A slow breeze entered the hall, causing the man's clothes to billow. His profound eyes held the endless glint of clarity, as if they could instantly see through any person.
He was incomparably handsome, though his attire and shaved head implied that he was a monk. What a waste.
Lvxin had never met Xuanji before. "Miss... how, how, how come there's a man here?"
Hua Qiyue curtsied. "Qiyue greets Master Xuanji!"
Lvxin felt as if she had just been struck in the head by five thunderbolts. She stared blankly at the man standing in the hall. She could not believe her own eyes.
Master Xuanji's name was well-known the world over. She'd assumed that only an old man could have the kind of deep insight into human nature his reputation implied.
"Miss Hua, it's a pleasure. I was passing by Hua Mansion and suddenly had the inclination to come to see you," Xuanji said, smiling casually.
Lvxin's heart was beating at a furious pace. If word got out that her lady had conversed with a man here, her reputation would be tarnished. What would they do if it ever came to that?
"Miss... I, I, I'll stand guard outside, in case someone come," said Lv Xin as she ran out.
"Master, please have a seat. I'll prepare some tea..."
"That's not necessary. I can only stay for a moment." Xuanji's smile was his usual one.
Hua Qiyue returned his smile. "Please, take a seat."
Today, Xuanji seemed a little different from the way he was at the temple. He seemed more... human.
"There must be a reason for Master Xuanji to personally drop in for a visit. Is there something you wished to say?" Hua Qiyue asked respectfully. This monk should not be taken lightly.
Did Xuanji know about the miraculous properties of the green jade gourd he'd given her?
Xuanji took stock of the main hall. It seemed very old, even down to the furniture.
A few days ago, Madame Hua had suggested that Hua Qiyue move into Rong Hua Court, her mother's old house, which had been unoccupied since her death.
Hua Qiyue did not want to leave her current place at all. For one, she felt that moving into Rong Hua Court would be disrespectful to her mother. Also, her current place had been built along the edge of the wall and had a massive fig tree beside it, which would serve as a convenient route for coming and going unseen.
"I would like to give you a word of advice. You must try to succeed as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you will find yourself lacking in strength when disaster hits," Master Xuanji said calmly. His dark eyes were like deep vortices, drawing her in.
Hua Qiyue lowered her eyes. "Thank you, Master, for the advice. I will work hard and try not to let you down."
Hua Qiyue could barely catch her breath, though Xuanji smiled at her warmly. "Hua Qiyue, you do not have to worry. When you need me, I will come."
As he spoke, Xuanji stood and floated towards the window.
"I hope you don't reveal all of your abilities during the tournament. Doing so will not bode well for you at all. Also... it is best if nobody knows about the divine medicine. Otherwise, death is surely upon you."
After he was done, Xuanji vanished from the window as if he were a gust of wind. His Qing Gong was absolutely superb, so much so that Hua Qiyue was beginning to suspect that he really could fly.
After a while, Hua Qiyue snapped back to reality.
She had nothing to fear. All she needed to do was borrow the emperor's power, make herself stronger, and gain the favors of several key figures.
Her progress in the Qi and Spirit Summoning Arts were beyond satisfactory. Even if there were numerous experts out there, Hua Qiyue would still feel confident with Tianpi as her master.
When Lvxin returned, she was surprised to find the hall empty.
Hua Qiyue instructed Lvxin to come to get her only when it was dinner time and not to allow any outsider to disturb her rest.
Hua Qiyue once again entered the mysterious realm of the gourd. Tianpi was leaning against the edge of the hot spring.
"I can't believe even a monk has grown interested in you. Looks like my disciple is appealing to everyone!"
Hua Qiyue sat across from him, smiling as she met the ice-cold eyes of her master.
It was rare to see Tianpi like this. The first time was when she had outright refused to acknowledge him as her master.
This was only the second time he'd given her such a cold look.
"Master, who is Xuanji? How did he know that I've started training in the arts? Does he know about your existence?" Hua Qiyue looked at Tianpi earnestly. "Master, there's nothing going on between Xuanji and me. I bribed him to help spread the word about me adopting a child, and that's it."
Tianpi look vaguely confused. "Why did you want to adopt the boy, anyway?"
"Master, aren't you the strongest person in the world? Then you must know who I truly am!"
Tianpi's true ability was, without a doubt, powerful. But could he really peer into a person's past?
Tianpi was silent for a long moment, then slowly closed his eyes.
Hua Qiyue waited patiently.
After a while, Tianpi opened his eyes. Hua Qiyue's past life floated before him.
The bond between Rong Qiyue and Zhou Zhicheng, and the breaking of that bond on their wedding night.
Rong Qiyue managing the restaurant while taking care of her child.
And, much later, Rong Qiyue being blinded and murdered by the princess.
Tianpi looked at Hua Qiyue intently, sighing heavily. "Ah, now I see...
A series of tremors coursed through Hua Qiyue's body. She could not believe that Tianpi could actually see her previous life. A cold smile found its way onto her face.
"So, now you understand, right? I live for one thing, and that is to become stronger and stronger to protect those who love me and those who I love!"
Tianpi was silent. Reaching out, he wrapped his hand around his drooping red hair.
"Master, you haven't answered my question. Do you know Xuanji? Is he a friend or a foe? Does he know of your existence?" Hua Qiyue's voice came out low and hushed.
"It's impossible for him to know of my existence. All he knows is that the green jade gourd has miraculous properties. Too bad his aura is incompatible with mine. Surprisingly, he noticed, which was why he sold it. That money-grubber ended up reaping quite a sum. I can't look into his past... because I can't see him."
He reached out a hand and teased the spring water. Rings of ripples spread over the water surface, their form changing randomly .
"But a skilled Qi Artist can detect spiritual energy. He knew about your training because he had felt the spiritual energy in your body. Furthermore... you sold the Long Red and this place grows Long Red. What, you think he's blind?"
He sighed at her shocked expression.
"Don't worry. You're not in any danger for now."
Hua Qiyue felt relieved at her master's reassurance. "Then I'll head back to have dinner. One more thing... Master, would you like a drink? I can bring back a bottle for you."
"I want the plum brew."
"Okay. I'll return after dinner!" she said.
Back in her room, Hua Qiyue stepped into the great hall. She saw Tianci sitting with Youshui, swaying their heads rhythmically as they read.
When he saw Hua Qiyue walking out, Tianci ran to her and clung to her hand.
"Miss, dinner is ready," one of the servants said.
Hua Qiyue gave them one tale of silver each. "You'll be rewarded every month. The harder and better you work, the greater your reward will be."
Overjoyed at the reward granted to them by their mistress, the servants pledged their loyalty relentlessly. After the servants left, Hua Qiyue and the rest began their meal. For some reason, she kept thinking about the mysterious Xuanji, feeling that Tianpi had only been partially correct.
The following morning, the Hua Mansion was exceptionally quiet. Hua Xiaoyi was afflicted by a number of blisters on her face, and she had no choice but to stay inside her own quarters to recuperate.
Duo-er was being detained by another servant and questioned repeatedly regarding her actions. The speculation was that Duo-er had done it because Hua Xiaoyi was cruel and her rewards were too meager.
When she was out with her maidservants, Hua Xiaoyi would cunningly trick the maidservants into spending all their silvers. As a result, they had no silver left to send back to their homes. Duo-er's mother had died because she had failed to send enough money to treat her mother's illness.
When Hua Qiyue had performed the Spirit Summoning Arts on Duo-er, she had successfully summoned the hatred hidden within Duo-er's heart.
A skilled Spirit Summoner would leave no traces behind after performing their art. Their victims would appear perfectly normal afterwards.
Duo-er was awarded a punishment of one hundred beatings with a stick. She did not survive the punishment.
Hua Qiyue and Tianci went to greet Madame Hua. Hua Mengshi was, surprisingly, kind enough to gift Qiuyun, one of her own maidservants, to Hua Qiyue. She looked to be roughly twelve or thirteen years old.
Hua Qiyue accepted the servant on the spot. The girl had thanked Hua Qiyue profusely before stepping aside.
Qiuyun had skillful hands. She was exceptionally talented in embroidery, so Hua Qiyue had asked her to embroider two handkerchiefs — one for herself, the other for Tianci.
The pink lotuses sewn onto the handkerchiefs were quite lifelike. Every thread was expertly and delicately sewn. It was clear just how much effort Qiu Yun had poured into making the handkerchiefs.
Delighted, Hua Qiyue rewarded Qiu Yun with one tale of silver and had her promoted to second-grade maidservant.
In the Changjing Kingdom, the maidservant grading system employed by all mansions constituted of four grades, with the fourth grade being the lowest and the first grade being the highest.
Lvxin and Youshui were very surprised by the fact that Qiuyun had been rewarded so handsomely after such a short time. The other maidservants were filled with jealousy and envy. Hua Qiyue had become a wealthy lady, so it was natural for her to be giving out handsome rewards.
Two days later, Hua Qiyue had left Qiuyun in charge of bringing food and passing along messages.
The enrollment for the tournament had reached its closure, and the roster for the first round of the tournament had been released.