's nothing. You said that you can defend from qi attacks with your sword just fine, right? Then why don't we test it? Come, let's go in the middle of the training area."

The colors from Fang Xuan's face had been drained. He gulped. His elder can't be serious. 

The gap between their cultivation is like heaven and earth!

Sensing his unease, Xiao explained her motive, "A fight with me will unlock your stars. Don't be afraid, I'm not going to murder you in cold blood, there is also new technique that I must try. Just think of this as…exchanging pointers." 

Fang Xuan swore that she saw an ominous glint in those eyes as she said 'exchanging pointers'. Nevertheless, he must press on and accept her challenge if he wants to restore the dignity of their sect. 

Soon, both found themselves in the middle of the training area. Each cupped their hands as they were about to begin their bout.  

Since Fang Xuan had no illusion of winning the fight from start, he formed a defensive stance of covering half of his face with blade, his eyes focused on whatever Xiao might throw at him

Her hands relaxed behind her back, Xiao's eyes narrowed under her mask, hinting at her annoyance. Was Fan Xuan going to do nothing but defend? Xiao raised her voice so it gapped the distance, "Where is the fearless Fang Xuan that stood up against those thugs!? Are you simply going to fold before superior might without a fight!? I never took you for a coward, don't you dare change my perception of you now!"

Her words had set alight his fighting spirit, with a spiel like that, Fang Xuan can't possibly let down his elder now. His Bagua Dao was suddenly raised high up to his shoulder, its tip pointed towards Xiao herself, making his intent to skewer Xiao with it quite clear. With a mighty shout, Fang Xuan charged towards Xiao. "Haaaaah!"

Xiao smirked. What a fitting way to test her 'Ice Armory'. Her half-raised right hand augured the sparkling of ice right above her that shortly formed into ice jian swords. Gone were her ice stakes and in their place are 30 elegant blades made of ice. One of the reasons she asked for a sparring session was to see if she got their hardness right. 

With but a single wave of her hands, the swords followed. 

One sword flew, next two, next four. 

The sound of metal clashing foretold the strength of Xiao's ice. The closer Fang Xuan got, the harder it became to deflect the storm of ice blades! 

There are only eleven blades above Xiao, he is almost close!

As if to congratulate him for his efforts, 10 of the blade's launched all at once. He deflected 6, but the remaining ones GRAZED his vitals. Neck, Hair, Both sides of his chest. 

The moment he arrived within her range, Xiao held her remaining sword and pointed it to his throat while Fang Xuan did exactly the same with his Bagua Dao. 

Fang Xuan was wounded all over, and catching his breath while Xiao remained as calm as if she just completed a leisurely stroll. 

Was it a tie? It may look that way but even Fang Xuan was acutely aware of who the real victor was. Had Xiao sent all of her swords at once, the barrage of blades would've ended the fight in an instant. 

Both pulled back. 

Xiao gave a faint smile befitting a mentor, "What did you learn from this bout?"

"I will search the scroll archives for a mid-range technique immediately. Thank you for the lesson, Elder Xiao." 

After cupping his hands, Fang Xuan left and in his place came a disciple bearing news. 

"Elder, you have a visitor waiting for you at the garden." 

+++

"How are you?"

Yanmei questioned as Xiao sat in front of her in the Gazebo. 

Xiao could tell, there was something different about the fox today. Her hardened expression from before was replaced by a more relaxed one. 

"I am…good. You've traveled far once more. But like I said, you don't need to worry, I have no plans on leaking your secret."

Then, Yanmei's lips broke into a coquettish grin, "Oh I didn't come here for that. I came here for you."

What? Did she hear that right? Suddenly, Xiao could feel her heart thumping inside her chest. It's a good thing she was wearing a mask, or else Yanmei might have seen how easily her cheeks flushed pink.

"W-what did you say?"

"I know you heard me the first time. But I would say it again. I came here for you. I want you to follow me, I have something prepared for us."

With that, Yanmei stood from her seat and dragged the lovestruck Xiao by the wrists.

+++