Whispers of the Celestial Blade

Chapter 3

Xuan Zhen & Xuan Ming

In the main hall, Taiqing paced back and forth, a trace of frustration on his face. "Zong Lian, what exactly are you thinking? The battle with the demon realm is only five years away, and you're not the least bit worried?"

"Rest assured, Master. I will train Yun'er well and pass on all my knowledge to her."

Taiqing, realizing Zong Lian was avoiding the topic, sighed and switched subjects. "How goes the progress on the twin swords? How much longer until they're complete?"

Zong Lian's expression grew serious at the mention of the swords. "I've recently found the rare star iron. Along with the materials we already have, I believe the twin swords can be forged within two years if we work hard."

"Two years... That's still a long time. In the meantime, I will continue searching for a girl with the Extreme Yin constitution... I wonder how Qingyang and the others are doing." Taiqing's tone shifted to pride as he brought up Xuan Xiao. "Xuan Xiao has not disappointed me. His progress has been rapid, and his talent is exceptional. I have no doubt he will be the one to wield the Yang Sword in the future."

Zong Lian, already immune to Taiqing's constant praises of Xuan Xiao, bowed slightly and took his leave.

...

Meanwhile, with Zhao Yun...

"May I ask what my little junior sister's name is?" Xuan Zhen asked teasingly, but his tone was lighthearted and not offensive.

Zhao Yun responded politely, "I'm called Zhao Yun, but you can call me Yun'er, senior brother."

Xuan Zhen affectionately patted her head. "Ah, so you're little Yun'er!" Hearing him call her that made Zhao Yun shiver slightly. Could this senior brother be secretly cunning? (That's what you get for trying to act cute.) Xuan Zhen, noticing her unease, gently stroked her head to reassure her.

...

When they arrived at the administration office, Xuan Zhen had Zhao Yun write her name in the registry (I've decided that our heroine can write traditional Chinese characters; after all, girls her age in ancient times should know how to write their own names). As her name appeared on the page, a faint glow shimmered over it before fading away. Is this thing like that magical list from a certain Harry Potter book? Zhao Yun wondered.

Xuan Zhen pulled another disciple over and introduced him to Zhao Yun. "This is Xuan Ming from the administration office. He'll show you to your room and help you with anything you need. I have some other matters to attend to, so I can't stay with little Yun'er. Be good, alright?"

You just want to ditch me, don't you? she thought. "Yun'er understands, I'll be good~" she replied sweetly, putting on a charming smile. Xuan Zhen nodded and left.

"Yun'er, huh? I'm your senior brother Xuan Ming. I'll take you to your room, show you around, and explain where everything is. If you need anything and I'm not around, just ask one of the other seniors. And if no one's here, then balabala~~" Xuan Ming had a cute baby face, making him look rather approachable, but little did Zhao Yun know... "Ah! You're just too cute, little sister. I used to have a neighbor kid who looked just like you, always so shy, and let me tell you balabala~~" ...he was a chatterbox!!

"Uh, senior brother Xuan Ming," Zhao Yun's smile was becoming strained, "Are we going to my room now?"

Xuan Ming suddenly snapped back to reality. "Oh right, let's go!"

The walk was... far from boring. In fact, it was extremely... lively. "Yun'er, look over there! That's the Taiyi Hall, it's full of books and scrolls, balabala~~" "And over here, that's the Chengtian Sword Terrace. Since you're a disciple of Elder Zong Lian, you'll be training here one day, balabala~~" "Oh, here we are. This is Sword Dance Peak, where the disciples live. That house over there is yours."