After the match, Xiao Xiao skipped across the stage, slime bouncing behind her like a jelly companion. Her tiny feet tapped the ground with joy, her arms swinging like a child who had just been given candy.
Master! she shouted, running up to Alex with sparkling eyes. I won! Did you see? I even forgot some of the words you taught me. They were too complicated to say it all. Next time I'll say everything properly, okay? She puffed her cheeks proudly, holding her slime up like a trophy. Alex stood frozen. He had been clenching his fists, holding his breath, half-expecting the worst. But here she was alive, victorious, adorable. One win, he muttered, dazed. I'm one win away from death.
Yue'er had been watching the whole match from nearby. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she replayed the scene in her head. Was she dancing or fighting?" she asked aloud. "And all those weird, cute little moves he taught her that? She turned slowly to look at Alex.
For the first time, she really looked at him. He was standing quietly, awkward as ever, fidgeting slightly as Xiao Xiao tugged at his robes. His face was soft, almost too soft for someone leading a sect. He wasn't dressed impressively. He didn't even feel like a cultivator. But the way he looked at his disciple with gentle eyes and quiet concern it made her heart thump once.
He's kind of handsome, she thought, catching herself. Then she blinked, snapping out of it as the announcement rang out again. A disciple from the Iron Fang Sect has lost! Xiao Xiao of the Black Something Sect is the winner! Next match: Azure Cloud Sect versus Fallen Blade Hall! Yue'er shook her head, collecting her thoughts, and walked toward Alex. Her steps were elegant, poised, but there was curiosity in her eyes. So she said, folding her arms, are you actually a real sect master?
Alex turned, startled. Uhh yes? I mean, I have a sect. Technically. Yue'er raised a brow. I was wondering what someone like you could possibly teach my sister. She's not exactly known for cultivating talent. She was about to be married off to a disciple from the Blue Phoenix Sect. The son of Elder Wei, to be exact.
Alex blinked. Married off? She nodded. It was an arrangement to merge our sects two birds with one cage. But now, since she's wandered off and joined your little ragged sect, they're here looking for her. She leaned in, smiling slightly. I don't know how you're going to solve that problem. Then she added, casually, Also, I love Xiao Xiao. If they kill you, I'll make sure she's taken care of. Alex's smile twitched. Thanks, he said weakly, that's reassuring.
I'm doomed, he thought. Deep down, he was screaming. Before he could say anything else, a group of cultivators from another sect marched up to them. Their robes were gleaming, pristine, embroidered with the sigil of a beast a proud wolf. The lead disciple sneered as he looked at Xiao Xiao. So this is where she ended up, he said. Alex stepped forward instinctively.
Do you know who this is?" the disciple spat. A coward. A failure. She couldn't even tame a basic wolf spirit for transport. Instead, she picked a slime. For fun. He scoffed. You must be the so-called master. Looks like trash breeds trash. Another disciple stepped forward, pointing at Xiao Xiao. That defective girl should've been cast out. I thought she died in the wilderness. But I guess even cowards have a way of surviving for a little while.
Alex's fists clenched, but before he could speak, he felt a tug on his back. Master, Xiao Xiao whispered, hiding behind him. Bad people. Bad people again. Xiao Xiao is scared. She clung to his robes like a child hiding from thunder. The disciples laughed. Enjoy your moment. She'll die in this tournament anyway.
Just then, the arena announcer's voice boomed again across the field. Next match Lin Feng of the Black Something Sect versus Bao Tian of the Violet Fang Sect! Report to the battle ring! The crowd turned their eyes again. Alex looked at Lin Feng, who was already cracking her neck and grinning like she was about to chew someone's bones. She turned to him with a smirk. Master, time to make some noise