[Age 15 - You've become the leading figure among the younger Cloud Knights. Whispers spread through Yuque - rumors claim you're destined to be the next Sword Champion. Yet louder voices question: "Should such honor truly be bestowed upon a short-lived species?"]
[Some argue Yuque might produce legendary figures comparable to the Cloud Quintet in centuries to come. Why rush the decision now?]
[The divination clans stubbornly oppose a short-lived Sword Champion. Even Yaoguang cannot override their objections. The matter remains unresolved]
"Absurd!"
A jade palm slammed the table, rattling the tea set. Rare anger colored Fu Xuan's features, frost settling between her brows.
"If my junior brother isn't worthy of being Sword Champion, then who is?"
"I'll make them see reason!"
Fu Xuan rose abruptly, intent on confronting her clan. As scions of Yuque's star-gazers, the Fu family held considerable influence - especially with a future Grand Diviner in their ranks.
"Senior Sister, don't." Anming gently grasped her sleeve. "I don't care about the title."
Fu Xuan's heart ached. Since losing his family at nine, Anming had matured into this painfully understanding youth. Only around her did glimpses of his former mischievous self surface.
"I only need Xuan-jie's belief."
Anming cared nothing for others' opinions. Praise or scorn meant little. Only Fu Xuan's trust mattered.
Warmth softened Fu Xuan's gaze as she clasped his hand. "Silly boy. When have I ever doubted you?"
"I know."
"Xuan-jie has always been kind."
Anming pushed a teacup toward her. "You shouldn't get so angry. It's bad for your health."
"Those vipers keep slandering you behind closed doors..." Fu Xuan sipped the tea and grimaced. "Bitter!"
"But didn't you say bitter tea is most authentic?" Anming chuckled. He never understood why his master and sister subjected themselves to this torture.
Fu Xuan propped her cheek lazily. "Junior Brother, fetch me something sweet. Master's brews could curdle milk."
Years of choking down bitter tea to maintain her dignified image had taken its toll. The memory alone made her tongue recoil.
The sword prodigy stood bewildered in the kitchen. Sweet tea? Could such a thing exist?
He boiled water with Yuque's candied dates and chestnuts, finishing with a drizzle of honey. The concoction resembled liquid amber.
"Senior Sister, your... sweet tea."
Fu Xuan's nose twitched. Her first tentative sip ignited childlike delight. "Genius! If I ever quit divination, we'll open a tea stall!"
She drained the cup despite its heat, extending it with pleading eyes. "Junior Brother..."
"Another cup coming right up."
"Are you treating me like a child?!" Crimson-cheeked, Fu Xuan turned away - yet accepted the refill.
"That old crone from the Li clan—"
"Enough!"
The playful punch sent Anming sprawling. Fu Xuan's concern melted into exasperation when she spotted his suppressed grin.
"Since when do martial artists faint from a diviner's tap?"
"Xuan-jie's fists carry celestial might!"
"Out!"
The door slammed. Anming leaned against a peach tree, chuckling at the moonlit courtyard.
Half an hour later, a head peeked out. Seeing him "shivering" under the tree, Fu Xuan burst into laughter.
Moonlight painted her face ethereal as she settled beside him, thick quilt enveloping them both.
"Xuan-jie."
"Expecting an apology?"
"You're beautiful."
"..."
Fu Xuan's ears burned crimson. Of all responses...!
"Preferable to praise my divination skills," she muttered, turning away.
"Those... pale next to Master's."
"You idiot!"
The last thing Anming saw was her dainty fist.
Dawn found Fu Xuan composed, though pink tinged her cheeks at breakfast. "Slept well under the stars?"
"Xuan-jie should take up martial arts. Deadly potential."
"Flattery won't save you." She hid a smile behind her sleeve. "Teach me the sweet tea recipe. I'll suffer insomnia without it in Luofu."
"Wherever you go, I'll brew it."
"Speaking of which..." Fu Xuan's eyes sparkled with sudden inspiration. "Junior Brother, how would you like to see Luofu?"