A peaceful night fell against silent surroundings.
Fan Yi stepped into the dining hall with furrowed brows. His hands were on his waist as he scanned the hall. There were only a few disciples who were eating their dinner late. Everyone else had returned to their dormitories or had gone off to take care of their other duties.
“Sect Leader, are you looking for someone?” a disciple asked.
Fan Yi turned towards the sound of the voice. “Oh, Heng Ri…have you seen Second Pillar or Third Pillar today?”
“Second Pillar said they won’t be back until tomorrow,” the disciple beside Heng Ri said. “As for Third Pillar…I haven’t seen him today.”
“Neither have I.”
“Me neither.”
Fan Yi frowned, crossing his arms with a huff. “How strange. Then, have any of you seen Lord Immortal Yu Lan?”
“I saw him,” Heng Ri said. “I think…I saw him sleeping in a tree in the forest near the library? When I passed by again later, he was no longer there.”
“No longer there,” Fan Yi murmured. He sighed out a thanks to the disciples and turned on his heels to head out again.
He had bumped into Li Qing and Su Han earlier, but neither had seen Wu Lingtian. Now Tian Xiewen had also disappeared. The only comfort Fan Yi could find in the situation was that, maybe, Tian Xiewen had dragged Wu Lingtian out to play. But even that was little to no comfort. Knowing Tian Xiewen and knowing Wu Lingtian, the two would mix like oil and water. They wouldn’t get along at all and even if they managed to, what Tian Xiewen found fun would not be what Wu Lingtian found fun.
Fan Yi rubbed at his temples and regretted having gone down the mountain to pick herbs without Wu Lingtian.
Fan Yi allowed his feet to carry him to the entrance of the sect. He glanced down the illuminated staircase but still saw no one. The furrow in his brow deepened and he thought about flying down to the city himself. He began to head back into the sect, but before he got too far he heard a loud impact on the ground behind him, followed by two grunts, one much louder than the other.
Fan Yi immediately turned. It was obvious that Tian Xiewen had been drinking. He was flushed down to his neck and his robes were somewhat disheveled. His hair remained neat, though a few strands framed his face in a way they never had before. Fan Yi’s eyes shifted onto Wu Lingtian, who carefully sheathed Tian Xiewen’s sword while supporting him with one arm around his waist. The taller man slumped forward and leaned bonelessly against Wu Lingtian. He was mumbling nonsense as he did so while Wu Lingtian merely hummed and replied with one-to-two-word answers.
Fan Yi stepped forward as Wu Lingtian stepped through the gates of the sect. “Has he been drinking?”
“Yes,” Wu Lingtian looked down at the head leaning against his shoulder. He looked at Fan Yi. “Where does he live?”
“I’ll take you there,” Fan Yi grabbed Tian Xiewen’s other arm and wrapped it around his shoulders. The two men began walking, dragging Tian Xiewen as if he were already a corpse. “What happened?”
“Third Pillar wanted to drink,” Wu Lingtian summed up his afternoon in the simplest of terms. Even when Fan Yi glanced over, Wu Lingtian didn’t offer any other information.
“I apologize for him,” Fan Yi sighed.
Wu Lingtian hummed.
“He didn’t say anything strange, did he?” Fan Yi asked.
Wu Lingtian shook his head. “He just spoke about meaningless things. He did not delve into his past, nor did he speak too much about the sect. When he did it was all trivial.”
Fan Yi nodded. That was good. It was better than saying something he would regret when he awoke.
Fan Yi and Wu Lingtian continued their trip in silence until they reached near the back of the mountain. Wu Lingtian observed the large building and glanced at the open room to the left of Tian Xiewen’s humble home.
“Third Pillar is a blacksmith?” Wu Lingtian asked.
Fan Yi glanced at Wu Lingtian, somewhat surprised that he took initiative to ask a question. “He is. Have you heard of the Phoenix Blacksmith?”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Rui Sword was a mythical sword that had appeared a very long time ago. Rumor had it, when it was created an aurora appeared in the sky, followed by a rare pair of phoenixes that danced amongst the clouds, singing to celebrate the new creation. The rumor of the pair of phoenixes gave the unknown blacksmith his name. Over the years, imitations of his smithery appeared within the black markets, but many could tell quickly and obviously which ones were fake for the Phoenix Blacksmith had made a specialized carving tool that was instilled with his own spiritual essence. Once he carved his name into an item using this tool, it would create his signature. Even if people could perfectly replicate his complicated signature, it would be difficult to replicate the spiritual essence instilled within.
However, the Phoenix Blacksmith was not only famous because of this auspicious sign, and the Rui Sword was not only famous because of its strange birth.
Despite its auspicious birth, the Rui Sword had actually brought about much death and carnage. While its name was “Rui” it had the nickname “Bloody Wish” (血愿). Those who wished to conquer new lands just had to acquire the sword, which was known to be good luck, and the world would be at their feet, with only the Heavens above their heads.
The sword was now deemed a cursed item. It had long been lost to the throes of time and, once in a while, would appear in the black market once more. Whether the sword sold was a real or a fake was unknown. The sword was made before the Phoenix Blacksmith had developed his signature so, until today, it still remains a mystery where the real sword is.
Fan Yi watched Wu Lingtian with a hint of amusement as they left Tian Xiewen’s residence. “Would you like to know where the sword is now?”
Wu Lingtian glanced at Fan Yi. His interest in weaponry, particularly swords, was extremely obvious.
Fan Yi lowered his voice and leaned slightly closer. “It is in our vaults.”
“Your vaults?” Wu Lingtian’s brows furrowed.
Fan Yi nodded. “We were at a black market auction and happened to see the Rui Sword again. Funnily enough, it was just being sold off as a regular cultivator’s sword. Whatever it had been through in those recent years had scratched off the name of the sword on the scabbard, but Xiewen still recognized it. We bought it for a low bid and brought it back. Xiewen restored its original appearance, but it had long been tainted by many battles. Right now, it’s being purified.”
Wu Lingtian nodded slowly. “How interesting.”
“Speaking of which,” Fan Yi glanced at Wu Lingtian. “You must be in need of a new sword, right?”
Wu Lingtian hummed noncommittally. “Yu Lan has been crushed. Its shards have most likely been scattered to the winds.”
“I see…you recovered quite nicely though. I was expecting you to pass away,” Fan Yi said. His mind drifted back to those few days he spent in a daze, unsure of why Wu Lingtian wouldn’t wake. Now that he was calmer and had the time to think back on it, it was even more shocking that Wu Lingtian woke up.
“Maybe I have not recovered,” Wu Lingtian said. He turned his head and looked at Fan Yi. “Maybe I may faint at any moment.”
Fan Yi held Wu Lingtian’s gaze for a moment before breaking out into a soft fit of laughter. “Yu Lan, you are quite amusing. If you were on your way to the Yellow Springs, I would have noticed.”
Wu Lingtian turned away, his gaze lowering as he listened to Fan Yi’s soft laughter.
“Unless, you are doubting my abilities as a doctor?” Fan Yi teasingly raised an eyebrow.
“I have no doubt of your abilities as a doctor, Sect Leader,” Wu Lingtian replied briskly. There was no hesitation in his voice and he appeared rather firm.
Fan Yi was taken aback, but he soon looked away with a smile. “I was only teasing. No need to answer so seriously.”
“I respect you too much, Sect Leader,” Wu Lingtian said.
Fan Yi paused and turned to Wu Lingtian again. He observed Wu Lingtian’s indolent expression, which was far more relaxed than what it would be if they had met a month ago. The smile on his face widened.
“Do you really mean that?”
“Sect Leader should know that I am not a man for flattery.”
“Of course. If Yu Lan doesn’t like something, he would say it right away,” Fan Yi recalled an incident which seemed like centuries ago. He chuckled to himself. “Do you remember that one time we were stuck in a secret realm?”
“Which time?”
“Now, you don’t have to call me out,” Fan Yi laughed.
Wu Lingtian remained silent. It was a serious question.
“The one with the cave dragon.”
Wu Lingtian nodded. That had been a particularly frightening incident, though Wu Lingtian couldn’t say that he remembered too much of it. All he remembered was unfortunately running into Fan Yi. The pair had little to say, yet Fan Yi insisted on pestering Wu Lingtian in a way that could not be turned away and the two had stumbled upon a seemingly harmless pond. Fan Yi was preparing to turn around and leave when they had met up with another group that disliked both Fan Yi and Wu Lingtian, which was quite a rare existence. After that…the details were too fuzzy to recount.
“There was that one fellow named Hong Fu. He was annoying you and you ended up telling him off.”
“Did I?” Wu Lingtian wondered aloud. He did remember Hong Fu though. The man was a useless second-generation cultivator who survived off of nepotism and rode off coattails. Although he and Wu Lingtian were part of the same generation of cultivators, the difference between them was as big as Heaven and earth.
Fan Yi’s mind had begun wandering again when he heard Wu Lingtian’s soft, yet audible: “I really dislike him.”
Fan Yi bit down on his lower lip but ended up shielding his mouth with his hand as he laughed. Wu Lingtian’s gaze darted towards the sound before he quickly averted his gaze again. Wu Lingtian’s lips were pressed down into a straight line as Fan Yi’s deep, resounding laughter sounded through the night sky.
As they approached Fan Yi’s residence, Fan Yi recalled an important detail.
“The lion yesterday destroyed the guest courtyard,” Fan Yi said.
“It did,” Wu Lingtian nodded.
“You will be staying in my courtyard, yes?”
“If Sect Leader would allow me to.”
“Naturally,” Fan Yi agreed. “I did not know where you ran off to last night, so I didn’t say anything. But I really wanted to offer you my room. I can just sleep in my study.”
Wu Lingtian shook his head. “No need.”
“The study isn’t anything comfortable. Besides, wouldn’t you find it suspicious if I left you with so much important information?” Fan Yi asked, amused.
“If I wanted your important information, I would be able to get it even without having to stay in your study,” Wu Lingtian reasoned. “But Sect Leader does not have to stay in the study. I will also not be taking your room. I merely need a place to set my things. I can just sleep in the tree in your courtyard.”
Fan Yi thought about the old magnolia tree that sat in his courtyard and then frowned. “That wouldn’t be too good. You really wouldn’t be disturbing me if you stayed in my room. If you feel uncomfortable, I can always just quickly switch out the sheets.”
“Sect Leader’s kindness is appreciated,” Wu Lingtian said. “However, I do not want to sleep in a room.”
Fan Yi’s mind drifted to the few times he had seen Wu Lingtian.
During autumn, when the leaves were beginning to fall from the trees, obscured amidst the disappearing leaves was Wu Lingtian. The youth always wore red, the color of fresh blood. His hair was pulled up into a neat ponytail and his eyelashes cast a soft shadow against his cheek. During the spring, when the flowers bloomed all over the tree, Wu Lingtian would be shrouded by a curtain of soft pink petals. His existence was like a jarring knife among the gentle spring. No matter the season, Fan Yi would inexplicably catch a glimpse of Wu Lingtian, sleeping in a tree with his sword hugged close to his chest.
Fan Yi pulled himself from his thoughts and glanced at Wu Lingtian. “It would be uncomfortable.”
“It would not,” Wu Lingtian said. “I am already used to it.”
Fan Yi hesitated for a moment. “Then, at least take a blanket with you. It gets cold at night.”
Wu Lingtian nodded. “Thank you, Sect Leader.”
Fan Yi chuckled. “Yu Lan, you are our guest. Although we have no idea how long you will be staying, arranging your own place to stay would probably be best.”
“Sect Leader does not need to go through so much trouble,” Wu Lingtian’s feet stopped just before the step up to Fan Yi’s rooms. “I can stay in the guest courtyard.”
“That would not be too proper.”
Wu Lingtian was once known as the prodigy of the cultivation world and Drifting Clouds Mountain Sect’s prize disciple after all.
“Sect Leader, I would be fine staying in the guest courtyard,” Wu Lingtian said. “Unless you feel uncomfortable with me there.”
“No! No, I don’t,” Fan Yi spoke quickly, afraid that Wu Lingtian would misunderstand. “It’s just a little small. I was afraid you wouldn’t be used to it.”
“I enjoy sleeping outside anyway,” Wu Lingtian said. “Besides, I have nothing. There really is no reason for me to have a big living space. It would only be wasting sect resources.”
Fan Yi’s frown grew deeper. “You are being too considerate. What’s wrong with being a little more comfortable?”
The summer wind softly blew through the courtyard. It tickled Fan Yi’s cheek and danced through Wu Lingtian’s hair. The bright moonlight shined down on Wu Lingtian, who stood alone in the middle of the courtyard. His back was straight while his eyes were cast down to the ground, as if he were having a difficult time finding words to explain himself.
“There is nothing wrong with what Sect Leader has suggested. However, I would be more comfortable if Sect Leader did not go to such lengths for me.”
“…I see.”
The two men stood in silence, neither exactly looking at each other.
“In that case, I will not push this matter anymore,” Fan Yi said with a smile. “But don’t deny me of providing you with clothes.”
“I would not,” Wu Lingtian said. “I only have this set to wear for now at any rate.”
Fan Yi’s smile grew a little more genuine. “Right, I nearly forgot. What color would you like? Red?”
Wu Lingtian held out his arms. “This color is fine.”
White, speckled with silver and accented with black.
“Okay. Then, we will order robes with this color scheme,” Fan Yi agreed. He told Wu Lingtian to wait a moment before heading back into his room. He dug into his set of spare sheets to be used during the summer and pulled out a thin blanket. He handed it to Wu Lingtian. “Here’s this as well. Be sure to use it.”
“Thank you, Sect Leader,” Wu Lingtian bowed his head slightly.
“No need to thank me,” Fan Yi said. He glanced at the large magnolia tree and then looked back to Wu Lingtian. “Yu Lan, do you want me to ask Xiewen to make a new sword for you?”
Wu Lingtian’s eyes were concentrated on the blanket in his hands. “Perhaps later. Now is not the right time.”
He hovered in the middle of the courtyard a moment longer before turning and jumping up onto the magnolia tree. He chose a branch third highest from the ground and settled down.
Fan Yi managed to shake himself from his confusion and hummed. “Goodnight, Yu Lan.”
“Goodnight, Sect Leader,” Wu Lingtian echoed.
Fan Yi closed the door to his room and wandered to his bed. He sat on the edge and fell into deep thought. Wu Lingtian’s words echoed in his mind. He let out a soft sigh and fell back onto his bed. He closed his eyes and fell in to a restless sleep.
A magnolia sleeping in a magnolia tree. Cute!
It sounds like Yu Lan has changed since Fan Yi knew him before. At least he didn’t come back drunk 😅