Heavenly Derivation Sect, Zhujifeng Peak.
At the cold jade Go board in the little courtyard, Xie Lingyu held a black stone. After a moment's thought, she gently placed it down.
Seeing the move, Bai Xuanling raised an eyebrow and said:
"Your cultivation has progressed only so-so, but your Go skills really do make me see you in a new light. Looks like you've had plenty of leisure and rest."
Xie Lingyu raised her gaze and looked at Bai Xuanling's leisurely expression as she answered with a move almost without thinking. Faced with Bai Xuanling's teasing, she replied calmly:
"More than before, yes, but I don't think I've fallen behind in my cultivation either."
Bai Xuanling nodded in satisfaction. "You're much easier to talk to than before, too. You can take a joke now."
Xie Lingyu's moves pressed forward relentlessly, drawing Bai Xuanling's unsettled stones into a strangling attack.
"You've been rather strange lately, Master."
"Me, strange? How am I strange? Have I become even more beautiful? Truly, the years cannot defeat a beauty."
"Not asking doesn't mean I'm stupid. I merely thought you knew your limits, Master. But lately, it seems you don't."
As they talked, neither slowed in placing their stones.
Xie Lingyu's play was fierce and ruthless: either she would kill her way to victory, or she would lose.
Bai Xuanling picked up a white stone and surveyed the board, murderous intent filling every corner. It was unclear whether she was pondering the game or how to answer Xie Lingyu.
"If I didn't know my limits, I wouldn't have lived this long." Bai Xuanling placed her stone and raised her gaze. "Are you worrying about me?"
Xie Lingyu immediately followed with her own stone, her answer just as unhesitating:
"Yes. I'm very worried about you, Master."
A trace