Jiang Che withdrew his gaze from that slender waist and praised her without reservation.
"Not bad. Very stunning."
"This outfit really suits Miss Xu."
"It only makes this young master look forward even more to Miss Xu's peerless sword dance..."
His tone was open and forthright, yet carried a trace of undisguised teasing.
Hearing his praise, Xu Bingning's cool, aloof face showed little emotional fluctuation.
She folded her hands at her waist and bent her supple figure slightly.
Imitating the bearing of a refined maiden from ancient times, she gave Jiang Che a proper Wanfu greeting.
"Since that is the case, Bingning will begin the sword dance now."
As her cool voice fell, Xu Bingning moved with light steps and gracefully walked to the ebony weapon rack in the corner.
She extended her fair jade-like hand and selected the Dragon Spring Sword she favored most—a blade she had spent a great sum to have custom-made by a master swordsmith.
Clang—!
A clear sword cry suddenly rang out through the hall.
The treasured sword left its sheath, and a flash of bone-piercing cold light vanished beneath the warm-toned lighting.
Clearly, the Dragon Spring Sword in Xu Bingning's hand was a genuine killing weapon with a sharpened edge.
Xu Bingning turned her wrist and elegantly spun the sword in one hand, carrying the three-foot blade behind her back.
She returned to the center of the long-pile carpet and was just about to close her eyes and gather herself for the sword dance.
But when the corner of her eye caught sight of the empty rosewood table before Jiang Che, Xu Bingning seemed to suddenly remember something, and her movements abruptly paused.
"Young Master Jiang, please wait a moment."
A perfectly measured hint of apology entered Xu Bingning's voice.
"How can such a