Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Since that heart-to-heart talk under the moonlight, Lan Xichen would occasionally visit in the evenings.
We would sit together on the porch, just like that night, chatting aimlessly about various topics. Most of the time, he would do the talking while I listened.
Lan Xichen often spoke about Jin Guangyao. From their first acquaintance as youths to their brotherhood, and then to Jin Guangyao's time as the Immortal Overseer when he was at the height of his glory, Lan Xichen felt a sense of pride. However, when discussing Jin Guangyao's current situation, facing scorn and contempt from many, a look of sadness would inevitably cross his face.
Perhaps this kind of sharing helped him relieve the long-buried sorrow in his heart. Recently, he seemed much more relaxed, with less worry etched in his brows and eyes.
Sometimes I would share some of my own recent experiences to divert his attention, like complaining about the inhumane book-copying incident. He would listen and chuckle with genuine interest.
"Uncle and Wangji are quite strict!"
"You at Cloud Recesses seem to enjoy punishing people with book copying too much. Don't you think it's a waste of paper?" Paper was precious in this era, wasn't it? Even if your Gusu Lan clan is a prominent family, there's no need to be so excessive!
Feeling it was too wasteful, when Lan Wangji returned my work due to its poor handwriting, I simply erased the unsatisfactory ink marks right in front of him and rewrote it on the same sheet.
At that moment, Lan Wangji looked somewhat surprised but ultimately said nothing more.
"If you're worried about wasting paper, you should do it right the first time," Lan Xichen said with a smile.
"Don't be so demanding..." I couldn't help but sigh in lament. If it could go that smoothly, I wouldn't be so troubled.
"So, how is your calligraphy practice going now?"
"Uh..." I suddenly raised my hand to scratch my face, awkwardly shifting my gaze aside. "It's... passable... I suppose?"
Lan Xichen smiled warmly. "Next time we meet, let me assess your progress."
"Please, don't..." I could barely suppress a cry.
At that moment, the distant chime of the Supervisory Bell rang out.
Lan Xichen listened silently to the sound of the bell, and with a hint of regret, Xu Ran sighed softly.
"Time passes so quickly..." He rose gracefully, reluctantly bidding me farewell. "Well then, I won't disturb Ms. Wei's rest any longer."
"Mm, good night."
"May you have sweet dreams tonight." He smiled gently. "See you next time."
***
"Ms. Wei, may I have a word with you?"
As usual, I was forcibly dragged into the Dining Hall by Qi Wei early in the morning. After finishing my meal and preparing to leave, I unexpectedly encountered someone blocking my path—
I looked calmly at Ning Feiwan, who wore a serious expression, and asked in confusion, "What is it?"
"You need not attend classes today, and you shouldn't have to copy texts either. If that's the case, could you spare some time for me to seek your guidance?" Though it was a question, her tone was quite firm. "I have heard that Master Song Zichen's swordsmanship is exceptional. Since you were taken under his wing, I hope to take this opportunity to witness it firsthand."
I couldn't help but be taken aback. "No, I'm sorry. You've misunderstood; I am not a disciple of Master Song. He and I belong to different schools."
"Differing schools?" Ning Feiwan looked puzzled and asked, "But weren't you raised and taught by Master Song?"
I cleared my throat theatrically. "Ahem, well... I only met Master Song after being expelled from my sect by my master, so I am not his disciple."
"Wait? Mian Fei, you were expelled from your sect? Is it that so-called Holy Path? Why? What did you do?" Qi Wei asked, surprised.
"...Because of my poor aptitude," I replied casually, too lazy to explain further.
"Oh? Are you implying that my Gusu Lan has taken in a mediocre talent who was expelled for being untalented as a guest elder?" Lan Juan, passing by, mocked without restraint. "I wonder if this is Ms. Wei's humble self-deprecation or if my Gusu Lan truly lacks discernment."
"..." I was left speechless.
Well, it seemed like no matter how I responded, it would be wrong.
"Holy Path?" Ning Feiwan frowned at me. "I'm sorry, but I've never heard of such a sect. However, I believe that since Ms. Wei can be accepted as a guest elder by Gusu Lan, she must possess some exceptional qualities. I hope Ms. Wei won't make excuses to evade this." She cupped her hands in salute to me. "Then, I look forward to your guidance later!"
I silently watched her walk away, lost in thought.
So, there was absolutely no room for refusal? Damn it! I really can't fight; this is too much pressure!
Seeing the commotion around us, whispers began to circulate, and some onlookers clearly waited to see the spectacle unfold.
"Heh, finally an opportunity to see the truth revealed. I hope Ms. Wei won't disappoint us too much," Lan Juan sneered before strutting away proudly.
"Uh... Mian Fei?" Qi Wei looked at me anxiously.
"...Xiao Chun, are there any rules or things to pay attention to in this competition?" I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on.
"Well... according to the rules, as long as there is someone to witness, it won't be considered a private fight. However, when it comes to sparring, we can only go through the motions and not go too far," Qi Wei said.
Hmm, that's good. There are plenty of witnesses around, after all; many people are eager to see a spectacle! As for the notion of 'going through the motions'... that seems to leave a lot of room for interpretation. Is it really up to personal discretion?
"Xiao Chun, based on your understanding of Lady Ning, do you think it would work if I just admitted defeat and surrendered?" I asked without much hope.
"Huh? Mian Fei, you don't plan to fight?" Qi Wei looked down, nervously twisting her fingers. "I'm sorry, but Xiao Wan has a fiery temperament and probably won't let it go easily..."
"Have you fought her before?" I suddenly felt curious.
"Yes, among us, Xiao Wan is one of the best with a sword," Qi Wei replied. "To be honest, I've never lasted more than three moves against her..."
...I can't help but think it's because you're not very skilled.
No wonder Ning Feiwan always carries an air of defiance. She must have observed me for quite some time and feels uncomfortable that someone like me could hold a position as a guest elder. That's probably why she wants to test my abilities personally.
So, what should I do next?
I sighed helplessly and looked up at the sky.
"...Damn it all!" I clearly don't remember having any grudges with anyone; why does it seem like everyone is targeting me?
Who did I offend?!
"Huh? Mian Fei, did you say something?" Qi Wei looked at me with a puzzled expression.
I glanced at her wearily. "It's nothing."
Since the other party had openly thrown down the gauntlet, I had no reason to continue ignoring the provocation and act like a turtle retreating into its shell.
After all, whether I stuck my neck out or pulled it back, it would still be a cut. So I might as well face the challenge head-on!
After a long time, I finally shouldered my weapon, Fenghua, and followed Qi Wei with a heavy heart, dragging my feet as we arrived at the Female Cultivator's designated School Grounds.
I noticed that a crowd had gathered at the edge of the arena. However, the disciples from outside were on one side, while the Lan Female Cultivators occupied the other. Even though they were all there to watch me make a fool of myself, they still looked down on each other and refused to mingle.
Ning Feiwan stood confidently in the center of the School Grounds with her sword, exuding an air of self-assurance regarding her skills.
"Mian Fei... are you okay?" Qi Wei asked with concern.
"Even if I said I wasn't okay, do you think Lady Ning would let me off easily?" I replied with a frown.
"Well..." Qi Wei lowered her head, unsure of what to say.
I sighed silently, patted her shoulder lightly, and stepped forward to meet my opponent.
Comment 0 Comment Count