My renewed understanding of the relationship between us troubled me. I was at a loss when I returned to our hall with the herbs and readied myself for lessons. How could I concentrate on my training if Bai Ye was no longer the same master to me like he had been all these past years?

I breathed deeply and tried to calm myself as I made my way to the garden. Bai Ye was already waiting, the look on his face solemn and collected. I took another deep breath. If he could switch so easily between the role of a master and a lover, I had to learn to do it as well.

He wasted no time getting to the point. “Have you noticed any changes recently when you use Twin Stars? Especially after the demon encounters at East Village.”

I tried to focus on his words instead of his voice, pushing all other thoughts out of my mind and recalling the feeling of Twin Stars in my hands. “It seems to have become … more malleable,” I said. “I used to feel more resistance applying my spiritual power through the blades, but in the past few days, it seems to have grown more susceptible to my power and is allowing for much smoother flow.”

He nodded. “You’ve strengthened the bond between its power and yours, which means you are ready to move onto the next stage of sword techniques: the materialization of spiritual power.”

I blinked. Power materialization was an advanced technique usually taught to disciples in their fourth or fifth year. With all the years I lagged in training, I didn’t think I could be ready for such a big leap.

“Your advancement in the past five years has been different from most others,” Bai Ye explained, seeing my puzzlement, “but that doesn’t mean it’s been stagnant. The slow progression helped you build a stronger foundation and gain finer control over your spiritual power. Now that Twin Stars has removed your final barrier, these advantages will start to show, and you will see clear improvements in no time.”

Something in me lit up. “Does that mean the bet I made with Zhong Yilan isn’t completely hopeless?”

His eyes darkened. “You will win, and the only thing you need to think about is what to make her do when she loses. That girl needs a lesson as much as the Gatekeeper’s daughter.”

There was danger in his tone, but I wasn’t afraid. I had finally learned by now that his fury only served those who meant me harm, as was the case with Chu Xi. I was grateful.

“Now watch closely.” He readied his sword. “Feel the power flow while I demonstrate.”

I didn’t need anyone to tell me to keep my eyes trained on Bai Ye. I had always loved watching his sword practice, but this was the first time I got to witness his power along with his moves, and nothing else in the world could possibly make me look away.

His sword moved, like a gleaming light piercing the air. A gentle pulse of power stirred along its trail, and I concentrated on the feeling of it, following it just as my eyes followed his movements. His blade drew a wide arc as power rippled forward and built up on its tip. With a final gush, a blinding flash of white light poured from the sword, and everything around us suddenly became too bright to see. The air crackled with overwhelming heat as if an invisible flame had just razed through.

I was dazed by the brightness. I knew this was only a tiny percentage of Bai Ye’s power, but even such a minuscule amount was an incredible sight with so much might, so much beauty.

This was the man I loved. This was the man who loved me.

“Qing-er … You can stop staring and try it yourself now.”

His voice shocked me out of my stupor. “I’m sorry, Master …” I knew I was getting distracted again, and I bit my lips hard, hoping that the pain would help me remember to concentrate. Then I readied my stance and mimicked what he just did.

My power flow was much steadier now after the trip, and I moved it in the same way I felt Bai Ye do it before, carefully controlling its strength and direction. Twin Stars obeyed my command, capturing the forces along its blades. When power filled the swords to the brim, I willed all my strength forward with the last push, and I felt a new form of energy dancing around me. The world dimmed for a moment, and I glimpsed a sparkle of starlight on the tip of the swords.

This was the materialization of my spiritual power?

The darkness fleeted, and the power on my blades faded quickly. I looked to Bai Ye for an answer.

“You succeeded on the first try,” he said with palpable pride. “The power of the swords resonated with yours and materialized in its physical form. You should now understand where Twin Stars got its name from.”

Starlight … Of course. And no wonder Bai Ye’s sword was named Lightbringer.

I gazed down at Twin Stars in delight. I succeeded on my first try of an advanced technique. I could finally prove myself now and live up to the name of Bai Ye’s disciple … And maybe one day, just maybe, I might even become strong enough to wield Twin Stars alongside Lightbringer.

“This is one of the most essential techniques in sword cultivation,” he continued. “The resonation creates stronger power than either yours or the weapon’s alone. With practice, you will also gain more control over its precise shape and form, but don’t rush it. A solid foundation is crucial to future advancements.”

I nodded, though I couldn’t hide my exhilaration. “How does my current progress compare to a typical disciple at my experience level?” I asked.

“Zhong Yilan is still your rival at the moment,” he said, knowing the real intent of my question, “but she will have no chance against you in a month. As long as you keep practicing … without distractions.”

His tone wasn’t irritated, but I still hoped I could dig a hole in the ground and bury myself in it. “I promise, Master …” I said in a barely audible mumble. “It won’t happen again …”

Though I had no idea if I was capable of keeping the promise.