Gao Qingxiu slowly raised his hand, azure energy surging from his sleeve.
"I'll say this one last time. Stand down."
Lin Feiyan drew a deep breath and formed another spell seal in her palm.
This time, the azure light no longer tangled into a mess, nor did it turn into flowers or grass.
It was only a faint sword phantom.
Pitifully faint.
Yet it truly stood before her.
The gray-robed elder stared in surprise, then chuckled softly and glanced at Gao Qingxiu.
"It seems this junior sister of your sect really does need a proper lesson."
Gao Qingxiu did not answer.
He merely watched that feeble sword phantom, a flicker of disappointment crossing his eyes.
"Feiyan, you've disappointed me terribly."
Lin Feiyan's lips moved, and she said quietly, "Senior Brother, I'm terribly disappointed too."
Gao Qingxiu's gaze sharpened.
The next instant.
Azure light shot from his sleeve.
Gritting her teeth, Lin Feiyan drove her energy forward, sending the sword phantom before her to meet it.
The two streaks of azure light collided.
Bang.
The sword phantom shattered.
She was no expert in magical combat, after all. How could she possibly match him?
The impact forced her back several steps, her face instantly paling.
Gao Qingxiu stepped forward, his sword fingers poised before her brow.
"If you dare obstruct me again, don't blame me for disregarding our ties as fellow disciples."
Watching those fingers draw closer, Lin Feiyan found little fear in her heart.
Only an indescribable weariness.
She suddenly thought of Guest Elder Jiang, who always wore a cold expression, whose words were never pleasant, and who showed no consideration for anyone's feelings. Yet she never spoke endlessly of righteousness, nor used other people's lives to pave her own path.
Set against that...
The difference was plain at a glance.