Chapter 117: Love Awakens

The snow in Snow Bamboo Land had been stained with a reddish luster, which deeply displeased Qian Gui. He remained inside the flower garden, refusing to step out.

Xue Ze finally welcomed Lotus back, gave her a stern lecture, and then joined his two senior fellow apprentices to wait in the flower garden. Everyone knew that a significant event was destined to unfold this night.

Before long, Qian Gui’s messenger dove returned, bringing back two slips of paper.

Lan Shui took the dove and asked, "Master, there are two here. Which one shall you read first?"

Qian Gui glanced at them and said expressionlessly, "One is from Mu Fan, and the other is from a mortal. Give me the second one first!"

Lan Shui removed the slip and handed it to Qian Gui, while the other three waited for their master to finish reading.

A mortal's letter was simple, and a messenger dove could easily carry it; however, a practitioner’s missive was crafted through magic, often disguised as a feather to remain invisible and impossible for an ordinary person to retrieve. The distinction between the two was vast.

After reading the letter, Qian Gui said slowly, "This... this letter was written by He Yu of the West Sea Mansion. She mentions the time we borrowed her identity and wishes to ask us for a favor."

"Is the girl looking to have us repay her kindness? What could have possibly happened to make her want us to descend the mountain to assist?" Ji Lin could not help but ask.

"I am not entirely sure, but it likely concerns Liu Li."

Qian Gui took the other letter and, after reading it, his expression softened slightly.

"Mu Fan has managed to persuade Liu Li, but what of He Yu's situation? She is in the palace, and she sought out Mu Fan in such haste—the timing aligns perfectly with the appearance of this red star. Yet, why would she be so interested in this affair?"

Lan Shui replied, "When I descended the mountain a while ago, I heard people in the Northern Hua Palace saying that the Empress Dowager wants He Yu to remain in the inner palace. Given that she has made this request today, it seems it is inseparable from Liu Li; perhaps she wants us to help him overcome a crisis."

"That is a possibility. Liu Li’s Blood Moon Divine Bead would not intentionally cause the red star to flicker. Perhaps He Yu is the key to this reason. Could it be... could it be that she has uncovered the cause of the late Emperor's death? Surely not; how could such a matter be known to someone from the martial world?"

"Master, do you mean that the Blood Moon Divine Bead can only be triggered by deep-seated resentment and profound sorrow?"

"Indeed! The Blood Moon is not as dazzling or fierce as the red sun; it has only this one method! This time, we cannot stand idly by. If Suo discovers that the bead is in Liu Li's hands, it will be more than just a matter of Northern Hua's survival. We must send someone down the mountain, and it happens to be a good opportunity to repay the debt we owe He Yu."

"But the West Sea Mansion is currently colluding with the Empress Dowager. If we do this, will it..."

"It is of no consequence. To unravel the collusion between the West Sea Mansion and the Empress Dowager, we still need this He Yu; after all, she is openly standing on Liu Li's side. If not for her, this would be even harder to manage."

Lan Shui nodded, looked at the three behind him, and requested of his master, "For this mission, I volunteer to go. My three junior siblings are currently engrossed in the study of ancient techniques and are not suited to descend. Moreover, this matter is complex, and it is better left to me."

Hearing this, the three could no longer contain themselves.

"Senior Brother, why do you never include me in things anymore?" Ji Lin complained.

"Senior Brother, it was Lotus and He Yu who incurred the debt, so it should be Lotus who goes to repay it! Do not think I know little; I am well-versed in the affairs of the mortal world and will certainly not be any worse than you. Furthermore, this time we will not be in direct conflict with the demon, so we do not need profound magic. I believe I am capable of handling this!"

Qian Gui smiled and turned to the silent Xue Ze. "What are your thoughts?"

"In reply to Master, Xue Ze believes one should not impulsively volunteer. We need to clarify the relationships before sending the most suitable person. This matter is intricate—one must restrain the demon's evil deeds, navigate the complexities of the imperial palace, handle mortal affairs, and secretly investigate the forces behind the Empress Dowager. It is truly a multifaceted task that should be entrusted to someone who is meticulous, courageous, and knowledgeable."

Qian Gui nodded with a smile, "Xue Ze’s analysis is correct and aligns perfectly with my own intentions!"

"Master, you?" Lan Shui looked at Qian Gui in confusion, fearing that in the next second, he would entrust the mission to Xue Ze.

Qian Gui smiled and stroked his beard. "Although we were the ones to learn of this first, we cannot always be the ones to send people from Snow Bamboo Land! As things progress, the danger increases; I cannot have all four of my disciples risking their lives down the mountain. It is time for others to gain experience."

Lan Shui was stunned, then nodded with a smile, "Master is wise!"

Qian Gui smiled slightly and his figure instantly vanished; he was off to seek the Nine Heavens Venerable.

Lotus nodded and stomped her feet in excitement. "That's right! We should let Jian Rong get some activity! She has been staying in the West Spring Palace for far too long. I almost suspect she might be a mole; she never goes out, nor does she let anyone visit!"

Ji Lin seconded this, "Yes, Lotus is right. Why not have Master recommend the Spirit Maiden Jian Rong to descend the mountain?"

Lan Shui pondered for a moment and said slowly, "I believe the person most under suspicion should remain on Heaven Mountain; otherwise, I worry she might cause some trouble. If she truly is a mole for Suo, then Liu Li and the others would be completely exposed."

"That is true. Then, Senior Brother, whom do you recommend?" Lotus asked.

"I believe the most knowledgeable and meticulous choice would be the Spirit Maiden Bai Yu. She has handled matters quite well recently and should be capable of this mission."

Lotus pursed her lips, "Really? How come you are praising Bai Yu now?"

Ji Lin whispered to Lotus, "Senior Brother just doesn't want to see her anymore, which is why he is recommending Bai Yu to go down the mountain, hahaha!"

Lotus nodded and linked her arm with Xue Ze's. "Senior Sister, don't be jealous!"

"Ah? Why would I be jealous?" Xue Ze asked in a low voice, startled back to reality by Lotus's sudden question. Just a moment ago, she had been worrying about Liu Li, but now she felt a strong sense of discomfort and agitation.

"Hahaha, your... your senior brother is praising Bai Yu right in front of you!" Lotus said with a cynical tone, not caring at all about the gazes of others.

Xue Ze was taken aback. She pulled Lotus outside the flower garden and whispered to her, "What are you talking about? Your courage is growing, isn't it? What is this? I let you go down the mountain a few times, and now you spend all day thinking about romance?"

"Hmph! So what if I do?" Lotus said proudly. "I am just concerned about you! Your body and your heart both need to be cared for. If Senior Brother were constantly praising Spirit Maiden Bai Yu in front of you, could you bear it? Praising others would be one thing, but this Bai Yu likes our Senior Brother—do you really have no displeasure at all?"

Xue Ze smiled faintly, "Why should I be displeased? I know what Senior Brother means; it is certainly not what you think. Besides, you should go down the mountain less often. The mortal world is chaotic, and Heaven Mountain is also becoming complicated—do not cause trouble!"

Lotus replied with a grin, "Senior Sister, you are the best! Thank you for covering for me; I will be careful in the future!"

"That is good. Go back to your training!"

Lotus grabbed Xue Ze and smiled mischievously, "Senior Sister, do you... do you like—"

"Like what?" Xue Ze pinched Lotus's ear. "It is fine for you to indulge in romance, but do not try to bewitch me. I am someone who wishes to devote myself to cultivation; how could I think of such things?"

"I know, I know!" Lotus begged repeatedly, thinking: *It's over, it's over! Senior Sister is truly impenetrable. I must think of a way, otherwise she will spend her life in abstinence, and... and I will have no chance to descend the mountain!*

"I am going to study secret techniques!"

"Are you really going?" Lotus looked behind Xue Ze and grabbed her, preventing her from turning around, a new idea flashing through her mind. "Hey, Senior Sister! I am asking you a serious question, and you must answer! Just now, when Senior Brother praised Bai Yu, what was your mood?"

Xue Ze paused and tapped Lotus on the head. "Do you only feel at ease if you are beaten? Is there any point in asking this over and over? If Senior Brother wants to praise her, let him—that is his freedom!"

"Oh!" Lotus smiled wickedly and vanished in a flash.

Xue Ze stood dazed, muttering, "What has gotten into her?"

With that, Xue Ze turned to leave, only to suddenly see Lan Shui standing a meter away. Xue Ze was startled and took a step back, remembering Lotus’s question, and felt both angry and embarrassed.

"Senior Brother, how... how long have you been here?"

Lan Shui did not answer. Instead, he took a large step forward and looked at Xue Ze with deep affection.

"I, I am going to study secret techniques!" Xue Ze smiled and turned to the side, trying to slip away along the wall.

The wall outside the flower garden was covered in roses and orchids, their fragrance elegant and pleasant. The flowers were lush, their colors perfectly balanced, and the layers created a sense of beauty.

Xue Ze moved along the wall, occasionally snagging her clothes on the thorns or bowing her head to avoid the clusters of flowers, looking every bit like a flustered little cat trying to escape.

Seeing this, Lan Shui reached out and pulled Xue Ze back, blocking her path.

Trapped against the wall, Xue Ze dared not look up or move. This time, she dared not provoke Lan Shui’s anger again.

"Junior Sister, you understand what I mean, don't you?"

"Ah?" Xue Ze was startled. Though confused, she smiled and nodded. "Understand, I understand!"

Lan Shui smiled gently, pressed Xue Ze against the wall, and softly brushed aside the flower-laden branches near her. "What exactly do you understand?"

Xue Ze hesitated for a long time, still not knowing how to reply.

Leaning against the flower-covered wall, with fragrant branches above and a handsome, radiant figure before her, Xue Ze’s mind was filled only with the beauty of the scene and the person, leaving room for nothing else.

"Xue Ze!"

"Yes?"

Xue Ze felt her chin being gently lifted. As she looked up, she saw Lan Shui’s face slowly drawing closer. The clear, pool-like depths of his eyes began to ripple, like willow branches dancing on calm water.

A foot, an inch, a fraction...

Lan Shui moved closer, sensing her warmth, her breath, and his own racing heartbeat along with her bewildered expression. The woman before him was as alluring as a unique sacred lotus from the heavens, possessing an inherent beauty and sanctity.

"Senior Brother!" Xue Ze called out softly, breaking the tender mood. She did not know why Lan Shui was being so gentle and affectionate.

Was he using this way to strengthen the bond between fellow disciples? Or was he using it as a warning? Xue Ze did not know, nor could she fathom it.

Lan Shui smiled gently, looking at the delicate, jade-like Xue Ze before him. He suppressed his shy impulse of rising affection. He could not bear to touch this snow lotus; he only wished to protect her quietly.

"Xue Ze, stay here and do not go down the mountain!"

"Yes... I understand!" Xue Ze replied weakly, her heart filled with shock. She couldn't help but associate this with Lotus going down the mountain; after all, Lan Shui’s words were illogical and abrupt.

If staying put could ensure Lotus's safety, why shouldn't she? Despite her inexplicable attachment to Northern Hua, she had never worried too much about that person or those events.

Lan Shui touched Xue Ze’s face and gave her a light hug. "You must be obedient!"

Xue Ze nodded. "Then... Senior Brother, you aren't angry anymore, are you?"

"Angry at what?"

"Just... just last time, the three of us at Blue Lake..."

A smile flickered on Lan Shui’s face but quickly faded. He stood straight and watched the nervous Xue Ze with a thoughtful gaze. "You know you were wrong?"

"I know, I know, we will never do it again!" After saying this, Xue Ze looked at Lan Shui and asked tentatively, "Has Senior Brother stopped being angry?"

"Do you think a single apology is enough to make me stop being angry?"

Xue Ze twiddled her sleeves. "Then what can I do so that Senior Brother isn't angry? The three of us have been studying secret techniques lately, but..."

"You do not need to study such things. If you want to make me feel better, you might as well spend more time with your Senior Brother!"

Xue Ze looked at Lan Shui with pleasant surprise, her eyes filled with admiration and joy. "Senior Brother, you are too kind!"

"Yes!" Before Lan Shui could react, he felt a small impact against his chest; Xue Ze had already nestled into his arms. "Xue Ze!"

"Senior Brother, you are so good!" Xue Ze, like in her childhood, crashed into Lan Shui’s embrace, soaking up his warmth and inhaling his elegant fragrance. "Don't be angry anymore, okay?"

"Alright!" Lan Shui smiled softly. Before he could embrace her back, Xue Ze had already vanished like snow blown by the wind.

"Still so mischievous!" Lan Shui turned to the side, smiling as he watched Xue Ze’s departing figure.