As Su Yu and Yunxi crossed the outer sect square, many disciples along the way cast surprised glances at them.
After all, the sight of Su Yu claiming first place in the outer sect Grand Tournament several months earlier remained fresh in many outer sect disciples' memories.
Seeing him walking shoulder to shoulder with Yunxi, renowned as the outer sect's greatest beauty, prompted even more whispered conversations.
From afar, they spotted Su Yan sweating profusely on the training grounds.
"Brother Yu!"
Su Yan sprinted over from the training grounds, unmelted grains of snow still clinging to him.
When he reached them, he suddenly noticed Yunxi beside Su Yu and hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting. "Senior Sister Yun! What brings you two..."
"The year's end is approaching, so I came to see you." Su Yu patted his shoulder.
"I heard outer sect disciples aren't allowed to return home in their first year. I couldn't be bothered to go back anyway, so I stayed to celebrate the New Year with you."
Yunxi nodded slightly. "I'll go see Ye Xuan."
With that, she turned and left, her figure in flowing white robes soon disappearing at the end of the bamboo-lined path.
Once Yunxi was out of sight, Su Yan immediately showed his true colors.
He hooked an arm around Su Yu's neck and waggled his eyebrows. "Not bad, Brother Yu! When did you win over our outer sect's greatest beauty? Come on, tell me..."
"Looks like it's been too long since I taught you a lesson."
Su Yu narrowed his eyes, cracking his knuckles. "This is the perfect chance to test how much you've improved these past few months."
Su Yan's face instantly went deathly pale as he recalled the miserable, aching state Su Yu had left him in last time.
He