Dongfang Hui suddenly remembered that Xu Qingtong had not taken part in the last Autumn Sword-Tournament, so she explained, "The Autumn Sword-Tournament is a competition among the sect's disciples. It's held once every three years to select Inner Disciples and Elite Disciples."
"The sect held an Autumn Sword-Tournament the second year after you left. Twenty Outer Disciples entered the inner sect, and five Inner Disciples became Elite Disciples."
"Oh, so that's how it works!" Xu Qingtong had no interest whatsoever in competitions like these. He no longer had to worry about resources; given enough time, he would attempt Foundation Establishment within ten years. Still, seeing how excited Dongfang Hui was, he could not bear to dampen her enthusiasm.
"You should make the most of your time cultivating and strive to break through soon. I'll find some time to refine a couple of Spirit Artifacts for you, too. Then who could possibly be a match for our Hui'er?" Xu Qingtong said proudly.
"Pah, pah! Who's your Hui'er?" Dongfang Hui protested coyly. "Huh? You said you'd refine Spirit Artifacts for me? You know how to refine Spirit Artifacts?"
"Ahem... more or less. I'm not all that confident, either," Xu Qingtong said, a little embarrassed.
The two lingered affectionately together for a long while, and only when the sky began to darken did Dongfang Hui reluctantly leave Swallowtail Peak.
Xu Qingtong watched Dongfang Hui descend Swallowtail Peak, his heart still brimming with sweetness.
"What are you staring at? That sweetheart of yours is already out of sight!" Du Siwen had appeared beside him again at some point.
Xu Qingtong's face reddened at her words, and he stammered, "Third Senior Sister, it's so late. Why have you come back?"
"I wanted to hear about your experiences over these past three years, but that little