Liu Ming guided Shuo Linger through the quiet streets of the city. The evening air was calm, and the sounds of the bustling city felt distant here. They moved swiftly but steadily, avoiding crowded areas and keeping to the quieter alleys that led toward the Commander's mansion.
Shuo Linger's eyes flicked around constantly, a trace of unease in her movements. Liu Ming's expression remained calm and composed, his focus solely on ensuring she reached home safely.
After a short distance, Shuo Linger finally spoke. "You know, I don't understand you at all," she said, glancing up at him. "You didn't talk much at the banquet, and now… even now, you barely say anything!"
"I speak when needed," Liu Ming replied calmly.
She huffed. "Needed? That's it? That's all you ever say? Come on, tell me something! Anything!"
"Nothing to tell," he said, eyes forward.
Shuo Linger's brows furrowed. "Hmph! You're impossible. You act like you're some kind of mystery… but it's annoying!"
"I prefer it that way," Liu Ming answered simply.
She shot him a look, exasperated, stepping closer. "You know, you could at least explain why Father introduced you to Grandfather personally. Isn't that a big deal?"
"Not really," he said, his tone flat, but steady.
Shuo Linger crossed her arms, scowling. "Oh! You are so frustrating! And here I thought you were… someone interesting."
"Enough to get you home safely," Liu Ming said quietly, giving nothing more.
Her cheeks flushed slightly, a mix of irritation and something warmer spreading through her chest. "You're unbelievable…" she muttered under her breath, shaking her head.
They reached the gates of the Commander's mansion. Shuo Linger looked up, relief washing over her. "Thank you… really. I...and...—"
Before she could finish, Liu Ming simply nodded once and walked away, leaving her standing there.
Shuo Linger blinked, lips parting slightly in surprise. Her first instinct was to call him back, scold him, tease him—but he was already gone. She let out a soft, frustrated laugh.
"Why is he so… infuriating… and yet…" she muttered, shaking her head as she stepped into the mansion, her thoughts lingering on the boy who had escorted her and she thought to herself… he's… cute.
.....
From the day after Liu Ming had safely escorted Shuo Linger back to her home, she began visiting the Iron Guards' base. At first, her visits were brief and quiet; the four friends were busy with their work, and although they were polite, there was little conversation. For several days, her presence went almost unnoticed, her movements respectful and unobtrusive.
As the week passed, her visits became more frequent, two or three times a day. She would watch the four friends train, observing their movements, their focus, and their discipline. Shuo Linger, herself an attack-type martial soul user, felt inspired by their dedication and precision. Seeing them practice stirred something within her—a desire to improve, to grow stronger, and to push her own abilities further.
The next day, she arrived at the gate of the base wearing a practical training outfit rather than a flowing noble gown. Her skirt-like attire allowed her legs to move freely, paired with fitted leggings and socks that kept her covered while enabling swift motion. Even her sleeves were snug enough to allow full freedom of arm movement, perfect for her style of combat.
Standing at the gate, her gaze fixed on the training yard, she took a deep breath and stepped forward. She was here not just to watch, but to join in, to learn, and to test herself. With careful yet confident steps, she approached Liu Ming and said, "I also want to practice."
Liu Ming was slightly surprised, but he nodded. "Alright."
They began with simple movements—footwork, stances, and controlled strikes. No Soul Skills, no martial soul powers. The gap in strength was too great for anything beyond basic practice. Shuo Linger attacked with all her energy, while Liu Ming calmly blocked and guided her, correcting her posture and helping her movements become precise.
"This is harder than I imagined," she admitted, a playful note in her voice.
"Focus on the form," Liu Ming said quietly, blocking another of her strikes and adjusting her stance.
For a few minutes, they moved like this, her determination evident in every motion, and his steady presence providing guidance.
Days passed since Shuo Linger first began visiting the Iron Guards' training yard. Each day, she grew steadier in her movements, sharper in her strikes, and more confident in her footwork. She warmed up alongside the four friends, mimicking their routines, her determination evident in every step.
One afternoon, after finishing her warm-ups, she looked at Liu Ming. "I want to spar today," she said.
Liu Ming gave a small nod and handed her a quiet note. "You can use your Martial Soul today, if you like," he said calmly.
Shuo Linger's eyes brightened. With a nod, she summoned her Martial Soul—the Flame Eagle, the same spirit her father has. Its wings stretched wide, feathers shimmering, and the two yellow Soul Rings revolved around her. Yet there was a difference in her Martial Soul from her father's: the claws and beak carried a soft, steel-like metallic gleam, giving it a unique edge while retaining the essence of the Flame Eagle.
Liu Ming remained barehanded. Shuo Linger began her attacks, her Flame Eagle striking out with controlled bursts of energy. Each time, Liu Ming blocked every strike effortlessly, his movements calm and precise.
She grew frustrated, throwing attack after attack, struggling against the power gap. Her breaths came faster, her arms tired, yet she was determined to at least make Liu Ming exert himself a little. But how could she?
A sudden idea sparked in her mind. She launched another flurry of strikes, then suddenly faltered, acting exhausted as if she were about to collapse. Liu Ming moved quickly, catching her before she could fall.
But at the last moment, she twisted sharply, sending a strike through him. Liu Ming blocked it, yet in the process, he stumbled and fell onto her, pinning her gently beneath him.
Their faces were close, so close that they could feel each other's breathing. For a brief moment, they remained like that, eyes locked, the world around them fading into silence.
"Cough!" Zhao Qing's voice echoed from nearby, breaking the tension.
Both of them immediately snapped back to their senses. A faint blush colored their cheeks. Without a word, Shuo Linger scrambled to her feet and ran away from the training ground, leaving Liu Ming standing there, quietly watching her retreat.
End of Chapter.