Chapter 027: The Plum Blossom Incantation

The West Spring Palace remained as resplendent and vibrant as ever, with peach blossoms blooming in lavish profusion, but the usually cheerful and contented Spirit Maiden of Cut Velvet was no longer as she once had been.

In the courtyard outside the Cut Velvet’s bedchamber, many plum trees stood in elegant array, each branch exquisite, each petal delicate, lending the palace its name—Plum Treasure Hall. Cut Velvet cherished these plum trees dearly.

Nourished day and night by the essence of heaven and earth, tended by the Spirit Maiden herself, these plum blossoms embodied the beauty of the world and reigned over all others in fragrance. Between her and these blossoms, an unspoken bond existed.

Inhaling the fragrance, Cut Velvet finally found her heart settling into calm. She was just about to enjoy some tea when she saw Bai Yu enter with a gentle smile.

“Elder Sister, are you again brooding alone among the plum trees? If there is something troubling you, do tell me. There are more ways to ease sorrow in this world than merely confiding in blossoms.”

Cut Velvet let out a chilly smile. It had become well known that whenever her emotions shifted, she would linger beneath the plum trees.

“Plum trees are resilient, their flowers fragrant and pure. They always soothe the mind and steady the will. Most troubles are but momentary knots—once unraveled, the heart is at peace. So I find solace in the plums, and see no harm in it.”

“That’s not quite right!” Bai Yu stepped closer, gazing into Cut Velvet’s eyes. “No matter how lovely, flowers are silent and unresponsive. True progress comes from companions who can encourage and caution us.”

Cut Velvet understood her meaning and replied calmly, “And what do you propose?”

“I wish to stand with you, through fortune and adversity.” Bai Yu glanced at Cut Velvet’s face and spoke honestly, “I have always kept my distance, relying only on Master and you. But now, things seem to be changing. I’ve had to reconsider my place. After much deliberation, I’ve decided to align my heart and actions with yours.”

Though Cut Velvet was inwardly delighted, she kept her composure. “Why do you say that? We are fellow disciples and both Spirit Maidens of Tianshan. Our mutual support is natural—why such earnest intent and repeated assurances?”

“You know my nature is straightforward,” Bai Yu replied. “You also know what I mean. Now, several from Snow Bamboo Hall have revealed their strength—not only threatening me but also your future. For both personal and public reasons, this is the right course.”

Cut Velvet’s smile remained cool. “I know what you mean, but those others are upright and share our bond as disciples. Even if one day one of us becomes the Celestial Maiden, we ought to offer sincere congratulations.”

“No! At today’s investiture ceremony, even a junior disciple dared to challenge Tianshan’s rules, and Snow Ze, newly returned, argued stubbornly as well. They plainly disregard your name and your place as Spirit Maiden. If this continues, what will become of order?”

Despite her serenity, as Bai Yu’s words continued, Cut Velvet could not help but recall the events of the morning’s ceremony.

At dawn, most disciples of Tianshan had gathered to celebrate the restoration of Tianshan’s honor, to welcome new faces and Snow Ze’s return, and to reward those who had distinguished themselves in the past month. It was meant to be a joyous occasion, yet Lotus Seed’s sacred attire provoked the Spirit Maiden, and Snow Ze’s spirited defense further enraged the proud and vain Cut Velvet.

“You have always been diligent and lauded, the strongest among the maidens of Tianshan. But since Snow Ze and her little attendant arrived, everything has changed. Relying on beauty and popularity, she does as she pleases, often offending both you and the rules of our sect. I am not jealous, but for the sake of your honor, the Spirit Maiden’s title, and the reputation of West Spring Palace, you must weigh the situation carefully and decide!”

Cut Velvet nodded. “I will. Do not worry.”

“Then, Elder Sister—?”

“You may go now. I am tired. We’ll discuss this further tomorrow.”

“Yes, take good rest, Elder Sister.”

Watching Bai Yu’s figure recede, Cut Velvet’s expression grew ever more frosty. Standing for a long while in the garden breeze, she finally broke off a plum branch and returned to her chamber.

She closed the door and cast a spell, sealing the entire Plum Treasure Hall inside and out to prevent any eavesdropping or intrusion.

After a moment’s thought, she plucked the petals from the plum branch and, with enchantment, suspended them in the air. Reciting an incantation, she cast another spell, and the petals dissolved into a cloud of rosy mist. Within the haze, a shape like a fireball appeared, distant and ethereal, as if two wards from different realms overlapped.

Soon, Cut Velvet heard faint sounds and waited in quiet expectation.

“What business brings you to me? Setting up wards and using the plum blossom spell again—aren’t you afraid of being discovered?”

Gazing at the fireball within the mist, Cut Velvet smiled. “No matter. With your human form nearly complete and your powers deepening, I am at ease.”

“You know I train all day, and still you interrupt?”

“I admit my fault. The matter is urgent, and I feared the carrier pigeon would be too slow, so—”

“Enough—speak plainly.”

“Lately, the group at Snow Bamboo Hall are riding high, and Bai Yu wishes to ally with me. Master instructed me to win her over, and before I even acted, she approached me herself. What would you have me do next?”

“Good. That saves you some trouble. Offer Bai Yu some benefits and help her as much as possible, but subtly, so she remains unaware. You may even use her as your pawn in Tianshan.”

“Very well. Does this relate to your own plans?”

“That is not for you to know. As for your next step: keep an eye on those from Snow Bamboo Hall. Do all you can to see them falter, so they cannot stand in our way.”

“Could they truly hinder you, or compete with me for the Celestial Maiden’s mantle?”

“Heh, what do you think? No more questions. We’ll communicate by letter. The plum blossoms are running low—use them sparingly.”

When the mist dispersed and the petals vanished, Cut Velvet dismissed the wards. Reclining on her bed with wine in hand, she finally felt clarity settling in her mind, her mood lightened.

“So, she is the daughter of the High Priestess Qing Lian. What of it, that she is favored by the Celestial Lord? She is still half-mortal. For all her beauty and wit, she cannot surpass my years of cultivation or my innate talent. The title of Celestial Maiden is mine alone! Even if centuries must pass before the next is chosen, I will remain Tianshan’s most outstanding maiden.”

In the solitude of her chamber, Cut Velvet’s true face finally surfaced, after so long maintaining her front before others. The plum trees in her courtyard were her sole confidants, and it was through her ceaseless meditations beneath them, pouring out her heart, that she fell into the designs of someone far away.

The one who taught her the plum blossom spell dwelled among mortals, their strength growing day by day, their origin and sect unknown. In the human realm, only the Green Profundity Valley and the Imperial Capital’s rear mountain could conceal so formidable a presence.

Green Profundity Valley lay at the edge of the Bitter River, facing the mysterious and intricate Orchid Pavilion. Few mortals ventured there, though it was rich in treasures and scenic beauty.

It was said among the people that Green Profundity Valley was beautiful by day and terrifying by night, becoming strange and unpredictable after sunset. Though abundant in rare treasures, the valley was rumored to contain a mountain sealed with ancient demons, and a tower suppressing countless spirits and evil birds. Thus, few dared enter in search of elixirs or treasures.

The rear mountain of the Imperial Capital, saturated with the city’s accumulated grievances and corpses, was accessible only to the punished and the powerful. Its isolation and uncanny beauty made it the perfect hiding place for the extraordinary, and it was here that the one who instructed Cut Velvet remained hidden.

Within the rear mountain lay a secret cave, untouched by sunlight or dew, yet deep inside, it glowed with a perpetual, fiery light. Were it not for the mountain’s thick soil and sparse visitors, the secret might have been uncovered. At the heart of the cave was a being of light and flame, neither fully human nor demon, yet capable of speech and thought, though unable to move freely—communicating only through spells and incantations.

By now, it was likely the hour of the dragon. The fiery being ceased its cultivation, raised a hand, and cast the same plum blossom spell.

The plum blossoms were different, and so was the person on the other side.

“Tomorrow is the full moon. Are the offerings prepared?”

“What you require is all in readiness. At the hour of the dog tomorrow, fifteen men of the purest yang will arrive at the rear mountain. May your power be greatly increased then, so that you might aid me when the time comes!”

“What troubles you now?”

“There is no need to concern yourself with court affairs, but I do have a thorn in my side who must be punished.”

“Who is so highly placed that even you cannot deal with him? Does he possess magic, or is he protected by a master?”

“Yes and no. This person is of noble birth and well-guarded, so I have had no opportunity. If I act rashly and leave traces, others will seize upon it to make trouble for me. That is why I ask for your help.”

“Then, after the full moon, wait seven days, and summon me again.”