Reborn in a cultivation world with my Ex girlfriends-Chapter 53: A Date, A Duel, and A Dangerous Invitation

The moon hung high above the sect's training grounds, its silver glow illuminating three figures sprawled across the cool grass. The aftermath of their intense sparring session lingered in the air, the scent of sweat and crushed earth mingling with the night breeze.

Wang Li lay on his back, hands behind his head, grinning at the star-filled sky. "Ah, victory tastes sweet."

Mu Qingling, still catching her breath, propped herself up on one elbow. Her long black hair was slightly messy, sticking to her forehead. "Oh, shut up. You got lucky."

Lin Ruoyan, sitting cross-legged beside them, smirked. "Lucky? More like annoyingly good at dodging. Next time, fight properly instead of just avoiding our attacks."

Wang Li chuckled. "And risk getting beaten to a pulp? No thanks. I'd rather stay handsome and alive."

Mu Qingling rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine. But that means we owe you a favor, right?"

Lin Ruoyan sighed. "Can't believe I agreed to that bet..." She glanced at Wang Li. "So? What's it going to be? Just don't ask for anything unreasonable."

Wang Li sat up, rubbing his chin in mock thoughtfulness. "Oh, the possibilities are endless. Maybe you two can cook me a meal? Or—" His eyes gleamed mischievously. "Maybe... a date?"

Mu Qingling blinked. "A what?"

Lin Ruoyan stiffened. "You... you can't be serious."

"Oh, but I am." Wang Li grinned. "I mean, unless you two are scared?"

Mu Qingling recovered first, smirking. "Scared? Hah! You're underestimating me. Fine. I'll go on a date with you. But don't get any ideas."

Lin Ruoyan folded her arms, looking away. "Tch... Whatever. But only because of the bet."

Wang Li gave them a cheeky wink. "Looking forward to it."

The playful moment lingered for a few more seconds before Lin Ruoyan cleared her throat. "Anyway, we should head back. The Azure Sky Sect delegation arrives tomorrow, and the Sect Master will kill us if we're late."

At the mention of the delegation, the mood shifted. The lighthearted teasing faded, replaced by something more serious.

Wang Li sighed. "Yeah... tomorrow's going to be interesting."

The playful atmosphere faded as reality settled in. The Azure Sky Sect's delegation was no ordinary visit—it carried political weight, hidden dangers, and unknown challenges. Wang Li sighed, stretching as he got to his feet. "Alright, let's get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

Mu Qingling stood as well, brushing off her robes. "Long day? More like a headache. I don't trust those Azure Sky Sect people. They're too smooth, too... polished."

Lin Ruoyan nodded. "Agreed. They have a reputation for being polite on the surface but ruthless underneath. If they requested Wang Li specifically, it means they've already done their homework on him."

Wang Li raised an eyebrow. "What, am I famous now?"

Mu Qingling scoffed. "Infamous, more like."

He chuckled but didn't miss the underlying concern in their voices. "Well, whatever they're planning, I'll handle it. For now, I'd rather focus on something more important."

Mu Qingling and Lin Ruoyan exchanged glances before Lin Ruoyan finally sighed. "Fine. Since we agreed to the bet, I suppose we owe you a date."

Wang Li's grin widened. "Glad you remember. So, who's first?"

Mu Qingling smirked. "We'll let fate decide. If you wake up tomorrow and find me waiting outside your room, you'll know it's me. If it's Ruoyan, well... you'll be in for a more serious time."

Lin Ruoyan huffed, crossing her arms. "I wouldn't call it 'serious.' I just don't waste time on useless things."

Wang Li nodded sagely. "Noted. No useless things." He glanced at them, pretending to be deep in thought. "So, flowers and poetry are out?"

Mu Qingling laughed while Lin Ruoyan muttered something under her breath about throwing him into a river.

As they walked back to their respective quarters, Wang Li felt a strange sense of warmth. He hadn't expected things to turn out this way, but it wasn't unwelcome.

The next morning, the sun had barely risen when a knock echoed at Wang Li's door.

He smirked, stretching lazily. "Let's see who my lucky date is."

Wang Li smirked as he pulled the door open, half-expecting to see Mu Qingling with her usual playful grin—or Lin Ruoyan with her arms crossed, trying to act like she wasn't interested.

Instead, the last person he expected stood in front of him.

Feng Yuling.

She wasn't wearing her usual frosty expression. Instead, she looked strangely composed, her silver-blue eyes watching him with an intensity that made his chest tighten. The early morning light made her long hair shimmer like moonlight on water, and she wore a simple yet elegant white robe, the embroidery subtle but exquisite.

"Surprised?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Wang Li blinked. "Very. I thought Mu Qingling or Lin Ruoyan would show up first."

Feng Yuling's lips curled into a knowing smile. "They were arguing about it. I decided to skip the drama and come myself."

Wang Li laughed. "Smart move. So, does this mean you want to go on a date with me?"

She arched an eyebrow. "Are you backing out?"

"Not a chance." He stepped outside, closing the door behind him. "Where to, Miss Feng?"

She turned, leading him through the sect grounds at a slow pace. "We'll keep it simple. A quiet walk, a meal, and maybe some sparring if you're up for it."

Wang Li raised an eyebrow. "Sparring? That's your idea of a date?"

Feng Yuling shrugged. "Would you prefer something boring?"

He chuckled. "Not at all. I like a little danger."

They walked through a secluded bamboo grove, the rustling leaves casting dancing shadows around them. Feng Yuling wasn't one for small talk, but Wang Li could sense that she was making an effort. It wasn't every day she voluntarily spent time with someone outside of training.

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"So," she finally said, "why did the Azure Sky Sect request you, of all people?"

Wang Li sighed. "Good question. I wish I knew. Maybe they think I'm easy to deal with, or maybe someone there has a personal grudge."

Feng Yuling frowned slightly. "Be careful. The Azure Sky Sect is dangerous, even when they're being polite."

Wang Li nodded. "I know. But thanks for worrying about me."

She shot him a sharp look. "I'm not worried."

He smirked. "Of course not."

They eventually stopped at a small pavilion overlooking a koi pond. A simple meal had already been set up—tea, fresh fruit, and steamed buns.

"You planned this?" Wang Li asked, surprised.

Feng Yuling sat gracefully, pouring tea for both of them. "Consider it an apology."

"For what?"

She hesitated before answering. "For not trusting you sooner."

Wang Li's smirk faded into something softer. He reached for his cup, tapping it lightly against hers. "Then let's start over."

Feng Yuling studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Just don't make me regret it."

As they sipped their tea, the world outside the pavilion felt distant. For once, there were no sect rivalries, no impending battles—just the quiet company of two people who, despite everything, were learning to trust each other again.

Of course, peace never lasted long in Wang Li's life.

Before they could finish their meal, a disciple rushed toward them, out of breath.

"Senior Brother Wang! The Azure Sky Sect has arrived early! The Sect Master is calling for you immediately!"

Wang Li sighed, setting his cup down. "Of course they did."

Feng Yuling's expression hardened. "Looks like your peaceful morning is over."

Wang Li stood, stretching. "Guess it's time to meet our honored guests."

But as he followed the messenger toward the main hall, he couldn't shake the feeling that the Azure Sky Sect wasn't just here for diplomacy.

They were here for him.