Chapter 053: The Immortal's Arrival at the Flower Garden

On both sides, verdant mountains rise, while the water flows through a narrow creek; green grass carpets the path, guided by scattered stones. Along the riverbank, within the valley, at the end of a winding trail, a simple bamboo cottage comes into view.

From afar, the bamboo fence is modest, the house tinted with the hues of wood, and the courtyard blends white and green. Up close, it reveals itself as a secluded retreat, serene and refined, filled with the fragrance of flowers, fluttering butterflies, and singing orioles.

Here, the crabapple trees lining the path have already blossomed, painting the landscape in soft pinks and vibrant greens. In the courtyard, specks of white—pear blossoms of late spring—exude a delicate scent among their new leaves. There are more trees in bloom, the evergreens of early summer, and a hint of wine lingering in the air.

“This must be Master Yu’s private retreat?”

“The address matches, but the name is different!”

Upon hearing Fengxing’s words, Liu Li hesitated and stepped forward to inspect the gate, where four bold characters read “Immortal Flower Garden.”

“If this is a place for immortals, how dare we enter?”

Just as the words were spoken, the gate stirred and opened, and a young man emerged.

He wore neither gaudy nor plain silk garments, the primary shade understated, embroidered with petals, giving the air of a master of the garden, yet with a dash of rakish charm. His eyes curved like crescent moons, tranquil as a boatman on still waters—an enchanting pair of peach blossom eyes. A perpetual smile played at his lips, lined with subtle creases, as if a frequent visitor to places of pleasure. His face held resolve, a touch of melancholic indifference, and the aura of a seasoned wanderer of the world.

Liu Li studied the man—complex in impression, unique in taste—and smiled slightly, saluting with cupped hands. “May I ask if you are the master of this garden?”

The man returned the gesture, smiling at the pair before him.

One bore an elegant, noble presence, exuding imperial dignity yet with the subtle air of a scholar, tinged with the spirit of a martial hero. Though his bearing was regal, his handsome features invited envy.

The other’s brows and eyes were cool and clear, with hints of fatigue and anxiety, yet his spirit was lively, as if always ready for action. Clad in military attire, he lacked any brutishness, instead emanating a rugged beauty.

“I am indeed the one you seek,” Yu Qixian replied.

Liu Li and Fengxing were both surprised at Yu Qixian’s frankness, as if he already knew their purpose.

“Master Yu, it seems you understand everything?” Liu Li asked.

Yu Qixian smiled. “Not at all. Please, come in!”

Just as they were about to enter, Fengxing said to Liu Li, “Please proceed, sir. I will stay here to watch over the carriage.”

“To be able to enter such a place, this carriage is truly well-crafted and sturdy!” Liu Li chuckled. “As long as Master Yu is not offended by our intrusion.”

“Not at all. Please, after you!”

They entered the flower garden, where Yu Qixian poured Liu Li a cup of clear wine before beginning to speak.

“I am aware of your identities, so forgive my lack of customary courtesies—I shall not address you by imperial titles.”

“No matter, Master Yu. Just treat us as fellow wanderers of the world.”

“Very well, then I will speak candidly. Previously, someone urged me to assist you and explained the situation. I also received a letter from Qu Ling’er, which prompted me to wait here for your arrival. Everything is clear now, and I am willing to aid you. Soon, we will depart for Western Sea Prefecture.”

“Master Yu’s straightforwardness is much appreciated. Yet, allow me to ask: along this journey, many have guided and assisted us, evoking both gratitude and curiosity. Could you tell me who entrusted Miss Qu and persuaded you?”

Liu Li had his suspicions that their helpers hailed from Tianshan, but wondered if it involved Xueze. Xueze often appeared, but it was Ji Lin who gave clear instructions, which piqued Liu Li’s curiosity.

“No need to dwell too much on it; simply know that it was done with good intentions.”

“But to receive kindness without the chance to repay, or even to know the benefactor’s identity, is unsettling. Master Yu, you’ve wandered the world for years and surely understand such feelings—this sense of indebtedness weighs heavily on the heart!”

Yu Qixian smiled, raising his glass to Liu Li. “You speak to my own sentiments. This toast is for you!”

After they drained their cups, Yu Qixian continued, “Nonetheless, gratitude and the principle of keeping promises are both important. I gave my word not to mention this matter, so how can I betray it now?”

“I understand the importance of keeping one’s word, Master Yu, so I shall not press further. Thank you for your care and concern, as well as that of our other benefactors.” Liu Li toasted again, sipping as he pondered how the disciples of Tianshan had been stirred, the people of Lanxin Pavilion offered help, and even Yu Qixian spoke with such openness—it all seemed almost too smooth. Was this good or bad?

Yu Qixian nodded with a smile. “No need to worry now about who supports or opposes us. Let us focus on saving lives first. In a moment, my boat will arrive, and we’ll head straight for Western Sea Prefecture. For now, let us enjoy a cup to calm our spirits.”

“Master Yu’s wine is indeed exquisite and intoxicating, but what draws me in is not only the wine. Since stepping into this retreat, the colors of the flower trees have been enchanting—a true art in their arrangement.”

Yu Qixian smiled, lips pursed. “Thank you for your appreciation. I possess no other notable skills, but I do have some talent for tending flowers and plants. This garden is my place of solace; after years on the road, I have grown fond of it.”

“I’ve heard this place was once called Yu’s Retreat. Why change the name to Immortal Flower Garden?”

Yu Qixian smiled faintly, lost in recollection.

After a long pause, he returned to himself and, with a trace of melancholy, drank another cup.

“Not only has the name changed, but so have the flowers I favor. Thanks to my beloved Ruoyun pear blossoms, which bloom in summer with an unusual beauty, immortals were drawn here.”

Liu Li smiled gently. “So, it is true that immortals have visited this place?”

Yu Qixian only smiled, silent, lost in the memory of that moment—the first time he was truly astonished by someone.

Seeing Yu Qixian deep in thought, Liu Li remarked with a tranquil smile, “It seems I am not the only one who cherishes this place. Its elegance and refined arrangement, the harmony of color and fragrance, make it a rare delight—it is no wonder that immortals would be drawn here.”

“You flatter me!” Yu Qixian sighed, walking outside, gazing at the pear blossoms with sorrow. “Alas, the season waits for no one. However lovely, flowers cannot last forever. If immortals witness such fading beauty, I fear they will not return.”

Touched by his sadness, Liu Li’s gaze fell upon the pear trees in the courtyard.

The pear trees now bore fresh leaves; green gradually overtook the branches, replacing the white blossoms as the dominant hue. Yu Qixian’s words were inspired by these trees—surely the immortal he admired also loved these pear blossoms.

“Pear blossoms are pure and elegant—a unique sight. Though such flowers abound in the world, Master Yu could cultivate even more. Time may not wait, but people can alter nature. If one were to arrange rare flowers in sequence, each for its season, there would be no talk of fading, and it would be a beautiful thing.”

Yu Qixian turned to Liu Li, joy welling in his heart. “Such ingenious thinking—how did I not consider it? Thank you for the suggestion; when I have time, I shall devote myself to it. For this idea alone, I am bound to help you.”

Liu Li nodded with a smile, thinking that though Master Yu gave a complex impression, he was truly bold and straightforward—a trustworthy man. As for his wandering ways and sorrowful past, those mattered little now.