Chapter 14 — A Prodigy
劍問蒼天 · Page 3 of 6
Zhang Qingyue was overjoyed. He nodded to her and hurried out with Lin Jinghong. In the great hall, only Qi Hao remained as a guest. Clad all in white, he cut a dashing and distinguished figure, and showed not the least sign of awkwardness. He looked over the disciples of Dazhu Peak one by one, and finally his gaze came to rest on Song Dayi. He cupped his hands and said with a smile, "This must be Senior Brother Song Dayi. We met once at the last great trial, I believe."
Song Dayi hastily returned the courtesy and said, "Senior Brother Qi has a fine memory, to remember even a defeated opponent like me."
At these words the disciples stirred in astonishment. Tian Lingsu, standing beside her mother, asked quietly, "Mother, was it really at his hands that Eldest Senior Brother was defeated?"
Su Wan nodded and lowered her voice. "Yes. Back then your eldest senior brother had managed to win two bouts in a row, and your father and I were overjoyed. Then in the third round he met this man and was beaten in a few exchanges."
Tian Lingsu stuck out her tongue and said, "Then he must be very formidable?"
Su Wan did not answer at once. She turned to look at her husband, and saw Tian Buhui sitting motionless, his face ashen. She could only shake her head and say, "Qi Hao's aptitude is indeed far above your eldest senior brother's. There was no trickery in that match. In particular, the immortal sword he wields, 'Cold Ice,' was forged from ten-thousand-year ice crystals of the far north and is exceedingly powerful. Your eldest senior brother is no match for him."
Just then Tian Buhui seemed to sense something and turned to look at Su Wan as well. Their eyes met, and each saw in the other's heart the words left unspoken: if only Dazhu Peak had such talent among its disciples, how wonderful that would be!
Below the dais, Qi Hao was chatting merrily with the disciples. Accomplished in cultivation and trusted by his masters, he often traveled the world and had seen much; moreover he was glib of tongue, his witty remarks falling like pearls, and for a time everyone felt drawn to him. Even Song Dayi, once defeated by him, had long since lost any hostility.
Amid a burst of laughter—Qi Hao had said some joke or other and set them all roaring—his gaze happened to fall on Tian Lingsu, who had stood behind Su Wan all this while, and then on the "Amber Crimson Silk" wound about her waist. His eyes lit up, and he smiled and said, "Could this young lady be the renowned Junior Sister Tian Lingsu?"
Tian Lingsu raised an eyebrow and said, "How do you know of me?"
Qi Hao smiled slightly, stepped forward a few paces, and looked at her. "Junior Sister Tian is but sixteen, yet your attainment in the Taiji Xuanqing Dao is already no small matter—this is known throughout the sect, and I have admired you for a long time. Seeing you today, I find the reputation well deserved."
Tian Lingsu blushed and said crossly, "You've never even seen me fight. How do you know my reputation is deserved?"
Qi Hao was taken aback for a moment, then laughed. "Junior Sister Tian is not only beautiful as a flower but keen of wit as well—you put this senior brother of yours to shame."
Tian Lingsu saw a tall, handsome figure standing before her and heard him praise her beauty. A sudden sweetness welled in her heart, but her face still wore a stern look as she said, "Always talking nonsense—what sort of senior brother are you? Have you no shame!"
Tian Buhui frowned, and Su Wan had already said, "Ling'er, that's no way to talk."