Tie Linglong happily hummed a tune as she polished her Narrow Saber again and again, then slowly slid it into its sheath, as though it were a sacred task.
Chu Nanping stood ten paces away, silently watching her, his gaze never leaving her for a moment.
"Why didn't you forge a pair of matching swords?" Tie Linglong asked, seemingly having forgotten the resentment in her heart.
"This sword was given to me by the Dragon King, and this one by someone from the Central Plains. They're both... good swords." Chu Nanping was glad that he could talk to her normally again.
"Oh." Tie Linglong raised her head slightly, as if suddenly understanding. Her green eyes gleamed like gems in the candlelight. "So you do feel attached to things other people give you. But weren't you supposed to be heartless, to sever all feeling? Doesn't that affect your swordsmanship?"
Tie Linglong asked out of pure curiosity, but even Chu Nanping could hear the sarcasm in her voice. He thought it over seriously. "It's different. I won't truly grow attached to a sword. If one day they're destroyed, I'll just get another. You're different..."
"Don't bring me up," Tie Linglong said sternly, her mood changing in an instant.
"Some people are different," Chu Nanping amended. "They're too important to me, irreplaceable. They make me worry about losing what I have, and that affects the intent of the Heartless Sword Style."
Tie Linglong gave a cold snort. Chu Nanping often let sweet words slip out without meaning to, making her heart flutter. This time, though, they only irritated her. "Well? We haven't seen each other in over two months. Has your swordsmanship recovered?"
"More or less."
"But you still want to go further."
"After forgetting you, I'll have to forget myself, too. I