Chapter 21: The Nightfall

The Seven Pulse Martial Meet, a grand event that takes place once every sixty years in the Azure Ethereal Conclave, brings hundreds of additional people to the Celestial Peak, making accommodation rather tight.

The idea of the Bamboo Peak disciples enjoying their carefree days of having individual rooms on their own peak was nothing but a pipe dream now.

Apart from Tian Ling’er, who stayed with the young women on Little Bamboo Peak, all seven male disciples from Great Bamboo Peak, starting with Song Daren, were crammed into one room.

Typically, Azure Ethereal Conclave disciples are housed four to a room, but now three extra bedding mats had been laid out on the floor, and they had managed to squeeze everyone in, though it was inevitably cramped.

At this moment, someone was heard loudly complaining, “Really, they keep boasting about how wonderful the Long Gate is, and now they expect us to cram seven people into one room. How stingy!”

“Sixth Brother, stop grumbling; if the Long Gate senior brothers hear you, it won’t be good.”

“Second Senior Brother, you’re sleeping on the bed, so you’re naturally comfortable. But have you even looked at me lying on the cold floor? Why don’t we swap beds?”

“Snore, snore, snore…”

“What! You fell asleep just like that, and you’re already snoring?”

“Snore, snore, snore…”

“Hmph, Fourth Senior Brother, you’ve always been handsome, dashing, and full of talent… “

“Snore, snore, snore…”

“What’s going on? Is it popular to fall asleep instantly now? Hey, Eldest Senior Brother, you’ve always been kind-hearted, how could you let your junior brother… “

“Snore, snore, snore…”

“You—Ah! Third Senior Brother…”

“Roar, roar, roar, roar…”

Startled, the wall suddenly shook as someone from the next room shouted angrily, “Hey, do you guys from Great Bamboo Peak always snore this loud at night?”

Suddenly, the room fell silent. After a long while, someone stifled a laugh. Then, the previous voice, as if remembering something, exclaimed, “Oh! Fifth Senior Brother, you…”

“What, what, what? I’m sleeping right next to you, both on the floor. Do you want to switch places? I don’t mind!”

“Cough, never mind. Sigh! The floor is not only cold, but also short, making it uncomfortable to sleep. Little Junior Brother is the lucky one, perfectly sized for it.”

“Sixth Senior Brother, why are you talking with your eyes closed? Don’t you see that I’m fighting a big dog and a monkey for the blanket here? This is the most crowded spot, and you still talk?”

“…But still…”

“Shut up, Sixth Brother!” several voices in the room bellowed simultaneously.

After nightfall, many first-time visitors from the other six pulses came out to stroll and marvel at the scenery of Celestial Peak. However, as the night deepened, everyone returned to their respective rooms to sleep.

When darkness descended upon the towering mountain, the cold moon in the sky cast its pale glow over the peak.

Zhang Xiaofan was sound asleep when he suddenly felt movement beside him. He half-opened his drowsy eyes and saw that the monkey Xiao Hui and the dog Dahuang were no longer there.

He sat up and looked around, catching a glimpse of Dahuang’s yellow figure flashing by the door, with a shadow on its back, likely Xiao Hui.

Zhang Xiaofan found it strange. So late at night, where were this dog and monkey going?

Silently, he got up, threw on some clothes, and walked to the door. In the pale moonlight, he saw Dahuang carrying Xiao Hui running towards the cloud sea.

Zhang Xiaofan calculated in his mind and remembered that Song Daren had told him earlier about the location of the kitchen on Celestial Peak.

Feeling both amused and exasperated, he realized that Dahuang, who had been with Tian Yisu for hundreds of years, was indeed a venerable old dog, but still quite greedy.

He thought about going back to sleep, but then considered that if anyone saw the dog and monkey from Great Bamboo Peak stealing food, it would be too embarrassing. He decided to bring them back.

With a decision made, he looked up and saw that Dahuang and Xiao Hui were now only a blurry figure in the distance. He hurried after them.

Running swiftly, he avoided disturbing his fellow disciples in other rooms. When he reached the square by the cloud sea, he could no longer see Dahuang or Xiao Hui. Under the cold moon, the mist floated like gauze, beautiful beyond compare.

Glancing around, he headed towards the kitchen. Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat.

In the depths of the cloud sea, a slender figure was walking in the direction opposite the kitchen, heading towards the Rainbow Bridge.

Zhang Xiaofan stared at the figure. Though far away, the silhouette was deeply etched in his heart. He recognized it as his senior sister, Tian Ling’er.

Such a late night!

Why was she wandering alone, and where was she going?

Zhang Xiaofan stood there, at a loss, his mind flooded with a myriad of thoughts, feeling a mess of conflicting emotions.

He turned his head, staring in the direction of the kitchen, and with a heavy heart, started walking that way, muttering to himself, “Zhang Xiaofan, mind your own business! Mind your own business!”

After taking seven steps, the moonlight shone on the solitary figure, making him look even more lonely.

Then he stopped, looked up, and saw the cold moon hanging in the sky.

His lips moved, and after a moment, he turned abruptly, gritted his teeth, and ran in the direction the figure had disappeared.

The moonlight illuminated his running form, casting a desolate yet tender glow.

In a short while, Tian Ling’er’s figure had vanished into the cloud sea, but Zhang Xiaofan didn’t look anywhere else, running straight towards the Rainbow Bridge.

Soon, he was on the bridge, and the cool mountain breeze made the water on both sides ripple, reflecting the moonlight beautifully. Zhang Xiaofan, however, paid no attention and kept running.

Run, run, run!

Even after crossing the bridge, he saw no one. When he reached the end of the bridge, a sense of emptiness washed over him. The moonlit glow illuminated the bay of the clear pool, where a beautiful figure stood, gazing at the shimmering water, lost in thought.

Zhang Xiaofan suddenly felt afraid, a fear he couldn’t explain. He knew he mustn’t let his senior sister discover him.

Looking around, he saw a small grove near the pool and quietly ran over, hiding there to observe Tian Ling’er.

This sight seemed to last forever.

Under the moonlight, by the blue waters, the young woman stood with a hint of sorrow and hope, her brows slightly furrowed, her eyes shining softly, as if lost in a dream. She looked incredibly beautiful.

The gentle breeze caressed her hair and robe, highlighting her snow-white skin.

Deep in his heart, Zhang Xiaofan felt an inexplicable tenderness, as if she was the person he wanted to protect for the rest of his life, even if it meant enduring countless trials.

How he wished this moment could last forever!

“Ling’er, junior sister,” a voice called from the Rainbow Bridge. Tian Ling’er turned, her eyes lighting up with joy, and a genuine smile spread across her face.

“Senior Brother Qi, you came!”

Zhang Xiaofan’s heart seemed to break, but he felt no pain, only emptiness. “Senior Brother Qi, Senior Brother Qi, Senior Brother Qi…” echoed in his mind.

He turned his head and saw Qi Hao walking briskly down the bridge, his handsome features and distinguished demeanor unmistakable.

Qi Hao approached Tian Ling’er and said gently, “I apologize. My junior brothers were playful and noisy, so I was delayed. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

Tian Ling’er, who had been slightly annoyed, felt her irritation vanish as soon as she saw Qi Hao. She smiled and said, “It’s okay, I haven’t been here long.” After a pause, she glanced at the pool and asked, “Why did you choose to meet here? I’m still a bit scared after the Spirit Lord’s sudden anger during the day.”

Qi Hao laughed, “Don’t worry, I heard from our master that the Spirit Lord is fine. It was just a joke. And since it caused such a commotion during the day, it’s even more peaceful here at night, isn’t it?”

Tian Ling’er blushed and lowered her head, “I wonder if it’s right for us to meet secretly like this.”

Qi Hao looked at her tenderly, “Ling’er, since our first meeting two years ago on Great Bamboo Peak, I’ve been unable to forget you. I often can’t sleep at night, thinking of you.”

Tian Ling’er bit her lip, her face reddening, but she didn’t seem angry. Instead, a sweet feeling rose in her heart.

Qi Hao continued, “Ling’er, I…”

Tian Ling’er interrupted, “Senior Brother Qi, you can call me Ling’er.” She then lowered her head and whispered, “That’s what my father and mother call me.”

Qi Hao was overjoyed, almost disbelieving his ears. “Really? Ling’er?”

Tian Ling’er looked at him and slowly took out a small brocade box from her chest, her gaze lowered. “I’ve carried this Cool Pearl with me for the past two years.”

She couldn’t bear to look at Qi Hao, but to her surprise, he didn’t say anything for a long time. When she finally peeked at him, she saw joy and happiness in his eyes.

They stared at each other for a long time before opening their arms and embracing each other.

The cold moonlight bathed them, casting a soft glow over the grove, but it couldn’t reach the dark corners.

After a while, the couple spoke loving words until Qi Hao noticed the time. “Ling’er, it’s getting late. We should go back. It wouldn’t be good if someone found out.”

Tian Ling’er nodded, and they exchanged a knowing smile. Qi Hao took her hand, and they walked back to the bridge, close together, before disappearing into the moonlit night.

The night seemed even more melancholic now.

From the shadows, Zhang Xiaofan slowly emerged, walking to the edge of the pool, looking at the shimmering water and the cold moon reflected in it.

He suddenly felt like crying.

But he didn’t. The inexplicable pain in his heart was like a wild beast, leaving scars everywhere.

He gritted his teeth and remained silent.

It was as if he had returned to the moment five years ago when he lost everything, except for Lin Jingyu, his world had changed entirely.

And tonight, he was alone, facing it all.

A low growl, like a snort from a beast, startled Zhang Xiaofan. He turned and saw the massive Water Kirin, revered as the Spirit Lord, standing silently behind him, its large head nearly touching him.

He didn’t know how such a massive creature could move so silently, perhaps because he was too distraught to notice.

His heart almost leaped out of his chest as he saw the Water Kirin, its body as large as a small mountain, and its sharp fangs gleaming in the moonlight. Terrified, he stumbled and fell, tripping over a large rock.

His robes, already disheveled, revealed a black, crude object, the so-called “firestick,” which clattered to the ground.

The sound echoed in the quiet place, rippling across the water.

Zhang Xiaofan and the Water Kirin both looked down, seeing the firestick lying between them.

The Water Kirin’s giant eyes reflected Zhang Xiaofan’s pale face and the ugly firestick.

Zhang Xiaofan felt his throat dry and cold sweat trickling down. His mind screamed, “Run, run, run!”

But in front of the Water Kirin, his feet refused to move.

The Water Kirin seemed puzzled, staring at the firestick, examining it closely, even reaching out with a cautious paw.

Zhang Xiaofan watched, both terrified and curious. Was the Spirit Lord, having lived for thousands of years, now senile, or was it like the mischievous old dog on Great Bamboo Peak, retaining a childlike curiosity?

The Water Kirin gently touched the firestick, then withdrew its paw, still wary. The firestick remained motionless, and the Water Kirin’s confusion deepened.

After a moment, the Water Kirin looked at Zhang Xiaofan, letting out a low, powerful growl.

Zhang Xiaofan’s muscles tensed, his breathing stopping.

To his surprise, the Water Kirin only glanced at him before focusing on the firestick again, even lowering its head to sniff it carefully.

Zhang Xiaofan’s heart pounded, but he found the Water Kirin’s behavior strangely similar to Dahuang. If not for the tension, he might have laughed.

After a while, the Water Kirin, clearly finding nothing, looked around, appearing confused.

However, as a millennia-old spirit, it decided to give up. It snorted and gave Zhang Xiaofan a final glare, scaring him half to death, before turning and wading into the pool, disappearing beneath the waves.

Relieved, Zhang Xiaofan slowly got up, realizing his clothes were drenched, and his forehead was soaked in sweat.

He picked up the firestick, examined it, and found nothing unusual. “This is just ridiculous!”

As he spoke, a splash from the pool caught his attention. A large wave revealed the Water Kirin’s tail flicking out of the water.

Terrified, Zhang Xiaofan stuffed the firestick into his robes and ran, hearing the water splashing behind him. He didn’t dare look back, just kept running as far as he could.

He reached the Rainbow Bridge, sprinting up, and didn’t stop until he was at the top and could no longer hear any sounds behind him. Panting, he looked up at the cold, high moon.

In the morning, the others woke up.

Du Bishu, rubbing his back, complained loudly, “What a night! My back is killing me. How am I supposed to compete today?”

Fifth Brother Lu Daxin frowned, “Sixth Brother, stop whining. I slept just fine.”

Song Daren added, “Exactly, Sixth Brother. You complained all night, and you’re still not done? Look at Fifth Brother and Little Junior Brother, they’re fine.”

Du Bishu glared, “Fifth Brother is thick-skinned, of course he doesn’t feel it. Ask Little Junior Brother, he looks like he barely slept.”

Zhang Xiaofan, gathering his bedding, sat on a chair, staring out the window, unresponsive. Dahuang lay at his feet, while Xiao Hui combed through the dog’s fur, seemingly looking for fleas.

Du Bishu walked over and slapped Zhang Xiaofan’s shoulder.

Zhang Xiaofan jumped, startling Dahuang and Xiao Hui. He turned, “Wh-what is it?”

Du Bishu frowned, “Xiaofan, what’s wrong? Did you not sleep well?”

Zhang Xiaofan hesitated, “No, I’m fine.”

Du Bishu, “Then why are your eyes red and bloodshot?”

Zhang Xiaofan was about to speak when He Dazhi intervened, “Sixth Brother, mind your own business. Little Junior Brother’s state doesn’t matter; he’s off today. If you don’t wash up, you’ll be late for the competition, and that’s on you.”

Du Bishu realized and rushed to the basin, splashing water on his face, “Hmph, Little Junior Brother is just lucky. Look at him, still drowsy, really… Ah! Fifth Brother, give me the basin, I’m running late!”

“Spit, I haven’t washed yet!”

Zhang Xiaofan, watching the squabbling, felt a bit annoyed. He stood up and left, and as he reached the door, Song Daren called, “Little Junior Brother, have you washed?”

Zhang Xiaofan turned, “Yes, Eldest Senior Brother.”

Song Daren nodded, “Good. You can go for a walk, but remember to go to the dining hall for breakfast later.”

Zhang Xiaofan agreed, “Understood,” and left. Xiao Hui chattered and scampered onto his shoulder, and Dahuang, seeing the monkey, lazily followed.

In the corridor, Zhang Xiaofan saw the busy figures of the Azure Ethereal Conclave disciples. He wandered aimlessly and found himself in the Cloud Sea Square.

It was still early, and only a few disciples were walking around. The cool mountain breeze brushed his face, a cold sensation reminiscent of last night.

Pain pierced Zhang Xiaofan’s heart. At sixteen, he had developed feelings for the beautiful and lively Tian Ling’er after living with her on Great Bamboo Peak for five years.

But last night, he had seen her with Qi Hao, and it felt like a bolt of lightning striking him, shattering his heart.

His mind was a chaotic mess, filled with the heartbreaking scenes of last night. He wandered aimlessly like a lost soul.

“Hey?” A sudden exclamation startled Zhang Xiaofan from his thoughts.

He turned to see a young Azure Ethereal disciple, with a refined appearance, wearing a long robe and holding a fan painted with mountains and rivers. The disciple was staring intently at the monkey on Zhang Xiaofan’s shoulder.