Chapter 018: Descending the Mountain

As soon as Lanshui reached the Broken Soul Bridge, he saw someone.

At the head of the bridge stood a young woman dressed in a delicate gown of rose and violet. She stood quietly, half-turned, at the bridgehead, her gaze fixed on the opposite end of the bridge, where the snowy bamboo groves began.

She was in the flower of youth, with a serene and lovely countenance, crimson lips, and pearly teeth. Her stillness suggested a gentle and virtuous disposition, her eyes brimming with anticipation and shyness. The colorful attire marked her as a disciple of the Western Spring Hall, and the dove-feather embroidery on her robe revealed her as the White Feather Spirit Maiden, the manager of the messenger doves.

Among the distinguished female disciples of the Tianshan sect, two held the title of Spirit Maiden. One was the Velvet Shear Spirit Maiden, disciplinarian of the women; the other, this beautiful White Feather Spirit Maiden.

Lanshui cast her a single glance, his expression indifferent as he walked past the bridgehead.

Sensing the tremor of the Broken Soul Bridge, the White Feather Spirit Maiden came to herself and looked steadily at the figure on the bridge. Her gaze lingered for a few seconds before her expression brightened with delight, and she stepped forward with a light heart.

“Senior Brother!” she called, following behind Lanshui.

He walked on, replying coolly, “What is it?”

“Please wait, Senior Brother!” She hurriedly caught up and took hold of his sleeve.

His eyes never once rested on her. He merely took another step forward, coldly asking, “What business does the White Feather Spirit Maiden have?”

“Do you have urgent matters to attend to, Senior Brother? You’re always busy, never to be seen. You may ignore me, but you must take care of your health!”

“Mm.” With that, Lanshui moved to leave, and she quickly followed.

“But I haven’t—”

“What is it that you want to say, exactly?” he interrupted, his tone suddenly pressing, leaving her flustered and embarrassed. She hesitated, then softly inquired, “I heard that Junior Sister Xueze has returned?”

“Yes.”

“I thought as much. Since Grandmaster Qinglian has stayed so long, and you hurried back to the Snowy Bamboo Grove, I suppose there must be some rare treasure to keep her.”

Lanshui said little more, only casting her a cool, stern sidelong glance before turning and striding swiftly across the Broken Soul Bridge.

The White Feather Spirit Maiden did not pursue, only stood watching in that direction, her face clouded with melancholy. “The mountain has trees, but the trees have no branches! When will you spare even a glance for me?”

The Venerable Qiangui cherished solitude above all. Unless summoned, no one was permitted to enter the Snowy Bamboo Grove at will. Even as a Spirit Maiden, she could only linger near the Western Spring Hall, the Broken Soul Bridge marking her boundary.

Returning to the Snowy Bamboo Grove, Lanshui sought his master and relayed the events.

“It’s just as well to send Lianzi. She comes from the mortal world, was once of the Lanhua Pavilion. For this task, she’s more suitable than Jilin,” the master said.

“Yes, but sending Lianzi so abruptly—I wonder if Junior Sister will be unhappy…”

“Then go and see her. She and Jilin are at the wine house. If she complains, say it was my arrangement, and send Jilin to assist her!” Qiangui finished lazily, lying back on his couch. “Go on, now. I need my rest!”

“Yes, Master!”

The wine house was nestled deep within the flower gardens, fragrance of blossoms outside and the scent of wine within. The clear wine lingered on the air, and the floral brew was sweet—this was a place of leisure and subtle delight.

As Lanshui approached the wine house, about to push open the door, a sudden commotion caught his ear: the clatter of bottles and jars.

“Put that back where it was, or Master will notice!”

“Don’t worry, Junior Sister, you don’t understand—Master rarely comes here, always sending us instead! They say Master loves quiet, but honestly, he’s just a bit lazy!”

“How dare you call Master lazy? I’d say you’re the lazy one!”

“Ah, how can you speak so of your Senior Brother? There’s only us here—oughtn’t you to stand by me? If you turn against me, who’ll support you, with neither Master nor Eldest Brother to back you up, eh? Hahaha…”

Before Xueze could reply, the door swung open, letting the aroma of wine drift out and the fresh breeze in. Lanshui’s footsteps sounded within, accompanied by the mingling of flower and wine fragrances.

“Who says Xueze has no one to stand by her?” Lanshui’s voice was low, gentle, tinged with a hint of laughter yet brooking no argument.

At the sight of Lanshui approaching with a smile, Xueze felt an overwhelming sense of security. Jilin was startled, and more than a little unnerved.

“Se—Senior Brother, what brings you here?”

“Why shouldn’t I come? But tell me, Master sent you to brew wine—so why are you bullying your junior sister?”

Jilin frowned, taking a step back, and looked at Lanshui with aggrieved eyes. “Eldest Brother, you wrong me! I wasn’t bullying her, just joking around! Junior Sister is so lovely—how could I bear to trouble her?”

“Is that so?” Lanshui turned to Xueze. “Has Jilin mistreated you?”

Xueze glanced at Jilin, then smiled lightly. “No, Senior Brother, you’re worrying too much.”

Lanshui nodded. “Good, then.”

“Hehe, see, Eldest Brother, you’ve misunderstood me!” Jilin ducked his head with a smug grin, giving Xueze’s shoulder a friendly pat.

“So, what of Master’s wine? How goes the brewing? Remember to deliver it soon!” Lanshui glanced around the room, inspecting the wine jars and idly touching the stove. “What’s this—not finished yet? Been sneaking a drink, have you?”

Jilin started, swallowing hard before replying, “Eldest Brother, Master sent both of us—why blame me alone?”

“You’re the Second Brother, yet you’d drag your junior sister into sharing your blame?” Lanshui picked up an empty wine flask. “Is this yours? The ginger wine is fiery—Junior Sister wouldn’t drink it.”

Jilin pouted and took the flask. “I only had this one!”

“Then… the red cherry blossom brew—does that belong to Junior Sister?” Lanshui looked at Xueze, his tone gentle. “How is it? Do you like it?”

Xueze smiled shyly and nodded.

“Senior Brother is playing favorites again! Sigh! I’ll just tend to the wine,” Jilin grumbled, setting the flask aside and returning to his work at the stove.

Xueze paused, then quickly asked about the serious matter. “Senior Brother, how is the situation? Where is Lianzi?”

“All is well—some progress has been made. I was just about to tell you.” Lanshui tidied the bottles and jars, then explained the situation to them.

“…After Master and the Venerable Jiucang discussed it, they put me in charge. I called Jilin to assist, but then Lianzi arrived. Since she’s acquainted with Fengxing, we sent her down the mountain.”

“What? In such circumstances? It must be Empress Xue’s ambition at work. The plan is sound, but is it wise to send Lianzi?” Jilin agreed, “If I’d known, I’d have gone myself. Lianzi is clever, but she’s inexperienced and a bit naïve. Who knows what sort of person this Fengxing truly is? What if something goes wrong?”

“Indeed. On second thought, Jilin, you should go as well. Fengxing is loyal and grateful, but still a stranger. The task is simple, but who can say what might arise? Better to send someone to assist.”

Jilin nodded, turning to reassure the thoughtful Xueze. “Don’t worry, Junior Sister! I’ll go help Lianzi—you can rest easy!”

“Lianzi has always been by my side. Now she’s gone all of a sudden, I’m not used to it. If you’re free, Senior Brother, could you leave now? This wine can certainly be left to me.”

Jilin looked to Lanshui for approval. Lanshui gave a slight nod. “Go on, then.”

In the Central Plains, Lianzi and Fengxing soon arrived in the Tangzhou region. As the flatlands gave way to looming peaks, Lianzi knew where they had come.

Fengxing, dressed in plain clothes, sat alone at the front of the carriage. Lianzi gazed at the scenery from within, then let the curtain fall.

Not long after, a faint moan sounded from inside the carriage. When Fengxing stopped and looked in, he saw his long-unconscious sister, Fengnuan, smiling at him.

“Brother!”

“Fengnuan, you’re awake?”

She smiled faintly, her complexion still pale and weak, her small form half-reclining in Lianzi’s embrace.

“I’m a little thirsty.”

“All right, wait here, I’ll get some water!”

Relief washed over Fengxing. Before leaving, he gave Lianzi a grateful look.

Lianzi watched him go, then carefully regarded the little girl in her arms.

Fengnuan was about ten, sweet-faced and innocent, her eyes pure, her mind unsophisticated. Despite her youth, there was a gravity about her—perhaps owing to her circumstances. The siblings had lost their parents early and endured together through the hardships of life.

“These two are clearly trustworthy,” Lianzi thought, “so Senior Brother’s task is sure to go well.”

A fit of dry coughing wracked Fengnuan, her little body trembling. Lianzi helped her sit up, then quietly used a minor spell to calm her breath. She produced a sachet of celestial herbs and fastened it discreetly to Fengnuan’s belt.

The sachet, crafted from dried flowers and herbs—mostly forget-me-not and ginkgo leaves—would soothe her sleep and nourish her energy.

“Just hold on a little longer, Fengnuan. Your brother will be back soon.”

“All right! I suddenly feel much better. There’s no rush.”

“That’s good. In a few days, you’ll be lively as ever.”

“I think so too. My illness seems to have vanished. Do you know why, Sister? It’s as if my brother found a divine healer for me.”

Lianzi knew she could not reveal the truth to Fengnuan, not with Tianshan’s secrets at stake. Outsiders must not know too much.

“Your brother is a protector of the realm, both learned and skilled in arms, and he cherishes you dearly. Of course he sought out the best doctors for your recovery! Now that you’re well, you must take good care of yourself and not let your brother worry again…”

Hearing this, warmth flooded Fengnuan’s heart. She imagined her brother’s tireless efforts for her sake, and her eyes reddened. Yet she was strong, holding back her tears. She nodded earnestly to Lianzi, making a silent vow: never again would she let her brother worry so much for her.