This Hedonistic Young Master

Chapter 22: The Peacock Duel: More Flair Than Fight

The evening air, thick with the mingled scents of incense, roasted meats, and blooming jasmine, vibrated with the energy of the ongoing duels. Each clash of steel, each flash of spiritual energy, illuminated the courtyard in a fleeting dance of light and shadow, the vibrant banners and lanterns swaying gently in the evening breeze like colorful spectators caught in the excitement. Tian Hao, however, found his attention drifting, the rhythmic clang of weapons and the shouts of exertion fading into a dull background hum. He was far more interested in the quiet conversation unfolding beside him than the spectacle of formalized combat.

Big Sister System, sensing his waning interest in the duels, chimed in, her voice a sarcastic whisper in his mind. "Oh, I see. So, this is how you prepare for future duels? Wine, whispers, and witty banter? A truly formidable strategy, Little Hao. I'm impressed. Or rather, I would be if it weren't so utterly ridiculous."

Tian Hao coughed lightly, trying to suppress a smile. "Big Sister, you wound me," he replied inwardly, his mental voice laced with mock indignation. "Cultivation is about balance, remember? A little pleasure, a little power, a little... social interaction. It's all part of the PINA method."

"Social interaction? Is that what you call this clumsy attempt at flirting? You're about as smooth as a bag of rocks, Little Hao."

"Rocks have their own charm, Big Sister. Besides, I'm making progress. See?" He gestured subtly towards Zhao Fei, who was laughing softly at one of his whispered jokes, the flickering lantern light highlighting the warmth in her eyes.

Tian Hao shrugged, pouring more wine into her glass, his movements deliberate, almost theatrical. "Why so serious? We're here to enjoy ourselves, right? Besides," he added with a wink, "life's too short to be a statue." He nodded towards the dueling platform, where two disciples were locked in a tense standoff, their faces contorted in expressions of fierce concentration.

Big Sister System, never one to miss an opportunity for commentary, continued her sarcastic quips, her voice echoing in Tian Hao's mind. "Oh, look, another disciple attempting the 'Drunken Monkey Style.' I'm sure he practiced that one extensively... at the bottom of a wine jar." Tian Hao suppressed a chuckle, shaking his head slightly, trying his hardest not to laugh out loud as he and Zhao Fei found enjoyment in what they viewed as overly performative martial displays.

He leaned towards Zhao Fei, keeping his voice low. "You know, I think I've seen better moves from street performers," he remarked, his tone laced with amusement.

Zhao Fei glanced at him, her lips curving into a smile. "Perhaps you should offer them some pointers, Young Master Tian. I'm sure your... unique... style would be quite enlightening."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to steal their thunder," Tian Hao replied with a wink, raising his glass towards her. "Besides, I prefer a more... refined approach to cultivation."

BSS snorted. "Refined? You call lounging in a garden and eating your way to enlightenment refined?"

Tian Hao ignored her, focusing on Zhao Fei, who seemed genuinely amused by his irreverent commentary. He poured more wine into her glass, noting the slight flush that was starting to color her cheeks. The wine, combined with the lively atmosphere of the courtyard, seemed to be loosening her usual reserve.