Chapter 232: Despair

Azure Ethereal Vapors, Lesser Bamboo Peak

It had been three days since the Ghostly Might had returned Master Tian’s remains to the Greater Bamboo Peak, yet Master Su still inexplicably prevented the disciples from informing their fellow clansmen of the grievous news. This not only left Song Daren and the others bewildered in their profound grief, but even the Ghostly Might was somewhat taken aback.

However, none dared to bring up the matter to Mistress Su directly. Facing her husband, whose body was being preserved with celestial treasures in the Hall of Silence, Mistress Su’s face was a picture of sorrow, making it impossible for anyone to speak. The Greater Bamboo Peak was a modest lineage, always low-key within the Azure Ethereal Conclave. With no urgent matters, no one would come to this secluded peak, and thus, the three days of open mourning in the Hall of Silence went unnoticed by the Azure Ethereal Conclave.

On this clear morning, an outsider finally arrived, quietly landing on the Greater Bamboo Peak. Clad in white, she seemed to float above the dust—Lu Xueqi.

A faint blue light shimmered, ethereal and serene, as the Heaven’s Edge glowed softly in her pale hands. Lu Xueqi looked around in silence, her eyes falling upon the green mountains and tranquil waters, unmarred by any signs of trouble. Only the two white mourning banners hanging at the entrance of the Hall of Silence betrayed the sorrow that lay within.

She gazed at the white banners for a moment before walking towards the Hall of Silence. Not long after, noticing the commotion, Song Daren and the others, dressed in mourning clothes, emerged from the hall, their faces a mix of surprise and awkwardness.

Upon recognizing Lu Xueqi and seeing that she was alone, Song Daren and the others visibly relaxed.

Lu Xueqi bowed slightly, her voice calm, “Disciple Lu Xueqi from the Lesser Bamboo Peak, greetings to Senior Brother Song and all senior brothers.”

Song Daren, along with Wu Dayi and He Daizhi behind him, returned the bow, then Song Daren sighed, “Why did you, Junior Sister Lu, come here? This… alas, I hope we have not embarrassed you.”

Lu Xueqi’s face was devoid of any smile, instead, a somber and sorrowful expression. After a moment of silence, she said, “Xueqi comes with no other intention but to pay respects to Uncle Tian and to visit Aunt Su. I hope you will inform them of my presence, and I am deeply grateful.”

Song Daren and the others exchanged glances, deliberating for a moment. Then Song Daren said, “Junior Sister Lu, you are not an outsider, so…”

He paused, noticing Lu Xueqi’s cheeks flushing slightly, causing him some embarrassment. He smiled and continued, “The truth is, our mistress is not here. Early this morning, she went alone to the bamboo grove on the back mountain, and… She also took the master’s remains with her, informing us that she intends to bury him alone.”

Lu Xueqi frowned, a sense of unease passing through her. This situation was even stranger than she had anticipated. Not only did she ignore the need to inform others, but she also kept her own daughter, Ling’er, in the dark.

She thought for a moment, then asked, “And where is…?”

Song Daren, initially surprised, understood after glancing at Lu Xueqi and noticing the knowing look from He Daizhi. He hesitated before saying, “Youngest Junior Brother also went to the back mountain.”

Lu Xueqi was slightly surprised, looking at Song Daren. He sighed, “Mistress forbade us from following, taking only Youngest Junior Brother with her.”

Lu Xueqi remained silent for a moment, then bowed to Song Daren and the others, “Thank you, senior brothers. I will not delay you any further. I will come again to pay respects to Uncle Tian.”

Song Daren and the others returned the bow. Song Daren hesitated, “Junior Sister Lu, there are many twists to this matter, I hope you…”

Before he could finish, Lu Xueqi said, “I understand, Senior Brother. Xueqi will not breathe a word to anyone.”

Song Daren nodded, and Lu Xueqi, without another word, turned and left.

As they watched the white figure depart, Wu Dayi stepped forward, “Eldest Senior Brother, I fear she may head to the back mountain. Is that alright?”

He Daizhi, beside him, replied, “There’s no ‘may’ about it. This Junior Sister Lu is definitely going to the back mountain. She must be here on the orders of our Uncle Shuimoon. If she doesn’t find out what’s happening, she’ll have trouble explaining to Uncle Shuimoon.”

Song Daren was silent for a moment, then said, “It’s for the best if she goes. I’ve been worried that our mistress is taking this too hard. But she won’t let us follow, and we can’t go against her. Though Seventh has gone, we know that if Mistress tells him to leave, he won’t dare disobey. Having this young lady from the Lesser Bamboo Peak check on her can’t be bad.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, then fell silent. Song Daren sighed and returned to the Hall of Silence.

In the bamboo grove on the back mountain, the scenery resembled that of the Lesser Bamboo Peak. The lush, verdant bamboo swayed in the breeze, casting flickering shadows. The morning light filtered through the leaves, dappling the ground.

Tiny dewdrops clung to the slender bamboo leaves, glistening like precious pearls.

Ghostly Might stood there, momentarily lost in the familiar surroundings. Years ago, he had begun his life on the Greater Bamboo Peak, sweating and toiling in this secluded grove. Those once tedious days now seemed like a dream, but the tranquility he once felt was now unattainable.

The rustling bamboo and gentle breeze filled his ears. He sighed, dispelling his melancholy, and turned to look at Mistress Su.

Master Tian’s remains lay nearby, with the dog, Big Yellow, still by his side. Since the return of Master Tian’s remains, the dog had not left his side.

With no cushion beneath Master Tian’s remains, it seemed disrespectful, but no one dared question Mistress Su’s actions. Even though they did not challenge her, her behavior was still puzzling. Ghostly Might intended to ask, but Mistress Su’s back seemed like an impenetrable wall, making it hard to find the words.

Suddenly, Mistress Su broke the silence, “Do you have something to say to me?”

Startled, Ghostly Might paused, then cautiously said, “Mistress, I have a few words, but I’m not sure if I should speak them.”

Mistress Su said, “Speak, I know these thoughts are not yours alone.”

Ghostly Might, realizing how astute his mistress was, cleared his throat, “Mistress, please forgive my boldness. I understand your grief over Master Tian’s passing…”

As he spoke, he glanced at Master Tian’s face, feeling a pang of sorrow. He continued, “But I implore you to take care of yourself. Additionally, although you are grieving, the master’s funeral should be arranged soon. Moreover, Elder Sister Ling’er should be informed to pay her respects.”

Mistress Su did not turn or speak.

Ghostly Might, feeling uneasy, bowed slightly, “Mistress, if I have spoken out of line, please forgive me.”

Mistress Su shook her head, slowly turning to face him, “You said nothing wrong. What you said is correct.”

Ghostly Might, looking at Mistress Su, was surprised. Today, she looked different, though still in mourning clothes, she appeared more composed and beautiful.

Lowering his head, Ghostly Might was at a loss for words. Finally, he said, “Mistress, I have another question, if I may be so bold.”

Mistress Su said, “Go on.”

Ghostly Might said, “Though I share your sorrow, Master Tian’s remains should not be moved, especially not to the back mountain…”

Mistress Su interrupted, “Are you scolding me?”

Ghostly Might quickly shook his head, “No, I wouldn’t dare!”

Mistress Su looked at him, her expression softening. She said, “Seventh, do you know how many years your master and I were married?”

Ghostly Might, sensing deep sorrow in her words, said, “I don’t know, Mistress.”

Mistress Su smiled, turning back to sit beside Master Tian, “Not even I remember. The years we spent together in these mountains were enough for me. Why bother counting the days? He often teased me, saying that if we failed to achieve immortality, we would be reincarnated. On the day of our parting, what would that be like?”

Her voice grew softer, “I asked him what he wanted, and he said he wished for a simple burial on the back mountain, without a coffin. Just a mound of earth, so he could watch over those on the front mountain, never lonely.”

Tears streamed down her face, and Ghostly Might bit his lip, unable to speak.

Big Yellow lifted his head, looked at Mistress Su, and then lowered it again, tail wagging gently.

Mistress Su gazed at Master Tian, then waved her hand, “Go down the mountain for a while. Come back in half an hour.”

Ghostly Might, surprised, hesitated, “Mistress…”

Mistress Su said, “What?”

After a pause, Ghostly Might said, “Mistress, I understand your wishes, but before Master Tian is buried, shouldn’t Elder Sister Ling’er be informed…”

Mistress Su was silent, then said, “Fine, go and tell Daren to discreetly fetch Ling’er from the Dragon Head Peak.”

Ghostly Might nodded, turned, and walked away. As he reached the stone steps, he glanced back, seeing Mistress Su sitting alone beside Master Tian, her figure a picture of loneliness. His heart ached, and he turned away, descending the mountain.

As he walked, his mind calmed, reflecting on the recent events. Mistress Su’s decision to keep the news from the Azure Ethereal Conclave and even from Ling’er was peculiar. The handling of Master Tian’s funeral, though in accordance with his wishes, seemed hasty.

He sighed, remembering that cultivators did not value earthly rites. Burial in the earth was a fitting end.

Lost in thought, he descended the mountain, recalling the hardships of his first ascent. The journey to the back mountain with Master Brother Song and Elder Sister Ling’er was arduous, and the memories were still vivid.

Wondering how Ling’er was faring, he smiled bitterly, then stopped, surprised to see a white figure ahead. Lu Xueqi, standing gracefully, her presence serene, watched him.

They stood in silence, each lost for words. The wind blew, ruffling her hair and clothes.

Finally, Ghostly Might spoke, “Why are you here?”

Lu Xueqi said, “My master sent me to visit Aunt Su.”

Ghostly Might nodded, “Mistress is tending to the wound on the back mountain. She wants to be alone for a while. She instructed me to return in half an hour.”

Lu Xueqi nodded, “Very well, I will wait.”

Silence fell between them, the distance seeming to grow despite their proximity.

After a while, Lu Xueqi said, “Your injuries… are they better?”

Ghostly Might said, “Much better. I owe you thanks for saving me that day.”

Lu Xueqi, startled, said, “That day, I…”

Ghostly Might interrupted, “Please, don’t say more.”

Lu Xueqi, her expression somber, lowered her head.

Ghostly Might, hesitating, continued, “Mistress told me everything. She said I was wrong to blame you, and I apologize.”

Lu Xueqi, shocked, raised her head, seeing the sorrow in Ghostly Might’s eyes. She said, “I understand. I will wait for you.”

Ghostly Might, surprised, looked at her. Seeing the tears in her eyes and the tension easing from her body, he felt a surge of tenderness. Just as he was about to speak, a frantic barking sounded from the top of the mountain.

His body froze.

It was Big Yellow’s bark, more desperate and frantic than he had ever heard. The deep worry he had been harboring surged to the surface, and his face paled, his hands trembling.

Lu Xueqi, equally startled, saw the distress in Ghostly Might’s face and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ghostly Might, trembling, shouted, “Mistress!”

Without waiting for a reply, he dashed up the mountain, moving like the wind. Lu Xueqi, quick-witted, understood the gravity of the situation. Her face paled, her body trembling. The thought of Mistress Su facing a crisis, and how Ghostly Might would react, was too much to bear.

As she watched him disappear, a sense of helplessness overwhelmed her. She wanted to follow, but her body felt immobilized, her mind screaming, “No… No…”