He’s utterly devoted to that sword, Jinshu thought to herself with a hint of sarcasm. After bidding him farewell, she turned around and noticed her junior brother standing quietly not far away, waiting for her. When he caught her gaze, he smiled and raised a greased-paper bundle in his hand.
Jinshu skipped over cheerfully and took the warm, greased-paper bundle.
“Shall we finish eating before heading back?”
Jinshu shook her head. “Let’s eat while walking.”
There were too many people around here, and she kept feeling eyes on her, which made her skin crawl. Besides, if any acquaintances noticed her eating habits differed strangely from the original body’s, it would be troublesome.
As soon as she unwrapped the greased-paper bundle, a wave of steam wafted into her face.
Chen Fuzhou, somewhat amused, handed her his handkerchief, earning a grateful smile from Jinshu.
Her junior brother was truly kind—handsome, considerate, and good-hearted. She had initially worried about handling interpersonal relationships, but now it seemed her concerns were unnecessary.
Jinshu tucked the handkerchief she had used to wipe her face into her pocket. “I’ll wash it and return it to you later.”
She offered the unwrapped greased-paper bundle to Chen Fuzhou. “Hurry and eat while it’s hot. It’s still tasty when it cools down, but nothing beats it fresh and warm.”
Chen Fuzhou didn’t refuse, reaching in to take one.
“What was it you wanted to ask me?”
“Nothing much. It’s just about the old man in the courtyard—I was wondering if you knew him?”
Jinshu pondered for a moment, swallowed the bite of bun in her cheek, and recounted everything that had happened at the Rear Mountain in a flurry of words.
“Why? Is there something off about that old man?” Jinshu asked before taking another bite of her bun.
“Nothing serious. It’s just that he seems to know the Sect inside out despite having no Spiritual Power, which made me curious.”
Chen Fuzhou looked at her with a smile. Her cheeks were puffed out with bun, making her look utterly adorable.
Jinshu was actually exceptionally beautiful, but she was still young, with a touch of lingering baby fat that often made people treat her like a child. Her face was petite, with rounded inner corners of her eyes and upturned outer corners. Her dark, bright eyes always held a hint of mischief when she looked at others, while her straight, thick eyebrows added a touch of spirited charm, like a playful and endearing kitten.
Chen Fuzhou’s gaze was hard to ignore, and Jinshu felt a bit puzzled. “Why do you keep looking at me?”
Chen Fuzhou calmly averted his eyes. “Nothing. I just thought seeing you eat so heartily made it look appetizing.”
Jinshu felt a little embarrassed. Noticing that the bun in his hand remained untouched, she couldn’t help but ask, “But you haven’t taken a single bite.”
“Truthfully, I’m not particularly fond of eating.”
“No wonder you’re so thin. Even though we Cultivators can practice grain avoidance and skip meals, you’re already this slender—you should eat more,” Jinshu exclaimed in surprise.
Chen Fuzhou explained, “You misunderstand, Senior Sister. Though I may look thin, I train diligently every day and am no weaker than other Cultivators.”
Jinshu assumed he said this to avoid being underestimated, so she gave an understanding smile and declared earnestly, “I never said you weren’t capable. I just want you to eat more. Anyway, if I get the chance, I’ll make sure to keep an eye on you!”
Jinshu patted Chen Fuzhou’s shoulder. Even when trying to look serious, her youthful, childlike face couldn’t hide its innocence.
Chen Fuzhou couldn’t help but want to laugh, but fearing she might be sensitive, he suppressed his amusement and nodded solemnly.
As they walked and talked, Jinshu pulled another steamed bun from the oiled paper, wrapped the remaining ones back up, and stuffed them into Chen Fuzhou’s arms. “These are for you. Remember to finish them. Oh, by the way, are you going back to the Rear Mountain?”
When the warm bundle was pressed into his arms, Chen Fuzhou was momentarily dazed. Hearing her words, he lowered his voice and replied, “No. Once Master returns, I’ll tell him I wish to end my seclusion. My quarters are right next to Senior Sister’s courtyard.”
Jinshu nodded. The place where she lived consisted of two adjacent courtyards, though the one beside hers had never shown any light.
As the two chatted and laughed, the two small courtyards came into view. Jinshu squinted and pointed ahead. “Hey, look—it seems something is hanging on the doors.”
Chen Fuzhou looked up and indeed saw letters hanging on both door handles. Jinshu had already dashed forward and snatched them down. Seeing the signature, she let out a sudden “oh” of realization.
“Is it from Master?” Chen Fuzhou approached as well.
“Yes. Master wants me to go to his hall tomorrow morning. In that case, I’ll head back now. If you need anything, just knock on my door or call out to me over the wall.”
Jinshu pushed open her courtyard gate and waved goodbye to Chen Fuzhou, adding, “But don’t call me in the middle of the night! If my morning grumpiness kicks in, I might just split this mountain in half!”
Her long, thick eyelashes fluttered, and the small mole on the side of her cheek nestled beside her smile like dewdrops resting on a flower. Chen Fuzhou chuckled and raised his hand in a pledge. “Don’t worry, I’ll guard Senior Sister’s peaceful sleep.”
Jinshu made a peculiar face, grinned, and slipped into her courtyard.
The next day, at Chen hour, Xuanqing Palace.
Jinshu had risen early and was standing outside the door, waiting for Xuanqing Zhenren.
Xuanqing Palace was neither too far nor too close to the disciples’ courtyards but was situated closer to the mountaintop. At this moment, the sun was still wrapped behind thick white clouds. The pale blue sky was sparsely dotted with a few lingering stars that had yet to fade, and the golden morning light slowly spread, casting a brilliant golden edge over the entire Xuanqing Palace.
Jinshu idly kicked at the small pebbles by her feet.
Even though she had arrived early, she couldn’t enter. A Fu, the young attendant of Xuanqing Palace, was sweeping the fallen leaves blown down by the wind the previous night with a large broom outside the hall. Spotting Jinshu approaching from afar on the steps, his eyes widened in disbelief.
Jinshu walked unhurriedly up to him. Only after confirming it was indeed her did A Fu lower his head and resume his work, pursing his lips as he said, “It’s rare to see you at Xuanqing Palace at this hour. I thought I’d seen a ghost. Master went to practice swordplay with the Fifth Elder early this morning. He should be back soon, so you can wait here for a while.”
His lukewarm attitude made Jinshu sigh inwardly. How could the original owner have been so annoying? From the senior brother down to the attendants responsible for daily life, there were hardly anyone in the entire Tianxuan Sect she hadn’t teased. No wonder A Fu never looked pleased to see her.
Today, Jinshu wore a soft peach-colored wide-sleeved silk dress embroidered with delicate patterns. The two small, delicate bells at the ends of the matching hair ribbon in her long hair chimed crisply with every turn of her head. She was secretly pleased with herself for managing to style her hair in a way that wasn’t too messy today.
The hour was early and the altitude high, making the weather far from comfortable. Jinshu let out a dry sneeze.
“Good morning, Senior Sister.” A gentle voice came from behind her.
Chen Fuzhou gracefully stepped over a few stairs to stand beside her. He wore a white brocade robe trimmed with silver and a jade belt around his waist.
Seeing her junior brother’s beautiful face first thing in the morning was as refreshing as drinking a full cup of lukewarm water upon waking.
Jinshu’s lips curved upward as she replied, “Good morning.”
Chen Fuzhou turned to A Fu and asked, “Is Master not in Xuanqing Palace?”
A Fu, shedding his earlier aloofness, answered cheerfully, “So it’s Fourth Senior Brother. Master should be back soon. Please wait a moment, Senior Brother. It’s freezing this early in the morning—would you like a cup of hot tea to warm up? I’ll fetch it for you.”
Chen Fuzhou declined with a “No need,” but A Fu insisted, saying, “Senior Brother, you look so pale—it would be good for you to have some. I’ll go get the tea.” Only then did he drag his broom away into the distance.
Chen Fuzhou shook his head with a smile and looked down at Jinshu, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Little Senior Sister, your hairstyle looks lovely today.”
Jinshu flushed, feeling a bit embarrassed. “It’s just the simplest style. I’m really not good at braiding.”
Chen Fuzhou’s dimples were clearly visible. “Why didn’t you come to me, Little Senior Sister?”
Jinshu widened her eyes. “Huh?”
“I’m very good at braiding hair.” Seeing that Jinshu hadn’t answered, he added, “I know all the styles for girls too.”
Jinshu asked curiously, “Do you have a younger sister at home?”
Chen Fuzhou’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly before relaxing again. “I only have a younger brother, but he was often sick as a child. My mother used to dress me as a girl, saying heaven couldn’t bear to see a pretty girl fall ill. After dressing up so many times, I naturally learned how to braid hair.”
Jinshu couldn’t help but imagine how such a beautiful face would look on a girl, and the thought made her cheeks grow warm. Pressing her tongue against the roof of her mouth, she said, “But it wouldn’t be right to trouble you all the time. Why don’t you teach me how to braid instead? Once I learn, it’ll be a permanent solution.”
After a while, Xuanqing Zhenren finally returned, sword in hand, treading through the frost.
Seeing both disciples waiting obediently outside the hall, he couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction.
“What a coincidence that both of you are here. Since you’ve come, let the three of us have breakfast together. I also have something to discuss with you.”
The master and his two disciples sat around a small round table inside the hall. Although Xuanqing Zhenren was usually obsessed with swordsmanship and indifferent to trivial matters, he was extremely fond of his two disciples and never put on airs. Despite often appearing stern, his attitude was no different from that of a family elder.
He took a sip of hot tea and then examined his two disciples. But when he saw Jinshu, he choked on his tea. “Jinshu, what’s with your attire today?”
Only then did Jinshu inwardly curse her luck. The original owner of this body was so fond of beauty that she would always dress herself exquisitely whenever she went out. How could she have left the house with her hair styled like this?
Her mind raced, and she finally found an excuse. “Master, you don’t know—this style is all the rage lately.”
Xuanqing Zhenren’s gaze held a hint of peculiarity as he tentatively asked, “Is it trendy to balance two melons on one’s head?”
A barely suppressed chuckle came from beside him. Jinshu glanced sideways and could only see Chen Fuzhou’s trembling shoulders. She replied gloomily, “Yes, Master. You’ve clearly been up on the mountain for too long. All the young ladies down below are dressing like this now.”
Xuanqing Zhenren took another sip of tea. Although he truly couldn’t understand this new trend, his disciple had always been the most beauty-conscious. Since she was doing it, it certainly couldn’t be false!
Jinshu nudged Chen Fuzhou’s arm. “Right, Junior Brother?”
Chen Fuzhou cleared his throat and echoed like a yes-man, “Master, it is indeed so.”
The expression Xuanqing Zhenren had just calmed grew even more peculiar. “Fuzhou, have you and Jinshu met before?”
Chen Fuzhou lowered his eyelashes, adopting a well-behaved demeanor. “I happened to run into Senior Sister yesterday and chatted briefly.”
Xuanqing Zhenren set down his teacup. “You two had never met before, right? When you came to apprentice under me a few years ago, Jinshu happened to have returned home.”
Jinshu replied blankly, “Yesterday was the first time. Is there a problem, Master?”
Xuanqing looked at Chen Fuzhou. “Your junior brother has always been shy and reserved. Back when he first apprenticed under me, it took over half a year just to get him to open his mouth. Whenever I spoke to him, he’d just reply ‘mm-hmm.’ It was over a year before he was willing to say a few more words. How did he become so familiar with you so quickly?”
Jinshu also looked at Chen Fuzhou. His thick eyelashes cast long shadows on his face, making him appear like a well-behaved, delicate beauty—nothing like the disobedient disciple Master described.
“Perhaps it’s your way of speaking, Master. Unlike me, I’m naturally more approachable.”
Xuanqing was somewhat skeptical. He wanted to ask, “But your junior brother is also quite aloof with others.” But after a moment’s thought, asking so many trivial questions seemed rather gossipy, so he swallowed the words back. Remembering the main matter, he straightened his posture. “Fuzhou, how about having a spar with your junior sister?”