Volume 3, Chapter 421 – After Graduation

Hearing this, Master Chen’s face went blank for a moment before quickly settling into a look of understanding. “So it really is the eldest miss…”

Chi Xiyan stepped forward and held out her hand to Chi Ning, who was half crouched on the ground.

Chi Ning looked at Chi Xiyan’s outstretched hand and froze slightly.

Then, his lips curled into a bitter smile. He knocked her hand aside with the hilt of his sword, stood up, and walked off the sparring platform.

Chi Xiyan watched his retreating back and continued, “Your swordsmanship isn’t weak. It’s the Chi Family Study Hall that’s held you back. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have won so easily.”

Master Chen, standing off to the side, heard this and his face filled with an odd expression.

Although what she’d said was true, saying it so bluntly left little room for him, the hall’s own master.

Chi Ning heard Chi Xiyan’s words and his steps faltered for a moment, but he still walked away without looking back.

Chi Xiyan turned to look at Master Chen and gave him an apologetic smile.

Master Chen didn’t have much else to say either.

He gave a light cough.

“That concludes today’s graduation examination.”

“In a moment, I’ll post everyone’s scores and rankings on the board.”

***

Chi Xiyan returned to the study hall and tidied up the things on her desk.

Suddenly, a faint breeze carrying a light fragrance swept in from behind her.

Before she could react, someone wrapped their arms around her waist from behind.

A soft, yielding sensation pressed against her back.

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Chi Xiyan didn’t move. She knew exactly who was behind her.

In this place, there was only one person who could approach her without a sound and act this brazenly with her.

“Congratulations on graduating, Little Xiyan!” Chi Muxue laughed softly against her ear.

“Starting today, Little Xiyan isn’t a student of the study hall anymore. She’s a pillar of the Chi family!”

Under normal circumstances, twelve was still too young to graduate from the Chi Family Study Hall.

But both Chi Ning and Chi Xiyan had already reached the peak of the Third Realm. There was nothing left for them to learn by staying in the hall.

So, at twelve, they were allowed to graduate early.

“Stop it.” Chi Xiyan pressed down on the hand that was misbehaving. “I’m still far from good enough.”

“Little Xiyan is saying that again.” Chi Muxue said, “Reaching the peak of the Third Realm in three years, that pace is already catching up to mine.”

“So, when will Little Xiyan reach the Fourth Realm? Then we can go train in the secret realm together.”

The Fourth Realm…

“I’m still far from the Fourth Realm.” Having said that, Chi Xiyan paused for a moment before asking, “What about you… What’s your current cultivation level?”

Starting two years ago, Chi Xiyan had lost the ability to see through this girl’s cultivation.

At first, she could still sense the fierce sword qi on this girl’s body. But later on, she couldn’t detect even a trace of her aura anymore.

Chi Xiyan didn’t know whether it was because this girl’s cultivation had grown too strong, or because she’d deliberately used some treasure to conceal her aura.

“Little Xiyan, prying into a girl’s secrets isn’t a good habit, you know.” Chi Muxue lightly poked Chi Xiyan’s cheek with a finger.

“But, if Little Xiyan really wants to know, I can give you a little hint!”

Chi Xiyan said nothing and simply listened quietly.

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Chi Muxue took a light breath and said mysteriously beside Chi Xiyan’s ear, “Actually, right now, I’m super amazing!”

“No matter what trouble Xiyan gets herself into from now on, I can always back you up!”

“…” Chi Xiyan stayed silent.

She’d never once doubted this girl’s talent, but it was obvious that the girl was simply teasing her right now.

“Get off.” She said.

Chi Muxue blinked in confusion. “What?”

“I said, get off my back.” Chi Xiyan pried her hands loose. “How many times have I told you? Clinging and pulling at me in public, where’s the dignity of an eldest miss in that!”

“Eh~!” Chi Muxue let out a wail. “But this is my rare relaxing time together with Little Xiyan.”

Chi Xiyan said irritably, “If people saw the future family head acting like this, with not a shred of dignity as a young master, who would ever obey you!”

“Eh…” Chi Muxue mumbled weakly, “I don’t even want that kind of dignity. Once Little Xiyan becomes Disciplinary Head, if anyone dares disobey me, I’ll just shout it out.”

“Close the doors! Let Xiyan through!”

“Let’s see who dares disobey me then.”

Thunk.

A flick landed square on Chi Muxue’s forehead.

“Ow, ow, ow!” She clutched her head, looking pitifully at Chi Xiyan.

“You’re getting more and more ridiculous!” A dark line hung over Chi Xiyan’s forehead. “You little brat, you’re asking for it, aren’t you!”

“Wah! Xiyan is such a mean woman! I’m reporting you to the Punishment Hall for domestic abuse!”

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Chi Muxue shrieked, and the two twelve year old girls tumbled into a scuffling mess in the study hall.

***

After about the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, the two girls stepped out of the hall together.

A fair number of people had already gathered in front of the notice board in the courtyard.

Chi Xiyan glanced at it and said, “Looks like Master Chen has already posted the scores.”

Chi Muxue’s face was full of curiosity. “Will Little Xiyan be first again this time?”

Chi Xiyan glanced at her. “What do you think?”

The two of them walked together to the front of the notice board.

Sure enough, Chi Xiyan’s name was written at the top of the list.

Seeing this, Chi Muxue praised her excitedly, “Eh, Little Xiyan is first! Two years in a row at the top, Xiyan really is amazing!”

Chi Xiyan looked at her excited profile, and something complicated stirred in her gaze.

Was this really something to be amazed at?

The girl in front of her was the same age as her, but her battlefield had long since moved beyond this small wooden board.

“I… I’m not as amazing as you.” She murmured under her breath.

“Oh! Second place is Chi Ning.” Chi Muxue moved her gaze to the second name.

Hearing her flat tone, Chi Ning, who was standing not far from them, gave a displeased cold snort and stormed off with a sweep of his sleeve.

“What’s wrong with him?” Chi Muxue asked, puzzled.

Chi Xiyan just smiled and offered no explanation.

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Anyone who’d spent two years as the perpetual runner up, with no chance of ever turning things around, would wear that same expression.

Once Chi Ning’s figure had vanished into the crowd, Chi Xiyan finally spoke. “I told him about your proposal from before.”

“Oh? And then?” Chi Muxue asked. “Did he agree?”

Chi Xiyan thought for a moment before saying, “He’s a smart person. He should be able to see the situation clearly.”

Although that boy was only twelve, the fact that he’d managed to stay hot on his heels of someone as overpowered as her for three years straight meant he wasn’t ordinary either.

“Then I’ll wait for your good news.” Chi Muxue waved her hand, not particularly concerned about it.

Bringing Chi Ning into her fold had been Chi Xiyan’s idea.

Aside from Chi Xiyan herself, who had backing behind her, Chi Ning held the highest standing in the entire Chi Family Study Hall.

“Xiyan, have you decided where you’re going after graduation?” Chi Muxue asked.

Chi Xiyan shook her head.

Once students of the Chi family graduated from the study hall, they could choose to go out and train, join another sect, or work directly under one of the Chi family’s enterprises.

Contributing their part to the family’s prosperity.

Chi Xiyan really hadn’t thought about it.

Traveling around wouldn’t be her choice.

There was only one reason she was staying here.

“I’d like to hear your opinion.” She said.

“Hmm…” Chi Muxue knit her fine brows and thought it over for a moment. “The family head has actually given me quite the difficult problem lately.”