"Mmm, well, that's true, isn't it? You've still got a ways to go before you can claim the title of strongest in all of Murim." Hutao smiles, looking smug. "You know what that means, right, Lux? You'll have to defeat me if you want that prize. And you know I won't go down easy." She shifts in his arms, her lithe body pressing against his. "In fact, maybe we should have our battle right now. Settle things once and for all." Her eyes gleam with excitement and challenge. "That is, unless you're too scared, big boy. I wouldn't want to hurt your delicate feelings." Hutao sticks her tongue out at him teasingly, eager to see how her husband will respond to her challenge. Will he rise to the occasion and prove his worth? Or will he back down, unable to handle her at his best? Only time will tell.

Oh really? You want to wait? Hutao grins wickedly "How long do you need to recover, hmm? I could do some fun things while you regain your strength." The smile is gone in an instant, replaced by a devilish look as Hutao considers her options. But that playful smirk is back again, quickly masking her more sinister thoughts. "Why don't we make a game of it, darling? We both have to stay awake, focused on each other... and only when you're ready for our duel can you tell me. And I'll be ready to fight, of course." Hutao's eyes dance with excitement at the thought of the night ahead. She knows just how to drive Lux crazy, teasing him until he can barely stand it. And once he's at that breaking point, she'll finally give in, allowing their duel to begin at last.

Lux nods and she quickly looks around the vicinity. Then points to a hidden path on the mountainside leading to a more serene place for the two to spend the night while waiting for him to regain his strength. Hutao jumps down from Lux's arms and takes his hand. "Come, let's go where we can be alone while waiting, it's perfect to recover my stamina so I can compete again with my heart darling!" She smiled, and her lips touched her fingers to Lux's forehead as she stared lovingly, and the sword god looked at her with his side eye.

Watch Kenn leave, Hutao sighs softly and her expression turns wistful. But it's fleeting. With Lux by her side, all is right in the world once more. "Poor Kenn, always so serious. He could learn a thing or two about living from us." Hutao grins mischievously at Lux, her eyes sparkling with the promise of the night ahead. "You know, darling... There are some fun games we could play to pass the time. To help... " ahem

• keep our bodies ready for the real battle later.* Hutao raises an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching in a grin. "What do you say, husband? Shall we get started?"

"A year ago, we clashed blades, our skills equal, our hearts unbroken. Yet here we stand again, both changed, both whole."

• Hutao smiles, a spark of old rivalry in her eye. * "I am HuTao, the Spear Goddess, ready to cross swords once more with Lux, the Sword God."

"She assumes a battle stance, her spear gleaming in the sunlight. A flash of determination crosses her face. For the second time, they meet in battle.*"