Alright, jokes aside.
Teng Xiao knew how to keep up appearances:
"Glad we cleared up that misunderstanding. Just a moment ago, Jingliu was so worried she was practically ready to charge onto the battlefield herself."
"General!"
Jingliu shot Teng Xiao an annoyed glare, her cheeks flushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment.
She then turned her attention to the real Acheron.
"Miss Acheron... since you've come such a long way, perhaps you'd care to rest on the Luofu for a few days?"
Acheron, however, shook her head.
"If I stay too long, I'll only end up causing trouble for you. Besides, I've already spoken with her," she gestured slightly, "and agreed to depart in a couple of days."
"Why?" Jingliu looked at her savior, her expression concerned.
She seemed to be wondering if this decision was being forced by the other Acheron.
The 'Acheron' smiled, raised a hand, and gave Jingliu's shoulder a reassuring pat.
She briefly explained her reasons.
Truth be told, she wasn't exactly thrilled about traipsing across the cosmos with Acheron.
But to quickly earn her next card pull...
She'd just have to bite the bullet and endure it.
"..."
Jingliu fell silent upon hearing this.
The reason given was undeniably sound.
What more could she possibly say?
Acheron, receiving this confirmation, nodded in satisfaction.
She then addressed Teng Xiao: "In that case, I shall stay on the Luofu for one day and set out with her tomorrow."
"This... very well."
Teng Xiao looked at Acheron, confirmed she wasn't acting under any duress, and let the matter drop.
He then stepped aside, making an inviting gesture, and walked ahead with Acheron.
Jingliu, however, stuck close to 'Acheron's' side.
After wrestling with her thoughts for a good while, she finally leaned in and asked in a hushed voice: "Um... that... you... just who are you? I don't wish to remain ignorant of my savior's true name."
Hearing that Acheron was leaving so soon had sent a jolt of panic through Jingliu.
She had intended to slowly uncover her benefactor's true identity, but now, with their departure imminent, the chance might be lost forever.
If she let this moment pass without even learning her name, they might never meet again. Driven by this urgency, the question tumbled out before she could stop it.
Teng Xiao and the real Acheron walking ahead both pretended not to hear a thing.
'Acheron' saw this and offered a wry smile. Then, with a sway of her slender waist, she too lifted into the air.
Looking down from above at Jingliu, who was closely following her flight, 'Acheron' thought for a moment before replying softly:
"You can call me Bai Ming. 'Bai' as in white, 'Ming' as in the cry of a bird. As for my appearance... I'm sorry, but I cannot reveal it to you just yet."
"Mm!"
'Acheron' gave a firm, affirmative hum.
For Jingliu, receiving a name was enough.
The Luofu couldn't very well suddenly start calling Acheron by another name. This matter of the real and false Acherons wasn't something the Xianzhou Alliance would publicize.
It was unlikely to even be recorded in the history books.
So, for Jingliu to learn her true name...at least she would know who the real savior of the Luofu was.
--+--
Back on the Luofu, Baiheng stared at the two Acherons, identical in face, bearing, and even, it seemed, in strength.
Even someone as worldly as Baiheng couldn't help but marvel at the sight.
If they were born like this, it defied belief.
But if it was imitation... looks and demeanor could be copied, but such martial skill and power? Where does one learn to imitate that?
Not even the most skilled artisans of the Xianzhou Zhuming could create a replica so flawless.
But marveling was one thing.
Baiheng didn't pry into their secrets.
After simply stating that they wouldn't be disturbed, she led Jingliu away.
Acheron took a look around the room. She noticed the grass in the courtyard had been rather... trampled.
But beyond that, there were few signs of any actual leisure or enjoyment.
So what had this person been after?
Acheron still didn't understand.
But that didn't stop her from immediately grabbing hold of her other self.
"Perfect. I believe I've grasped the essence of that white-haired girl's sword technique. I'll feed you moves. Let's continue refining your blade work."
"White-haired girl..."
'Acheron's' eye twitched slightly.
The 'girl' Acheron was referring to was already several hundred years old.
And she still got called a 'girl'?
Just how old was the real Acheron anyway...
Thwack—!
The scabbard, seemingly of its own accord, came down on 'Acheron's' backside once more.
"I get the distinct feeling you're thinking something very rude."
"You're just looking for an excuse to hit me!"
'Acheron' immediately raised her own long blade to parry.
Here within the Luofu, neither of them employed their full, overwhelming power.
They kept it to a mundane level, clashing with blade technique alone.
Baiheng and Jingliu, who hadn't gotten very far, heard the distinct sound of scabbards clashing once more in their minds.
For a moment, they were at a loss for words.
It sounded like they were training with a death wish.
As for Baiheng?
She could only sigh and head back to work.
--+--
The next day.
Only a handful of people came to see them off.
The matter of two Acherons was just a bit too strange.
The Xianzhou had decided to keep it under wraps.
'Acheron' waved goodbye to Jingliu, Baiheng, and the others.
Yingxing, however, stepped forward carrying a large box.
"This is a small token of our appreciation. We hope you like it."
'Acheron' opened the box.
Inside lay a long sword, somewhat similar to her own 'Naught', and a tiger tally.
Baiheng noticed her gaze lingering on the tally and explained with a smile: "For this matter, the Luofu can never fully repay you. We can only offer this token as a pledge. In the future, should you have any need, present this, and every Cloud Knight of the Luofu will heed your call."
'Acheron' smiled and accepted the tiger tally.
"I'll keep it safe."
Though she had a feeling she'd never have occasion to use it.
As for the blade, its style leaned more towards Xianzhou craftsmanship, intricately adorned and exquisitely made.
She reached out and wrapped her hand around the hilt, testing its feel.
The balance was excellent, the blade sturdy and resilient. While it couldn't compare to 'Naught', it was undoubtedly a fine weapon.
'Acheron' smiled, storing both the sword and the box within her silver ring.
"Thank you. I like it very much. Well then, until we meet again."
She took one last look at Baiheng and the others who had come to see her off.
'Acheron' winked at Jingliu, then turned and left the Luofu alongside Acheron.
--+--
Walking side-by-side through the void.
'Acheron' asked curiously: "Where are you taking me?"
"Do you remember what I said? The power of Nihility, regardless of the reason, should never be approached lightly."
Acheron's voice reached her through some special means, making 'Acheron' raise an eyebrow.
"...I remember. So?"
"I will take you to see with your own eyes why I say such things." As she spoke, Acheron glanced at the woman beside her.
"Merely telling you won't leave a deep enough impression. So, you shall see for yourself."
Acheron reached out and took 'Acheron's' hand.
"Witness? How am I supposed to witness anything?"
'Acheron' was starting to feel genuinely nervous.
Just where did this original Acheron plan to take her?
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.