The sky was clear, the air fresh, and the full moon hung above the treetops.
To avoid the patrols, the two had moved to a mortal tavern and found a quiet private room where they could admire the moon.
Tai Pei'er secretly resented that farce for spoiling her plans, but there was nothing she could actually do about it. All she could do was puff out her cheeks and sulk.
Not wanting Jiang Yang to notice anything amiss, she suppressed her thoughts and casually ordered some wine and dishes before asking with interest:
"It's been quite a while since we last parted. How has your Sword Dao cultivation progressed?"
During her last visit, she had heard that Jiang Yang was only a hair's breadth from attaining sword essence, far exceeding her expectations. Now that she had a moment, she naturally wanted to ask.
At her question, Jiang Yang's hand instinctively reached toward his waist, only to find nothing there. Thinking of Bai Tang, he said wistfully:
"By a stroke of luck... I attained sword intent."
Jiang Yang was not being modest. This sword intent had truly been bestowed upon him by Bai Tang rather than achieved through his own efforts, so he dared not claim credit.
"Really?!"
Tai Pei'er could hardly have guessed all that. She was astonished by what she heard:
"So quickly! Brother Jiang, you truly are this era's—ahem... a Sword Dao genius seen once in an age. I doubt even Great True Person Xuan Guang had begun to distinguish himself at your age!"
Jiang Yang would not accept that praise for himself. He merely shook his head:
"I only reaped the benefits left by those before me. What sort of genius does that make me?"
But Tai Pei'er no longer heard him. It was as though something