Although Chief Lyu had opened the doors of convenience for us, formalities were still formalities, and the various procedures took nearly ten days to complete. Lu Kaifeng and I were the ones who frequented the Lingxian Pavilion most often; he was responsible for writing the sect’s historical records, while the other three and I wrote commentaries for the mental cultivation methods and martial techniques. These were then reviewed and corrected by our Eldest Senior Brother. Ten days later, there would be a "Scripture Verification" phase, during which any Perfected cultivators of the Wujing Sect interested in our arts would come to seek guidance, debate, or challenge our interpretations. We had to attend to them with patience before the Exchange of Canons could be considered truly complete.
Every time I went, I saw Wei Qingming in the hall. I even ran into her when I visited the Yaoguang Hall. The Yaoguang Hall was actually the most popular of the seven halls among female cultivators, for it contained not only collections of various arts but also anecdotal stories of historical figures. The romantic legends of famous courtesans and lingering scholars were what these innocent young women, sequestered from the secular world, yearned for most.
The Yaoguang Hall was also the only pavilion where raised voices were not forbidden. She would be there, laughing and chatting with several fellow disciples, occasionally practicing a piece on a musical instrument. I encountered her several times, but each time I simply walked past with an expressionless face and a steady pace.
One day, Fifth Sister and I went to the Kaiyang Hall to write annotations. Wei Qingming was once again sitting in a pavilion in the courtyard, sipping tea and reading. Zhu Yinxin happened to be quite fond of Wei Qingming’s particular look and temperament; every time she saw her, she would stare fixedly for a long while. Master Wei would then look up, meet her gaze, and offer a slight, smiling bow.
I gave her a tug and teased, "Why don't you bring Fourth Brother along tomorrow? Let's see if you still dare to be so lecherous."
Thinking I was annoyed, she quickly said in a serious tone, "What are you saying, Azhi? I'm doing this for your sake..."
I understood her intentions, of course. I gave her hand a light, smiling squeeze and said, "I fear that for my sake, your intentions will only come to naught."
Over the past few days, she had gathered a great deal of gossip and relayed it all to me. It mostly aligned with what I already knew of Wei Qingming’s history within the sect. There were a few things I hadn't known, however—for instance, that although Wei Qingming had been the top disciple of the Little Heavenly Mountain, the competitions of the Mist-Rising Realm were nothing extraordinary. She had left the mountain to cultivate with a mysterious Ancestor, and while the disciples had gossiped fervently about it at the time, her name had gradually faded from memory. Only the elite circle of the Ancestor’s direct descendants, like Dantai Ye, knew of her. The "Know-it-alls" who ranked combat power slightly outside that circle generally didn't include her. Consequently, the storytellers in the outside world knew even less. I couldn't help but marvel—as expected of a secret agent, to be able to cast aside vanity and maintain such a low profile at such a young age was truly the mark of a great talent.
Zhu Yinxin covered her mouth and laughed as she shared the female cultivators' evaluation of her: "Though she is handsome, her personality is eccentric and cold. Better to find someone who knows how to be warm and attentive." Thus, few actually dared to flirt with her.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Look at her now, surrounded by people wherever she goes. How is that eccentric?"
Zhu Yinxin clapped her hands. "Exactly! They also say that after being gone for six or seven years, she changed upon her return. Azhi, I think she’s intentionally surrounding herself with all those 'birds and blossoms' just to provoke you!"
Though I was troubled by her changes, I knew that in her bones, she would never deign to do something so petty. I smiled and said, "That sounds like your own tactic. She is simply rising through the ranks, successful and sought after by everyone."
Zhu Yinxin gave me a mock-angry pinch. I burst into laughter, and she stamped her foot. "You heartless little minx! I go through the trouble of asking around for you, and you just laugh at me!" I hurriedly offered warm thanks and apologies. Turning my head, I saw Wei Qingming sitting in the pavilion, watching us with a faint, inscrutable smile.
*Sigh, why is this so troublesome? I can't seem to shake this person off.* I truly began to seriously consider simply telling Zhu Yinxin that the handsome Daoist she admired was actually a woman. Perhaps that would scare her off and finally give me some peace and quiet.
The weather was fine today, with the true beauty of spring in the air. A few male and female disciples were gathered in the courtyard, seemingly having come from the direction of Yaoguang. Having spent so many days here, Zhu Yinxin had mapped out the social landscape perfectly. She smilingly pulled me toward them. I spotted Guan Shanping at a glance and felt a surge of dislike, though I didn't let it show on my face.
While Zhu Yinxin and I were still greeting them, a little girl suddenly squeezed through the legs of the tall "immortal" men and women. A-Long giggled and threw herself into my arms. "It’s you! The Rainbow Fairy Sister!"
The crowd laughed at the title. Feeling a bit helpless, I formally introduced myself. "I am no fairy. My name is Su Yuzhi; you may call me Azhi." As I spoke, I pointed mischievously toward Lu Kaifeng in the hall. "Look, that uncle over there is the one who conjures rainbows. Go find him."
A-Long blinked her large eyes and clapped. "Rainbow Uncle!" She then pitter-pattered away.
Having tricked the child away, I breathed a sigh of relief, only to see Guan Shanping looking at me with fervent eyes, clearly wanting to strike up a conversation. Just as I was about to turn away to find another topic, a girl of fifteen or sixteen walked up to me. She grabbed my arm and laughed. "So this is the Sister Su who lent a helping hand at the mountain gate! I’ve admired you for a long time! My name is Yu Niannian. Let’s be friends!"
This girl was heroic and spirited, dressed in sophisticated black and red martial attire with her ponytail tied high with a red tassel. She looked straightforward and likable. I even found myself thinking that if Sister Qing were to have a daughter, she would surely look like this.
Though her clothing was practical, every piece was of exquisite quality; she clearly came from a significant background. I had heard Zhu Yinxin mention her—her mother’s family was one of the powerful clans that held sway in the Wujing Sect. She could practically walk sideways within the sect, yet what was precious was that she was very well-mannered, though inevitably a bit pampered and headstrong. I felt a natural liking for her and spoke freely with her. Yu Niannian clearly disliked Guan Shanping; seeing him try to interject again, she pulled my hand and said, "I can't stand staying in the academy. Let's go out."
After chatting and playing for a while, Yu Niannian and I found we truly got along. We had dinner together. She was the youngest disciple of Perfected Cangjiang and was already nearing the middle stage of the Cloud-Swallowing Realm. She was skilled in swordplay, and upon hearing that I also used a sword, she invited me to meet her at the martial grounds tomorrow. I thought about it; refining the sect’s martial techniques was indeed a major task for the next six months, and it wouldn't be bad to go and see the martial arts of a great sect tomorrow. I readily agreed.
The Wujing Sect had martial grounds on every peak. The one she invited me to was the largest and most open, available for use or observation by disciples of all sects. Seeing that I had also specifically worn martial attire but was empty-handed without a weapon, Yu Niannian asked in surprise, "Sister Azhi has no blade?"
"Are you sure we're using real weapons?" I smiled.
Yu Niannian was incredibly blunt. She huffed, "Of course! Are you afraid of hurting me?"
"I wouldn't dare." I found her "jumping-mad loli" appearance quite adorable and couldn't help but smile wider. "This is the sword."
As I spoke, I slowly raised my hand and summoned Han Guang, gracefully tracing a sword flower. The faint blue spiritual mist of the Han Guang sword appeared even more pure and clean, rippling like water.
The crowd turned to look. Yu Niannian, as expected of a descendant of a prestigious family, recognized it immediately. "Han Guang! It’s so beautiful!"
Since she was younger, etiquette dictated that she strike first. Without another word, she swung her sword forward. I parried lightly to test her strength, then used the Minxue footwork to step to the left, aiming a slash at her shoulder. A look of appreciation flashed in her eyes. She gave a charming laugh and shouted, "Watch out!" as she brought her sword down in a classic Wujing Sect move: "Seeking the Path, Opening the Mountain."
As I traded blows with her, I silently memorized the Wujing Sect’s martial techniques. As expected, they were different from the saber and sword styles Wei Qingming used. Wei's style emphasized agility and lightness, ethereal and elegant, though not lacking in domineering power; overall, it required a sense of fine control, not wasting a single drop of true essence. Yu Niannian’s set was broad and grand, extremely masculine without a hint of daintiness. It didn't place much emphasis on trickery or cunning, but every strike deeply captured the true essence of martial arts, possessing the power to simplify the complex and reach the core of the matter.
After we finished our bout, we clapped hands and smiled. Yu Niannian said, "Sister’s footwork is superb, truly as graceful as a startled swan. Your piercing techniques are intricate and ghostly, though you lack a bit in raw power. If you don't mind, I have some auxiliary cultivation methods for building strength. You should take them."
I liked this child even more. Not only was her judgment accurate and her speech direct, but her character was also so generous. I immediately smiled and said, "That’s wonderful. I happen to be lacking such a method. I’ll be counting on your help then, Niannian!"
Someone in the crowd clapped and praised with a smile, "It has been a long time since I’ve seen such a beautiful sword duel."
Yu Niannian frowned, then suddenly beamed. "Senior Brother Guan’s eyes are burning with interest. Why don't you come down and spar with me? But let’s agree—you aren't allowed to use your cultivation level to suppress me!"
Heh, the little girl was quite clever. Guan Shanping would certainly win, but there would be no glory in it. The Tianjun Sect was most known for measuring people by their status and being cautious to a fault. Given their habits, it was hard to say if he would even dare to trade blows with a disciple as well-connected as Yu Niannian.
Guan Shanping’s smile didn't fade. He looked as though he was about to agree when someone stopped her, saying, "Niannian, you certainly have some nerve, but Senior Brother Guan would surely find it boring." With that, the person offered a formal bow. "This junior, Duan Hongyun, asks for a few pointers from Senior Brother Guan."
The crowd instantly erupted. If they had been watching the spar between Yu Niannian and me mainly because she was a sect favorite and I was a fresh face, this battle was the true highlight. Duan Hongyun was also a direct disciple of Cangjiang, in the late stage of his realm. While winning the top spot might be difficult, he was certain to contend for the top five or eight!
Yu Niannian stuck out her tongue and laughed. "Fine! If the two of you aren't satisfied after your match, I'll step in!"
Everyone knew she was joking to give herself a way out, but she said it so cleverly and cutely that everyone gave a well-meaning laugh.
As before, the younger one struck first. Duan Hongyun also began with a move called "Ten Thousand Swords Acknowledging the Ancestor" as a courtesy to the guest before launching a true strike. They used wooden swords for their bout, which neither caused injury nor allowed the influence of cultivation to be added to the quality of the blades, making it more fair and observable. I watched for a while and discovered that Guan Shanping’s martial skills were indeed impressive. Duan Hongyun was also extraordinary; his posture was like a pine or cypress, a blend of sharpness and stability with a perfect balance of offense and defense. His combat awareness and discipline were excellent, and his swordplay possessed the elegant, free-spirited style of a great sect like Wujing. As for Guan Shanping... his moves seemed blunt, heavy, and ordinary, as simple and honest as an old country farmer. I couldn't tell what style he was using. I didn't know much about the Tianjun Sect’s martial arts; I had heard they bought their techniques and methods from various sources, making a "mishmash" their very sect style.
At first, they were evenly matched. It wasn't until after two hundred moves that Duan Hongyun began to make more mistakes. Finally, the two of them civilly parried each other's swords and ended the fight. Duan Hongyun generously cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for the guidance, Senior Brother."
Guan Shanping’s expression was serene as he raised his hand and modestly declined the praise.
Such a lively occasion soon attracted countless boorish people eager for a fight. There were not only disciples from this sect but also from various worldly sects. Even a few from the usually mysterious and aloof Moyu Sect issued challenges. Feng Baili didn't even wait for Duan Hongyun to leave the field before jumping up and slashing at Guan Shanping. He struck twice before announcing his name and claiming he was seeking "guidance"... I lost interest in watching. I gave Yu Niannian a tug, but seeing that she was a little martial arts fanatic herself, staring with excitement and ignoring everything else, I found it both amusing and endearing. I slipped out of the crowd and began to wander on my own.
***
**Glossary**
