Chapter 026: Sacred Garments

Within the Jade Radiance Palace, the heavy fragrance of incense mingled with the drifting aroma of tea. The Spirit Maiden in White Feathers had been waiting for a long time, yet no one came. Just as she was about to close her eyes and rest, the wind chimes outside the door rang softly, drawing her gaze outward. There, a woman appeared.

Her figure was graceful as a consort’s dance, her steps steady as a proper lady’s, and though her pale, reserved face lacked the delicate beauty of White Feathers, nothing else detracted from her noble bearing. Clad in robes as fine as jade, with a demeanor both elegant and commanding, the newcomer was none other than the Spirit Maiden of Cut Velvet.

Cut Velvet was the eldest among the disciples, overseeing the mountain’s maidens with her usual severity and bluntness, so much so that she seemed less a dainty beauty and more a martial woman indifferent to adornment. Her hair was simply dressed, her attire crisp and efficient—almost like that of a male disciple. Her eyes held a cold rigor, more proud peacock than White Feathers, yet tinged with the dominance of an eagle. Despite her stoic exterior, she was, in truth, a restless soul chasing after reputation and gain—a pitiable creature at heart.

“Senior sister, you’ve finally come!” White Feathers rose to greet her, observing every courtesy.

Cut Velvet seated herself calmly, watching White Feathers pour her tea. “I have been preoccupied with affairs among the maidens and thus have had little leisure. What brings you to seek me today?”

White Feathers frowned slightly, but soon masked her feelings, hinting, “I’ve just learned that the disciples from Snow Bamboo Grove have returned.”

“Oh?” Cut Velvet lifted her teacup, casting a sidelong glance at White Feathers. “Did they complete their task? That’s excellent news. Why, then, do you look so troubled?”

White Feathers was taken aback, then spoke plainly, “You truly are fit to lead the maidens, senior sister—nothing escapes your eye, and I cannot hide my emotions from you. Hear me out. You’re so unruffled—could it be you already know something?”

“Not at all! The comings and goings on Tianshan are always watched by the carrier pigeons. How could I know before you?”

“Very well! The four of them completed their mission and restored their good name, earning merit as soon as they returned. It’s a joyous occasion, yet I cannot go to congratulate them. I shouldn’t have encouraged Xue Ze to descend the mountain, nor fostered her ambitions, nor allowed myself to become so estranged from our eldest brother.”

Cut Velvet’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Are you saying you regret following my suggestion to whisper in her ear?”

“No, I don’t blame you,” White Feathers replied, bowing her head with a trace of unwillingness.

“The fault lay only in your impatience at the time. You misunderstood my advice and acted recklessly. When Xue Ze left the mountain, how could you withdraw the carrier pigeon? That was far too obvious! Could you expect the eldest brother not to take offense?”

White Feathers sighed. “True, but I don’t know what came over me. I only wanted to play a trick on Xue Ze, not expecting the carrier pigeon to lose control and return so suddenly. Fortunately, the girls are unharmed and the rumors among mortals have been dispelled; otherwise, the consequences might have been dire.”

Cut Velvet smiled in self-satisfaction, but quickly resumed her usual composure. “You spend your days minding birds, beasts, and fish, with little sense for human affairs. If you wish to rise in the future, you must be more prudent.”

White Feathers nodded repeatedly. “You’re right, senior sister. I’ll rely on your guidance from now on.”

“So, what kind of advice do you seek today?”

“With things as they are, what should I do?”

Cut Velvet sipped her tea, pondering. “It’s clear enough: those four are currently enjoying the favor of spring, receiving widespread praise. You must not antagonize them further. On the contrary, if you wish to please our eldest brother, you must learn how to get along.”

“How should I do that?”

“Do you know what it means to love the house and its crow? Whatever he values, you must care for and cherish as well. Take Xue Ze for example: you must not quarrel with her, but rather feign friendship. If they gain recognition, you should be generous in your congratulations.”

White Feathers curled her lip in displeasure. “But I have no fondness for Xue Ze. I understand the reasoning, but it’s so hard to carry out. Could you, senior sister, truly get along with her?”

“I…” Cut Velvet hesitated, then admitted frankly, “Even if I cannot, I can at least be proper and maintain the appearance of sisterhood.”

“Very well, you are indeed exceptional. I’ll follow your lead and strive to be rational and wise, worthy of a Spirit Maiden’s title.”

At this, Cut Velvet smiled slyly. “As you wish. But what is yours will always be yours. Are you still afraid others will gossip about your position?”

“I only wish to excel, not to compete with you, senior sister. I simply want to be more outstanding in his eyes. Besides, you are destined to soar to the highest rank, to become a Celestial Maiden when the time is right.”

Cut Velvet suppressed her delight and quickly hushed White Feathers in a low voice, “Do not speak carelessly! The title of Celestial Maiden is the highest on Tianshan, equal to the right hand of the Divine Master. It is not for idle talk. That position is of grave importance, entangled in many affairs, and the chosen one is unknown—perhaps even someone born among mortals. It is not for us to covet.”

“Senior sister, you are a phoenix among people, highly favored by the Divine Master. What maiden could rival you? If ever a great calamity were to befall Tianshan, surely the Celestial Maiden would emerge, and the candidate would be chosen from among us. Though the West Spring Palace has two Spirit Maidens, I am but a minor figure, highlighting your greatness. The highest place is assuredly yours!”

Cut Velvet smiled, well pleased. “Let us speak no more of this. If you have time to spare, tend to our master. I hear her old illness has returned. Matters great and small in the West Spring Palace require oversight—do me the favor of fulfilling some filial duty on my behalf.”

After giving her instructions, Cut Velvet withdrew to her own palace, took up brush and paper, and wrote a note. She summoned the carrier pigeon she’d requested from White Feathers and stroked its blue feathers.

“What’s this? You don’t want to be my private pigeon? Don’t think only the Divine Master may command you. I am soon to be the next high official!”

With that, Cut Velvet cast a spell, transforming the note into a single feather, which she concealed among the pigeon’s plumage. As she watched it soar away, a smile played at her lips. “No matter how triumphant you become, I’m always prepared.”

The place of triumph was none other than Snow Bamboo Grove.

In the Listening Wind Pavilion, Xue Ze led Lotus Seed behind the screen. In the depths of the boudoir stood a wardrobe of fine sandalwood, from which hung a beautiful white ceremonial robe. The room was filled with fragrance, stirring the heart; outside, the wind fluttered the hems and skirts, setting off the soft texture of the fabric and tempting one to reach out and touch it.

“This—” Lotus Seed paused, glancing between Xue Ze and the garment.

Xue Ze nodded with a smile, watching Lotus Seed rush ecstatically toward the splendid ceremonial robe.

“Is this truly made for me?”

“Who else? Everyone on Tianshan has one—except you. None is more deserving!”

Seeing the satisfaction in Lotus Seed’s eyes, Xue Ze smiled gently. “This robe was hard to come by, yet suits you perfectly.”

The exquisite fabric and floral adornment were the result of Blue Water and Ji Lin’s meticulous efforts to fulfill Xue Ze’s wish. The material was the finest cicada wing and silk, the embroidery the work of a master, the ornament a thousand-year-old moon lotus. The touch, craftsmanship, quality, and appearance were all superb, second only to the Autumn Moon Lotus Wings the Revered Qiangui had once made for Xue Ze.

“Senior sister, I fear I am unworthy!” Lotus Seed knelt in distress, overwhelmed by the robe’s magnificence.

“You’ll get used to calling me senior sister—stand and speak.” Xue Ze helped her up, handed her the robe, and said, “Go on, try it—it should fit perfectly!”

“I am ashamed, for such a splendid robe hardly befits my station. What if the other senior sisters see me—what should I do?”

“Don’t worry. This robe, while splendid, does not surpass the Spirit Maidens’. And here on Tianshan, only the Spirit Maidens have the authority to instruct you; the other disciples are concerned only with their own cultivation.”

Lotus Seed looked at Xue Ze, then at the robe in her hands, and went to try it on. No woman could resist such a ceremonial robe, especially Lotus Seed, whose only other garment was a simple red dress. The robe could harmonize all colors, making the material comfortable and free, an indispensable part of a Tianshan disciple’s attire.

Yet, for all Xue Ze’s consideration, she could not foresee the awkwardness awaiting at the next day’s investiture.

Though Xue Ze and Lotus Seed had only just returned and had little contact with others, and though they enjoyed the protection of the Revered Qiangui, this fair and orderly place did not tolerate every shortcoming. The affair in the mortal world had brought glory to all at Snow Bamboo Grove, yet the two male disciples had declined any reward, instead recommending the two female disciples for recognition. Lotus Seed and Xue Ze were both appointed as third-rank Sky Officials, a rank equivalent to Snow Maidens, just below the Spirit Maidens.

“…In consideration of Lotus Seed’s purity of origin, upright conduct, unwavering loyalty, and the guidance of her master, as well as meritorious service to Tianshan, she is hereby officially invested as a disciple under the Revered Qiangui and Xue Ze, holding the rank of third-rank Sky Official. Awarded a set of Azure Moon Lotus ceremonial robes, a set of accessories, and a jade token. May she remain disciplined, loyal, and strive ever forward!”

“I accept the teachings with gratitude—thank you for your grace!” Lotus Seed replied.

As the Snow Bamboo Grove disciples celebrated, Spirit Maiden Cut Velvet suddenly stepped forth from the ranks.

“One moment!” she called, approaching Lotus Seed and saluting the two Revered Masters before pointing to Lotus Seed’s ceremonial robe. “Forgive my candor, but I fear Lotus Seed’s robe may not be suitable!”

The two Revered Masters exchanged glances and instructed the Celestial Master He’an to address the matter.

“What is unsuitable?”

“May I ask, is this robe fashioned from moon lotus?”

He’an inspected it closely and nodded. “Indeed, it is that thousand-year-old moon lotus.”

“Precisely. Such pure white beauty comes only from moon lotus of that age. Its appearance and quality rival those of a Spirit Maiden—how is it appropriate for a newcomer? It’s not out of jealousy, but fact: when I and White Feathers were invested as Spirit Maidens, our robes were crafted from mere eight-hundred-year lotus. Does this not put your senior sisters in an awkward position?”

Seeing the situation, White Feathers had no choice but to speak, coming forward to advise Lotus Seed sincerely, “Senior sister Cut Velvet speaks truly; in Tianshan, propriety must be observed in all things. However, today is a joyous day, and you are already wearing the robe. Take her words as a lesson upon entering, offer apologies and thanks to show your understanding.”

The Celestial Master was silent, finding reason in the words and making no further comment. As Lotus Seed was about to bow in apology, Xue Ze pulled her back.

“What you say, senior sister, is not wrong, but I too have something to say.”

All eyes turned to Xue Ze, Cut Velvet and White Feathers gazing fiercely.

“Do you find fault, junior sister?” Cut Velvet pressed, her words only confirming Xue Ze’s intentions and making the two Spirit Maidens all the more awkward.

“Indeed! Here on Tianshan, we are all of one family, so I’ll speak plainly.” Xue Ze drew Lotus Seed to stand before the two Spirit Maidens. “Though Lotus Seed is new to the mountain and her talents modest, she is worthy of this robe. Her restoration of Tianshan’s good name proves her sincerity and loyalty—the robe is both reward and encouragement. It is but a token, signifying her rank is still below that of a second-rank Official, far from your positions. Besides, it is only a garment—should we let it harm our sisterly harmony?”

White Feathers seemed about to speak further, but Celestial Master He’an had already made a decision: “Let this matter rest—no more need be said. Let this serve as an example: whoever renders such service in the future shall be likewise rewarded.”