Yin Tingxue was delighted to hear her senior sister's affirmation and nodded happily, her eyes curving into crescents. Even the Qingjing Sword seemed to sense its master's joy and swirled lightly around Yin Tingxue.
However, Lu Ying's next words poured down like a bucket of cold water, perfectly timed.
"But," Lu Ying's voice returned to its previous coolness, "though the sword is newly forged and its spirit evident, do not become complacent because of this. The path of cultivation is long, and the Sword Dao is limitless. Cultivating the sword heart and honing Sword Intent is fundamental."
Yin Tingxue nodded earnestly, her expression subdued, and said seriously, "I understand the teaching, senior sister. Tingxue remembers it."
The corridor fell into a brief silence, broken only by the soft swaying sound of lanterns stirred by the night breeze.
