Yu Niannian never cared for anyone’s opinion. She sat with whomever she pleased and pulled me down beside her. As it happened, few dared to take the seats near the head of the table, so Zhu Yixin and Qiao Songlin followed suit and sat down in order.
Wei Qingming took a sip of tea, her elbow propped on the table as she leaned in slightly. Across Yu Niannian, she narrowed her eyes and looked at me.
I glared back instinctively, only realizing my mistake too late. This had been our habit once—whenever she watched me with that leisurely, interested gaze, I would glare at her, shake a fist, or demand "What?" with feigned ferocity. I hadn't succumbed to such childish impulses in years. My face burned with embarrassment as I hurriedly looked away. She merely arched a brow, seemingly surprised that I would react that way.
Yu Niannian, sharp as a tack despite her age, caught the exchange. Her gaze darted between the two of us before she asked point-blank, "Do you two know each other?"
I stared down at the expensive tea in front of me, thinking it was a mercy I hadn't been drinking it. Had I spat tea all over this gathering of luminaries, I would have had to give up being human and live as a cat forever.
Wei Qingming’s eyes crinkled as she smiled. Just as she had years ago, she said slowly, "We have some... association."
Hearing that word made my temper flare. Back then, "association" was the term used to describe her and Lu Kaifeng’s fervent partnership in seizing wealth. Just because I had rejected her once, did she really have to use that same word for me? Yet, I couldn't ignore the lingering tenderness in her tone—it was certainly different from the past.
Yu Niannian gave a sly, mischievous giggle. "Well, that’s perfect. Sister Ah Zhi, why don't we swap seats?"
She hopped up and tugged at my sleeve. I quickly brushed her hand away. "Niannian, this is fine!"
Taking advantage of the commotion, Zhu Yixin began chirping at Wei Qingming, asking about the "Peach Blossom Strike." Wei Qingming responded with perfect poise, the very picture of a refined and humble master. Even Qiao Songlin joined in, his questions purely academic and focused on the most profound aspects of martial arts. A look of genuine appreciation and respect crossed Wei Qingming’s face, and the two of them began a back-and-forth dialogue across the three women—Niannian, myself, and Yixin.
Yu Niannian eventually grew impatient and shouted, "All I hear is the two of you talking! If we're eating, let's eat. Why are you swinging blades and spears at the table?"
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I found it strange; usually, this little martial arts fanatic would be listening with rapt attention. Then, her tone shifted. "Why don't you just change seats so you two can sit together!"
Zhu Yixin laughed as well. "Exactly. Martial Aunt Wei, why don't you swap with me?"
I was truly touched that she was willing to give up her chance to sit next to Qiao Songlin just to help my love life, but... I was about to wave them off again when a soft *clink* sounded. A small bowl landed in front of Yu Niannian. Before Niannian could react, Wei Qingming’s long fingers pushed the bowl toward me.
Fish balls.
I could almost hear her voice from the past: *“I remember my little cousin loved these as a child. Taste them and see if the flavor is as it was.”* And that other line, filled with the smugness of having everything under control, yet tinged with a cold, guarded edge: *“A cat, indeed.”*
A lump formed in my throat, and tears welled up. I couldn't speak. I kept my head down, feeling the hem of Zhu Yixin’s cloak brush my back as she moved, and then that unchanging fragrance drifted over my shoulder as Wei Qingming gracefully took the seat beside me. Even our relative positions—left hand to right hand—were exactly as they had been years ago.
She sat there with perfect composure, saying nothing to me. She simply turned back to continue her quiet discussion of martial techniques with Qiao Songlin. I reached for my chopsticks, but my hand shook so violently I feared I would drop them and make a scene. I switched to a spoon instead, gently scooping up a fish ball and taking a small bite. The rich, savory broth burst forth, warm and sweet.
Yan Xiangjun, knowing Wei Qingming’s dietary habits, ladled a bowl of soup for her. Wei Qingming declined with a faint smile, her words heavy with hidden meaning. "As for soup... I won't be having any today."
I laughed through my tears. I really did want to use an illusion to make her embarrass herself while she ate.
Throughout the meal, we didn't exchange a single word. Dantai Ye, ever the polite gentleman, noticed my silence and made an effort to chat with me, asking about my recent affairs. Zhu Yixin and Yan Xiangjun hit it off immediately and made plans to go fabric shopping at the Sky Street the next day. As for Wei Qingming, she and Qiao Songlin seemed like old friends, constantly clinking cups. At the very least, the atmosphere between her and me had loosened significantly. It was no longer awkward or strained. I realized that in the future, whether we were acquaintances or friends, it wouldn't be difficult to face her.
When I ran into Yu Niannian on the road the next day, she giggled and flicked my chin, her eyes full of gossip and curiosity. She was lovely in that regard; she wasn't like other busybodies or common girls who insisted on digging up every secret. She just made a playful remark and went on her way.
I walked into Kaiyang Hall. The twilight glow filtered through the windows, carrying a faint, ethereal floral scent. Withered leaves were shaken loose by the wind, swirling and tumbling onto my desk with a crisp, rustling sound. Even here on the northern plateau, though the spring breeze was weak, it would eventually cover the land. Soon, the old leaves would fall away, and new buds would sprout from the branches.
Wei Qingming looked up at me, then lowered her head with a faint smile. She elegantly closed her book and wiped the excess ink from her brush against the edge of the inkstone. Setting it down, she stood and said, "I shall accompany my Martial Niece."
Holding the jade token engraved with a stranger's name, she took the lead, lifting a lamp to illuminate the dim staircase. With the same meticulous thoughtfulness as before, she guided me to the second floor. In truth, I had come here over a dozen times to write my annotations; I could navigate this place with my eyes closed in the dark. Her gentle consideration was always so excessive.
I sat silently by the couch, flipping to my current page and picking up my brush to write. I knew she was watching me, and I struggled to keep my composure. I felt her lean in, but she only reached out to brighten the lamp, ensuring it wasn't too dim for my eyes without wasting oil or causing strain. Then, she stepped back respectfully.
She paced nearby for a while. I heard the sound of her fingertips trailing over the shelves, the rustle of a scroll being pulled out, the fluttering of pages, and that sound I knew so well—the subconscious habit of curling half a page into her left hand. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand. I managed to shut out my senses and worked for over an hour.
When the Western clock on the second floor chimed, I realized it was late. I looked around, but Wei Qingming was gone. Just as a faint sense of loss began to settle in, she stepped out from behind a bookshelf and smiled. "Sitting for too long is taxing. Why not take a rest?"
I gave a soft "mm," and she asked politely, "May I take a look at your annotations?"
Thinking of the messy draft and my chaotic handwriting, I momentarily wanted to cover it with a sheet of paper. Instead, I smiled. "It's just a rough scrawl, quite disorganized. I'm afraid Martial Aunt Wei will find it laughable."
"How could I?" She reached out, took a scroll, and unrolled it to examine it closely.
I held my breath for a while. She truly was a genius who had reached the Realm of Great Radiance on her own; every question she asked cut straight to the heart of the matter. However, because she lacked a formal master, she was inevitably puzzled by some basic issues. I thought carefully before answering each point, explaining things slowly and deliberately. When I finished, she gave a light laugh. "I've never seen your handwriting before. It captures the true romantic essence of Dong Boying’s style. It’s very beautiful."
*The first time?* I thought. *But your handwriting is sparse, yet I have seen it many times. It is carved into my heart and bones, never to be erased.*
It was night now. A spiritual mist rose from the mountain forests, curling around the feet of travelers. This mist was a condensation of water vapor and the abundant spiritual energy of the Wujing Sect. She walked ahead with the lamp, looking as if she were carrying a star through the clouds. When we reached my current residence, the Chungu Courtyard, she waited for me to step onto the porch. "I shall head back now. Rest early."
The disciple on duty opened the gate for me. Inside, I found Zhu Yixin and Lu Lingfeng sitting at the stone table in the courtyard. Both of them looked at me simultaneously.
Lately, Lu Lingfeng had been acting like she was punching a time clock. She would go to Kaiyang Hall in the morning, write for exactly one hour, and then vanish. Since I usually went in the afternoon, I hadn't seen her in half a month. The moment she saw me, she blurted out, "Did your lover hug you?"
Zhu Yixin slammed her hand on the table in excitement and grabbed Lu Lingfeng’s sleeve. "Did you already get to the hugging?"
While I stood there speechless, Lu Lingfeng nodded calmly. "Three hugs. She still owes two."
A curse word slipped out of Zhu Yixin’s mouth. She asked nervously, "What does that mean? You didn't do anything else, did you?"
I couldn't bear to listen anymore. I walked into my room and shut the door, but I could still hear Zhu Yixin’s voice trailing off in realization. "Oh! It’s hush money! Second Sister, why are you so honest? Five is too few... Oh, they're all ancient Netherworld spiritual artifacts? Well, alright then, I guess you didn't lose out too much..."
That night, as a spring rain pattered down, I replayed her every movement and expression in my mind, dissecting them over and over. It was hard to say if it was bitter or sweet. Eventually, I drifted into a hazy sleep.
Early the next morning, Zhu Yixin came to wake me. When I didn't respond, she leaned over the bed to shake me. I opened my eyes reluctantly. My deep sleep had been interrupted, and I felt a surge of irrational irritability, wanting to scream at her. Suddenly, something felt very wrong. My cultivation in the Realm of Radiance flickered with a spark of reason, and I woke up fully, feeling deeply strange. Was that... morning grumpiness? But that was a habit from my childhood before I had even taken human form. I shouldn't have felt that way now, let alone ten years ago. I was filled with confusion.
Zhu Yixin was startled by the sharp look in my eyes. She reached out concernedly to touch my forehead. "What is it? Did you have a nightmare about fighting? Get up quickly; today is the Day of Scripture Verification. Once this is done, the burden will be lifted."
I gave a vague "mm" and tried to give her my usual bright smile.
I washed and ate, and everything seemed normal, except for a strange heat rising in my body. My hands and feet felt swollen, similar to how I felt during my first summer in Pingjing. The porridge felt scalding hot, and I had a sudden urge to hurl the bowl away. Frowning, I asked, "Does anyone else feel hot today?"
The other four at the table froze and shook their heads. Lu Kaifeng smiled and pointed out the window. "How could it be hot? It's a cold, drizzling rain. Ah Zhi, if anything, you're wearing too little. You'll be cold outside."
I followed his gaze toward the distance. There stood the magnificent Heavenly Mountain, its peak covered in white snow and its base a deep, verdant green. The misty rain made it look truly beautiful. But suddenly, a powerful surge of hatred welled up in my heart—an inexplicable hatred for someone, as if we shared a blood feud. I stared fixedly at the mountain, yet I also felt an involuntary attraction to it, as if something were calling me, drawing me closer...
"Ah Zhi... let's go..."
Their voices sounded far away. I could no longer tell who was calling me. I even began to feel a strange detachment from the name itself. I thought desperately: *I don't think that's my name. What was it again...*
***
### Glossary Table
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 过从 | Association / Dealings | Used here with a double meaning of social interaction and past business. |
| 证经日 | Day of Scripture Verification | A specific day for validating or finalizing religious/martial texts. |
| 开阳殿 | Kaiyang Hall | One of the halls in the Wujing Sect. |
| 纯嘏院 | Chungu Courtyard | The protagonist's current residence; "Chungu" means pure blessing. |
| 大种光明 | Realm of Great Radiance | A high level of spiritual cultivation/enlightenment. |
| 董伯英 | Dong Boying | A reference to Zhang Zhi, a famous Han dynasty calligrapher known as the "Sage of Cursive Script." |
| 天山 | Heavenly Mountain | Likely the Tianshan Mountains, a major mountain range in Central Asia/Northwest China. |
