Chapter 27 — Self-Esteem
劍問蒼天 · Page 3 of 8
Zeng Shuyan gave him another look or two, assumed he was fretting about tomorrow's match, and walked over with a smile to clap him on the shoulder. "Don't worry. I've already spoken with Senior Brother Peng. Tomorrow he won't hit you too hard, and he'll let you lose with some dignity, so you can give your master and mistress a proper accounting."
Zhang Qingyue looked distracted, but he nodded anyway. "Oh. Thank you."
The two walked on a few more steps. Zeng Shuyan was busy studying Little Grey in his arms, while Zhang Qingyue seemed weighed down with thoughts, silent and withdrawn. After a while Little Grey apparently could endure Zeng Shuyan's inhuman gaze no longer. It gave a few angry cries and swiped at him with its claws. Zeng Shuyan, seeing how docile Little Grey had been all this time, had let down his guard, and was caught off guard by the ambush. This time he truly couldn't dodge; a few scratches appeared at once on his fair, clean face, and the pain made him let go.
Free again, Little Grey leapt for joy—but instead of returning to Zhang Qingyue, it darted to the ground and raced forward. Three bounds and two leaps brought it to a pair of people coming toward them, and with a "swoosh" it sprang onto one of them.
Zhang Qingyue was startled. He looked up and saw a young woman standing amid the drifting white clouds, her smile like a flower, her garments stirring lightly, a crimson silk sash at her waist—pure and lovely beyond compare. It was Tian Lingsu. Joy surged through his heart, and he was about to speak when suddenly his blood ran cold, chilling him to the depths of his heart. Beside Tian Lingsu stood a graceful, elegant man, handsome and distinguished—and who else could it be but Qi Hao?
Tian Lingsu was startled too. On ordinary days Little Grey clung only to Zhang Qingyue; she had never expected it to change temperament today and fawn on her instead. It was a great surprise. In truth, she was rather fond of this clever little monkey, and she stroked Little Grey and called out with a smile, "Xiaofan, what are you doing here?"
Zhang Qingyue's face was blank. He said quietly, "A friend and I came out for a walk."
Qi Hao, standing beside Tian Lingsu, glanced at Zeng Shuyan, the corners of his mouth turning up. He cupped his hands and said, "Junior Brother Zeng, we meet again."
Zeng: "Senior Brother Qi. Hello."
Tian Lingsu looked between them in surprise. "You two know each other?"
Qi Hao smiled. "Junior Brother Zeng is the beloved son of Uncle Zeng of the Fenghui Peak. His family learning runs deep, his cultivation is profound—he's a formidable rival for us in this Sevenfold Convergence."
Zeng: "Senior Brother Qi, your name resounds throughout Qingyun. Among the young disciples of the Canglan sect, you are naturally held foremost. How would I dare be so bold?"
Qi Hao laughed heartily. "Junior Brother Zeng flatters me far too much. I couldn't possibly deserve it, couldn't possibly."
Tian Lingsu noticed something strange in Zhang Qingyue's expression and came over. "Xiaofan, what's wrong?"
Zhang Qingyue shook his head. "Senior Sister, tomorrow you're to fight Xueqi of the Xiaozhu Peak. You must be careful!"
Tian Lingsu smiled faintly and glanced over at Qi Hao, who smiled and said nothing. She returned his smile, then turned back to Zhang Qingyue. "I know. As it happens, Senior Brother Qi's cultivation is deep and he's a warm-hearted person. Since we get along so well, he made a point of asking me out to give me some pointers on tomorrow's match."
Zhang Qingyue lowered his head. After a long while he said, his voice rough, "Senior Sister, tomorrow I happen to be fighting Senior Brother Peng of the Fenghui Peak at the same time, so I won't be able to cheer you on. Be careful!"