On the Great Bamboo Peak of Azure Ethereal Mountain.
Zhang Xiaofan sat dumbly in his room, lost in thought.
It was a bright and sunny afternoon. Soft rays of sunlight poured through the window, casting a gentle glow on the bluish-green stone floor. Perhaps it was due to the air being tinged with a lazy atmosphere; even the two companions, Big Yellow and Little Gray, appeared somewhat lethargic.
Big Yellow lay sprawled at Zhang Xiaofan’s feet, its head nestled between its forepaws, eyes half-closed, ears drooping. The only part of its body that moved occasionally was its lustrous tail, swaying gently back and forth.
Meanwhile, Little Gray, the usually hyperactive monkey, now lay against Big Yellow, using its belly as a pillow. It was fast asleep, its body rising and falling subtly with each breath of Big Yellow.
This peaceful afternoon seemed just like any other, unchanged from the past.
Zhang Xiaofan’s gaze wandered aimlessly, lost in an unknown distance. This was his third day back on Azure Ethereal Mountain.
Sensing something, Big Yellow, which had been drowsy, suddenly lifted its head, its eyes fully open, ears perked up.
Zhang Xiaofan furrowed his brow, and then heard slow footsteps approaching. A moment later, the door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the room, bathed in sunlight.
Once his eyes adjusted to the light, his face paled. Standing at the doorway was Tian Yisu, his face grim and stern.
This was the first time in three days that Tian Yisu had come to see him. Apart from Song Daren, the eldest disciple who brought him meals, he had seen no one else. Presumably, Tian Yisu had strictly forbidden others from visiting.
Big Yellow, overjoyed, ran to Tian Yisu, wagging its tail and rubbing against his legs. Little Gray, however, was less pleased, its sleep disturbed, and let out a few angry “squeaks.” But it knew better than to provoke Tian Yisu and quickly returned to the bed, burrowing into the blankets to continue its nap.
Tian Yisu crouched down, looked at Big Yellow, and reached out to pat its head. Big Yellow gave a low bark, nuzzling his hand.
After stroking Big Yellow, Tian Yisu straightened up and turned to Zhang Xiaofan.
Zhang Xiaofan, unable to meet his gaze, called out softly, “Master.”
Tian Yisu studied him for a while, not responding. Slowly, he walked closer, and Zhang Xiaofan instinctively took a step back.
Tian Yisu, however, did nothing more than sit down on a chair. Zhang Xiaofan felt a mix of fear and bewilderment. He had expected this and perhaps worse, knowing he would face inquiries and reprimands from others. Yet, in this warm and quiet afternoon, facing the silent Tian Yisu, all he could do was lower his head, his mind blank, unable to utter a word.
After a long silence, Tian Yisu finally spoke, “Seventh disciple.”
Zhang Xiaofan flinched, replying reflexively, “Yes, Master.”
“Do you have anything you wish to say to me?”
Zhang Xiaofan slowly raised his head to look at Tian Yisu, who remained expressionless, revealing nothing of his thoughts.
After a prolonged silence, Zhang Xiaofan shook his head.
Tian Yisu fixed his gaze on his disciple, his hands clenched into fists within his sleeves.
“Earlier,” Tian Yisu began, his voice slow and deliberate, as if to mask his emotions, “Qi Hao from Dragon Head Peak came to deliver a message. Tomorrow morning, Grandmaster Daoxuan will summon you to the Jade Clear Hall on Reaching Heaven Peak.”
Zhang Xiaofan shuddered, the moment he had dreaded had finally arrived.
A cool mountain breeze blew in through the open door, carrying the distant sound of bamboo rustling. Yet, the people in the room were oblivious.
Little Gray appeared to be asleep again, and Big Yellow had laid back down, ignoring them. Only Tian Yisu continued to watch his disciple, his gaze intense and penetrating.
“Have your senior brothers been treating you well these past few days?” Tian Yisu asked.
Zhang Xiaofan shook his head. “No, they have… they have been kind to me.”
Tian Yisu fell silent, and the room returned to its quiet state.
After a long pause, Tian Yisu let out a deep sigh, as if making a difficult decision. He rose and, without turning back or saying another word, walked out the door.
Zhang Xiaofan watched the familiar figure, feeling lost and bewildered.
As Tian Yisu was about to leave the room, he paused, but still did not turn around. Zhang Xiaofan, startled, called out, “Master…”
“Seventh disciple!” Tian Yisu’s voice was steady, but behind it, a hint of emotion could be detected.
“One last time, are you truly a spy sent by another sect to infiltrate and steal our Azure Ethereal secrets?”
Zhang Xiaofan bit his lip, slowly kneeling down. “Master, I am not. I have done nothing to betray you!”
He spoke firmly, both to Tian Yisu and to his own heart.
In the sunlight, a faint sigh could be heard. When he looked up again, the familiar figure had disappeared.
Zhang Xiaofan stared at the door, maintaining that pose for a long while before slowly rising and walking back to the bed, sitting down.
Little Gray, awakened by his movements, turned and saw Zhang Xiaofan, smiling broadly. After a short nap, it seemed to regain its energy and leaped onto his lap.
Zhang Xiaofan instinctively wrapped his arms around Little Gray, his gaze still fixed on the door. After a while, he whispered, “You know, I promised that person, I would never say it, never say it…”
Little Gray, seemingly unconcerned, reached out and playfully tugged at Zhang Xiaofan’s hair.
Zhang Xiaofan remained still, allowing Little Gray to play, and murmured, “Only you, Little Gray, are here to keep me company now…”
Little Gray “squeaked” twice, laughing gleefully, whether it understood or not. Meanwhile, Big Yellow, apparently asleep, had curled its tail beneath its body.
※※※
The sunlight remained gentle, and Du Bishu, standing outside, yawned but soon felt the drowsiness fade as he saw Tian Yisu walk out of Zhang Xiaofan’s room.
“Master,” Du Bishu called out, carefully observing Tian Yisu’s expression, hoping to glean something from it. However, Tian Yisu’s face remained impassive, and he only nodded slightly before passing by and heading towards the Quiet Hall.
Du Bishu stood respectfully to the side, watching Tian Yisu’s retreating figure, thinking about Zhang Xiaofan. He couldn’t help but sigh. No one on the Great Bamboo Peak could have imagined that their unremarkable youngest disciple would end up in such a predicament.
At this moment, even someone as lively as Du Bishu felt dispirited, worrying silently about Zhang Xiaofan.
He stood there, lost in thought, until he heard a call, “Sixth Senior Brother.”
Du Bishu jumped, turning to see Zhang Xiaofan, who had somehow left the room and stood behind him. Little Gray perched on his shoulder, grinning, while Big Yellow remained inside, likely still sleeping.
“Eh, Youngest Junior Brother!” Du Bishu frowned. “What is it?”
Zhang Xiaofan looked at him and said, “Sixth Senior Brother, I want to take a walk to the back mountain.”
Du Bishu hesitated, feeling torn. Although Tian Yisu had not explicitly ordered surveillance, Su Ru, their master’s wife, had instructed the disciples quietly. Seeing Zhang Xiaofan, once so ordinary, now haggard, Du Bishu felt genuine sympathy but dared not defy the orders. After a moment, he stammered, “Youngest Junior Brother, you know the situation… I, I…”
Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head, speaking softly, “Tomorrow, Grandmaster Daoxuan will summon me to Reaching Heaven Peak. I want to see the old places one last time.”
Du Bishu was taken aback, his mouth agape, and suddenly felt a pang of emotion. The young man before him, who once was so innocent, now stood there, a shadow of his former self.
But the orders of the sect could not be defied. As he struggled, he heard footsteps, and both turned to see Tian Ling’er, her expression complex, walking towards them.
This was the first time Zhang Xiaofan had seen Tian Ling’er in three days. She looked pale and weary, clearly not at peace, yet still beautiful in the sunlight.
Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head.
Tian Ling’er approached and addressed Du Bishu, but her gaze lingered on Zhang Xiaofan. “Sixth Senior Brother, Father said Zhang Xiaofan will do no harm. Let him go.”
Du Bishu and Zhang Xiaofan both felt a jolt. Zhang Xiaofan turned to look in the direction of the Quiet Hall, but saw no sign of Tian Yisu.
Zhang Xiaofan bowed in the direction of the Quiet Hall, his voice barely audible, with a slight tremor, “Thank you, Master.”
Tian Ling’er stood to the side, as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately turned and walked away.
As she walked off, Du Bishu remarked, “No wonder the youngest junior sister argued with Qi Hao from Dragon Head Peak this morning.”
Zhang Xiaofan, surprised, asked, “What?”
Du Bishu explained, “Qi Hao came earlier and talked with Father and Mother. The youngest junior sister pulled him aside, but after a few words, she got upset. I think she probably asked Qi Hao to plead for you to Uncle Cangsong, and that’s why they argued.”
Zhang Xiaofan smiled bitterly, not knowing what to say. He shook his head and started walking towards the back mountain.
Du Bishu watched his departing figure, seeing Little Gray playfully tugging at Zhang Xiaofan’s hair. Despite the comical scene, he felt a heavy burden, sighing deeply.
※※※
The path to the back mountain, which Zhang Xiaofan had not walked in a long time, was lush with greenery and filled with the sounds of birdsong. The cool mountain breeze on his face brought a refreshing chill, and the winding path felt like a return to the past.
Everything here remained unchanged, even the clouds drifting around the Great Bamboo Peak seemed the same as before.
Little Gray was delighted, jumping off Zhang Xiaofan’s shoulder and scampering into the grass, then climbing a tree, swinging joyfully.
Zhang Xiaofan, watching, couldn’t help but smile, remembering the first time he met Little Gray, feeling the weight on his heart lift slightly.
As he walked, Little Gray played excitedly above him, but Zhang Xiaofan’s gaze was fixed on the gradually appearing, verdant bamboo forest ahead.
How many memories were etched here!
He stopped at the edge of the bamboo grove.
The mountain breeze caused the black-bamboo to sway, rustling and welcoming the old friend.
Zhang Xiaofan took a deep breath, savoring the fresh, sweet, and free air unique to this place.
He stepped into the dense, tall, and green bamboo forest, where countless bamboo shoots sprouted from the soil, growing freely.
Unconsciously, he found himself at the place where he used to cut bamboo, noticing that the once thin black-bamboos had grown thicker.
The rustling bamboo and the gentle breeze seemed to embrace him.
Memories flooded back, overwhelming him.
He gazed around, almost in a trance.
“Zhang Xiaofan!”
A soft, pleasantly surprised voice echoed from the depths of the bamboo grove.
Zhang Xiaofan, startled, recognized the familiar voice, though he never expected to hear it here. He turned to see Bi Yao, in her water-green robes, standing among the bamboo, smiling tenderly at him.
※※※
“Why, how did you come here?” Zhang Xiaofan stammered, staring at her.
Bi Yao walked closer, her eyes full of warmth. “I came to see you.”
Zhang Xiaofan felt a surge of emotion, biting his lip. “But, if you’re discovered, it will be too dangerous!”
Bi Yao shook her head. “I don’t care. I just wanted to see you.”
Zhang Xiaofan, startled by her directness, noticed Bi Yao’s face flush. “Your Azure Ethereal Conclave has been complacent for over a century, and no one has noticed me sneaking in.”
Zhang Xiaofan nodded, but his thoughts turned to the fact that everyone in the righteous path knew Bi Yao was the daughter of the Ghost King. If anyone discovered them together, the consequences would be dire.
Bi Yao, perceptive, saw his hesitation and her smile faded. “If you’re worried, I’ll go.”
Zhang Xiaofan looked at her, noticing her exhaustion. “What more can I worry about? Can it get any worse?”
Bi Yao, taken aback, looked at him. Zhang Xiaofan smiled wryly, “It’s fine. No one will come now. Stay and talk with me.”
Bi Yao’s face lit up. “Okay.”
Yet, after that, they fell into an awkward silence, not knowing what to say next.
Finally, Bi Yao teased, “Fool, say something.”
Zhang Xiaofan scratched his head, his mind blank. He glanced at a large, decaying black-bamboo nearby and walked over, “Sit here.”
Bi Yao laughed, her smile like a blooming flower. She went to sit, but Zhang Xiaofan stopped her, “Wait.”
She looked at him, puzzled. “What?”
Zhang Xiaofan bent down, using his sleeve to wipe the bamboo clean. He then stood, not meeting her gaze, “You can sit now.”
Bi Yao, her smile fading, watched him. After a while, she sat down, pulling Zhang Xiaofan, “Sit with me.”
Zhang Xiaofan blushed, “I, I can sit on the ground…”
Bi Yao pulled him down beside her, “Sit here, not on the ground.”
Zhang Xiaofan, embarrassed, felt a faint, pleasant scent. He turned to see Bi Yao looking at him, her eyes filled with tenderness.
Never before, even when they were trapped in the Blood Drop Cave, had Zhang Xiaofan felt so close to her. After a while, he said, “Bi Yao.”
“What is it?” Bi Yao smiled.
“Why are you so good to me?”
Bi Yao, pausing, looked at the ground, her face clouded with confusion. “Why, indeed, am I so good to you?”
Above them, the bamboo leaves swayed in the breeze, whispering softly.
“You know about my family and my past, right?” Bi Yao said, her voice distant.
Zhang Xiaofan nodded, “Yes.”
Bi Yao continued, “My mother passed away when I was young, and my father was always busy with the Holy Sect. He rarely had time for me. Everyone around me fawned over me because of my father.”
Zhang Xiaofan, silent for a moment, “Your father does care about you.”
Bi Yao nodded, “Yes, but I didn’t understand until I met you.”
She gazed at Zhang Xiaofan, “Those days in the Blood Drop Cave, I will never forget.”
Her voice, now distant, “In the darkness, even near death, I found someone to rely on.”
Zhang Xiaofan, moved, couldn’t find the words.
Bi Yao reached out, her hand soft and gentle, and held his. She took a handkerchief and wiped the dirt from his sleeve.
“All my life, so many have fawned over me, offering treasures, but…” she looked into his eyes, “all the treasures in the world cannot compare to this sleeve you cleaned for me.”
In that moment, the world fell silent.
Only the gentle gaze of the beautiful woman surrounded him.
Years later, will you remember the day someone spoke to you, their hearts laid bare?
Those youthful, earnest, and passionate words, do you remember them?
Like a vow carved deep in your heart, unbreakable, unyielding.
Did you open your arms and hold the one you loved?
※※※
In the quiet, gentle embrace of the moment, he opened his arms and embraced the beautiful woman tightly.
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