Chapter 008: Each Gains What They Need

Yu Qixian wandered all over the second floor, using the excuse of delivering gifts to enter the private rooms and investigate, but found not the slightest trace of the musician. Left with no other choice, Yu Qixian had to ask for Linger’s help.

“We’re such good partners—help me out, won’t you? Try using your spirit butterflies?” Yu Qixian pulled Linger aside and pleaded with her, but Linger was still upset and angry over the water monster incident.

“Hmph! You only come to me when you need something! I just helped you—if I hadn’t stalled for time, that water monster would be dead by now! And now I’ve attracted the attention of the one in the private room. I haven’t even asked for compensation yet!”

“Fine, whatever compensation you want, I’ll give it to you, all right? I really don’t want to miss such a rare talent—you know how much my mother values musicians! If I can make her happy, I’ll finally be free!”

Linger snorted softly. “So you’ll be free, but what about me? My master has told me time and again not to meddle in others’ affairs. I can only stand by and watch!”

“Don’t say that—we’re partners, we help each other and profit together!”

“Then tell me, what’s in it for me if I help you?”

Yu Qixian thought for a moment, then whispered, “If we succeed, I’ll provide you with information unconditionally. Except for matters concerning my family, I’ll tell you everything I know!”

Linger smiled triumphantly. “Now you’re talking, speaking to my interests! In that case, I’ll help you look!”

Shengyu, the region of Silver Prefecture, was three hundred miles away. By watercraft, the journey took a day; by swift ship, three hours. Those skilled in lightness technique could cut the distance in half, and those with magic could do even better.

Xuezhe and Lianzi, traveling at speed, arrived at Shengyu in little time. The land was all green mountains and clear waters, but there was no sign of boats or travelers.

The rivers here were as beautiful as their name suggested and teemed with fish. Mountains lined both banks, the water was crystal clear, and gentle peaks stretched away in every direction, a sight to delight the eyes and gladden the heart.

Xuezhe and Lianzi leapt to the top of a peak, hoping to spot a boat in the distance, but their attention was soon drawn to a nearby valley. All around was lush green, but the valley itself seemed blanketed with white snow. Looking closely, they saw it was filled with trees in full bloom, their flowers shining white.

“What kind of flower is that?” Xuezhe asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

Lianzi gazed in that direction. The blossoms were pure white, and the trees were budding green, much like pear trees in spring.

“These flowers resemble pear blossoms, but they bloom in summer—how extraordinary.”

After hearing this, Xuezhe glanced around but still saw no sign of travelers. Relaxing, she smiled and said to Lianzi, “Perhaps we’ve outpaced the ship. If we wait here, we’ll surely hear from our senior brother. Those flowers are so beautiful, I can’t help but be drawn to them. Why don’t you wait here while I go take a closer look?”

“No, the way those flowers bloom seems odd. How can I let you go alone?” Lianzi grabbed Xuezhe’s hand, refusing to let her go.

“Can your little red lotus surpass my magic?”

Xuezhe couldn’t help but laugh as she gently removed Lianzi’s hand. Lianzi frowned nervously; she knew she couldn’t stop Xuezhe, but she still did her best to persuade her, worried that Xuezhe’s playful nature would cause trouble again.

“You may have inherited much of the Celestial Lotus Master’s power, but you know little of the arts, only enough to best me. There are many in this world with deep powers and ill intentions. How can I let you go?”

“It’s just a mortal valley—what’s there to fear? Besides, Linger can sense your presence, and she’s with our senior brother. What are you worried about?”

Lianzi thought for a moment, then finally agreed. “Very well, but let me leave something as a marker, and then I’ll come with you.”

With that, Lianzi cast a spell over the water, and within seconds, a red lotus blossomed on the surface.

Though the river was dotted with aquatic plants and wildflowers grew along the banks, none compared to the brilliance of that red lotus. Only then did Lianzi hasten to catch up with Xuezhe, and together they flew toward the flower-filled valley.

Soon after, a large ship rounded the mountain torrents and entered calmer waters. The scenery was so beautiful that some passengers stepped out on deck.

Just then, Lan Shui had returned, only to be greeted by Yu Qixian, who had come to thank him.

“If not for you two, I wouldn’t have succeeded. I am deeply grateful and will remember this kindness all my life, but I don’t know how to repay you. Please, tell me what I can do!”

Seeing Yu Qixian’s sincere manners, Lan Shui glanced at Ji Lin with a hint of suspicion. Ji Lin quickly explained how he had driven away three river monsters and declined Yu Qixian’s offer.

But Yu Qixian persisted. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were extraordinary. I doubt you’d accept common gifts or trinkets, but I sincerely wish to repay you. Please, tell me how!”

“There’s no need for ceremony. It was a small matter, not just for you alone. We appreciate your goodwill, but nothing more is needed,” Ji Lin insisted.

Though Tianshan was a mysterious place of cultivation, its disciples often took responsibility for maintaining peace in the world. The great sects kept to themselves, leaving Tianshan to guard the world for a hundred thousand years. Now, as the time of transition to Kunlun approached, the Tianshan disciples were all the more cautious and dutiful.

“Do you look down on me?” Yu Qixian asked. “Though my abilities are humble, I may still be of use. You two must have your reasons for coming here—why not tell me? Perhaps I can help.”

Lan Shui set his teacup on the table with a forceful thud, startling Yu Qixian. Though still seated with his usual calm, a powerful, chilling aura radiated from him as he spoke in a deep voice, “What we must do has nothing to do with you. Please leave.”

Yu Qixian, though he hadn’t seen Lan Shui’s face, felt his icy presence, like autumn’s chill after summer’s warmth. He said no more, but looked gratefully at Ji Lin.

As Yu Qixian was about to leave, Linger suddenly rushed in.

“Linger, what are you doing here? The guests wish to speak privately—we shouldn’t disturb them!” Yu Qixian tried to shoo her away, but Linger stared excitedly at Ji Lin.

“Do you have something to say, Miss Qu?” Ji Lin asked.

Linger nodded, then said happily, “I saw a red lotus blooming on the water ahead. It’s quite unusual—I think it’s a marker left by Miss Xuezhe’s attendant, Lianzi.”

“What? You…” Ji Lin was both surprised and delighted, but with Yu Qixian present, he couldn’t say more.

At that moment, Yu Qixian seemed to understand Ji Lin’s intentions. He bowed politely and said, “Rest assured, benefactor. I’ve known Linger for a long time; you can treat me as you would her. I would never do anything untoward.”

Ji Lin nodded, then turned to see Lan Shui already at the window. He asked, “Senior brother, is there really a red lotus?”

“There is! It’s extraordinary and matches Miss Qu’s description.”

“Wonderful! That means our junior sister must be nearby. But why leave a red lotus as a marker instead of waiting directly?” Ji Lin wondered, then sighed softly, “She carries the Nine Command Beads—she’s not easy to find…”

Linger smiled, “I have a way. If she’s with Lianzi, I’ll be able to track her. But if the ship doesn’t stop, I’m afraid we’ll miss them!”

All at once, the three of them looked at Yu Qixian.

Seeing Lan Shui turn toward him as well, Yu Qixian realized it was his chance to be useful and said, “That’s easily arranged. Not far ahead is my flower garden. If I make up an excuse to stop the ship—say, to fetch wine from the garden—the helmsman will anchor. Then you can go search for your friends, and if they haven’t arrived, you can wait.”

“Thank you, shipmaster!” Ji Lin smiled.

Yu Qixian was just about to leave when Lan Shui called him back. “Wait a moment—what is your flower garden like?”

“My garden is just a small plot in this beautiful valley. It’s not large, but it has a few kinds of flowers, mostly used for brewing. Right now, the ruoyun pear blossoms are at their best—the whole valley is like a sea of spring cherry and drifting apricot snow.”

“What a beautiful sight,” Lan Shui mused.

Yu Qixian was overjoyed and couldn’t help but ask, “Would you care to visit? My flower garden is my pride, and the ruoyun pear blossoms are more splendid than any spring pear—rare to see elsewhere. If you’re interested, you’re more than welcome!”

Lan Shui considered and said, “Pear blossoms in summer are rare indeed. I would be honored.”

“Thank you for the compliment. I’ll have the ship stopped at once. Excuse me!”

Linger, though secretly furious, was too embarrassed to show it and followed Yu Qixian downstairs.

“Hey! You’re so unfair—why do you always stop me?”

Yu Qixian just smiled. “Aren’t I taking you along too? You helped me find Qiu Di, and I’m sure my mother will be pleased. That’s half the job done. If you have any other requests, I’ll agree to them as well!”

“Hmph! I hope so! Now go get them to stop the ship!”

Watching Yu Qixian walk off, Linger summoned a swarm of spirit butterflies and sighed to herself: That musician, Qiu Di, is excellent. I’m sure the Fairy of the Zither will be pleased. I’ll send word to my master right away!