Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday novel Chapter 39

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Chapter 39: Body Refining 4th Layer

The morning sun glinted off steel as Li Yao effortlessly parried Xiang Yu’s attack, redirecting his momentum with a casual flick of her wrist. The force sent him staggering backward, but unlike previous sessions, his feet shifted instinctively to compensate. His muscles strained as he fought against the momentum, managing to stabilize his stance without toppling over—a small victory that would have been impossible just days ago.

But before he could savor this achievement, Li Yao materialized before him, her movement so swift it seemed as though she had teleported. Her sword arm lifted, blade catching the sunlight, and Xiang Yu’s instincts failed him. Eyes squeezing shut, he braced for pain that never arrived. Instead, a sharp flick struck his forehead with just enough force to sting but not injure.

Cautiously opening his eyes, he found Li Yao’s finger extended, her lips curved in a mischievous smile. "Your battle awareness seems to be improving," she observed, pivoting gracefully on her heel. Over her shoulder, she added with teacherly authority, "Oh yeah, don’t close your eyes in battle."

She flowed back into her combat stance, limbs positioned with perfect precision. Xiang Yu nodded silently as he settled into his own stance. This time, he initiated the exchange, charging forward with deliberate intent. His eyes locked onto Li Yao’s left leg—a tantalizing vulnerability in her otherwise flawless defense.

Li Yao sighed inwardly. He had been progressing so well, yet here he was, still falling for the most obvious trap. As he closed the distance, she lifted her foot and brought it down with controlled force, sending a cloud of dust billowing outward. "I told you to stop falling for these traps," she chided into the obscuring haze.

"And I listened," came Xiang Yu’s voice from within the cloud, closer than she expected.

"What?" Confusion flickered across her face, and in that momentary lapse of focus—

"Auch!" The surprised yelp escaped her lips as a sharp pain bloomed on her forehead.

The dust settled, revealing Xiang Yu standing before her, satisfaction written across his features. The tables had turned; he’d repaid her little flick with one of his own.

Recognition dawned in Li Yao’s eyes. "It seems that you’ve improved quite a bit," she acknowledged, a competitive gleam entering her gaze. "Then I guess I should also let loose a little."

To her surprise, Xiang Yu simply turned and began walking away.

"Where are you going? Do you think you can escape?" she called after him, indignation coloring her tone.

Without breaking stride, he replied simply, "It’s lunch time."

"Hmph." Li Yao sheathed her weapon with a practiced motion. "Don’t think I’ll forget this," she warned, though her threat lacked genuine menace.

"And here I was thinking of making your favorite," Xiang Yu remarked casually, the bait dangled with expert precision.

The transformation was instantaneous. Li Yao bounded forward, attaching herself to his arm with childlike enthusiasm. "Senior brother is the best!" she exclaimed, previous grievances forgotten.

Xiang Yu stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Weren’t you saying something about not forgetting?" he prompted, feigning concentration.

"Not forgetting? What are you talking about?" Li Yao batted her eyelashes innocently. "My memory is not all that good, so I probably already forgot. Was there something I wasn’t supposed to forget?"

Xiang Yu marveled at the girl’s remarkable adaptability—she could shift from deadly warrior to eager child in the span of a heartbeat. "No, must’ve been my imagination," he conceded as they walked together toward the kitchen, her grip on his arm never loosening.

...

After lunch, the two disciples made their way back to the training grounds, their footsteps crunching against the worn path. Li Yao practically bounced alongside Xiang Yu, her face glowing with satisfaction from the meal.

"Senior brother’s cooking skills are really top notch," she exclaimed, patting her stomach contentedly. The genuine appreciation in her voice brought a rare smile to Xiang Yu’s face. _{fr\eewebno vel .c(o)m}

"Of course they are," he replied with uncharacteristic playfulness. "How else am I supposed to impress you?" The teasing comment flowed naturally, surprising even himself.

When they reached the training ground, their demeanor shifted instantly. The casual camaraderie of mealtime dissolved into the focused intensity of cultivation training. Li Yao’s sword flashed forward with blinding speed, her blade splitting the air as it arced toward Xiang Yu’s chest.

Anticipating the attack, Xiang Yu bent backward, his spine flexing just enough for the blade to whistle harmlessly above him. But Li Yao was a step ahead, redirecting her sword mid-swing with masterful control, changing its trajectory to catch him in his vulnerable position.

Xiang Yu’s knife came up in desperate defense, meeting the sword with a metallic clang that echoed across the training ground. The collision sent shock waves through his arm, his strength insufficient to completely deflect the superior weapon. Still, he managed to redirect it just enough, propelling himself backward to create vital distance.