Chapter 015: Autumn Reed Ascends

In the quiet depths of the mortal world, the lonely moon cast a chill, and within the Orchid Pavilion, two figures were lost in contemplation, unable to find clarity—all because of the news they had just received.

“This time, I fear something momentous is about to unfold once more!” Master Wu Xiao fanned his blue fan, half-reclining on the couch, his expression betraying neither joy nor sorrow.

Ling'er sat at her desk, propping her face on her elbow as she sighed. “Every time the spirit butterfly crosses Blue Lake, it vanishes. My poor golden butterfly!”

“Didn't I warn you not to be reckless? Why insist on prying into forbidden matters? How could a spirit butterfly trespass into the Forbidden Lands of Tianshan? Even if it passes Blue Lake, there's still the Maze Valley ahead, and the Snow Maidens guard the way!” Master Wu Xiao chastised Ling'er, his solemn tone utterly ineffective.

Pouting, Ling'er mumbled, “I only wanted to see if General Fengxing could find a cure for his ailing sister by entering the mountains. Who knew the spirit butterfly would be swallowed by Blue Lake again?”

“It may not have been the lake! You must stop being so careless. Somehow, you’ve become as loose-tongued as I am, unable to mind your words. How are you to remain a disciple of the Orchid Pavilion?”

Ling'er grumbled resentfully, casting a wounded glance at her master. “If you can, why can’t I? Besides, didn’t you teach me everything I know?”

“Oh, you little imp, talking back now?” Master Wu Xiao waved a book at her. “You’d do better to read more and wander less! Last time you meddled in others’ affairs, who knows where the Three-Headed River Monster ended up, and that’s how Yu Qixian found the talented musician—now I hardly know how to punish you!”

“If you can’t think of a punishment, then don’t punish me!” Ling'er replied mischievously, taking the scroll. “Wouldn’t that be much easier? Besides, Yu Qixian’s finding the musician Qiu Di benefits us—we now hear more news from the Western Sea Court, don’t we?”

Seeing her master did not object, Ling’er continued, “Though the Western Sea Court is a martial sect, we know little about it. Only that the Lady of the Main Hall is the Celestial Maiden of Melody, and her son is Yu Qixian. The court is divided into three palaces: one for musicians, one for martial maidens, and one for healers. The chief musician’s seat has long been vacant. I believe Qiu Di, chosen by the Black Music River Monster, will surely satisfy the Celestial Maiden of Melody—she may even become the Western Sea Court’s foremost musician. Then our histories will need to record her name more often; she… she might even become the mistress of the Main Hall one day!”

“Child, curb your wild words! We are but observers—never involve yourself, and never seek to sway events. That is the rule of the Orchid Pavilion. Are you trying to drive your master to an early grave?” Master Wu Xiao grew more agitated, fearing Ling’er would entangle herself too deeply to escape.

At this, Ling’er fell silent, not daring to speak further.

She knew the rules by heart, yet for reasons she could not name, she found it ever harder to remain a mere observer and chronicler.

Whenever her thoughts turned to Tianshan, the “Heavenly Maiden’s Calamity” would surface in her mind, impossible to dispel or diminish. She had scoured all the ancient texts but found no trace of its true meaning.

All Ling’er knew was of the previous Heavenly Maiden, Qinglian. Yet Qinglian lived peacefully, untouched by misfortune. No longer holding the sacred title, she was, in the mortal world, Xiao Qinglian, wife to Yu Qianye, master of Kunlun; in Tianshan, she was Celestial Master Qinglian. All seemed tranquil—what, then, was the meaning of this? What truly was the Heavenly Maiden’s Calamity? Why must such a fate exist?

Unable to solve the riddle, Ling’er could only distract herself by recalling the first meeting with Qiu Di—the only memory that could momentarily soothe her unrest…

That day, Ling’er had helped Yu Qixian find Qiu Di. The information came from the spirit butterfly, the selection from the Black Music River Monster; the chosen one was, without doubt, endowed with rare talent.

Among the crowd, Qiu Di stood solitary and proud, yet tinged with loneliness, poised at the bow of a boat like an orchid blooming at the edge of a cliff.

As Ling’er drew closer, she saw sorrow clouding the woman’s face and grief shadowing her form, as if she bore troubles too heavy to dispel.

Yu Qixian and Ling’er exchanged a glance, both marveling inwardly: How could a woman untouched by any instrument possess such striking grace?

Before they could react, the woman leapt onto the plank—seemingly intent on plunging into the water the very next moment.

Ling’er, startled, cried out, “Miss, wait!”

Qiu Di turned, her sorrowful gaze settling on them, her voice soft: “Did you call for me?”

Ling’er nodded, giving Yu Qixian a meaningful look before sidling aside, drawing the woman’s attention. With cheerful chatter, Ling’er engaged her in conversation, deliberately distracting her so Yu Qixian could guide her to safety.

“What is this?” Qiu Di’s wary eyes flashed with displeasure. “Am I in your way?”

Yu Qixian took a few steps back, awkwardly apologizing, “Forgive our intrusion. We simply could not bear to see you in despair. Life is precious—please, do not lose hope! How could someone with such singular grace and scholarly air be undone by fate’s trials?”

Through their exchange, Yu Qixian learned that Qiu Di’s melancholy stemmed from being abandoned before marriage, left without support or solace. With a sigh, he said, “Why punish yourself for another’s wrong?”

“What else can I do? To most, reputation is all. Both families have cast me out; neighbors speak nothing but scorn…”

Ling’er offered gentle comfort. “Perhaps you possess some skills? Why not seek a new life elsewhere? Such splendid youth should not be squandered. With innocence intact and talent in your heart, what need have you to fear the world?”

“I only love the study of music, the crafting of instruments. Though praised by many, it’s not a proper path, and I will not sell my art or myself for a living. Where is there a place for me?”

Yu Qixian smiled warmly. “There is such a place!”

And so the mortal world remained unchanged—days and nights passing in endless repetition.

Empress Xue of the Northern Hua Dynasty still awaited the snow lotus from Tianshan, while the starving refugees struggled through each desperate night.

Yet, in the Central Plains, only the Western Sea Court was touched by celebration. Since Yu Qixian’s return with Qiu Di, joy had filled the court—today, most of all.

The Dawn Palace had been lavishly adorned; flowers and trees abounded, paintings and verses graced every wall. All envied the woman now residing within, for it was well known she would rightfully assume the post of Chief Musician.

The Mistress of Martial Maidens from Yifeng Palace and the Mistress of Healers from Yaohua Palace also came to offer congratulations, though not all were pleased with the new appointment. Some hearts bristled at this stranger’s sudden rise.

“Guiye, what do you think? You fought long and hard, covered in wounds, to earn your position as Mistress of Martial Maidens. And now, this Qiu Di—who knows where she’s from—takes the post of Chief Musician the moment she arrives!”

Guiye sneered. “And you, Heyu, are you not dissatisfied? You know my mind, and surely the Lady of the Main Hall as well. To give away such a coveted seat so easily—what of the future?”

Inside Dawn Palace, music and revelry filled the air. Most young women of the Western Sea Court came to bask in the happiness; only Guiye and Heyu nursed discontent. Others, whatever doubts they harbored about Qiu Di, felt only curiosity, not malice.

“Cease the music for a moment—I have something to say!” The Lady of the Main Hall ascended the dais, settling the crowd before smiling. “On this auspicious day, we fill the long-vacant post of Chief Musician—a cause for celebration!”

After a pause, she surveyed those seated below. “I know Qiu Di’s appointment may seem sudden. The Mistresses of Healing and Martial Arts may find it hard to accept, especially you two. But be not unsettled by surprise. So long as one has talent and the time is right, this post will always go to the worthy.”

With that, she summoned Qiu Di.

All eyes turned as Qiu Di entered in a gown of pale blue—gentle and graceful, her thin veil could not conceal her fine figure, her jeweled hairpins could not outshine her lovely face. Her steps were fluid, her bearing untroubled, her demeanor as dignified as any noble lady, yet tinged with sorrow and resolve, lending her a cold allure.

No matter how gentle and beautiful she appeared, those with grudges saw only artifice—a timid, pitiable girl seeking sympathy and favor.

Qiu Di approached the Lady of the Main Hall with a soft smile, bowing to the still-elegant and commanding Celestial Maiden of Melody. “Greetings, Lady.”

The Lady nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips, a trace of her former allure surfacing, though the keenness and lingering sorrow in her gaze remained. That blend of obsession, resentment, scrutiny, and envy formed a cold, cruel edge—a stark contrast to Qiu Di’s gentle beauty, which now seemed diminished beside hers.

“No need for ceremony. This banquet is in your honor. Come, let me introduce you to the Western Sea Court. There, in black, is Guiye, Mistress of Martial Maidens from Yifeng Palace; beside her, gentle and gracious, is Heyu, Mistress of Healers from Yaohua Palace. The three of you now serve as the court’s Mistresses, each responsible for your own domain. You must get along well.”

Qiu Di nodded, bowing to Guiye and Heyu. “I am new to the Western Sea Court, and have much to learn. I hope you, talented sisters, will guide me kindly.”

Guiye replied with a cold laugh, “I oversee the martial house—music has nothing to do with me. And by the looks of you, you won’t need my protection. Better mind the healers, especially our Mistress of Miraculous Hands.”

Heyu chuckled. “Guiye jests! Qiu Di has just arrived—we must help her acclimate, not monopolize anything. We’re all women here; we should get along. There’s no need for formality.”

“Thank you both. I shall remember your kindness always.”

The Celestial Maiden of Melody smiled, gesturing to a group of girls in orange on one side of the hall. “These are the musicians of Dawn Palace. These past years, they have been our finest disciples. From now on, they are yours to instruct.”

Before Qiu Di could offer thanks, the musicians bowed, displaying utmost respect—a scene that startled Qiu Di, who glanced awkwardly at the Lady.

“Don’t be concerned, Qiu Di. Your knowledge is vast, your understanding of music and instruments profound. You are the perfect guide for them. From this day, I entrust the post of Chief Musician to you. You must manage Dawn Palace well for me.”

“Yes, I will not fail in my duty.”

While Qiu Di conversed with the Lady, Guiye and Heyu exchanged glances at the feast.

“Is it possible the new Chief Musician truly has exceptional talent?” Guiye wondered.

Heyu dismissed the notion without hesitation, “Don’t overestimate her. Every woman here is talented. Only the gifted remain, but she was handed great responsibility the moment she arrived—I think the vacancy simply lasted too long.”

“I’ve no interest in this. I’m off to train—there’s a competition the day after tomorrow. Heyu, keep them company.”