Adoptive Father: C05-2

Chapter 5.2: Mother

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This reaction was due to the target being the sparring partner of any student who no longer wished to practice their moves on their own. But unlike a true partner, the target’s sword had to always be kept in its scabbard. Thus, making them practically a practice dummy whose only allowable action was purely defensive.

_{“Jiangxue!”}This reaction was due to the target being the sparring partner of any student who no longer wished to practice their moves on their own. But unlike a true partner, the target’s sword had to always be kept in its scabbard. Thus, making them practically a practice dummy whose only allowable action was purely defensive.

“Jiangxue!”

_{That serenity drawn on Han Jiangxue’s features throughout their entire conversation frosted over upon hearing those words. “Di Wangchen. Mind your words,” he sneered, yet that man persisted.}
After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.

That serenity drawn on Han Jiangxue’s features throughout their entire conversation frosted over upon hearing those words. “Di Wangchen. Mind your words,” he sneered, yet that man persisted.

Han Xiling couldn’t help but carefully observe the features before him. Those thin lips, long lashes, and straight nose bridge had a charm about them. Those slightly furrowed brows of his made him appear so pitiable that Han Xiling felt the urge to place a kiss.

_{“Are you prepared for the next competition then? Even though the ones hosting it will be Beitang?”}
The two shared no words between them, and after Han Jiangxue was done, he sat alone beside the window. As he gazed outside with wandering thoughts, Han Xiling lay on the bed behind him, fast asleep.

“Are you prepared for the next competition then? Even though the ones hosting it will be Beitang?”

_{So all those bamboo and mahogany swords in his senior brother’s hands would send all their fierce attacks towards him, leaving all of his body battered and bruised. Despite being wooden, those swords were sharp enough to cause blackened bruises and welts, while his clothes were dirtied with chalk stains too.}“No.”

So all those bamboo and mahogany swords in his senior brother’s hands would send all their fierce attacks towards him, leaving all of his body battered and bruised. Despite being wooden, those swords were sharp enough to cause blackened bruises and welts, while his clothes were dirtied with chalk stains too.

_{Every now and again, when Han Xiling tossed and turned in his sleep, one could notice that slender and rаmrod-straight back of Han Jiangxue’s radiated a murderous aura. As if he had again become a blade.}
Every now and again, when Han Xiling tossed and turned in his sleep, one could notice that slender and rаmrod-straight back of Han Jiangxue’s radiated a murderous aura. As if he had again become a blade.

Every now and again, when Han Xiling tossed and turned in his sleep, one could notice that slender and rаmrod-straight back of Han Jiangxue’s radiated a murderous aura. As if he had again become a blade.

_{While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.}This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.

While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.

_{“You can see yourself out.”}
Following everything he saw today, Han Xiling, who never knew what it was like to be a part of a family, secretly felt grateful he was an orphan after witnessing a mother like that.

“You can see yourself out.”

_{“{You…}” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”}“Xue—”

“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”

_{“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”}When the night finally settled in, Han Xiling turned in early.

“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

_{Chapter 5.2: Mother}“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”

Chapter 5.2: Mother

_{This phrase always found its way into his mind every now and again. Its lingering presence made him unwittingly ponder the attack style of others while he found himself practicing the Zhanjian style of defence.}Han Xiling couldn’t help but carefully observe the features before him. Those thin lips, long lashes, and straight nose bridge had a charm about them. Those slightly furrowed brows of his made him appear so pitiable that Han Xiling felt the urge to place a kiss.

This phrase always found its way into his mind every now and again. Its lingering presence made him unwittingly ponder the attack style of others while he found himself practicing the Zhanjian style of defence.

_{As for that ring he was gifted, Han Xiling kept it close. He didn’t wear it openly on his body; neither did he use it to show off.}
Dusk approached, and with it came noisy murmurs from outside the bedroom, forcing Han Xiling awake. Creeping out of bed, he leaned against the window, peeping. It was Di Wangchen with Han Xiling, standing in the central hall. He wanted to sneak back into his bed but also wanted to hear what the two were saying. But while scratching his head in frustration, his thoughts were interrupted by that man’s voice.

As for that ring he was gifted, Han Xiling kept it close. He didn’t wear it openly on his body; neither did he use it to show off.

“Thank you for your concern, then. But is that what you think of me? Do I look that weak to you? Am I the kind of person who traded my body for every bit of recognition I have in your eyes? Is that how you see me?” Han Jiangxue’s body again resembled a blade, one primed to strike at any given moment. “Fortunately for you, there are many years of friendship shared between us. Otherwise, on this day, I would have honestly stabbed you to death with my blade.”

_{“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”}☆☆☆

“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”

_“Xue—”
“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.

“Xue—”

_{“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”}☆☆☆

“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

_{“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”}“Because I like him.”

“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”

_{“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”}
“Yes, she did,” a bitter smile tugged at Han Jiangxue’s lips, “and there was quite a commotion.”

“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”

_{“Because I like him.”}Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.

“Because I like him.”

_{This changed appearance of his made Han Xiling quite happy, mainly because he achieved his goal of growing taller than that adopted father of his.}The reason for his progress was almost due to nourishing meals prepared for him by Aunt Wu. Thanks to this, his figure grew stronger but also leaner. Gone was his baby fat that was now replaced by sharp and distinct features. Han Xiling had grown into a quintessential, tall, handsome, and stately young man.

This changed appearance of his made Han Xiling quite happy, mainly because he achieved his goal of growing taller than that adopted father of his.

_{“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”}
“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”

“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”

_{Now seeing that man diligently doing his jumping jacks before bed made him break out in a chuckle every now and then. He had no idea when that man had started jumping, but as of late, he hadn’t seen him grow so much as an inch.}Perhaps his time witnessing that man’s fight at the Xuanyuan Sect had left a deep impression on him because Han Xiling instinctively classified Han Jiangxue’s swordsmanship style as Xianjian. Never stopping his fierce attack, desperately and recklessly rushing forward was the type of sword art that man practised. So back then, he wanted to follow this attack-focused type of fighting—he had—but he kept recalling Lord Xuanyuan’s words.

Now seeing that man diligently doing his jumping jacks before bed made him break out in a chuckle every now and then. He had no idea when that man had started jumping, but as of late, he hadn’t seen him grow so much as an inch.

_{This was Han Xiling’s state at the beginning of his endeavours, and it remained that way for more than two years. But near the end of his third year of training, the scars once dotting his skin with reckless abandon lessened; even the chalk stains practically dying his uniform were reduced to just a few.}The second that thought blossomed, Han Xiling found the idea frightening. It scared him so much that he violently shook his head in an attempt to shake the thought itself away.

This was Han Xiling’s state at the beginning of his endeavours, and it remained that way for more than two years. But near the end of his third year of training, the scars once dotting his skin with reckless abandon lessened; even the chalk stains practically dying his uniform were reduced to just a few.

_{“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”}As he did every night, that man placed his hands on his hips as he squatted and hopped.

“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”

_{“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.}“Get out!” Han Jiangxue shot up from his seat and pointed to the door.

“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.

_“No.”“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”

“No.”

_{Since the day they fought with one another, it was rare for them ever to be this close.}This reaction was due to the target being the sparring partner of any student who no longer wished to practice their moves on their own. But unlike a true partner, the target’s sword had to always be kept in its scabbard. Thus, making them practically a practice dummy whose only allowable action was purely defensive.

Since the day they fought with one another, it was rare for them ever to be this close.

_{“Was all this really a mistake…”}Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

“Was all this really a mistake…”

_{Perhaps his time witnessing that man’s fight at the Xuanyuan Sect had left a deep impression on him because Han Xiling instinctively classified Han Jiangxue’s swordsmanship style as Xianjian. Never stopping his fierce attack, desperately and recklessly rushing forward was the type of sword art that man practised.}“Are you willing to be his scabbard?”

Perhaps his time witnessing that man’s fight at the Xuanyuan Sect had left a deep impression on him because Han Xiling instinctively classified Han Jiangxue’s swordsmanship style as Xianjian. Never stopping his fierce attack, desperately and recklessly rushing forward was the type of sword art that man practised. So back then, he wanted to follow this attack-focused type of fighting—he had—but he kept recalling Lord Xuanyuan’s words.

_{“Jiangxue!”}
“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

“Jiangxue!”

_{He inched closer a bit more, and at that exact moment, that man unconsciously rolled over, making them both seem as if they had embraced.}“Are you prepared for the next competition then? Even though the ones hosting it will be Beitang?”

He inched closer a bit more, and at that exact moment, that man unconsciously rolled over, making them both seem as if they had embraced.

_{“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”}So in order to become successful in his studies, Han Xiling volunteered himself to be the sparring “target” for his senior brothers. When he informed Diandian of this, the other boy’s fawn-like eyes spreаd so wide they resembled saucers.

“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”

_{“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”}“Xue—”

“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”

_☆☆☆
“This is how I’ve always been.”

☆☆☆

_{“Was all this really a mistake…”}He’ll die if he doesn’t fight? What the—what kind of insane thought process is that?!

“Was all this really a mistake…”

_{This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.}“Yes, she did,” a bitter smile tugged at Han Jiangxue’s lips, “and there was quite a commotion.”

This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.

_{“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”}“I said, get out!”

“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”

_{Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.}If there was one thing he understood well, it was that the only way he could gain true recognition was through his own strength.

Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.

_{From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.}
“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”

From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.

_{{That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this.} Han Xiling inwardly cursed.}“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”

That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

_{Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.}Madam Han left.

Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.

_{For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.}That serenity drawn on Han Jiangxue’s features throughout their entire conversation frosted over upon hearing those words. “Di Wangchen. Mind your words,” he sneered, yet that man persisted.

For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.

_{Something else that went unchanged was the strange ambiguity between them.}
“To live my life on my own terms.” There was a hint of sweetness in Han Jiangxue’s voice as he spoke.

Something else that went unchanged was the strange ambiguity between them.

_{The tranquillity in Han Jiangxue’s tone was poignant, so much so that it put Di Wangchen at a loss for words, and the air fell silent.}Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”

The tranquillity in Han Jiangxue’s tone was poignant, so much so that it put Di Wangchen at a loss for words, and the air fell silent.

_{After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.}For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.

After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.

_{“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.}Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”

“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.

_{Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.}That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.

_N/A
“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”

N/A

_{Madam Han left.}If there was one thing he understood well, it was that the only way he could gain true recognition was through his own strength.

Madam Han left.

_{“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”}
“If I put down my sword,” Han Jiangxue’s voice was serene as he answered, “I’ll die.”

“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”

_{Han Xiling wanted to tell him that he was no longer a little kid every time he heard it, but the dreamy look in that man’s eyes made it clear to him that his current self was not who that man was seeing. Instead, it was the “little pig” he held dearly in his heart.}This was Han Xiling’s state at the beginning of his endeavours, and it remained that way for more than two years. But near the end of his third year of training, the scars once dotting his skin with reckless abandon lessened; even the chalk stains practically dying his uniform were reduced to just a few.

Han Xiling wanted to tell him that he was no longer a little kid every time he heard it, but the dreamy look in that man’s eyes made it clear to him that his current self was not who that man was seeing. Instead, it was the “little pig” he held dearly in his heart.

He was now eighteen years of age and had been so long enough to take part in competitions himself. It was a necessary step for every Sword Apprentice wishing to make a name for themselves. Before he entered, several of his senior brothers had stepped onto this path and gained acclaim, some fame, and advanced from the lowest level Sword Apprentice to Swordsmen.

_{“How should I know?” A chuckle slipped from Han Jiangxue’s lips.}“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”

“How should I know?” A chuckle slipped from Han Jiangxue’s lips.

_{Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.}
He’ll die if he doesn’t fight? What the—what kind of insane thought process is that?!

Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.

_{“Yes. So spare me your concern.”}“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”

“Yes. So spare me your concern.”

_{“Are you willing to be his scabbard?”}
“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.

“Are you willing to be his scabbard?”

_{“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”}N/A

“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”

_{“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”}—he’s my adoptive father!

“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”

_{That man then turned away, going to the other side of the bed, where he lay down and reached over to hug Han Xiling by the waist before burying his face within his pillow.}
“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”

That man then turned away, going to the other side of the bed, where he lay down and reached over to hug Han Xiling by the waist before burying his face within his pillow.

_{“{You…}” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”}“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”

_{When the night finally settled in, Han Xiling turned in early.}
“But you have that beautiful young lady waiting for you at House Dongfang, do you not?”

When the night finally settled in, Han Xiling turned in early.

_{After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.}Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.

_{“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”}“Xue—”

“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”

_{But he’s…}
“Xue—”

But he’s…

_{“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”}“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”

“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

_{Not only did that man’s height remain unchanged, but his figure was exactly the same too. But even more than those, his obsession with sword fighting was very much the same. The trials for the competition were conducted between different regions, and the one who was always on top was Han Jiangxue.}“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

Not only did that man’s height remain unchanged, but his figure was exactly the same too. But even more than those, his obsession with sword fighting was very much the same. The trials for the competition were conducted between different regions, and the one who was always on top was Han Jiangxue.

_{“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”}
“Are you going to cut ties with her? To that young lady who is not only beautiful but quite charming as well, can you, who cannot live without a woman, simply let her go? She’s the perfect match for you, so don’t let such a good opportunity slip by.”

“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”

_{While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.}Whatever sleepiness there was had now completely departed from him, replaced by urgent and churning dеsire that made him want to hold and protect the man lying before him.

While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.

_{Han Xiling couldn’t help but carefully observe the features before him. Those thin lips, long lashes, and straight nose bridge had a charm about them. Those slightly furrowed brows of his made him appear so pitiable that Han Xiling felt the urge to place a kiss.}Han Xiling wanted to tell him that he was no longer a little kid every time he heard it, but the dreamy look in that man’s eyes made it clear to him that his current self was not who that man was seeing. Instead, it was the “little pig” he held dearly in his heart.

_{So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.}“If I put down my sword,” Han Jiangxue’s voice was serene as he answered, “I’ll die.”

So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.

_{Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.}Han Jiangxue still slept next to him every night, and still strоked his head while saying, “Go to sleep, little pig.”

Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.

_{He inched closer a bit more, and at that exact moment, that man unconsciously rolled over, making them both seem as if they had embraced.}
The tranquillity in Han Jiangxue’s tone was poignant, so much so that it put Di Wangchen at a loss for words, and the air fell silent.

He inched closer a bit more, and at that exact moment, that man unconsciously rolled over, making them both seem as if they had embraced.

_{As he did every night, that man placed his hands on his hips as he squatted and hopped.}There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

As he did every night, that man placed his hands on his hips as he squatted and hopped.

_{As for that ring he was gifted, Han Xiling kept it close. He didn’t wear it openly on his body; neither did he use it to show off.}There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.

As for that ring he was gifted, Han Xiling kept it close. He didn’t wear it openly on his body; neither did he use it to show off.

_{So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.}That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.

_{Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.}
A good while passed, a wry smile wrinkling Di Wangchen’s face as he spoke. “But… I like you. I just do. Do you know how I know?”

Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.

_{Dusk approached, and with it came noisy murmurs from outside the bedroom, forcing Han Xiling awake. Creeping out of bed, he leaned against the window, peeping.}As for that ring he was gifted, Han Xiling kept it close. He didn’t wear it openly on his body; neither did he use it to show off.

Dusk approached, and with it came noisy murmurs from outside the bedroom, forcing Han Xiling awake. Creeping out of bed, he leaned against the window, peeping. It was Di Wangchen with Han Xiling, standing in the central hall. He wanted to sneak back into his bed but also wanted to hear what the two were saying. But while scratching his head in frustration, his thoughts were interrupted by that man’s voice.

_{So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.}
“How should I know?” A chuckle slipped from Han Jiangxue’s lips.

So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.

_{From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.}That serenity drawn on Han Jiangxue’s features throughout their entire conversation frosted over upon hearing those words. “Di Wangchen. Mind your words,” he sneered, yet that man persisted.

_{For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.}
“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”

_{This changed appearance of his made Han Xiling quite happy, mainly because he achieved his goal of growing taller than that adopted father of his.}“Xue—”

This changed appearance of his made Han Xiling quite happy, mainly because he achieved his goal of growing taller than that adopted father of his.

_{As he did every night, Han Xiling secretly counted alongside the man until he stopped at two hundred as always.}Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.

As he did every night, Han Xiling secretly counted alongside the man until he stopped at two hundred as always.

_{“This is how I’ve always been.”}Something else that went unchanged was the strange ambiguity between them.

“This is how I’ve always been.”

_{Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.}For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.

Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

_{This changed appearance of his made Han Xiling quite happy, mainly because he achieved his goal of growing taller than that adopted father of his.}
That serenity drawn on Han Jiangxue’s features throughout their entire conversation frosted over upon hearing those words. “Di Wangchen. Mind your words,” he sneered, yet that man persisted.

This changed appearance of his made Han Xiling quite happy, mainly because he achieved his goal of growing taller than that adopted father of his.

_{“Yes. So spare me your concern.”}
“So what if he’s the head of House Xuanyuan? Do you think he won’t be salivating over a beauty like you like anyone else? Why do you think he invited you here? I even heard that he’s not as dignified as everyone thinks him to be. He also messes around with male—”

“Yes. So spare me your concern.”

_{“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”}This reaction was due to the target being the sparring partner of any student who no longer wished to practice their moves on their own. But unlike a true partner, the target’s sword had to always be kept in its scabbard. Thus, making them practically a practice dummy whose only allowable action was purely defensive.

“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”

_{“If I put down my sword,” Han Jiangxue’s voice was serene as he answered, “I’ll die.”}“Jiangxue…” Di Wangchen pleaded one last time, the helplessness in his tone apparent.

“If I put down my sword,” Han Jiangxue’s voice was serene as he answered, “I’ll die.”

_{“You can see yourself out.”}The two shared no words between them, and after Han Jiangxue was done, he sat alone beside the window. As he gazed outside with wandering thoughts, Han Xiling lay on the bed behind him, fast asleep.

“You can see yourself out.”

Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”

_{“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.}
“Jiangxue!”

“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.

_{“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”}Perhaps his time witnessing that man’s fight at the Xuanyuan Sect had left a deep impression on him because Han Xiling instinctively classified Han Jiangxue’s swordsmanship style as Xianjian. Never stopping his fierce attack, desperately and recklessly rushing forward was the type of sword art that man practised. So back then, he wanted to follow this attack-focused type of fighting—he had—but he kept recalling Lord Xuanyuan’s words.

“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

_{Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.}That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.

_{There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.}Dusk approached, and with it came noisy murmurs from outside the bedroom, forcing Han Xiling awake. Creeping out of bed, he leaned against the window, peeping. It was Di Wangchen with Han Xiling, standing in the central hall. He wanted to sneak back into his bed but also wanted to hear what the two were saying. But while scratching his head in frustration, his thoughts were interrupted by that man’s voice.

There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

_{Chapter 5.2: Mother}
“I said, get out!”

Chapter 5.2: Mother

_“No.”Dusk approached, and with it came noisy murmurs from outside the bedroom, forcing Han Xiling awake. Creeping out of bed, he leaned against the window, peeping. It was Di Wangchen with Han Xiling, standing in the central hall. He wanted to sneak back into his bed but also wanted to hear what the two were saying. But while scratching his head in frustration, his thoughts were interrupted by that man’s voice.

“No.”

_{As he did every night, Han Xiling secretly counted alongside the man until he stopped at two hundred as always.}
“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

As he did every night, Han Xiling secretly counted alongside the man until he stopped at two hundred as always.

_{“Thank you for your concern, then. But is that what you think of me? Do I look that weak to you? Am I the kind of person who traded my body for every bit of recognition I have in your eyes? Is that how you see me?” Han Jiangxue’s body again resembled a blade, one primed to strike at any given moment.}Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”

_{This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.}“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”

This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.

_{If there was one thing he understood well, it was that the only way he could gain true recognition was through his own strength.}
“Thank you for your concern, then. But is that what you think of me? Do I look that weak to you? Am I the kind of person who traded my body for every bit of recognition I have in your eyes? Is that how you see me?” Han Jiangxue’s body again resembled a blade, one primed to strike at any given moment. “Fortunately for you, there are many years of friendship shared between us. Otherwise, on this day, I would have honestly stabbed you to death with my blade.”

If there was one thing he understood well, it was that the only way he could gain true recognition was through his own strength.

_{“Thank you for your concern, then. But is that what you think of me? Do I look that weak to you? Am I the kind of person who traded my body for every bit of recognition I have in your eyes? Is that how you see me?” Han Jiangxue’s body again resembled a blade, one primed to strike at any given moment.}The second that thought blossomed, Han Xiling found the idea frightening. It scared him so much that he violently shook his head in an attempt to shake the thought itself away.

_{The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.}As he did every night, Han Xiling secretly counted alongside the man until he stopped at two hundred as always.

The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.

_{“Jiangxue!”}“Yes, she did,” a bitter smile tugged at Han Jiangxue’s lips, “and there was quite a commotion.”

“Jiangxue!”

_{After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.}
Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”

After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.

_{“Fine, then. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. May you achieve all your goals as a mеmber of the Xuanyuan Sect.”}Xingjian, Walking Sword, was a style of continuous movements with few pauses in between, prioritising uniformity and resilience. It focused on the attack.

“Fine, then. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. May you achieve all your goals as a mеmber of the Xuanyuan Sect.”

“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”

_{“To live my life on my own terms.” There was a hint of sweetness in Han Jiangxue’s voice as he spoke.}
“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”

“To live my life on my own terms.” There was a hint of sweetness in Han Jiangxue’s voice as he spoke.

_{Whatever sleepiness there was had now completely departed from him, replaced by urgent and churning dеsire that made him want to hold and protect the man lying before him.}Han Xiling's eyes trembled slightly. He didn’t so much as dare let out a stray breath, as he did his best to pretend to be sound asleep under that man’s gaze.

Whatever sleepiness there was had now completely departed from him, replaced by urgent and churning dеsire that made him want to hold and protect the man lying before him.

_{So in order to become successful in his studies, Han Xiling volunteered himself to be the sparring “target” for his senior brothers. When he informed Diandian of this, the other boy’s fawn-like eyes spreаd so wide they resembled saucers.}
“Are you prepared for the next competition then? Even though the ones hosting it will be Beitang?”

So in order to become successful in his studies, Han Xiling volunteered himself to be the sparring “target” for his senior brothers. When he informed Diandian of this, the other boy’s fawn-like eyes spreаd so wide they resembled saucers.

_{“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.}“Are you willing to be his scabbard?”

“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.

_{As he did every night, Han Xiling secretly counted alongside the man until he stopped at two hundred as always.}“Jiangxue!”

As he did every night, Han Xiling secretly counted alongside the man until he stopped at two hundred as always.

_{That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.}
“Yes. So spare me your concern.”

That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

_{“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”}
“Fine, then. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. May you achieve all your goals as a mеmber of the Xuanyuan Sect.”

“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”

_{After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.}“How should I know?” A chuckle slipped from Han Jiangxue’s lips.

After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.

_{Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.}Now seeing that man diligently doing his jumping jacks before bed made him break out in a chuckle every now and then. He had no idea when that man had started jumping, but as of late, he hadn’t seen him grow so much as an inch.

Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

_{There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.}For the past three years, he had won countless honours for the Xuanyuan Sect, and a natural result of his efforts was those scars upon his body increasing.

There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.

_{This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.}
“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”

This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.

_{That man then turned away, going to the other side of the bed, where he lay down and reached over to hug Han Xiling by the waist before burying his face within his pillow.}“Fine, then. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. May you achieve all your goals as a mеmber of the Xuanyuan Sect.”

That man then turned away, going to the other side of the bed, where he lay down and reached over to hug Han Xiling by the waist before burying his face within his pillow.

_{“How should I know?” A chuckle slipped from Han Jiangxue’s lips.}Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

“How should I know?” A chuckle slipped from Han Jiangxue’s lips.

_{“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”}N/A

“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”

_☆☆☆“You can see yourself out.”

☆☆☆

_{“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”}
“Jiangxue…” Di Wangchen pleaded one last time, the helplessness in his tone apparent.

“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

_“No.”That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

“No.”

_{{—he’s my adoptive father!}}Madam Han left.

—he’s my adoptive father!

_{Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.}Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.

Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.

_{Madam Han left.}
“You can see yourself out.”

Madam Han left.

_{Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.}“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.

Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.

☆☆☆

_{“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.}
When the night finally settled in, Han Xiling turned in early.

“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.

_{Every now and again, when Han Xiling tossed and turned in his sleep, one could notice that slender and rаmrod-straight back of Han Jiangxue’s radiated a murderous aura. As if he had again become a blade.}Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.

_☆☆☆
While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.

☆☆☆

_{That serenity drawn on Han Jiangxue’s features throughout their entire conversation frosted over upon hearing those words. “Di Wangchen. Mind your words,” he sneered, yet that man persisted.}“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

That serenity drawn on Han Jiangxue’s features throughout their entire conversation frosted over upon hearing those words. “Di Wangchen. Mind your words,” he sneered, yet that man persisted.

_{There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.}There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.

There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

_{There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.}☆☆☆

There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

_{{“Are you willing to be his scabbard?”}}There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

“Are you willing to be his scabbard?”

_{“This is how I’ve always been.”}This changed appearance of his made Han Xiling quite happy, mainly because he achieved his goal of growing taller than that adopted father of his.

“This is how I’ve always been.”

_{Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”}This was Han Xiling’s state at the beginning of his endeavours, and it remained that way for more than two years. But near the end of his third year of training, the scars once dotting his skin with reckless abandon lessened; even the chalk stains practically dying his uniform were reduced to just a few.

_{“I said, get out!”}
As he did every night, Han Xiling secretly counted alongside the man until he stopped at two hundred as always.

“I said, get out!”

_{Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.}He’ll die if he doesn’t fight? What the—what kind of insane thought process is that?!

Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.

_{“But you have that beautiful young lady waiting for you at House Dongfang, do you not?”}After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.

“But you have that beautiful young lady waiting for you at House Dongfang, do you not?”

_{Xingjian, Walking Sword, was a style of continuous movements with few pauses in between, prioritising uniformity and resilience. It focused on the attack.}
That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

Xingjian, Walking Sword, was a style of continuous movements with few pauses in between, prioritising uniformity and resilience. It focused on the attack.

_{“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”}Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.

“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”

_{For the past three years, he had won countless honours for the Xuanyuan Sect, and a natural result of his efforts was those scars upon his body increasing.}After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.

For the past three years, he had won countless honours for the Xuanyuan Sect, and a natural result of his efforts was those scars upon his body increasing.

_{While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.}“No.”

While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.

_“No.”He inched closer a bit more, and at that exact moment, that man unconsciously rolled over, making them both seem as if they had embraced.

“No.”

_{“But you have that beautiful young lady waiting for you at House Dongfang, do you not?”}
After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.

“But you have that beautiful young lady waiting for you at House Dongfang, do you not?”

_{Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.}N/A

Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.

_{This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.}There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.

_{This phrase always found its way into his mind every now and again. Its lingering presence made him unwittingly ponder the attack style of others while he found himself practicing the Zhanjian style of defence.}
Han Xiling's eyes trembled slightly. He didn’t so much as dare let out a stray breath, as he did his best to pretend to be sound asleep under that man’s gaze.

_{“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”}“Thank you for your concern, then. But is that what you think of me? Do I look that weak to you? Am I the kind of person who traded my body for every bit of recognition I have in your eyes? Is that how you see me?” Han Jiangxue’s body again resembled a blade, one primed to strike at any given moment. “Fortunately for you, there are many years of friendship shared between us. Otherwise, on this day, I would have honestly stabbed you to death with my blade.”

“Because even if Xuanyuan Wuji, himself, messes with you, I’d kill him as well.”

_{Madam Han left.}“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

Madam Han left.

_{The second that thought blossomed, Han Xiling found the idea frightening. It scared him so much that he violently shook his head in an attempt to shake the thought itself away.}
There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.

The second that thought blossomed, Han Xiling found the idea frightening. It scared him so much that he violently shook his head in an attempt to shake the thought itself away.

_{“To live my life on my own terms.” There was a hint of sweetness in Han Jiangxue’s voice as he spoke.}From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.

“To live my life on my own terms.” There was a hint of sweetness in Han Jiangxue’s voice as he spoke.

_{“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.}Dusk approached, and with it came noisy murmurs from outside the bedroom, forcing Han Xiling awake. Creeping out of bed, he leaned against the window, peeping. It was Di Wangchen with Han Xiling, standing in the central hall. He wanted to sneak back into his bed but also wanted to hear what the two were saying. But while scratching his head in frustration, his thoughts were interrupted by that man’s voice.

“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.

_{Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”}
That man then turned away, going to the other side of the bed, where he lay down and reached over to hug Han Xiling by the waist before burying his face within his pillow.

_{Han Jiangxue still slept next to him every night, and still strоked his head while saying, “Go to sleep, little pig.”}“Was all this really a mistake…”

Han Jiangxue still slept next to him every night, and still strоked his head while saying, “Go to sleep, little pig.”

_{“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”}“Get out!” Han Jiangxue shot up from his seat and pointed to the door.

“Xue, please. It’s only because I’m worried about you. You know this!”

_{For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.}Thus, after growing as big as he had, Han Xiling seriously devoted himself to the art of the sword for the first time.

Unable to resist the dеsire to get closer to him, Han Xiling reached over to rest his hand on that slender waist. Gently, he caressed the smooth skin below his palm. Slowly, he explored the curve of that slender waist. Han Jiangxue showed no sign of movement, but his breaths gradually grew rapid.

_{“You can see yourself out.”}Han Xiling wanted to tell him that he was no longer a little kid every time he heard it, but the dreamy look in that man’s eyes made it clear to him that his current self was not who that man was seeing. Instead, it was the “little pig” he held dearly in his heart.

“You can see yourself out.”

_{The two shared no words between them, and after Han Jiangxue was done, he sat alone beside the window. As he gazed outside with wandering thoughts, Han Xiling lay on the bed behind him, fast asleep.}
The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.

The two shared no words between them, and after Han Jiangxue was done, he sat alone beside the window. As he gazed outside with wandering thoughts, Han Xiling lay on the bed behind him, fast asleep.

_{{“Are you willing to be his scabbard?”}}“Are you going to cut ties with her? To that young lady who is not only beautiful but quite charming as well, can you, who cannot live without a woman, simply let her go? She’s the perfect match for you, so don’t let such a good opportunity slip by.”

“Are you willing to be his scabbard?”

_{Madam Han left.}So in order to become successful in his studies, Han Xiling volunteered himself to be the sparring “target” for his senior brothers. When he informed Diandian of this, the other boy’s fawn-like eyes spreаd so wide they resembled saucers.

Madam Han left.

_{“Get out!” Han Jiangxue shot up from his seat and pointed to the door.}
“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

“Get out!” Han Jiangxue shot up from his seat and pointed to the door.

_{“But you have that beautiful young lady waiting for you at House Dongfang, do you not?”}That man then turned away, going to the other side of the bed, where he lay down and reached over to hug Han Xiling by the waist before burying his face within his pillow.

“But you have that beautiful young lady waiting for you at House Dongfang, do you not?”

_{“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”}Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.

“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”

_{A good while passed, a wry smile wrinkling Di Wangchen’s face as he spoke. “But… I like you. I just do. Do you know how I know?”}
“Will I really be all alone forever?”

A good while passed, a wry smile wrinkling Di Wangchen’s face as he spoke. “But… I like you. I just do. Do you know how I know?”

_{Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.}Unable to resist the dеsire to get closer to him, Han Xiling reached over to rest his hand on that slender waist. Gently, he caressed the smooth skin below his palm. Slowly, he explored the curve of that slender waist. Han Jiangxue showed no sign of movement, but his breaths gradually grew rapid.

Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.

_{This was Han Xiling’s state at the beginning of his endeavours, and it remained that way for more than two years. But near the end of his third year of training, the scars once dotting his skin with reckless abandon lessened; even the chalk stains practically dying his uniform were reduced to just a few.}From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.

_{Dusk approached, and with it came noisy murmurs from outside the bedroom, forcing Han Xiling awake. Creeping out of bed, he leaned against the window, peeping.}Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.

_{“Will I really be all alone forever?”}
“Was all this really a mistake…”

“Will I really be all alone forever?”

_{This reaction was due to the target being the sparring partner of any student who no longer wished to practice their moves on their own. But unlike a true partner, the target’s sword had to always be kept in its scabbard. Thus, making them practically a practice dummy whose only allowable action was purely defensive.}Following everything he saw today, Han Xiling, who never knew what it was like to be a part of a family, secretly felt grateful he was an orphan after witnessing a mother like that.

_{“{You…}” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”}“If I put down my sword,” Han Jiangxue’s voice was serene as he answered, “I’ll die.”

“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”

_{The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.}
Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.

The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.

_{Unable to resist the dеsire to get closer to him, Han Xiling reached over to rest his hand on that slender waist. Gently, he caressed the smooth skin below his palm. Slowly, he explored the curve of that slender waist. Han Jiangxue showed no sign of movement, but his breaths gradually grew rapid.}So all those bamboo and mahogany swords in his senior brother’s hands would send all their fierce attacks towards him, leaving all of his body battered and bruised. Despite being wooden, those swords were sharp enough to cause blackened bruises and welts, while his clothes were dirtied with chalk stains too.

_{The two shared no words between them, and after Han Jiangxue was done, he sat alone beside the window. As he gazed outside with wandering thoughts, Han Xiling lay on the bed behind him, fast asleep.}The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.

The two shared no words between them, and after Han Jiangxue was done, he sat alone beside the window. As he gazed outside with wandering thoughts, Han Xiling lay on the bed behind him, fast asleep.

_{Unable to resist the dеsire to get closer to him, Han Xiling reached over to rest his hand on that slender waist. Gently, he caressed the smooth skin below his palm. Slowly, he explored the curve of that slender waist. Han Jiangxue showed no sign of movement, but his breaths gradually grew rapid.}In those three years, not only did his skill level change, but the young boy’s height also shot up like a weed. Even his once sparse body hair, for which he was ridiculed, grew thіcker and longer, making him no longer a target for such attacks.

_{He was now eighteen years of age and had been so long enough to take part in competitions himself. It was a necessary step for every Sword Apprentice wishing to make a name for themselves. Before he entered, several of his senior brothers had stepped onto this path and gained acclaim, some fame, and advanced from the lowest level Sword Apprentice to Swordsmen.}Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.

_{Han Jiangxue still slept next to him every night, and still strоked his head while saying, “Go to sleep, little pig.”}
Han Xiling couldn’t help but carefully observe the features before him. Those thin lips, long lashes, and straight nose bridge had a charm about them. Those slightly furrowed brows of his made him appear so pitiable that Han Xiling felt the urge to place a kiss.

Han Jiangxue still slept next to him every night, and still strоked his head while saying, “Go to sleep, little pig.”

_{“Are you going to cut ties with her? To that young lady who is not only beautiful but quite charming as well, can you, who cannot live without a woman, simply let her go? She’s the perfect match for you, so don’t let such a good opportunity slip by.”}After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.

“Are you going to cut ties with her? To that young lady who is not only beautiful but quite charming as well, can you, who cannot live without a woman, simply let her go? She’s the perfect match for you, so don’t let such a good opportunity slip by.”

_{{That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this.} Han Xiling inwardly cursed.}“But you have that beautiful young lady waiting for you at House Dongfang, do you not?”

That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

_{For the past three years, he had won countless honours for the Xuanyuan Sect, and a natural result of his efforts was those scars upon his body increasing.}“Because I like him.”

For the past three years, he had won countless honours for the Xuanyuan Sect, and a natural result of his efforts was those scars upon his body increasing.

_{“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”}
The second that thought blossomed, Han Xiling found the idea frightening. It scared him so much that he violently shook his head in an attempt to shake the thought itself away.

“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

_{The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.}Han Jiangxue still slept next to him every night, and still strоked his head while saying, “Go to sleep, little pig.”

The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.

_{“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”}Every now and again, when Han Xiling tossed and turned in his sleep, one could notice that slender and rаmrod-straight back of Han Jiangxue’s radiated a murderous aura. As if he had again become a blade.

“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

_N/APeace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

N/A

_{Han Xiling’s entire form froze, like a hаrdened rock. No part of him dared to move.}
Whatever sleepiness there was had now completely departed from him, replaced by urgent and churning dеsire that made him want to hold and protect the man lying before him.

Han Xiling’s entire form froze, like a hаrdened rock. No part of him dared to move.

_{Since the day they fought with one another, it was rare for them ever to be this close.}☆☆☆

Since the day they fought with one another, it was rare for them ever to be this close.

_{“I said, get out!”}“Are you willing to be his scabbard?”

“I said, get out!”

_{“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”}Xingjian, Walking Sword, was a style of continuous movements with few pauses in between, prioritising uniformity and resilience. It focused on the attack.

“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”

_{“Thank you for your concern, then. But is that what you think of me? Do I look that weak to you? Am I the kind of person who traded my body for every bit of recognition I have in your eyes? Is that how you see me?” Han Jiangxue’s body again resembled a blade, one primed to strike at any given moment.}Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.

_{Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.}
But he’s…

Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.

_N/AWhen the night finally settled in, Han Xiling turned in early.

N/A

_{“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”}The second that thought blossomed, Han Xiling found the idea frightening. It scared him so much that he violently shook his head in an attempt to shake the thought itself away.

“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”

_{“{You…}” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”}Unable to resist the dеsire to get closer to him, Han Xiling reached over to rest his hand on that slender waist. Gently, he caressed the smooth skin below his palm. Slowly, he explored the curve of that slender waist. Han Jiangxue showed no sign of movement, but his breaths gradually grew rapid.

“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”

_N/A“This is how I’ve always been.”

N/A

_{Thus, after growing as big as he had, Han Xiling seriously devoted himself to the art of the sword for the first time.}
—he’s my adoptive father!

Thus, after growing as big as he had, Han Xiling seriously devoted himself to the art of the sword for the first time.

_{“Will I really be all alone forever?”}“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

“Will I really be all alone forever?”

_{The tranquillity in Han Jiangxue’s tone was poignant, so much so that it put Di Wangchen at a loss for words, and the air fell silent.}Not only did that man’s height remain unchanged, but his figure was exactly the same too. But even more than those, his obsession with sword fighting was very much the same. The trials for the competition were conducted between different regions, and the one who was always on top was Han Jiangxue.

The tranquillity in Han Jiangxue’s tone was poignant, so much so that it put Di Wangchen at a loss for words, and the air fell silent.

_{For the past three years, he had won countless honours for the Xuanyuan Sect, and a natural result of his efforts was those scars upon his body increasing.}
Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.

For the past three years, he had won countless honours for the Xuanyuan Sect, and a natural result of his efforts was those scars upon his body increasing.

_{“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”}This changed appearance of his made Han Xiling quite happy, mainly because he achieved his goal of growing taller than that adopted father of his.

“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”

_{“This is how I’ve always been.”}
He inched closer a bit more, and at that exact moment, that man unconsciously rolled over, making them both seem as if they had embraced.

“This is how I’ve always been.”

_{“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”}So all those bamboo and mahogany swords in his senior brother’s hands would send all their fierce attacks towards him, leaving all of his body battered and bruised. Despite being wooden, those swords were sharp enough to cause blackened bruises and welts, while his clothes were dirtied with chalk stains too.

“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”

_{He was now eighteen years of age and had been so long enough to take part in competitions himself. It was a necessary step for every Sword Apprentice wishing to make a name for themselves. Before he entered, several of his senior brothers had stepped onto this path and gained acclaim, some fame, and advanced from the lowest level Sword Apprentice to Swordsmen.}“Are you going to cut ties with her? To that young lady who is not only beautiful but quite charming as well, can you, who cannot live without a woman, simply let her go? She’s the perfect match for you, so don’t let such a good opportunity slip by.”

_{There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.}Madam Han left.

There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

_{“I said, get out!”}“You…” Di Wangchen couldn’t help but sigh. “What is it then? What on earth is it that you want?”

“I said, get out!”

_{There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.}
Since the day they fought with one another, it was rare for them ever to be this close.

There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

_{“Yes. So spare me your concern.”}“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.

“Yes. So spare me your concern.”

_{There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.}“Jiangxue…” Di Wangchen pleaded one last time, the helplessness in his tone apparent.

There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

_{Han Xiling wanted to tell him that he was no longer a little kid every time he heard it, but the dreamy look in that man’s eyes made it clear to him that his current self was not who that man was seeing. Instead, it was the “little pig” he held dearly in his heart.}
Unable to resist the dеsire to get closer to him, Han Xiling reached over to rest his hand on that slender waist. Gently, he caressed the smooth skin below his palm. Slowly, he explored the curve of that slender waist. Han Jiangxue showed no sign of movement, but his breaths gradually grew rapid.

_{When the night finally settled in, Han Xiling turned in early.}The tranquillity in Han Jiangxue’s tone was poignant, so much so that it put Di Wangchen at a loss for words, and the air fell silent.

When the night finally settled in, Han Xiling turned in early.

_{“You can see yourself out.”}N/A

“You can see yourself out.”

_{Xingjian, Walking Sword, was a style of continuous movements with few pauses in between, prioritising uniformity and resilience. It focused on the attack.}“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”

Xingjian, Walking Sword, was a style of continuous movements with few pauses in between, prioritising uniformity and resilience. It focused on the attack.

_{Now seeing that man diligently doing his jumping jacks before bed made him break out in a chuckle every now and then. He had no idea when that man had started jumping, but as of late, he hadn’t seen him grow so much as an inch.}
Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.

_{“If I put down my sword,” Han Jiangxue’s voice was serene as he answered, “I’ll die.”}“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

“If I put down my sword,” Han Jiangxue’s voice was serene as he answered, “I’ll die.”

_{For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.}“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

_{“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”}
So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.

“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

_{In those three years, not only did his skill level change, but the young boy’s height also shot up like a weed. Even his once sparse body hair, for which he was ridiculed, grew thіcker and longer, making him no longer a target for such attacks.}“Fine, then. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. May you achieve all your goals as a mеmber of the Xuanyuan Sect.”

In those three years, not only did his skill level change, but the young boy’s height also shot up like a weed. Even his once sparse body hair, for which he was ridiculed, grew thіcker and longer, making him no longer a target for such attacks.

_{There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.}“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”

There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.

_{There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.}
For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.

There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.

_{“I said, get out!”}Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

“I said, get out!”

_{After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.}“But you have that beautiful young lady waiting for you at House Dongfang, do you not?”

After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.

_{“So what if he’s the head of House Xuanyuan? Do you think he won’t be salivating over a beauty like you like anyone else? Why do you think he invited you here? I even heard that he’s not as dignified as everyone thinks him to be. He also messes around with male—”}
From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.

“So what if he’s the head of House Xuanyuan? Do you think he won’t be salivating over a beauty like you like anyone else? Why do you think he invited you here? I even heard that he’s not as dignified as everyone thinks him to be. He also messes around with male—”

_{Han Xiling's eyes trembled slightly. He didn’t so much as dare let out a stray breath, as he did his best to pretend to be sound asleep under that man’s gaze.}Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”

Han Xiling's eyes trembled slightly. He didn’t so much as dare let out a stray breath, as he did his best to pretend to be sound asleep under that man’s gaze.

☆☆☆

_{This was Han Xiling’s state at the beginning of his endeavours, and it remained that way for more than two years. But near the end of his third year of training, the scars once dotting his skin with reckless abandon lessened; even the chalk stains practically dying his uniform were reduced to just a few.}
Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

_{This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.}Han Xiling's eyes trembled slightly. He didn’t so much as dare let out a stray breath, as he did his best to pretend to be sound asleep under that man’s gaze.

This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.

_“Xue—”“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

“Xue—”

_{“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”}“I said, get out!”

“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

_{This was Han Xiling’s state at the beginning of his endeavours, and it remained that way for more than two years. But near the end of his third year of training, the scars once dotting his skin with reckless abandon lessened; even the chalk stains practically dying his uniform were reduced to just a few.}As for that ring he was gifted, Han Xiling kept it close. He didn’t wear it openly on his body; neither did he use it to show off.

_{Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.}
As for that ring he was gifted, Han Xiling kept it close. He didn’t wear it openly on his body; neither did he use it to show off.

Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.

_{{He’ll die if he doesn’t fight? What the—what kind of insane thought process is that?!}}The second that thought blossomed, Han Xiling found the idea frightening. It scared him so much that he violently shook his head in an attempt to shake the thought itself away.

He’ll die if he doesn’t fight? What the—what kind of insane thought process is that?!

_{The reason for his progress was almost due to nourishing meals prepared for him by Aunt Wu. Thanks to this, his figure grew stronger but also leaner. Gone was his baby fat that was now replaced by sharp and distinct features. Han Xiling had grown into a quintessential, tall, handsome, and stately young man.}
If there was one thing he understood well, it was that the only way he could gain true recognition was through his own strength.

The reason for his progress was almost due to nourishing meals prepared for him by Aunt Wu. Thanks to this, his figure grew stronger but also leaner. Gone was his baby fat that was now replaced by sharp and distinct features. Han Xiling had grown into a quintessential, tall, handsome, and stately young man.

_{“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”}Every now and again, when Han Xiling tossed and turned in his sleep, one could notice that slender and rаmrod-straight back of Han Jiangxue’s radiated a murderous aura. As if he had again become a blade.

“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

_{The reason for his progress was almost due to nourishing meals prepared for him by Aunt Wu. Thanks to this, his figure grew stronger but also leaner. Gone was his baby fat that was now replaced by sharp and distinct features. Han Xiling had grown into a quintessential, tall, handsome, and stately young man.}When the night finally settled in, Han Xiling turned in early.

_{Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.}
Thus, after growing as big as he had, Han Xiling seriously devoted himself to the art of the sword for the first time.

Those calm words instantly shot a chill through Han Xiling’s heart.

_{If there was one thing he understood well, it was that the only way he could gain true recognition was through his own strength.}“I said, get out!”

If there was one thing he understood well, it was that the only way he could gain true recognition was through his own strength.

_{After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.}
There were two main styles of swordsmanship, which could generally be divided into Zhanjian and Xingjian.

After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.

_{Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.}“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

Not long afterwards, Han Jiangxue fell fast asleep on his back, leaving only his face turned towards Han Xiling.

_{“Jiangxue…” Di Wangchen pleaded one last time, the helplessness in his tone apparent.}
Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.

“Jiangxue…” Di Wangchen pleaded one last time, the helplessness in his tone apparent.

_☆☆☆Xingjian, Walking Sword, was a style of continuous movements with few pauses in between, prioritising uniformity and resilience. It focused on the attack.

☆☆☆

_{“Yes. So spare me your concern.”}“Are you going to cut ties with her? To that young lady who is not only beautiful but quite charming as well, can you, who cannot live without a woman, simply let her go? She’s the perfect match for you, so don’t let such a good opportunity slip by.”

“Yes. So spare me your concern.”

_{Thus, after growing as big as he had, Han Xiling seriously devoted himself to the art of the sword for the first time.}“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

Thus, after growing as big as he had, Han Xiling seriously devoted himself to the art of the sword for the first time.

_N/A
Xingjian, Walking Sword, was a style of continuous movements with few pauses in between, prioritising uniformity and resilience. It focused on the attack.

N/A

_{“Yes. So spare me your concern.”}From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.

“Yes. So spare me your concern.”

_{Unable to resist the dеsire to get closer to him, Han Xiling reached over to rest his hand on that slender waist. Gently, he caressed the smooth skin below his palm. Slowly, he explored the curve of that slender waist. Han Jiangxue showed no sign of movement, but his breaths gradually grew rapid.}He was now eighteen years of age and had been so long enough to take part in competitions himself. It was a necessary step for every Sword Apprentice wishing to make a name for themselves. Before he entered, several of his senior brothers had stepped onto this path and gained acclaim, some fame, and advanced from the lowest level Sword Apprentice to Swordsmen.

_{“Will I really be all alone forever?”}Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.

“Will I really be all alone forever?”

_{Dusk approached, and with it came noisy murmurs from outside the bedroom, forcing Han Xiling awake. Creeping out of bed, he leaned against the window, peeping.}
Perhaps his time witnessing that man’s fight at the Xuanyuan Sect had left a deep impression on him because Han Xiling instinctively classified Han Jiangxue’s swordsmanship style as Xianjian. Never stopping his fierce attack, desperately and recklessly rushing forward was the type of sword art that man practised. So back then, he wanted to follow this attack-focused type of fighting—he had—but he kept recalling Lord Xuanyuan’s words.

_{After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.}That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.

_{“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”}Han Jiangxue still slept next to him every night, and still strоked his head while saying, “Go to sleep, little pig.”

“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

_{Since the day they fought with one another, it was rare for them ever to be this close.}“Jiangxue!”

Since the day they fought with one another, it was rare for them ever to be this close.

_{“Yes, she did,” a bitter smile tugged at Han Jiangxue’s lips, “and there was quite a commotion.”}He’ll die if he doesn’t fight? What the—what kind of insane thought process is that?!

“Yes, she did,” a bitter smile tugged at Han Jiangxue’s lips, “and there was quite a commotion.”

_{“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”}
This phrase always found its way into his mind every now and again. Its lingering presence made him unwittingly ponder the attack style of others while he found himself practicing the Zhanjian style of defence.

“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”

_{“Jiangxue…” Di Wangchen pleaded one last time, the helplessness in his tone apparent.}For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.

“Jiangxue…” Di Wangchen pleaded one last time, the helplessness in his tone apparent.

_{“Fine, then. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. May you achieve all your goals as a mеmber of the Xuanyuan Sect.”}
So in order to become successful in his studies, Han Xiling volunteered himself to be the sparring “target” for his senior brothers. When he informed Diandian of this, the other boy’s fawn-like eyes spreаd so wide they resembled saucers.

“Fine, then. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. May you achieve all your goals as a mеmber of the Xuanyuan Sect.”

_{The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.}—he’s my adoptive father!

The silence again persisted as time slowly crept by, until muffled whispers were uttered beside him.

_{Every now and again, when Han Xiling tossed and turned in his sleep, one could notice that slender and rаmrod-straight back of Han Jiangxue’s radiated a murderous aura. As if he had again become a blade.}Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.

_☆☆☆Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

☆☆☆

_{As he did every night, that man placed his hands on his hips as he squatted and hopped.}
This reaction was due to the target being the sparring partner of any student who no longer wished to practice their moves on their own. But unlike a true partner, the target’s sword had to always be kept in its scabbard. Thus, making them practically a practice dummy whose only allowable action was purely defensive.

As he did every night, that man placed his hands on his hips as he squatted and hopped.

_{So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.}After hopping, that man simply stood in silence for a moment before he walked over to the bed and leaned over to look at Han Xiling.

So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.

_{Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.}
So all those bamboo and mahogany swords in his senior brother’s hands would send all their fierce attacks towards him, leaving all of his body battered and bruised. Despite being wooden, those swords were sharp enough to cause blackened bruises and welts, while his clothes were dirtied with chalk stains too.

Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

_{“You can see yourself out.”}“With not even your family liking that boy, why are you going through all this trouble to keep him?”

“You can see yourself out.”

_{“Because I like him.”}“Fine, then. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. May you achieve all your goals as a mеmber of the Xuanyuan Sect.”

“Because I like him.”

_☆☆☆Thus, after growing as big as he had, Han Xiling seriously devoted himself to the art of the sword for the first time.

☆☆☆

_{“Because I like him.”}
This was Han Xiling’s state at the beginning of his endeavours, and it remained that way for more than two years. But near the end of his third year of training, the scars once dotting his skin with reckless abandon lessened; even the chalk stains practically dying his uniform were reduced to just a few.

“Because I like him.”

_{“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.}That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.

_{This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.}So all those bamboo and mahogany swords in his senior brother’s hands would send all their fierce attacks towards him, leaving all of his body battered and bruised. Despite being wooden, those swords were sharp enough to cause blackened bruises and welts, while his clothes were dirtied with chalk stains too.

This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.

_{A good while passed, a wry smile wrinkling Di Wangchen’s face as he spoke. “But… I like you. I just do. Do you know how I know?”}N/A

A good while passed, a wry smile wrinkling Di Wangchen’s face as he spoke. “But… I like you. I just do. Do you know how I know?”

_{“If I put down my sword,” Han Jiangxue’s voice was serene as he answered, “I’ll die.”}
In those three years, not only did his skill level change, but the young boy’s height also shot up like a weed. Even his once sparse body hair, for which he was ridiculed, grew thіcker and longer, making him no longer a target for such attacks.

“If I put down my sword,” Han Jiangxue’s voice was serene as he answered, “I’ll die.”

_{“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”}The reason for his progress was almost due to nourishing meals prepared for him by Aunt Wu. Thanks to this, his figure grew stronger but also leaner. Gone was his baby fat that was now replaced by sharp and distinct features. Han Xiling had grown into a quintessential, tall, handsome, and stately young man.

“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

_{That man then turned away, going to the other side of the bed, where he lay down and reached over to hug Han Xiling by the waist before burying his face within his pillow.}“Jiangxue!”

That man then turned away, going to the other side of the bed, where he lay down and reached over to hug Han Xiling by the waist before burying his face within his pillow.

_{“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”}The tranquillity in Han Jiangxue’s tone was poignant, so much so that it put Di Wangchen at a loss for words, and the air fell silent.

“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

_{“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”}“Are you prepared for the next competition then? Even though the ones hosting it will be Beitang?”

“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

_{“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”}
The reason for his progress was almost due to nourishing meals prepared for him by Aunt Wu. Thanks to this, his figure grew stronger but also leaner. Gone was his baby fat that was now replaced by sharp and distinct features. Han Xiling had grown into a quintessential, tall, handsome, and stately young man.

“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”

_{“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”}“Get out!” Han Jiangxue shot up from his seat and pointed to the door.

“Xiling… Will I really bring you nothing but harm?”

_{“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.}The tranquillity in Han Jiangxue’s tone was poignant, so much so that it put Di Wangchen at a loss for words, and the air fell silent.

“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.

_{In those three years, not only did his skill level change, but the young boy’s height also shot up like a weed. Even his once sparse body hair, for which he was ridiculed, grew thіcker and longer, making him no longer a target for such attacks.}
This changed appearance of his made Han Xiling quite happy, mainly because he achieved his goal of growing taller than that adopted father of his.

_{While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.}For the first time in his life, his heart felt as though it would beat out of his chеst—his face was so flushed it burnt. But alongside this torrent of new feelings was a sweetness blossoming in his chеst.

While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.

_{“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”}Not only did that man’s height remain unchanged, but his figure was exactly the same too. But even more than those, his obsession with sword fighting was very much the same. The trials for the competition were conducted between different regions, and the one who was always on top was Han Jiangxue.

“Even so, it’s no one’s business but my own!”

_{Since the day they fought with one another, it was rare for them ever to be this close.}
Now seeing that man diligently doing his jumping jacks before bed made him break out in a chuckle every now and then. He had no idea when that man had started jumping, but as of late, he hadn’t seen him grow so much as an inch.

Since the day they fought with one another, it was rare for them ever to be this close.

_{In those three years, not only did his skill level change, but the young boy’s height also shot up like a weed. Even his once sparse body hair, for which he was ridiculed, grew thіcker and longer, making him no longer a target for such attacks.}“Jiangxue…” Di Wangchen pleaded one last time, the helplessness in his tone apparent.

_{Following everything he saw today, Han Xiling, who never knew what it was like to be a part of a family, secretly felt grateful he was an orphan after witnessing a mother like that.}Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

Following everything he saw today, Han Xiling, who never knew what it was like to be a part of a family, secretly felt grateful he was an orphan after witnessing a mother like that.

_{Whatever sleepiness there was had now completely departed from him, replaced by urgent and churning dеsire that made him want to hold and protect the man lying before him.}
Not only did that man’s height remain unchanged, but his figure was exactly the same too. But even more than those, his obsession with sword fighting was very much the same. The trials for the competition were conducted between different regions, and the one who was always on top was Han Jiangxue.

Whatever sleepiness there was had now completely departed from him, replaced by urgent and churning dеsire that made him want to hold and protect the man lying before him.

_{“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”}☆☆☆

“Thanks. You can have my well wishes too. May you swiftly return to the Dongfang Sect where that beauty of yours awaits.”

_{From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.}“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.

_{“This is how I’ve always been.”}“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.

“This is how I’ve always been.”

_{Following everything he saw today, Han Xiling, who never knew what it was like to be a part of a family, secretly felt grateful he was an orphan after witnessing a mother like that.}
For the past three years, he had won countless honours for the Xuanyuan Sect, and a natural result of his efforts was those scars upon his body increasing.

Following everything he saw today, Han Xiling, who never knew what it was like to be a part of a family, secretly felt grateful he was an orphan after witnessing a mother like that.

_{Following everything he saw today, Han Xiling, who never knew what it was like to be a part of a family, secretly felt grateful he was an orphan after witnessing a mother like that.}That man then turned away, going to the other side of the bed, where he lay down and reached over to hug Han Xiling by the waist before burying his face within his pillow.

Following everything he saw today, Han Xiling, who never knew what it was like to be a part of a family, secretly felt grateful he was an orphan after witnessing a mother like that.

_{“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”}Unable to resist the dеsire to get closer to him, Han Xiling reached over to rest his hand on that slender waist. Gently, he caressed the smooth skin below his palm. Slowly, he explored the curve of that slender waist. Han Jiangxue showed no sign of movement, but his breaths gradually grew rapid.

“I’m just worried about you, Jiangxue. If what happened to you before happens again, I—”

_{Han Xiling had no idea what to do past this point, so he went no further than hugging Han Jiangxue tіghtly and caressing his waist. On account of age, he had very little understanding of the details regarding such matters, so as far as he was concerned, hugging and kissing was all there was to it.}Han Xiling couldn’t help but carefully observe the features before him. Those thin lips, long lashes, and straight nose bridge had a charm about them. Those slightly furrowed brows of his made him appear so pitiable that Han Xiling felt the urge to place a kiss.

_{“Was all this really a mistake…”}
Something else that went unchanged was the strange ambiguity between them.

“Was all this really a mistake…”

_{“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.}Han Xiling wanted to tell him that he was no longer a little kid every time he heard it, but the dreamy look in that man’s eyes made it clear to him that his current self was not who that man was seeing. Instead, it was the “little pig” he held dearly in his heart.

“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.

_{“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”}☆☆☆

“Xue… Why are you acting like this? I’ve never known you to be so stubborn.”

Peace gradually became the norm in Han Xiling’s everyday life. Even his time at Qingmiao had become relatively stable thanks to Xuanyuan Diandian.

_{“You can see yourself out.”}This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.

“You can see yourself out.”

_{While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.}
Han Jiangxue still slept next to him every night, and still strоked his head while saying, “Go to sleep, little pig.”

While still on the border of sleep and wake, he heard when that man entered the room.

_{From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.}“To live my life on my own terms.” There was a hint of sweetness in Han Jiangxue’s voice as he spoke.

_{Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.}Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”

Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.

_{There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.}Zhanjian, Standing Sword, was a style focused on swift and nimble movements and calm and steady actions. It could be used for both going on the attack or defence.

There was nothing but silence for a while again, during which a hot tear fell on his cheek. The warm heart made his chеst tіghten.

_{The reason for his progress was almost due to nourishing meals prepared for him by Aunt Wu. Thanks to this, his figure grew stronger but also leaner. Gone was his baby fat that was now replaced by sharp and distinct features. Han Xiling had grown into a quintessential, tall, handsome, and stately young man.}The tranquillity in Han Jiangxue’s tone was poignant, so much so that it put Di Wangchen at a loss for words, and the air fell silent.

_“No.”
Han Xiling wanted to tell him that he was no longer a little kid every time he heard it, but the dreamy look in that man’s eyes made it clear to him that his current self was not who that man was seeing. Instead, it was the “little pig” he held dearly in his heart.

“No.”

_{Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.}This was Han Xiling’s state at the beginning of his endeavours, and it remained that way for more than two years. But near the end of his third year of training, the scars once dotting his skin with reckless abandon lessened; even the chalk stains practically dying his uniform were reduced to just a few.

Han Xiling inched closer, enough to hear that man’s soft and even breaths.

_“Xue—”When the night finally settled in, Han Xiling turned in early.

“Xue—”

_{“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”}“Xue—”

“So you want to keep fighting and living this reckless life? Don’t you ever plan on settling down? Don’t you wish to spend your days living peacefully? Do you?!”

_{Dusk approached, and with it came noisy murmurs from outside the bedroom, forcing Han Xiling awake. Creeping out of bed, he leaned against the window, peeping.}“No.”

_{“Yes, she did,” a bitter smile tugged at Han Jiangxue’s lips, “and there was quite a commotion.”}
This fact made Han Xiling a bit irked.

“Yes, she did,” a bitter smile tugged at Han Jiangxue’s lips, “and there was quite a commotion.”

_{Di Wangchen, again, couldn’t restrain the sigh that left him before he again tried to explain, “Jiangxue, it’s not pleasant to hear, but there are just some things that are destined and some that are not. So it doesn’t matter at all how hаrd you try because other people never look beyond the surface when they judge. All your efforts will ultimately be in vain.”}That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

_{So in order to become successful in his studies, Han Xiling volunteered himself to be the sparring “target” for his senior brothers. When he informed Diandian of this, the other boy’s fawn-like eyes spreаd so wide they resembled saucers.}From that night onwards, he had the sinking feeling that he was different from others, but he was unsure what exactly the reason might be. But despite that, those tendrils of unknown worries were a boundless longing for the future. He was eager—excessively eager to grow up.

_{The reason for his progress was almost due to nourishing meals prepared for him by Aunt Wu. Thanks to this, his figure grew stronger but also leaner. Gone was his baby fat that was now replaced by sharp and distinct features. Han Xiling had grown into a quintessential, tall, handsome, and stately young man.}“Yes, she did,” a bitter smile tugged at Han Jiangxue’s lips, “and there was quite a commotion.”

_{“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.}“I heard your mother came by today,” Di Wangchen sounded weary when he spoke.

“This won’t do. Come with me. Come with me to the Dongfang Sect. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here all on your own.

_{“How should I know?” A chuckle slipped from Han Jiangxue’s lips.}
He was now eighteen years of age and had been so long enough to take part in competitions himself. It was a necessary step for every Sword Apprentice wishing to make a name for themselves. Before he entered, several of his senior brothers had stepped onto this path and gained acclaim, some fame, and advanced from the lowest level Sword Apprentice to Swordsmen.

“How should I know?” A chuckle slipped from Han Jiangxue’s lips.

_{{That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this.} Han Xiling inwardly cursed.}So, like this, the flυstered Han Xiling grasped Han Jiangxue’s waist and dared not move his hands any lower.

That injured shoulder of his must probably still hurt, yet he’s still tormenting himself like this. Han Xiling inwardly cursed.

_{After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.}He’ll die if he doesn’t fight? What the—what kind of insane thought process is that?!

After the woman was gone, Han Jiangxue personally tended to Han Xiling’s wounds.

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Updated on a Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C05-2

Chapter 5.2: Mother

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