In stark contrast to the Heavenly Demon faction's splendor, all was peaceful within the Azure Lotus Sword Sect's Myriad Lotus Heaven.
Jade-green ripples shimmered across vast lotus ponds, countless layers of lotus leaves overlapping. A warm breeze swept past, carrying lotus fragrance throughout the mountains and rivers.
Luo Qinglian lounged curled atop the largest leaf of a ten-thousand-year-old Immortal Lotus, his blue robes swaying gently with it, a tender blade of grass between his lips. He could hardly have been more at ease.
Beside him, the Azure Lotus Sword Sect's Deputy Sect Master, Lu Qingxiao, wore an austere sword robe as he refined his sword intent with his eyes closed.
Luo Qinglian watched with keen interest.
Mm, a ringing sword bone, a crystalline sword soul, crisp, clear sword qi. Every movement carried the dashing spirit of a supreme sword cultivator. Utterly pleasing to the eye.
Luo Qinglian clicked his tongue in admiration, in excellent spirits.
"Xiao'er."
Lu Qingxiao opened his eyes. "Master."
"Don't move."
Luo Qinglian rolled over and lay at the edge of the lotus leaf, carefully looking Lu Qingxiao up and down, his mood soaring.
He casually plucked a piece of azure crystal from the void and tossed it over.
"Take it."
Lu Qingxiao caught it, then paused when he saw what it was.
"Master, this is too precious..."
"If I'm giving it to you, take it."
Luo Qinglian thought he was being long-winded.
And so Lu Qingxiao obligingly accepted it.
He had only been making a polite gesture anyway, going through the motions. After so many years together, how could they not know what the other was like?
Satisfied, Luo Qinglian lay back down.
Master and disciple chatted idly for a while longer before Luo Qinglian asked:
"Where are Qingming and Qing Wu?"
Lu Qingxiao said, "Qingming