Chapter 075: The Female Ghost Appears
The scenery of Lanxin Pavilion remained unchanged, though Ling’er, upon returning, found it rather small—nothing compared to the grandeur of Beihua’s imperial capital.
Master Wuxiao easily discerned Ling’er’s thoughts. Once she had finished organizing her messages and books, he approached. “Did you have any great gains on this trip? I see your mood has changed quite a bit!”
“Master, I gained a lot, and I’ve written everything down. If you want to see them, just look through the books!”
“Oh? You went to the capital and now you treat me with such irreverence? Am I no longer able to command you in trivial matters? Perhaps I ought to hire more maids so you can play the princess?”
Ling’er grinned mischievously. “But I am a princess! However, if you truly desire more maids, I can arrange that for you immediately. After all, Lanxin Pavilion has been quiet for too long. Perhaps it’s time—”
“Enough!” Wuxiao tapped Ling’er’s head with his fan, laughing. “Do you think I’m unaware of your schemes? Every time you return from a journey, your mind is filled with new ideas. Was it the wealth and splendor of Beihua that left you so stirred this time?”
Ling’er looked at her master with a hint of grievance, quietly complaining, “Master, you always hit me so hard!”
He laughed heartily. “And whose fault is that? Always hatching mischief! I send you out with purpose, and you come back idolizing others?”
“Wait, hold on! Master, I really do have something to tell you!” Ling’er leaned playfully on Wuxiao’s shoulder, her voice bright with laughter. “There really is someone I admire! The prosperity of Beihua only left me a little awed, but it was Xuezhe’s grace and talent that truly amazed me. I must record it: Qu Ling’er has someone to admire at last!”
“Heh, haven’t you always admired her? Even before she left the mountains, you were all excitement. It seems the two of you share quite a destiny—always chancing upon each other. Consider yourself fortunate!”
Though he spoke thus, Wuxiao’s heart was far from calm. Ling’er’s devotion and admiration for Xuezhe—could it be that Xuezhe truly had something to do with the Fate of the Celestial Maiden? Did that old man Qiangui know about this? Would Ling’er’s path now be altered? She was the one I had selected after much trial and effort!
“Indeed!”
“She comes down from the mountain and runs into you every time. Are you happy? Who knows if this is your good fortune or her ill luck!”
“Master, how could you say such a thing? I can’t accept that! Meeting Xuezhe is certainly my good fortune. Have I brought her misfortune?” Ling’er retorted in her heart, thinking, If only I could meet Lord Wei as often as this!
“Very well! Xuezhe went to Beihua to investigate—aren’t you curious? Why didn’t you follow?”
“Me? I was embarrassed, that’s all! Besides, I ruined the clothes I borrowed from my father—I need to repair them properly before returning them, or else I’ll be scolded again!”
“Oh? You know how to sew now?”
“No, I’m counting on you, Master!”
“Counting on me again? If I’d known, I’d have used up all the thread and needles ages ago! Go find a tailor!”
Ling’er gave a wicked grin. “No need! I bought thread and needles myself. Hmph!”
Night fell, serene and gentle.
Moonlight bathed the world like water, hearts grew clear and beautiful.
The sights of the courtyard no longer sufficed for admiration, and Xuezhe felt no weariness at all.
Cultivators required little rest—except in sickness. Before descending the mountain, Xuezhe had made thorough preparations, and now she wished only to investigate the string of murders without a moment’s pause.
Within the palace, the rules were strict, guards plentiful, yet peace was absent. A certain atmosphere left one unsettled, and Xuezhe disliked it. She rose to seek its source.
She circled much of the sleeping quarters, encountering many guards and maids, none of whom would allow her to wander freely.
With no other choice, she returned to her chamber. Waiting until no one was watching, she made herself invisible, ascending to the roof, then became visible again, for her technique could not last long.
Pale moonlight cast its glow, palace roofs lay in shadow, courtyards stretched deep, blossoms enchanting. Xuezhe leapt lightly from rooftop to rooftop, moving with extreme caution, fearful of making a sound; in the mortal realm, her powers were limited, her abilities restrained.
Even so, she startled someone who was awake.
Gao Hai stepped outside to investigate and spotted a figure on the roof. He hurried to Liu Li’s chambers to warn him.
Candles still burned in Liu Li’s quarters as he pored over ancient tomes. Lately, he had developed a fascination for rare books—anything related to Tianshan or cultivators delighted him.
A eunuch came to report, and Liu Li, both surprised and curious, followed him out. Gao Hai, looking around, led Liu Li to an open spot and pointed to a nearby rooftop. “Your Majesty, look. There is a woman in white on the roof—she seems to be the girl crowned champion tonight!”
Liu Li glanced over, his spirits rising. He patted Gao Hai’s shoulder. “Since you’re here, sit in for me awhile!”
“Your Majesty, where are you going?”
“The moonlight is lovely—I’ll take a stroll!”
Changing into more casual attire and taking his fan, Liu Li went out, moving quietly in search, but soon lost sight of the figure.
He found himself in the imperial garden, standing before the flowers in quiet frustration.
In the depths of the garden, no attendants lingered—only trees, flowers, false mountains and ponds. Liu Li wandered at a slow pace, letting his emotions run free.
To wish for a meeting and be denied, to long for knowledge and remain ignorant—such things were disheartening.
Since ascending the throne by imperial edict, the Empress Dowager had held the reins of power, leaving Liu Li to manage only trivial matters and the inner palace. Though surrounded by many beauties, he had never visited any, not even sharing a ceremonial cup.
Though powerless, he cared deeply for the people and the land, often performing acts of kindness for the nation’s good, unwilling to betray the late emperor’s wishes. Now, in his twenties, he had finally met someone who stirred his heart, yet her station was distant, her identity out of reach. The thought left him restless and unhappy.
“In such a fine hour, one ought to be with a beloved, yet Heaven’s will is ever contrary to mortal wishes!”
With a sigh, Liu Li prepared to leave, when suddenly a woman’s voice drifted through the quiet air.
“Why does my lord sigh so?”
He turned to see a woman in white—the very one who had taken first place in tonight’s contest.
“You, miss—?”
“To admire the scenery alone is a lonely thing. Since you lament the absence of a companion, why not—?”
Liu Li was taken aback, studying her. She was cool and noble—how could she be so forward? Surely this was the work of some spell to deceive him. Best to return to the palace!
He turned to leave, but the woman stepped forward to block his way. “Where are you going, my lord?”
“It is late, miss. It would be improper to linger—let us part here.”
“Going somewhere?” she said, her expression turning fierce as she reached out with long, claw-like nails, clearly intending harm. Liu Li leapt back in alarm.
“What are you doing?”
“Your life is mine!”
Startled, Liu Li dodged her attack. He opened his folding fan, parrying and evading, but found his fan could not harm her.
As they struggled, a flash of silver streaked across the sky. A silver needle pierced the woman’s body, shattering her disguise.
In that instant, black blood seeped out, her true form revealed—ashen pale, eyes fierce, she was a ghost.
“There’s a ghost in the imperial garden!”
Still in shock, Liu Li saw the ghost lunge at him again, leaving him no time to evade.
Suddenly, a clear, melodious female voice rang in his ear: “My lord, beware!”
A flash of silver, and a woman in white floated down, driving the ghost back ten paces. Graceful and powerful, she subdued the ghost with a mere flick of a silver needle, then sealed it within a jade vial.
“Thank you, miss!”
Watching her retreating figure, an immediate sense of familiarity and joy welled up in Liu Li’s heart.
“No need to thank me. I followed a strange scent here—no doubt this ghost drew me in. Forgive me for startling you, my lord. Best return now.”
Liu Li smiled gently, showing no intention to leave. “You gave no name during the contest, and now you conceal your face while saving others. Is this a requirement of Tianshan’s rules?”