Eloquent Ascent

"Was that Senior Sister Xiao Yue?" As he turned to his quarters, Xu Qi found Ling Lian standing against the door frame, a meaningful smile on her lips.

Ling Lian knew about his connection to the inner court disciple. She even asked him about the rumors she heard the night they encountered each other.

His benefactor as he claimed Xiao Yue to be. 

Xu Qi put on a wry smile. Even though he expected her to be back, he had no idea she would also witness them as they separated.

Having decided on how he was going to approach his relationships with women, Xu Qi nodded at Ling Lian and approached her.

His affection for this young woman was undeniable by now. But it's the same case with Xiao Yue. Upon calming his slightly fearful heart, he closed in and put on his usual expression.

He decided that if Ling Lian would ask him about his relationship with Xiao Yue, he'd tell her what she needed to know. There was no need to make an excuse.

His tongue and Celestial Eloquence may be powerful enough to charm even those higher in cultivation than him but for the women he deemed special to him, he'd be honest about his feelings.

"Yes, she found me to check on my progress." He answered with a nod.

"And she seemed pleased." Ling Lian smirked, hinting at how she noticed their closeness that was similarly intimate as them.

"Mhm. She's pleased that her favor didn't get wasted on me. I got over my slump and made rapid progress."

"Good for you,"

Ling Lian stared at him, seeing through his words. She sensed that Xu Qi would still answer her honestly if she asked more personal questions, especially regarding Xiao Yue. Not wanting to complicate their relationship, she decided to take a step back here.

They were both disciples pursuing the arduous path of cultivation. Unless it could be a problem, they could just deal with their created bond in their own way. Nothing needed to be demanded as they would both be busy cultivating. If they could find refuge in each other's arms when they're exhausted then that's what they're going to do.

Currently, the bond they created need not be stretched further. Because once a clear distinction was established, it would be difficult for both of them to navigate around it.

For Ling Lian, she didn't regret giving herself to him. And she knew Xu Qi also didn't take her for granted. He treated her with respect and kindness, which was more than she could ask for in their complex world. She valued the moments they shared and the comfort they brought each other. Not to mention, he was the reason she got through her bottleneck,

Using the same term Xu Qi used, he became her benefactor.

Xu Qi noticed the contemplation in Ling Lian's eyes but he didn't say anything. He instead replied as if the tension that hung in the air was nonexistent.

"Mhm. Now I just need to pass the Test of Competence and meet their expectations. What about you? What's the reaction of the elders to your breakthrough?"

"Heh. You should've seen their faces," Ling Lian replied as she waved her sleeves, sweeping away the unnecessary gloom, her eyes reflecting a bit of mischief, "Surprise would be an understatement. No one believed any of us at the fifth stage could breakthrough before the Test of Competence. The Elder looking after me wondered how I managed to get over the bottleneck. What do you think I told her?"

Xu Qi raised an eyebrow with a proud smile playing on his lips, "I can't even begin to guess."

Ling Lian giggled, her cheeks slightly tinged with pink. "Let's just say I didn't mention a certain someone whispering to my qi, stimulating my breakthrough."

With that, her sweet giggles broke the tension. The complicated thoughts swept away as the warmth of their recent union resonated in the air.

Xu Qi felt a strange mix of guilt and excitement, knowing that his unique abilities had brought him closer to both women, yet also aware of the potential consequences of his actions. He cleared his throat, trying to steer the conversation back to safer waters.

"Well, it's all thanks to your hard work and determination. Even without me, I doubt it will hinder you."

Ling Lian looked away shyly, her cheeks flushing even more.

"You're too modest, Xu Qi," She murmured. "Your whispers... they helped me more than you know. I was aware of my state yesterday. I still needed months of training before I could hope to break through that bottleneck. It was a crucial threshold in the Elemental Awakener Realm. The expected barrier when transitioning from the early to late stages of this realm."

"Alright. If it means that much to you, I'll be a man and take the credit for it." Xu Qi gave up being humble and pulled Ling Lian back in his embrace, a cheeky grin playing on his lips.

The young woman didn't resist as once again, she enjoyed Xu Qi's warmth.

They shared a light-hearted laugh before Ling Lian's tone grew serious again. "But Xu Qi, I may need to return to my quarters now. I didn't return last night…"

"Why sound serious, Sister Ling Lian? I understand. If we share the bed again, it won't take long before it breaks on us." He cheekily teased as his arms loosened around her.

Ling Lian blushed at the underlying meaning of his words that she almost sent a palm strike on his chest. But before Xu Qi could release her, he swiftly found her lips and placed a gentle kiss. It was a kiss filled with his genuine intentions.

Despite being the one at the higher stage, the young woman failed to react, leaving her chest in turmoil.

Nonetheless, Ling Lian's eyes fluttered shut, savoring the warmth of their connection, the whispers of their qi intertwining like a secret handshake that no one else could understand.

"You're becoming bolder, young man." She clicked her tongue, but her eyes betrayed her amusement.

"Only when it comes to you, Ling Lian." Xu Qi replied with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Besides, don't I plan to cling onto your leg? You're stuck with me now, whether you like it or not."

Ling Lian playfully slapped his chest, her eyes sparkling with amusement and affection, "I don't need a freeloader, so you have to earn your keep. Do your best, Xu Qi."

They shared a knowing smile before parting ways, Ling Lian retreating to her quarters. Xu Qi watched the seductive sway of her hips and back until she was out of sight, his heart feeling a peculiar mix of warmth and anticipation.

No strings attached? That can't be it. His ability will continue to get him entangled with different women but that doesn't mean he has to throw away the relationships he's built. Unless they asked for more, he's willing to keep things as they are. Friends with benefits? Perhaps, but he's more than that with Ling Lian. And Xiao Yue.

Before turning in the night. Xu Qi sat in a lotus position on his bed, cultivating his Celestial Eloquence drawing in more primal elements to him.