Fairy, Don't Be Afraid, I Am Blind

Lotus Peak, under the ginkgo tree.

You Su and Ji Lingruo had just finished their swordsmanship sparring, using real swords this time—Mo Song Sword and Mu Yan Sword—instead of wooden ones.

You Su sheathed his sword, his eyes showing approval; Ji Lingruo, on the other hand, appeared listless and despondent.

Even though she had been practicing diligently, why couldn’t she land a hit on her senior brother?

This stirred some self-doubt within her.

The sunlight filtered through the withered branches, casting mottled shadows. Only a few solitary leaves remained on the old ginkgo, while the grass below was already covered in a layer of golden leaves, soft and rustling underfoot.

The cold wind swept by, blowing down the last of the leaves.

Seeing this scene made Ji Lingruo even more sorrowful, while You Su casually caught a freshly fallen leaf, brought it to his nose to inhale deeply, and showed a look of intoxication.

Instead of directly commenting on the girl’s swordsmanship, he asked:

"Junior Sister, don’t you think this ginkgo leaf smells especially sweet?"

Ji Lingruo imitated him, picking up a leaf from the ground and bringing it to her nose, puzzled:

"Isn’t it just the usual faint fragrance? What’s so special?"

You Su smirked playfully and handed over the leaf he held, "The leaf you picked fell earlier. You need to smell today’s fallen leaf to notice the difference."

Ji Lingruo was puzzled, she took You Su’s leaf and sniffed, but still couldn’t tell the difference:

"Aren’t they from the same tree? What’s the difference?"

"Not quite, the earlier fallen leaves were nourished by mountain spring rainwater, so the scent is naturally mild. But today’s fallen leaf drank from..."

You Su didn’t finish saying "Holy Water" before Ji Lingruo, with her eyebrows raised, blushing with shame and indignation, quickly silenced him by covering his mouth.

"Stop talking!"

Ji Lingruo felt annoyed recalling the absurd events under the tree yesterday.

No wonder this blind guy kept retreating and chose this spot to finish the fight! He must be deliberately mocking me!

The thrill of almost being exposed in daylight yesterday sent a tingling sensation like an electric current through Ji Lingruo.

"You knew Senior Sister was not here and teased me on purpose! I won’t talk to you anymore!"

Ji Lingruo crossed her arms and turned away, her cheeks puffed with annoyance.

Actually, she had said the same thing after realizing the truth yesterday, but the day-long joy made her forget her anger.

Today, despite knowing she was in a bad mood after losing, her Senior Brother dared to tease her again; she couldn’t forgive this blind guy easily.

You Su quickly moved closer, shoulder to shoulder with the young lady, who moved aside in disgust, only for him to ingratiatingly move closer again.

"You’re like a plaster, impossible to shake off." Ji Lingruo glared at You Su sideways.

"Don’t be mad, Junior Sister, listen to me first."

You Su took the Mu Yan Sword from Ji Lingruo’s hand, drew it out, and looked at it.

This indeed was an extraordinary sword, both in craftsmanship and material. But it was too cultured or rather too ornamental, making the blade too regular, resulting in a slightly cumbersome state, not suitable for someone with Ji Lingruo’s physique.

"Junior Sister has already gained considerable proficiency in the Yuan Sword, incomparable with Chuyun City; therefore, Junior Sister mustn’t belittle herself."

"So you mean I was terrible when practicing in Chuyun City?"

The girl’s skill in nitpicking when angry would automatically reach its peak.

"No, it was good then, but now it’s even better."

Ji Lingruo raised her eyebrows, "Always flattering, it’s because you’re always like this, I’m not making progress."

Though she spoke harshly, she knew in her heart that she had indeed improved, and this significant progress came from the teachings of the Lotus Sword Venerable.

He Shutong was a genuine Yuan Sword Inheritor, extremely insightful, and had imparted all her knowledge, allowing Ji Lingruo’s skill in Yuan Sword to naturally rise.

However, Swordsmanship is two parts learned, three parts practiced, and five parts understood, thus Ji Lingruo’s innate talent in Sword Dao is undoubtedly commendable.

Yet she was really indignant, why couldn’t she beat You Su?

"Then tell me, why can’t I beat you?"

Finally, You Su found the right moment to speak, "Last time, during our match in Junior Sister’s room..."

"If you’re going to say something lewd, I won’t really talk to you again!"

Ji Lingruo interrupted You Su mercilessly.

She remembered that scene of sparring with You Su in the room last time. This guy actually used the pretext of sparring to undress her nightgown, truly too much.

"Absolutely not, I’m serious," You Su chuckled awkwardly, continuing, "Last time, I mentioned Junior Sister’s lack of combat experience, sticking to the book without adaptability. Today, when you used your sword, your instinct had already dominated, even using moves I hadn’t thought could be applied that way. It shows that Junior Sister’s understanding of the Yuan Sword has surpassed mine."

This statement was true; Ji Lingruo followed her instincts while wielding the sword, comprehending the Yuan Sword’s strategic maneuvers, and integrating the Snake Race’s agility, making the Yuan Sword even more unpredictable.

"It’s a sword for women to practice; is surpassing you, a man, something to be proud of?"

Ji Lingruo pouted, yet her heart bloomed with joy at You Su’s affirmation.

"Junior Sister’s Yuan Sword was taught by me. Now that your understanding has surpassed mine, what does that mean?"

Ji Lingruo’s beautiful eyes lit up, "It means I’ve become a master!"

You Su also showed a pleased smile, pinching the young lady’s rosy cheek:

"Exactly."

With their Senior Sister not at home, You Su dared to be more intimate in his actions.