Chapter 19: Qingruo
She was taller than Yedi, both as a male and as a female.
Her eyes held an unapproachable yet captivating allure.
If the Succubus Cerise possessed the world’s most irresistible temptation, then Qingruo possessed the world’s most unattainable yet desirable, sacred, and inviolable charm.
What one couldn’t have was always the best.
In the eyes of all Imperial men, she was such an existence.
She was destined to dedicate everything to the Holy Lord and the Holy Church. Who could dare to hope for a glimpse of her grace?
In truth, there was no need for any higher power to threaten those who coveted her. She herself possessed an unparalleled willpower, perhaps firmer than any man in the Empire.
Like himself…
Yedi looked at the tall Qingruo, her white uniform dazzling in the sunlight, as if capable of punishing all sin and darkness in the world.
However, her stunning beauty, her ample bosom no less impressive than a succubus’s, her slender waist brimming with youthful strength and tenderness, her hips and long legs, hinting at the gentle warmth of a holy queen and the powerful lower body strength of a knight, even through her white trousers, the radiant energy emanating from her entire being… it made one redefine the distinction between angels and demons.
She was clearly a female Temple Knight representing the will of the gods, yet her beauty and alluring figure, even in trousers, carried a devilish temptation.
Enough to captivate even the former strongest warrior.
Of course, Yedi wasn’t merely infatuated with her appearance.
For a moment, Yedi was lost in thought.
“Teacher Yedi, on behalf of the student council and all third-year students, I welcome your return.” Qingruo stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her, bowing with the grace of a high-born lady. Her eyes radiated a gentle yet unyielding willpower. “There were many rumors, but I always believed that the Holy Lord’s light would protect you. Your return today has silenced those rumors.”
She took another step forward, her long legs moving in a way that seemed to draw one’s gaze yet also commanded respect, this time performing the formal Temple Knight salute.
The first bow was as a student to a teacher, the second as a close comrade in the Knight Order. Qingruo was a woman who adhered strictly, almost rigidly, to rules.
In Qingruo’s heart, Yedi was her mentor, a senior and brother in the Temple Knights. From the moment she joined the Order, Qingruo no longer considered herself a woman.
Yet she kept her long, feminine hair, a sign of her unwavering resolve and lack of hesitation.
Deliberately hiding feminine traits to appear unaffected by gender was, in the end, still acknowledging one’s female identity.
Qingruo wouldn’t do that.
No matter how alluring and sensual she appeared, she remained unwavering, like the Valkyries praised in ancient holy epics. Weren’t they also the embodiment of feminine charm, loyalty, and holiness?
However, this formal knightly salute was somewhat unbearable for Yedi. Standing there, his slender frame much shorter than Qingruo’s, he even looked younger than her, though that was partly due to Qingruo’s mature demeanor.
Yedi couldn’t return the same salute. He knew it was improper, but he just couldn’t!
“Qingruo, shouldn’t you be in your second-year Class Three lesson today?” Yedi could only change the subject. He had to maintain his composure as a teacher in front of this tall female student. Otherwise, what was the point of going through all the trouble to transform back into a man? He would definitely regret it later.
In front of Qingruo, he was a teacher, and he couldn’t appear weak.
“I apologize. Dean Clayton, the swordsmanship instructor, had something come up, so the classes were switched. If you wish, Teacher, I can file a complaint with the academy as Student Council President,” Qingruo said, her beautiful eyes holding an unwavering sternness that made Yedi’s heart skip a beat, as if he had done something wrong.
He hadn’t felt this way before Qingruo in the past. Now, he truly had something to hide…
“That… won’t be necessary. It was my sudden return that disrupted their arrangements. Qingruo, let’s just leave it at that and begin the lesson,” Yedi said, trying to smooth things over. The Dean was a relative of the Imperial Prime Minister, and he didn’t want to cause trouble in his current situation.
“Understood, Teacher,” Qingruo’s eyes flickered slightly. Knowing her personality, she would probably still file a complaint later. But for now, it was swordsmanship class, and she would fully respect the teacher’s arrangements.
Qingruo turned around, her long black hair brushing past Yedi’s face.
A faint, early spring fragrance wafted towards him, and Yedi involuntarily narrowed his eyes. He suddenly realized her hair, its soft texture, was quite similar to the Succubus Cerise’s.
He was startled. What was wrong with him? Why would he have such a blasphemous thought? Of course, a succubus had a captivating appearance, but the key was the heart!
Having not taught for a while, and not being particularly eloquent, Yedi was a bit nervous, especially with Qingruo among the students. Her gaze made him constantly worry that she would see through him.
This woman was too perceptive!
However, even without using holy power or going all out, Yedi’s swordsmanship skills and knowledge were still exceptional. Once he began demonstrating techniques, he became more at ease, even using the opportunity to adapt to his female-turned-male body, which felt somewhat awkward.
The swordsmanship class took up the entire afternoon. Since Yedi hadn’t taught for a long time, he spent extra time giving guidance and demonstrations.
Yedi’s teaching style was to show, not tell. Words couldn’t convey the true essence of the sword. This was why he was so highly regarded among the Empire’s talented elites.
Finally, the afternoon swordsmanship class was nearing its end.
But what worried Yedi was that Qingruo, who usually had many questions and discussions about swordsmanship with him, was silent today. After watching his demonstrations, she didn’t say a word, just practiced along with the other students, or practiced basic yet refined techniques on her own. Occasionally, Yedi would glance at her, her impressive swordsmanship, even from afar, sending shivers down his spine.
It seemed her swordsmanship had improved again!
“Everyone, it’s been a while. It seems you’ve all made significant progress, which is commendable. However, you still need to practice and reflect on the defense and counterattack timing I discussed in class. So, today’s lesson…”
“Teacher Yedi.”
Most of the students were tired and eager for the class to end. After all, Yedi’s swordsmanship class, even at his current level, was no joke.
However, Qingruo spoke up, stepping forward from the front left of the student formation.
Here it comes, Yedi thought…
Qingruo was very indifferent towards men, strict and disciplined in most matters, but she had an unusual passion for swordsmanship.
“Qingruo, what is it?” Yedi asked, feigning a concerned tone, but with a sense of unease.
“Teacher Yedi, these past few months, I’ve encountered some bottlenecks in my swordsmanship training. There are a few questions that have been troubling me, and no one has been able to answer them,” Qingruo said, her words reflecting her pursuit of swordsmanship mastery. This statement, though true, was somewhat disrespectful to the other instructors at the Imperial Holy Academy.
“Oh? What questions?” Yedi felt a chill. Questions that troubled Qingruo were never easy to answer, even for his past self.
Qingruo hesitated, which was rare for her. “I’m afraid words can’t express it clearly… Teacher, I would like to spar with you again, to ask for your guidance directly, with our swords.”
Golden sunlight filtered through the trees onto the training grounds.
Qingruo Reid**, in front of the entire class, issued a formal challenge to Yedi.
“Teacher, may I?” Qingruo’s long hair danced in the evening breeze, her eyes gleaming with the setting sun’s glow.
“You may.”
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