The Challenge Approaches

Rosy Cloud Valley.

A young man was practicing his sword in the valley.

Sword light surged in rolling waves, and wherever it passed, falling blossoms scattered.

Yet not a single flower touched the ground. They churned within the tide of sword light, as though borne upon the sea, sinking and rising, until the sword's momentum finally subsided. Only then did pear blossoms cover the blade, meeting one another in a delightful display.

"Not bad! You've actually made something of that Thousand Flowers Sword."

Yue Xinluo's bold voice rang out from above.

She descended with a large wine gourd in hand, took a swig, and said smugly, "All thanks to my painstaking cultivation over the past year."

Ning Ye sheathed his sword. "Greetings, Senior Sister. It's been two months since we last met. I've missed you greatly."

Yue Xinluo rolled her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying I hardly taught you?"

Ning Ye smiled. "Over the past year, I've seen Senior Sister only seven or eight times. Altogether, it hasn't amounted to more than a day. I've asked fewer than thirty questions. As for painstaking cultivation, Senior Sister certainly has worked hard."

Yue Xinluo put away her wine gourd. "Brat, are you mocking me?"

Ning Ye smiled. "I'm not mocking you. I'm being sarcastic."

"Outrageous!" Yue Xinluo made as if to strike.

Ning Ye was not afraid. "Oh, come on, Senior Sister. You slack off, and you won't even let me complain?"

Yue Xinluo changed her hand into a pointing finger and pressed it against Ning Ye's brow. "Believe me, I can have Master throw you out."

Ning Ye laughed. "The sect rules say that only those who lose a challenge may lose their true inheritance. Talking back to Senior Sister isn't grounds for expulsion."

"You brat, you