Renaissance of goddess of war✨️

Chapter 19: Bonds of Blood and Blades

The capital was abuzz with anticipation. After weeks of preparation, the long-awaited arrival of Xiao Qi, the Third Prince of Qinghai, had finally come. Escorted by General Cao and General Cheng, who had accompanied him from the borders, his arrival stirred excitement and curiosity throughout the city. Rumors of his exceptional martial prowess and keen knowledge of poisons had preceded him.

At the city gates, a formal reception awaited him. Leading the assembly stood General Li Ancheng, dressed in her ceremonial armor, her expression serene yet commanding. She was flanked by the court’s most important ministers, as well as her sister, Li Anning, and the ever-dignified crown prince, Zhao Yang. The air was thick with formality, a sharp contrast to the soft autumn breeze blowing through the capital.

Xiao Qi, mounted on a powerful steed, rode through the gates with a sharp, focused gaze. He dismounted gracefully, his robes trailing slightly behind him as he approached the waiting group. His eyes first fell upon the crown prince, who stood tall beside Ancheng, watching him with a composed expression.

The tension was subtle but present—after all, Xiao Qi had only heard stories of Zhao Yang’s reserved yet virtuous nature. He stepped forward, bowing low in respect.

“Your Highness, Crown Prince Zhao,” Xiao Qi said, his voice steady and respectful. “It is an honor to finally meet you.”

Zhao Yang, his eyes calm and observant, returned the bow with a nod. “The honor is mine, Prince Xiao Qi. Your reputation as Qinghai’s prodigious prince reaches far and wide.”

Xiao Qi offered a faint smile. “I only hope to live up to it.”

With that, the formalities shifted as Xiao Qi turned his attention toward his cousin, Li Ancheng, and his elder martial sister, Li Anning. The warmth in his eyes deepened as he stepped forward to greet Anning first.

“Senior Sister,” he said, bowing lower than before, showing the respect owed to a first disciple of their master. “It’s been far too long.”

Anning, dressed in her understated but elegant martial attire, smiled faintly, a soft glow in her usually sharp eyes. “Xiao Qi, it’s good to see you again. You’ve grown even more formidable since we last trained together.”

Xiao Qi straightened, his lips curving into a grin. “Not as much as you, Senior Sister. I still have much to learn from you.”

Anning gave him a playful smirk, her teasing nature shining through. “I’ll make sure you don’t forget that.”

Their bond, though steeped in formality, had the warmth of old friends and comrades who had spent years under the same master’s tutelage. The exchange between them was light, yet respectful—an acknowledgment of their shared history and the martial path they both walked.

Finally, Xiao Qi turned to his cousin, Li Ancheng, her calm presence radiating authority. There was no need for words between them, only a nod of mutual understanding as she extended her arm to welcome him.

“Welcome to the capital, Cousin,” Ancheng said, her voice steady. “My father has prepared the Li Mansion for your stay. Let us escort you.”

With that, the group proceeded toward the Li Mansion, a symbol of strength and pride in the capital. Once inside, Xiao Qi was greeted formally by his uncle, General Li Tianming, and they shared news of each other’s well-being, as well as that of Li Yan, Xiao Qi’s mother and Tianming’s cherished sister. The afternoon passed in conversation over a simple yet refined lunch, after which Xiao Qi was escorted to his chambers for a brief rest.

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As the afternoon deepened into evening, Xiao Qi grew restless. Despite the grand welcome, the capital felt stifling to him. He needed something more tangible—a challenge. He donned his training robes and made his way toward the Li family’s training grounds, knowing full well where he would find his cousin.

The sound of clashing swords and shouted commands echoed through the grounds as Xiao Qi arrived. His eyes lit up when he saw Ancheng, in the midst of her soldiers, wielding her sword with practiced ease. Each movement was precise, her blade cutting through the air like lightning. The soldiers around her watched in awe, their focus solely on their general.

Anning stood to the side, observing the drills with a discerning eye. When she noticed Xiao Qi, she raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on her lips. “Here to test your mettle, Xiao Qi?”

Xiao Qi grinned, stepping forward. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

The soldiers parted as Xiao Qi approached Ancheng, their excitement palpable. Ancheng halted her drill and turned to face him, her sword resting at her side. Her eyes glimmered with amusement. “So, you’ve come to challenge me, have you?”

Xiao Qi drew his sword, the metal gleaming in the late afternoon sun. “You could say that.”

The soldiers gathered around, their curiosity piqued. It wasn’t often they got to witness a duel between two of the most formidable fighters in the kingdom.

Without further words, Ancheng raised her sword, signaling her acceptance of his challenge. The duel began.

Xiao Qi moved swiftly, his footwork light and agile as he closed the distance between them. His strikes were sharp and calculated, each one testing Ancheng’s defense. But Ancheng remained calm, her sword parrying each blow with practiced ease. Her movements were fluid, her strikes precise and unyielding.

The clash of their swords rang out across the training grounds, the sound reverberating through the air like thunder. Soldiers watched in awe as the two warriors danced across the field, their movements godlike in their speed and precision.

Anning stood to the side, arms crossed, a proud smile tugging at her lips. Her two juniors were proving to be every bit as formidable as she had expected. Zhao Ning, who had arrived at the capital a month earlier, watched from a distance, his expression calm but impressed by the display of skill.

Xiao Qi fought fiercely, his strikes becoming faster, more unpredictable. But Ancheng remained a step ahead, her every move deliberate and calculated. With each passing moment, it became clear that she was in complete control of the fight.

Zhao Yang, who had arrived shortly after the duel began, stood watching from the sidelines, a faint smile on his lips. His heart swelled with pride for Ancheng, his “little general.” She was every bit the warrior he had always known her to be—strong, graceful, and utterly unstoppable.

Xiao Qi, realizing he was outmatched, pushed forward with one final, desperate strike. But Ancheng was ready. In one swift motion, she disarmed him, sending his sword clattering to the ground. The duel was over.

Breathing heavily but grinning, Xiao Qi raised his hands in defeat. “I yield. You are truly unmatched, Cousin.”

Ancheng sheathed her sword, her expression calm but satisfied. “You fought well, Xiao Qi. Perhaps next time, you’ll give me more of a challenge.”

The soldiers erupted into cheers, their admiration for their general only growing. Anning walked over, clapping Xiao Qi on the back. “You’ve come a long way, Second Junior Brother. But don’t forget, I’m still the first disciple.”

Xiao Qi laughed, shaking his head. “I won’t forget, Senior Sister.”

Zhao Yang approached then, his presence commanding as he stepped into the circle. Xiao Qi turned and bowed deeply. “Your Highness.”

Zhao Yang smiled, placing a hand on Xiao Qi’s shoulder. “You fought with great skill, Prince Xiao Qi. But Ancheng’s strength lies not just in her swordsmanship, but in her spirit. A spirit that you, too, possess.”

Xiao Qi straightened, his grin widening. “I’ll train harder, Your Highness. Perhaps next time, I’ll fare better.”

Zhao Yang chuckled softly, his gaze flicking to Ancheng with pride. “Perhaps.”