Why hasn't it changed?

Daiyu slowly laid her hand on her bosom, deliberating for a moment before she moved her hand away. Her heartbeat continued calmly beating, unlike the strange turmoil she was feeling.

What was it?

Pursuing her red lips, she left with a frown.

*********

"Daiyu."

Daiyu had only taken half a step out of the entrance of lush green bamboo when she heard her master's voice called out to her. She quickly adjusted her facial expression and turned respectfully to the old man. Slightly smiling, she gave her greetings.

"s.h.i.+fu."

The old man nodded, his right hand brus.h.i.+ng over his old beard while his left hand was bent back, resting behind his back. His eyes focused on Daiyu's face and his brows furrowed in worry.

Just a week ago, he had heard about the fight that happened in the central courtyard, and the news had taken him by surprise. The Daiyu he knew never liked confrontation, and she never practiced her martial arts. Furthermore, he had examined the other girl's body and discovered the extensive damage caused in the body was caused by someone reflecting the attacking power back into the opponent's body. To do this, the other person had to have a high innate talent which Daiyu had, but also the skill needed a practiced mindset to operate the reflection. It didn't seem to be like anything the childish Daiyu would do yet when he looked at her now, he had no choice to believe it.

When had she been practicing?

Was it due to what he had said to her last time?

The old man frowned.

"Have you been well?" His words echoed lightly, and Daiyu nodded.

The old man moved his eyes down to her hands which were lightly wrapped in a thin white cloth, and he coughed. Reaching into his robes, he pulled out a tiny jar of medicine and held it out in his hand. Daiyu looked at the little jar and hesitantly reached her hand to take it. Wrapping her fingers around the jar, Daiyu gave a soft thank.

However, it made the old man frowned even more.

This child used to be so playful yet now she wore such a severe expression on her face. When did she change so much? Was it because of his few words?

His frown turned deeper. While he did want Daiyu to take over his spot, he didn't want to see her like this, he didn't want to rob her of her childhood. From the last time they spoke, her emotionless eyes had always been bothering his heart as he still cared for Daiyu like his own daughter.

Perhaps, was this child lonely?

He sighed, and opened his mouth, "I'll teach you the six-claws dragon technique."

Daiyu looked up in surprise at his gentle face, she hadn't expected him to forgive her so early.

"You're not mad at me?"

The old man sighed, his right hand patted her head tenderly, "Silly child, I was never mad. Although I was disappointed by your refusal, you came back and admitted your wrongdoings. What else could I be mad about?"

Daiyu nodded, she would practice harder this time. She wouldn't fool around anymore. Never again would she allow her master's name to suffer.

"However, I want you to pick a junior sibling," The old man continued, and he could see her questioning eyes, "This old man will leave for some time to cultivate. Since the six-claws dragon technique will differ greatly from the other sect members' combat skills, you'll be lonely in your training. Since it's Selecting Day, why don't you choose a partner to train with you?"

Daiyu couldn't refuse him, after all, it was reasonable, and he was worried for her. The girl merely nodded and followed him into the courtyard. However, each step on the soil going into selecting venue seemed to send a shock to her body, and she suddenly stumbled. Her feet no longer seem to hold the strength needed to move forward.

Why?

Her head felt extremely jumbled, her heart started to feel like it was throbbing in pain.

Why?

She cupped her head in her hands as her head began to hammer vigorously, and Daiyu found herself not even able to stand due to the aching pain.

Daiyu clenched her fingers.

This feeling.

It's here again.

She wanted to leave.

Anywhere but here.

Feeling faint, she couldn't even seem to hear what the others were saying. Her master seemed to be asking who she wanted, and she could hardly focus on the scene in front of her. Randomly pointing to someone in the crowd, her finger landed on an unfamiliar small boy that was in front of her.

"Him. I choose him."

Turning around, she didn't even spare a second glance before she advanced toward the direction of her room. Suddenly, her arm was grabbed by someone in front of her, and Daiyu looked up. Her eyes met with a childish face with blazing eyes.

His voice sounded broken as the boy choked out his words, his voice breaking while his eyes bore intensely at hers, "Daiyu."

Why didn't you pick me as you did before?

Guiren had just found himself back in his younger self. Although surprised, he was more delighted than anything else. With a heart filled with hope and joy, he pushed himself and pa.s.sed all the sect tests with flying colors to see this senior sister again. He would make everything right this time.

He'll protect her.

He'll love her.

It was his second chance.

However, she didn't even spare a glance before picking someone in front of her and already began to leave. It was like he was air.

Guiren's heart shook violently. Where was the girl who bugged him to no end? Where was the girl who told him she loved his eyes?

His hand that held on Daiyu's sleeve suddenly trembled.

Don't.

Look at me.

Please.

Just like the way you used to.

However, Daiyu's eyes suddenly dilated as her brain seemed to clear from its fogginess. Her eyes focused on his face.

Guiren.

His name seemed to echo within her heart.

Guiren.