CHAPTER 73: STRETCHING

The Next Day—

The rhythmic clang of metal striking metal rang out crisply in the courtyard, each strike precise, practiced, and powerful.

Sparks danced through the air as Bai Luoluo, dressed in a sleeveless blacksmith’s robe, worked tirelessly over a forge.

Her brows were furrowed in deep concentration, a faint sheen of sweat on her forehead, and her massive contraption-in-progress rested beside her like some half-finished war machine.

Hei Long watched from the archway for a moment, intrigued.

He’d never seen this side of her before—no arrogant glares, no scoffs of superiority—just pure, focused craftsmanship.

He walked forward slowly.

"Careful," Hei Long said casually, "if you strike too deep into the bronze core there, you’ll ruin the balance when the Spirit Qi flows into the stabilizer."

The hammer froze mid-swing.

Bai Luoluo blinked.

"...You know weapon mechanics?" she asked, incredulous, turning her head sharply toward him.

Hei Long gave a small shrug and smirked. "I dabble."

She narrowed her eyes. "Dabble?"

Without waiting for permission, Hei Long stepped closer, examining the strange segmented gun-staff contraption she had half-assembled on the bench.

He reached out, carefully shifting a side latch and adjusting a thin red rune-line running across the shaft.

"Your compression seal’s off by a couple degrees," he said. "When it fires, it’ll build up unstable pressure at the third node and could backfire."

Bai Luoluo stared:

"That’s... advanced level theory."

"Was in the library last night," Hei Long lied smoothly. "Got bored."

"You read that much in one night?" she asked, jaw tightening. "Tch. Show-off."

But there was no venom in her words this time—just bewilderment.

He grinned. "Here. Let me hold this piece while you weld it."

She hesitated. Her pride warred with logic. But finally, she handed him a pair of heat-resistant gloves and nodded silently.

Together, they worked.

Time passed quietly, filled only with the sounds of tools and the occasional muttered instruction.

Hei Long’s suggestions were accurate, and though Bai Luoluo never admitted it aloud, she found herself relying on his steady hands more than once.

Finally, the core piece locked into place.

She stepped back, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "...You’re not bad."

"High praise," Hei Long teased.

Bai Luoluo rolled her eyes, but a small smile betrayed her amusement.

"Most people don’t take this seriously. They think I just bash things with a hammer."

"Well, you do," Hei Long pointed out, grinning. "But at least now I know you build the hammer, too."

After a few moments, she glanced up at him, curiosity getting the better of her.

"Why did you come visit me, anyway? I’m not exactly your closest ally."

Hei Long grinned, "The master told me to come find you. Said you were late to training again."

Bai Luoluo’s eyes widened in horror.

"Late?! Crap... that means laps... again?"

She wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, panic flashing across her face.

"Great, just what I needed."

Hei Long laughed softly, "Don’t worry, I’ll help you out so you can get through those laps faster."

Bai Luoluo scowled but couldn’t hide the slight blush creeping up her cheeks.

"You’re really coming to help? Well... don’t slow me down."

Hei Long gave a confident nod. "Deal."

.

.

.

Hei Long and Bai Luoluo headed back to the training grounds where Mu Qianxue was waiting.

Bai Luoluo carried her weapon with a lighter step, a rare softness in her eyes.

Hei Long walked beside her, proud of the progress they had made.

As they approached, Lin Fan’s eyes immediately flicked to the pair.

His jaw tightened as he watched Bai Luoluo smile shyly at Hei Long, who returned the smile with ease.

A sour feeling bubbled in Lin Fan’s chest — he didn’t like how close they had gotten.

Nearby, Mu Qianxue lounged casually, her gaze fixed on Hei Long with unmistakable warmth.

"There you are," she purred, her tone playful yet full of meaning.

Hei Long bowed slightly. "Master."

Mu Qianxue winked at him, "I was beginning to think you’d forgotten me while off playing blacksmith."

Hei Long smirked, "Never."

Bai Luoluo, still a bit flustered, stood quietly beside them, expecting a scolding for being late.

But to her surprise--

Mu Qianxue merely smiled and said, "No punishment this time, Bai Luoluo. I see you’ve been working hard."

Bai Luoluo blinked, clearly not used to such kindness, and muttered a hesitant "Thank you."

Lin Fan’s scowl deepened as he watched the easy, almost flirtatious exchange between Hei Long and Mu Qianxue.

"Is this... professional?" he muttered under his breath, struggling to hide his jealousy.

Mu Qianxue caught the glance and laughed softly:

"Oh, Lin Fan, don’t look so sour. There’s enough room in this sect — and in Hei Long’s favor — for all of us."

Hei Long shot Lin Fan a teasing grin, and Lin Fan, realizing he was the butt of the joke, clenched his fists but said nothing.

Mu Qianxue announced, "Alright, everyone, let’s do some stretching to cool down after today’s training."

Everyone spreaded out.

Hei Long and Bai Luoluo stood side by side, easily keeping pace.

Mu Qianxue moved closer to Hei Long, casually draping her arm over his shoulders as they stretched together.

Her fingers brushed lightly along his arm, tracing slow circles that sent a subtle warmth through the air.

Hei Long smiled, unbothered, his usual calm demeanor intact:

"You’re quite flexible, Master."

Mu Qianxue smirked, "I like to keep my hands on the most promising disciples."

Lin Fan’s eyes narrowed so sharply it looked like laser beams were shooting from them.

His jaw twitched uncontrollably as he clenched his fists, muttering, "What the hell is going on here?"

Bai Luoluo, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow and whispered, "Is Lin Fan about to explode again?"

Lin Fan took a step forward, dramatically pointing at the pair:

"Hey! That’s unprofessional! You’re our master! Keep your hands to yourself!"

Mu Qianxue laughed, clearly amused:

"Oh, Lin Fan, you worry too much. Hei Long’s just lucky I’m a generous teacher."

Hei Long gave Lin Fan a knowing look and said with a grin, "Don’t be jealous, little pervert."

Lin Fan’s face turned beet red as he sputtered, "I—I’m not jealous! I’m just... concerned about discipline!"

Mu Qianxue winked at Hei Long, then mock-whispered loud enough for Lin Fan to hear, "If he’s worried about discipline, maybe he should start practicing a little more."

Lin Fan glared, then huffed, "I don’t need your flirting distractions... I’ll show you all when I become the strongest!"

Bai Luoluo chuckled quietly, "Good luck with that, Lin Fan."

Hei Long and Mu Qianxue exchanged amused glances, their hands still casually touching as they continued stretching.