Once Xueli was fully healed, the two of them continued their journey deeper into the heart of the inheritance realm, their footsteps echoing against the obsidian floors.
"So, how did you beat your phantom?" asked Haoran, walking in front of her, his hands were clasped behind his back, his stride steady and rhythmic.
"Honestly? I don't know. I just wanted to win, badly. And for someone like me who knew nothing of combat, I was just swinging around my dagger like a wild woman," said Xueli, her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and lingering adrenaline.
She felt that her performance lacked the elegance of a true martial artist.
Haoran nodded, though he didn't turn around. "No need to feel embarrassed. Any shame will be washed away by victory. It doesn't matter if one has to lie or cheat; as long as you win in the end, that's all that matters."
