Chapter 21: An Unexpected Encounter

Outside Apricot Blossom Village, a pavilion stood atop a hill.

Several dozen yards from the hill, a gentle river flowed with clear, serene water; wildflowers bloomed along the banks, and a few willow trees hung their branches over the stream.

This was a place of exquisite beauty, seldom disturbed by people, perfect for quiet contemplation or private conversation.

Within the pavilion, a man dressed in white stood facing the river, idly fanning himself with a delicately crafted paper fan as he listened to the report of the man behind him.

“Master, I have investigated thoroughly. The woman in the city appears to be a healer from the Western Sea Prefecture, but she still keeps her face veiled, making it impossible to discern her true appearance. She has been administering medicine for several days now. At first, it merely provided relief, but now the effects are remarkable, and the people hail her as a miracle-worker!”

“We still do not know who she truly is,” came a clear, melodious voice, tinged with both magnetism and gentle warmth.

“Shall I approach her and inquire? I could surely discover her identity. If she proves to be suspicious, I will bring her back immediately!”

“No!” The man snapped his fan shut, his thick brows knitting together. “Gao Hai, why can’t you shed your rough warrior’s ways? No matter who this young lady is, she has rendered great service to Beihua. How could you be so reckless with her?”

The one called Gao Hai wore a look of remorse. “I was wrong, sir.”

“It’s nothing. Your suggestion has reminded me, though—if even you harbor such thoughts, how much more so will my mother? It seems we must protect this young lady in secret.”

“My lord need not worry. I have already made discreet inquiries. The lady is ever wary and cautious, and she seems to have some connection with General Fengxing. I expect the general will see to her safety as well.”

“Fengxing? The general who guards the White River?” The man thought for a moment before continuing, “He is capable and loyal, but covert protection is far more effective. Send our own men to watch over her discreetly.”

“Yes, my lord. I take my leave.”

Only after Gao Hai departed did the man return to his thoughts, carefully reviewing the matter. He could not help but recall the scene of the young woman administering her medicine. Though her face was hidden beneath a light veil, her bearing was extraordinary—who could she be?

Gao Hai was a trusted confidant of Liu Li, Emperor of Beian in Beihua. Since childhood, Liu Li had favored him; both were disciples of the Kunlun Sect, and Gao Hai had become a martial attendant at Liu Li’s side. The man with the paper fan was indeed Liu Li, third prince of the late Emperor Hongxiao, Liu Shun, and Empress Xue of Daiguo.

Among the people, it was said that the third prince was his father’s favorite. The eldest prince, though a full brother, cared little for politics; the second prince, son of a noble consort, was likewise out of contention for the throne.

Currently, imperial power and the affairs of state were controlled by Empress Xue of Daiguo. Though Liu Li had long since come of age, he had never truly held the reins. He was beloved by the people and dutiful to his mother, so things remained unchanged.

As he pondered these things, Liu Li suddenly noticed flower petals drifting on the surface of the river—pale pink, white, and orange, floating gently downstream.

“How strange—why would flower petals fall into the river here, unless someone placed them there deliberately?”

Puzzled, Liu Li made his way down the slope towards the riverbank. There, the grass grew thick and wildflowers flourished, but he saw no trace of peony or rose petals like those on the water.

A soft breeze stirred the willows, the green grass framing the blossoms.

All that could be heard was the gentle rush of the stream and the caress of warm wind—nothing else entered Liu Li’s senses until he saw Xueze.

Beneath a drooping willow, as Liu Li watched the flowers drift downstream, a young woman suddenly appeared, darting across the water as if scattering celestial blossoms.

The breeze seemed to dance with her, setting her pale blue gauze robes fluttering like light, airy clouds. A pure white sash trailed behind her, ethereal as the Milky Way, pulling the scene together with a grace that was almost otherworldly—a goddess descending to earth.

Xueze had not noticed Liu Li beneath the willow tree, intent as she was on finding her way back. But Liu Li observed her closely as she passed within ten yards, taking in every detail.

Her hair was silky and lustrous, adorned only with a green jade pear blossom and two crystal-silver tassels; her earrings were delicate silver fish with downy feathers. Though she stood with her back to him, he sometimes caught her profile—her features were exquisite, her bearing transcendent, beyond the reach of any poet’s verse.

His gaze shifted to her attire, which was as elegant and understated as her manner—a light blue gauze skirt flowing beautifully, the pure white sash lending a touch of distinction. The simplicity of her dress could not hide her exceptional figure or her innate grace and beauty.

“What immortal graces this place?”

Liu Li’s words startled the bewildered Xueze. She spun around, caught sight of a strange young man, and hastily turned back to cast a spell and veil her face. In her fluster, the veil she conjured was identical to the Red Lotus Leaf Veil.

When she turned back, her features now concealed, Liu Li could no longer see her face, but her extraordinary presence remained palpable. The veil itself piqued his interest—could this celestial maiden be the same kind-hearted healer?

As Liu Li stood in a daze, Xueze met his gaze for a moment.

Under the green willows stood a man in white, a striking contrast to the verdant mountains, clear waters, and lush grass around him. Whether it was his radiant attire or his astonishing looks, Xueze could not tear her eyes away.

He was young and vigorous, with handsome features—the beauty of a star-lit sky. His clothes were mostly white, lightly accented with black; in his hand, a paper fan of rare artistry. His hair was tied with a jade and silver pin, soft and flowing like a wandering sage.

His brows were strong as mountains, firm yet gentle as the winding river. His eyes were large, slightly slanted, open just enough to hint at mystery; his pupils were deep brown, fathomless as ink. His nose was straight, elegant as a peak, yet gentle as jade. His lips, delicate as a woman’s, also carried a man’s solemnity. His features were perfectly balanced—neither too stern nor overly delicate.

Xueze was startled; she wondered, who was this tall, strong, gentle, and handsome man? How could such a striking figure exist in the mortal world? He was nearly a match for her senior brother!

“May I ask, sir, did you call me?” After a pause, Xueze finally spoke.

After a moment’s thought, Liu Li answered softly, “Indeed. May I ask why you are here? You crossed the river with flowers in your wake—it was truly astonishing to witness!”

“Forgive me for disturbing your enjoyment of the scenery. I lost my way here and, not knowing the path home, I scattered flowers on the stream to follow them, though it seems my foolish method was in vain.”

Liu Li smiled gently. “Is that so? I am quite familiar with this area. May I help guide you? Where are you headed?”

“Apricot Blossom Village!” Xueze blurted out, momentarily forgetting her master and senior brother’s warnings—not to speak to strangers, never to reveal her intentions or destination.

Liu Li nodded, a ripple of emotion stirring within him. “It is not far from here. Take this little path up the hill, then follow the main road for about a mile—you will arrive.”

“Thank you for your help. Please, continue your walk—I shall take my leave.”

“Would you like me to accompany you?”

“No need, thank you!”

Xueze turned, eager to escape, but Liu Li called after her.

“Miss—” Liu Li stepped forward with a respectful bow, speaking gently, “Though our meeting was by chance, perhaps it is fate. May I ask your name?”

“I…” Xueze hesitated. Though her name was known to many in the world, she could not disregard the rules of Tianshan by revealing it openly, so she made one up at random. “Xueyan.”

“Xueyan? A lovely name. I am Baishan.”

Xueze responded politely, then hurried away. She wondered whether she would be scolded upon her return—if her senior brother knew she had gotten lost again, he would surely be vexed.

Liu Li watched until Xueze’s figure vanished from view, the scene replaying in his mind.

From where had such an immortal descended?

Perhaps this was paradise itself.

Liu Li looked around—the riverside, rarely visited by people, with green hills, clear waters, and wild flowers in abundance—nature’s own painting. If this were paradise, it had been incomplete; her arrival had made it perfect.

“Xueyan.”

“A beautiful name. Have I heard it before?”

At the entrance of Apricot Blossom Village, Lanshui was heading out when he saw Xueze hurrying toward him.

Startled, he quickened his pace to meet her. “Junior sister, what’s wrong?”

“Senior brother, I… I’m back!”

“Where have you been? You had me worried! I told you to rest in your room—why can’t you stay put the moment I step out?”

Xueze lowered her head timidly, nervous. “I… I wasn’t playing. I went to practice the spells you taught me. On the way, I saw some flowers and lost track of time.”

“Isn’t that playing?” Lanshui sighed, taking her hand as they returned. “Girl, spare me some worry, will you? Once this matter is settled, you can go back to Tianshan and see all the flowers you like. There will be anything you wish for!”

Xueze nodded, then asked, “Oh, by the way, how is our work progressing?”

“Very well! Most of the sick have recovered. This has caused a stir—soon, the rumors will be dispelled.”

Xueze smiled with relief, her worries melting away. “That’s wonderful! Lianzi must have been greatly blessed; I must hurry and make her a ceremonial robe!”

“Yes. She should wear it to receive her reward. When you return, look for materials. If you’re not sure, come to me or Ji Lin for help.”

“Hmm? What?” Xueze looked at Lanshui in confusion. “Didn’t senior sister give it to you? Before I left, she said she’d pick the Moon Lotus for me and give it to you. That was the century-old Moon Lotus I had my eye on!”

Lanshui gave a cold laugh. “You still trust her? She’s probably the one who sent you down the mountain! This time, you got lost and lost the Moon Lotus as well—don’t trust her again!”

Xueze felt a pang of anxiety. “Why? We’re all disciples of Tianshan, bound by deep affection. How could she…”

“Just remember, Xuezhu Hall is your home. Trust in us—that’s enough. As for others, you needn’t concern yourself with their intentions.”

“But coming down the mountain had its advantages. I gave Lianzi the veil, and then asked Lady Qu to disguise her. I suppose it’s a blessing and a curse, both.”

“If you see it that way, that’s good,” Lanshui replied gently. “As long as your heart is at peace.”