A sleepless night, tossing and turning, replaying that gray memory over and over in my mind. Similar, yet not quite; everything seemed uncertain. With loose hair, I sat up, leaning against the headboard, hugging my knees, waiting quietly for dawn. A rooster crowed, and five-colored clouds spilled out among the stars, golden-red brilliance bursting forth from the mountains. The rising sun banished the last of the dark stars and remnants of night, its supreme gaze caressing the earth, its radiant face kissing the elegant moon as she drifted into slumber.

Gathering my long hair, I stepped out of bed toward the morning glow. The rising sun burned away the morning mist, spreading its wings from the east and flooding the dim room with golden light. After washing up, I grasped Xiaohun (Soul-Dissolving Sword) and leaped over the courtyard wall, treading on flowers and leaves. Walking three or four miles, I arrived at the lively lakeside. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. Two small cycles of energy flowed through me, refreshing my spirit. My breathing synchronized with the morning air, and suddenly, I opened my eyes. Drumbeats echoed in my heart as I stepped to the rhythm, stretching my body. The sound of Xiaohun rang out, silver blades flashing, the sword challenging the bright sun, sweeping across the sky.

Accompanied by the unrestrained “Clear Madness” sword technique, I swept away the pent-up emotions in my chest. The Xiaohun flew from my palm, let out a long cry, skimmed across the water, and wrapped around my waist like a white ribbon. “Drinking wine, laughing at worldly monks, I laugh at the red dust—all is madness,” I chanted loudly, finishing my stance. The surrounding air stirred slightly, and I opened my eyes faintly, glancing around. The morning breeze carried a barely audible breath. I tapped my foot lightly, passed through the bamboo leaves, and grabbed the shadowy figure.

Our eyes met, filled with shock. Before me stood a man with slightly slanted eyes, a sly smile playing on his lips, eyes like peach blossoms, brows like distant mountains, a face like carved jade, and teeth like pearls. I quickly released his collar: Ling Yiran, you still love observing people from the shadows.

“Hehe~” He smiled faintly, his voice melodious. “Miss, your hearing is excellent.” He raised his hand, tapping his attendant’s head with his fan, scolding with a laugh, “Your loud breathing frightened the miss—apologize!”

The cheerful-looking attendant with prominent canines rubbed his head and bowed deeply to me: “Liu Yao was ignorant and ruined your enjoyment. Please accept my apologies.”

I sighed softly and said indifferently, “No need, it’s nothing.” Turning to leave, I heard footsteps behind me. Looking back, Ling Yiran was fanning himself, his intoxicating smile spreading. “Miss, please lead the way.”

Glancing at him, I began the “Treading on Grass” movement. After gliding several hundred meters, I felt a breeze behind me. Turning, I saw Ling Yiran still following, hands clasped behind his back. Though slightly strained, his eyebrows remained arched with amusement.

“Master! Slow down!” Liu Yao followed us, panting as he ran.

Stopping, I stood on the bamboo leaves, looking at him with dissatisfaction: “What do you want?”

Ling Yiran’s enchanting eyes widened slightly, a thick sense of interest lingering in his brows: “Miss, your lightness kung fu is impressive—you can even stand on leaves.”

Without speaking, I merely looked at him with slight annoyance. We stared at each other in silence. Ling Yiran’s gaze shifted, brighter than the summer sun. After a moment, he threw his head back and laughed heartily: “Hahaha~ I didn’t expect Miss to have such patience—I concede defeat.” Leaping onto a branch, he bowed to me: “I intended to go to Chilu Manor but got lost here. Seeing Miss practicing her sword, I paused to admire it.” His lips curved upward, his smile deepening: “My servant and I are new here. Could we trouble Miss to guide us? Would that be alright?”

I glanced at the little attendant under the bamboo, straining his neck and trying his best to please. Sighing helplessly, I leapt down: “Alright, but we must hurry—I don’t want to miss breakfast.”

“Thank you, Miss, you’re truly kind,” came a cheerful voice of gratitude from behind. “Master, when Liu Yao checked the almanac this morning, it said it was auspicious for travel. It’s absolutely true! If it also mentioned having the help of a benefactor, it would be even more accurate!”

“Snap!” Another fan strike sounded, and Ling Yiran’s metallic voice rang out: “Stop your flattery and be quiet. Don’t you see how your chirping has startled the late-rising birds?”

“Yes~” Liu Yao’s voice came reluctantly, childishly.

The tip of my nose filled with the refreshing, slightly warm air of an early summer morning, and my steps became lazy. Covering my mouth, I yawned slowly.

“Drinking wine, laughing at worldly monks, I laugh at the red dust—all is madness,” came a playful recitation from behind. Closing my mouth, I ignored it. The three of us walked along the lakeside bathed in morning light, listening to birdsong and the sound of water, feeling very relaxed. “Yesterday, at the southern part of Dream Lake, that passionate zither melody—it was played by Miss, wasn’t it?” Hearing this, I froze momentarily before turning slowly. Ling Yiran’s face held no trace of jest; he looked at me earnestly, his tone unwavering and resolute: “The music had the audacity to take in all the colors of the world in a single day, soaring straight to the heavens. Miss, your spirit and courage are commendable.”

Standing beneath the green willows, brushing aside the swaying branches, I looked at him in confusion: How did you know?

Ling Yiran smiled faintly, leaning forward, his long lashes fluttering, his gaze dreamy: “Recognizing a person through their melody, painting a heart through poetry—I never misinterpret. This extraordinary woman who swallows mountains and rivers, and looks down on the mortal world.” He raised a finger, pointing to the azure sky: “Under the heavens, there is probably only one such person.” Finishing, he gazed at me intensely, as if trying to see into my soul.

Panicking, I turned, my steps disordered, walking in silence. Only after entering the Tang family’s villa did I finally breathe a sigh of relief. Turning slightly, I murmured softly: “We’ve arrived, please make yourself comfortable.” Not daring to linger, I hurried off.

“Hehe, thank you, Miss,” came a slightly smug laugh from behind, tickling my heart and leaving me quite annoyed.

Hurrying into the western wing where we were staying, I saw Elder Sister stretching lazily, yawning as she slowly emerged from her room: “Qingqing, where did you go? You’re up so early.”

“Mm, I went to practice,” I replied softly.

Elder Sister Rumeng, dressed in a pale blue robe, gently took both our hands: “Alright, let’s go eat breakfast. We shouldn’t keep others waiting.”

The western wing was where the women rested, and the dining hall was filled with martial women from all over, each with their own unique charm. However, among them, the most distinctive were the women of Xuan Palace. The women of Xuan Palace were all beautiful and vowed to remain unmarried for life. Their pure white robes seemed deliberately designed to highlight their spotless purity. The palace mistress, Qiu Jingchen, had a beauty mark on her brow, her demeanor bright and elegant, her features full and refined. Her face betrayed no hint of her true age. As she entered the dining hall, she glanced at us coldly.

I sighed, tapping Elder Sister’s arm: “It seems Mistress Qiu still hasn’t gotten over that incident.”

“That incident?” Sister Rumeng asked curiously, blinking.

“Hmph, that old cucumber is just petty,” Elder Sister muttered, jerking her chin toward them. “Six months ago, Little Crane and I sneaked into Xuan Palace at night and accidentally broke their so-called Purple Crystal Holy Maiden statue. As a result, Qiu Jingchen caught us and locked us in the dungeon for a month. It wasn’t until Senior Brother apologized three times that she finally released us.” Elder Sister bit her chopsticks, whispering: “Let me tell you something—don’t be fooled by her youthful appearance. She’s actually thirty-six! Really! This bird is the best gossip in the jianghu; such top-secret information isn’t shared with just anyone~” She proudly shoveled a few mouthfuls of rice, grains sticking to her lips.

Shaking my head helplessly, I picked up a small dish, nibbling thoughtfully. “And another thing!” Elder Sister wiped her mouth, indignantly continuing, “Look at that girl in the peach-colored dress.” Following her gaze, I saw the slender-waisted, charming young maiden, her brows subtly flirtatious. “Don’t be fooled by her mature appearance—she’s not even fourteen.” Elder Sister spoke with disdain. “She’s Lin Keyan, younger sister of Lin Chengbi, the head of Wuyan Sect. That shameless little brat even confessed her love to Senior Brother—it’s outrageous!” She angrily jabbed at her porridge, jealousy written all over her face.

Exchanging a glance with Sister Rumeng, we both understood: So, Elder Sister isn’t clueless—she just hasn’t figured out her own feelings yet. It seems Senior Brother won’t have to wait much longer to see the clouds part and the moon revealed.

Breakfast lasted half an hour, during which we listened to Elder Sister’s commentary and watched a few women bicker—it was quite lively. Chatting with Elder Sister and Sister Rumeng for a while, drowsiness gradually crept over my brows. Unable to sleep at night and unable to wake during the day—apparently, irregular schedule really isn’t sustainable. Excusing myself from the two sisters, I pressed my forehead and slowly made my way to my bedroom. Drowsily leaning against a rockery, my eyes half-closed, I suddenly heard soft voices in the garden. Stopping, I held my breath. Though reluctant to eavesdrop, walking out now would only make things more awkward. After some deliberation, I hid behind the rocks, waiting for the others to leave.

“What did he say?” A voice as beautiful as ringing jade sounded, its tone slightly raised, filled with tension.

“Night Master… Night Master…” The other voice hesitated.

“Tiantian!” The melodious voice suddenly rose higher. “What did he say?”

“Holy Maiden, please stop thinking about him. He’s cold-hearted, clearly someone with a hard heart. And you know the rules of the palace well enough.”

“What does it matter even if I know? From the moment he stepped into Xuan Palace, I fell in love with him.” Her footsteps grew closer, and my heart tightened slightly—I dared not move. “Ye Jinglan, Ye Jinglan, I murmur his name every time I wake from a dream.” So, she had fallen for him—another lovesick woman frozen by his coldness.

“Holy Maiden!” The other voice grew anxious. “Night Master only came last time on the divine physician’s orders to detoxify the palace mistress—he only stayed for a day. How could you become so infatuated?”

“One day was enough.” The Xuan Palace Holy Maiden’s tone was slightly intoxicated. After a moment, she seemed to reach an epiphany: “Tiantian, what if I remove my veil—would Master Ye fall in love with me?”

Tiantian sighed helplessly: “Holy Maiden, stop these wild thoughts! Let me tell you the truth. Just now, I snuck into Jiayuan Garden and saw Master Ye—and even confessed your feelings on your behalf!”

“What… what did he say?” The Holy Maiden asked anxiously.

“I haven’t finished yet—he walked away without a second glance. I gathered my courage and rushed forward to block him, wanting to pass on your embroidered sachet. But… but…” Tiantian seemed to summon all her courage, blurting out: “But Master Ye didn’t even look at it. He bypassed me and left without a backward glance.”

I inwardly sighed: Truly, this is Ye Jinglan’s style…

“How could this be? How could this be?” As the Holy Maiden repeated these words over and over, a stern female voice rang out: “Lu’er.”

Tiantian’s voice trembled: “Palace… Mistress…”

“Teacher.” The Holy Maiden’s clear, beautiful voice carried a hint of fear.

“Hmm? What is this?” After a pause, a sharp rebuke followed: “An embroidered sachet?! Are you still thinking about that boy?”

“No, no, Mistress, you misunderstand. The Holy Maiden embroidered it out of boredom.”

“Get out!” A crisp slap echoed, and the palace mistress’s voice dropped low, commanding harshly: “Autumn Morning Dew, listen carefully—this is the only time I’ll say this: Once you enter Xuan Palace, you sever ties with the mortal world, abandoning love and affection forever. There will be no marriage.”

My eyes widened, and I couldn’t help but feel pity for them: Such inhumane palace rules, such tragic lives.

“Men, not a single one of them is any good! And even if the heavens collapse and the earth crumbles, and Xuan Palace can’t hold you anymore, I absolutely forbid you from associating with anyone named Ye!” Her tone was sharp, her voice severe.

“Teacher! Why? Why?”

“Silence!” The palace mistress barked again. “Sitang, keep a close eye on the Holy Maiden. If anything like this happens again, I’ll throw you into the dungeon!”

“Yes… yes…” Sitang’s voice wavered, tinged with tears.

Early summer had just passed, and midsummer in May arrived. The sun climbed high, the fiery red sun making me drowsy. Rubbing my eyes, I listened to the sounds around me. The people seemed to have left. To be safe, I sat down where I was, not venturing out immediately. Leaning against the cool rockery, I dozed off, slumping over and falling asleep…

“Qingqing! Qingqing!” Amidst the haze, a voice approached, entering my ears. “Yan’er, I’ll search around here. You go check over there.” Gradually regaining clarity, I propped myself up and slowly stood. Stepping out from behind the rockery, I brushed grass bits from my skirt, lazily yawning: “Sister.”

Elder Sister rolled up her sleeves and stormed over angrily: “You naughty Qingqing! We were all frantic searching for you, and you’ve been hiding here!” She poked my forehead, exasperated: “Tell me honestly—what have you been doing all day?”

All day? Looking up, I saw the setting sun in the west, and several fiery clouds burning at the horizon. Smiling apologetically: “I didn’t mean to sleep until sunset.”

“Sigh~ You!” Sister Rumeng shook her head, smoothing my hair. “To find you, Cousin and the others circled the lake twice, and here you were taking a nap.”

“I’m sorry,” I lowered my head in shame. “It won’t happen again.”

“Mm.” Big Sister held my hand, hurrying toward the garden exit. Elder Sister pushed me from behind, urging: “Hurry, hurry—the banquet is about to start!”

“The banquet?” I turned my head, looking at her in surprise. “What banquet?”

“I heard that a noble has arrived, and Master Tang specially arranged a feast to entertain him. Hurry up, hurry up! If we’re late, the seat next to Senior Brother will be taken by that Lin Keyan again!”

The three of us walked lightly into the spacious main hall, where round tables were neatly arranged. Men and women, young and old, martial artists dressed in colorful attire gathered in small groups—some laughing heartily, some secretly glancing around, some brimming with enthusiasm, others with somber expressions. The vast jianghu was distilled into a single cup of wine; the hall was filled with a kaleidoscope of human behavior, leaving much to ponder.

“There, there!” Elder Sister pulled me to a secluded corner, where Senior Brother let out a long sigh: “Qingqing, where have you been?”

Before I could answer, Elder Sister cut in: “Hah, where has she been? This girl hid in the bushes and slept all day!”

I awkwardly pursed my lips and apologized softly: “Senior Brother, I’m sorry for worrying you.”

He shook his head and smiled warmly: “It’s no trouble for me, but it seems Ye Jinglan also joined the search.”

Ye Jinglan? I raised my head, staring blankly at Ye Jinglan standing beside Senior Brother. He gazed steadily at me, a flicker of amusement passing through his eyes. Why? I was utterly confused.

“Alright, alright, sit down quickly,” Elder Sister said as she quickly sat next to Senior Brother, casting a challenging glance at Lin Keyan, who was approaching hastily. However, she failed to notice that Senior Brother had achieved his wish, smiling knowingly with a gleam of understanding in his eyes. So this is what “the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind” truly means. Turning around, I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh, only to see Ye Jinglan raising an eyebrow, his phoenix-like eyes sparkling with interest as he looked at me. Feeling awkward, I politely nodded.

“I’ve finally found you.” A faint laugh came from behind me. I turned my head in surprise, and the breathtakingly handsome blue-eyed man came into view.

“Miss, our Lord has been searching for you all afternoon,” Liu Yao grinned, revealing two deep dimples.

Senior Brother made a slight sound, stood up, and bowed: “Feng Wuyu, a wandering martial artist, greets Lord Ning.” His smile was warm but carried a hint of distance. “May I ask why Your Highness sought my junior sister?”

“Junior sister?” Ling Yiran turned his gaze and smiled charmingly, making hearts flutter. “Today, this humble servant came incognito and got lost along the way. Fortunately, this kind lady assisted me, allowing me to arrive safely.” He took a step forward, leaning slightly, his gaze intoxicating. “Forgive my boldness, but may I ask your name?”

I quickly stepped back, accidentally bumping into Ye Jinglan. Just as I turned to apologize, I saw him turn around, coldly glaring at Ling Yiran with eyes like ice. Lord Ning raised an eyebrow, meeting his gaze evenly. Their eyes locked in a tense stare for a moment. Then Ling Yiran chuckled softly, his voice melodious: “Miss~” His long lashes veiled his half-drunken peach-blossom eyes, creating an aura of mystery and allure.

“Lord Ning.” Senior Brother subtly blocked his gaze. “My junior sister merely extended a small favor; Your Highness need not remember it so fondly.”

“Oh?” Ling Yiran peered over Senior Brother’s shoulder, giving me a deep look. “Since Senior Brother has spoken, I shall not press further.”

Ling Yiran turned away, greeting the martial arts elders around him with great affability. I sighed softly and sat down slowly. Feeling two burning gazes upon me, I looked up. Ye Jinglan stood tall, his expression softening slightly but no longer icy. His brows furrowed faintly, his eyes shifting between intensity and calm, like waves rippling beneath the surface.

He dislikes being touched so much—it must be because I carelessly bumped into him earlier. Realizing this, I bowed my head respectfully: “I was careless before. My apologies.”

Ye Jinglan’s handsome face showed a flicker of surprise, but he quickly composed himself and replied softly: “No need to dwell on it.”

“The leader of the Wuyan Sect, Lin Chengbi, and the great hero Lin, have arrived!” Turning around curiously, I looked toward the entrance, where a medium-built man with a long face entered swiftly, accompanied by several armed followers.

Ling Yiran gave a polite bow: “Your reputation precedes you, like thunder piercing the ears.”

“And you are?” Lin Chengbi looked puzzled at Tang Kuangsong, who stroked his beard and smiled, bowing respectfully to Ling Yiran: “This is Lord Ning of Qing Kingdom, the Ninth Prince.”

“Prince Nine.” Lin Chengbi returned the bow without arrogance or subservience. “I’ve heard that Prince Nine indulges in landscapes and leads a free-spirited life. Now that I see you, I can confirm your charm.”

“For this year’s Duanwu Festival, my father moved to the Jinyu Palace, and I came to celebrate with him. Yesterday, I arrived and heard about the martial arts gathering here. Intrigued, I decided to join in, meet new friends, and exchange ideas.” Ling Yiran smiled at Tang Kuangsong: “Today’s conversation with Master Tang has been enlightening. Compared to those court officials and scholars, I find more joy in befriending martial heroes. How refreshing!”

“Hahaha~” Tang Kuangsong laughed heartily. “Never expected Lord Ning to hold us martial folk in such high regard. Come, come, allow me to introduce everyone to you.”

Ling Yiran nodded with a smile and followed Master Tang. “Your Highness, there are four great sects in the martial world. The first one I introduced earlier is the Wuyan Sect.” Tang Kuangsong nodded toward Lin Chengbi. “Master Lin is renowned for his Flowing Fire Palm technique.”

“In the east, Wuyan; in the west, Qianlong.” Master Tang led Ling Yiran to the southwestern tables. “This is Xie Sichen, the young master of the Qianlong Sect. Despite his youth, his unparalleled blade skills have shaken the martial world.”

The two exchanged pleasantries, lively and animated. I widened my eyes, carefully observing the man and woman beside Xie Sichen, trying to discern any clues from their gestures. Yet after watching for a while, I found nothing.

“In the south, Tanji Temple; in the north, Xuan Palace.” Tang Kuangsong bowed respectfully to a senior monk. “This is Master Yuexi of Tanji Temple. His Boundless Divine Skill is unparalleled.”

“When I was young, I visited Tanji Temple in Fan City. It was ancient and serene.” Ling Yiran clasped his hands together sincerely. “If I ever visit again, I hope Master will open the dharma platform and guide me beyond worldly dust.”

“Amitabha.” Master Yuexi chanted a Buddhist phrase. “I will remember.”

“Next is Xuan Palace.” Tang Kuangsong led Ling Yiran to a group of women dressed in white. “This is Mistress Qiu Jingchen of Xuan Palace.” They exchanged bows. Tang Kuangsong continued: “Xuan Palace is legendary in the martial world. All its members are women, exceptionally beautiful. Moreover, every palace mistress has been renowned for their Blossoming Sword technique.”

Ling Yiran looked astonished, stepped back, and bowed deeply: “Heroines among women, unmatched even by men. Admiration, admiration.”

Qiu Jingchen appeared pleased and returned the bow: “Your Highness is wise, as rumors say. It’s an honor to meet you today.” She pointed to the veiled, slender woman beside her: “This is my disciple, Qiu Chenlu, the newly appointed Holy Maiden of Xuan Palace.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Ling Yiran nodded, then followed Tang Kuangsong to the main table.

Curiously observing the Holy Maiden of Xuan Palace, I noticed her turning toward our secluded corner and sitting still. Only when her master glared at her did Qiu Chenlu reluctantly straighten herself. I glanced secretly at Ye Jinglan beside me and sighed inwardly: Truly, the flower falls willingly with the stream, but the stream flows indifferently past the fallen petals.

Just as I sighed, I felt Ye Jinglan’s intense gaze. My face flushed slightly, feeling like a child caught doing something wrong. I rubbed my fingers nervously and slowly lowered my head.

After the formalities, the banquet began. I picked up my chopsticks, seeking the spiciest dishes, savoring each bite slowly. The strong spiciness filled my mouth, tingling my senses. Satisfied, I raised the corners of my mouth and looked around. At each table, people were drinking, playing finger-guessing games, chatting, or engaging in heated debates. For a moment, the clinking of glasses and the buzz of voices created a lively atmosphere. My eyes wandered, suddenly locking with a pair of peach-blossom eyes. Ling Yiran elegantly raised his cup and arched an eyebrow at me. Startled, I was about to return the gesture when I saw Ye Jinglan casually pick up his wine glass, coldly locking eyes with Ling Yiran.

I observed the two impassive men silently. After a while, they simultaneously composed themselves. Ling Yiran seemed to sneer, his eyes shifting with ill intent. Ye Jinglan’s expression turned frosty, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. As if coordinated, both tilted their heads back and drank the fragrant liquor.

As I furrowed my brows in confusion, a sudden shout broke the air: “Something’s wrong! Something’s wrong!”

The noisy hall fell silent. Tang Miaomiao nodded apologetically at the crowd before growling angrily: “What’s all this racket?!”

A servant’s face turned pale as he trembled: “Just now, I accompanied Master Tang to the restroom, but he didn’t come out after a long wait. I went in to check and saw….”

Tang Miaomiao panicked, leaving the banquet to demand loudly: “What happened to my father? Speak up!”

“I saw Master bleeding from his seven orifices, collapsed… collapsed beside the chamber pot. When I checked, he had already stopped breathing!”

At these words, shock rippled through the hall. Cups and plates clattered, shattering on the floor. Tang Miaomiao’s eyes widened as she collapsed backward.

I scanned the room and inadvertently caught a fleeting, almost imperceptible smile. Amidst the wine-scented reception hall, a subtle whiff of conspiracy lingered in the air.

Black winds darkened the distant peaks, and rain lashed wildly against the lake at night.

Beneath the pavilion, water met sky—suddenly, waves surged.