Chu Zhiyuan glared at her.
Li Hongzhao smiled. "Master can't possibly expel me from the sect over this... This secret art isn't that important. It's useless to everyone else."
"You're playing favorites."
"So what if I am?" Li Hongzhao said. "Am I not allowed to play favorites?"
Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "You'll lose the Imperial Court's trust, especially given how sensitive your status is."
"I never expected them to truly trust me. My origins are there for all to see; they can't be changed."
"...Don't act recklessly." Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "What I want is for the Imperial Court to openly and properly pass the secret art to me."
"If you shrink back from this matter, they'll be even less willing."
"If they won't give it, then forget it." Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "Even if they really gave me the secret art, I might not necessarily be able to master it."
Li Hongzhao said, "Others may not be able to master it, but you definitely can."
"...Take a look at my sword." The Golden Sword flashed out of its sheath and hovered before her.
She extended her jade-like hand and gently grasped the hilt. Her left hand formed a sword seal and pressed against the blade ridge, her slender, onion-white fingers gliding softly over the crystalline sword body as she sensed its interior.
She raised her head, arching her dark brows. "Its spirituality has risen by another huge margin... The more Undying Evil Venerables come, the better. Just don't let any overly powerful ones come."
"How could there be such a good thing?" Chu Zhiyuan laughed.
"You really won't practice the secret art?" Li Hongzhao lightly swung the Golden Sword, feeling its spirituality.
"There's no need."
"No harm in practicing it." Li Hongzhao snorted. "There's no need to fuss