Rebirth and Reincarnation 1st Arc

What they saw

(From Bai Fan's perspective)

The moment the name of the other competitor was announced I was beside myself with worry. Shen Mu was an honorable kid with great potential. His last fight with the grandson of the National Treasure, Master Fa, was enough to prove that he would get far in life.

But he was also a mystery to me.

Shen Mu was the only male she knew that treated her like a valuable person instead of just a pretty face. It was a pity she wasn't attracted to younger boys, because he had proved to be both witty and interesting.

Beside me, my father sat frowning. Unlike me, he hadn't seen the boy's previous fight, but my interest had piqued his and he had decided to accompany me to the final.

I waited with bathed breath at the interaction between Shen Mu and the Emperor and was both surprised and elated when he was pronounced Fourth Prince. While honorary, that would give him the liberty to show his true talent, something I was keenly interested in seeing.

I had planned to use him as inspiration for a character in a story I was secretly writing, and had decided that I would like to have some of his input in it.

When the Imperial announcer called for order again, I berated myself for spacing out and waited in rapt attention for the match to begin

--

(From Heng Li's point of view)

I was happy for my friend and incredibly excited, because I would finally see him fight for real.

Having practiced with him for years, I thought I knew him better than anyone, but finding out he had already passed a second Heavenly Tribulation was an eye-opener. It had never occurred to me that anyone could do that while still underage.

I took a calming breath, when Meiling's hand landed on top of mine. 

Ever since the day before, she had been somewhat subdued, but now that I really saw her, discovered how affected she had been by the possibility of Shen Mu breaking the taboo.

And when Father named him honorary prince, my hearth soared. I could now openly call Shen Mu- no Shen Long Mu a brother like I had always wanted. My sister, however, was openly weeping.

"What is it Meiling?"

"Shen Mu is now my ge-ge too... I had wanted to-"

Ah, yes. Meiling liked Shen Mu. She had asked mother and the empress to arrange her marraige with him... but if he was a prince, her wish would never come true.

My mother interrupted us by patting me on the head. "It is only honorary" she explained "if the emperor deems you compatible, he can still match the two of you."

To my outmost surprise, Meiling kowtowed to father, thanking him for the opportunity, and bowing to be further deserving of his grace.

"Let us enjoy the bout."

Father said, calling everyone to order as thetwo competitors resumed their places.