She runs off towards her followers, vanishing down the slope. You are prepared to intercept Bai Jiutian – by throwing yourself bodily at him if need be – but he makes no move to stop her. Seeing the look of mild surprise on your face, he shrugs. “Do you expect me to chase after the Holy Maiden? Yes, I suppose that is what duty asks of me.” He seems more relaxed and casual compared to your encounters with him during the tournament.
“Shirking your duty? Why, your master would be shocked if he knew his prized disciple was such a lazy ass,” you mock.
“No need for vulgarities here, Man Tiger Pig,” says Bai Jiutian calmly. “True, as an upstanding orthodox pugilist I should capture the evil fire witch and have her do penance for the crimes she has committed – that is what my master would want, but…”
“But?”
“Well, I do not need to explain myself to you of all people – I do believe we are not that close.” His smile is gracious and kind, but it feels false and bitter to you. “Now that I have seen what I came here to see, it is time for me to move on to the next item on my agenda.” With one fluid movement the Huashan swordsman draws his blade from its scabbard, its beauty complementing his own. “We have unfinished business from the tournament, don’t we?” Clenching your jaw, you take a stance. Does he plan to fight you here?
...
The Sword Saint snorts. “Side by side? Somehow, I managed to take the brunt of the fighting. That’s the last time I fight ‘side by side’ with Brother Nie. Well, you should not miss your master’s moment of glory. Better hop on back to his side.” Bai frowns, then his eyes widen. “It can’t be-“ With a frown, he sheathes his sword, mumbling inaudibly to himself. “I’ll be seeing you around, Man Tiger Pig,” he calls out over his shoulder, turning to leave.