Eloquent Ascent

As he was lost in this thought, Xiao Yue closed in, the primal elements in the air bearing the same excitement as him as they parted for the graceful young woman.

Her presence was like a gentle breeze that whispered secrets, a stark contrast to the fiery passion he had shared with Ling Lian.

As she reached him, Xiao Yue's gaze was sharp and inquisitive, but her smile remained soft and telling.

"Xu Qi," she greeted, her voice a gentle melody that seemed to resonate with the very elements around her, highlighting her appearance.

She was still breathtakingly beautiful. Xu Qi thought as he took his time admiring her before answering back.

"Senior Sister," Xu Qi bowed, his heart racing slightly. "I hope your cultivation has been going well."

Xiao Yue's smile grew more as if she could read the thoughts racing through his mind.

"Indeed, I've just finished a few days of closed-door cultivation. I finally got the time to visit you," She replied as her lips curved up teasingly. "But it seems your progress has been quite... notable."

Xu Qi felt a warmth spread through him at her words, a reminder of the passionate kiss they had shared. "I am but a humble disciple, striving to improve. But I guess I cannot hide it from you, senior sister. I reached the third stage and also..."

After deliberating for a while, he decided that if there was someone he wouldn't mind telling about his unique cultivation path, Xiao Yue would be the first one. Because she was more than his benefactor.

"And also what, Xu Qi?" Xiao Yue's eyes searched his, her curiosity piqued.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Qi flicked his wrist, his wisp of qi melding with his words to seduce the primal elements as he showcased his Celestial Eloquence for Xiao Yue to see.

Her eyes widened as she watched the dance of his qi wrapping around his spoken words. The way it coalesced and flowed with an almost mesmerizing elegance was a sight to behold before they seduced the primal elements, bending to his will.

It was clear that she was impressed, yet there was also a hint of something else in her gaze, something that made Xu Qi's heart pound with anticipation.

"Your path has become a unique one," Xiao Yue said as she realized what Xu Qi was trying to tell her. "I had hoped that the Celestial Eloquence would suit you, but I never imagined you'd come so far, so quickly."

Her gaze was one of admiration and fascination, watching as the elements responded to his whispers, bending and weaving around him like a living tapestry. She favored him for his determination then she felt his way of words fascinating which led her to mention him to her master, Elder He.

Xiao Yue couldn't help but be pleased to see that her efforts weren't wasted. And upon remembering the last time they were together, her cheeks became tainted with pink which she quickly hid from Xu Qi's gaze. 

Oblivious to Xiao Yue's thoughts, Xu Qi wanted to show off his progress more but before doing so, he didn't want other disciples to hear their conversation or see them together in fear that Xiao Yue's reputation would be tainted because of him.

"Let's continue this talk somewhere else, senior sister. Can you accompany me?"

Xiao Yue nodded gracefully, her eyes never leaving the mesmerizing dance of the elements around him. "Lead the way, Xu Qi,"

A while later, they found a quiet, secluded garden nestled within the folds of the mountain.

It was the place Xu Qi had discovered during his explorations these past few days whenever he was not spending his time in the training hall. A place with an abundance of primal elements but most of them were defiant, making the place a tranquil spot where the air was thick with the essence of nature.

As they stepped inside, the leaves of the ancient trees fluttered as though they were whispering secrets to the gentle breeze, and the flowers seemed to bloom with an extra vibrancy under Xu Qi and Xiao Yue's watchful gaze.

They found a stone bench beneath a blooming cherry blossom tree and decided to sit down on it.

"I've heard from Elder He," Xiao Yue began with a notable knowing smile, "Your reputation has changed."

Her words were as soft as the petals that floated around them but Xu Qi knew the weight they carried.

He was right. Elder He wouldn't just leave him in the wild. She'd keep an eye on him to monitor his progress.

"That seems to be the case but I'm only driven by my desire to surprise you... and Elder He," Xu Qi said, his voice carrying the same warmth as the sun that peeked through the cherry blossoms above them.

Xiao Yue's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned closer. "You've been stuck for years as a first stage Elemental Awakener. But the moment you switched to Elemental Whisperer, you managed to advance to the third stage this quick," she whispered, her breath fanning across his face. "How did you do it?"

"I've shown you what it can do, senior sister. I wasn't resonating with the primal elements anymore. I was coaxing them. Seducing them through words. Or in simple words, I've gained the Celestial Eloquence to bend them to my will, accomplishing such a feat."

Her eyes widened, and her full, pink lips parted slightly as she took in his explanation. Xu Qi felt a thrill run down his spine as he watched her, knowing that he was revealing a secret that could change everything.

If he was to be betrayed by Xiao Yue then he had nothing to blame but himself. But he was convinced that he was doing what he thought was right for him.

He couldn't tell the whole truth to Ling Lian yet but to Xiao Yue, she was the one who believed in his potential. She was the one who introduced him to Elder He, who had seen him at his weakest and had offered him a chance to rise.

Without Xiao Yue, he would be the same as the old Xu Qi.