Chapter Twelve: What Have You Done to Me?

“Chu Yao of the South Gate, during the assessment in Willow City, I lost to you once; today, I will reclaim my honor!” Duan Luoyun’s voice was cold and carried a hint of stubborn resolve.

After their meditation, as Bai Jingyan and Chu Yao were about to return to their quarters to continue their cultivation, a voice came from behind.

Chu Yao looked at Duan Luoyun with a faint smile. “Fellow Daoist Duan, victories and defeats are common. Why be so obsessed?”

Duan Luoyun snorted coldly, a flash of anger in her eyes. “Enough with the nonsense! Today, we will settle this on the martial stage and see who is the true genius!”

Chu Yao shook her head, knowing Duan Luoyun’s pride and ambition well. If she didn’t face her in combat today, her restless heart would not find peace. She nodded lightly and said, “If that is so, then please, fellow Daoist, grant me your instruction.”

Permission from an Outer Sect Elder was required to ascend the martial stage. By the time they received the seal of approval from Wu Yaoqing, it was already noon.

The martial stage was surrounded by disciples eager to watch. The crowd buzzed with anticipation. Duan Luoyun, younger sister of Duan Mubian, was extraordinarily gifted, while Chu Yao was a dark horse newcomer. Their duel was undoubtedly a clash of dragons and tigers.

Duan Luoyun spoke no more. In a flash, her figure blurred as her long sword transformed into a cold gleam, aimed straight at Chu Yao’s throat. Her swordsmanship was fierce and swift; before the blade arrived, the sword aura itself forced one’s breath to falter.

Chu Yao’s expression remained calm. With a light stomp, she floated like willow catkins on the breeze, evading Duan Luoyun’s strike. Waving her sword, a stream of azure sword light poured forth like flowing water, colliding with Duan Luoyun’s sword aura.

“Clang!”

The clash of swords rang out crisp and clear. Duan Luoyun felt a jolt on her arm, inwardly surprised at Chu Yao’s exquisite swordsmanship. Yet she did not retreat; instead, her fighting spirit flared, her strikes growing even more aggressive.

Before ascending the stage, Bai Jingyan had borrowed a sword from the Hundred Sword Pavilion.

“Flowing Cloud Sword Technique!” Duan Luoyun called out softly as her sword multiplied into countless afterimages, sweeping toward Chu Yao like drifting clouds across the sky.

A flicker of admiration crossed Chu Yao’s eyes. With a gentle flick, her sword light curved like a rainbow, instantly breaking through Duan Luoyun’s myriad sword shadows. Though her style appeared gentle, it concealed endless variations; each stroke perfectly countered Duan Luoyun’s offense.

Back and forth they battled atop the stage, sword lights intertwining, sword auras surging, dazzling the surrounding disciples. Duan Luoyun’s swordsmanship was sharp and domineering, each move deadly, while Chu Yao’s flowed like clouds and water, using softness to overcome hardness. For a time, neither could claim the upper hand.

Frustration mounting from prolonged stalemate, Duan Luoyun’s spirit grew restless. Suddenly, she surged her inner spiritual power, a faint golden light shimmering along her blade—clearly preparing to unleash a secret technique.

“Golden Rainbow Pierces the Sun!” she cried out, her sword becoming a golden arc of unrivaled might, thrusting toward Chu Yao’s chest.

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Chu Yao’s expression tightened, aware this strike was no ordinary move. Wary, she gently twirled her sword; the sword light flowed like water, forming an azure barrier before her.

“Boom!”

The golden arc collided with the azure shield, unleashing a powerful spiritual shockwave. Disciples around the stage hurried back, fearful of being caught in the blast.

As the dust settled, Chu Yao remained standing calmly, while Duan Luoyun’s face had turned pale, clearly drained. Gritting her teeth, resentment filled her eyes.

“Why… why can’t I beat you!” Duan Luoyun clenched her sword tightly, her voice trembling.

Chu Yao sheathed her sword softly. “Fellow Daoist Duan, your swordsmanship is fierce and forceful, but you are too hasty. The way of the sword requires a heart as calm as still water to unleash its true power.”

Duan Luoyun remained silent for a moment, a spark of realization flickering in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she slowly lowered her sword. “I have learned much.”

Chu Yao smiled faintly and turned to leave. Duan Luoyun watched her retreating figure, bitter yet understanding the gap between them. Clenching her fist, she vowed silently, “One day, I will surpass you!”

Chu Yao stepped down from the stage and handed her sword back to Bai Jingyan with a smile. “Brother Jingyan, let’s return this sword.”

Bai Jingyan nodded, and together they headed toward the Hundred Sword Pavilion.

Along the way, Bai Jingyan’s gaze often flickered toward Chu Yao, his feelings complicated.

He had searched through all the memories of this body’s original owner but found no sign that Chu Yao had ever practiced swordsmanship.

“Could it be that when she entered the Bai family, she had other motives?” Bai Jingyan pondered silently.

According to the memories, Chu Yao was only eight years old when she joined the Bai family. An orphan of such tender age would hardly know these sword techniques.

“Could she be from a prominent family? Has she discovered Bai Huaiwu’s true identity?” he mused.

With these thoughts swirling, they arrived at the Hundred Sword Pavilion to return the spiritual sword.

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Hidden among the shadows of the trees, Duan Mubian’s eyes were fixed intently on Bai Jingyan and Chu Yao walking side by side.

“What… how could this be?” he muttered under his breath, clutching his fists until his knuckles whitened. He recalled how, days ago, he had impulsively rushed to the Bai estate to take Chu Yao away, nearly clashing with the estate’s guards. The uncontrollable feelings he experienced were unfamiliar and frightening.

He had followed them closely, hoping to glean answers from their behavior.

“Chu Yao… what have you done to me?” Duan Mubian thought, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

He had never felt such a strong pull toward any woman before, even lowering his pride to stalk someone he once despised.

At that moment, Duan Mubian felt as if he was losing control of his body; his vision blurred.

“Chu Yao!” he shouted suddenly.

His body surged forward uncontrollably.

Both Chu Yao and Bai Jingyan turned sharply. Their expressions changed instantly. Bai Jingyan furrowed his brow and instinctively stepped in front of Chu Yao, voice cold: “Duan Mubian, what do you intend this time?”

Ignoring Bai Jingyan, Duan Mubian’s gaze locked on Chu Yao, voice trembling, “Chu Yao, tell me… what have you done to me? Why… why can’t I… I can’t control myself around you…”

His words trailed off, but the emotions in his eyes were unmistakable. Chu Yao paused briefly, clearly surprised by his directness. She glanced at Bai Jingyan before softly replying, “Senior Duan, I don’t understand what you mean.”

Stepping forward, Duan Mubian’s tone grew desperate, “You don’t understand? Then I’ll tell you! Just days ago, I felt nothing toward you; I even resented how close you were to Bai Jingyan. But now… now I can’t control myself, my mind is filled with thoughts of you! What kind of spell have you cast?”