The morning sun spilled softly over the forest clearing. Today was the day.
Qi Jue and Fei Yue stood—well, floated—side by side, arms folded and eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Alright, you two lovebirds," Qi Jue announced, "today's the test. Let's see if you've actually learned something."
Chu Xiyue and Ye Mingzhi looked at each other. The moment hung in the air like a held breath. Both knew what was coming.
With a shared nod, they stepped into the sparring ring. Swords drawn. Spirits focused.
The two sword spirits, meanwhile, flopped under a tree with snacks in hand, treating this like a performance worth front-row seat.
"Ready when you are," Fei Yue yawned, stretching.
Qi Jue threw a grape in her mouth. "Let the trial begin!"
Chu Xiyue and Ye Mingzhi launched at each other like twin comets. Blades clashed, echoing through the trees in sharp rings. Water rippled from their footwork; wind stirred from their strikes. Each used the unique techniques they had trained for—Chu Xiyue's refined precision, Ye Mingzhi's moon-wind fluidity.
"You're slower than usual, sweetheart," Ye Mingzhi teased between dodges. "Or are you just distracted by my handsome face?"
Chu Xiyue turned scarlet. "Shut up and take this!"
Their clash continued, energy building with every step. To any outsider, it was a fierce battle—but beneath every strike, there was trust, rhythm, and something more tender. It was like a dance of steel and emotion.
Eventually, both stumbled to a breathless stop, out of energy but not out of smiles.
Chu Xiyue crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks. "Hmph. I liked seeing you take this seriously."
She turned to walk away, tossing over her shoulder: "I'm going for a bath. Don't follow me!"
Ye Mingzhi just blinked, dazed by the whirlwind she left behind.
Under the tree, Qi Jue grinned. "So… when's the wedding? I want to wear a really cute dress."
Fei Yue snorted. "And I'm bringing fireworks."
Both of their masters flushed red on cue and promptly walked off in opposite directions.
Later that evening, under a moonlit sky, the spirits remained seated under their favorite tree.
Qi Jue rested her chin on her knees, staring at the stars.
"…Yue Yue," she said quietly, "do you think they're… getting too close?"
Fei Yue raised a brow. "You mean—falling in love?"
Qi Jue nodded. "It's sweet. But… love can be distracting. What if they lose sight of why they started training?"
Fei Yue was silent for a long moment.
"Let them have this," she finally said. "But if it goes too far—if they forget their path—I'll step in. Separate them for a few days."
Qi Jue blinked. "You'd really do that?"
Fei Yue sighed. "They're young. But the world isn't kind to those who hesitate. We're not just swords anymore. We're their guides."
"…We're growing up too, huh?"
Fei Yue smirked. "Took you long enough."
They both laughed—two ancient spirits watching over two blooming hearts, knowing full well the battles ahead… and ready to face them together.