Ying and Shun had been lying in wait for half a year, but neither showed the slightest hint of impatience.
This was, after all, a long-term mission.
However, someone far away in the imperial palace was growing anxious.
“Little sis, another message from the Emperor. They’re asking about our progress. How should I respond?”
“Just say… everything is advancing steadily. We’ve established a stable observation outpost and are waiting for the right moment to achieve the set objective.”
After relaying her sister’s words, Shun sighed, “How long do you think Wu Hen can keep her patience?”
“Elder sister, you should say the Emperor. If you keep this up, one of these days you’re going to trip up and get punished.”
“Alright, alright~ I get it. Then, how long do you think the Emperor will last before losing her patience?”
“Hmm… The Emperor is very patient, as long as it doesn’t concern the Prime Minister. From what I know of Her Majesty, at most a year.”
“But the Emperor is busy with court matters and can’t leave. Plus, her status is sensitive. She won’t be able to come here in the next few years. Still, the longer this drags on, the greater our pressure.”
Hearing this, Shun originally wanted to complain, but suddenly thought of something, closed her mouth, and flopped back down, continuing to observe the happenings in that ordinary town…
Meanwhile, atop Sword Heaven Peak, Su Lingling was showing off her newly-learned swordsmanship to her Master and her elder sister.
One moment, her moves were soft as flowing water; the next, they turned as sharp as a blade.
Each sword form was smooth and seamless, yet their trajectories were utterly unpredictable.
On the side, Lin Muxue sat on a chair, seriously observing Su Lingling’s swordsmanship, nodding approvingly from time to time.
As for Su Qianqian… She had already given up and was sprawled limply in Lin Muxue’s arms.
Yes, that’s right.
Su Qianqian didn’t even know when it started, but being held in Lin Muxue’s lap like a doll had become a commonplace occurrence.
Not only Su Qianqian, even Su Lingling couldn’t recall when this habit subtly took root…
After finishing a set of sword techniques, Su Lingling elegantly sheathed her sword, looking expectantly toward Lin Muxue.
Lin Muxue didn’t hold back on praise and earnestly evaluated, “Lingling, your talent in swordsmanship is truly astonishing. You’re in no way inferior to me when I was your age.”
Hearing her Master’s compliment, Su Lingling shyly scratched the back of her head.
But after praising, Lin Muxue continued to point out Su Lingling’s flaws: “However, you’ve only been cultivating for a short while. There are still many issues. I’ll demonstrate and explain as I go; make sure you pay close attention.”
Su Lingling nodded vigorously, then walked to Lin Muxue’s side.
Lin Muxue then hooked Su Qianqian under the arms, skillfully stood up, and handed Su Qianqian over to Su Lingling…
With Su Qianqian wearing a helpless expression, Su Lingling accepted her, then sat in the seat Lin Muxue had just vacated, holding her sister’s waist and resting her chin atop Su Qianqian’s head.
“Lingling, I can stand on my own, you know. I can also sit by myself…”
“Aiya, since you’re not doing anything right now anyway, just let me hold you~ It’s comfortable for you to sit, and comfortable for me to hold you. Isn’t that great?”
“Uh…”
Su Qianqian still felt that being passed back and forth like a pillow was not normal, especially with this “handover” business.
But she’d already given up—whatever, let them be.
Besides, Lin Muxue hadn’t been doing anything inappropriate lately, so being held like this wasn’t so bad…
Su Qianqian was completely unaware of just how dangerous this subtle acclimatization could be.
Meanwhile, Lin Muxue was watching Su Qianqian, now thoroughly used to this, and was starting to consider whether she should take things a step further.
She’d studied a lot of “information” recently, and it was getting harder and harder to hold herself back…
“Mm—uh~”
“Eh? Sister, why did you just shudder? Did you catch a cold last night?”
“We’ve already reached Foundational Establishment. How could we possibly catch a cold~? I just suddenly had a bad feeling, but it passed in a flash. Maybe I imagined it?”
The two sisters didn’t chat for long before Lin Muxue began to demonstrate Su Lingling’s swordsmanship, explaining as she moved.
Very quickly, Su Lingling was completely engrossed.
Of course, for Su Qianqian, this was also a lesson of great value.
She listened attentively, sat up straight in Su Lingling’s embrace, and studied earnestly.
Under Lin Muxue’s detailed analysis and teaching, both sisters felt they had benefited immensely.
After finishing the demonstration, Lin Muxue glanced at the sky and reminded, “Aren’t you two heading down the mountain today? You’d better go soon, or it’ll get dark.”
“Okay! Then, Master, we’re off now!” Su Lingling replied energetically, standing up and heading toward the edge of Sword Heaven Peak.
“Su—Ling—ling—”
“What is it, Sister?”
“I can walk by myself. Put me down.”
“Oops, sorry, Sister, I forgot, ehe ( ✿＞◡❛)”
Soon, the two arrived at the cliffside, summoned their Flying Swords, leaped up onto them, and swiftly soared down the mountain!
“Woohoo—!”
Su Lingling loved this feeling of riding a sword, the wind whistling past her ears, hair flying behind her, and the freedom to race through the vast sky!
Watching her excited little sister up ahead, Su Qianqian truly hadn’t expected her to go wild the moment she took to the skies.
Recklessly speeding on a sword wasn’t a good habit…
But Su Lingling was a little unlucky this time, and happened to run into a patrolling Elder.
“Su Lingling, that’s not acceptable. I know you’re excited about reaching Foundational Establishment, but as the Sect Leader’s Disciple, you’re a role model for all the disciples. Look, how much faster are you than the Foundational Establishment disciple limit?”
“We’re all surprised at how quickly you advanced, but precisely because of your outstanding talent and your future responsibilities in the Sect, you should be more steady. I worry about you…”
“I’m sorry.”
“I understand…”
“It won’t happen again…”
The Elder lectured Su Lingling for a long time, scolding her while also encouraging her.
Su Lingling could only keep promising and apologizing, while Su Qianqian watched from the side, struggling to suppress her laughter.
“And Su Qianqian, as the elder sister, you should set an example for your little sister. You’re much steadier by nature, so you should guide her well. Both of you are the future pillars of the Sect. You know, there was a time in Tianwu Sect when they accepted two very talented brothers.”
“The older was steady and became quite accomplished, but the younger, being too indulgent, eventually… sigh, never mind. So you must also fulfill your duties as a good elder sister! And also…”
“Yes…”
“You’re absolutely right…”
“Yes, yes, I’ll pay attention in the future…”
Seeing her elder sister being lectured alongside her, Su Lingling felt oddly comforted…
“Alright, that’s enough. I see you’re heading to the town below, right? Off you go then, but remember to be careful next time.”
“Yes, we’ll definitely be more careful next time!” The sisters replied in unison.
On the road that followed, the two sisters exchanged a smile, then continued flying down the mountain at the prescribed speed…