“This peach tree is not an illusion, so are these painted boats, the tourists, and the lights of the bustling streets also real? Can they hear me speak?”
With a wave of his sleeve, Yin Jiuli dissolved the bustling, lively scene into mist, leaving behind only the single peach tree.
Zhong Wuxi reached out to touch the nearest flowering branch. The moment he made contact, the peach blossoms transformed into golden powder, drifting down and dusting his shanshui robe; even the Snow Cloud Ribbon on his wrist was dyed pink.
He looked up to find that Yin Jiuli’s snow-white sleeve was also dusted with the golden powder. Zhong Wuxi hurriedly offered, “Master, let me brush that off for you.”
“There is no need.”
Yin Jiuli cast a cleansing spell, and his sleeve was instantly as pristine as before.
The mountain wind picked up outside. As the candlelight flickered, Zhong Wuxi rose to close the window. The sound of rustling snow was cut off, and silence returned to the world.
“Will I encounter disciples from other sects after descending the mountain? Will it be very lively?” Zhong Wuxi suddenly remembered something. “Master, do you know of a figure in the Qingyuan Realm called the Xiaoyao Sanren?”
Yin Jiuli nodded. “I do.”
“Do you know where the senior resides?” Zhong Wuxi recounted the details of his meeting with the Xiaoyao Sanren. “I was fortunate to have the senior’s assistance, or I might not have cleared the Ascension Staircase Secret Realm.”
“If I could find senior Xiaoyao Sanren after descending the mountain to repay the favor, that would be for the best.”
“The Xiaoyao Sanren’s whereabouts are unpredictable; there is no need to search for him.”
“If it were not for me, Master, you could travel the world and enjoy the beauty of the four seasons.” Zhong Wuxi shuffled slowly to sit beside Yin Jiuli. “Why do you not descend the mountain with me?”
Yin Jiuli did not reply. Zhong Wuxi felt a sudden pang of melancholy. “Master has accompanied and cared for me for many years; I truly cannot bear to leave you.”
In his first life, he had been an orphan, adrift and alone; even when he was critically ill, only his classmates had come to see him off. Fourteen years ago, he transmigrated here, beginning a second life. Though he still did not know who his parents were, he had his Master, his senior brothers and sisters, his junior nephews, a beautiful snow hut, and the Snow Cloud Ribbon. He had gained so much.
He had been accepted into Jimo Peak at three, and his Master had been with him ever since. Zhong Wuxi sniffled. “I think I will not descend the mountain after all.”
The novel never explained why the original host fell into the demonic path or how his Master purged the sect, only briefly mentioning the cannon fodder’s end through the words of others. What if those were just rumors? Rumors in this world were all the same; they passed from one to ten, from ten to a hundred, until they were unrecognizable.
A cool, gentle touch descended on his head.
“You must experience the mortal world.”
“Very well.” Zhong Wuxi bowed obediently. “Disciple is going to sleep. Goodnight, Master.”
Although the original snow hut had expanded into a large courtyard, Zhong Wuxi still lived with Yin Jiuli. He set up a barrier, had the Snow Cloud Ribbon set a spirit beast barrier, and then stared at the Little Ball hanging from the bed canopy.
“Why did you suddenly appear? You nearly scared me to death when I looked up just now.”
Zhong Wuxi glanced back to see his Master meditating on the cold jade bed. He turned back to the Little Ball. “You have been appearing quite frequently lately.”
The Little Ball was swinging on the tassels of the canopy, looking quite happy.
“I have a question for you. Besides myself and my Master, do you remember anyone else?”
The Little Ball shook its head.
“Then why do you follow me? Is it because I am Master’s only personal disciple?”
The Little Ball stopped swinging, pointed at its own leg, and then pointed out the window.
Zhong Wuxi looked out at the full moon and the pear tree. Forget it; he could not understand creature-speak. If only the creature could speak one day.
Zhong Wuxi closed his eyes. “I am tired. Let us talk tomorrow.”
When he opened his eyes the next day, the Little Ball was gone. It appeared for shorter and shorter intervals, and its form grew more transparent. He did not know if this change was for better or worse.
After breakfast, Zhong Wuxi went to Sade Peak to find Xuan Ling. He had never been to Sade Peak before, and having been in seclusion for so long, he was surprised that the Red Radish Butterflies, which often followed Xuan Ling, recognized him.
The disciple in charge of registration at Sade Peak blushed and lowered his head, unable to meet Zhong Wuxi’s eyes. “This Martial Junior, may I?”
Zhong Wuxi untied his token and handed it over. The disciple registered his name and opened the mountain-protecting array.
Zhong Wuxi bowed. “Thank you, Senior Brother.”
“Martial Junior, wait a moment.” The disciple handed the register to another student and stammered, “Sade Peak is surrounded by ancient trees, with branches and leaves blocking the sun. I will accompany you inside.”
“Thank you, Senior Brother.” Zhong Wuxi beckoned, and a Red Radish Butterfly landed on his fingertip. “They will lead me to Senior Martial Uncle Xuan Ling.”
The other disciple chimed in, “The Elder left early this morning, and we do not know where she went.”
Zhong Wuxi bowed again. “Thank you.”
The registration disciple watched Zhong Wuxi’s retreating back, his face flushed. “I wonder which Elder’s personal disciple he is; I have never seen anyone so good-looking.” He racked his brain to find a fitting description: “Like an ice sprite transformed from Silver Jade Grass.”
The other disciple laughed, “Inner disciples can become personal disciples after passing the assessment. When you become one, you will surely be able to befriend him.”
“No, no, the sect assessment is too hard. Why would I torture myself?”
The Red Radish Butterfly carried the conversation to his ears, and Zhong Wuxi sighed. This was Sade Peak, true to its reputation for being filled with an atmosphere of peaceful, lying-flat serenity from top to bottom.
Since Xuan Ling was not there, he decided to change course and find the Sect Leader at Piaomiao Peak. However, he struck out again. Sect Leader Xuan Su was not at Piaomiao Peak; according to the disciples, he was at Qixia Peak receiving guests.
Qixia Peak was the most beautiful of the ten main peaks of the Xuanqing Sect, famous for its breathtaking scenery, and was used for receiving outside guests.
No sooner had Zhong Wuxi stepped into the main hall of Qixia Peak than Zongzheng Lan pulled him toward a woman.