Chapter 028: Encounter with Pear Blossoms Again

In the garden at the Snow Bamboo Grounds, petals drifted in abundance, the scenery exquisitely beautiful, yet a lovely maiden sat alone in quiet contemplation, her sorrows unresolved.

Outside the gate, a white figure drifted closer; Xueze approached with light steps, the hem of her dress swaying in rhythm. Spotting a woman in red seated beneath the cherry blossom tree, Xueze smiled gently.

“I’ve searched everywhere for you—so you’re here!”

Lianzi, seeing Xueze, immediately rose and called out with respect, “Master!”

“What master? The master is resting now!”

“Even if you’re not accustomed to it, the Celestial Master He’an has already placed me under your tutelage.”

Xueze smiled serenely. “That’s all a matter of a single word from the master. It would be so simple to have you as my junior sister instead. Besides, I have no sect or school, and I must still be humble and learn. How could I presume to teach a disciple?”

“Ah? Then what should I do? Perhaps it’s best if I just continue as your attendant.”

Xueze shook her head and tapped Lianzi’s forehead lightly. “Such lack of ambition? Why not learn alongside me from the master? Recently, I’ve picked up a few small spells myself and plan to seek further guidance from the master soon.”

Lianzi lowered her head with a sigh, her worries unresolved. “Not long ago, I already offended two of the spirit maidens. How can I let them catch me overstepping my place now? If they find out, won’t that implicate you as well?”

“It matters not. Instead of brooding, it’s better to work diligently and hone your skills. As for the incident last time, we acted uprightly; I believe senior sister will not hold a grudge. After all, we are of the same sect, both disciples of Tianshan. We ought to be magnanimous and cultivate with a clear mind, not let petty feelings arise.”

“Is that so? But if the roles were reversed, how would you feel? Would you truly bear no resentment at all?”

“It’s precisely because I’ve thought it through that I tell you this. When have I ever lied to you?”

Lianzi nodded. “But from my years of experience and what I’ve seen among mortals, I still feel the human heart is hard to fathom. Even here at Tianshan, it can’t be guaranteed that everyone is free of worldly entanglements. Joys and sorrows, desires and passions—these are only natural. We must still be cautious in speech and conduct.”

“All right! I know you fear I’ll speak or act rashly and cause a stir. This isn’t Kunlun, and we shouldn’t bring trouble to the master. The world isn’t as pure as it was when we were children. I’ll be discreet from now on, careful in word and deed. You may rest assured.”

“Good. Still, I don’t think this matter was properly handled. Why don’t we prepare some gifts ourselves and go personally to apologize to the two senior sisters?”

“We spoke frankly that day; things are already as they are. If we go to apologize now, wouldn’t that invite gossip? People might say one thing to our faces and another behind our backs, or claim our reasoning lost to authority.”

“That’s a small matter. Idle talk is fleeting, but if we’ve truly offended our senior sisters, how will we face them in the future? Though Tianshan disciples are broad-minded, those two are women, and perhaps have never been contradicted so before we returned. After much thought, I believe we should go.”

“Lianzi speaks wisely!”

A woman’s voice sounded from behind, and soon Master Qinglian approached.

“Master Qinglian!” the two called out in unison.

Qinglian nodded with a smile, stepping up to them. “I’ve heard most of what you said. I agree with Lianzi’s view. Previously, there were indeed improprieties, and it’s natural some ill feelings arose. Moreover, those two spirit maidens are hardly gentle souls, and you have no foundation of friendship with them. It’s best to proceed with caution.”

Xueze nodded, unwilling to argue with Qinglian. “In that case, let’s go as you say.”

“It’s good to have you, Madam. One word from you is worth ten from me, and you keep a close watch on Xueze. With you and the Celestial Lord here, I needn’t worry so much about Xueze getting into trouble.”

Master Qinglian smiled gently in reply. “Still, you must pay attention in all things. The Celestial Lord and I must each observe our own roles and cannot show undue favoritism. Besides, we oversee the Snow Domain and are seldom involved in Tianshan’s affairs or social matters. You who serve closely are best suited to watch over things.”

“Why does everyone think I’m bound to cause trouble? My temperament is neither proud nor rash, I have no strange preferences—surely I conscientiously heed all instruction and study diligently!” Xueze could not help her dissatisfaction, secretly thinking: Good thing I didn’t mention what happened just now, or the two of them would be lecturing me for acting recklessly.

Recalling the earlier incident, Xueze still felt no guilt, yet she had indeed likely offended Jianrong. She had been wandering about, hoping to unravel the events from her dream, but never found the Gate of Magical Implements. Instead, she was startled by Jianrong’s sudden arrival.

The two had faced off in silence, Jianrong distinctly displeased, ready to reprimand Xueze, but was caught off guard by her casual question.

“Senior sister, you’re the eldest, aren’t you? Do you… do you have a magical implement? Something like… an ice whip, perhaps…”

Jianrong frowned, unable to suppress her anger. “What, are you mocking me for not having an implement yet? Or are you eyeing that ice whip and planning to compete with me for it?”

Xueze wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. She knew the dream wasn’t real, but it had held a certain prophetic air. “I think senior sister wields her sword superbly, truly first-rate. Why insist on the ice whip?”

Jianrong glared coldly at her, stepping closer with every word. “You’d best behave, or don’t blame me for showing no mercy!”

After some time, Xueze was roused from her thoughts by Qinglian’s call, and she felt the gentle touch dispel all other distractions.

“…I hope you’ll find stability and peace, and devote yourself to cultivation. I won’t always be by your side, so you must learn a useful skill to protect yourself,” Master Qinglian said, her gaze warm as she looked at them both. “I came here today only to give you this advice before parting. Tianshan’s reputation has been restored, and troubles have lessened. Aside from returning to Kunlun, I’ll mostly be tending to the Snow Domain. Before long, I’ll have to enter retreat with the other Celestial Masters. So, we’ll have little chance to meet…”

“I know, I know!” Lianzi piped up. “Senior brother said all those of high rank at Tianshan must regularly enter closed-door cultivation. For the Celestial Masters, it’s once every ten years, and this year is the time!”

Master Qinglian nodded. “It seems you’re quite attentive, Lianzi, and know much of Tianshan’s affairs. In the future, you must take good care of Xueze.”

When Master Qinglian had gone, Xueze finally felt the weight lift from her shoulders and let out a long sigh.

“Heavens, you two are so close it’s almost too much for me!”

Lianzi stuck out her tongue with a smile. “Isn’t it all for your sake? To reassure Master Qinglian and let her leave you here in peace, I have to appear so understanding and sensible. Otherwise, how could she rest easy?”

“All right, I’ll admit you’ve done much and worked hard. But what gifts should we prepare as an apology? We’ve been here so long, yet know nothing of our senior sisters’ tastes.” Xueze pondered, faintly vexed. Last time I contradicted the two of them, today I offended the eldest sister; it seems I must put some effort into mending things! Still, when did Tianshan’s people ever need to maintain relationships like this?

“Didn’t you live here for eight years before? Don’t you know anything at all?”

Xueze thought for a moment. “I know a little, but who can say what’s changed in ten years? If we break a taboo, wouldn’t that be a blunder?”

“True enough. Then why not consult someone else?”

“Master is resting, senior brother knows nothing of women’s preferences—who can we ask?”

Lianzi grinned mischievously, then hurried out.

“Where are you going?”

“To find senior brother!”

Lianzi’s naturally lively nature made her unable to restrain herself when excited. Her steps were like pebbles dropped to the ground—she vanished in an instant.

Xueze exited the garden, but Lianzi was nowhere to be seen.

“Sigh! That Lianzi really does need some lessons in etiquette and learning,” Xueze muttered as she searched nearly the entire Snow Bamboo Grounds for her, but found no trace. Since her master was resting, Xueze did not call out, but searched the places Lianzi was likely to go.

After a long search, she reached the southern part of the Snow Bamboo Grounds, the area farthest from the Snow Domain, where the scenery was like spring and summer. Elsewhere, the Snow Bamboo Grounds were mostly cold and pure; even where flowers grew, there was little true sense of spring or summer. Here, though, it was like a poem or a painting, tranquil and lovely.

“I never thought there was a place like this in the Snow Bamboo Grounds! It seems Tianshan hides many secret realms—I must explore them more!”

With this thought, Xueze delightedly took in the sights. Around the mossy stone steps, grass grew lush, dotted here and there with white petals that seemed familiar. Squatting down, she picked one up and placed it in her palm, her heart suddenly elated.

“There are pear blossoms here!”

Looking around, she saw that most of the trees in this quiet garden were pear and magnolia. The magnolias were shorter, setting off the pear trees’ noble, upright grace like that of immortals.

The ground was a tapestry of green, with patches of violet orchids among the white flowers, their colors contrasting yet not competing for beauty.

Her steps unconsciously slowed, her gaze softened, and Xueze walked quietly to stand beneath a great pear tree. A gentle breeze stirred, sending petals swirling and skirts billowing—this scene was like a fairyland.

Xueze had always loved pear blossoms. Their pure white beauty, faint fragrance, and near-perfect harmony with trunk and leaf held a charm no other flower could match.

As the breeze played and petals danced, Xueze suddenly realized that such a unique scene could not be mere coincidence.

This was—

“This must be senior brother’s doing!” Her heart brimmed with joy, though her face remained composed. “The wind never ceases, the blossoms never stop falling—senior brother must be here! Well, in that case, let me return the gesture.”

She considered a moment. Years spent wandering had left her with few skills, except the dance that Master Qinglian had passed down to her. Qinglian had not allowed her to study other arts, but taught her the accomplishments proper to a young lady and defensive techniques.

“With such a lovely scene and mood for dancing, why not perform one for senior brother?”

As the breeze drifted and petals fluttered, her beauty and grace were beyond words.

Lan Shui, perched in a tree nearby, had the perfect vantage point. His heart stirred as he watched the beautiful figure and her graceful dance, each moment imprinted upon his memory. This was a scene to remember forever; his gaze was as if enchanted, filled with the image of Xueze’s elegant movements.

Her dance not only captivated Lan Shui, but seemed to awaken and invigorate every plant he had tended here. With each gesture, each turn, each smile and glance, she painted a masterpiece of beauty. To witness such a dance was a blessing for three lifetimes—even the flowers and grass seemed to gain in spirit. As for Lan Shui’s feelings, they deepened all the more.