9 A battle of swords

The next morning, Xiaoyu emerged from Yue Xuan's residence with slightly wobbly legs, her cheeks flushed and a contented smile playing on her lips. The lingering sensations from their passionate encounter still danced in her mind, and her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

As she made her way to her own residence, Xiaoyu could feel the gazes of her three friends, Zhang Yan, Li Wei, and Mei Ling, fixed upon her. They had been eagerly awaiting her return, their curiosity piqued by the secret meeting with Elder Yue Xuan. The anticipation in the air was palpable as they gathered around Xiaoyu, their eyes wide with anticipation.

Zhang Yan, with her fiery red hair cascading down her shoulders, was the first to speak, unable to contain her excitement. "Xiaoyu, tell us everything! What happened? We've been dying to know!"

Li Wei, with her serene countenance and gentle aura, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Xiaoyu, don't keep us in suspense. We want to hear all the juicy details."

Mei Ling, the most mischievous of the group, couldn't help but giggle with anticipation. "Come on, spill the tea, Xiaoyu! We're dying to know what Elder Yue Xuan is really like."

Xiaoyu's face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and delight as she looked at her friends. She knew they wouldn't let her off the hook until she shared her experience. Taking a deep breath, she began to recount the events of the previous night, painting a vivid picture of her encounter with the enigmatic Elder Yue Xuan.

With every word, her friends listened intently, their eyes widening and expressions shifting from curiosity to awe. The ethereal beauty and charm of Yue Xuan, the intensity of their connection, and the forbidden allure of their dual cultivation endeavor captivated their imaginations. They hung onto Xiaoyu's every word, enraptured by the tale of passion and discovery.

As Xiaoyu's tale came to an end, Mei, Li, and Zhang exchanged glances, their faces filled with a mix of admiration and envy. Mei spoke first, her voice tinged with awe. "Xiaoyu, you're so lucky! To have experienced such intimacy with Elder Yue Xuan, it's like a dream come true."

Li nodded, her eyes sparkling with a newfound curiosity. "Indeed, Xiaoyu, you've unlocked a secret realm that we can only imagine. It's as if you've tasted forbidden fruit, and now we're left yearning for a taste ourselves."

Zhang, unable to contain her excitement, interjected with a mischievous grin. "Well, Xiaoyu, you know what they say. Sharing is caring. Maybe you could introduce us to Elder Yue Xuan as well."

Xiaoyu's blush deepened as her friends eagerly accepted the unexpected invitation. Mei's eyes widened with anticipation, her voice filled with excitement. "Oh, I can't wait! Yue Xuan is truly a divine being. I would be honored to experience his presence."

Li's brows furrowed slightly as she voiced her concern. "But Mei, what about your current partner? It wouldn't be fair to him if you pursue this with Yue Xuan."

Mei's gaze hardened, a hint of defiance in her voice. "He is not my husband or Dao companion. I have the right to explore my desires, and Yue Xuan's allure is too tempting to resist. I won't let conventions hold me back."

Xiaoyu, caught between her friends' differing perspectives, interjected with a diplomatic tone. "Let's not judge each other's choices, girls. We all have our own paths to walk. What matters is that we support each other and respect our decisions."

Li nodded in agreement, her excitement still evident. "You're right, Xiaoyu. We should cherish our friendship and embrace the adventures that lie ahead. If Mei wants to pursue her desires, let's be there for her."

Mei's expression softened as she considered her friends' words. "You're right, Xiaoyu, Li. As long as we stay true to ourselves and prioritize open communication, we can navigate this new territory together."

They then made arrangements and visited Yue Xuan's residence with one purpose...Pleasure. Each of them took turns to experience the skilled touch of his tongue or hands, feeling their tension melt away under his expert care. As his hands moved across their bodies, they were filled with a sense of bliss and tranquility, as if transported to a realm of pure relaxation. When they returned to their room, they couldn't help but feel rejuvenated, their bodies tingling with a renewed sense of energy and a lingering feeling of heavenly bliss.

Yue Xuan's gaze remained fixed on the system screen, his mind processing the message he received.

[Congratulations, Master. You have completed your first mission.]

A sense of accomplishment surged through him as he completed his first mission. "I never needed this," he thought, his confidence wavering as he realized his reliance on the system for guidance and rewards.

However, his anticipation for the system's rewards was met with disappointment as he wondered why they were not immediately granted. "Why does it withhold its rewards? Is there more to this than meets the eye?" Doubt crept into his mind, and he couldn't help but question the true nature of the system's intentions.

As if in response to his thoughts, a familiar notification sound echoed, catching his attention once again.

[System will go offline for three days in order for the upgrade to be applied.]

A mixture of frustration and concern washed over Yue Xuan. "I do need this system," he admitted, realizing that he had become reliant on its guidance and support. The thought of navigating the challenges ahead without its assistance left him feeling vulnerable and uncertain.

With the system temporarily offline, Yue Xuan's confidence wavered. He questioned whether he had the strength to continue his cultivation journey without its aid. He pondered the significance of the upgrade, wondering what changes it would bring and how it would impact his progress.

"I need to prove myself, with or without the system," he whispered, a renewed determination flickering in his eyes. He couldn't allow his dependency on external assistance to define his worth as a cultivator. The next three days would be a test of his resilience and resourcefulness, a chance to tap into his inner strength and overcome obstacles through his own efforts.

Taking a deep breath, Yue Xuan embraced the temporary solitude, understanding that this was an opportunity for personal growth. He would use this time to hone his skills, deepen his understanding of cultivation, and uncover hidden potentials within himself.

Yue Xuan's mind wandered as he strolled through his residencial area, contemplating his next move. 'I'm getting bored. Should I try to find a sword?' he pondered. A hint of excitement sparked within him at the thought of wielding a blade. However, his unfamiliarity with the sect's layout made him hesitate. 'I don't know my way around this place yet, but I can always ask someone for directions,' he reasoned, determined not to let his lack of knowledge hinder his quest.

Leaving his residence behind, Yue Xuan entered the bustling sect, his every step exuding grace and confidence. His presence commanded attention, and everywhere he went, heads turned, gazes lingered, and whispers followed in his wake. The girls were captivated, their admiration evident in their awestruck expressions, while some men looked upon him with a mix of envy, jealousy, and perhaps even a hint of resentment.

Suddenly, his progress was halted by a group of men who confronted him. "Hey, pretty boy! Where do you think you're going, huh?" sneered a young man with a decent physique, his attractiveness paling in comparison to Yue Xuan's ethereal beauty. Stepping forward, he continued, his voice laced with anger, "Your cultivation isn't even that high, yet you dare become an elder and lay your hands on my girl!"

Yue Xuan tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixated on the young man. A hint of curiosity danced in his eyes as he responded, "And who might your girl be? I haven't been here for very long, so I don't know everyone yet. In fact, I don't even know who you are." His words stoked the flames of the young man's anger, his face turning a shade of red as he clenched his fist and pointed at Yue Xuan.

"My name is Wei Chen!" the young man began, his voice filled with determination, "and I will defend Mei Ling's honor! I challenge you to sword combat!" A sly smile played upon his lips, confident in his belief that he could overcome Yue Xuan. In his mind, a sinister thought emerged, "I'll kill you, and then Mei Ling won't think of you anymore."

Yue Xuan arched an eyebrow, his interest piqued. He met the young man's gaze with an intrigued expression. "This is actually quite convenient," he mused, allowing a small smirk to grace his lips. "I was just looking for a sword. Very well, let's see if you can alleviate my boredom," he agreed, following the young man towards the arena.

When they arrived at the arena, they were both given swords by the arena handlers. Before entering, Yue Xuan observed the blue sky for a moment, taking in the serenity of the surroundings. He then turned his gaze to Wei Chen.

"I am aware that this arena is a place to solve disputes and I also know that a fight in here is a fight to the death. So I will ask you, do you really wish to enter?" Yue Xuan looked unbothered, his gaze showed nothing, no anger, no fear. It looked as if there was not even one thought of losing. This made Wei Chen hesitate. But then he saw Mei Ling enter the arena with her friends. She had rejected his offer for dual cultivation, giving her time with Yue Xuan as the reason. Thinking of this lit the fire in Wei Chen's heart again, setting it ablaze.

"Are you scared! You better not try to back out, Yue Xuan, I'll show everyone what kind of fraud you are!" Wei Chen stepped up into the arena. Yue Xuan sighed and entered with him. "Very well, if this is what you want Wei Chen." The two of them went to opposite sides.

Yue Xuan observed Wei Chen's confident demeanor, his friends' laughter, and the audience's amusement. He knew that this fight was not just about physical combat but also about proving his worth and silencing the doubts cast upon him. With a calm expression, he raised his sword and responded to Wei Chen's words.

"Very well, I shall accept your generosity," Yue Xuan replied, his voice resonating with a composed yet resolute tone. The arena fell into a hushed silence as everyone anticipated the clash between the two cultivators.

Yue Xuan's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword, his eyes narrowing as he focused his gaze on Wei Chen. He could sense the malicious intent emanating from his opponent, fueled by personal grudges and wounded pride. But within Yue Xuan, there was no room for anger or revenge—only a desire to prove his true strength.

As the signal was given, the clash of steel reverberated throughout the arena. The two cultivators engaged in a fierce exchange of swordplay, their movements precise and calculated. Each strike, parry, and counterattack showcased Yue Xuan's exceptional skills and finesse.

With every movement, Yue Xuan demonstrated a fluid grace that captivated the audience. The laughter gradually transformed into astonishment and admiration. It was as if he danced with the sword, effortlessly evading Wei Chen's attacks while launching his own calculated strikes.

The spectators watched in awe as Yue Xuan's swordmanship surpassed their expectations. His every move displayed mastery and control, drawing whispers of awe and admiration from the onlookers. It became evident that he was no ordinary cultivator but someone with immense talent and hidden depths.

As the duel continued, Yue Xuan's composure remained unshaken, his focus unwavering. He saw through Wei Chen's every feint and maneuver, exploiting his opponent's weaknesses with calculated precision. Gradually, the tide of the battle turned, and Wei Chen's confidence began to waver.

In the end, Yue Xuan delivered a decisive blow, disarming Wei Chen and leaving him defeated on the ground. The arena erupted in applause, admiration, and murmurs of awe. Even Mei Ling, who had watched the fight with bated breath, found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Yue Xuan's extraordinary display of skill.

Yue Xuan, then placed his sword in front of his face, before slashing the air in front of him.

Yue Xuan's sword intent surged through the air, manifesting as a powerful and dazzling blue crescent energy blade. The audience gasped in awe and disbelief as they witnessed this extraordinary display of skill and mastery. Whispers spread through the crowd, acknowledging the rarity and significance of what they were witnessing.

"He possesses sword intent! How is this possible?" a bewildered spectator exclaimed.

"He's not just an ordinary cultivator. He must be a true prodigy of the sword," another person speculated, their eyes fixed on Yue Xuan's every movement.

As the formidable energy blade reached its destination, Wei Chen's fate was sealed. The impact of the attack was swift and devastating, obliterating any remnants of his existence. The crowd remained captivated by the raw power and skill demonstrated by Yue Xuan, their amazement mingled with a tinge of fear.

Silence enveloped the arena for a moment, broken only by the echo of Yue Xuan's final strike. Then, a thunderous applause erupted, echoing throughout the surroundings. The spectators were in awe of the sheer dominance and mastery displayed by Yue Xuan.

"He's a true monster! Such control over sword intent at such a young age!"

"I've never seen anyone wield such power with such finesse. He's on a whole different level!"