Eloquent Ascent

"Perhaps," Xu Qi conceded with a grin, "but I've always found that the most unexpected paths lead to the most enlightening destinations."

Ling Lian rolled her eyes, not wanting to indulge him further, "The upcoming Test of Competence is on everyone's minds. How do you plan to pass it, Xu Qi? You said you've broken through but doesn't that only make you a 2nd stage Elemental Awakener? This is your last chance."

As Ling Lian said that, she remembered their group of disciples training together for their first 100 days in the sect. While Xu Qi remained unable to break through, she and the others had already gone past the 3rd stage of the Elemental Awakener Realm. One of them even managed to pass the Inner Court Trial. The Test of Competence is for weeding out useless outer court disciples. Xu Qi already failed twice in two years. If he failed to pass again, he'd be kicked out..."Sister Ling Lian need not worry about me, I have a plan," Xu Qi assured her, his voice a gentle stream of confidence. "It is indeed my last chance for the Test of Competence. But it won't be the end of the world if one fails. Nonetheless, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't preparing."

"Good then. I'd hate to see you go. You're diligent. If only you had a higher cultivation talent..." Ling Lian's voice trailed there, not wanting to say more.

She was a considerate young woman. While arrogance could be ingrained in others which made them ridicule and insult Xu Qi for not being able to progress in his cultivation, Ling Lian closed her mouth and did not poke where it hurt.

Truthfully, it wasn't really a secret that Xu Qi already tried a lot of things to advance. Alas, he always failed. It was like the heavens itself was preventing him from advancing.

Yet, here he was today, claiming to have finally broken through.

There was a floating rumor that he caught the interest of an inner court disciple and he had been seen taken away by her. Many believed he became a toy because of his looks but looking at him, Ling Lian thought otherwise. 'She must have given him something that facilitated his advancement. Lucky him. Maybe that's his fortune too.'

Not knowing what was running in the young woman's head, Xu Qi stepped forward and although he knew he was taking a gamble, he reached for Ling Lian's cheek, cupping it with his palm.

'I want to try if I can affect someone with Celestial Eloquence.' He thought but his heart raced at the possible failure and Ling Lian's retaliation if she noticed.

However, with how their conversation was going and his innate ability to charm a woman with his words, he also thought it was worth a try.

Opening his mouth, he let his qi coat his throat as he started speaking, "Ling Lian, I do appreciate your concern. If I fail, will you take me in?"

The question lingered in the air, filled with the same seductive power he had used to charm the elements. Xu Qi watched her closely, his eyes a calm pool of cerulean blue that seemed to hold secrets she hadn't even imagined.

Visibly, Ling Lian's face flushed a deeper shade of pink under his touch. Xu Qi had no idea if it was the effect of his Celestial Eloquence but Ling Lian didn't resist. Instead, she replied with a soft giggle, "Why would you ask that? Are you trying to latch on my leg and get under my skirt?"

Her voice was teasing but there was an underlying current of tension. Xu Qi's heart skipped a beat, his hand remained still, and his gaze never left hers. The words he whispered next were as soft as a lover's promise. "How will I dare to do that? You can beat me to a pulp, Ling Lian. But I think you're right in thinking that I was attempting to latch on your powerful leg."

"Shameless!" Ling Lian's voice was filled with playful accusations, yet she didn't push his hand away. Her eyes searched his as if looking for the hidden intentions behind his words. She could feel heat swelling from her whole body, her heart racing for him.

Xu Qi felt the energy in the air thicken. However, it was also at this point that he felt the limit of his use of Celestial Eloquence. A sharp pang of pain hit his head and his face suddenly paled, making his hand slide off of Ling Lian's face and dropping to his side.

Noticing the change in him, Ling Lian also awoke from whatever enchantment she came under. She didn't notice his influence in her though because it all felt natural.

"Xu Qi? What's wrong?" Concern was etched on her features as she saw him wince slightly. "Let me help you back to your quarters."

Without waiting for him to respond, Ling Lian looped her arm through his, supporting him as they walked back toward his quarters.

As his consciousness gradually faded, he could only utter words of gratitude to the young woman, "Thank you, Ling Lian. I've shown you a pathetic side of me."

"Geez. After making my heart race you're going to become like this. Here, take this Rejuvenating Pill and turn in for the night." After saying that, Ling Lian put a small pellet into his mouth.

Xu Qi took the pill gratefully, feeling the warmth spread through his body as he swallowed it

It was clear that Ling Lian had noticed his fatigue but had misinterpreted it as a simple case of overexertion. She wasn't wrong but she also had no idea that he had been using his Celestial Eloquence on her.

The effect of it was quite clear. While he could possibly charm someone with just words alone, Celestial Eloquence amplified that charm, making them unable to resist.

He couldn't help but think if it would also be effective with Xiao Yue.

But upon recalling their encounter, he hurriedly shook his head, burying that thought as if it was a sin.